U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,644

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various aspects, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how various features described herein may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural and functional modifications may be made.

FIG. 1illustrates a network environment in which clients101may interact with virtual world servers105to provide a virtual world for users to access. Clients101may include a variety of devices including generic data processing device101a, personal computer (PC)101b, laptop, portable, or netbook computer101c, personal data assistant, mobile phone or device101d, a tablet device (not shown) and the like. Each of clients101may have a network adapter that allows clients101to connect to virtual world servers105through network100. In one example, network100may include an Internet Protocol (IP) based network, e.g., the Internet. Other networks may include cellular networks, cable networks, fiber optic networks, wireless networks, wired network and/or combinations thereof. Network100may further include one or more sub-networks such as wired or wireless local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the like.

In one or more arrangements, virtual world servers105may be included in a virtual world server system103that includes multiple linked physical and/or logical servers105. Using such a distributed system, servers105may be able to distribute load across each of server105. For example, if server105ais experienced high loads, some of the operations may be passed to either server105bor105cor both. Load may further be distributed based on user geography or on other predetermined bases. Alternatively, the virtual world may be hosted on a single server, e.g., virtual world server105a. Each of servers105may collectively generate and manage a single instance of the virtual world, or each server105a,105band105cmay provide independent instances of the world. An instance of a virtual world, as used herein, describes a stand-alone instance of the virtual world that does not interact with or depend on other instances of the virtual world. Depending on the processing load, a virtual world server system103may divide a plurality of users among multiple instances of the virtual world, to reduce or alleviate overloading on a single server or prevent overpopulation. Each server105may be logical or physical, e.g., multiple logical servers may reside and be running on the same physical computing device/server, or servers may be physically separate devices.

The network environment ofFIG. 1may also associate with one or more matchmaking servers106. As used herein, a matchmaking server106may determine what set of players to assign to a same instance of the virtual world to ensure that all players meet predefined criteria for that instance of the virtual world. That is, if extremely experienced players are paired with complete novices, the experienced players may quickly become bored, while the novice players may quickly become frustrated, causing each of them to stop playing the game altogether. Thus, the matchmaking server(s)106determine how to assign players to an instance of a virtual world so that every player is challenged, without getting frustrated. Specific algorithms and techniques used for matchmaking are described in more detail below.

FIG. 2illustrates an example client device200such as PC101b(FIG. 1) that may be used to access and interact with a virtual world provided by a virtual world server such as server105aofFIG. 1. Client device200may include a variety of components and modules including a processor217, random access memory (RAM)215, read only memory (ROM)213, databases201and203, client software205, output adapter211, input interface209and communication interface207. Software, databases, operating systems, and the like may be stored in nonvolatile memory206(e.g., a magnetic disk or solid state hard drive, or equivalent). Object database201may be configured to store data defining and otherwise associated with an object used by a user of device200to explore and interact with the virtual world. World database203, on the other hand, may be configured to store data for defining and generating the environment in which the objects exist. For example, world database203may store texture maps for rendering a floor or ground, walls, a sky and the like. In another example, world database203may store simulated environments, buildings, trees and other data defining animate or inanimate objects existing in the world, data defining computer controlled characters and the like. Each of database201,203may or may not be a conventional database, and instead may refer to data stored in a memory, accessed as needed by the client software. Data associated with an object or the virtual world may be communicated between client device200and a virtual world server using communication interface207. For example, object positions, attributes and status may be updated or environments may be changed by communicating such data through interface207.

The world and the objects may be graphically rendered by client software205and subsequently sent to output adapter211and display219. The client software205may, in one or more arrangements, be configured to generated three dimensional (3-D) models of the virtual world and components thereof as well as the object corresponding to a user. A user may control the object and interact with the world through input interface209using various types of input devices including keyboard223and mouse225. Other types of input devices may include a microphone (e.g., for voice communications over the network), joysticks, motion sensing devices and/or combinations thereof. In one or more arrangements, music or other audio such as speech may be included as part of the virtual world. In such instances, the audio may be outputted through speaker221.

