Collections in a virtual environment
First Claim
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1. A method performed by a computer, the method comprising:
- running, by a computer, a massive multiplayer 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 at least one player character,providing, by the computer, a virtual environment wherein players can interact with each other and the environment via avatars;
providing, by the computer, a mechanism whereby players can incur debts through financial transactions in the virtual environment;
determining, by the computer, if a player has defaulted on a debt incurred in the virtual environment;
providing, by the computer, a collections process whereby the player is forced to suffer a consequence until the debt is repaid,wherein the consequence is alteration of the physical appearance of the player'"'"'s avatar.
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Abstract
A virtual environment in which players are able to enter into financial transactions which result in a financial obligation such as a debt. If a player defaults on a debt, the debts may then be sold or otherwise transferred to a virtual collection agency, which may be able to mete out a consequence to the defaulting player. Alternatively, the consequence may be meted out by the game server or other entity.
22 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method performed by a computer, the method comprising:
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running, by a computer, a massive multiplayer 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 at least one player character, providing, by the computer, a virtual environment wherein players can interact with each other and the environment via avatars; providing, by the computer, a mechanism whereby players can incur debts through financial transactions in the virtual environment; determining, by the computer, if a player has defaulted on a debt incurred in the virtual environment; providing, by the computer, a collections process whereby the player is forced to suffer a consequence until the debt is repaid, wherein the consequence is alteration of the physical appearance of the player'"'"'s avatar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification