Secondary Metagame System for Cross-Platform Player Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional gaming platforms offer superior compute and graphics processing capabilities but lack portability, while handheld devices provide portability but limited processing power, making it challenging to combine the benefits of both for an enhanced videogame experience.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that integrates a secondary metagame with a primary videogame, allowing players to engage in a secondary metagame on handheld devices, where performance metrics from the primary videogame influence scoring and reward systems, providing bonuses and extending the gaming experience across platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional gaming platforms are used, then compute and graphics processing capabilities are improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompute and graphics processing capabilitiesVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming system is segmented into two distinct platforms: traditional gaming platforms for high-performance primary videogame execution, and handheld devices for secondary metagame participation. This segmentation allows each platform to optimize for its specific function while maintaining overall system integration through network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements multi-functionality by enabling handheld devices to serve dual purposes: they can play simplified versions of primary videogames and simultaneously participate in secondary metagames. This universal approach allows players to engage with the gaming ecosystem across multiple device types without being locked into a single platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If handheld devices are used, then portability is improved, but compute and graphics processing capabilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcompute and graphics processing capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between handheld devices and the primary videogame infrastructure. The server handles complex computations and graphics processing, while handheld devices focus on user interaction and data transmission. This mediator approach allows lightweight devices to access high-performance gaming experiences through cloud-based processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces local mechanical processing power with network-based computational resources. Instead of relying on the handheld device's limited local processing capabilities, the system substitutes remote server computing power accessed through network connectivity, enabling sophisticated gaming experiences on portable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a secondary metagame is integrated with primary videogame, then player engagement is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the primary videogame and secondary metagame into a unified ecosystem where both games share common infrastructure, user accounts, and reward systems. This integration creates a cohesive player experience while managing complexity through shared backend services and standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The metagame implementation incorporates feedback mechanisms where performance in the primary videogame directly influences secondary metagame outcomes and rewards. This feedback loop enhances player engagement by creating meaningful connections between different game modes while using automated systems to manage the complexity of tracking and rewarding player achievements across both games.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10029177B2System and method for a videogame with a secondary metagame
Publication Date: 2018.07.24 ACTIVISION PUBLISHING INC
  • US10029177B2 patent drawing
  • US10029177B2 patent drawing
  • US10029177B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A videogame playable on a traditional gaming platform has an associated metagame playable on a handheld “second screen” device. In some embodiments, a player's performance in the videogame affects the player's performance in the metagame.