Sony has secured a US patent, number 12752199, for a system enabling livestream viewers to interact directly with a streamer's gameplay. Filed in October 2023 and issued on October 6, the technology allows audience members to control a cursor on the screen to highlight objectives, such as boss weak points or aiming targets.
The system supports interactive elements like stickers and emoji reactions. These reactions can trigger haptic feedback for the streamer through controllers, VR headsets, or mobile devices. Furthermore, the patent outlines mechanisms for viewers to influence game states, such as activating levers or uncovering hidden items, managed via a developer SDK.
Access to the cursor is regulated by a queue system based on viewer engagement points, ensuring only one cursor is active at a time. The platform includes a reward structure where streamers earn virtual trophies and viewers receive tiered incentives. The patent lists consoles from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo as compatible client devices.
