In-Game Fund Allocation via Bank Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing electronic game systems, players do not retain any value from in-game purchases, and these purchases are not transferable across devices, leading to lost funds if the game is deleted or the device changes, with no reimbursement from the game provider.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for allocating funds from in-game purchases to user accounts, allowing real-time or near real-time transfer of a percentage of the purchase value to various financial accounts, such as checking or savings accounts, upon user authorization, using a gaming server and a second computer server associated with a financial institution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-game purchases are made within the game system, then players can acquire game components and services, but players lose all funds if the game is deleted or device changes with no reimbursement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bank account as an intermediary between the player and the game system. Funds are deposited into the bank account during gameplay, serving as a secure mediator that preserves player value independently of the game's existence. This intermediary structure ensures that even if the game is deleted or the device changes, the funds remain safe and can be withdrawn or transferred.
2Adaptability or versatility
If in-game purchases are tied to a specific device, then device-specific gaming functionality is enabled, but purchases are not transferable to other devices requiring separate purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fund storage system through bank accounts that are not tied to any specific device. The same bank account can be accessed across multiple devices, allowing players to transfer their funds and continue gameplay on different devices without making redundant purchases. This multi-functional approach enables seamless cross-device compatibility.
3Ease of operation
If game providers retain all in-game purchase funds, then game operations are simplified, but players receive no financial benefit or retention from their purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fund management system into two distinct parts: the game system handles game-specific transactions and entertainment functions, while the bank account handles fund preservation and financial management. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently in its optimal domain, with the bank account ensuring player value retention while the game system maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein disclose technology for allocating funds related to one or more in-game purchases when users interact with a gaming application. Based on the interactions of a user with the gaming application running on a client device of the user, a gaming server receives information of an in-game purchase by the user. The gaming server notifies a second computer server of the in-game purchase which sends an activation link to the user. When the second computer detects selection of the activation link, funds are electronically transferred from the gaming application to one or more accounts. In some embodiments, the funds allocated to the one or more accounts can be a percentage of the in-game purchase amount.