U.S. Pat. No. 12,121,818

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a system10for incentivizing user participation in gameplay events that take place in an online game. The online game may take place within a virtual space. Users may participate in the virtual space and/or the online game by controlling game entities that represent the users in the virtual space. Game entities may include one or more of a virtual character, group of characters, a virtual object, a battalion, a clan, a unit, a village, an army, and/or other considerations. Users may participate in one or more gameplay events that take place in the virtual space. Events in the virtual space include one or more of a tournament, a match, a campaign, a battle, a siege, and/or other considerations of gameplay events where performance relative other users may be quantitatively measured.

Virtual objects may include virtual items and/or goods. Virtual items and/or goods may include one or more of a virtual weapon, a tool, a food, a currency, a reward, a bonus, health, a potion, an enhancement, a mount, a power-up, a speed-up, clothing, a vehicle, an anatomical feature of a game entity, a troop or troop type, a pet, a virtual resource, and/or other virtual item and/or good.

InFIG.1, providing the virtual space may include hosting the virtual space over a network34, such as the Internet. A host server12may include one or more processors configured to execute one or more computer components for implementing an instance of a virtual space and/or an online game taking place within the virtual space and to facilitate the participation of one or more users in the virtual space and/or the online game. The server12may include processor(s)14.

The computer program components may include one or more of a space component16, a user component18, a shop component20, an event-hosting component22, a gameplay metric component24, an award component26, a leaderboard component28, and/or other components. The server12may be configured to communicate with one or more client computing platforms38, according to client/server architecture, and/or other considerations. The client computing platforms38can include, for example, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a television set-top box, smart TV, a gaming console, and/or other considerations. The users40may access system10and/or the virtual space via the client computing platforms38.

The space component16may be configured to implement an instance of the virtual space executed by the computer components to determine state of the virtual space. The state may then be communicated (e.g., via streaming visual data, object/position data, and/or other state information) from server12to client computing platforms38for presentation to users40. The state determined and transmitted to a given client computing platform38may correspond to a view for a user character (or other game entity) being controlled by a user40via input devices (e.g., a controller) at the given client computing platform38. The state determined and presented to a given client computing platform38may correspond to a location in the virtual space (e.g., location in the game). The view described by the state for the given client computing platform38may correspond, for example, to the location from which the view is taken, the location the view depicts, and/or other locations, a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view, and/or parameters of the view. One or more of the view parameters may be selectable by the users40.

An instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that is accessible by users40via clients (e.g., client computing platforms38) that present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated space may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction by one or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned within the topography that are capable of locomotion within the topography. In some instances, the topography may be a 2-dimensional topography. In other instances, the topography may be a 3-dimensional topography. The topography may include dimensions of the space, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are “native” to the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a substantial portion of the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a volume with one or more bodies positioned therein (e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived space with one or more celestial bodies positioned therein). An instance executed by the computer components may be synchronous, asynchronous, and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which the state of the virtual space is determined by space component16is not intended to be limiting. The space component16may be configured to express the virtual space in a more limited, or richer, manner. For example, views determined for the virtual space representing the state of the instance of the virtual space may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an event in a given place within the virtual space. The views may include additional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/or other content) that describes particulars of the current state of the place, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view may include a generic battle graphic with a textual description of the opponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual places within the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by space component16, users40may control game entities, simulated physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual space and/or each other. The game entities may include virtual characters such as avatars. As used herein, the term character may refer to a game entity present in the virtual space that represents an individual user. A game entity may be controlled by the user40with which it is associated. The user-controlled element(s) may move through and interact with the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space, other objects in the virtual space). The user-controlled elements controlled by and/or associated with a given user40may be created and/or customized by the given user. The user may have an “inventory” of virtual items and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., by manipulation of a game entity or other user-controlled element, and/or other items) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the instance of the virtual space by controlling one or more of the available user-controlled game entities in the virtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/or commands input by the users through client computing platforms38. The users may interact with each other through communications exchanged within the virtual space. Such communications may include one or more of textual chat, instant messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or other communications. Communications may be received and entered by the users40via their respective client computing platforms38. Communications may be routed to and from the appropriate users through server12(e.g., through space component16) and/or through communications which are external to the system10(e.g., text messaging services associated with the client computing platforms38).

The instance of the virtual space and/or the online game that takes place therein may be persistent. That is, the virtual space and/or the game may continue on whether or not individual players are currently logged in and/or participating in the game. A player who logs out of the virtual space and then logs back in some time later may find the virtual space has been changed through the interactions of other players with the virtual space during the time the player was logged out. These changes may include changes to the simulated physical space, changes in the player's inventory, changes in other players' inventories, changes experienced by non-player characters, changes to the virtual items available for use in the online game, and/or other changes.

The instance of the virtual space and/or online game may include events that take place in the virtual space. Events in the virtual space include one or more of a tournament, match, campaign, battle, siege, challenge, and/or other considerations of events. Events may correspond to gameplay where users control game entities and interact with other users controlling game entities, with artificial intelligence-controlled entities, and/or other considerations of gameplay within the events. Participation in events may be monitored and/or otherwise determined such that the performance of users relative to other users in the events may be quantitatively valued.

