Data Model Substitutions for Scalable Game Content
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adding new content to video games and other virtual environments is inefficient, requiring updates to both client and server applications, which can lead to unsatisfying user experiences and increased development burdens for developers.
Innovation Solution
A system that facilitates data model substitution on pre-existing data objects at a client computing platform, allowing for scalable addition of new game content by leveraging existing data objects and providing data model substitutions from a game server, without the need for new downloads or code updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new game content is added by updating client and server applications, then new content can be provided, but development efficiency decreases and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates game content into two distinct parts: pre-existing data objects that remain static in the client application, and data model substitutions that are dynamically provided by the server. This segmentation allows new content to be added without updating the client, as only the substitutions need to be transmitted to the client's existing data objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic data model substitutions that can be provided by the server at runtime, allowing the behavior, appearance, or characteristics of existing data objects to change without modifying the client application. This dynamic approach enables content updates without requiring client code revisions or downloads.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new game content is added by updating applications, then new content can be provided, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces data model substitutions as an intermediary layer between the server and client. The server provides substitutions that describe how existing data objects should be interpreted or rendered, acting as a mediator that translates new content requirements into modifications of existing client-side objects without requiring direct coordination of application updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If client code is revised to add new content, then new functionality can be achieved, but download requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the content update functionality from the client application and places it in the server. By taking out the need for client code revisions and downloads, the system achieves content scalability through server-provided data model substitutions that are applied to existing client objects without requiring additional client downloads.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating data model substitution related to one or more pre-existing data objects in an expression of a game environment. A system may facilitate scalable addition of new game content by leveraging pre-existing data objects at a client computing platform. The system may include a game server that provides to the client computing platform data model substitutions for the existing data objects. The data model substitutions may be used to alter the behavior or function, look (e.g., visual appearance), description, and/or other characteristic of an expression of a pre-existing data object. Thus, by leveraging pre-existing data objects and providing such data model substitutions, new content or at least the appearance of new content from the user's perspective, may be provided without revising client code or requiring downloading new instructions that encode new data objects.