Abstract: A virtual environment in which players are able to enter into financial transactions which result in a financial obligation such as a debt. If a player defaults on a debt, the debts may then be sold or otherwise transferred to a virtual collection agency, which may be able to mete out a consequence to the defaulting player. Alternatively, the consequence may be meted out by the game server or other entity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 29, 2007
Date of Patent:
September 13, 2016
Assignee:
Leviathan Entertainment, LLC
Inventors:
Andrew S. Van Luchene, Raymond J. Mueller
Abstract: A video game system includes a feature in which contracts can be formed and enforced. Virtual and/or real world obligations, penalties and remedies are available for entities that are parties to or breach contracts or other obligations in virtual contracts.
Abstract: Processes and products according to embodiments of the invention include video games with the possibility to obtain funding, such as through venture capital or the issuance of private shares among player characters.
Abstract: According to various embodiments, a video game allows one or more players to enter contracts, where credit cards or other financial instruments are used to secure the contracts. A player defaulting on such a contract can be subjected to penalties in the video game and/or in the real world.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, a video game permits valuation of a game environment and/or sharing value in the game. For example, players can buy and sell whole or fractional portions of the revenue sources derived from a particular game environment. The ownership may be represented as debt, stock or as some other allocations mechanism.
Abstract: In an embodiment, apparatus and methods for video games permit obtaining funding for developing game environments. A variety of possible funding sources are possible, such as venture capital, the issuance of private shares, transforming the game environment into a public company through an initial public offering, or through a follow on offering such as the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, or treasury stock.
Abstract: Processes and products according to embodiments of the invention include video games with the possibility to obtain funding, such as through venture capital or the issuance of private shares among player characters.
Abstract: Video game methods and apparatus permit contracts to be formed and enforced within a video game. Virtual and/or real world obligations, penalties and remedies are available for entities that are parties to or breach contracts or other obligations in virtual contracts.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, a virtual environment is configured in which characters are able to engage in a variety of financial transactions is provided. Characters who are unable to fulfill their financial obligations may enter into bankruptcy. Bankruptcy contracts may identify various conditions which must be fulfilled by the character in order to get out of bankruptcy. While in bankruptcy, the player's avatar or avatar's may be altered to indicate to the player and/or others that the character represented by the avatar is in bankruptcy.
Abstract: According to various embodiments, a video game allows one or more players to enter contracts, where credit cards or other financial instruments are used to secure the contracts. A player defaulting on such a contract can be subjected to penalties in the video game and/or in the real world.
Abstract: A virtual environment in which characters are able to engage in a variety of financial transactions is provided. Characters who are unable to fulfill their financial obligations may enter into bankruptcy. Bankruptcy contracts may identify various conditions which must be fulfilled by the character in order to get out of bankruptcy. While in bankruptcy, the player's avatar or avatar's may be altered to indicate to the player and/or others that the character represented by the avatar is in bankruptcy.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 29, 2007
Date of Patent:
December 17, 2013
Assignee:
Leviathan Entertainment, LLC
Inventors:
Andrew S. Van Luchene, Raymond J. Mueller
Abstract: Players of a video game can enter contracts and engage in various simple or complex financial transactions employing credit systems such as credit cards, other financial instruments and other mechanisms to facilitate the enforcement of such contracts. Default on agreements by players or player characters can result in financial penalties which the video game system can apply.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, various features in an online video game permit characters to provide assistance to other characters, and to advertise offers to help other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character and permits rewards to be received based on the amount of helpfulness provided.
Abstract: In various embodiments, systems generate a video game or other virtual environment and player characters in the video game can form different types of interactions and relationships. Some relationships provide benefits and/or obligations. The video game facilitates the monitoring, forming and terminating of various kinds of relationships.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, in an online video game various features permit characters to render assistance to other characters, and to advertise offers to help other characters. In an embodiment, the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character and permits rewards to be received based on the amount of helpfulness.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, a video game permits revenue sharing by players of the video game and other entities. For example, players can buy and sell whole or fractional portions of the revenue sources derived from a particular game environment. The ownership may be represented as stock or as some other allocations mechanism.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, a video game is capable of providing offer to player of the video game. For example, the video game can provide to the player an offer to receive a particular virtual item (a virtual object or a virtual service delivered in the video game) in exchange for a particular price. The time at which the offer is provided to the player can be governed by the status in the game of the player character of the player.
Abstract: In an embodiment, a video game provides offers to players of a video game. For example, the video game can provide to the player an offer to receive a particular virtual item (a virtual object or a virtual service delivered in the video game) in exchange for a particular price, such as the player character wearing a logo or branded material of an advertiser. The time at which the offer is provided to the player can be governed by the status in the game of the player character of the player.
Abstract: According to an embodiment, a video game permits revenue sharing by players of the video game and other entities. For example, players can buy and sell whole or fractional portions of the revenue sources derived from a particular game environment. The ownership may be represented as stock or as some other allocations mechanism.
Abstract: Video game methods and systems allow players to acquire ownership of video game environments. Methods and systems additionally include methods for buying and selling ownership or fractions of ownership in a particular game environment.