U.S. Pat. No. 10,183,219

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system100in accordance with aspects of the present invention. System100provides for cross-platform online multiplayer gameplay that involves a plurality of heterogeneous gaming platforms running distinct gameplay patterns.

System100also includes gaming platforms120-160. Gaming platforms120-160may comprise various compute devices suitable for executing videogames and communicating over communication network110. InFIG. 1, system100comprises a first gaming platform120and a second gaming platform130, which are videogame consoles. Examples of videogame consoles include the Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, and Nintendo Wii U. In addition to the videogame consoles, gaming platforms may comprise any other suitable compute devices such as mobile devices (e.g., smartphone140, tablet145) and personal computers (e.g., desktop computer150and laptop computer160). The gaming platforms120-160each have one or more processors, memory, communication circuitry, and associated hardware. Gaming platforms120-160may communicate with other gaming platforms120-160by sending and receiving data through communication network110, which may comprise private and public networks. In many embodiments, communication network110comprises the Internet. Of course, the number of devices shown inFIG. 1is merely exemplary, and in many embodiments, many more devices may be present.

System100further includes one or more game servers170. Game server170may comprise modules that provide certain services. As discussed in more detail herein, the modules may include, for example, a matchmaking module, social networking module, data collection module, user profile module, authentication/security module, communication module, and online store module.

Using a gaming platform120-160, a user can participate in a cross-platform videogame in which gameplay of the videogame on one gaming platform may comprise a different gameplay pattern than for gameplay of the videogame on another gaming platform.

In various embodiments videogames in accordance with aspects of the invention provide for competition between players using “traditional” gaming platforms (e.g., videogame consoles and/or personal computers such as laptops and/or desktops) and players using “non-traditional” devices such as mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, and PDAs).

In one embodiment a player may play a videogame on different game platforms, with different game play patterns provided depending on a type of game platform utilized by the player at any particular instant. For example, on game platforms with greater display and/or input device capabilities, a first person (or third person) genre game pattern may be provided, while on game platforms with lesser capabilities a strategy genre game pattern may instead be provided. In such an example, a player may play a videogame for a first period of time on a game console while being provided a first person genre game pattern, then transition to play the same game on a tablet computer while being provided a strategy genre game pattern, and transition once again back to play on the game console with provision of the first person genre game pattern.

In another embodiment of a videogame, for example involving a first-person shooter (FPS) videogame, a first player and a second player play an online multiplayer videogame against each other, with the first player playing on a first gaming platform (e.g., a videogame console or personal computer) presented with a gameplay pattern of a traditional FPS, and the second player playing on a second gaming platform (e.g., a mobile device) presented with a gameplay pattern different from a traditional FPS, for example, that of a real-time strategy game or some other gameplay pattern. In some embodiments the first gaming platform is a gaming platform suitable for FPS videogame play. Generally, a gaming platform suitable for FPS gameplay includes a game controller or keypad and mouse as input devices, display size and different processing capabilities for display of a virtual world from a viewpoint of an entity within that world. In some such embodiments, the second gaming platform is a device that is lacking in one or all of screen size, processing capability, or appropriate input devices suitable for FPS gameplay.

In some videogames in accordance with aspects of the invention, each player controls a squad of squad members. The squad may be any size, but in one embodiment, each squad comprises six squad members. In a game session, a first player, an attacker, deploys his squad to attack the base of a second player, a defender. The defender controls his squad to defend his base. In some embodiments, the players compete to accomplish certain objectives, for example, capturing and controlling certain capture points and/or killing the other player's squad members. In some embodiments, a game session ends after one player successfully completes certain predefined game objectives. Additionally or alternatively, the game session may end after a predefined time limit, and the player who completed the most objectives or otherwise scored the most points is the winner.