Client software205, computer executable instructions, and other data used by processor217and other components of client device200may be stored RAM215, ROM213, nonvolatile memory206or a combination thereof. Other types of memory may also be used, including both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Software205may provide instructions to processor217such that when the instructions are executed, processor217, client device200and/or other components thereof are caused to perform functions and methods described herein. In one example, instructions for generating a user interface for interfacing with the virtual world server may be stored in RAM215, ROM213and/or nonvolatile memory206. Client software205may include both applications and operating system software, and may include code segments, instructions, applets, pre-compiled code, compiled code, computer programs, program modules, engines, program logic, and combinations thereof. Computer executable instructions and data may further be stored on some physical form of computer readable storage media (referred to herein as “computer memory”) including, e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic storage and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a virtual world server300(e.g., an instance of server105) may be configured to generate and operate a massive multiplayer online game, such as virtual world or the like. Server300may include processor301, ROM303, RAM305, communication interface307, object position database309, world database311, user database313, server software317, and a statistics database312. Object position database309may be configured to store position information for each object (e.g., based on commands to move a vehicle received from each client). The statistics database312may be configured to store and/or transfer statistics relevant to game operation, including, for example, tracking player achievement and general game server performance.

A world database311may store rules, algorithms and other data for interactions that are available in the world. For example, a manner in which a computer controller character moves or otherwise behaves may be defined in data stored in world database311. Additionally, item information may be defined in world database311so that items may not be modified by each client. In another example, world database311may store location information for non-object items and components. User database313, on the other hand, may be configured to store information describing a user controlling an object. For example, user database313may include account information, user preferences, one or more classes of user experience points and/or levels, payment information, user identification information, character definitions, state tables, and the like. Each of databases309,311,312,313may or may not be a conventional database, and instead may refer to data stored in a memory, accessed as needed by the server software. For example, user database313may in fact be a collection of multiple databases or database tables.

Features described herein may be used with or in a variety of video games, including but not limited to, WORLD OF TANKS™ by Wargaming.net®. Aspects described herein may also be used with other video games and are not limited to any one genre or implementation. Aspects described herein may be implemented in video game application software stored on a computer readable medium, e.g., storage201,203,205,206,213,215,309,311312, and/or313, and executable by a data processing device.

Various aspects of the disclosure provide features and capabilities that enhance game play by providing options through which users can develop strategies to play the video game. According to various aspects described herein, a video game may provide a graphically stimulated virtual world or virtual environment, in which the game takes place, referred to herein interchangeably as a virtual world and as a simulated environment of the video game. The simulated environment may have features similar to actual geographic locations or may have fictional, science fiction or fantasy-themed environments.

According to various aspects, the game may involve multi-player combat-based tournaments combined with an experience-based reward system. As users accomplish predefined tasks or achievements within the game, the player may be given one or more types of reward points or experience points. Reward points may subsequently be exchanged for in-game items, goods, features, etc., or otherwise used in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, reward points may be used to initiate or perform “research” to unlock more powerful, stronger, or otherwise more desirable elements within the game. The discussion below indicates various features and items that may be researched and used, as a player develops a character or vehicle within the game. As players research and purchase more advanced technologies, those players advance in skill and ability, which also affects how those players should be matched against other players in the game by matchmaking server106.

FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram of a video game software application401. Each block inFIG. 4illustrates a logical software module or function that performs an action, provides a capability or feature, implements an object, or performs some other aspect of the video game. When the video game software401executes on a data processing system such as a PC or game console, the modules operate collectively to provide a video game experience to a player. The modules illustrated inFIG. 4are illustrative only, and additional or different modules may be used. The same, additional or different modules may be executed in tandem on a server with which each client device is connected.

Video game software401may include, e.g., a game manager module402, which manages the overall operation of the video game and may be the initial module launched when the video game is executed. Video game software401may also include a network module403, which manages network games sessions and communication with one or more game servers. A network game session may include e.g., a co-operative campaign with other networked players, or other compartmentalized periods of game play involving players located at discrete network locations. A memory manager module409performs memory management during execution of the video game401. An input module404may receive and interpret user input via a game controller, keyboard, mouse, and the like, and provide the interpreted commands to game manager402, network module403, or other applicable module. UI module405may manage and control the user interface, including the display displayed on the video output device, interpreting input via the input module404, and providing audio output via audio module408.

