Abstract: A system may be configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: An asynchronous virtual environment may be provided to users in which synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between the users is enabled in spite of the asynchronous nature of the virtual environment. Synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between users may have an impact on gaining and/or retaining users in a virtual environment, such as a videogame or virtual space. For example, such cooperation between users may strengthen a sense of group, community, and/or camaraderie between cooperating users.

Abstract: Optional commitments may be provided to players within a videogame. The optional commitments commit players to perform and/or abstain from certain actions within the videogame. The players may be rewarded for accepting commitments. The players may be penalized for failing to fulfill commitments. This model for rewarding optional behaviors may provide an alternative for incenting actions within a videogame to conventional models in which players are rewarded and/or penalized only after attempting an activity or activities.

Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users. In views of the virtual space, avatars represent users, including a first avatar representing a first user, engaging in the virtual space. Individual avatars are visually associated with an emblem in views of the virtual space. Systems and methods to enable the use of emblems present an emblem visually associated with a second avatar in a view of the first avatar to indicate a relationship between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: A virtual space may be provided to users. In views of the virtual space, avatars may represent users engaging in the virtual space. Individual avatars may be visually associated with emblems in view of the virtual space. Systems and methods to guide a user through the design of an emblem may include determinations whether an emblem under design is visually distinct from other emblems and/or compliant with a set of design rules for emblems.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player-controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player-controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player-controlled characters other than the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player-controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: Discovery rights to discoverable in-game content is provided to players of a videogame. The discovery rights to a given set of discoverable content in the videogame provide a player or group of players to which they are assigned control over one or more aspects of the given set of discoverable content. This control may be observable by other players or groups of players of the videogame, and may be exclusive to the assigned user or user group. The provision of discovery rights may encourage a more complete exploration of a videogame by players or groups in an effort to obtain more discovery rights. The discovery rights may provide discovering players or groups with status within the videogame, an opportunity to reward friends and/or impede the progress of rivals, an opportunity to obtain value within the videogame, and/or provide other advantages to discovering players. Discovery rights may be transferable between players or groups.

Abstract: A game space may be provided to a user in which the user attempts to obtain discoverable items that have been associated with individual zones in the game space. The user may attempt to obtain the items through strategically employing one of a plurality of selectable actions that are associated with different costs in the game space. The costs of the actions may be balanced to create a prospecting mechanic within the game. The game space may be provided to the user as a discrete game, or as one or more mini-game(s) within a larger game or virtual space.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player controlled characters other than the player controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: A game space may be provided to a user in which the user attempts to obtain discoverable items that have been associated with individual zones in the game space. The user may attempt to obtain the items through strategically employing one of a plurality of selectable actions that are associated with different costs in the game space. The costs of the actions may be balanced to create a prospecting mechanic within the game. The game space may be provided to the user as a discrete game, or as one or more mini-game(s) within a larger game or virtual space.

Abstract: A game space may be provided to a user in which the user attempts to obtain discoverable items that have been associated with individual zones in the game space. The user may attempt to obtain the items through strategically employing one of a plurality of selectable actions that are associated with different costs in the game space. The costs of the actions may be balanced to create a prospecting mechanic within the game. The game space may be provided to the user as a discrete game, or as one or more mini-game(s) within a larger game or virtual space.

Abstract: Discovery rights to discoverable in-game content is provided to players of a videogame. The discovery rights to a given set of discoverable content in the videogame provide a player or group of players to which they are assigned control over one or more aspects of the given set of discoverable content. This control may be observable by other players or groups of players of the videogame, and may be exclusive to the assigned user or user group. The provision of discovery rights may encourage a more complete exploration of a videogame by players or groups in an effort to obtain more discovery rights. The discovery rights may provide discovering players or groups with status within the videogame, an opportunity to reward friends and/or impede the progress of rivals, an opportunity to obtain value within the videogame, and/or provide other advantages to discovering players. Discovery rights may be transferable between players or groups.

Abstract: A system may be configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations.

Abstract: Optional commitments may be provided to players within a videogame. The optional commitments commit players to perform and/or abstain from certain actions within the videogame. The players may be rewarded for accepting commitments. The players may be penalized for failing to fulfill commitments. This model for rewarding optional behaviors may provide an alternative for incenting actions within a videogame to conventional models in which players are rewarded and/or penalized only after attempting an activity or activities.

Abstract: To simulate group play, player controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player controlled characters other than the player controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player controlled character being controlled by the given player.

Abstract: An asynchronous virtual environment may be provided to users in which synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between the users is enabled in spite of the asynchronous nature of the virtual environment. Synchronous, time-sensitive cooperation between users may have an impact on gaining and/or retaining users in a virtual environment, such as a videogame or virtual space. For example, such cooperation between users may strengthen a sense of group, community, and/or camaraderie between cooperating users.