Massive Multi Player Online Video Game that Progresses in Eras

• US 20080026847A1
• Filed: 04/13/2007
• Published: 01/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Leviathan Entertainment, LLC
• Original Assignee: Leviathan Entertainment, LLC
• Inventors: Mueller, Raymond, Van Luchene, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US11/735,138
• Publication Number:
  US 20080026847A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/352 involving special game server arrangements, e.g. regional servers connected to a national server or a plurality of servers managing partitions of the game world
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/47 involving branching, e.g. choosing one of several possible scenarios at a given point in time
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/497 Partially or entirely replaying previous game actions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/58 by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/63 by the player, e.g. authoring using a level editor
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/69 by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/822 Strategy games; Role-playing games A63F13/825, A63F13/828 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/825 Fostering virtual characters
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/407 Data transfer via internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/5553 user representation in the game field, e.g. avatar
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/575 for trading virtual items
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/65 for computing the condition of a game character
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8058 Virtual breeding, e.g. tamagotchi
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 Role playing or strategy games

Abstract

The present disclosure provides various novel concepts to a video game environment. The disclosed invention enables a game environment that progresses in discrete time frames such as eras or ages. Under certain controlled situations, play may return to previous eras via temporary time travel to alter or change the outcome of a previous era in an effort to ultimately improve the outcome of the current game environment.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

providing a game environment in which player characters interact and complete at least one game parameter within a plurality of eras;

assigning a status to the player character based on completion of the game parameters in each of the eras;

receiving a request from a player character to travel from a current era to a different era; and

transporting the player character to the different era based on the request.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

allowing the player character to complete at least one of the game parameters within the different era;

upgrading the status of the player character based on the game parameter completed in the different era.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising returning the player character to the current era wherein the player character continues play with the status upgrade.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the different era is a previously played era.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein transporting the player character to the different era further comprises the step of:

determining if the player character is qualified to return to the previous era.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

receiving indication that a new era should begin;

retrieving a new set of era rules and conditions;

applying the new set of era rules and conditions; and

beginning a new era.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein receiving an indication that a new era should begin is initiated by an apocalypse.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the apocalypse is initiated by an event.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the event is a character player indication that an apocalyptic battle has occurred.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the event is a random system indication that an apocalyptic battle should occur.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the event is a stagnant game condition.

12. A method comprising:

providing a game environment in which at least one player character interacts with at least one non-player character, the player character completing at least one game parameter within a plurality of eras;

assigning a status to the player character based on completion of the game parameters in each of the eras;

receiving a request from a player character to travel from a current era to a different era;

transporting the player character to the different era.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

allowing the player character to attempt to complete at least one of the game parameters within the different era.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein, if the player character successfully completes at least one of the game parameters, the method comprises:

upgrading the status of the player character based on the game parameter completed in the previous era.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising returning the player character to the current era wherein the player character continues play with the status upgrade.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein transporting the player character to the different era further comprising the steps of:

assessing the status of the player character for transporting qualifications;

for a qualified player character, recalling a set of saved game conditions from the different era;

outputting the set of saved game conditions to the qualified player character; and

allowing the qualified player character to replay the different era.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

receiving a new outcome for the different era;

updating the status of the qualified player character and the set of saved game conditions with a new result; and

returning to the current era with the new result.

18. A method comprising:

providing a game environment wherein players interact with each other via avatars;

the game environment being configured to progress through a series of eras;

initiating an apocalypse to end a current era;

assessing a player character'"'"'s qualifications for upgrading the player character to a savior, the savior having superior skills to the player characters;

creating the savior with the qualifying player characters.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising determining that a savior has defeated all enemies in the game environment;

and

beginning a new era in the game environment with the savior and any followers of the savor.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the savior is created by sacrificing a player character.