A Method and Apparatus For Providing A Simulated Band Experience Including Online Interaction and Downloaded Content

Abstract

A method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network having unpredictable delivery latency includes displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue, receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument, displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the musical composition, and receiving music performance input from the second player.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to video games and, more particularly, to video games in which game players emulate a musical performance using musical instrument simulators and interact musically, either cooperatively or competitively, with one another in real-time using content downloaded from an online venue. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Music is a temporal medium, the organization of sound in time. Accordingly, music making is highly timing sensitive. When a musician presses a key on a piano, the musician expects the result to be immediately audible. Any delay in hearing the sound, even as brief as few milliseconds, produces a perceived sluggishness that impedes the ability of the musician to use the instrument. [0003] Music making is also often a collaborative effort among many musicians who interact with each other. One form of musical interaction popular among non-musicians is provided by a video game genre known as “rhythm-action,” which requires a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method that a group of individuals connected to a network can use to compete or collaborate with one another, in real time, in a rhythm-action game. Players may use game controllers that simulate musical instruments to enhance their enjoyment of the game. Players can form one or more bands with other players and participate in competitions in which their band attempts to perform musical compositions better than a competing band. The other members of a player's band may be physically proximate to a player or they may interact over a network, such as the Internet. Accordingly, a player is provided with the experience of being a member of a band. Additionally, game levels, that is, musical compositions or songs, may be available for download from an online venue to vary the game experience and keep the player engaged with the game.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game, the first player located remotely from the second player. Target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition is displayed to a first player. Music performance input is received from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument. Target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition is displayed to the second player, who is located remotely from the first player. Music performance input is received from the second player.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game, the first player located remotely from the second player. The system includes means for displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition; means for receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument; means for displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition; and means for receiving music performance input from the second player.

Problems solved by technology

Any delay in hearing the sound, even as brief as few milliseconds, produces a perceived sluggishness that impedes the ability of the musician to use the instrument.

If the player fails to perform this action successfully for a sufficient percentage of the notes, he scores poorly and loses the game.

Networked gaming is somewhat more difficult in the rhythm-action genre because both players must have access to the same musical content in order to play together.

Although the same musical content may be delivered to players with physical delivery of the game, that solution has the drawback that players often tire of a restricted subset of game levels.

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