Patent Analysis
Blizzard’s 2021 Patent Focused on Restoring Gameplay from a Point in Time
Blizzard’s response to save-scumming: “Why not just rewind?”
Mattel’s Foray into Play-on-the-Go Console Technology
This 2009 patent has echoes of the Sega Dreamcast in its DNA...
Nintendo’s Updated Pokéball Patent
Identifiers on the catching apparatus to match the enclosed creature’s elemental type.
Mattel’s Patent for a Fold-Out, Handheld Yu-Gi-Oh! Video Game
Now, where have I seen this pyramid-shaped eye before...?
Mattel’s Stackable, Character-Shaped Game Console
We guarantee this is the most interesting looking game system you’ll see today!
Activision’s First-Person Limbs and Hand-Held Object Model Patent
The makers of Call of Duty never miss a chance to iterate on that classic first-person shooter hand.
Looking Back at the DK Bongos Design Patent
Remember the plastic bongos that plugged into the GameCube to play those Donkey Kong-themed rhythm games? Well, have we got the patent for you...
Palworld 1.0 Launches as Nintendo Patent Case Targets Earlier Versions
Palworld 1.0 has launched while Nintendo and The Pokémon Company's pending patent claims against Pocketpair remain limited to earlier, pre-patch versions of the game.
Bandai Namco’s Strange Photography Arcade Cabinet Patent
Back in 2001, the U.S. Patent Office issued Bandai Namco a patent for a camera-controlled arcade game, complete with a massive cabinet styled after a camera.
Microsoft’s Earphone-Based Game Controller and Health Monitor Patent
In 2012, Microsoft received a patent for an in-ear game controller that could monitor user health data and map it to in-game graphics.
A Look Back at the GameCube Controller’s Design Patents from Early 2001
Fancy a blast from the past? This week, we’re having a look back at the pair of patents that would go on to become Nintendo’s iconic GameCube controller.
SAP SE’s 2012 “Game Buddy” Patent
Ever feel lonely while playing video games? Back in 2012, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent to SAP SE geared toward addressing this problem with an AI companion that responds to…
Sony’s 2021 “Inventory Coach” Patent
Sifting through inventory in your favorite RPG can be boring. In 2021, Sony attempted to streamline this process by patenting an AI model to help coach you through what to throw out…
The Weird and Wonderful World of Joystick Patents
The U.S. patent office has issued some cool and strange joystick patents over the years. In this post, we have a look at some of our favorites!
Nike’s Patent for a Video Game System with Biofeedback
In 2024, Nike received a patent for a video game chair that register's a user's biometric data and displays it on screen.
Exploring Nintendo’s 2019 Pokéball Plus Patent
Nintendo’s game controller, shaped like a Pokéball and patented back in 2019, features a button, a vibrator, and an antenna.
Handheld Video Game Console Design Patents Through the Years
A survey of various design patents relating to handheld game consoles, from modern Android handhelds to old-school retro handheld consoles.
The Beat Don’t Lie: An Overview of Rhythm Game Patents
A survey of some active U.S. patents relating to rhythm video games, including patents by Harmonix and Nintendo.
Nintendo’s 2014 GameBoy Emulation Patent
Nintnedo's patent relates to the emulation of GameBoy games on “low-capability target platform[s].”
Microsoft’s Accessibility-Focused Refreshable Braille Display Controller Patent
Microsoft's patent involves“a refreshable braille display accessory for a game controller” that would allow blind video game players to read on-screen text.