U.S. Pat. No. 8,874,483

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a system and method for gated unlock codes for videogame features and content. The following description contains specific information pertaining to the implementation of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be implemented in a manner different from that specifically discussed in the present application. Moreover, some of the specific details of the invention are not discussed in order not to obscure the invention. The specific details not described in the present application are within the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detailed description are directed to merely exemplary embodiments of the invention. To maintain brevity, other embodiments of the invention, which use the principles of the present invention, are not specifically described in the present application and are not specifically illustrated by the present drawings.

FIG. 1presents a diagram of a system for providing gated unlock codes for videogame features and content, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram100ofFIG. 1includes game media110, game console120, display130, input device135, network140, and redemption database150. Game media110includes shared program data111, retailer specific custom data112a, retailer specific custom data112b, and memory115. Game console120includes processor121and memory125. Redemption database150includes retailer redemption record151, retailer redemption record152, and shared redemption record151c. Retailer redemption record151aincludes master unlock codes152a, feature unlock codes153aand unique identifiers154a. Retailer redemption record151bincludes master unlock codes152b, feature unlock codes153band unique identifiers154b. Shared redemption record151cincludes feature unlock codes153cand unique identifiers154c.

Shared program111may comprise game program code and game assets for a video game titled “Figure Story”. Retailer specific custom data112amay contain game assets exclusive to the “Window Mart” retailer, whereas retailer specific custom data112bmay contain game assets exclusive to the “Game Pit” retailer. Memory115may comprise flash memory for storing user data, such as save data. In alternative embodiments, game media110may comprise read only media, such as an optical disc, in which case memory115may be omitted or relocated to game console120.

Game console120may comprise any device capable of functioning as a gaming device, such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a game console, a portable gaming system, or another device. As shown in diagram100ofFIG. 1, game media110is inserted into game console120for reading by processor121. Additionally, memory125may be used to store game data and may include non-volatile portions comprising flash memory or a hard disk drive to store user account data, save data, downloadable content, and other permanent data. Visual data from the videogame may be sent to display130for viewing by a user, and the user may use input device135to interact with the videogame. Display130may comprise, for example an internal LCD display integrated into game console120or an external LCD display such as a HDTV or computer monitor, and input device135may comprise, for example a touchscreen, a gamepad, a keyboard and mouse, or another input device.

Game console120may also connect to network140, which may comprise a public network such as the Internet, to communicate with redemption database150. Redemption database150may be maintained by the manufacturer of game console120or by the creators of game media110. In the example shown in diagram100ofFIG. 1, processor121may directly query redemption database150, but in alternative embodiments an intermediary database interface server, not shown inFIG. 1, may be utilized to moderate database query traffic going in and out of redemption database150.

In some embodiments, game console120may lack networking hardware to communicate with network140, or access to network140may be otherwise unavailable. In this case, to interface with redemption database150, a user may be alternatively instructed by display130to perform various manual redemption methods such as accessing a redemption website or calling a telephone redemption system. To embed user or device identifying data, which may correspond to data within unique identifiers154athrough154c, game console120may perform a transform to an entered unlock code to embed identifying data into a special unlock code for use with the manual redemption methods. The user may then be directed to use the special unlock code when accessing the website or telephone system, which in turn may interface with redemption database150and return an encoded response code. After the user enters the response code, game console120may verify that the alternative redemption was successful and proceed as usual, or may deny access to content if the response code indicates failure. Thus, even if game console120cannot directly access network140, the user may still successfully redeem unlock codes using alternative manual redemption methods.

Redemption database150includes several records describing the redemption status of various unlock codes. Retailer redemption record151a, which may correspond to the “Window Mart” retailer, includes master unlock codes152a, which may describe all valid and activated master unlock codes referencing the videogame comprising game media110for various uniquely identified devices or accounts referenced by unique identifiers154a. For example, unique identifiers154amay include an identifier for game console120, or an identifier for user accounts associated with game console120. Once a particular device or account redeems a master unlock code by recording an associated redemption record, the device or account may then be considered gated or locked to that master unlock code, or to an associated group or hierarchy of master unlock codes.

