Sony could be about to change the way we both think about and play demos, after a patent was unearthed of a demo mechanic where the demo itself becomes progressively limited the more you play it.

In a nutshell it means that demos will become less fun the more you play them. How? By progressively removing some of its key features in the hope gamers will purchase a full copy of the game to play them.

The patent reads: “While a user may initially experience most or all of the full version of the game in a demonstration mode, the mode implements trigger metrics to erode game play characteristics, such as character, object, event and/or environmental features, during video game play in the demonstration mode.”

For example, an image from the patent depicts a character holding a large sword after two hours of play. But at six hours of play the sword is considerably more daintier.

According to the patent, it is hoped that gamers will eventually give in and buy a copy of the game.

“As the gamer loses functionality, the user may be prompted with the trigger metrics to purchase permission to continue the game in a non-demonstration mode that disables the trigger metrics and returns the game to the more complete version.”

Pretty controversial stuff, no? Imagine hammering at the God of War III demo to find Kratos’ blades reduced to toothpicks.

Via [Siliconera]

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