In some such embodiments, a gameplay pattern presented to a player may be tailored to the characteristics of the player's gaming platform. If, for example, the player's gaming platform is suited for FPS gameplay (e.g., has traditional input devices like a gamepad, keyboard, and/or mouse, has an appropriate display size, has sufficient compute and graphics processing capabilities to display 3D gameplay environments, etc.) such as a videogame console or personal computer, the gameplay pattern may reflect that of a traditional FPS game.FIG. 2is an example display of a game reflecting a traditional FPS gameplay pattern, albeit in simplified form. In the traditional FPS gameplay pattern200depicted inFIG. 2, a player views a virtual environment of a gameworld from the perspective of an avatar controlled by the player. The player may encounter one or more other avatars and targets, for example enemy targets220and225and teammates or squad members230. The player controls provides complete control over his avatar, generally without significant computer assistance. In gameplay, the player may also issue commands to his remaining squad members, which are controlled by the computer, in accordance with the issued commands.

InFIG. 2, a z-axis extends away from the facing direction of the player's avatar (not shown inFIG. 2) or viewpoint towards the horizon. (Note that Cartesian axis290is included for reference only and in most embodiments would not be displayed in FPS interface200.) In some embodiments, FPS gameplay pattern200may present a crosshair210that helps the player aim his weapon. Generally, the position of crosshair210relative to the targets when the player fires his weapon determines whether the player hits or misses any given target. In some embodiments, rays representing the trajectory of the fired shots are cast from the center of the screen, or in various embodiments some other point on the screen, for example a bottom center position, towards crosshair210. If a ray intersects with a target, the target is hit; otherwise, the target is missed. In some embodiments, crosshair210is locked to the center of the screen. In other embodiments, crosshair210may be freely moved about the screen by the player. Although crosshair210is depicted in an “x” configuration, crosshair210may be of any configuration, including for example, a cross, a circle, a cross within a circle, etc. In some embodiments, there is no visible crosshair, and shots are simply fired to a predetermined location relative to the player's viewpoint (e.g., the center of the screen). In some embodiments, the FSP gameplay pattern may present a heads-up display (HUD) (not shown) that provides additional information to the player (e.g., information regarding ammunition, weapons, health, mission objectives, maps, time, player-to-player communications, etc.).

However, if the player's gaming platform is not well-suited for FPS gameplay, for example, because of the type of input device used by the gaming platform, display size, or compute/graphics processing capabilities, the gameplay may be presented using an alternative gameplay pattern more suited for the gaming platform. In one embodiment, for example, the gameplay may be presented using a real-time strategy gameplay pattern, as shown inFIG. 3. Real-time strategy gameplay pattern300ofFIG. 3presents the virtual environment from a substantially top-down view, and allows the player to issue tactical commands to one or more of his squad members. The elements of real-time strategy gameplay pattern300may be 2D, 3D, or both, depending on the processing characteristics of the gaming platform. In some embodiments, real-time strategy gameplay pattern300allows the player to see both his own squad members310,312,314,316,318, and320and his opponent's squad members330,332,334,336,338, and340. Alternatively, only a subset of squad members may be visible, for example, the player's squad members and opposing squad members within a certain vicinity of the player's squad members. Real-time strategy gameplay pattern300, in the embodiment ofFIG. 3, further comprises squad member selection buttons380,381,382,383,384, and385, which can be used to select one or more of the player's squad members310-320. Selecting one or more squad member selection buttons380-385causes display of command menu370, which can be used to issue commands to the selected squad members. In the embodiment ofFIG. 3, commands may include, for example, attack, move, defend, guard, patrol, hunt, secondary weapons, retreat, capture, etc. In the example ofFIG. 3, the squad member selection button385corresponding to the sixth squad member320is selected. Thus, by selecting a command from the displayed command menu370, the player may issue a command to the sixth squad member320.

Real-time strategy gameplay pattern300further displays one or more capture points350and360. In one embodiment, the players compete to capture and control capture points350and360. In some embodiments, real-time strategy genre gameplay pattern300further comprises a countdown timer390, which displays the time remaining before the game completes.