The user component18may be configured to access and/or manage one or more user profiles and/or user information associated with users of the system10. The one or more user profiles and/or user information may include information stored by server12, one or more of the client computing platforms38, and/or other storage locations. The user profiles may include, for example, information identifying users (e.g., a username or handle, a number, an identifier, and/or other identifying information) within the virtual space, security login information (e.g., a login code or password), virtual space account information, subscription information, virtual (or real) currency account information (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user), virtual inventory information (e.g., virtual inventories associated with the users that include one or more virtual items available for the users in the virtual space), relationship information (e.g., information related to relationships between users in the virtual space), virtual space usage information (e.g., a login history indicating the frequency and/or amount of times the user logs in to the user accounts), demographic information associated with users, interaction history among users in the virtual space, information stated by users, browsing history of users, a client computing platform identification associated with a user, a phone number associated with a user, attribute information, and/or other information related to users.

The attribute information managed by the user component18may comprise one or more attributes and/or attribute values associated with the attributes. In some implementations, the attributes described herein may correspond to one or more game entities associated with a user and/or the users themselves. By way of non-limiting example, a gain in a value for an attribute of a particular game entity may be extended as a gain for a value of a same or similar attribute associated with the user (and perhaps with other game entities associated with the user). That is to say, an attribute that describes characteristics of the game entity may be used to describe characteristics of the user, and/or an attribute that describes characteristics of the user may be used to describe characteristics of one or more game entities associated with the user.

A value of an attribute may describe a state of a characteristic associated with the user and/or game entity in the online game. For example, a common attribute is experience (XP). Other examples of attributes may include a reputation score, a rank, a skill score, a level of knowledge, average spending, a role, a class, a handle (e.g., username), alliance(s), friend(s), health (e.g., hit points), strength, power, mana, valor, might, spells, morale, speed, level, appearance, race, initiative score, skills, defense abilities, attack abilities, special abilities, production rate, upkeep, virtual items produced, technology produced, and/or any other attributes. The value of a given attribute may be numerical (e.g., points, amount, score, rank, ratings, grades, or any other type of numerical value), descriptive (e.g., text for name, race, role, and/or other considerations), progressive (e.g., high, medium, low, and/or other considerations), pictorial (e.g., an image representing a group of users associated with the user, and/or other considerations), and/or any other type of value for an attribute.

The user information associated with a given user as managed by the user component18may include information indicating inventory associated with the user in the online game. An inventory associated with a given user may provide an accounting of virtual items, such as virtual buildings, resources, weapons, objects, and/or any other virtual items; characters, such as a user-controlled game entity, avatar, troop, and/or any other type of user-controlled game entity; virtual currencies; and/or any other virtual space elements that have been procured, controlled by, and/or otherwise associated with a given user in the online game. Such accounting of items associated with users may reflect a balance (e.g., a quantity of the entities associated with the user in the online game). By way of a non-limiting example, the given user may have an X number of virtual currencies, a Y number of a virtual resources (e.g., iron, ore, wood, coal, etc.), a Z number of troops, and/or any other entities associated with the user in the online game.

In some implementations, a valor attribute associated with a game entity may reflect relative experiences and/or actions by the user controlling the associated game entity in the virtual space. The valor attribute may be a measure of the game entity's performance and/or capabilities to defeat enemies, inflict damage, collect resources, achieve objectives, and/or other considerations. For example, a game entity may gain and/or lose valor depending on the strength, resulting performance, and/or capabilities in the virtual space. In some implementations, with a certain amount of valor the game entity attains in the virtual space, the game entity may become more powerful and capable, which may be reflected by enhancements in various characteristics associated with the game entity. In some exemplary implementations, the valor associated with the game entity may be manifested via number(s) expressed as experience points (“XP”), and/or other considerations.

By way of illustration inFIG.2, the user component18may be configured to manage user information for a first user42, a second user44, and/or other users. The user information managed for the first user42may include information corresponding to a first game entity46associated with the first user42, and/or other information. The information corresponding to the first game entity46may include a first attribute40and/or other information. A corresponding value of the first attribute40and/or other attribute (e.g., a point value, a non-numerical value, and/or other considerations) may be stored. The value of the first attribute40may be determined, changed, and/or updated based on gameplay by the first user42in the online game while using the first game entity46, and/or other considerations.

The user information managed for the second user44may include information corresponding to a second game entity48associated with the second user44. The information corresponding to the second game entity48may include the first attribute40of the second game entity48, and/or other attribute(s). A corresponding value of the first attribute40for the second game entity48and/or other attribute (e.g., a point value, a non-numerical value, and/or other considerations) may be stored. The value of the first attribute40for second game entity48may be determined, changed, and/or updated based on gameplay by the first user42in the online game, and/or other considerations.

Returning toFIG.1, in some implementations, the shop component20may be configured to present offers to sell instances of virtual items to users in a virtual shop. The virtual shop may be a simulated environment within the virtual space which is accessible by users and presents the views of the virtual shop to the users. Users may access the virtual shop through one of a variety of ways. Users may access the virtual shop through the manipulation of one or more entities associated with the user within the virtual space using control inputs and/or commands input by the users through client computing platforms38, and/or other ways of access.

Manipulation of a game entity may include moving the game entity through the virtual space using control inputs and/or commands input by the users through client computing platforms38to move the one or more entities to the simulated environment designating the location of the virtual shop within the virtual space.

