PlayStation has patented adding trophies to old emulated games

One of the best things about PlayStation games is trophy hunting for your favorite games. And recently, Sony has patented the ability to add trophies to older games that may have come out before the invention of trophies.

The patent in question dates back to March 18. We know now, however, thanks to Bartman013, who leaked the info on the GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit.

What does the actual patent say? It is described as a “Method and apparatus for awarding trophies” and details that add trophies to emulated games “by comparing an emulated game memory value with a predetermined value and assigning one or more trophies to the user based on the trigger of the trophy detected. “

And the part that makes retro gamers cheer everywhere is this: the patent discusses adding trophies to “previously released or sold video games, without modifying the original game.” This is likely to affect older games that may be sold via the PlayStation Store, although the patent also describes cloud integration that would allow for adding trophies to older games that you can play on the PlayStation Now service.

While the new trophies are likely to be mostly digital, the patent makes fun of the ability to send players physical rewards for their achievements. Specifically, it says “This can be done by broadcasting an electronic trophy or by sending a notification that a physical prize, such as a shirt, accessory or other physical merchandise, has been earned by the player.”

If you’re a retro gamer, it’s been a news roller coaster week for PlayStation. While the ability to add trophies to older games may mean Sony will push retro titles more aggressively, this news comes amid strong rumors that PS3, PSP and PS Vita stores will close in the coming months.

In the event of an arrest, we may not be able to legally play some of these older titles without tracing the discs or purchasing them via PlayStation Store reissues. At least with the latter, we can expect some trophies, although I’d be happy to hold on for a nice shirt.