By providing different gameplay patterns for different gaming platforms, gameplay may be tailored to each gaming platform. For example, players playing the game from videogame consoles or personal computers may engage in a FPS gameplay pattern, controlling one of the player's squad members at any given time and issuing tactical commands to the remaining computer-controlled squad members. On the other hand, a player playing the game from a smartphone or tablet would compete using a real-time strategy genre gameplay pattern, which overcomes the difficulty of playing an FPS from a mobile device.

One of ordinary skill would recognize that many of the above details about FPS gameplay patterns and real-time strategy gameplay patterns are exemplary and may be changed in various embodiments in accordance with aspects of the invention. In addition, in some embodiments, the player may select between multiple gameplay patterns. For instance, in some embodiments, players on videogame consoles and/or personal computers may select between an FPS gameplay pattern and a real-time strategy gameplay pattern.

One of ordinary skill would recognize that many of the inventive aspects disclosed herein apply to gaming genres other than FPS games. For example in various embodiments aspects of the invention may be utilized for games including multiplayer games (including massive multiplayer on line role playing games), sport games, including team sport games and one against many games.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a process in accordance with aspects of the invention. The process may be performed, for example, by the processor and system described in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, below, or the system or components thereof ofFIG. 1. The process may be useful in initiating a cross-platform multiplayer game in which at least one player has the option of playing from a primary gaming platform such as a videogame console or personal computer and the option of playing from a secondary gaming platform such as a mobile device. The process is described in the context of initiating a game session for a squad-on-squad combat game, but may be useful in initiating any cross-platform multiplayer game in which a player has the option of playing from a both primary device and a secondary device.

In block401, the process receives an indication that a first player (Player A) is requesting a game session. In some embodiments, Player A requests the game session through the multiplayer matchmaking interface of a videogame played on a videogame console or personal computer. Additionally or alternatively, the request may be made from a mobile device. In some embodiments, the process assigns Player A an “attacker” role in the game session.

In block402, the process determines suitable opponents for the game session and selects a second player (Player B) for pairing. In some embodiments, this determination is made automatically by the process based on defined characteristics of Player A including without limitation, Player A's skill level, geography, network path quality to other players, social network connection, etc. In some embodiments, instead of the process automatically matchmaking Player A with an opponent, Player A may choose an opponent from certain groups of players, for example, Player A's friends or previous opponents. The process then initiates the game session between Player A and Player B.

In block403, the process determines whether Player B is currently available for gameplay using a primary device. If so, the process proceeds to block404, thereby commencing gameplay between Player A and Player B, where Player B is presented a FPS gameplay pattern. If Player B is not available for gameplay using a primary device, the process proceeds to block405.

In block405, the process sends a push notification to Player B's secondary device, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. In some embodiments, instead of the process sending a push notification, Player A may manually send a request to Player B's secondary device. In some embodiments, the notification/request includes a message that Player A is attacking Player B's squad, and presents a number of possible responses. For example, in some embodiments, the process may present Player B with the opportunity to participate in the game session in real-time and/or dictate a general strategy for his squad and/or ignore the notification and allow his squad to engage Player A's squad using some default strategy.

In block406, the process determines if it receives a response from Player B to the push notification. If the process does not receive a response from Player B within a predefined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, etc.), the process proceeds to block409and commences gameplay with Player A competing against Player B's squad, where Player B's squad is AI controlled and follow's a default strategy. If the process receives a response from Player B, the process proceeds to block407.

In blocks407and408, the process determines the type of response received from Player B. In particular, in block407, the process determines whether the response indicates that Player B selected a full tactical response to Player A's attack and wishes to participate in the gameplay in real-time. If so, the process proceeds to block410, where the process commences gameplay between Player A and Player B, where Player B is participating in the gameplay in real-time using a real-time strategy gameplay pattern. Otherwise, the process determines that the response indicates that Player B selected a quick response to Player A's attack (block408) and proceeds to block411. In some embodiments, the quick response allows Player B to exert control over his squad without participating in the real-time tactical interface of block410. For example, in some embodiments, the quick response allows Player B to dictate an overall strategic response to the attack (e.g., target or defend certain capture points, focus on attacking opposing squad members, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the quick response may allow Player B to select from a number of squad enhancements or “buffs” to apply to his squad. For example, Player B may have bought or otherwise acquired certain buffs that enhance his squad's attack rate, attack damage, attack accuracy, armor or other defensive attributes, movement speed, secondary attacks, etc.

In block411, the process commences gameplay between Player A and Player B, where Player B's squad is AI controlled subject to Player B's quick response.

FIG. 5is an example of a block diagram of a processor and associated circuitry useful in a gaming platform in accordance with aspects of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, a processor511is connected to other components via a bus. The other components include a main memory513and a removable memory interface515, which may be coupled to a removable memory device, for example, a SD memory card. The processor may execute instructions retrieved from main memory and/or the removable memory device to control gameplay. For example, the instructions may be for determining possible movements, positions, and locations of the player's avatar and/or targets.

The processor is coupled to an audio driver521and a video driver523. The audio driver produces sound signals and the video driver produces image signals. The sound signals and image signals are transmitted via a display I/O device525. The display I/O device generally supplies the sound and image signals to sound and display devices that may be external to the gaming platform or incorporated in the gaming platform.

The processor may also be coupled to a user I/O device517, a wireless transceiver519, an Internet I/O device527, and other circuitry529. The user I/O device may receive signals from an input device (e.g., joystick, gamepad, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.) being used by the player and provide inputs, for example, during gameplay. The Internet I/O device provides a communication channel that may be used, for example, for multiplayer games.

FIG. 6is an example of a block diagram of a game server600useful in accordance with aspects of the invention. The game server is coupled to a network (not explicitly shown), for example the internet. In some implementations, game server600may comprise one or more of electronic storage602, processor(s)604, external resources606, and/or other components. The various components of game server600may be configured for electronic communication among one another. Such communication may be accomplished via one or more networks, one or more direct connections, one or more wireless connections, one or more wired connections, and/or other electronic communication media. Game server600may be in communication with user computers and other client computing platforms.

Processor(s)604may be configured to provide information processing capabilities within game server600. For example, processor(s)604may configured to execute computer program modules that may include one or more of a matchmaking module608, a social networking module610, a data collection module612, a user profile module614, an authentication module616, a communication module618, and/or other modules. In various embodiments, these modules may perform various operations as further discussed herein.

In some embodiments, matchmaking module608performs operations relating to matching users for multiplayer gaming sessions. In some embodiments, matchmaking module608matches users seeking an online game session with particular characteristics with users hosting the same online game session with those characteristics. In some embodiments, the users hosting online game sessions act as servers that send game state information to users who have joined the game. For example, a user hosting a game session on his gaming platform may resolve and communicate game state information to player(s) who have joined his gaming session. In some embodiments, matchmaking module608matches potential players and hosts based on the players' geography, network connection quality, skill level, experience level, and/or the players' relationship to each other.

In some embodiments, social networking module610provides the framework for user-to-user interactions. Social networking module610may include a database that stores user relationships, user profiles, user messages, and user social data. Social networking module610may provide for social networking features in accordance with the present invention. For example, social networking module610may provide the framework to allow a user to “attack” another user's squad.

In some embodiments, user profile module614receives and/or determines user information, for example user login names and passwords, email addresses, user skill levels, game system game capabilities, gaming preferences, and/or financial information (e.g., credit card information, billing addresses, and any other information required to complete an e-commerce transaction).

In some embodiments, data collection module612performs operations relating to the collection of information regarding potential host systems, user data, social networks, game data, and network connection quality indicators. In some embodiments, authentication module616performs operations relating to authentication of users. In some embodiments, communications module618performs operations relating to communication with storage and/or external resources, as well as communicating over a network, for example the Internet.

