Sony Files Patent for System to 3D Print Video Game Characters

Japanese consumer electronics company Sony has filed a patent for a 3D printing system that allows gamers to select in-game characters and scenes to convert them into 3D printable files.

There are already companies like Sandboxr that offer customised 3D printed game characters that can be ordered online.
According to Sony’s patent application, recorded 3D data will allow gamers to select characters or objects, including whole scenes, extract and customise them. The object can then be printed on the user’s own 3D printer or ordered through a service provider.

The abstract of the patent application explains the system in more detail:

Aspects of the technology include method of selecting an object from a videogame for 3D printing. The method involves periodically rendering a virtual environment of a videogame for display at a succession of points in time. Information is periodically recorded that enables visual reconstruction of at least part of the virtual environment at a succession of points in time. A predetermined set of values is periodically recorded responsive to the state of the rendered virtual environment at a succession of points in time. The predetermined set of values enables a model of a selected part of the rendered virtual environment to be generated that is configured for 3D printing.

While Sony hasn’t mentioned the Playstation in regards to this patent, it will be the most likely application for the 3D printing system.