The PlayStation Store is apparently getting a new look that will ensure that window-shoppers will have much more information about the "lifecycle of the video game" that they're interested in.
That might sound slightly confusing, so let's refer to the patent that became available through the United States Patent and Trademark Office last week (it was filed in early May, actually). This feature would "provide information and functionalities based on a video game lifecycle and user context" to the person scrolling along in the Store. The life cycle pertains to the stages that the game goes through from its announcement to its launch to its eventual removal by its developer and publisher from the Store.
Early access periods, betas, discounts and seasons are points on this trajectory that would theoretically be of interest to a user and would change how the listing would appear to them. Furthermore, the listing would be "customized based on the context of the user in the video game." So, if someone owns a lot of simulation games in their library and wishlisted a few upcoming ones, the patent would recognise this and provide them with games they might like too with the details that they're likely to be interested in, not just a description of the game on its own.
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Curiouser and curiouser, isn't it? It's imaginable that live-service titles like Call Of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends, Fortnite and more will stand in good stead with this patent's possibilities. I mean, they're the games that make the most money and it makes sense to push these towards customers that are likely to be interested in this type of game. And, offering said users insight to what's included in the latest season or patch might be the thing that sways their purchase of the battle pass, strengthening the relationship between Sony and the publisher.
Yet, it would also allow a person to see whether or not a game from several years ago has been supported with updates or DLCs since launch. That might change their mind on whether or not it's worth their buy and whether the additions would be up their street or not. While a patent isn't necessarily indicative of something that's bound to happen, it is a glimpse into what Sony wants out of the future of the PlayStation 5.
Featured Image Credit: SonyTopics: PlayStation 5, PlayStation