System, method and handheld controller for multi-player gaming

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication mans for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers. The plurality of game controllers are located in proximity to the large display screen such that it is visible to game players manipulating the game controllers while playing the multi-player game.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 611,945, filed Sep. 21, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 697,037, filed Jul. 6, 2005, the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for multi-player gaming. In particular, the multi-player gaming involves a common display visible to multiple players while each of a plurality of game controllers is controlled by a respective player associated with a particular game character. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In a multi-player game environment where a large number of users can play an interactive action-based game on a single large display screen, such as that which may be found in a cinema, for example, it may be difficult for one of a large number of players to identify his or her onscreen character (or avatar) a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention relates to a system and method for multi-player gaming, where players can join a game through a network server and use handheld gaming devices to control their characters in the game. The system includes a display system with a large display screen and multiple small handheld gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities. The handheld devices can be used to play the game or to join a pre-game activity. The system also includes a communication infrastructure for enabling communication between the game server and the handheld devices. The game can be played in a game arena with a large number of seats, making it easy for players to identify their characters and join the game. The handheld devices have player input means, such as joysticks and action buttons, and can provide sensory output to the player through vibration and audio. The system also allows for easy identification and location of players' characters within the game environment."

Problems solved by technology

In a multi-player game environment where a large number of users can play an interactive action-based game on a single large display screen, such as that which may be found in a cinema, for example, it may be difficult for one of a large number of players to identify his or her onscreen character (or avatar) amongst all of the characters of the other players on the screen.

This difficulty would be increased if the game characters chosen by the various players look similar to each other.

If a player is not easily (or readily) able to identify his or her game character on the large screen, the player's enjoyment of, and thus incentive to play, the game may be diminished.

A further problem in such a multi-player game environment arises in relation to receiving game input commands from all of the large number of players.

In an existing cinema or other large arena, for example, it may not always be cost-effective or practical to provide cabling or wiring to a large number of player input terminals for receiving the player input commands.

Images