Various software modules may operate with one or more classes or objects defined and used in the video game401. The classes and objects may be defined with reference to an object module410, and may include portions of executable software code and/or one or more data structures, depending on the object. Each object may be rendered and simulated in the virtual world in accordance with a physics engine407. Video game software401may include other software modules411as needed.FIG. 4illustrates one possible software architecture. Others may be used. Each module depicted inFIG. 4may communicate directly or indirectly with each other module, e.g., by passing objects, data, parameters, input, and output, etc.

A first class of in-game objects may define characters in the video game. Characters may be defined by various attributes associated with the character, e.g., name, physical appearance, skills, etc. Skills may be defined based on a character's genre or task, e.g., gunners, tank commanders, and drivers in the present example. A gunner may have skills such as aiming accuracy and aiming speed, a tank commander may have skills that regulate the overall efficiency of the tank crew, a driver may have skills that determine the vehicle speed or precision of direction. Additional character attributes may include one or more other skills that can improve performance of the character or vehicle so as to enhance the strategic gaming experience such as firefighting skills, the ability to repair vehicles, the ability to camouflage vehicles, and the like.

A second class of in-game objects may define vehicles in the video game. A vehicle may be defined as any simulated inanimate object directly or indirectly controllable by or dependent on an in-game character or user/player. Illustrative vehicles may include tanks, airplanes, ships (and/or submarines), and the like. Vehicles may have various attributes and functions that provide advantageous qualities to the vehicle during combat. For example, some vehicles might be fast with minimal firepower, whereas other vehicles may be slower but extremely powerful. Infinite variations of strength, speed, defense, and any other attribute are possible.

Object module410may provide an array of vehicles, vehicle components, characters and other equipment. Vehicles, vehicle components, characters and other equipment may be defined by one or more objects and instantiated during the game. Each object may have various attributes and functions and provide advantages and disadvantages based thereon. A vehicle component may refer to an upgradeable component of a vehicle, e.g., armor plating, engine, guns, etc.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a block diagram of an instance501of a character object. Object instance501has an object class505(Character). Instance501may acquire one or more attributes from the object class. Attributes507, when examined, define a state of the instance. In this example, the Character has the following attributes: Name511, Qualification512, Training Level513, and Competence514. A character may also have additional skill types509. Additional skill types may include Repair Skills515, Firefighting skills516, and Camouflage skills517. Other skill types, attributes, etc., may also or alternatively be used.

Each attribute may have a particular value. The attribute may have a default value inherited from the Qualification type512. For some attributes, a player may increase attribute value by allocating experience points, gained during gameplay, to the character. Increased attribute value enhances gameplay by improving performance of the vehicle containing the characters. For example, by allocating experience points to the gunner of a tank, the Training Level513may be increased resulting in more accurate gun pointing by a vehicle containing that character, leading to improved vehicle performance during battle. Similarly, the effectiveness of the additional skill types is increased in accordance with the value of the skill Thus, for example, a Firefighting skill516value of 100% is proportionally more effective than a value of 50%. Increased firefighting effectiveness results in reduced damage to the vehicle in the event of a fire. By staffing a vehicle with characters having improved attributes and skills, vehicle performance is maximized allowing for a more effective performance during game play.

In some embodiments, attributes might not be able to be changed. Qualification512may not be changed; for example, a driver may not be retrained as a gunner. A character's Competence attribute514refers to their ability to operate a specific vehicle type; for example a specific type of tank such as the M3 Stuart tank. Competence514may be changed by retraining the character to operate the same Qualification512on a different vehicle. Changing Competence514may result in a decreased Training Level513in the new vehicle. Additional experience points may be used to raise the Training Level513in the new vehicle. A character may eventually be associated with multiple competence attributes—one per vehicle the character has been associated with.

