Feature eroding video game demonstration software
First Claim
1. A method of distributing a software game to induce a user to obtain a permission to continue playing the game, the method comprising:
- providing a software game with a plurality of play characteristics including at least one of a character feature, object feature, environmental feature and event feature, the software game being programmed to permit the user to use the plurality of play characteristics, the software game being further programmed with at least one trigger metric;
gradually eroding availability of at least one of the play characteristics as a function of the at least one trigger metric as a consequence of use of the software game by the user while continuing to permit the user to play the game, and wherein the at least one trigger metric is a game event-based function;
restoring availability of the eroded play characteristics upon receipt of the permission to continue playing the game.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A demonstration video game permits garners a more complete game experience while promoting a desire to acquire permission to continue playing. In some embodiments, a video game is implemented with trigger metrics. 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. Thus, fewer play characteristics may be available as play continues in this mode. Multiple trigger metrics may gradually and successively limit play characteristics as play with the game continues. 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.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of distributing a software game to induce a user to obtain a permission to continue playing the game, the method comprising:
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providing a software game with a plurality of play characteristics including at least one of a character feature, object feature, environmental feature and event feature, the software game being programmed to permit the user to use the plurality of play characteristics, the software game being further programmed with at least one trigger metric; gradually eroding availability of at least one of the play characteristics as a function of the at least one trigger metric as a consequence of use of the software game by the user while continuing to permit the user to play the game, and wherein the at least one trigger metric is a game event-based function; restoring availability of the eroded play characteristics upon receipt of the permission to continue playing the game. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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6. (canceled)
- 7. The method of claim l wherein the game event-based function is a completion of a certain stage of play.
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16. A machine readable medium having processor control instructions, the processor control instructions to control a processor as a software game to induce a user to obtain a permission to continue playing the game, the processor control instructions further comprising:
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instructions to initially generate a plurality of play characteristics of the software game including at least one of a character feature, object feature, environmental feature and event feature to permit the user to use the plurality of play characteristics; instructions to control use of the plurality of play characteristics of the game by the user with at least one trigger metric; instructions to gradually erode availability of at least one of the play characteristics as a function of the at least one trigger metric as a consequence of use of the software game by the user while continuing to permit the user to play the game, and wherein the at least one trigger metric includes a game event-based function; and instructions to restore availability of the eroded play characteristics upon receipt of the permission to continue playing the game. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification