U.S. Patent No. 9,452,363: Multi-player video game
Summary:
U.S. Patent No. 9,452,363 relates to creating multi-player-like experiences in a single-player game. A video game often has both single-player and multi-player. In single-player games, a user is generally the only human player. The user may interact with game elements, such as non-player characters whose actions are controlled by a set of rules. Multi-player games, on the other hand, have multiple human users, each controlling a unique character. The users may be playing together cooperatively, be part of a team, or play against one another competitively.
Playing against other people can be beneficial in improving one's skill in a game. Human players can adapt and change strategies as opposed to a non-player character rigidly following prewritten rules. There are some ways to include the benefits of multi-player games in a single-player mode. For example, tutorials can allow a player to see a "walkthrough" of a game, providing a step-by-step guide. However, this does not echo a multi-player game environment with real human players.
Using this invention, a player could select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user selects a multiplayer mode, the user chooses one or more AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed "packs." The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise accessible in an electronic entertainment system. The player could then choose a mode or skill level for each character. The environment would then be populated with AI characters selected by the player, which results in better guidance during cooperative gameplay and better competition during adversarial gameplay.
Abstract:
A multi-player game environment is created for single-player use. A user may select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user chooses a multi-player game, the user is prompted to select one or more customized AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed "packs." The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise made accessible to an electronic entertainment system. The user may select a mode or skill level for each AI character. The user may begin playing the game in a multi-player mode with the game environment populated with an avatar effectuating behaviors of the selected AI character or characters.
Illustrative Claim:
1. A method for creating a multi-player game environment for single-player use on an electronic entertainment system, the method comprising: providing a first user with an option to play a single-player game or a multi-player game using at least one artificial intelligence (AI) character, wherein the at least one AI character is based at least in part on behavior data of a particular second user, and wherein the behavior data includes actions and game play style of the particular second user; receiving a selection by the first user of at least one AI character; receiving one or more selections indicating a user preference for the at least one AI character, wherein the user preference includes a mode for game play, and wherein the mode includes a tutorial mode; executing non-transitory computer readable instructions stored in memory to effectuate the at least one AI character in the single-player game or the multi-player game based on the selections made by the first user that includes the behavior data of the particular second user and the mode of game play; and executing non-transitory computer readable instructions stored in memory to display the game environment for game play, wherein the game environment is populated with an avatar effectuating a behavior of the at least one AI character based on the selections made by the first user that includes the behavior data of the particular second user and the mode of game play.
Research By: Rachel Johns
environment for single-player use
Issued: September 27, 2016, to Sony Interactive Entertainment America
Issued: September 27, 2016, to Sony Interactive Entertainment America
Summary:
U.S. Patent No. 9,452,363 relates to creating multi-player-like experiences in a single-player game. A video game often has both single-player and multi-player. In single-player games, a user is generally the only human player. The user may interact with game elements, such as non-player characters whose actions are controlled by a set of rules. Multi-player games, on the other hand, have multiple human users, each controlling a unique character. The users may be playing together cooperatively, be part of a team, or play against one another competitively.
Playing against other people can be beneficial in improving one's skill in a game. Human players can adapt and change strategies as opposed to a non-player character rigidly following prewritten rules. There are some ways to include the benefits of multi-player games in a single-player mode. For example, tutorials can allow a player to see a "walkthrough" of a game, providing a step-by-step guide. However, this does not echo a multi-player game environment with real human players.
Using this invention, a player could select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user selects a multiplayer mode, the user chooses one or more AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed "packs." The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise accessible in an electronic entertainment system. The player could then choose a mode or skill level for each character. The environment would then be populated with AI characters selected by the player, which results in better guidance during cooperative gameplay and better competition during adversarial gameplay.
Abstract:
A multi-player game environment is created for single-player use. A user may select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user chooses a multi-player game, the user is prompted to select one or more customized AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed "packs." The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise made accessible to an electronic entertainment system. The user may select a mode or skill level for each AI character. The user may begin playing the game in a multi-player mode with the game environment populated with an avatar effectuating behaviors of the selected AI character or characters.
Illustrative Claim:
1. A method for creating a multi-player game environment for single-player use on an electronic entertainment system, the method comprising: providing a first user with an option to play a single-player game or a multi-player game using at least one artificial intelligence (AI) character, wherein the at least one AI character is based at least in part on behavior data of a particular second user, and wherein the behavior data includes actions and game play style of the particular second user; receiving a selection by the first user of at least one AI character; receiving one or more selections indicating a user preference for the at least one AI character, wherein the user preference includes a mode for game play, and wherein the mode includes a tutorial mode; executing non-transitory computer readable instructions stored in memory to effectuate the at least one AI character in the single-player game or the multi-player game based on the selections made by the first user that includes the behavior data of the particular second user and the mode of game play; and executing non-transitory computer readable instructions stored in memory to display the game environment for game play, wherein the game environment is populated with an avatar effectuating a behavior of the at least one AI character based on the selections made by the first user that includes the behavior data of the particular second user and the mode of game play.
Research By: Rachel Johns