FIG. 5Billustrates a block diagram of an instance551of a vehicle object. Object instance551has an object class555(Vehicle). Instance551may acquire one or more attributes557from the object class. Attributes557, when examined, define a state of the instance. In this example, object instance551is a Liechttraktor Tank and has attributes associated with tank properties. Exemplary attributes include Name561, Hit Points563, Weight/Load limit564, Engine Power (h.p.)565, Speed Limit566, Hull Armor567, Turret Armor568, Standard Shell Damage569, Standard Shell Penetration570, Rate of Fire571, Turret Traverse Speed572, View Range573, and Signal Range574. These attribute contribute to the vehicle's effectiveness in combat. Attribute types may also have an attribute value, which determines the effectiveness of the attribute function. For example, the Speed Limit attribute566has a value of 46 km/h, which indicates how fast the vehicle can travel. One or more of the attributes, alone or in combination, may be used to assign the vehicle to a subclass. In this example, vehicle551may be in a subclass of tanks referred to as “Light Tanks” based on hit points, speed, armor, etc. Other classes of tanks may include medium tanks and heavy tanks, among others. Subclass may be used to quickly identify to a user a general approximation of attributes associated with a vehicle without requiring the user to review each attribute in detail.

Aspects of the disclosure involve altering object attributes in response to experience obtained within the game. Altering attributes provides for enhancing the skills of the character and enhancing properties of vehicle and vehicle components. Altered attributes provides the game player with vehicle and characters able to compete more effectively against other players.

Using Modules to Upgrade Vehicle Attributes

Vehicle attributes may be altered by adding or upgrading modules associated with a vehicle. A vehicle contains modules classes559. Each module class may contain one of a variety of module types appropriate to the module class. In one example, module classes may include Gun575, Turret576, Engine577, Suspension578, and Radio579. Additional580modules may be added to provide additional functions or otherwise modify vehicle attributes557. Within each class, a vehicle may be outfitted with one module type that falls within the class. For example, five increasingly powerful gun types may be available within the gun class. Similarly, there may be multiple radio types within the radio class. Adding or changing a module type alters vehicle attributes557based on the effectiveness of the newly installed module type. Thus, for example, if the Radio module579type SCR209is replaced by a more advanced module the Signal Range574attribute value may increase based on a signal range value associated with the more advanced module. An increased Signal Range value, in turn, may allow the vehicle to detect enemies at greater distances during game play, making the player more competitive against opponents and resulting in an enhanced gameplay experience for that player.

Experience Points and Research

During game play (e.g., between game sessions), new vehicles and new modules for vehicles may be unlocked by a player in exchange for experience points. In some embodiments, a user might gain points for a single experience class. In other embodiments, points may be earned for two or more different experience classes. Different experience classes may be used to gain access to different features in the game. For example, points earned in a first experience class may be used to allow a user access to a first set of game objects (e.g. vehicles and/or vehicle modules) but not a second, different set of game objects. Points earned in the second experience class may be used to allow a user access to a different set of game objects than the first experience class. The first and second sets may share some objects in common, or may instead be completely distinct.

In one example, where the first experience class is battle experience, battle experience may be used to unlock any object in the same tech tree as the vehicle in which the battle experience was earned, but may not be used to unlock objects not in the same tech tree as the vehicle in which the experience was earned. In this example, where the second experience is free experience, the free experience may be used to unlock any object in any tech tree, regardless of the vehicle in which the free experience was earned.

Collectively, the experience classes may be referred to herein as the “Primary Currency” of the game. Primary Currency is the main route for players to acquire upgraded vehicles, modules, and personnel. A second type of currency, defined herein as “Alternative Currency” may be provided to a player in exchange for alternative compensation, e.g., by completing secondary in-game tasks, completing objectives, or in exchange for the payment of money. In some embodiments, the software may allow some or all of a first experience class to be converted into one or more of the different experience classes. In some aspects, such conversion may only be permitted when a predetermined condition is met. Various predetermined conditions may be imposed. For example, the software may prevent conversion until a vehicle has been upgraded to a particular status. For example, all objects in the same tech tree as a vehicle might be required to be unlocked before conversion from the first experience class to the second experience class is permitted. Such a vehicle is said to be an “elite” vehicle or having acquired elite status. A cost may be imposed on the user for conversion (e.g., Alternative Currency).

