Microsoft Patents Scoring method for games

[Duoae]

WTF!!

http://news.spong.com/detail/news.asp?prid=8783

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parse...p;RS=PN/6604008 (http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6604008.WKU.&OS=PN/6604008&RS=PN/6604008)


A scoring method and system for determining points in a game. Goal-based points are determined as a function of a player achieving a goal set by the player that is not predefined by the game and are used to determine the player's status in the game, such as whether the player advances to a next level. Subjective style points are awarded if the player performs feats of style that are not necessary tasks of the game, depend upon the type of game, and may include sliding, spinning, jumping, blocking an opponent, passing an opponent, and avoiding obstacles. Objective skill points may be combined with subjective style points and goal-based points. Alternatively, one of these three types of points may be modified as a function of one or both of the other two types of points.



This is ridiculous! There are already some games that use some of these methods.....

How can you patent a system that the player uses to set the goals? Also, in relation to the players expectations of performance to points... who in their right mind would allow each individual player to set their own goals and points?

If this system was used in conjunction with the Xbox 2 live "gamer's card" then we'd have loads of "l33t" people with 29m points in some games just to make them look better.

I really am not getting the patenting system at the moment. It seems too easy to patent "unpatentable" ideas.

[BioHazard]

I read that a few times, but I still don't understand what it's saying exactly. How do you set your own goals? Can anybody who's played the PGR games, explain what it means?

[Logic Bomb]

Waypoint systems might be considered setting goals.

- LB

[Orochi Avlis]

They have gone off the deep end.

[IwantMORE]

Yet another nail in the coffin of US paintents.

[NutWrench]

There are utterly ignorant people in the Patent Office who grant overly-broad patents.

[Cerberus_e]

so, what disadvantages will that cause for future games? for example racing games can't use checkpoints anymore?

what's next, patenting the ability to let your software show up on your monitor?

[Karthik]

Cerberus_e said:
so, what disadvantages will that cause for future games? for example racing games can't use checkpoints anymore?
what's next, patenting the ability to let your software show up on your monitor?


You never know........ http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif

[NutWrench]

Cerberus_e said:
so, what disadvantages will that cause for future games? for example racing games can't use checkpoints anymore?

what's next, patenting the ability to let your software show up on your monitor?



It will stifle development, because developers will have to wrangle out things in court that should be blindingly obvious. (No, you can't "patent pixels", etc.)

Companies like Micro$oft have vast resources to draw upon and can drag out legal proceedings to the point where it's not worth arguing the case, even if you're right.

[Karthik]

Anyone remember the company that patented 3D technology and they wanted to sue every developer who developed FPS games? What happened to that?

[Logic Bomb]

Karthik said:
Anyone remember the company that patented 3D technology and they wanted to sue every developer who developed FPS games? What happened to that?



Bingo. There would be hell to pay if microsoft started suing everyong for this kind of thing.

- LB

[Kristian Joensen]

NutWrench said:

Cerberus_e said:
so, what disadvantages will that cause for future games? for example racing games can't use checkpoints anymore?

what's next, patenting the ability to let your software show up on your monitor?



It will stifle development, because developers will have to wrangle out things in court that should be blindingly obvious. (No, you can't "patent pixels", etc.)

Companies like Micro$oft have vast resources to draw upon and can drag out legal proceedings to the point where it's not worth arguing the case, even if you're right.



Ehh, Isn't Microsoft using it's Patent portfolio for exclusively defense purposes becuase of some anti-trust case ?

[MegaMustaine]

All I can say is what the hell doesn't violate that patent? Give me a damn break Microsoft. I can see it now, they will sue the hell out of every damn company that puts a goal in their game. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif

[laffer]

From now on, everyone buy Microsoft have to make games where you do nothing but wander aimlessly around http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[DudeMiester]

Oh it get's worse, look at the recent feature at Gamasutra and www.patentarcade.com (http://www.patentarcade.com)

[Cerberus_e]

MegaMustaine said:
All I can say is what the hell doesn't violate that patent? Give me a damn break Microsoft. I can see it now, they will sue the hell out of every damn company that puts a goal in their game. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif



yeah yeah explain that in court, because I have just patented your avatar

[Orochi Avlis]

DudeMiester said:
Oh it get's worse, look at the recent feature at Gamasutra and www.patentarcade.com (http://www.patentarcade.com)


Oh Dear God. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif

Just because they use your likeness in a game, now means that you partly own the franchise?
I have one thing to say to that:
F*ck you, you greedy bastards.

