Solution for enhancing the user experience of an electronic game by making user-created game data available in context during gameplay

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system for enhancing a user's experience in an electronic game by dynamically incorporating user-created tag data. Such a system can include an electronic game application running on a network-capable computing device, a game tag monitor, and a game tag information coordinator. The game tag monitor can be configured to accept and present user-created game tag data within the electronic game application. User created game tag data can also be received outside a gameplay situation using a suitable game tagging interface. The game tag data can be presented dynamically based on the current context of the game. The game tag information coordinator can be configured to provide the game tag monitor with game tag data and receive new game tag data from the game tag monitor.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to the field of electronic gaming and, more particularly, to enhancing the user experience of an electronic game by making user-created game data available in context during gameplay.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Electronic games, such as those played on personal computers and video game consoles, have become a very popular form of entertainment. The completion of a game often involves the investment of a large quantity of time by the player. Many games also include a variety of puzzles and secret areas, which tend to greatly increase the amount of time a player spends in the game trying to complete these objectives. Unfortunately, it can be quite easy to miss clues and / or items needed to complete a puzzle or enter a secret area, which is a common cause of player frustration.[0005]Many players, therefore, subscribe to a variety of user-communities to find and / or share information about handli...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The completion of a game often involves the investment of a large quantity of time by the player.

Many games also include a variety of puzzles and secret areas, which tend to greatly increase the amount of time a player spends in the game trying to complete these objectives.

Unfortunately, it can be quite easy to miss clues and / or items needed to complete a puzzle or enter a secret area, which is a common cause of player frustration.

While this approach can provide a wealth of information, the accessed information often lacks a direct association with the specific context in the game where it is applicable.

Further, the other player's providing the information may describe the context of the game in a variety of terms that another player may not readily understand.

Additionally, there has historically been no way to assess an accuracy or a quality of available game data, which can vary significantly from source to source.

This pre-built data, however, is static in nature and cannot change once delivered.

The static nature of the game data can be a significant weakness, especially when a game being described is a dynamic, evolving game, as are many current Web based multiplayer games.

Additionally, a direct association is lacking between the game guide and a game context, requiring users to switch back and forth between gameplay and the guide.

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