PS6 Machine Learning CernyImage: Push Square

PlayStation and tech giant AMD have announced a new partnership of sorts, centred around the previously announced Project Amethyst — which is looking to push machine learning to new heights in regards to gaming.

PlayStation console architect Mark Cerny recently met with AMD lead Jack Huynh, and the result is… Well, a rather intricate social media post that explains the overall scope of Project Amethyst.

“Project Amethyst is a co-engineering effort between PlayStation and AMD focused on machine learning-driven graphics and gameplay innovations, built around two core goals,” Huynh writes.

The first goal is “designing an architecture optimised specifically for machine learning workloads in gaming”, while the second revolves around “developing high-quality neural networks that push the boundaries of real-time game graphics”.

Basically, the two companies believe that machine learning is the key to cranking visuals and performance to the next level in games. In theory, AI-driven solutions that work in real time to provide better resolutions and more fluid frame rates take the strain off traditional hardware — which could obviously be a huge plus for consoles.

Of course, we’ve already seen Sony lean into this with the PS5 Pro, which is capable of incorporating PSSR in select titles. The AI-based upscaler allows for better image quality without sacrificing performance — and it’s always been widely believed that Sony will continue to evolve this kind of tech going forward.

“This isn’t just theory — it’s a co-engineered reality. From hardware breakthroughs to software advances, we’ve delivered smarter, more efficient solutions like Super Resolution in FSR 4,” Huynh continues.

“We’re now paving the way for machine learning based Frame Generation and Ray Regeneration in FSR Redstone.”

“There’s enormous potential ahead, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far,” he concludes.

So, in other words, you can absolutely expect the PS6 — which by this point is deep in development — to incorporate machine learning in a bid to squeeze maximum efficiency out of the console. It’s an exciting time to be a graphics nerd, that’s for sure.

Oh, and it’s highly likely that all of this feeds into the weighty rumours surrounding a PS6 handheld, which will — apparently — be capable of running PS5 software. It’s assumed that in order for a portable device to handle current-gen games, it’d need the help of tech like PSSR.

And in that sense, it certainly seems as though Sony’s cooking behind the scenes.

What do you make of this glimpse into PlayStation’s future? Let Cerny know your thoughts in the comments section below.

[source x.com]

Robert Ramsey

Robert (or Rob if you’re lazy) is an assistant editor of Push Square, and has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Persona, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, Trails, Tales — he’s played ’em all. A little too much, some might say.