Users may use control inputs and/or commands not associated with a game entity to access the virtual shop. Control inputs and/or commands may automatically present the instance of the virtual shop on the client computing platforms38(e.g., user selects a virtual shop button to automatically be taken to the virtual shop).

The instance of the virtual shop may be presented to users through a shop interface. The shop interface may be configured to present the offers to sell virtual items to users. The shop interface may be configured to receive entry and/or selection of individual offers by the users to effectuate acceptance and/or purchase of the offers at a virtual (or real) currency purchase price.

The simulated environment of the virtual shop may have topography. The virtual shop may express ongoing real-time interaction by one or more users (e.g., may have limited stock of virtual items for sale which can be purchased by one or more users within the virtual space and which can be depleted), and/or include one or more objects (e.g., one or more virtual items, a virtual teller, and/or other objects) positioned within the topography that may be capable of locomotion within the topography. The virtual shop may display the virtual items and/or the one or more sets of virtual content available for purchase by the users. Users may view the virtual items (e.g., individual virtual items and/or sets of virtual items) available for purchase. Users may purchase the virtual items using virtual (or real) currency. Transactions may take place with the virtual teller, through various other actions of the user within the instance of the virtual shop, and/or other offer/transaction mechanisms. In some implementations, the virtual shop component20may be configured to manage transfer of instances of virtual items of value and instances of placeholder items to user inventories in response to purchase of the virtual items of value and placeholder items.

In some implementations, users may purchase virtual items and/or goods via the virtual shop in preparation for gameplay events and/or during the gameplay events. In some implementations, the purchase of virtual items and/or goods by users participating in gameplay events may “spike” toward the end of the gameplay events. That is, users may purchase a higher quantity of virtual items and/or higher-valued virtual items and/or goods to enhance and/or increase their performance as the end of the gameplay events nears. This may give the users the opportunity to obtain more “points” and/or otherwise increase their performance relative to other users in order to get into the top ranking of players by the end of the gameplay event. In some instances, users may only minimally participate in the gameplay event up until the end of the gameplay event. As such, the participation level by users in the gameplay events in general may be minimal up until the near end of the events. However, in order to increase participation by users during the entirety of the gameplay event, one or more implementations of the system10presented herein contemplate providing incentives for user participation during one or more predetermined timed intervals that take place during the event. Participation by the users during these intervals may be incentivized by virtue of rewarding the users based on specific performance within the intervals.

The event-hosting component22may be configured to facilitate one or more gameplay events for the users of virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the event-hosting component22may facilitate a gameplay event such that a user should undertake certain game actions or activities in the virtual space during an event time period. The users may be distributed awards based on their performance in the gameplay events. The event-hosting component22may be configured to facilitate gameplay events by specifying the event time period, a start time of the event time period, an end time of the event time period, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, the event-hosting component22may be instructed by the provider(s) of the virtual space to start facilitating a given gameplay event for the users of the virtual space. For instance, control information entered and/or selected by the provider(s) of the virtual space may be received by the event-hosting component22, instructing the event-hosting component22to start facilitating a gameplay event for the users of the online game, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, the event-hosting component22may be configured to facilitate one or more gameplay events on a periodic basis, and/or on some other basis.

In some implementations, the event-hosting component22may be configured such that facilitating gameplay events comprises determining one or more time intervals within the event time periods of gameplay events. Individual ones of the time intervals may be shorter than the duration of the gameplay event. Individual ones of the time intervals may take place during the duration of the gameplay event. For example, a time interval may have a start time that is temporally after a start time of the gameplay event. A time interval may have an end time that is temporally before an end time of the gameplay event. In some implementations, the determination of one or more time intervals for a given gameplay event may comprise determining a successive temporal order of the time intervals within the duration of the gameplay event. In some implementations, if a gameplay event is associated with more than one time interval, the time intervals may or may not overlap.

The one or more time intervals may correspond to user participation-incentivizing sub-events that take during the gameplay event. That is, a given time interval may correspond to an interval of time during the gameplay event where one or more particular game actions and/or activities in the gameplay event may be incentivized. The actions and/or activities may be determined based on a determination of a particular gameplay metric, or change in the gameplay metric, associated with the interval and/or gameplay event in general (see, e.g., the gameplay metric component24). In some implementations, the one or more particular actions and/or activities associated with the time intervals may be the same as the one or more actions and/or activities undertaken by the users associated with the gameplay event. In some implementations, the certain actions and/or activities associated with a given time interval may be different from the actions and/or activities associated with gameplay event.

The certain game actions and/or activities associated with the time intervals may be incentivized by providing the users with awards based on their performance in the gameplay event during individual ones of the time intervals. For example, a given time interval may be associated with incentivizing actions by the users that cause the user to increase a given gameplay metric. The performance of the user during the given time interval resulting in an increase in the gameplay metric may result in the user being determined to receive an award and/or prize. In some implementations, the awards for performance during different time intervals may also be different. In some implementations, the awards for performance during the different time intervals may be the same. In some implementations, the awards for performance during the time intervals may vary depending on a qualitative measure of the user's performance (see, e.g., gameplay metric component24). For example, in some implementations, the greater the performance by the user of a certain action and/or activity during a time interval may result in a higher-valued award for that performance, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, the awards for performance during the different time intervals may impact the awards for performance during the entire event period of the gameplay event (see, e.g., the award component26).

