Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamically variable maps in a video game is disclosed. A map is provided that defines a playable space available to one or more game players in a video game. Gameplay is monitored in real-time for the detection of a trigger event. Upon detection of a trigger event, a map management engine dynamically modifies a configuration of the map to improve the gameplay experience based on the type of trigger event. Dynamic modification of a map may comprise altering one or more of the map boundary, and/or the location, position, size, number, state, etc. of one or more static map objects or dynamic map objects. As a result of the dynamic modification of the map, the map may transform from its initial (or first or beginning) configuration to a modified (or new or second) configuration.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of a compute resource includes determining a baseline for the amount of time required for the resource to complete a specific task, monitoring the resource to measure the amount of time actually used by the resource to complete the task in a given instance, comparing the baseline time to the measured time, and determining if the resource is operating within acceptable tolerances based on the comparison. An alert may be created or other remedial action may be taken if the resource is not operating within acceptable tolerances.

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 soft reservation system and method is provided facilitates an unrequested reservation of a gameplay session in multiplayer video games. A soft reservation may include a match between two or more players for one or more subsequent gameplay sessions that are reserved for the players. The system may, for instance, anticipate an interest by players in a gameplay session and make a soft reservation for the players, who may not have explicitly requested the reservation, to play in the gameplay session. A soft reservation may be made for a player based on a match score, a game profile, a player profile, and/or other information.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that recommends group compositions in multiplayer video games. The system may suggest a composition of a group of players using a matchmaking process. For example, one or more players may wish to form or join a group of players for a given game, but not know what would be an appropriate mix of player styles, player roles, skill levels, and/or other player characteristics that would make an optimal group, given the player's own characteristics. The system may identify optimal groups based on matchmaking related information such as, without limitation, game profile, player profile, prior match scores, prior quality scores, and/or other information. Optimal groups may be those that have performed successfully (e.g., accomplished the most wins, objectives, etc.), are associated with the highest player enjoyment (e.g., based on match and/or quality scores), and/or otherwise are deemed to be desirable.

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 matchmaking system and method is provided that facilitates optimization of player matches for multiplayer video games. The system may provide a generalized framework for matchmaking using historical player data and analytics. The framework may facilitate automatic determinations of an optimal mix of players and styles to produce the most satisfying user experiences. The system may dynamically update analytical processes based on statistical or otherwise observed data related to gameplay at any given time. In this manner, the system may continually tune the matchmaking process based on observations of player behavior, gameplay quality, and/or other information.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering software modules in a guaranteed order for execution. Unique values are statically assigned to software modules (e.g., filter drivers) when fully developed. Each module's assigned value determines its relative position to other modules in a stack or other arrangement, fixing the execution order for any set of filter drivers. Static values may comprise floating-point numbers, whereby each new software module may be assigned a number that enables positioning it between any two existing software modules. For example, filter drivers may be generally classified and assigned values in a range according to type. Drivers of the same type may be ordered within their general range to guarantee one possible ordering. A filter manager architecture is described, in which filter drivers register with a manager for relevant file system I/O operations. The manager calls appropriately registered filter drivers in an order based on their assigned numbers.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided that allows an application program to write, as a single file, a large block of data comprising multiple portions that could otherwise be written as several smaller files, then to access, as individual files, each of the portions within the large block of data, and to be able to create individual files efficiently out of each of these subfiles. The mechanism may be partially embodied in a file system that includes an information store defining each file on a volume. The application program writes, via the file system, a single file to the volume as (preferably) a contiguous block of data. The single file includes two or more separable streams of data capable of being stored as individual files (subfiles). Once the single file is written to the volume, multiple entries are made to the information store. Each entry defines and points to a subfile within the single file.

Abstract: A method and system for ordering software modules in a guaranteed order for execution. Unique values are statically assigned to software modules (e.g., filter drivers) when fully developed. Each module's assigned value determines its relative position to other modules in a stack or other arrangement, fixing the execution order for any set of filter drivers. Static values may comprise floating-point numbers, whereby each new software module may be assigned a number that enables positioning it between any two existing software modules. For example, filter drivers may be generally classified and assigned values in a range according to type. Drivers of the same type may be ordered within their general range to guarantee one possible ordering. A filter manager architecture is described, in which filter drivers register with a manager for relevant file system I/O operations. The manager calls appropriately registered filter drivers in an order based on their assigned numbers.

Abstract: A system and method for encryption and decryption of files. The system and method operate in conjunction with the file system to transparently encrypt and decrypt files in using a public key-private key pair encryption scheme. When a user puts a file in an encrypted directory or encrypts a file, all data writes to the disk for that file are encrypted with a random file encryption key generated from a random number and encrypted with the public key of a user and the public key of at least one recovery agent. The encrypted key information is stored with the file, whereby the user or a recovery agent can decrypt the file data using the private key thereof. When a proper private key is used, encrypted reads from the disk are decrypted transparently by the file system and returned to the user.