In other aspects, players may have the option to convert Battle experience to Free experience under different conditions. For example, “Premium” vehicles may be available to a player in exchange for Alternative Currency. A Premium vehicle may refer to a vehicle similar to an elite vehicle in that the vehicle includes all possible module upgrades and vehicles within the same tech tree family, however, the Premium vehicle may be purchased for the alternative currency whereas the elite vehicle was unlocked using one or more classes of experience through gameplay. Players who purchase Premium vehicles may be permitted to convert Battle experience to Free experience without first achieving any predetermined condition in the Premium Vehicle. In other aspects, predetermined conditions imposed on Premium vehicles might be different from those imposed on non-Premium vehicles.

FIG. 6Ashows a screenshot of an example tech tree (also known as a game progress tech tree) for a Medium Tank object KV-13. All modules and available tanks (e.g. T-43) present in the tech tree have been unlocked and are available for player use.FIG. 6Bshows a screenshot of a tank tech tree that may be researched for a T1 Cunningham tank object.FIG. 7is an example of a main screen of an illustrative game.

Dynamic Matchmaking

Based on the ability of players to increase the attributes of their respective characters and/or objects (in this example, tanks), players will each have different capabilities to use in game sessions. Some players may have more advanced tanks than others, resulting in a weak tank being targeted by a very strong and powerful tank, while other plays may have more advances characters than others, resulting in perhaps more accuracy or speed in a particular tank than another player using the same tank with less experienced characters acting as the crew for that tank. Based on the near infinite combination of character attributes as used with various types and strengths of vehicles, it becomes difficult to match players for a gaming session so that each player is challenged without becoming bored or frustrated.

According to an aspect, there may be five primary types of tank vehicles: Self Propelled Guns (SPG, or artillery), Light Tanks, Medium Tanks, Heavy Tanks, and Tank Destroyers. Each vehicle may also be assigned a tier rating. The higher the tier, the more powerful the vehicle is considered to be. Vehicles of tier 1 may be entry level or novice vehicles, whereas vehicles of tier 10 (or higher) may represent well armored vehicles, very fast vehicles, vehicles with powerful ammunition, etc. If a player using a tier 1 vehicle were to compete against a player using a tier 10 vehicle, the player using the tier 1 vehicle has virtually no chance of winning the game session. However, a player using a tier 4 or above vehicle may be able to compete against some tier 10 vehicles. Thus, it is important to match players against other players using characters and/or vehicles of comparable quality, while still providing a challenging game experience without being overly difficult. This is a very fine line to walk.

FIG. 8illustrates a matchmaking table801that may be used according to one or more illustrative aspects described herein. A game session may be referred to as a battle session. A game session/battle session refers to any discrete round of a game, e.g., a round of eliminate all enemies, capture the flag, hold the ball, and/or any other multiplayer variant of a game. In the WORLD OF TANKS brand of multiplayer game, a game session/battle session refers to two teams of 15 tanks fighting until 1) only one team has any tanks remaining, or 2) one team captures the other team's base.

Each battle session is assigned a battle level. Each battle level is used to limit participating vehicles to predefined tiers that are included in that battle session, thereby providing a unique method of creating a balanced battle session in an MMO game. As players progress and advance in experience, the player (or vehicle) will gradually be moved into higher battle levels based on the experience, attributes, and capabilities of each player's characters and/or vehicles.

Use of battle levels is based on the premise of gradual advancement through the tech tree starting with a first tier vehicle and unlocking more powerful vehicles by means of gaining battle experience or purchasing a premium vehicle. The game engine (e.g., as performed by matchmaking server) uses battle levels to manage the difficulty of each battle session. According to one aspect, the level of difficulty of a battle level is not identified or revealed in the game, and players might not be offered any option to choose a difficulty level within a battle session. However, as a matter of practice, players will typically want to obtain further upgrades by being constantly challenged, while not overloaded, in sequential game sessions.

