What's New in Gaming Patents? January 2026 Granted Report

AI and machine learning patents dominated January, addressing infrastructure challenges like bug detection, matchmaking optimization, and contextual input recognition rather than gameplay features. Cross-platform and VR/AR led platform activity. Companies tackled immersion preservation and player retention, developing technology to eliminate menu interruptions and detect frustration points. Sony concentrated on contextual intelligence systems, Nintendo on in-world interaction mechanics, while Tencent and EA addressed cloud gaming optimization and animation generation respectively.

The USPTO granted 38 gaming patents in January 2026, down 13.6% from December. 23 companies received grants.

Top companies: Sony (9), Nintendo (3), Tencent (2), Cygames (2), EA (2).

12 AI and machine learning patents led January. Sony developed multiple systems for contextual input recognition, including technology that uses game state analysis to determine when gesture and voice inputs should be accepted. This addresses false-positive problems where natural movements trigger unintended commands.

Other AI patents cover player clustering for marketing, MOBA matchmaking optimization, and automated bug detection in card games. ByteDance's system groups teams by skill level before matchmaking. Cygames created technology that identifies which card combinations cause bugs by comparing irregular gameplay patterns to normal sessions.

7 hardware patents address controller customization and cross-platform compatibility. Sony patented flat controllers with customizable button layouts using conductive ink. Qingdao Thunderobot developed extension devices that translate controller signals between different console protocols, eliminating platform lock-in. Wi-Charge created wireless laser charging systems for controllers that track movement during gameplay.

4 cloud gaming patents focus on asset streaming and server automation. Google's technology pre-fetches level assets across distributed servers to eliminate loading screens. Tencent developed AI-based systems that automatically click update buttons in cloud gaming interfaces.

Cross-platform led with 15 patents, though the data reveals patents that enable technology to work across different environments rather than cross-device functionality. Nintendo developed multiple game engine systems for real-time equipment fusion and building construction using in-world character actions. These patents address the disconnect between crafting mechanics and gameplay by keeping players immersed in the game world instead of menu systems.

VR/AR followed with 10 patents covering spatial computing and user data control. Sony created technology that automatically identifies gaming devices in real environments to anchor mixed reality experiences, reducing repetitive environment scanning. Vsn Vision developed comprehensive XR systems that give users granular control over biometric data sharing while creating economic incentives for participation through gameplay mechanics.

Mobile captured 4 patents focused on graphics enhancement and engagement retention. Innopeak developed systems that inject visual effects between applications and graphics drivers without requiring developer modifications. Cygames patented batch quest completion features that let players execute multiple stages simultaneously, eliminating tedious reward farming in free-to-play games.

Sony led with 9 patents dominated by AI and machine learning applications. 5 patents address contextual intelligence problems, from inferring game state data from legacy titles to predicting multiplayer session durations. The common thread: solving false-positive detection and enabling platform features without requiring developer cooperation.

Nintendo's 3 patents focus exclusively on game engine mechanics for world interaction. Their technology covers real-time equipment fusion, building construction using character actions, and exploration through light-based waypoints. The unified problem: eliminating menu-based systems that break player immersion during crafting, construction, and navigation.

Tencent and EA each received 2 patents addressing distinct challenges. Tencent's cloud gaming systems optimize immersive media streaming and automate server maintenance through AI-driven interface recognition. EA's AI patents generate real-time character animations and analyze 3D environments for player assistance, solving the storage burden of pre-animated pose libraries.