Virtual Resource Automation for RTS Gathering on Console Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing virtual resource gathering in real-time strategy (RTS) games is challenging, especially when transitioning from personal computer (PC) controls to console platforms, due to the limitations of controller input, leading to inefficient resource collection and increased cognitive load for players.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a virtual resource automation component that automatically assigns tasks to virtual characters based on resource production goals, considering factors like resource availability, peril, and character attributes, allowing players to set and share custom presets, and using site-based commands for efficient resource gathering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual control of virtual characters is used, then player strategic decision-making is maintained, but cognitive load and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of resource gatheringVSAvoidcomplexity of resource management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables virtual characters to autonomously gather resources by automatically selecting and traversing to resource sources based on predefined goals and heuristics. The automation component manages character assignments, route planning, and resource collection without requiring continuous player intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in resource gathering operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automation component monitors resource gathering progress, character locations, and resource source availability. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts character assignments and gathering strategies to optimize resource collection efficiency while maintaining alignment with player-defined goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed manual control of each virtual character is implemented, then resource gathering precision is improved, but user interface complexity and interaction overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of resource gatheringVSAvoidcomplexity of user interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the resource gathering task into independent units, with each virtual character operating autonomously based on individual assignments. The automation component divides the overall resource gathering objective into manageable sub-tasks, allowing precise control of each character's actions while simplifying the user interface to a high-level goal-setting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automation component serves as an intermediary between the player's high-level strategic goals and the detailed execution by individual virtual characters. This intermediary layer translates simple player commands into complex coordinated actions, maintaining precision in resource gathering while hiding the complexity from the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated resource management is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity and automation overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of resource gatheringVSAvoidcomplexity of automation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automation system dynamically adapts its behavior based on real-time game conditions, including character locations, resource source availability, and current gathering goals. The system flexibly adjusts character assignments and routes without requiring complex predetermined scripts, improving efficiency while keeping the automation logic relatively simple through adaptive decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automation component performs resource management tasks autonomously, including monitoring resource sources, assigning characters to appropriate tasks, and coordinating gathering operations. This self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating manual micromanagement while the system manages its own complexity through modular design and heuristic-based decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260007972A1System for managing virtual resource production by virtual characters in an electronic game

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A method for automating digital resource production within a real-time strategy game. The method includes identifying a virtual character at a first location in a virtual space, the virtual character capable of gathering virtual resources, and identifying a set of resource-gathering factors for the virtual character. Based on these factors, the method expands a defined distance from a second location in the virtual space within which the virtual character operates to include a third location in the virtual space, determines a virtual resource-gathering assignment, and instructs the virtual character to traverse to the third location. The set of resource-gathering factors includes a virtual resource production goal, a reserve of a virtual resource, an availability of a source of the virtual resource, a likelihood of an additional virtual resource source at the third location, and a likely peril to the virtual character in traversing to the third location.