Interactive gaming system with animated, real-time characters

Abstract

A gaming system enables users to interact with one another during electronic game play with animated imagery. The system comprises a central processing unit having certain character-building menus and certain character-directing commands. Users thereof, via user-based hardware, communicate with one another by way of the central processing unit and a communication network. Animatable characters and character display units are displayed upon the user's hardware and provide an entertaining visual and / or auditory forum for interacting with other players. The character commands are operable to animate user-identifying characters for incorporating animated body language into game play for enhancing player interaction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to the field of interactive, electronic gaming systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an online gaming system for enabling players to interact with one another in real-time in a character-based setting.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]With the advent of computers, the inevitability of inventive computer-based gaming methodologies became apparent. Software developers continually develop electronic means for achieving inventive end results. The gaming industry, for example, has seen rapid growth in the use of web-based interface means for enabling players to game electronically. In this regard, a number of inventive systems and methods have been developed as a means to embrace consumer demands and provide the marketplace with quicker, more efficient ways to meet gaming demands. Several of the more pertinent U.S. patent disclosures describing web-based...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an electronic gaming system that allows players to communicate with each other in real-time through voice and visual connections. The system includes a character menu with pre-defined characters and commands that players can select to interact with during the game. The system also has a gaming menu with themes and games that players can select, and the characters and game play are displayed on a shared screen for added interaction. The technical effects of the invention include making online gaming more live and dynamic, enhancing player interaction, and improving the overall entertainment value of the game."

Problems solved by technology

With the advent of computers, the inevitability of inventive computer-based gaming methodologies became apparent.

From a review of these prior art disclosures and from a general consideration of other pertinent prior art generally known to exist, it will be seen that the prior art does not disclose an electronic, networked gaming system incorporating user-identifying animated characters, which characters may be directed for real-time interaction amongst the players.

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