In some embodiments, online store module620performs operations relating to conducting e-commerce transactions. For example, online module620may host one or more online storefronts. Online store module620may further comprise databases that store catalogs of goods and/or services available for purchase. The catalogs may contain the details about the various goods and/or services that can be listed in one or more storefronts, including pricing information, a description of the goods and/or services, fulfillment details, etc.

In some implementations, electronic storage602may include information about available games, user profile data, social networking data, data collected from previous gameplay sessions, e-commerce data, and/or other data. In some implementations, electronic storage602may comprise non-transitory electronic storage media that electronically stores information. Electronic storage602may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (e.g., substantially non-removable) with game server600and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to online store400via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage602may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage402may include virtual storage resources, such as storage resources provided via a cloud and/or a virtual private network. Electronic storage602may store software algorithms, information determined by processor604, and/or other information that enables online store600to function properly. Electronic storage602may be a separate component within game server600, or electronic storage602may be provided integrally with one or more other components of game server600. For example, in certain implementations, the non-transitory electronic storage media of electronic storage602may include a cache (e.g., L1 cache, L2 cache, etc.) of processor604.

In some implementations, electronic storage602, processor(s)604, external resources606, and/or other components (e.g., additional instances of game servers) may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via a network such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which electronic storage602, processor(s)604, external resources606, and/or other components may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

In some implementations, the external resources606may include services and information sources external to game server600, for example, third-party social networking services external to game server600, third-party merchandising databases and catalogs, web hosting services, game server services, media streaming services, etc. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources606may be provided by resources included in game server600.

In some implementations, processor(s)604may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s)604is shown inFIG. 6as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)604may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)604may represent processing functionality of a plurality of distributed devices operating in coordination.

Processor(s)604may be configured to execute matchmaking module608, social networking module610, data collection module612, user profile module614, authentication module616, communication module618, online store module620, and/or other modules. Processor(s)604may be configured to execute modules608,610,612,614,616,618,620, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s)604.

It should be appreciated that although modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620are illustrated inFIG. 6as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)604includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620may be located remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620provided herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620. As another example, processor604may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules608,610,612,614,616,618, and620.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram of a process relating to squad utilization in accordance with aspects of the invention. The process may be performed, for example, by the processor and system described in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, or the system or components thereof ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments the process ofFIG. 7is utilized in performing operations of blocks409and/or411of the process ofFIG. 4.

In block711the process utilizes troops in accordance with a selected tactic. The tactic may also be considered a strategy, in some instances. In some embodiments the selected tactic is a tactic selected by a user, with a default tactic being considered the selected tactic absent a selection by the user. In some embodiments the selected tactic is one of a predefined plurality of tactics, and in some such embodiments one of the tactics is an initial default tactic. For example, in some embodiments the plurality of tactics include a base defense tactic, a patrol tactic, an attack tactic, and a hunt tactic; and one of those tactics, for example the defend base tactic may serve as an initial default tactic.

In many embodiments the troops are utilized in accordance with program instructions that provide for actions of computer controlled troop members that comprise the troops. For example, the program instructions may provide that upon occurrence of certain predefined events, for example an enemy within a predefined radius of a member of the troop, certain actions will be taken by one or more of the troop members, for example all members of the troop will attack that enemy. In some embodiments the program instructions may be considered to provide artificial intelligence (AI) control of the troops, which may be a simple version of AI, with predefined responses for predefined situations, or more complex versions of AI, with for example responses being modified learning, for example based on outcomes of responses to prior similar events.