The determined one or more time intervals may be respectively “activated” during the event period of a corresponding gameplay event. A given time interval may be activated by establishing an interval clock, countdown, stopwatch, and/or other technique by which one or more of the interval duration, interval start time, and/or interval end time may be presented to the users in the virtual space. As such, the activation of the time intervals may provide an indication to the users that performance of a specific action and/or activity to increase a gameplay metric may be measured and/or that the users have the opportunity to obtain an award based on their performance during the intervals. Measuring user performance during the time intervals and/or gameplay events may be described in more detail with reference to gameplay metric component26.

In some implementations, the event-hosting component22may be configured to effectuate presentation of notifications to the users of a gameplay event that are associated with the one or more time intervals. This may include effectuating presentation of one or more of the interval duration, an interval start time, and interval end time, and/or other notifications. By way of non-limiting example, inFIG.3, a notification98within a user interface96may include presentation of information that indicates that a time interval is taking place or is going to take place. The notification98may indicate the gameplay metric, actions and/or activities to increase the gameplay metric, and/or other information related to the time interval. The notification98may include information indicating an award or type of an award the users may obtain based on their relative performance during the interval, and/or other information. It is noted that notifications presented to users during a gameplay event may include more or less information. For example, a notification may include a stopwatch that may be displayed on-screen that provides a countdown of a time interval. Notifications may be considered in other ways.

In some implementations, the event hosting component22may be configured to facilitate gameplay events based on information determined and/or obtained from other components such as the gameplay metric component24, award component26, leaderboard component28, and/or other components.

By way of non-limiting illustration, inFIG.2, the event-hosting component22may be configured to facilitate a first gameplay event50and/or other gameplay events. Facilitating the first gameplay event50may include facilitating participation by the first user42, the second user44, and/or other user(s) in the first gameplay event50. The first gameplay event50may take place during a first event time period52. The first event time period52may be defined by a first start time54, a first end time56, duration, and/or other information.

In some implementations, the event-hosting component22may be configured such that facilitating the first gameplay event50includes determining a first time interval58of the first event time period52. The first time interval58may be defined by a second start time60, a second end time62, duration, and/or other information. The first time interval58may take place within the first event time period52. The second start time60may take place temporally after the first start time54. The second end time62may take place temporally before the first end time56.

In some implementations, the event component22may be configured such that facilitating the first gameplay event50includes determining a second time interval64of the first event time period52. The second time interval64may be defined by a third start time66, a third end time68, duration, and/or other information. The second time interval64may take place within the first event time period52. The second time interval64may take place temporally after the first time interval58. The third start time66may take place temporally after the first start time54, the second start time60, both, and/or other considerations. The third end time68may take place temporally before the first end time56. The third end time68may take place temporally after the second end time62.

Returning toFIG.1, in some implementations, the gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain one or more gameplay metrics for the gameplay events and determine values of the gameplay metrics for the users in the virtual space. The gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain a gameplay metric for one or more time intervals associated with a gameplay event. The gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain a gameplay metric that may be associated with the gameplay event as a whole. In some implementations, the gameplay metric component24may obtain gameplay metrics from the provider, administrator, moderator, and/or any other entities related to the online games, e.g., via a graphical user interface. For example, the provider(s) of the online game may provide one or more gameplay metrics of interest to the provider(s) via a graphical user interface for each gameplay event, time interval, and/or other considerations.

A given gameplay metric obtained by gameplay metric component24may include any variable related to gameplay (e.g., action and/or activity) by users in a gameplay event and/or a time interval within the gameplay event. A gameplay metric obtained by the gameplay metric component24may reflect (e.g., measure) one or more aspects of gameplay by users in the respective gameplay events, such as actions and/or activities performed by the user in the virtual space, and/or other considerations. Examples of a gameplay metric may include, but not be limited to, military power, commerce level, valor level, might level, production rate or output, a number of bosses killed, a number of quests engaged, an amount of virtual currency acquired, average spending, number of combats engaged in a period, most frequent game actions performed within a period (e.g., top 10), virtual items most used within a period (e.g., top 5), and/or other considerations.

For example, without limitation, a gameplay metric may be obtained by the gameplay metric component24to measure a valor level of users in a gameplay event. In another example, a gameplay metric may be obtained to measure production of virtual items by users in the gameplay event. In yet another example, a gameplay metric may be obtained to measure a number of combats engaged by the users in the gameplay event. Other examples of gameplay metric are contemplated.

As used herein, gameplay by users in a given gameplay event may refer to user actions and/or activities in a gameplay event for addressing, directly and indirectly, one or more objectives associated with the gameplay event and/or interval. Examples of gameplay by the users in the given gameplay event may include military actions (e.g., defeating opponents, NPCs, or other users' characters in encounters or combats), logistic actions (e.g., marching troops, transporting weapons, supplying food, resources, and any other logistic actions), planning actions (e.g., crafting weapons, raising troops, training troops, developing heroes, building or upgrading buildings, and any other planning actions), production actions (e.g., farming, prospecting, and mining for resources; producing units; and any other user actions related to production activities in the online game), commerce actions (e.g., trading for virtual resources and/or items), exploratory actions (e.g., exploring uncharted game space locations or area, surveying game space locations controlled by other users, and any other exploratory actions), social interaction actions (e.g., collaborating with other users, assisting other users, challenging other users, and/or any other social interaction actions), participation in a quest, campaign, event, team play, and any other type(s) of user actions and/or activities in the online game.