Referring again toFIG. 8, there may be five (5) classes of vehicles in the game: Light Tank, Medium Tank, Heavy Tank, SPG and Tank Destroyer. Each class of vehicle possesses specific characteristics and a tier number. Generally, the higher the tier number is the more powerful the vehicles. Premium vehicles additionally have one or more of their own advantages. Each vehicle may be assigned a range of accessible battle levels. Vehicles of the same tier belonging to different classes may differ in their accessible battle levels ranges (e.g., Tier 4: Light vehicle has an access range to battle levels from 4 to 10; Medium—from 4 to 8; Heavy—from 4 to 5; SPG—from 6 to 10; Tank Destroyers—from 5 to 8; Premium USSR vehicle Valentine—from 4 to 5). When forming a line-up for a battle session of a certain level, appropriate vehicles with matching accessible battle levels are chosen.

The battle of a specified level (e.g., a level 6 battle session) may combine only those players whose vehicles permit access to this battle level within their range (Tier 3: all classes, Tier 4: Light, Medium, SPG and Tank Destroyers, Tier 5: Medium, Heavy, Tank Destroyers, and specified premium vehicles).

In addition to providing balanced battle sessions, the use of tier-limited battle levels provides the ability to control difficulty levels of the battle so that players of all skill levels remain challenged and wanting to play more. Players with higher tier vehicles have no access to lower battle levels, likewise lower tier vehicles are not allowed into higher battle levels. However, with one and the same vehicle players can happen to get into battle sessions of different levels within their accessibility range. By putting players into battles of varying level, the players experience a variety of game play while experiencing both wins and losses. According to one aspect, a player may be placed randomly or sequentially in any suitable battle level. However, according to another aspect, players who have just acquired a new higher tier vehicle are encouraged by being placed into battle sessions near the lower boundary of that vehicle's accessibility range, which allows the player feel more comfortable in the game. With time, the balancing system starts putting them into higher levels battle sessions, which creates a challenge of playing with more upgraded opponent vehicles. Details regarding how this aspect is performed are provided below, based on the use of the variable N in table801.

Premium vehicles typically have advanced capabilities compared to other vehicles of similar tiers, and may be allowed only into a lower range of battle levels than standard vehicles of a similar tier level, thereby encouraging users to obtain premium vehicles. For example, in one embedment, Tier 8 standard Heavy vehicles are allowed in battle levels from 9 to 12, while Tier 8 Heavy premium vehicles get into levels 9-10 and 9-11, thereby avoiding battle level 12. As a result, players are more likely to feel superior, and have a better chance of success in game using premium vehicles because they will never play against as difficult opponents as standard vehicles may face.

According to an aspect, the average level of difficulty in each battle can be adjusted by changing the bounds of access ranges for specified vehicles types (e.g., battle level 9 implies a certain difficulty level, which can be made easier by increasing the values of the bounds for vehicles including Tier 3 SPG, Tier 4 Medium and Tank Destroyers, or increasing the value for the lower bound of Tier 6 Light vehicles. Likewise each level 9 battle session may be increased in difficulty by decreasing the ranges for Tier 6 SPG, Tier 7 Light, Tier 9 Heavy and Tank Destroyers, and decrease the values of the bounds for Tier 5 Medium and Tank Destroyers vehicles.

Using battle levels as described herein, matchmaking servers can assign players to sessions to provide players with varied gaming experiences without frustrating or boring the player. Battle sessions are balanced while the difficulty levels of the battle session for each player are controlled.

FIG. 9illustrates a method of performing matchmaking according to an aspect described herein. Initially in step901, a battle level table such as table801. Table801may be stored in a database, an array, a lookup table, or any other data structure usable for querying the data stored therein. Step901may be performed only once, and then table801may be reused as needed, or until table801is modified or replaced, e.g., to adjust difficulty of battle levels, add or remove specific vehicles, etc.

