Abstract: A strategy video game may include a persistent home city that gains experience as the player plays in more game sessions. The experience gained may lead to the unlocking of additional game features and options for use in future games. Players may assemble, prior to a game session, a subset of effects that may be used in future games, where the subset may be limited in number. Available effects may be limited by the experience level of the player's home city, and by the player's prior decisions as to which effects to purchase and/or obtain. Effects may be requested in-game, and may be delivered and/or carried out in response to the player achieving certain in-game requirements, such as the gaining of a number of in-game experience points, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, etc.

Abstract: The generation of a random map for use in a video game may involve a random value generation function, with weighted texture and/or object values to control whether certain textures and/or objects are placed at certain locations on the map. Some locations may have no objects, or may have rivers or cliffs added. Additionally, equitable object placement for multiple players may be accomplished using object constraints. Closest point determination may be used for certain object types, while other objects may have constraints relaxed if initial placement efforts are unsuccessful. As a further addition, physical modeling of a humanoid form may be accomplished using a three-part model, where angles on the model drive the display of animation frames for the object.

Abstract: The generation of a random map for use in a video game may involve a random value generation function, with weighted texture and/or object values to control whether certain textures and/or objects are placed at certain locations on the map. Some locations may have no objects, or may have rivers or cliffs added. Additionally, equitable object placement for multiple players may be accomplished using object constraints. Closest point determination may be used for certain object types, while other objects may have constraints relaxed if initial placement efforts are unsuccessful. As a further addition, physical modeling of a humanoid form may be accomplished using a three-part model, where angles on the model drive the display of animation frames for the object.

Abstract: A strategy video game may include a persistent home city that gains experience as the player plays in more game sessions. The experience gained may lead to the unlocking of additional game features and options for use in future games. Players may assemble, prior to a game session, a subset of effects that may be used in future games, where the subset may be limited in number. Available effects may be limited by the experience level of the player's home city, and by the player's prior decisions as to which effects to purchase and/or obtain. Effects may be requested in-game, and may be delivered and/or carried out in response to the player achieving certain in-game requirements, such as the gaining of a number of in-game experience points, the passage of a predetermined amount of time, etc.