[Kristian Joensen]

MegaMustaine said:
All I can say is what the hell doesn't violate that patent? Give me a damn break Microsoft. I can see it now, they will sue the hell out of every damn company that puts a goal in their game. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif



It really doesn't matter if Microsoft doesn't sue.

[Wooloomooloo]

I shall patent the process of diffusing oxygen and carbon dioxide in opposite directions through a very thin membrane. I will call it "breathing". http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dopefish.gif

[Duoae]

Orochi Avlis said:

DudeMiester said:
Oh it get's worse, look at the recent feature at Gamasutra and www.patentarcade.com (http://www.patentarcade.com)


Oh Dear God. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif

Just because they use your likeness in a game, now means that you partly own the franchise?
I have one thing to say to that:
F*ck you, you greedy bastards.



What?!! No, that article was okay. The greedy people who gave their likeness were not entitled to loads of money.

The article that was being referred to was the one beneath it: Article:Patenting of Video Games (http://www.patentarcade.com/2005/05/article-patenting-of-video-games.html)

They are basically encouraging people to completely patent everything that they possibly can in their game..... something which, IMO, is a sad state of affairs. I view the game industry as i do the art industry. Many people make the same kind of art using the same materials and styles, however truely good artists will always have that little extra in the art that is unique to their lives and thought processes.

Unfortunately the gamasutra article is member only.

[Nessus]

So they think they can claim issuing points for something thats not part of the original objective....hmmm. Guess they never heard of a little game called Pinball.

[pjohnsonjr]

This is as bad as Charmin copyrighting a specific way to wipe your ass with their product. Really low if this got through the United States Patent Office...

[seregrail7]

Wait, I thought for you to patent something you had to prove you were the first to introduce this system?
Could I just go and patent using the mouse to aim in a game? Because patenting a Scoring System is basically the same thing.

[Karthik]

Die you American Patents, JUST DIE!

[MegaMustaine]

Kristian Joensen said:

MegaMustaine said:
All I can say is what the hell doesn't violate that patent? Give me a damn break Microsoft. I can see it now, they will sue the hell out of every damn company that puts a goal in their game. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif



It really doesn't matter if Microsoft doesn't sue.



It does matter as it affects the quality of the games that are produced, thus the number of good games that are availabe to the consumer, aka me.

[avatar_58]

In the end I really couldn't give a damn......

[Steve]

Thanks for ***** games, MS!

[Karthik]

avatar_58 said:
In the end I really couldn't give a damn......



Oh sure, you don't. Things like this don't take a second to take an effect on you, it'll take years. Imagine if they remove the points from DNF? http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[avatar_58]

Karthik said:
Oh sure, you don't. Things like this don't take a second to take an effect on you, it'll take years. Imagine if they remove the points from DNF? http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif



No really, I don't care. Companies can do as they please and patent every technique known to man its just a matter of time.....

Really, why should I bother to waste time caring about such things?

[Duoae]

avatar_58 said:

Really, why should I bother to waste time caring about such things?



Because people with attitudes like that let the world go to hell.

[Steve]

Duoae said:

avatar_58 said:

Really, why should I bother to waste time caring about such things?



Because people with attitudes like that let the world go to hell.


Lets not get too carried away guys http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/redface.gif

[Mountain Man]

laffer said:
From now on, everyone but Microsoft will have to make games where you do nothing but wander aimlessly around.


In other news, id has been making those kinds of games for years!

http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Cerberus_e]

Mountain Man said:

laffer said:
From now on, everyone but Microsoft will have to make games where you do nothing but wander aimlessly around.


In other news, id has been making those kinds of games for years!

http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif



damn, you are the most annoying person on this forum, I can't believe I just helped you in the doom 3 forum http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif

[dreweth]

Duoae said:

avatar_58 said:

Really, why should I bother to waste time caring about such things?



Because people with attitudes like that let the world go to hell.



Awesome.

[someguy2435]

well... we're ****ed now

[Mountain Man]

Cerberus_e said:
damn, you are the most annoying person on this forum, I can't believe I just helped you in the doom 3 forum http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif


"Hello, Lost & Found department? Yes, I seem to be missing my sense of humor..."

[Cerberus_e]

Mountain Man said:

Cerberus_e said:
damn, you are the most annoying person on this forum, I can't believe I just helped you in the doom 3 forum http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif


"Hello, Lost & Found department? Yes, I seem to be missing my sense of humor..."



you have wicked humor

[BioHazard]

......