For example, if the unique identifier to be used is a unique identifier for game console120, and the unique identifier is referenced under unique identifiers154a, then it may be no longer possible to associate game console120with another master unlock code, such as master unlock codes152bcorresponding to the “Game Pit” retailer. Thus, the user of game console120is now gated or locked into unlocking content reserved for the “Window Mart” retailer only, or feature unlock codes153areferencing content within retailer specific custom data112a. Similarly, if unique identifiers154bincludes a unique identifier for game console120, then game console120may be gated or locked into unlocking content reserved for the “Game Pit” retailer only, or feature unlock codes153breferencing content within retailer specific custom data112b. However, some content, such as feature unlock codes153cof shared redemption record151c, may be accessible globally regardless of master unlock code redemption state.

While the above example assumes a single retailer redemption record for a single retailer, in alternative embodiments some retailers may have multiple associated retailer redemption records, for example to provide seasonal or schedule based promotions, or to provide promotions specific to particular regions or stores. In this case, the retailer redemption records associated with a specific retailer may be grouped together or placed in a hierarchy allowing users to redeem and switch membership between retailer redemption records within the same group or hierarchy. For example, the “Game Pit” retailer may provide master unlock codes for a “Summer” and a “Winter” themed game edition, and the user may be enabled to freely switch membership between the two associated retailer redemption records by re-redeeming the associated master unlock code. Moreover, in some embodiments, the user may be able to concurrently redeem multiple master unlock codes. For example, the “Game Pit” retailer may provide master unlock codes for “Special Content Pack #1”, “Special Content Pack #2”, and “Special Content Pack #3”, which may provide access to different feature unlock codes that can be all unlocked concurrently. Additionally, redeeming a specific set of master unlock codes might provide bonus exclusive feature unlock codes. For example, redeeming all of the “Special Content Pack” codes might provide the user with an exclusive item unlock code.

Thus, by requiring a user to redeem at least one master unlock code prior to redeeming any content or feature unlock codes, users can be gated or locked into redeeming content exclusive to a particular group, such as a specific retailer, as shown in diagram100ofFIG. 1. Advantageously, since game media110may contain the content for all retailers, game media110may be produced as a cost effective universal edition for all retailers, avoiding the need for separate versions for each specific retailer.

Additionally, since users may now be gated into specific sets of feature unlock codes, a strong incentive and motivation for purchasing primary and secondary products at a single retailer may be maintained, since users can no longer redeem ancillary or feature unlock codes from any retailer but only from the primary retailer providing the master unlock code. The master unlock code may for example be provided to the user at the point of sale for the primary product or the videogame, for example as a redemption card including an alphanumeric code to be entered by the user using input device135or a barcode to be scanned using a camera of game console120. Although master unlock codes152aand152bmay each include several unique unlock codes to accommodate multiple purchases, each master unlock code still performs the same function of gating the user to the associated feature unlock codes, and optionally to the associated group or hierarchy of retailer redemption records. The feature unlock codes may be provided to the user in a similar manner as with the master unlock codes, but accompanied with secondary products such as Blu-ray or DVD discs, movie tickets, grocery items, hygiene items, game accessories, premium memberships, or other products and services that may be offered at the retailer.

Moving toFIG. 2,FIG. 2presents a diagram of a user interface for providing gated unlock codes for videogame features and content, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram200ofFIG. 2includes displays230athrough230i. With regards toFIG. 2, it should be noted that displays230athrough230imay each correspond to display130ofFIG. 1.

Display230ashows a user interface that may be presented to the user after initially executing the videogame software on a gaming device. The user is shown a title screen showing the title of the game, “Figure Story”, and is presented with two menu options, “New Game” to start the game, and “Redeem Code” to proceed with code redemption. Assuming the user selects “Redeem Code”, the user interface may transition to a state as shown in display230b.

