System and method for delivering electronic media content on a multi-level basis

Abstract

A system and method for delivering an electronic video game allows a consumer to purchase the game in sequential portions. The video game is broken down into incremental portions that are each individually available for sale. A consumer purchases a first portion of the video game that contains the first level, or set of levels, of the game. When the first portion is completed by the consumer, the consumer can then buy the next sequential portion for an additional incremental sum of money. The incremental portions may contain one or more levels. Similarly, the initial purchase vehicle may contain the entire game and a consumer purchases key codes to access subsequent portions of the game.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a system and method for increasing purchases, customer retention and customer satisfaction related to the purchase of electronic media content, including, but not limited to, video games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for offering and delivering electronic video games in sequential portions, i.e. sequential levels or sets of levels, where a customer initially purchases only a first level, or levels, of the game and the next sequential levels are purchased after they have completed the level, or levels, that they have already purchased. In this manner, the cost of the initial purchase is reduced while customer satisfaction is increased for the overall media experience.[0002]The marketplace for electronic media has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. For purposes of this application, the term “electronic media content” is intended to mean me...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0001]The present invention relates generally to a system and method for increasing purchases, customer retention and customer satisfaction related to the purchase of electronic media content, including, but not limited to, video games. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for offering and delivering electronic video games in sequential portions, i.e. sequential levels or sets of levels, where a customer initially purchases only a first level, or levels, of the game and the next sequential levels are purchased after they have completed the level, or levels, that they have already purchased. In this manner, the cost of the initial purchase is reduced while customer satisfaction is increased for the overall media experience.

[0008]In this regard, the present invention provides a system and method of distributing video games, and other electronic media, which divides the media into discrete portions for individual sale and distribution. In accordance with the present invention, the video game, or other electronic media, is broken down into discrete portions that are each individually available for sale. A consumer purchases the first portion of the video game that contains, for example, the first level of the game. The purchase price is reduced as compared to the cost of the entire game. When the first incremental level is completed by the consumer, the consumer can then buy the next level for an additional incremental sum of money. The system can provide key codes generated at the completion of one level, to open the next level. In this manner, the general public cannot purchase and play the final portions of the game without first having completed the beginning portions. Sale of the discrete media portions can occur through existing sales channels on existing media formats, i.e. retail boxed media sets, and online downloads. Alternately, levels or groups of levels can be combined for sale as a set in different media packages. For example, if the game contains 15 levels, the game could be divided into 3 sets of levels, i.e. 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15 in three different media packages.

[0010]In this manner, the system and method of the present invention allows a consumer to purchase only the portions of the video game that they will actually use. By implementing the system and method of the present invention, a consumer will have a higher degree of customer satisfaction because they are only paying for the portion of the game that they have the time or attention span to play and therefore are not spending a larger sum of money for a full set of levels that they will never use.

Problems solved by technology

However, traditional video game distribution models have not changed over the years.

Accordingly, there is a perceived drawback in the prior art distribution model, in that video games are distributed as “complete” version of the game under a single title.

A problem with this method of distribution is that many consumers do not complete all of the levels within the game title that they purchased.

Often they get bored with the game, do not have sufficient time to dedicate to playing the game or simply decide that they do not like the game.

This drawback in the existing distribution scheme has spawned “used” video game distribution channels, where retail video game outlets will exchange used games for credit towards other purchases.

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