Abstract: A system and method is provided that automatically annotates gameplay based on triggering events that occur during a gameplay session. The system may automatically annotate the gameplay in real-time, such as during a gameplay session associated with an electronic-sports tournament. For example, the system may obtain and parse a game log corresponding to the gameplay session, identify triggering events based on the game log, obtain an annotation rule associated with the triggering event, generate an annotation item based on the annotation rule, and cause the annotation item to be presented in association with video of the gameplay session. An annotation item may be displayed interactively such that, when selected, causes the system to take an action. The action may include obtaining additional information relating to the selected annotation item; saving, sharing, liking/disliking or commenting on the selected annotation item; removing the selected annotation item from a display, and/or other actions.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that automatically annotates gameplay based on triggering events that occur during a gameplay session. The system may automatically annotate the gameplay in real-time, such as during a gameplay session associated with an electronic-sports tournament. For example, the system may obtain and parse a game log corresponding to the gameplay session, identify triggering events based on the game log, obtain an annotation rule associated with the triggering event, generate an annotation item based on the annotation rule, and cause the annotation item to be presented in association with video of the gameplay session. An annotation item may be displayed interactively such that, when selected, causes the system to take an action. The action may include obtaining additional information relating to the selected annotation item; saving, sharing, liking/disliking or commenting on the selected annotation item; removing the selected annotation item from a display, and/or other actions.

Abstract: A peripheral device for use in video gameplay includes circuitry for reading information stored in memory of toys placed on the peripheral device, and for providing that information to a computer device upon which gameplay is provided. The peripheral device includes a feature for holding a portable computer device, for example a computer tablet, in a hands free manner during gameplay. The feature may be a notch in the peripheral device, and the notch may be in a protuberance extending from a housing forming the peripheral device. In addition, the housing may provide storage for storing a game controller for use with the video game.

Abstract: A videogame may be provided to one or more users in which characters controlled by users earn fans that impact the videogame similarly to fans in real life. For example, a character may earn virtual currency, be invited to participate in events and/or teams, obtain sponsorships, and/or experience other impacts associated with fanbase size. The videogame may include one or more primary objectives presented to the user. The performance of the primary objectives by the user may impact the progression of a character being controlled by the user through the videogame. The videogame may further include provide one or more fan objectives within the game which can be performed by the character being controlled by the user to earn fans to be included within a fanbase associated with the character in the game.

Abstract: A music-based video game provides for game play based, in part, on a game player's physical performance. The game player's physical performance can be used to modify game play aspects and game play events, for example, the view or behavior of a crowd scene. A representation of a musician may be provided, with the musician mimicking movements of the game player.

Abstract: Players are enabled to participate in competitive challenges within a videogame. The challenges may provide for interactive play between players while the players play the videogame in an asynchronous manner. The challenges may be based on actual performances of one or more tasks by the players within the videogame. The tasks may include, for example, one or more of a race, a battle, a fight, a musical performance (or simulated music performance), a puzzle, and/or other objectives or tasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-game and post-game video game character presentation and equipping are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a computer implemented method useful for video game play comprises: determining identities and equipment of at least some game characters for participation in game play; in a time period outside of game play, providing information for rendering the game characters with their equipment in a scene having visual characteristics of a virtual world for game play; providing game players the opportunity to change and/or purchase equipment for their game characters; and providing for game play including the game characters.

Abstract: A video game system comprising a console (such as a game console, computer, mobile device or web site), a peripheral for a gaming platform, and a toy. The gaming platform is capable of identifying the toy and a character corresponding to the toy is depicted in the video game. The video game character corresponding to the toy has certain characteristics and/or attributes. The data for these characteristics and attributes is stored on a server accessible to each compatible gaming platform. As the user uses the character to play the video game, thereby altering the character's characteristics and attributes, the updated attributes are stored by the game system to the server connected to the game system. Updated character data is thereafter available to the user for subsequent game play via any gaming platform connected to the server.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling access to software via a physical object. The system may include one or more of a physical object, such as a toy, a computing device, and a server. The toy may include a unique identifier that permits an owner of the toy to download software to the computing device via the server. In some variations, a purchaser of the toy may be permitted to download software to the computing device directly from a storage device associated with the toy.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that generates a game log that specifies game events during gameplay to enable efficient distribution of video game playback, facilitates the annotation of gameplay through content from users and others, and generates a video game stream that includes the game log and content. The system facilitates the efficient sharing of video game playback, as well as annotations from users and others. For example, e-sportscasters may use the system to broadcast video game playback with their commentary and/or graphical overlays. Video game players may use the system to share video game playback efficiently with other users. The system may also facilitate the sharing of loadout conditions and micro-transactions relevant to video game playback.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that generates a game log that specifies game events during gameplay to enable efficient distribution of video game playback, facilitates the annotation of gameplay through content from users and others, and generates a video game stream that includes the game log and content. The system facilitates the efficient sharing of video game playback, as well as annotations from users and others. For example, e-sportscasters may use the system to broadcast video game playback with their commentary and/or graphical overlays. Video game players may use the system to share video game playback efficiently with other users. The system may also facilitate the sharing of loadout conditions and micro-transactions relevant to video game playback.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that generates a game log that specifies game events during gameplay to enable efficient distribution of video game playback, facilitates the annotation of gameplay through content from users and others, and generates a video game stream that includes the game log and content. The system facilitates the efficient sharing of video game playback, as well as annotations from users and others. For example, e-sportscasters may use the system to broadcast video game playback with their commentary and/or graphical overlays. Video game players may use the system to share video game playback efficiently with other users. The system may also facilitate the sharing of loadout conditions and micro-transactions relevant to video game playback.

