Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

James H Jen

Martyn Richard Chudley

Jason Joseph Weber

Todd G Roshak

Michael Christopher Connolly

Chris M Novak

David Worswick

Racing games and other computer-implemented games having garage, showroom and test drive features are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a racing game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes displaying a plurality of cars in a simulated showroom setting. Game players can roam freely about the showroom in first-person mode and inspect the cars in close detail. If a player desires, he or she can test drive one or more of the cars to assess its performance before competing in a racing event with the car.

Racing games and other games having garage, showroom, and test drive features

A recorded race is downloaded from an online gaming service. The recorded race is associated with a game program. The game program is launched on a game console. The recorded race is applied to the game program executing on the game console such that the recorded race controls a first vehicle moving through a course. Control inputs are received from an input device coupled to the game console. The control inputs control a second vehicle moving through the course.

Method and apparatus for retrieving recorded races for use in a game

A framework identity database for receiving, storing, and sharing a user's personal information. The framework identity database operates in conjunction with a user interface and one or more associated application programs to receive a user's personal information. The user interface sends personal information to the framework identity database. New or previously stored personal information can also be sent to the framework identity database from one or more application programs or input devices associated with a computer or a network. The framework identity database creates and stores a user record including the personal information for later retrieval or modification. The framework identity database shares the personal information with the application programs. The application programs can then utilize the personal information to customize a user's experience when interacting with the application programs, such as features, commands, documents, templates, wizards, lists, preferences, and other output used to interact with a user. The framework identity database is further operative to maintain, to retrieve, and to store one or more user records associated with one or more user identities. That is, when a user selects a particular user identity at a user interface, the user interface sends the selected user identity to the framework identity database. The framework identity database retrieves a user record including personal information associated with the selected user identity. The personal information is then shared with the application programs to customize a user's experience when interacting with the application programs.

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Kirkland, WA, United States of America

James H Jen