A new patent from Sony reveals that it could soon implement AI matchmaking based on your search history to match you with players on its devices such as PlayStation.
Sony’s AI Matchmaking
Game developers use various methods in video games to tackle matchmaking problems. It could depend on your skill level, an in-game rank metric, your preferences, or a combination of these and more. Sony’s recent patent describes an AI-based matchmaking system that considers your data across the Sony ecosystem to match you with other players on its devices, including PlayStation.
The patent was published on September 10, 2026, and depicts two kinds of information that the AI model analyzes for each player. On one hand is the explicit data, including the normal preferences you willingly give Sony, your preferred games and genres, the kind of player you like playing with, etc. This information could be gathered from the user “prior to engaging with a game or during profile creation.”
On the other hand, the AI model combines and gathers implicit information across multiple services. The patent details that it “may be gathered from one or more inputs where the one or more inputs includes time data information associated with one or more titles in the game environment, player skill levels, shopping cart information, social media information, and user search history information.”
That’s not all. The patent also highlights various embodiments where the input includes biometric information, chat information, and audio data, among other things. Essentially, the matchmaking is not based just on your behavior within a specific game, but your activities across the Sony ecosystem, to the point where the line between private and data-for-AI appears very blurry.
According to the patent, players can update their profile (for matchmaking) and are also prompted to update it at set intervals or as their preferences change. It has a feedback-based updating system to ensure the matchmaking profile continues to evolve with the player.
It also describes a menu that shows users their recommended matches above a certain compatibility threshold, e.g., “an 80% compatibility, an 85% compatibility, a 90% compatibility, etc.” The AI matchmaking system also considers complementary skills to fill gaps for one or more players, such as matching a strong support with a suitable tank and duelist.
What do you think about Sony potentially implementing this AI system for matchmaking in the future? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Additionally, see the news of Noah’s return to pro play. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Comments