Interactive Game Refresher Elements for Session Resumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players forget game mechanics, controls, and plot elements after a long break, making it difficult to resume gameplay at the same level of proficiency.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that stores user data and provides refresher elements based on the time elapsed since the last play session, including interactive tutorials tailored to the user's level of skill, to remind players of game mechanics, controls, and plot elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If players take a long break from the game, then they can return to play at their convenience, but they forget game mechanics, controls, and plot elements, losing proficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing refresher elements (tutorial content, control instructions, plot summaries) in advance before the player returns. When a player comes back after a break, the pre-prepared refresher content is automatically provided to help them regain proficiency without requiring them to relearn everything from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The game system automatically detects when a player returns after an extended absence and self-initiates the provision of refresher elements. The system monitors player activity, identifies gaps in knowledge based on time elapsed, and delivers appropriate tutorial content or control reminders without requiring the player to manually request them.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive tutorials are provided to help players regain proficiency, then players can recover game knowledge, but the time required to resume gameplay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refresher content is divided into segmented modules covering different aspects of the game (controls, mechanics, plot elements, advanced features). Players can selectively review only the segments they need based on their specific gaps, rather than being forced to complete entire tutorials. This segmentation allows players to efficiently regain proficiency by focusing on relevant topics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides partial tutorial content tailored to the specific needs identified by analyzing player behavior and time since last session. Rather than delivering complete comprehensive tutorials, it delivers just enough refresher material to help players resume at their previous level, using partial action to reduce time investment while maintaining effectiveness.
3Loss of information
If refresher elements are provided to all returning players, then players can regain proficiency, but the complexity of the game system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing refresher elements selectively to specific players based on their individual needs, determined by analyzing their play history, skill level, and time since last session. Different players receive different refresher content tailored to their local situation, rather than a uniform approach for all players. This targeted delivery reduces overall system complexity by activating refresher functions only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as the amount, type, and detail level of refresher content based on player-specific factors like time since last session, previous skill level, and current game progress. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains simplicity for players who don't need refreshers while providing comprehensive support to those who do, resolving the complexity contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and articles for dynamically facilitating user interaction with a program are provided. A user is may be provided with refresher elements (or a tutorial) based on the period of time since the user's last session (or level of skill). Programs which may benefit from such features include, inter alia, interactive games, word processors, spreadsheets, payroll applications etc.