Sony PlayStation AI Generates New Frames for Future Games
▼ Summary
– Mark Cerny, the PlayStation 5 architect, confirmed that machine learning-based frame generation technology is planned for future PlayStation platforms to create smoother perceived image quality.
– This new AI-driven frame generation differs from the existing AMD FSR3 technology on PS5, which interpolates frames without machine learning support.
– Cerny indicated that this ML frame generation feature, like the potential PS6 console, is not expected to be released before 2027 at the earliest.
– The article suggests Sony might use this technology to enhance the performance of the existing PS5 Pro if the PS6 launch is delayed.
– Frame generation is generally not recommended for low framerates, as it requires a stable base framerate and can introduce input lag, making its usefulness situational.
The future of console gaming is poised for a significant leap forward, as Sony PlayStation’s lead architect has confirmed the development of machine learning-based frame generation technology. Mark Cerny, the mastermind behind the PlayStation 5 and the upcoming PS5 Pro, revealed in an interview that this AI-driven feature is destined for future PlayStation platforms. The core concept involves the console’s hardware using artificial intelligence to create entirely new frames, inserting them between those it actually renders from the game. This process aims to deliver a much smoother perceived visual experience for players, though it often comes with a trade-off in the form of increased input latency, a common critique of similar “fake frames” technology on personal computers.
Cerny was careful not to provide a specific release date for this innovation. He reiterated his previous stance that a PlayStation 6 is unlikely to appear before 2027 at the earliest, and the new frame generation tech seems to follow a similar long-term timeline. His comments suggest that while it is in development, a public unveiling is not imminent. This strategic pacing indicates Sony may focus on maximizing the capabilities of its current hardware, like the PS5 Pro, to bridge the gap before a next-generation console arrives.
It is important to note that frame generation is not an entirely new concept for PlayStation consoles. The existing PS5 already supports AMD’s FSR3 frame generation in select titles. However, the proposed Sony technology represents a fundamental evolution. FSR3 operates by interpolating data between two real, rendered frames. In contrast, the machine learning approach Sony is developing would have the AI actively imagine and synthesize what a new frame should look like, potentially leading to more accurate and higher quality results.
Industry experts from leading GPU manufacturers like Nvidia and AMD frequently caution that frame generation is not a magic solution for poor performance. The technique requires a solid, stable base framerate to function effectively. If a game is already struggling to maintain a smooth frame rate, adding generated frames can often make the experience feel worse, not better. Many gamers, especially on portable devices where performance can be limited, choose to disable the feature. On more powerful desktop systems capable of high native frame rates, players often prefer the responsiveness of traditional rendering. Nonetheless, there are specific scenarios where the visual fluidity offered by frame generation provides a tangible and enjoyable benefit, hinting at the potential of Sony’s more advanced AI-powered approach.
(Source: The Verge)
