Abstract: A video game includes user generated content. The video game may be a music-based video game. Users may determine content to be played, and a server may provide the content to game devices for play, for example at predefined times, and/or to predetermined game players.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: A video game system for use in connection with a toy, where 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 further comprise audio, visual and other effects, wherein at least some of said effects are initially disabled, but later enabled as the user reaches certain achievements with the video game.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for management of storage space utilized by video game information based in part on the engagement of the video game user. For example, one aspect of the invention provides a method of providing information for play of a video game, comprising determining a storage parameter based on user game play related information, the storage parameter indicative of level of commitment of the user to the video game; outside of a game play session of the video game, providing, over a communications network, first information to a compute device associated with the user, the first information for use in providing for game play of the video game by the compute device, the first information being an amount of information determined based on the storage parameter; and during a game play session of the video game, providing additional information for use in providing for game play of the video game by the compute device.

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 system and method is provided for reading graphically-encoded identifiers from physical trading cards through image-based template matching in order to incorporate game items from the identified trading cards in a video game.

Abstract: A video game includes a component that senses the presence and identity of proximate toys. 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 further comprise audio, visual and other effects, wherein said effects are activated when the toy is proximate the gaming platform or a peripheral to the gaming platform. Effects may also be activated based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.

Abstract: A video game includes an audio-video stream combined with game graphics and game sounds. The game graphics are overlaid on the video stream and updated in synchronization with the stream. Update of the game graphics and sounds depends on inputs received from a game player. The game player may provide input using a game controller coupled to the video game by an adapter. The video game may play on a Blu-ray player.

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: A video game includes conditional access to areas of the game. An area may be unlocked when particular game characters are at an entrance to the area. An area may be unlocked for a particular character, for all characters, or for categories of characters. Categories of characters may include characters of a particular type, characters of a particular skill level, characters controlled by a particular game player, and characters previously played in the video game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of generating, for a given game map, an LOS catalog before gameplay and identifying a spawn location during gameplay based on the LOS catalog. For every unique pair of map nodes in a game map, the LOS catalog may indicate the minimum distance that must be traveled from a first map node of the pair to achieve LOS to a second map node of the pair, an identifier for the first map node, and an identifier for the second map node. When a gameplay session is initiated, the LOS catalog may be retrieved and used to identify relatively safe spawn points based on distances that must be traveled from enemy positions to achieve LOS to potential spawn points.

Abstract: A game controller for use with handheld game devices, for example smartphones, includes a cradle for holding the smartphone. The cradle is pivotable between an open position, extending from a base of the game controller, and a closed position in which the cradle is about a bottom wall of the base.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that drives microtransactions in multiplayer video games. The system may include a microtransaction arrange matches to influence game-related purchases. For instance, the system may match a more expert/marquee player with a junior player to encourage the junior player to make game-related purchases of items possessed/used by the marquee player. A junior player may wish to emulate the marquee player by obtaining weapons or other items used by the marquee player.

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.