Graph-Based Game State Navigation for Player-Directed Progression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic games lack a sense of progression and player engagement, as they often provide static wins or losses without allowing players to control the direction of the game in a logical and entertaining way.
Innovation Solution
Implement a graph-based presentation that represents the current state and possible future states of the game, allowing players to make choices that influence the game's flow and outcomes, using a processor to detect predefined events and update the game state based on player selections or automatic decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static game structure is used, then the game is simple to operate, but player engagement and sense of progression are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static game structure into a dynamic one by implementing a graph-based state representation where nodes represent game states and edges represent transitions. The game state evolves dynamically based on player choices and predefined events, allowing the game to adapt its flow while maintaining clear operational rules. This resolves the contradiction by making the game structure dynamic rather than static, enabling both ease of operation and player engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the game into discrete states represented as nodes in a graph structure, with transitions between states represented as edges. This segmentation allows players to make controlled choices at decision points while the overall game progression remains structured and manageable. The segmentation enables complex game flows to be broken down into manageable state transitions, maintaining operational simplicity while increasing engagement through choice.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a graph-based state representation is implemented, then player engagement and control are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a computational model (graph data structure) to represent game states and transitions, which is a form of copying or abstraction of the actual game flow. This allows complex game logic to be managed through data structures rather than complex hardware or software architecture. The graph representation copies the essential game flow information in a manageable format, reducing the effective complexity while maintaining player control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The graph-based state representation serves multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks game progress, presents player choices, manages state transitions, and enables event detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive player control and engagement features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic state updates based on player selection are implemented, then game interactivity is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines the graph structure with all possible states and transitions before game play begins. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid complex real-time calculations during gameplay, as the valid transitions and state relationships are already established. When players make selections, the system simply follows pre-determined paths in the graph, reducing processing requirements while maintaining high interactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The graph-based state representation inherently manages its own updates through the structure itself. When a player selects a transition, the system automatically updates to the next state based on the graph structure, without requiring complex processing logic. The state machine approach allows the system to self-manage its progression, reducing the processing power needed for state management while enabling responsive interactivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to operating an electronic game according to a graph presentation representing a current state and possible future states for the game. Various embodiments described herein provide the player with a graph representing possible choices during game play with each choice influencing a future state and flow of the game. Embodiments allow player input as well as randomness to navigate the graph and determine the flow and outcomes of the game. Various embodiments determine how the player can navigate the graph, how the prizes are awarded based on the graph, and how the player can change the graph.