Abstract: Time implementation feature for video games. The time feature employs a synchronic construct of time for use in a computer software program, including a video game. The synchronic construct of time comprises assigning to each action in the game a specific number of synchronic timekeeping units. The number of synchronic timekeeping units assigned to an action may approximate how long the action might take in real time and/or may be used to weight the importance of the action. The invention can be implemented via a stand-alone computing system or such a system interconnected with other platforms or data stores by a network, such as a corporate intranet, a local area network, or the Internet.

Abstract: Help implementation feature for video games. A two-tiered approach for offering guidance and assistance to the user of a computer software program. Event-generated help is activated when the user first initiates an event within the video game software program. Context-sensitive help is always available to the user but remains inactive until help is requested by the user. The event-generated help and context-sensitive help act in tandem to fully support the user at all times during game play. The invention can be implemented via a stand-alone computing system or such a system interconnected with other platforms or data stores by a network, such as a corporate intranet, a local area network, or the Internet.