Abstract: Systems and methods for indexing and searching for digital media in a multi-player gaming network are disclosed. In a game module stored locally in each client device, a content editor application generates a user interface through which a player may create, or search for, a personal visual symbol. Search queries are processed to determine asset signatures and, based on the asset signatures, corresponding stored personal visual symbol data are identified.

Abstract: Competitions involving video game players may include competitions subsidiary to a purpose of video game play, and may be bounded in time, either across play of multiple video games or within play of a particular video game.

Abstract: The present specification describes computer-implemented methods and systems for simulating a multiplayer game environment to allow, and encourage, players to invite their social contacts to play the multiplayer game. Players are rewarded for each contact that engages with the multiplayer game in response to the invitation. Players are also rewarded for contacts invited by the invited contacts of the players that engage with the multiplayer game.

Abstract: Information may be provided to smartphones to allow users to display video game characters of other individuals in a social or other setting, outside of and/or independent of game play of the video game. The smartphones may read information, for example of a badge or a face, and use the information to obtain information of a visual representation of a virtual game character of another person. The information of the game character may also be used for displays in a virtual reality game, results of which may be used to update game character status in a video game.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for simulating a multiplayer game environment to allow players of different skill levels to concurrently play the same level of a gaming session, to encourage and incentivize cooperative team behavior, to match players based on subjective variables, such as likeability and a general fun factor, and to tailor gaming content based on the social group itself.

Abstract: A transactional web page for procurement of a downloadable video game may provide for checking of whether a game device meets system specification requirements for play of the downloadable video game. Game devices that do not meet such system specification requirements, but that do meet requirements for play of a streaming version of the video, may be provided an option for play of the streaming version of the video game.

Abstract: The specification describes methods and systems for increasing a dimensional depth of a two-dimensional image of a face to yield a face image that appears three dimensional. The methods and systems identify key points on the 2-D image, obtain a texture map for the 2-D image, determines one or more proportions within the 2-D image, and adjusts the texture map of the 3-D model based on the determined one or more proportions within the 2-D image.

Abstract: The present specification describes an assistive tool that facilitates the design of video games to achieve a true randomized, non-biased and neutral gaming environment that is bounded so that extremes of disincentives and excess incentives are avoided. In one embodiment, the tool allows for simulation of game environment and generates variables that enable reward acquisition by players. In one embodiment, the tool allows the game systems to be defined in such a way that an agent, such as an artificial player implemented by a computer program, can interact with the game environment. In one embodiment, the present tool uses generative models driven by data from previous versions of a game to define the behavior of such agents in simulated games.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present specification provide systems and methods for operating game controllers. Microprocessor-controlled game controllers enable recreation of identical gaming scenarios with precision and accuracy. At least one microprocessor is connected to one or more game controllers. The microprocessor is programmed to synchronize the game controllers externally. Additionally, the microprocessor is programmed to modify one or more game controls that are provided by the game controllers. In embodiments of the present specification, game controllers are embedded with a wireless microcontroller that allow for remote feeding of commands to the microcontrollers.

Abstract: A server computer is connected to a plurality of client computers through a network, and controls objects in a Metaverse accessed by the client computers. The server computer includes a storage unit for storing an object ID specifying an object accessible in the Metaverse by the plurality of client computers and authenticity information associated with the object ID. The authenticity information indicates that the object is genuine. The server computer also includes a communication unit for communicating with each of the client computers. The server computer also includes an enquiry unit for causing the communication unit to transmit the authenticity information corresponding to the object ID to at least one of the plurality of client computers upon receipt of an enquiry request to enquire about the object ID of the object from one of the plurality of client computers.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for simulating a multiplayer game environment to allow players of different skill levels to concurrently play the same level of a gaming session, to encourage and incentivize cooperative team behavior, to match players based on subjective variables, such as likeability and a general fun factor, and to tailor gaming content based on the social group itself.

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: An approach is provided for streaming of media streams (e.g., from a game console). In one implementation, a media stream that includes a secondary view of the game world may be generated at the game console. The secondary view may be of a lower-quality version of a primary view of the game world. The generation of the media stream may include: prefetching, to a cache of the game console, portions of the primary view and/or instructions for encoding the portions; and encoding, based on the prefetching, the portions to produce the secondary view. In another implementation, game play information may be executed to reproduce previous game play of a previous game session during a reproduction of the previous game session. Augmentation content may be added to the reproduced game session during the reproduction of the previous game session, creating an augmented game session having one or more views for streaming.

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: System and methods for defining and applying animations to virtual characters with interchangeable body parts that may be combined to form composite virtual characters are disclosed. According to aspects of the invention, a software program running on a gaming platform comprises a plurality of virtual characters, each comprising a plurality of interchangeable body parts. An animation clip may be defined for an interchangeable body part of a first virtual character. The animation clip may be defined for the first virtual character's interchangeable body party using a virtual skeleton that has the bones of the interchangeable body part and the bones of one or more generic body parts. The defined animation clip may control one or more of the bones of the interchangeable body part and one or more of the bones of the one or more generic body parts.

Abstract: The present specification describes a system and method for aggregating user results, rankings and statistical data associated with playing video games across two or more games, normalizing the aggregated data to unified values and presenting the aggregated and unified data via an interface, such that data from one game may be fairly combined and/or compared to data from another game. The present system allows a user to obtain a unified ranking across multiple games, especially when the games are of a similar genre.

Abstract: A matchmaking system and method is provided that facilitates optimization of player matches for multiplayer video games. The system may provide a generalized framework for matchmaking using historical player data and analytics. The framework may facilitate automatic determinations of an optimal mix of players and styles to produce the most satisfying user experiences. The system may dynamically update analytical processes based on statistical or otherwise observed data related to gameplay at any given time. In this manner, the system may continually tune the matchmaking process based on observations of player behavior, gameplay quality, and/or other information.

Abstract: The disclosed electronic commerce cloud-based media retailing systems and methods enable customers to execute a purchase intention of a digital product before that product is officially released for distribution. The ecommerce system comprises a digital entitlement engine and is particularly suited to pre-sell entitlements to digital products such as, but not limited to, video games, computer software, movies, and other entertainment media.

Abstract: A videogame includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toys near or on the peripheral. Each of the toys includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The toys include touchpoints that can be used to affect and navigate gameplay. Further, the toys include programmable payloads that can be programmed in response to gameplay.

Abstract: A user may create a customized virtual game character and the customized virtual game character may be physically substantiated. In some embodiments the virtual game character is physically substantiated by making a toy in the form of the virtual game character, which in some embodiments has computer readable information regarding the virtual game character. In some embodiments the toy is made by way of 3-D printing. In various embodiments portions of the toy which may be considered too thin for 3-D printing are expanded. In some embodiments internal ambient occlusion information is used in determining if a portion is too thin.