Systems and methods for distributing the generation of nonplayer characters across networked end user devices for use in simulated NPC gameplay sessions
US11524237B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F13/69
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system and method is provided that simulates gameplay of non-player characters (NPCs) distributed across networked end user devices. The system may identify end user devices that are connected to the system through a network and are available to participate in a simulation in which each participating end user device is provided with one or more NPCs to be executed. An end user device may be available to participate when it has sufficient computing capacity, such as when in an idle or standby state. As such, the system may leverage spare computing capacity of networked end user devices to execute NPCs at networked end user devices during a simulation. In this manner, the behavior of an NPC may be tested using real-world conditions that may affect gameplay, such as a network connection quality, user-to-user game engine coordination and data exchanges, and/or other real-world conditions associated with networked end user devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.