Multi-tier Online Gaming System with Subscription Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online gaming models face challenges, including insufficient revenue from advertisement-supported models and high barriers to entry with paid subscription models, which can deter players and limit game sales due to subscription costs and reluctance to leave free models.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-tier online gaming system where the first tier is free and offers basic multiplayer features, while the second tier requires a subscription and provides enhanced features like cross-platform play, matchmaking, and voice communications, with enticements for players to upgrade, such as highlighting exclusive features and offering Gamerscore and achievement points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pure fee subscription model is used, then service quality is improved, but player acquisition is worsened due to high entry barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming service is divided into two distinct tiers: a free first tier providing basic multiplayer features and a paid second tier providing enhanced features. This segmentation allows the service to attract players with free access while generating revenue from subscribers who want premium features, resolving the contradiction between service quality and player acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the service model by creating multiple subscription levels. Players can choose between free access with limited features or paid access with full features, adding a dimensional layer to the traditional binary choice between free and paid models.
2Ease of operation
If advertisement-supported free gaming is used, then player accessibility is improved, but revenue generation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The service segments players into free and paid user bases, allowing the free tier to maintain high accessibility through advertisement support while the paid tier generates substantial revenue through subscription fees, thereby resolving the revenue deficiency of purely ad-supported models.
Solution Approach 2:
The free tier acts as an intermediary that introduces players to the gaming service and builds engagement, while the paid tier serves as the revenue generator. This intermediary structure allows the service to maintain broad accessibility while generating sufficient revenue through a smaller base of paying subscribers.
3Reliability
If subscription fees are increased to cover service costs, then service quality is improved, but player subscription willingness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the service into two tiers with different feature sets and price points, the patent allows players to subscribe only for the features they need. This reduces the financial barrier to entry while maintaining the ability to provide high-quality services to paying subscribers, thereby increasing overall subscription willingness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality levels are provided to different segments of the player base. The free tier provides sufficient quality for casual players, while the paid tier provides enhanced quality for dedicated players. This local differentiation of quality allows players to subscribe based on their specific needs and willingness to pay.
Data Source
AI summary
Online multiplayer games are provided in multiple tiers. A first tier offers limited features and a second tier offers first tier features plus additional features. The additional features are exclusive to the second tier. During game play in the first tier, enticements are provided to participate in the second tier. The first tier requires no subscription to participate therein. Participation in the second tier requires a subscription. In an example configuration, the first tier allows players to host a game on a dedicated server, browse a list of dedicated server games, and join a game from a list of first tier eligible games. And, the second tier offers a variety of additional features, such as the ability to invite other players to join a game session, match making services, and cross-platform game play.