U.S. Patent No. 8,721,412: System and method configured to unlock content within a videogame
Issued May 13, 2014, to Activision Publishing, Inc.
Summary:
The ‘412 patent covers both single and multi-player video games. The games covered have different content sets, or quests, that can be completed by any combination of a single player, other real world players, and artificial intelligences. The player can move between these content sets, interact with the players therein, and complete discrete goals.
Abstract:
A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.
Illustrative Claim:
1. A system configured to provide a player with a videogame, the system comprising:
a game platform configured to implement one or more computer program modules to provide a player with the videogame, the one or more computer program modules comprising:
a content module configured to manage multiple sets of content within the videogame, wherein the multiple sets of content within the videogame comprise a first content set that is accessible to the player engaging in the videogame and a second content set that is not accessible to the player initially within the videogame, wherein the second content set is associated with a first set of criteria, wherein the content module is configured to unlock the second content set within the videogame for the player to enable the player to access the second content set within the videogame responsive to the player fulfilling the first set of criteria, wherein the first set of criteria includes performance of one or more tasks provided by the first content set that are not sufficient to pass the first content set, successful participation in one or more events associated with the first content set, and achieving a first disposition mode for a social relationship between the player and one or more virtual players in the videogame, and wherein the first content set and the second content set must be passed to complete the videogame; and
an event module configured to manage a first set of events associated with the first content set, and to determine if the player has successfully participated in individual events in the first set of events, and wherein the first set of criteria associated with the first content set requires successful performance of some subset of the first set of events as determined by the event module.
