While technologies linked to artificial intelligence are gradually invading the world of video games, Sony has just confirmed an important step forward for its next PlayStation consoles. In a recent interview, PlayStation Principal Architect Mark Cerny revealed that machine learning-based image generation is expected to come to the platform soon. An innovation which promises increased performance, but which is already sparking debate.
PlayStation relies on AI image generation
This technology, already present on PC, makes it possible to increase the fluidity of games by artificially generating additional images between those actually calculated. Mark Cerny confirmed that this feature “should be available on PlayStation platforms soon.” Concretely, this means that games could display a higher number of frames per second without requiring equivalent raw power.
A promise of fluidity… with compromises
If the idea seems attractive, it is based on a particular principle: the generated images are not actually rendered, but estimated by an algorithm. This method can result in visual defects, called artifacts, as well as increased latency, since the system must anticipate subsequent frames. On PC, where this technology is already used, players remain divided. Some favor the fluidity offered, while others prefer a perfectly faithful image, even with fewer frames per second.
Towards a PS6 entirely focused on AI?
For the moment, Sony has not given any precise timetable regarding the arrival of this technology. However, the fact that no deployment is planned in the short term suggests that it could be integrated directly into the next generation of consoles, notably the PS6.
This direction is part of a broader strategy, already initiated with the PSSR of the PS5 Pro, which improves image quality via advanced post-processing techniques. With this new step, PlayStation clearly seems to be banking on artificial intelligence to define the future of its consoles.