System and a method for a reality role playing game genre

Abstract: A system for a Reality Role Playing Game (RRPG) including at east one of in-game experiences, out-of-game experiences and real world content scenarios that are related to at least one of REAL people and REAL in-life actions, feelings and contacts, wherein the distinction between in-game and out-of-game experiences are blurred. (end of abstract)

Agent: Naomi Assia Landon Ip, Inc - Alexandria, VA, US
Inventor: Ariel COHEN
USPTO Applicaton #: #20080096665 - Class: 463 42 (USPTO)

System and a method for a reality role playing game genre description/claims

The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080096665, System and a method for a reality role playing game genre.

Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for role playing games, and more particularly to a system and method for a reality role playing game genre.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]A massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) is an online computer role-playing game (RPG) in which a large number of players interact with one another in a virtual world, as described on the Wikipedia Website. As in all RPG's, players assume the role of a fictional character (traditionally in a fantasy setting) and take control over most of that character's actions. MMORPG's are distinguished from single-player or small multi-player RPG's by the game's persistent world, usually hosted by the game's publisher, which continues to exist and evolve while the player is away from the game.

[0003]A virtual world is a computer-simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars. This habitation usually is represented in the form of two or three-dimensional graphical representations of humanoids or other graphical or text-based avatars. Some, but not all, virtual worlds allow for multiple users.

[0004]An alternate reality game (ARG) is a cross-media game that deliberately blurs the line between in-game experiences and the real world. While these games may primarily be centered around online resources, events which happen as part of the game may be communicated to the players in a number of forms. Often events that happen inside the game reality will "reach out" into the players life in order to bring them together. Previous ARG's have included the following:

[0005]e-mail;

[0006]Websites, both those obviously connected with the game and unrelated, innocent looking Websites. Both of these Website types are often where the bulk of the game lies, providing puzzles in many forms, e.g. cryptography;

[0007]phone calls to a player's home, cell or work phone;

[0008]phone calls from players to a fictional character;

[0009]SMS messages to players' cell phones;

[0010]postal (snail) mail;

[0011]newspaper articles or classifieds;

[0012]chat/Instant messaging, often involving conversation with actors or bots;

[0013]IRC channels;

[0014]real world artifacts related to the game in play;

[0015]real world events using actors who interact with the players who attend.

[0016]Most ARG's have a specific goal of not only involving the player with the story and/or fictional characters, but of connecting them to each other. Many game puzzles can be solved only by the collective and collaborative efforts of multiple players, and strong communities flourish around individual games and the ARG genre as a whole.

[0017]ARG's are usually earmarked by a large game-reality in the form of multiple Websites, all of which are presented as being real (non-fiction). In fact, sometimes it is difficult to tell if a Website is fictional or not. These Websites form the foundation of the game's universe, and are usually the primary storytelling vehicle, although the various media listed above can be used as well. This creates a situation where the game's alternate reality and the real world collide--some games have extended into players' everyday lives by pushing information towards players at certain times (e.g. SMS messages), whereas others have required players to initiate all communication.

[0018]The concept of "this is not a game" is central to the ARG genre. Alternate reality games do not advertise themselves as such, and never admit to being a game while `live`--when the game is over, some information about its creation may become public. The mystery surrounding the game's events and creators is a major contributor to player immersion and enjoyment, as is the general thrill of discovering the game's alternate universe and exploring its boundaries with the real world.

[0019]Several ARG's have been used as marketing tools to promote certain products, from video games to cars. Although the Web-based nature of alternate reality games means that financing them is easier than producing a full-scale video game, a long-running game has several ongoing expenses, including, but not limited to: Web hosting and bandwidth; Web and graphic design staff; scriptwriting staff; actors; puzzle creators; real world artifact creation; telephone calls; and advertisements in newspapers. Using an ARG as a marketing campaign allows players to form a deep attachment with particular products, e.g. being immersed in the universe surrounding a video game, while providing the resources necessary to run a full-scale game. Other games have financed themselves, for example through the sale of real-world artifacts.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0020]Accordingly, it is a principle object of the present invention to provide a game genre called Reality Role Playing Game (RRPG). RRPG's can be played by a single or a limited number of players using a standalone computer, or by many players interacting online, in which case they should be called MMORRPG's (Massively Multiplayer Online Reality Role-Playing Games). In the following discussion both types are referred to as (MMO)RRPG's.

[0021](MMO)RRPG's of the present invention simulate real life situations and experiences in diverse worlds, or content scenarios. A content scenario is herein defined as a self-contained game world (real, fictitious or mixed) possibly implemented as a separate system comprising software, hardware devices, communication channels, etc.

Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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