Method of facilitating participation in on-line, multi-player role playing games
Inactive Publication Date: 2007-09-27
ZAHORIK MICHAEL A +1
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- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
[0007] The present invention provides a method for driving players to online gaming web sites such as an online RPG and retaining those players once they have enrolled or registered to participate in an online RPG. The present invention also encourages on-going participation in online RPGs by registered players. All of the foregoing thereby enhance the size of the virtual world in which the RPG is conducted, and thus the potential experience of participants of the PRG. The method contemplates the encouragement of individuals to participate in building the size of a virtual universe by increasing the number of participants in the virtual universe. Under the method, an individual must generally register with an ORPG administrator prior to participating in ORPG's virtual world. Upon registration, the individual (referred to as a “Gamer”) is assigned or selects a character or avatar to represent the person in the virtual world. Typically, a newly created or assigned avatar starts out at a low or base level and has a predetermined amount of virtual “power” represented by the skills and virtual property possessed by the avatar. For example, a level 1 avatar in a game may be assigned a drinking cup, a spear, flint, a stone, three gold pieces and low hunting skill. With this virtual property and skill, the avatar ventures out into the game space or virtual world. Under the system of the invention, while a Gamer can add to his virtual property and skill by participating in the virtual world, the Gamer can also add to his virtual property and otherwise enhance his skill, thereby increasing his “strength” and overall level, by performing various activities in the real world (“Qualified Activities”).
Problems solved by technology
Because of this, the online RPG industry is generating hundreds of millions of dollars a year in revenue, and as such, competition between online RPG vendors to attract and retain players is fierce.
While there are various systems available to reward consumers for various activities they perform on the Internet related to the sale of products, none of the systems are applicable to promotion of an gaming website in order to build a larger base of players, thereby enhancing the experience of the existing players and promoting growth of the game and the virtual world.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0013] In FIG. 1, a standard Internet network 8 is shown through which is operated a gaming website 10 for conducting various games such as an on-line role playing game (“ORPG”) 12. Website 10 and ORPG 12 is operated by an administrator 14. Individuals who register with administrator 14 in order to participate in ORPG 12 are generally referred to as Gamers 16. Each Gamer is assigned an identity, character or avatar 18 which functions in the virtual world 20 defined within the ORPG 12. Each avatar 18 is provided with certain attributes or assets 22 for use at website 10. While assets 22 may be anything that enhances an avatar's relative strength or standing or level in virtual world 20, in once preferred embodiment, assets 22 are property or character qualities. Property may include both personal property, such as a cup, a plate, a potion, a ring, a weapon or the like, and real property, such as virtual real estate. Property may also include value items such as a quantity of gold, si...
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The present invention provides a method for driving players to online gaming web sites such as an online role playing game (“RPG”) and retaining those players once they have enrolled or registered to participate in the an online RPG. The present invention also encourages on-going participation in online RPGs by registered players. The present invention also encourages participation in other activities such as game strategy seminars and tournaments, designed to enhance the online RPG. The foregoing is achieved by providing attributes or assets to enhance a registered gamer's character or avatar when the gamer accomplishes certain qualified activities that enhance the virtual world in which the RPG is conducted, and thus the potential experience of participants of the PRG. In one embodiment of the invention, a registered gamer receives additional assets for referral of other gamers. In another embodiment of the invention, a gamer receives additional assets by registering others to participate in an RPG or to participate in a strategy seminar or RPG tournament. In another embodiment of the invention, a gamer receives additional assets by hosting an online RPG or facilitating access to an online RPG. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, a registered gamer receives assets for such activities conducted by other gamers who participate in the RPG as either a direct or indirect result of the referring gamer. The quantity of assets received by a gamer for these various activities may vary depending on the volume of activities, time frame and the like.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to role-playing games and more particularly to a methodology for encouraging individuals to enroll at an online role-playing gaming website and for permitting virtual participation in a tabletop game being conducted at a location remote from a player. Most particularly, the methodology for encouraging individuals to enroll at an online role-playing gaming website employs multi-level techniques to attract and retain participants in order to enhance the virtual world in which the role-playing games are conducted. [0002] The online, multiplayer gaming industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. These are role-playing games (“RPG”) in which players take on specialized roles or virtual personas (referred to as “avatars”) and interact via the Internet with other players in simulated environments or imaginary worlds. Traditionally, a role-playing game (RPG) is a type of game in which players assu...
Claims
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CPCA63F13/12A63F2300/609A63F2300/5506A63F13/30A63F13/69A63F13/79A63F13/822A63F13/335
InventorZAHORIK, MICHAEL A.JAO, RODERICK
OwnerZAHORIK MICHAEL A