Dynamic Tile Generation for Match-Three Gameboard Voids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing match-three games face challenges in maintaining user engagement due to the presence of holes or voids in gameboard layouts, which can frustrate players and hinder them from achieving game objectives.
Innovation Solution
A computer device configured to detect user input and generate new tiles in gameboard locations that were previously voids, using a 'basher' element that moves from its initial position to a stopper position, removing elements and creating new tiles along its path, thereby enhancing gameplay and user engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holes or voids are present in gameboard layouts, then the gameboard can present interesting challenges for users, but this frustrates players and prevents them from achieving game objectives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic holes/voids from the gameboard layout and replaces them with dynamically generated tiles. This removes the frustrating element while preserving the layout variety, as the tiles are generated based on the original hole positions rather than eliminating the holes entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting holes in the gameboard layout before gameplay begins, and pre-generates tiles to fill these holes. This ensures that no frustrating voids remain when the player starts playing, while still maintaining the intended layout structure.
2Productivity
If refill mechanisms are implemented to repopulate gameboard locations, then game elements can be replenished, but holes or voids are not populated since they do not support game elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the gameboard dynamically adaptive by detecting holes during the refill process and dynamically generating tiles at those locations. The refill mechanism evolves from a static process that only repopulates predefined tile locations to a dynamic process that can create tiles in previously unsupported hole locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The refill mechanism is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to repopulate traditional tile locations while also detecting and filling holes with newly generated tiles. This universal approach ensures complete gameboard coverage regardless of the initial layout configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If special game elements like boosters are added to enhance gameplay, then player engagement increases, but the game mechanics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting holes in the gameboard layout and autonomously generating appropriate tiles to fill them. This eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex player decisions about how to handle holes, simplifying the gameplay experience while maintaining engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the gameboard state, detects the presence of holes, and responds by generating tiles in those locations. This closed-loop approach ensures that the gameboard remains complete and playable without requiring complex player knowledge or actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device configured to provide a game to a user and to implement a special game element. A gameboard comprising gameboard locations is rendered on a display. A first set of the gameboard locations comprise tiles supporting game objects, and at least one of the gameboard locations does not comprise a tile. A user input selecting one of user selectable game elements supported by the tiles is received, and the device detects match game conditions. At least one tile of the gameboard supports a special game element, which is activated or triggered when a special game element triggering condition is detected. On detection of the special game element triggering condition, The special game element is triggered to cause it to move to a target gameboard location. If there is no tile at the target gameboard location a new tile is generated on the gameboard at the target gameboard location.