The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 2015
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2007
Kevin Geisner, Seattle, WA (US);
Chee Chew, Redmond, WA (US);
Andrew Royal, Seattle, WA (US);
Martin Sleeman, Redmond, WA (US);
Rob Sanfilippo, Kirkland, WA (US);
Kevin Geisner, Seattle, WA (US);
Chee Chew, Redmond, WA (US);
Andrew Royal, Seattle, WA (US);
Martin Sleeman, Redmond, WA (US);
Rob SanFilippo, Kirkland, WA (US);
Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA (US);
Abstract
Online multiplayer games are provided in multiple tiers. A first tier offers limited features and a second tier offers first tier features plus additional features. The additional features are exclusive to the second tier. During game play in the first tier, enticements are provided to participate in the second tier. The first tier requires no subscription to participate therein. Participation in the second tier requires a subscription. In an example configuration, the first tier allows players to host a game on a dedicated server, browse a list of dedicated server games, and join a game from a list of first tier eligible games. And, the second tier offers a variety of additional features, such as the ability to invite other players to join a game session, match making services, and cross-platform game play.