In some embodiments in a base defense tactic, the process places troop members about a base in a predefined pattern, and has the troop members attack enemies that are within a predefined distance to the base. In some embodiments in a patrol tactic, the process has troop members move about in a predefined pattern, attacking enemies that are within a predefined distance of the troop members as they travel in the predefined pattern. In some embodiments in an attack tactic, the process has the troops move towards an object of value, for example an enemy base, and has the troop members attack enemies between them and the enemy base. In some embodiments in a hunt tactic, the process has the troop members move towards any sighted enemies, and attack those enemies. In various embodiments these tactics are varied and/or elaborated, and in various embodiments other tactics are provided for in addition or instead.

In block713the process determines if the process has received a change in tactics. For example, in some embodiments the user may change the selected tactic, for example by way of a user interface. If the process has received a change in tactic, the process returns to block711and utilizes the troops in accordance with the selected tactic. Otherwise the process returns, with in various embodiments the process continuing to utilize the troops in accordance with the previous selected (or default) tactic.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram of a further process relating to squad utilization in accordance with aspects of the invention. The process may be performed, for example, by the processor and system described in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, or the system or components thereof ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments the process ofFIG. 8is utilized in performing operations of blocks410of the process ofFIG. 4.

In block811the process receives a selection of particular members of a troop. The members of the troop are, in most embodiments, members of a troop controlled by a game player. The selection may be a selection of all members of the troop controlled by the game player or a subset of members of such troop, the subset being one or more, but less than all, members of the troop. In some embodiments the selection is received by way of the game player using a user interface of a device, for example a tablet or smartphone, to indicate to the process the selected members of the troop.

In block813the process receives a command for the selected members. The command may be a command from a limited set of options presented by the process to the game player, in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the process may provide options for the selected members to attack, to patrol, to defend, or to take some other identified action. In some embodiments the command may identify a location or goal, and an action to take with respect to the location or goal. The location may be, for example, a location in a game world. The goal may be, for example, to control an object within the game world or to effect a result on an entity, for example an enemy, in the game world. In some embodiments the command is received by way of the game player using the user interface of a device, for example a tablet or smartphone, to indicate to the process the command for the selected members.

In block815the process processes the command for the selected members. In most embodiments processing of the command includes having the selected members moves and/or has the selected members take actions consistent with the command. For example, if a command is for the selected members attack enemies about a particular location, the process may move the selected towards the particular location and have the members attack enemies within a predefined radius of the particular location.

The process thereafter returns.

FIG. 9is a flow diagram of a process related to transitioning from game play with a strategy game play pattern to game play with a first person game play pattern in accordance with aspects of the invention. The process may be performed, for example, by the processor and system described in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, or the system or components thereof ofFIG. 1.

In block911the process provides game play of a game on a first device using a first game play pattern, for example a strategy genre game play pattern. For some games the strategy genre game play pattern could be considered to provide for tactical game play, with for example a game player providing general commands for activities of game entities otherwise under computer control consistent with the general commands. In some embodiments the game entities are members of a troop, squad, or team. For example, in some embodiments the game entities are members of a squad of soldiers, and in some embodiments the game entities are members of a football team. In some embodiments the strategy game play pattern provides for a top-down world view of a game world or portions of the game world, and allows for provision of general commands to a plurality of entities within the game world and, in some embodiments, selection of various ones or some of those entities to which the commands apply. For example, in some embodiments the game play pattern allows for selection of a play for execution by an otherwise AI controlled football team, or in some embodiments the game play pattern allows for selection of a tactic or action to take with respect to a location or goal for an otherwise AI controlled group of soldiers. In some embodiments the first device may be a tablet or smartphone, and in some embodiments is any device not well suited for game play using a first person game play pattern, for example due to graphics display or processing limitations or user input device limitations.