Display230bshows a user interface that may be presented to the user after selecting the “Redeem Code” option wherein no previous master code redemptions have been recorded. The user is prompted to enter a Master Unlock Code provided by the retailer where the videogame software was purchased. As previously discussed, the

Master Unlock Code may be provided as an alphanumeric code or barcode printed on a redemption card accompanying the sale of the videogame. The user may then enter or scan the code to redeem the Master Unlock Code. The Master Unlock Code may comprise a unique one-time use code that is enabled after the point of sale. Depending on whether the user purchased the videogame from “Window Mart” or from “Game Pit”, the user interface may then change to a state shown in display230cor display230d, since a different set of Master Unlock Codes are provided at each retailer. If the user attempts to directly enter a Feature Code without redeeming a Master Unlock Code first, then the user may be taken to the screen shown by display230h, which might further inform the user that a Master Unlock Code must be redeemed first.

Display230cshows a user interface that may be presented to the user after redeeming a Master Unlock Code associated with the “Window Mart” retailer. As shown in display230c, the user is returned to the title screen, which now states that it is the “Limited Window Mart Edition”. Thus, depending on the particular Master Unlock Code redeemed by the user, the user interface and experience of the videogame may be customized. Furthermore, the redemption of a Master Unlock Code may also include the free redemption of any number of Feature Unlock Codes. As shown in display230c, the game feature “Shooting Gallery” is automatically unlocked after redeeming the Master Unlock Code.

Similarly, display230dshows a user interface that may be presented to the user after redeeming a Master Unlock Code associated with the “Game Pit” retailer. As shown in display230d, the user is returned to the title screen, which now states that it is the “Limited Game Pit Edition”. Further, the game feature “Roundup Stage” is automatically unlocked after redeeming the Master Unlock Code.

Displays230eand230fshow user interfaces that may be presented to the user after selecting the “Redeem Code” option with a Master Unlock Code previously recorded. As shown in displays230eand230f, the option to enter a new or changed Master Unlock Code is not provided to the user. Instead, the user is prompted to enter a Feature Unlock Code. If the user enters a Feature Unlock Code associated with a retailer not associated with the Master Unlock Code, then the user interface proceeds to the state shown in display230h, wherein the redemption is denied and the user is informed that the submitted Feature Unlock Code is not redeemable.

On the other hand, if the user redeems a Feature Unlock Code that is verified to be associated with the previously redeemed Master Unlock Code, then the corresponding game feature or content may be unlocked for the user. Thus, as shown in display230g, the exclusive content for Window Mart, or the “Steely” character, may be unlocked, whereas in display230ithe exclusive content for Game Pit, or the user interface customization “Custom Wallpaper #2”, may be unlocked. Since the Feature Unlock Codes may be provided with the purchase of secondary products at a retailer, the described gated unlock system encourages the purchase of both primary and secondary products at a single retailer as Feature Unlock Codes obtained from the secondary products of other retailers cannot be used.

Moving toFIG. 3,FIG. 3shows a flowchart describing the steps, according to one embodiment of the present invention, by which gated unlock codes for videogame features and content may be provided. Certain details and features have been left out of flowchart300that are apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a step may comprise one or more substeps or may involve specialized equipment or materials, as known in the art. While steps310through340indicated in flowchart300are sufficient to describe one embodiment of the present invention, other embodiments of the invention may utilize steps different from those shown in flowchart300.

Referring to step310of flowchart300inFIG. 3and diagram100ofFIG. 1, step310of flowchart300comprises processor121of game console120executing a program code from shared program data111of game media110to provide an interactive videogame on display130. As previously described, shared program data111may contain game program code and data assets for a game titled “Figure Story”. Processor121may accept user input from input device135to provide the interactivity for the videogame by updating visuals shown on display130accordingly. After step310, display130may appear similar to display230ainFIG. 2.

