METHOD OF ACTIVE ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION IN AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENT

• US 20080059304A1
• Filed: 08/11/2007
• Published: 03/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert Kimsey
• Original Assignee: Robert Kimsey
• Inventors: Kimsey, Robert
• Application Number:
  US11/837,510
• Publication Number:
  US 20080059304A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• 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 13/61 using advertising information
• 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 2300/5506 using advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/609 for unlocking hidden game elements, e.g. features, items, levels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/807 Role playing or strategy games
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0209 Incentive being awarded or redeemed in connection with the playing of a video game

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of active advertising and promotion within an online environment, the method including the steps of providing an online gaming environment and providing a quest within that environment, the quest being sponsored by an advertiser or other third party. In another aspect of the present invention, the method includes the step of rewarding the player within the online gaming environment for successful completion of the quest.

Claims

1. A method of active advertising and promotion within an online environment, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing an online gaming environment;

b. providing a quest within said online gaming environment, said quest being sponsored by an advertiser.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

c. rewarding a player within said online gaming environment for completion of said quest.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein said player is rewarded by being provided in-game with an item usable by said player.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein said item usable by said player includes a trademark of said advertiser, the trademark being visible to players in said online gaming environment.

5. The method according to claim 2 wherein said player is rewarded by being provided, in the real world, with a product of said advertiser.

6. The method according to claim 1 wherein said quest comprises:

a. an in-game portion; and

b. a real world portion.

7. The method according to claim 6 wherein said real world portion comprises purchasing at least one product of said advertiser.

8. The method according to claim 6 wherein said real world portion comprises visiting a web site of said advertiser.

9. The method according to claim 7 wherein said in-game portion comprises verification of said real world purchase of at least one product of said advertiser.

10. The method according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said quest includes content generated by the advertiser.

11. The method according to claim 2 wherein said reward includes designating said player as an in-game representative of said advertiser.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said in-game representative is selected from the group consisting of a spokesperson, champion, salesperson, model, or musician of said advertiser.

13. The method according to claim 1 wherein said quest includes recovery of a unique in-game item.

14. The method according to claim 1 wherein said quest includes a player-versus-player tournament.

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein said player-versus-player tournament is a combat-related tournament.

16. The method according to claim 1 wherein the quest includes an in-game storefront provided for players to purchase items selected from the group consisting of in-game items and real-world items.

17. A method of active advertising and promotion within an online environment, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing an massively-multiplayer online roleplaying game environment; and

b. providing an interactive advertisement within said online gaming environment, said interactive advertisement being sponsored by an advertiser.

18. The method according to claim 17 wherein said interactive advertisement is an in-game item having an indicator of said advertiser included thereon.

19. The method according to claim 17 wherein said interactive advertisement is an in-game item provided to a player when said player makes a real-world purchase from said advertiser.

20. The method according to claim 17 wherein said indicator is selected from a group consisting of a trademark, logo, slogan, color, sound, or combination thereof of said advertiser.