In step903matchmaking server106receives a battle session request from each of a plurality of clients, and queues the requests for allocation to a future battle session. When enough battle session requests have been received, e.g., based on a predefined minimum number of vehicles per battle session, then in step905matchmaking server106creates a battle session having a determined battle level. The battle level can be determined based on the vehicles in the queue (e.g., a battle level into which a majority of the queue is eligible), based on a sequential process of creating battle sessions of incrementing (or decrementing) battle levels, or based on any other desired criteria. The method of selecting the battle level is secondary to the assignment of a battle level to a particular battle session.

Once the battle level is selected, then in step907matchmaking server106identifies a particular vehicle in the queue that is eligible to participate in the battle session having the determined battle level, based on the information stored in battle level table801. Step907may also include confirming a vehicle's eligibility based on additional criteria other than battle level. In one embodiment, matchmaking server106selects tanks so that a total weight of vehicles from two teams within the battle session are equal or near equal. In another embodiment matchmaking server106selects tanks so that a total weight of each type of vehicle on two teams is equal or near equal. In another embodiment, where each vehicle is associated with a number of player or NPC personnel required to operate the vehicle, the matchmaking server106may select vehicles so that the number of personnel on each of two teams is equal or near equal. In yet another embodiment, matchmaking server106may confirm that, when sorting each of two team's vehicles by weight in decreasing order, the weight of the first member of each team is equal or near equal.

In step909matchmaking server106adds the identified vehicle to the particular battle session, e.g., by updating a data structure or database associated with storing battle session information. In step911, matchmaking server106determines whether there is room remaining in the battle session for additional vehicles. If so, matchmaking server106returns to step907. If not, matchmaking server starts the battle session, e.g., by assigning the battle session to a particular game server105, and instructing each client machine associated with a vehicle in the battle session to contact the assigned game server105. Other ways of starting the game session are also possible, and are not limited by the example provided herein.

The method described with respect toFIG. 9is illustrative only, and various modifications may be made. For example, matchmaking server106may also limit the number of a specific type of vehicle that is permitted in each battle session. Thus, even if there is room left in the battle session, and there are only vehicles of type Heavy Tank in the queue, matchmaking server might instead wait for a different vehicle type to be placed in the queue when the number of heavy tanks already in the battle session meets a predefined threshold or limit. As another example, the weight comparisons described above may be performed iteratively throughout the method as vehicles are added, and not necessarily performed at a single point in time. That is, matchmaking server106may select multiple vehicles at a time to add to a battle session, e.g., selecting vehicles in pairs where one vehicle of the pair is allotted to each of two teams in a battle session. Matchmaking server106may confirm one or more equal weights, pairs, personnel, vehicle, etc., at any time prior to starting the battle session.

In another example, even if there is room remaining in the battle session, matchmaking server106might proceed to start the battle session in step913when there are no vehicles in the queue, or no eligible vehicles in the queue, provided there are at least a predefined minimum number of vehicles assigned to the battle session. In yet another example, steps may be performed concurrently or in differing orders, such as steps903and905, which may occur concurrently. Indeed, step903may be performed continuously while all other steps are being performed. In addition, multiple instances of the method shown inFIG. 9may be performed concurrently to assign vehicles to different battle sessions, e.g., when there is a large backlog in the queue.

As indicated above, vehicles may be placed in a battle session having a particular battle level using a variety of techniques. In one aspect, a vehicle may be placed randomly into any battle level acceptable based on the battle level table801. In another aspect, a vehicle may be placed sequentially in increasing battle levels based on table801. For example, when a use acquires a new tier 4 light tank, the first time the user plays a game with that tier 4 light tank the matchmaking server might force the vehicle to be assigned to a battle session of battle level 4. When the player plays a second game session using the same tier 4 light tank, the matchmaking server might force the vehicle to be assigned to a battle session of battle level 5. The third game session, battle level 6, the fourth game session, battle level 7, and so forth until the seventh battle session where the vehicle is in battle level 10. After that, the matchmaking server might start over at battle level 4. Alternatively the sequence might proceed in decreasing battle level order, and/or might start in the middle of the applicable range of battle levels.

