Gameboard UI Control with Collectable Special Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing match-three games face challenges in maintaining user engagement and providing visually engaging gameplay with limited screen resources, particularly with blockers and booster elements that are unresponsive or require multiple layers for removal.
Innovation Solution
Introduce special game elements with collectable attributes, such as 'container' or 'mint' elements, which become collectable upon activation, and a foam region where game elements become collectable, testing player skill and providing a visually distinct and engaging gameplay objective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional blockers and booster elements are used in match-three games, then game mechanics are simple and easy to understand, but user engagement becomes repetitive and less visually engaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traditional blocker elements into multiple interactive layers that can be individually collected. Each layer represents a discrete collectable unit, transforming a static obstacle into a multi-stage interactive element that maintains gameplay simplicity while enhancing engagement through progressive collection mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a collection dimension to traditionally static blocker elements. By enabling players to collect portions of blockers layer by layer, the game transitions from simple removal mechanics to a multi-dimensional engagement model where blockers serve dual purposes as both obstacles and collectable rewards
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple layers are required for blocker removal, then game durability increases, but user interaction becomes less responsive and more tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanics where blockers automatically progress through layer removal based on predefined game conditions. Instead of requiring manual intervention for each layer, the system autonomously manages the multi-layer removal process, maintaining blocker persistence while eliminating tedious user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares blocker layers for progressive removal by pre-establishing collection conditions and visual indicators. Players are given advance notice of collectable layers through visual cues, allowing them to plan their strategy without requiring complex real-time decisions about multi-layer removal sequences
3Area of stationary object
If unresponsive blocker elements are used, then screen space is efficiently utilized, but visual engagement and player motivation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes and visual transformations to indicate collectable states of blocker layers. As layers become collectable, they undergo distinct visual changes including color shifts and animated effects, transforming static screen space into dynamically engaging visual elements that maintain efficient space utilization while dramatically improving visual engagement
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to a computer device configured to provide a computer game. The computer device displays an initial gameboard of a computer game and displays at least one special game element on the gameboard. A processor detects a qualifying action that affects the special game element, and activates the special game element. Activating the special game element causes assignment of a special ‘collectable’ element attribute to at least one element supported by a tile with the special tile attribute. If the processor detects a second qualifying action relating to a collectable element, a count is incremented for each collectable element to which the second qualifying action relates.