Abstract: A system and method for generating personalized messaging campaigns for video game players is provided. A video game player's profile data and/or behavioral data may be used to create a customized messaging campaign for the player. The messaging campaign may comprise one or more messages, each selected from a variety of message types, that may be delivered to a game player through one or more channels, at predetermined time intervals. Examples of message types may include gameplay tips, techniques, strategy information, news, awards, milestones, promotions relating to microtransactions (e.g., offers, discounts, etc.), overviews of new products, features, etc., or other message types. Any number of predefined messages may exist (e.g., tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.) for each message type.

Abstract: A toy for a video game may include an RFID tag, with an inductive antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The inductive antenna may have a ferromagnetic core. Inductance of the inductive antenna may be selected such that tuning of the antenna is determined by the inductance of the antenna and input capacitance of an RFID semiconductor circuit of the RFID tag, with in some embodiments no tuning capacitors utilized. In some embodiments the input capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit is parasitic capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: A dialog server which provides dialogs made by at least one user through their respective avatars in a virtual space. A method and a computer readable article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions for executing the steps of the method are also provided. The dialog server includes: a position storage unit which stores positional information on the avatars; an utterance receiver which receives at least one utterance of avatars and utterance strength representing an importance or attention level of the utterance; an interest level calculator which calculates interest levels between avatars based on their positional information; a message processor which generates a message based on the utterance in accordance with a value calculated from the interest levels and the utterance strength; and a message transmitter which transmits the message to the avatars.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks is provided.

Abstract: System and methods for physical toy and virtual toy interactions are disclosed. According to aspects of the invention, a system for purchasing a physical toy and a corresponding virtual toy comprises a video game console, a physical toy, and a virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy. The virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy may be made available in a video game played on the video game console. The physical toy may be purchased by a user of the system from an external merchant. The virtual toy corresponding to the physical toy may be separately purchased by the user from a purchasing system within the video game. The physical toy may be registered with the gaming platform. If the user registers the physical toy with the gaming platform and the user previously purchased the virtual toy, the system refunds to the user the purchase price of virtual toy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for generating song playlists for use in an immersive virtual environment. Generally, playlists may be generated based on stored music preference data. The music preference data may be generated by storing user interactions with specific songs. The user interactions may be associated with characteristics of the user's situational context within the virtual world. The music preference data may be indexed by song name, and/or by musical properties. Subsequently, the music preference data may be used to generate a playlist adapted to the user's current situation within the virtual world.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely identifying physical trading cards and/or incorporating trading card game items in a video game is provided. In certain implementations, a unique code that identifies a trading card may be obtained. A graphical representation of the unique code may be generated based on a graphical coding scheme. The graphical representation of the unique code may comprise at least a part of: (1) a depiction of a game item that is usable in the video game; or (2) a border of the trading card. Content associated with the depiction of the game item may be obtained. The trading card may be generated based on the content associated with the depiction of the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code such that the generated trading card depicts the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely identifying physical trading cards and/or incorporating trading card game items in a video game is provided. In certain implementations, a unique code that identifies a trading card may be obtained. A graphical representation of the unique code may be generated based on a graphical coding scheme. The graphical representation of the unique code may comprise at least a part of: (1) a depiction of a game item that is usable in the video game; or (2) a border of the trading card. Content associated with the depiction of the game item may be obtained. The trading card may be generated based on the content associated with the depiction of the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code such that the generated trading card depicts the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code.