Referring to step320of flowchart300inFIG. 3and diagram100ofFIG. 1, step320of flowchart300comprises processor121of game console120recording, in redemption database150in response to a first input from input device135, retailer redemption record151areferencing master unlock codes152a. Prior to step320, display130may appear similar to display230binFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 1, the plurality of master unlock codes includes master unlock codes152aand152b, which are both associated with the interactive videogame provided by shared program data111. While the plurality of master unlock codes shown inFIG. 1are each associated with a different retailer, any criteria for categorization may be utilized. Furthermore, while the plurality of master unlock codes may be each associated with mutually exclusive feature unlock codes to reinforce retailer exclusivity, such a condition is not necessarily a requirement. Additionally, as shown by shared redemption record151c, feature unlock codes153cmay be provided which are redeemable regardless of master unlock code.

Thus, for example, a user may enter or scan a master unlock code within master unlock codes152aas the first input using input device135, and game console120may then access network140, for example through mobile broadband or local Wi-Fi, to record retailer redemption record151within redemption database150. As previously described, an intermediary server may also be utilized to moderate communications between game console120and redemption database150, and alternative manual redemption methods may also be supported. Retailer redemption record151amay optionally include unique identifiers154a, referencing a unique identifier of gaming device120or user accounts associated with gaming device120.

Furthermore, to prepare for situations when access to redemption database150may be unavailable, for example if network140is down or no connection is available, retailer redemption record151amay also be recorded in a non-volatile portion of memory115and/or memory125. In this manner, shared program data111can confirm the validity of any prior redemptions even without network access, but any further redemptions of new unlock codes may require reestablishing network connectivity or using a manual redemption method.

After step320, processor121of game console120may deny any further attempts to record any further redemption records referencing master unlock codes other than those referenced in master unlock codes152a. For example, the game program code within shared program data111may only allow a single group or hierarchy of master unlock codes to be redeemed, and the record of the initial redemption may be stored in memory115or125. In this manner, the user is forced to choose from exclusive content provided by only one specific group or retailer, thereby enhancing the marketing value and desirability of the exclusive content for each retailer. If the user decides to purchase multiple copies of the videogame at different retailers, then workarounds such as creating multiple user accounts may be supported to provide access to all purchased content.

Furthermore, as shown in display230cand230din diagram200ofFIG. 2, the recording of the initial redemption record in step320may also be utilized to modify and customize the user interface shown to the user. Thus, title graphics and other graphical assets may be changed, sound effects and music may be changed, and other assets may be customized depending on the specific retailer associated with the master unlock code.

Referring to step330of flowchart300inFIG. 3and diagram100ofFIG. 1, step330of flowchart300comprises processor121of game console120verifying, in redemption database150in response to a second input from input device135, a validity of a first feature unlock code from feature unlock codes153aassociated with master unlock codes152ausing redemption database150. Prior to step330, display130may appear similar to display230einFIG. 2. The second input may be received from the user in a similar manner to the first input from step320. Processor121may then query redemption database150for the existence of retailer redemption record151a, wherein the requested first feature unlock code is confirmed to exist within feature unlock codes153a. Furthermore, the query may confirm that unique identifiers154aincludes an identifier for game console120or a user account on game console120, and that a prior redemption using a master unlock code from master unlock codes152ahas previously occurred.

Referring to step340of flowchart300inFIG. 3and diagram100ofFIG. 1, step340of flowchart300comprises processor121of game console120granting access to retailer specific custom data112a. After step340, display130may appear similar to display230gofFIG. 2, informing the user that a specific feature is now unlocked. Thus, the program code within shared program data111may begin using the assets and features referenced in retailer specific custom data112aby the first feature unlock code submitted in step330. For example, character models, voices, and other data relating to the “Steely” character may be made accessible. In this manner, the user is enabled to redeem feature unlock codes associated with a specific retailer or another grouping criteria, providing value added contents for users while maintaining user incentives to shop for primary items, or videogame software, and secondary items such as accessories at a single specific retailer offering desirable exclusive content.

From the above description of the invention it is manifest that various techniques can be used for implementing the concepts of the present invention without departing from its scope. Moreover, while the invention has been described with specific reference to certain embodiments, a person of ordinary skills in the art would recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. As such, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It should also be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention.