PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR PROVIDING UPSELLS TO PLAYERS IN A VIDEO GAME
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- a processor, anda memory in communication with the processor,in which the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform a process comprising;
running an online game that is operable to simultaneously support a plurality of players via a plurality of video game devices,in which each of the players controls one or more respective player characters;
in which the players are able to interact with each other in the game;
determining that a first player character has failed at least a predetermined number of times to achieve a predetermined objective in the game;
providing, to a player corresponding to the first player character, a message in the video game that describes an offer for a virtual object that permits the first player character to achieve the predetermined objective, in exchange for payment of a predetermined price in real currency;
providing, to the player corresponding to the first player character, a control in the video game to permit the player to indicate whether the offer is accepted;
receiving, from the player corresponding to the first player character, an acceptance of the offer;
providing, to the first player character, a virtual object that permits the first player character to achieve the predetermined objective; and
charging the player corresponding to the first player character the predetermined price in real currency.
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Abstract
In an embodiment, a video game provides offers to players at particular times, such as in response to failed attempts by the players to accomplish objectives. For example, the video game can provide an offer to receive a particular virtual item (a virtual object or a virtual service delivered in the video game) in exchange for a particular price. Players can create the offers and have the video game deliver the offers to the appropriate other players.
138 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a processor, and a memory in communication with the processor, in which the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform a process comprising; running an online game that is operable to simultaneously support a plurality of players via a plurality of video game devices, in which each of the players controls one or more respective player characters; in which the players are able to interact with each other in the game; determining that a first player character has failed at least a predetermined number of times to achieve a predetermined objective in the game; providing, to a player corresponding to the first player character, a message in the video game that describes an offer for a virtual object that permits the first player character to achieve the predetermined objective, in exchange for payment of a predetermined price in real currency; providing, to the player corresponding to the first player character, a control in the video game to permit the player to indicate whether the offer is accepted; receiving, from the player corresponding to the first player character, an acceptance of the offer; providing, to the first player character, a virtual object that permits the first player character to achieve the predetermined objective; and charging the player corresponding to the first player character the predetermined price in real currency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An apparatus comprising:
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a processor, and a memory in communication with the processor, in which the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform a process comprising; running an online game that is operable to simultaneously support a plurality of players via a plurality of video game devices, in which each of the players controls one or more respective player characters; in which the players are able to interact with each other in the game; determining that a first player character has failed at least a predetermined number of times to achieve a predetermined objective in the game; providing, to a player corresponding to the first player character, a message in the video game that describes an offer to achieve the predetermined objective in exchange for payment of a predetermined price in real currency; providing, to the player corresponding to the first player character, a control in the video game to permit the player to indicate whether the offer is accepted; receiving, from the player corresponding to the first player character, an acceptance of the offer; deeming that the objective has been achieved by the first player character without further efforts by the first player character; and charging the player corresponding to the first player character the predetermined price in real currency. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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Specification