Authentication Code System for MMOG Data Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massively multi-player online games (MMOGs) face vulnerabilities due to unauthorized access and cheating, where hackers can steal host server software and players use bots to artificially enhance characters, leading to unfair competition and revenue loss.
Innovation Solution
A method for verifying the authenticity of data objects across multiple hosts using an authentication code system, ensuring only authorized modifications are allowed, and enabling secure transfer of game character data between servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single host server is used to host MMOG, then game operation is simplified and centralized, but the system becomes vulnerable to hacking and piracy where hackers can steal the host server software and create pirate servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication function from the game host server by introducing separate authentication servers. Each host server contains only game logic, while authentication and data portability verification are handled by dedicated authentication servers. This segmentation prevents hackers from stealing complete system functionality, as the critical authentication mechanisms remain centralized and secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces authentication servers as intermediaries between host servers and players. These authentication servers verify data portability signatures and authenticate players across multiple hosts. This intermediary layer prevents direct access to authentication mechanisms, making it difficult for pirates to create valid pirate servers without compromising the authentication infrastructure.
2Reliability
If multiple host servers are allowed, then piracy resistance improves through distribution, but data portability and authentication between hosts become complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal authentication system where authentication servers can verify data portability signatures from any authorized host server. The authentication code system and signature verification mechanisms are designed to be host-agnostic, allowing players to transfer characters and items between any authenticated hosts while maintaining security. This universal approach simplifies the multi-host architecture compared to implementing separate authentication systems at each host.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from host-specific credentials to standardized data portability signatures. Instead of each host requiring its own authentication mechanism, the system uses cryptographic signatures on data objects that can be verified by any authentication server. This parameter change enables seamless authentication across multiple hosts without increasing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If character data is made portable between hosts, then player flexibility and market freedom improve, but the system becomes vulnerable to cheating through bots that can artificially enhance characters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary authentication actions by verifying data portability signatures before allowing character transfers or market transactions. Authentication servers check the cryptographic signatures on character data objects before permitting any modifications or transfers between hosts. This preliminary verification prevents cheated characters from being transferred, as invalid signatures are rejected before the transaction completes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where authentication servers continuously verify data integrity during character transfers and market transactions. The system provides feedback by accepting or rejecting data portability requests based on signature validation. This feedback loop ensures that only authentically modified character data can be transferred, preventing bot-generated characters from infiltrating the legitimate game economy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for verifying the authenticity of content created by one host for verification and portability to other hosts includes the steps of creating a data set containing data objects, establishing an authentication code system, authorizing the first host to modify the data set; establishing a valid authentication code for the first host in accordance with the authentication code system, modifying the data set by the first host, signing the data set using the authentication code for the first host, transferring the data set to a second host, determining whether the data set was modified by a host having authority to modify the data set by verifying the authentication code used to sign the data set, and then allowing transfer to and use of the modified data set by the second host so long as the data set was modified by a host having a valid authentication code.