According to another aspect, the matchmaking server may store a win/loss percentage for each user (or vehicle) at a given battle level. As the player's win/loss ratio decreases, the player becomes more likely to be placed in battles having battle levels at the lower end of the allowable range, whereas as the player's win/loss ration increases, the player becomes more likely to be placed in battles having battle levels at the upper end of the allowable range. Thus, when a player has been repeatedly put into too many difficult battles, the balancing is done in favor of easier battle sessions, thereby encouraging the player by providing an easier game environment. Similarly, when the player has been repeatedly put into too many easy battles, the balancing is done in favor of harder battle sessions, thereby keeping the player challenged instead of letting the player become bored with easy games. A first possible algorithm is to divide the permissible battle levels evenly across a range from zero (0) to two (2), and place the vehicle into the battle level corresponding to the win/loss ratio, where any ratio greater than two (2) automatically results in the vehicle being placed in the highest possible battle level. Another possible algorithm is to increase the battle level by one (within the permissible range) for a vehicle each time a player wins a battle with that vehicle, and decrease the battle level by one (within the permissible range) each time a player loses a battle with that vehicle. If the battle level is already at the upper end of the range and the player wins the battle, the battle level may remain constant. Similarly, if the battle level is already at the lower end of the range and the player loses the battle, the battle level may remain constant.

According to yet another aspect, with reference back toFIG. 8, a variable may be defined (here, referred to as range variable N) that defines a number of battle sessions that a vehicle must participate in before the vehicle may be assigned to the highest possible battle level within its allowable range of battle levels. Range variable N is used to define a sub-range within the otherwise permissible range of battle levels for a given vehicle. In one variant, a vehicle may be placed in any battle level except the highest allowable battle level, based on any placement algorithm described herein or otherwise, until the player plays at least N battle sessions with a particular vehicle. For example, in the example shown inFIG. 8, Tier 4 SPG's are permissible in battle levels 6-10, where N=8. For the first 8 battle sessions that a player uses a particular tier 4 SPG vehicle, the vehicle is only eligible to be placed in battle levels 6-9 (e.g., matchmaking server106may randomly select a battle within battle levels 6-9 for that vehicle). After 8 battle sessions, for each battle session, matchmaking server106may randomly select a battle within battle levels 6-10).

In another variant, range variable N is used to define an incremental step by which the sub-range is gradually increased until the sub-range encompasses the full range defined inFIG. 8. In this variant, L represents the lowest battle level in the range defined inFIG. 8for a given vehicle type/tier combination, M represents the maximum battle level defined inFIG. 8for a given vehicle type/tier combination, B represents the number of battles previously played using a particular vehicle, and C represents a current maximum battle level calculated as a function of L, M, B, and N using equation 1, rounding to a nearest integer value (variable names are arbitrary and may be changed without changing the result).
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Matchmaking server106may determine (e.g., in step907ofFIG. 9), for each battle session in which a player uses a particular vehicle, the allowable sub-range based on N as explained above. The number of battle sessions in which a player has used a particular vehicle may be stored in a data structure or object associated with the vehicle, e.g., as an attribute in instance551(FIG. 5B). Once the sub-range is calculated, matchmaking server106randomly (or otherwise) selects a battle level within the sub-range for that player/vehicle, and may add the player/vehicle to the battle session in step909(FIG. 9).

The information presented inFIG. 8is illustrative only, and may change from time to time. Battle level tables may be changed to maintain dynamic and intriguing game play. Battle level tables may vary or be changed based on the strengths and weaknesses of vehicle types at different tier levels. Battle level tables may be changed based on an analysis of vehicle performance and battle session results. For example, if certain tier vehicles are identified as winning or losing a disproportionate number of battle sessions at a given battle level, that battle level may be adjusted as described above to make that battle level more fair. New battle level tables801may be published with game updates to clients, or may be adjusted at the matchmaking server without requiring a game update on the client side. Different battle level tables may be used for games using vehicles other than tanks, e.g., helicopters, planes, drones, warplanes, spacecraft, boats, ships, and/or battleships, among others.

The present aspects have been described in terms of preferred and illustrative embodiments. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.