The gameplay metric component24may be configured to determine values of a gameplay metric for individual users in respective gameplay events. Determining gameplay metric values for users by the gameplay metric component24may include identifying and/or tracking user actions in the respective online game. For example, the gameplay metric component24may be configured to identify and track user inputs to the virtual space at any given time, during a specified time interval and/or time period, and/or other considerations. For instance, the gameplay metric component24may identify that a given user has attacked an NPC at a specific location within the gameplay event and gained a certain amount of valor, may identify that the given user has started a crafting process in the gameplay event to craft a rare virtual item, may identity that the given user has assisted another user in the gameplay event by transferring an amount of virtual resources to that user's inventory, and/or identify any other user actions in the respective gameplay event. Based on such identified user actions, the gameplay metric component24may determine a change in the value of corresponding gameplay metric(s) over time. For instance, without limitation, the user attacking the NPC and/or other users' characters within the gameplay event over a time interval may increase (or decrease) the value of a gameplay metric measuring valor (or other metric) of the user in the gameplay event by a certain amount of points.

In some examples, a gameplay metric obtained by gameplay metric component24may correspond to one or more attributes, the number of entities controlled by the users, and/or any other user information managed by user component18as specified by the provider, administrator, moderator, and/or any other entities related to the virtual space. In those examples, the gameplay metric component24may determine the values of the gameplay metric by simply examining and/or querying the relevant user information corresponding to the gameplay metric. For example, without limitation, the provider(s) of a given gameplay event may specify that the gameplay metric measuring user valor (or other metric) in the gameplay event should correspond to the valor attribute included in the user information associated with the user. In some implementations, the provider(s) of a given gameplay event may specify that the gameplay metric measuring user valor (or other metric) in the gameplay event should correspond to attack abilities of the game entity(s), attack power of the game entity, number and levels of troops, weapons, military buildings (e.g., towers) controlled by the users, and any other attributes reflecting valor (or other metric) of the users in the gameplay events. In another example, a gameplay metric measuring user commerce level in the gameplay event may be specified by the provider(s) of the gameplay event as corresponding to a number of commerce units controlled by the users (e.g., merchants), types of trading structure controlled by the users, number and level of transportation units controlled by the users, number of roads controlled by the users, types of transportation infrastructure controlled by the users, and/or any other attributes. In these examples, determining the values of such gameplay metric for the users by gameplay metric component24may involve obtaining the corresponding attribute values from the user component18.

In some implementations, the gameplay metric component24may determine the values of a given gameplay metric for the users based on one or more functions, formulas, tables, or any other types of specifications provided by the provider, administrator, moderator, and/or any other entities related to the online games. For example, a given function, formula, table, or any other type of specification may specify an “action-for-point”, “activity-for-point”, and/or other conversion. For any given measure of a gameplay metric in a given gameplay event, a given function, formula, table, or any other type of specification may be provided by the provider(s) of the virtual space specifying points or other gameplay metric values associated with corresponding user actions and/or activities, attributes, and/or any other elements that may be used to quantify a value of the gameplay metric, and/or other considerations.

By way of non-limiting example, a table may specify that for every 100 units of troops (or other amount) trained by a given user, one valor (or other metric) point may be given to the user; for a level 1 barrack erected by the user, 1 valor (or other metric) point may be given to the user; for a level 10 sword (or other level and/or item) acquired by the user, 3 valor (or other metric) points may be given to the user; for every enemy defeated, an amount of valor points may be given to the user; and so on. In that instance, the gameplay metric component24may determine a value of the gameplay metric measuring valor of the given user in the given gameplay event in accordance with such a table. The discussion of “valor” above is not intended to limit the type of metric which may be quantified and/or measured during user participation in a gameplay event. Instead, this is simply an example, and is not limiting with respect to gameplay metric, quantification techniques, measurement techniques, functions, formulas, tables, and/or other characteristics.

By way of non-limiting illustration, inFIG.3, the user interface96may depict a simulated gameplay portion100that shows the actions and/or activities of a game entity102controlled by an associated user (not shown). For example, the user may control the game entity102within the simulated environment of the gameplay portion100to defeat enemies104(e.g., other user-controlled game entities, non-player characters, and/or other considerations) and/or perform other actions and/or activities in connection to the gameplay event. One example of how a user may increase a value of a gameplay metric (e.g., valor, and/or other considerations) may include defeating the game enemies104and/or other considerations. In some implementations, the enemies104may be associated with an amount of valor that a user may obtain by defeating the enemy104. The enemies104may be individually associated with a valor amount, for example, due to the difficulty in defeating the enemy104, and/or other considerations. The user interface96may include a gameplay metric-tracking interface portion106that may allow the user to keep track of current value of the gameplay metric.

The discussion of user interface96above is not intended to limit how gameplay metrics may be defined, how users may acquire value for the gameplay metric, and/or how actions and/or activities may be carried out in a gameplay event. Instead, this is simply an example, and is not limiting with respect to gameplay metric, quantification techniques, measurement techniques, actions and/or activities within a gameplay event, and/or other characteristics of the virtual space.