[Kristian Joensen]

MegaMustaine said:

Kristian Joensen said:

MegaMustaine said:
All I can say is what the hell doesn't violate that patent? Give me a damn break Microsoft. I can see it now, they will sue the hell out of every damn company that puts a goal in their game. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tinyted.gif



It really doesn't matter if Microsoft doesn't sue.



It does matter as it affects the quality of the games that are produced, thus the number of good games that are availabe to the consumer, aka me.



How can it matter if Microsoft refrains from suing ?

[BioHazard]

Kristian Joensen said:

How can it matter if Microsoft refrains from suing ?



They don't even have to sue. Just of the threat of an expensive and time-consuming court case, would be enough to put many smaller companies off risking infringing on the patent.

[avatar_58]

Duoae said:
Because people with attitudes like that let the world go to hell.



The world has already gotten to that point. One further slip won't make me loose sleep. http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I'm sure a bunch of gamers complaining about patents is actually going to change things..... http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif There is a thing called money in this world, those with it can do as they please. Thats the way the world has been for ages. Live with it.

[MegaMustaine]

Mountain Man said:

laffer said:
From now on, everyone but Microsoft will have to make games where you do nothing but wander aimlessly around.


In other news, id has been making those kinds of games for years!

http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif



I think ID should patent dark hallways!

[Cerberus_e]

MegaMustaine said:

Mountain Man said:

laffer said:
From now on, everyone but Microsoft will have to make games where you do nothing but wander aimlessly around.


In other news, id has been making those kinds of games for years!

http://forums.3drealms.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif



I think ID should patent dark hallways!



that way preventing games can't be as awesome as doom 3? that has too many disadvantages.
the more games a great as doom 3, the better

[Duoae]

Permadeath said:

Kristian Joensen said:

How can it matter if Microsoft refrains from suing ?



They don't even have to sue. Just of the threat of an expensive and time-consuming court case, would be enough to put many smaller companies off risking infringing on the patent.



Exactly, just because they don't sue doesn't mean that they won't bring their weight to bear....

[Kristian Joensen]

What I meant was, it doesn't matter if they don't pursue people in violation of the patent in any way, shape, form or manner.

[Duoae]

Kristian Joensen said:
What I meant was, it doesn't matter if they don't pursue people in violation of the patent in any way, shape, form or manner.



This is microsoft we're talking about here..... you did know that, right?

Besides, good business never lets the competition have anything of any use to the business in question.

[Kristian Joensen]

Well actually as I understand it Microsoft only goes after people who violate their patents when these people sue or threatent to sue Microsoft iself over patent infrigement.


This is as result of anti-trus litigation.

[NetNessie]

NutWrench said:
There are utterly ignorant people in the Patent Office who grant overly-broad patents.



Anyone questions the honestly and unbiased views of the Patent Office?... I mean MS has alot of money...

Personally I think this is another blow against the gaming industry.

[John]

Didn't Microsoft actually have a court battle with a small company over the name "X-Box" afew years ago, beating the small company and basically getting rid of it, only leaving it's name (with Microsoft's own product) intact?

IMHO, the anti-trust legislature in America needs to be looked at and edited from time to time, so that occurances such as these don't happen in the future.

It's basically MS using their money to muscle out any competition or company that has zero ties with them.

[Night Hacker]

I don't think we should be too hard on Microsoft.

Personally, I am against ALL patents.

[MegaMustaine]

Night Hacker said:
I don't think we should be too hard on Microsoft.

Personally, I am against ALL patents.



What the hell kind of comment is that? You are against patents yet we shouldn't be so hard on MS after they buy another stupid patent. I really am very confused by your post.

[avatar_58]

MegaMustaine said:
What the hell kind of comment is that? You are against patents yet we shouldn't be so hard on MS after they buy another stupid patent. I really am very confused by your post.



Simple. If they don't do it, someone else will. It's a dog eat dog world.

[Duoae]

avatar_58 said:

MegaMustaine said:
What the hell kind of comment is that? You are against patents yet we shouldn't be so hard on MS after they buy another stupid patent. I really am very confused by your post.



Simple. If they don't do it, someone else will. It's a dog eat dog world.



If the system worked properly then no one could do things like that.

[Kristian Joensen]

Kristian Joensen said:
Well actually as I understand it Microsoft only goes after people who violate their patents when these people sue or threatent to sue Microsoft iself over patent infrigement.


This is as result of anti-trus litigation.



Quoted for a reminder.

[PlayfulPuppy]

First of all, doesn't prior art count here? Isn't that a fairly pointless patent in that case?

Second, dont hate MS for it until they use it.

[Kristian Joensen]

Also, the text of the patent is easily understanable something really really rare.