Gated unlock codes for videogame features and content
US8874483B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q2220/12
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
There is provided a system and method for gated unlock codes for videogame features and content. By maintaining a redemption database where master unlock codes are used to provide access to specific subsets of feature unlock codes, unique exclusive content may be provided for different retailers. In this manner, a universal game media containing all possible additional content may be utilized for retail distribution, reducing publishing costs while still providing customized versions for retailers with desirable exclusive content. By restricting each gaming device or user account to a single group or hierarchy of master unlock codes, the use of ancillary unlock codes with videogames purchased from different retailers may be discouraged, thereby preserving user incentives to purchase primary and secondary items with feature unlock codes at a single retailer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.