By way of non-limiting illustration, inFIG.2, the gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain a first gameplay metric70for the first event time period52of the first gameplay event. The first gameplay metric70may correspond to a first action and/or activity, and/or set of actions and/or activities to be undertaken by the users participating in the first gameplay event50. The gameplay metric component24may be configured to determine values for the first gameplay metric70for the first user42associated with the first event time period52, including, but not limited to, a first value72and a second value74. It is noted that the depictions of values in the drawings and accompanying descriptions are directed to performance values for the first user42in the first gameplay event50. However, this is for purposes of clarity and is not to be considered limiting. In other implementations, it may be readily envisioned that determinations of values for gameplay metrics may be similarly performed for the second user44and/or other users.

With that being said, the first value72may correspond to a value of the first gameplay metric70at the first start time54, and/or other considerations. The second value74may correspond to a value of the first gameplay metric70at the first end time56, and/or other considerations. A change (e.g., increase or decrease) in the value of the first gameplay metric70for the first user42during the first event time period52may correspond to a difference between the second value74and the first value72, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain a second gameplay metric76for the first time interval58of the first gameplay event50. The second gameplay metric76may correspond to a second action and/or activity, and/or set of actions and/or activities to be undertaken by the users participating in the first gameplay event50during the first time interval58. The gameplay metric component24may be configured to determine values for the second gameplay metric76for the first user42associated with the first time interval58, including, but not limited to, a third value78and a fourth value80. The third value78may correspond to a value of the second gameplay metric76at the second start time60, and/or other considerations. The fourth value80may correspond to a value of the second gameplay metric76for the first user42at the second end time62, and/or other considerations. A change (e.g., increase or decrease) in the second gameplay metric76for the first user42during the first time interval58may correspond to a difference between the fourth value80and the third value78, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the gameplay metric component24may be configured to obtain a third gameplay metric81for the second time interval64of the first gameplay event50. The third gameplay metric81may correspond to a third action and/or activity, and/or set of actions and/or activities to be undertaken by the users participating in the first gameplay event50during the second time interval64. The gameplay metric component24may be configured to determine values for the third gameplay metric81for the first user42associated with the second time interval64, including, but not limited to, a fifth value82and a sixth value84. The fifth value82may correspond to a value of the third gameplay metric81at the third start time66, and/or other considerations. The sixth value84may correspond to a value of the third gameplay metric81for the first user42at the third end time68, and/or other considerations. A change (e.g., increase or decrease) in the third gameplay metric81for the first user42during the second time interval64may correspond to a difference between the sixth value84and the fifth value82, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the first gameplay metric70, the second gameplay metric76, and third gameplay metric81may be the same gameplay metric. In some implementations, the first gameplay metric70, the second gameplay metric76, and third gameplay metric81may all be different gameplay metrics. In some implementations, the second gameplay metric76and third gameplay metric81may be the same gameplay metric while the first gameplay metric70may be a different gameplay metric. The gameplay metrics may be considered in other ways.

Returning toFIG.1, award component26may be configured to determine awards for distribution to the users based on performance in the gameplay events. The award determination by the award component26may be based on values of the event metric(s), changes in the values of the gameplay metrics, and/or other performance criteria. Awards may be distributed based on performance criteria for individual ones of the time intervals and/or the gameplay event as a whole, and/or other considerations. For example, the changes in the values of the event metric(s) for the individual users may reflect their relative performance within the gameplay event as a whole and/or within one or more time intervals associated with the gameplay events.

In some implementations, the award component26may determine user rankings, scores, grades, ratings, and/or any gameplay event and/or time interval performance results, and determine the awards for distribution to the users based on such performance results. The awards determined by the award component26may include virtual items and/or virtual currencies usable in the online games—for example, an item, a good, an enhancement, an award multiplier, a gameplay metric value multiplier, a consolation prize, and/or other considerations.

By way of non-limiting example, the award component26may determine rankings, scores, grades, ratings, and/or other performance results based on performance criteria for the individual time intervals and/or gameplay events as a whole. At its most basic level, performance criteria may be associated with the changes in the values of the gameplay metrics for the users, and/or other considerations. Performance criteria may specify that the user with the greatest increase in value of a given gameplay metric is to be distributed an award (e.g., is the “winner”, highest ranked, and/or other considerations). However, performance criteria may be specified in other ways. For example, performance criteria may specify that the user with the highest rate of increase in the value of the gameplay metric within a given gameplay event and/or time interval may be distributed an award. Performance criteria may be considered in other ways.

In some implementations, performance criteria may be obtained from the provider, administrator, moderator, and/or any other entities related to the online games, and/or other considerations. The awards may be distributed by providing the award and/or an instance of the award to an inventory associated with the “winning” user. Awards determinations and/or distributions may be considered in other ways.

In some implementations, the award component26may be configured to determine awards for distribution to the users based on cumulative performance within the time intervals of a gameplay event. For instance, if a gameplay event includes two or more time intervals, a user may obtain an award if they “win” the majority of the time intervals (e.g., perform the best within a majority of the time intervals). This may create further incentive to perform well within all the time intervals, as well as during the gameplay event as a whole.

