Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multiple viewing modes of a simulated environment are described herein. The different viewing modes may include a magnified view of the environment, an unmagnified view, and/or a magnified view combined with an unmagnified view. The different viewing modes may include a model of a user controlled object which mimics the movement of the user controlled object to provide the user with information regarding the positioning or orientation of the user controlled object with respect to the user's current view. In the different viewing modes, a potential damage indicator may be provided on a targeted object to indicate potential damage to the targeted object based on a current weapon selection.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for dynamically determining and applying a zoom amount when entering a sniper mode are presented. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may provide a user interface that includes a controlled vehicle and a target vehicle. Subsequently, the computing device may receive a request to enter a sniper mode. In response to receiving the request to enter the sniper mode, the computing device may determine a zoom amount based on a size of the target vehicle and a distance from the controlled vehicle to the target vehicle. The computing device then may update the user interface based on the zoom amount to enter the sniper mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within video games are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. Users may partially control the direction of these vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new direction for the vehicle to point and optionally a speed with which to pursue the new direction. Alternatively, a user may wish to engage in continuous banked turning of their vehicle to realistically simulate aspects of vehicle-to-vehicle combat. Rotation of the vehicle from its current direction to its new direction is controlled by an artificial intellect, which operates various control equipment of the vehicle to realistically simulate the path of the vehicle, based on whether a user has input a desired destination or a desired turn direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing multiple viewing modes of a simulated environment are described herein. The different viewing modes may include a magnified view of the environment, an unmagnified view, and/or a magnified view combined with an unmagnified view. The different viewing modes may include a model of a user controlled object which mimics the movement of the user controlled object to provide the user with information regarding the positioning or orientation of the user controlled object with respect to the user's current view. In the different viewing modes, a potential damage indicator may be provided on a targeted object to indicate potential damage to the targeted object based on a current weapon selection.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for dynamically locking a camera-linked reticle onto a target vehicle are presented. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may provide a user interface that includes a controlled vehicle and a target vehicle. Subsequently, the computing device may receive user input moving a camera-linked reticle within a predetermined distance of the target vehicle. In response to receiving the user input moving the camera-linked reticle within the predetermined distance of the target vehicle, the computing device may lock the camera-linked reticle onto the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the camera-linked reticle may include a reticle portion of the user interface that is configured to indicate an aim of at least one gun associated with the controlled vehicle, and may be further configured to maintain a substantially constant directional relationship with a viewing angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within graphically simulated environments are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. In a destination based control mode, users may partially control vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new destination for the vehicle to go to, and the game's control logic may then automatically calculate how to control the vehicle toward the new heading. Fight and assault (bombing) control sub-modes may be provided. In addition, in an immediate control mode, a user may provide input that indicates a direction and speed of rotation, to provide more direct control of a vehicles control systems and/or control surfaces.