Scripted downloadable demos could be a thing of the past if a patent filed by allowing new degradable demos hints at what to expect from future demos.

Siliconera breaks the patent down, explaining that Sony has engineered a new type of playable that essentially has you downloading an entire game with features stripped away as you play. Only by purchasing the game do you get full access to all features.

For example, a game might include a dozen tracks. When you download the game, all 12 tracks are available; however, after finishing the first race, only half the tracks remain available. Following a second race, then only 3 tracks remain open and so on.

It's an interesting idea, though Sony has not announced use of the technology.

By Tracy Erickson