In some implementations, the awards distributed to the users based on performance in the intervals (herein “interval awards”) may be dependent on and/or may impact the final awards distributed based on final ranking in the gameplay event as a whole (herein “event award”). For instance, the interval awards may enhance and/or increase a value and/or quantity of an event award. This may include designating the interval awards as “multipliers” that increase the event award, and/or other considerations. By way of non-limiting example, a given event award may correspond to one or more virtual items to be distributed to the users. A given interval award may correspond to a multiplier (e.g., 1.5×, 2×, 2.5×, 3×, and/or other considerations) that may increase the quantity and/or value of the virtual items associated with the event award. In such instances, the interval awards may be redeemed in conjunction with the event awards, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the interval awards may be dependent on the event awards. An interval award may not be redeemable by a user absent the user also obtaining an event award (e.g., based on final ranking). That is, an interval award may be a multiplier for an event award, but absent the user ranking high enough to receive an event award, the interval award may be of no value or even be usable. In some implementations, the interval awards may then simply be discarded at the end of the gameplay event, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the interval awards may be independent from the event awards. The interval awards may include one or more virtual items that may be distributed to the users based on performance in the time intervals, without consideration to the final ranking of the users. In some implementations, one or more virtual items associated with an interval award may be distributed to the users once the time interval has ended, once the gameplay event has ended, whether or not the user ranked high enough to receive an event award, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the interval awards may impact one or more attributes of a user and/or game entity associated with the user. The interval awards may impact an attribute that is associated with a gameplay metric for the particular interval. For example, a gameplay metric may correspond to an attribute and/or other user information managed by user component18. A user may be distributed an interval award based on user performance with regard to having the greatest increase in the value of the gameplay metric during the time interval (e.g., relative to other players). The interval award may provide a multiplier that increases the value of the corresponding attribute. By way of non-limiting illustration, a gameplay metric for a time interval may correspond to actions and/or activities that increase the value of valor (e.g., associated with a valor attribute managed by the user component18). An interval award may include a multiplier that increases the value of the corresponding valor attribute (or other attribute). As such, the value of the valor attribute (or other attribute) managed by the user component18may be increased by an amount specified by the multiplier. The increase in the value of the attribute may be effectuated at the end of the interval, at the end of the gameplay event, and/or other considerations.

The above discussion of event awards and interval awards is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not to be considered limiting. The relationships (or lack thereof) between event awards and interval awards may be considered in other ways. For example, a given user may be distributed both an interval award and an event award, an interval award only, an event award only, no awards, and/or other considerations.

By way of illustration, inFIG.2, the awards component26may be configured to distribute awards to the first user42, second user44, and/or other users based on performance within the first gameplay event50. The awards may include a first award86(interval award), a second award88(event award), a third award90(interval award), a fourth award92(award based on cumulative interval performance), and/or other awards. The first award86may be associated with determined changes in the respective values of the second gameplay metric76for the first user42, second user44, and/or other users. For example, the determined change for the second gameplay metric76for the first user42may be the difference between the fourth value80and the third value78(e.g., obtained from the gameplay metric component24). The first award86may include, for example, an event award multiplier, one or more virtual items, an attribute value multiplier, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, only one user may receive the first award86.

In some implementations, in response to the change in the value of the second gameplay metric76for the first user42within the first interval58being determined to be greater than the change of the value of the second gameplay metric76for the second user44and/or any other users within the first interval58, the award component26may be configured to determine that the first user42may receive the first award86and that the second user44and/or other users do not receive the first award86.

The second award88may be associated with determined changes in the respective values of the first gameplay metric70for the first user42, second user44, and/or other users (e.g., an event award). For example, the determined change for the first gameplay metric70for the first user42may be the difference between the second value74and the first value72. The second award88may be associated with user rank of the first user42, second user44, and/or other users by the end of the first gameplay event50. The second award88may include one or more virtual items. The quantity, value, and/or other characteristic of the one or more virtual items may correspond with the rank of the users by the end of the first gameplay event50, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, different instances of the second award88may be distributed to different users based on the user's final ranking. As such, in some implementations, the top ranked (e.g., top 4 and/or other considerations) users may receive different instances of the second award88(e.g., being of different value and/or quantity based on ranking).

In some implementations, in response to the change in the value of the first gameplay metric70for the first user42within the first event time period52being determined to be greater than the change of the value of the first gameplay metric70for the second user44within the first event time period52, the award component26may be configured to determine that the first user42may receive a first instance of the second award88and/or that the second user44may receive a second instance of the second award88, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, in response to the change in the value of the first gameplay metric70for the first user42within the first event time period52being determined to be greater than the change of the value of the first gameplay metric70for the second user44within the first event time period52, the award component26may be configured to determine that the first user42may receive an instance of the second award88and that the second user44does not receive an instance of the second award88.

The third award90may be associated with a determined change in the respective values of the third gameplay metric81for the first user42, second user44, and/or other users (e.g., an interval award). For example, the determined change in the third gameplay metric81for the first user42may be the difference between the sixth value84and the fifth value82. The third award90may include, for example, an event award multiplier, one or more virtual items, an attribute value multiplier, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, only one user may receive the third award90.

In some implementations, in response to the change in the value of the third gameplay metric81for the first user42within the second interval64being determined to be greater than the change of the value of the third gameplay metric81for the second user44and/or any other users within the second interval64, the award component26may be configured to determine that the first user42may receive the third award90and that the second user44and/or other users do not receive the third award90.

In some implementations, the fourth award92may be based on the performance of the users in the first interval58, the second interval64, and/or other intervals of the first gameplay event50(e.g., an award for cumulative performance in the intervals). The fourth award92may include, for example, an event award multiplier, one or more virtual items, an attribute value multiplier, and/or other considerations. The fourth award92may be distributed to the user who performed the best in the majority of the intervals of the first gameplay event50. By way of illustration, in response to the first award86and third award90being distributed to the first user42and not to the second user44, the award component26may be configured to determine that the fourth award92may be distributed to the first user42and not to the second user44, and/or other considerations.

Returning toFIG.1, the leaderboard component28may be configured to effectuate presentation of an event leaderboard to the users during a gameplay event, and/or other considerations. The leaderboard may reflect ongoing changes in ranking of the users during gameplay in a gameplay event. The leaderboard may be expressed as a list of users and/or user names reflecting the currently top-ranked users. For example, the leaderboard may display the top 4 users, 10 users, 15 users, 20 users, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, the leaderboard component28may be configured to effectuate presentation of the leaderboard as a banner, notification bar, and/or other considerations.

In some implementations, the leaderboard component may be configured such that effectuating presentation of an event leaderboard additionally comprises effectuating a presentation that reflects the distribution of the interval awards. For example, the users and/or usernames presented in connection to the leaderboard may include a graphic and/or other indicator that shows the interval awards acquired by the users, if any. This may include visually highlighting the usernames of the users that have obtained interval awards, providing a graphic alongside the username, and/or other considerations.

By way of non-limiting illustration, inFIG.2, the leaderboard component28may be configured to effectuate presentation of a first leaderboard94in connection with the first gameplay event50. The first leaderboard94may be updated in real time, or near-real time, as gameplay in the first gameplay event50takes place. The first leaderboard94may include some indication of the users who have acquired interval awards based on performance in the intervals associated with the first gameplay event50. For example, the first leaderboard94may reflect the distribution of the first award86, the third award90, the fourth award92, and/or other awards.

By way of further non-limiting illustration, inFIG.3, the user interface96may include a leaderboard interface portion108(e.g., as presented by the leaderboard component28). The leaderboard108may include presentation of a list of the currently top-ranked players in a gameplay event, and/or other considerations. In some implementations, if a user has obtained an interval award, the username of that user may include a graphic110depicted alongside the name, and/or other considerations. The graphic110may depict the type and/or quantity of the interval award (e.g., the multiplier amount), and/or other considerations. Users who are participating in the gameplay event may view the leaderboard108that reflects the distribution of interval awards to the users. The leaderboard108may drive participation in the gameplay event by encouraging a competitive spirit between the players.

Returning toFIG.1, the server12, client computing platforms38, and/or external resources36may 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 network34such 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 servers12, client computing platforms38, and/or external resources36may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

The external resources36may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual spaces outside of system10, external entities participating with system10, external entities for player-to-player communications, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources36may be provided by resources included in system10.

The server12may include electronic storage32, one or more processors14, and/or other components. The server12may include communication lines or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of server12inFIG.1is not intended to be limiting. The server12may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to server12. For example, server12may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as server12.

Electronic storage32may comprise electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage32may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server12and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server12via, for example, a port or a drive. A port may include a USB port, a firewire port, and/or other port. A drive may include a disk drive and/or other drive. Electronic storage32may 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. The electronic storage32may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage32may store software algorithms, information determined by processor14, information received from server12, information received from client computing platforms38, and/or other information that enables server12to function as described herein.

Processor(s)14is configured to provide information processing capabilities in server12. As such, processor14may 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 processor14is shown inFIG.1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor14may include one or more processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor14may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. The processor14may be configured to execute components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28. Processor14may be configured to execute components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor14.

It should be appreciated that although components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28are illustrated inFIG.1as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor14includes multiple processing units, one or more of components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28may be located remotely from the other components. The description of the functionality provided by the different components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28described above is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting, as any of components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of components16,18,20,22,24,26,28, and/or other components. As another example, processor14may be configured to execute one or more additional components that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of components16,18,20,22,24,26, and/or28.

FIG.4illustrates a method400of incentivizing user participation in gameplay events that take place in an online game. The operations of method400presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method400may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method400are illustrated inFIG.4and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method400may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., 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). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method400in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method400.

Referring now to method400inFIG.4, at an operation402, an instance of an online game may be executed. The online game may take place in a virtual space. Executing the online game may include implementing the instance of the online game to facilitate user participation in the online game. Users may participate with the online game by controlling game entities in the virtual space. In some implementations, operation402may be performed by a space component the same as or similar to virtual space component16(shown inFIG.1and described herein).

At an operation404, gameplay events that take place in the online game may be facilitated. Individual ones of the gameplay events may include one or more time intervals that take place during the gameplay events. The time intervals may correspond to incentivizing user participation in the online game during the time intervals. In some implementations, operation404may be performed by an event-hosting component the same as or similar to the event hosting component22(shown inFIG.1and described herein).

At an operation406, values for one or more gameplay metrics for the users during participation in the gameplay events may be determined. The gameplay metrics may reflect one or more aspects of gameplay in an online game during the gameplay events by the users participating in the events. In some implementations, operation406may be performed by a gameplay metric component the same as or similar to the gameplay metric component24(shown inFIG.1and described herein).

At an operation408, awards may be distributed to the users based on user performance in the gameplay events. The awards may include awards associated with changes in respective values of gameplay metrics for the users during one or more time intervals and/or the gameplay event as a whole. In some implementations, operation408may be performed by an award component the same as or similar to the award component26(shown inFIG.1and described herein).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.