Apparatus and method for developing a game from selectable content

• US 20050266906A1
• Filed: 05/27/2005
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Clay Stevens
• Original Assignee: Clay Stevens
• Inventors: Stevens, Clay
• Application Number:
  US11/140,168
• Publication Number:
  US 20050266906A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/1
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/323 wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions

Abstract

An apparatus and method are disclosed for developing a game from selectable content. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a framework with a socket for receiving various content modules, an import module for importing content modules, a selection module for selecting a content module for association with the socket, and an association module for associating a content module with the socket. The content modules may selectably alter a game after the initial installation of the game. In addition, a reward module may reward a voucher to a user for achievement.

Claims

1. An apparatus for developing a game from selectable content, the apparatus comprising:

a framework having a socket for receiving various content modules, wherein the content modules are configured to selectably alter a game after the initial installation of the game;

an import module configured to import content modules;

a selection module configured to select a content module for association with the socket; and

an association module configured to associate a content module with the socket.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reward module configured to enable a game to reward a voucher to a user for achievement.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the voucher comprises a discount for a product.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the voucher comprises a discount for a service.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the socket comprises a folder.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein content modules are selected from the group consisting of data files, objects, rules, parameters, conditions, data sets, graphics, media files, audio files, and video files.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game is selected from the group consisting of “

how it works”

simulations, exploration games, business simulators, network marketing simulators, service-provider simulators, electronic versions of board games, instructional time-lines, word puzzles, drag and drop race games, discovery type games, jigsaw puzzles, faith-promoting games, transformational games, manufacturing games, and educational games.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a print module configured to generate a printable version of a game.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the print module is further configured to generate a printable voucher for achievement.

10. A method for developing a game from selectable content, the method comprising:

providing a framework having a socket for receiving various content modules, wherein the content modules are configured to selectably alter a game after the initial installation of the game;

importing at least one content module;

selecting a content module for association with the socket; and

associating a content module with the socket.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises rewarding a voucher to a user for achievement.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising customizing the game according to a user selection.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising contracting with a third party to customize the game with data particular to the third party.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the content modules contain customization data particular to a third party customer.

15. A signal bearing medium tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable instructions executable by a digital processing apparatus to perform an operation to developing a game from selectable content, the operation comprising:

providing a framework having a socket for receiving various content modules, wherein the content modules are configured to selectably alter a game after the initial installation of the game;

importing at least one content module;

selecting a content module for association with the socket; and

associating a content module with the socket.

16. The signal bearing medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further comprise an operation to reward a voucher to a user for achievement.

17. The signal bearing medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions further comprise an operation to generate a printable version of a game.

18. The signal bearing medium of claim 15, wherein the socket comprises a folder.

19. The signal bearing medium of claim 15, wherein content modules are selected from the group consisting of data files, objects, rules, parameters, conditions, data sets, graphics, media files, audio files, and video files.

20. The signal bearing medium of claim 15, wherein a game is selected from the group consisting of “

how it works”

simulations, exploration games, business simulators, network marketing simulators, service-provider simulators, electronic versions of board games, instructional time-lines, word puzzles, drag and drop race games, discovery type games, jigsaw puzzles, faith-promoting games, transformational games, manufacturing games, and educational games.