Activision Publishing, Inc.

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Martyn Richard Chudley

Paul Kerby

Gareth George Wilson

Gerard-Lee Talbot

Ben James Ward

Craig Howard

James H Jen

Sarah C Chudley

Philip Snape

Chris M Novak

David Worswick

A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Social network system and method for use with and integration into a video game

A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

System and method configured to unlock content within a videogame

A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different virtual geographic locations at which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with each location. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from location to location, performing objectives at the various locations, and interacting with the players at the locations.

System and method configured to provide a location-based vehicular racing videogame

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 scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.

Growing community of inventors

Knutsford, United Kingdom

Martyn Richard Chudley