In block913the process determines if a request has been made for individual detailed control of a one of the game entities. For example, in some embodiments a game player may request individual detailed control of a member of a squad of soldiers, or individual detailed control of for example a running back of a football team. The request is generally made by receipt of a user input to the first device indicative of a request for such control. A user may make such a request for any reason or no reason, in various embodiments, but a user may desire to make such a request if another more capable device has become available for use by the user, or if the user believes that game play has reached a state where individual detailed control of a game entity may be more likely to lead to a successful game outcome for the user. For example, the user may believe that the user possesses greater level of skill in controlling a particular game entity than AI control otherwise provided, and that game play has entered a critical phase necessitating employment of the user's greater level of skill. If the process determines that a request for individual detailed control of a one of the game entities has been made the process continues to block915, otherwise the process returns to block911.

In block915the process provides game play of the game on a second device using a second game play pattern, for example a first person genre game play pattern. In the second game play pattern the process allows a user to individually control actions of a one of the game entities. For example, in a football related sports videogame, the second game play pattern may provide for first person (or third person) control of a running back, and in a shooter related videogame, the second game play pattern may provide for first person control of an individual soldier. In many embodiments the second device is a device well suited for game play using a first person game play pattern. In some embodiments the second device is a game console or a personal computer.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram of a process related to transitioning from game play with a strategy game play pattern to game play with a first person game play pattern in accordance with aspects of the invention. The process may be performed, for example, by the processor and system described in connection withFIGS. 5 and 6, or the system or components thereof ofFIG. 1.

In block1011the process provides game play of a game on a second device using a second game play pattern, for example a first person genre game play pattern. In the second game play pattern the process allows a user to individually control actions of a one of the game entities. For example, in a football related sports videogame, the second game play pattern may provide for first person (or third person) control of a running back, and in a shooter related videogame, the second game play pattern may provide for first person control of an individual soldier. In many embodiments the second device is a device well suited for game play using a first person game play pattern. In some embodiments the second device is a game console or a personal computer.

In block1013the process determines if a request has been made for relinquishment of individual detailed control of the one of the game entities, with control instead to be a tactical or strategic control. For example, in some embodiments a game player may request tactical control of a squad of soldiers, or a level of control at only a play calling level of a football team. The request is generally made by receipt of a user input to the first device indicative of a request for such control. If the process determines that a request for relinquishment of individual detailed control of the one of the game entities has been made the process continues to block1015, otherwise the process returns to block1011.

In block1015the process provides game play of the game on a first device using a first game play pattern, for example a strategy genre game play pattern. For some games the strategy genre game play pattern could be considered to provide for tactical game play, with for example a game player providing general commands for activities of game entities otherwise under computer control consistent with the general commands. In some embodiments the game entities are members of a troop, squad, or team. For example, in some embodiments the game entities are members of a squad of soldiers, and in some embodiments the game entities are members of a football team. In some embodiments the strategy game play pattern provides for a top-down world view of a game world or portions of the game world, and allows for provision of general commands to a plurality of entities within the game world and, in some embodiments, selection of various ones or some of those entities to which the commands apply. For example, in some embodiments the game play pattern allows for selection of a play for execution by an otherwise AI controlled football team, or in some embodiments the game play pattern allows for selection of a tactic or action to take with respect to a location or goal for an otherwise AI controlled group of soldiers. In some embodiments the first device may be a tablet or smartphone, and in some embodiments is any device not well suited for game play using a first person game play pattern, for example due to graphics display or processing limitations or user input device limitations.

The process thereafter returns.

In various embodiment the processes ofFIGS. 9 and 10may be provided during a single gameplay session of a videogame. For example, in some embodiments a user may repeatedly switch between devices and game play patterns at the user's option, allowing the user to effectively alternate between high level control of a plurality of game entities and detailed control of a one of those game entities when desired. Moreover, in various embodiments different ones of the game entities may be the subject of detailed control when desired. For example, in a shooter game in which a plurality of squads are subject to control of a user, the user may select a member of different squads for individual control, depending on the vagaries of game play.

Although the invention has been discussed with respect to various embodiments, it should be recognized that the invention comprises the novel and non-obvious claims supported by this disclosure. Furthermore, all or portions of the subject innovation can be implemented as a system, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed innovation.