As video game visual fidelity increases, so too does the file size. Although it’s great that games like Call of Duty or Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continue to push the graphical boundaries of current-gen hardware – the PS5, in this case – it’s not great to have to worry about a console’s storage.
As we draw close to the PS6, which will surely push graphical possibilities, there is concern that 100 GB installs will become even more regular than they already are. However, according to a new patent, this may not be as big of an issue as initially perceived.
Sony patents method to reduce size of AAA games, possibly starting with PS6
According to a recent patent filed by Sony (H/T Tech4Gamers), the company is attempting to find a new method of reducing game sizes. In the simplest terms, Sony claims that using an intermediate file to render an image, rather than directly accessing the textures, could lower files sizes. In its examples, it references SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files to portray its claim. However, this method can be considered for any format that “offers efficient data storage and the ability to reference textures.”
“An intermediate file, such as an SVG, which is used to access portions of a texture can be provided in any suitable format. An example of the content of such a file is provided below; while not indicative of any particular format, it is considered that any format which is capable of carrying such information in an efficient manner would be appropriate for implementing the teachings of the present disclosure.”
In the patent’s description, Sony discusses how the amount of data needed to run a game has increased significantly over the years, stating that developers were “required to optimise or compress content heavily or omit content altogether,” which is definitely not favorable. This invention hopes to alleviate those woes, and potentially decrease file sizes by the time the PS6 rolls around.
