U.S. Patent No. 10,500,488: Method of simultaneous playing in single-player video games
Issued December 12, 2019, to Bloober Team SA
Filed/Priority to March 30, 2016
Overview:
U.S. Patent No. 10,500,488 (the ‘488 patent) relates to simultaneous control of multiple characters, in different game universes, in a single-player game. The ‘488 patent details a method of simultaneous playing of at least two characters controlled by the same player in different story universes, simultaneously displayed in separate viewports. When inputs are sent from the controller, a synchronization layer, with predefined modifiers for each story universe, transforms characters and their interactions with the universes respectively. Actions taken by a character in one universe have consequences in functioning and story development in another. An output signal executed by a given character is synchronized with movement of all characters, by the various modifiers in the synchronization layer.
The ‘488 patent can be characterized as story-focused, able to sometimes crop scene parts in additional viewports to highlight elements of the story. The different universes may include tips related to further developing the story in another, and the viewports could be displayed on the same display device or different display devices.
The ‘488 patent may be familiar as implemented in the horror game, The Medium, which has players control characters between two worlds and sometimes even both at once.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the method of simultaneous playing in video games designed for a single player. The invention is realized with a computer unit and uses at least one display device, at least one computer device that generates the game image display and at least one game controller controlled by the user. The method of controlling the figure according to the invention is characterized in that the player using one controller simultaneously controls at least two characters (1), (2) while each of the characters controlled by the same user is displayed simultaneously in a separate viewport (6), (7), which makes a separate story universe (A), (B) and the input signal from the controller is transformed by the software synchronization layer including predefined modifiers specific for a given story universe (A), (B).
Illustrative Claim:
- A method of simultaneous playing in single-player games, with a storyline and narrative, realized with a use of a computer device, using at least one device for image display, at least one computer device to generate game images and at least one game controller controlled by a player characterized in that the player using one controller controls simultaneously at least two characters (1), (2), wherein each of the characters controlled by the same player acts in a different story universe simultaneously displayed in a separate viewport (6), (7), which makes a separate story universe (A), (B) and an input signal sent from the controller is transformed by a synchronization layer involving predefined modifiers different for each given story universe (A), (B), wherein action taken by the character (1), (2) in one story universe have consequences on character’s (1), (2) functioning and development of a plot in other story universe (A), (B) generated by the game, and wherein an output signal executed by given character (A), (B) depends on three groups of modifiers assigned to the character, assigned to the given story universe, and assigned to the synchronization layer which synchronizes movement of all characters (1), (2).