Cloud Gaming Fallback via Text Messaging During Network Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players in multiplayer video games often face disruptions and inability to participate when network connectivity is lost, as existing technologies do not effectively manage gameplay continuity during network failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses alternative communication channels, such as text messaging or app services, to transmit game updates and receive player inputs, allowing continued gameplay even when primary network connectivity is lost, and activating autoplay modes to protect the player's avatar during network outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud gaming streams video over network to client device, then immersive gameplay experience is provided, but gameplay is interrupted when network connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secondary communication device (mobile phone) as an intermediary to relay game state information and commands when the primary network connection fails. The cloud gaming server sends updates to the mobile device, which then displays them to the player, and receives player inputs from the mobile device to forward to the game session, maintaining gameplay continuity through an alternative communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the communication system by utilizing a secondary device (mobile phone) that is physically separate from the primary client device. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain connectivity through alternative paths when the primary network route is blocked, enabling the player to continue gaming experience through a different device dimension.
2Reliability
If alternative communication channels are used during network failure, then gameplay continues, but information transmission is limited compared to normal network operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the most critical game state information through the alternative communication channel during network failures. Rather than attempting to replicate all visual and audio game data, the system sends essential updates (player positions, actions, game state changes) that are sufficient to maintain basic gameplay awareness and interaction, accepting that detail is reduced but continuity is preserved.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If autoplay mode is activated during network outage, then player avatar is protected from harm, but player control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through autoplay mode, where the game system automatically performs protective actions for the player avatar without requiring direct player input. When network connectivity is lost, the system autonomously executes predefined safety routines (such as moving the avatar to safe zones or pausing gameplay) to protect the player from potential harm, eliminating the need for continuous player control while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing gameplay of a video game is provided, including: executing a session of a video game by a cloud gaming resource; streaming video generated by the session over a network to a client device associated to a player of the video game, to enable gameplay of the session by the player; detecting a loss of network connectivity between the client device and the session; responsive to detecting the loss of network connectivity, then initiating transmission of updates regarding the session, via an alternative communication channel, to a secondary device associated to the player.