Sony Patents Esports Betting And Gambling Service
Sony has been busy making some big purchases recently. Their new part-acquisition of messaging service Discord has offered PlayStation users enhanced integration in the future, and introduces the console to the latest software for gamers. They’re also trialling including TV shows and movies in their PS Plus subscriptions, to give their users a more all-inclusive entertainment experience with their consoles.
Now, it looks like they’re trying to invest in another section of the gaming world, and it’s rubbed some fans the wrong way.
What Are Sony’s Esports Gambling Investments?
Dualshockers have reported that Sony has filed a new patent for a betting system that looks to benefit PlayStation users. It’s for a whole new betting platform (whether that be a website or otherwise) that will offer users the probability of winning bets based on past data. It also mentions that the odds can be determined in different ways too, dividing winnings among the highest-scoring betters. Plus, there’s an implication that players could bet in-game items, meaning that you wouldn’t have to involve your bank account at all, in a similar approach to many CS:GO gambling sites. It seems innovative, and Sony would be the first of the big companies in gaming to take on such approaches to gambling, but this isn’t going to go down well with fans.
Click to enlargeThe gaming industry has come under massive scrutiny for its tethers to gambling in the past. Loot boxes are an easy target for fury, offering random in-game items and cosmetics for a fee, in some cases making the game easier for some and offering them unfair advantages. The pay-to-win model kills games, and has left a bad taste in the mouths of gamers everywhere - and now, gambling is a big part of the gaming conversation. Fans are deeply concerned about this new patent, citing its potential easy accessibility for children.
Click to enlargeThis patent has offered fans plenty of reason for concern, but only time will tell if this new feature from Sony will cause much damage. One thing’s for sure, though - the gaming community’s relationship with gambling remains strong, and sadly for many, it doesn’t seem like it’ll go anywhere any time soon.
Images via Sony | @RoseBlossomBuny on Twitter
