Nintendo patents Sanity & Insanity

[Slappie 9]

Here I thought we were the insane ones. Well Nintendo is here to say otherwise and ask for money while doing it...

USPO online

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Sanity system for video game

Abstract

A video game and game system incorporating a game character's sanity level that is affected by occurrences in the game such as encountering a game creature or gruesome situation. A character's sanity level is modified by an amount determined based on a character reaction to the occurrence such as taking a rest or slowing game progress and/or an amount of character preparation. That is, if a character is prepared for the particular occurrence, the occurrence may have little or no affect on the character's sanity level. As the character's sanity level decreases, game play is effected such as by controlling game effects, audio effects, creating hallucinations and the like. In this context. the same game can be played differently each time it is played.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The human mind is a somewhat fragile control system. When circumstances beyond imagination are encountered, the brain must attempt to deal with the improbable and impossible as reality. Sometimes it is just too much for the individual to handle. In these instances, insanity may take hold of the individual, temporarily disabling or forcing the person into a catatonic state.

The instant invention uses the concept of player "sanity" as a condition which is monitored and used during gameplay. In other words, in accordance with the instant invention, the game is programmed such that the sanity of the player or character is effected during gameplay as a result of occurrences in the game and/or by the decisions made by the player during gameplay. In addition, the level of sanity of the player is used to effect gameplay, as will be explained in greater detail below. In other words, the more insane the player becomes (i.e., the lower a player's sanity level becomes), the more the player will experience changes in the game that may affect the storyline for the game and/or hinder the player's ability to progress through the game.

As with the injury level gameplay feature described above, the game is programmed such that the sanity level will have to be considered by the player and the player will have to take preventive steps or actions in the game to ensure the player's survival during the game.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of operating a video game including a game character controlled by a player includes (a) setting a sanity level of the game character, (b) modifying the sanity level of the game character during game play according to occurrences in the game, wherein a modifying amount is determined based on a character reaction and an amount of character preparation, and (c) controlling game play according to the sanity level of the game character. Step (b) may be practiced by reducing the sanity level of the game character upon encountering a game creature or a gruesome situation. In this context, the modifying amount is reduced if the game character has been prepared for the respective game creature or gruesome situation. Alternatively or additionally, the modifying amount may be reduced if the game character is rested after encountering the respective game creature or gruesome situation. Step (b) may be practiced by increasing the sanity level of the game character if the game character locates a mind aid during game play.

Step (c) may be practiced by detrimentally affecting game character reactions to player commands with decreasing sanity. Step (c) may also be practiced by causing the game character to hallucinate with decreasing sanity. Markers may be provided that draw the game character's attention during game play, wherein the markers are subjected to different effects corresponding to the sanity level of the game character. Game effects such as audio effects and the like may be varied according to the sanity level of the game character. Preferably, a sanity meter is displayed that displays the sanity level of the game character during game play.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a video game system includes a control processor for playing a video game including a game character controlled by a player. A setting unit communicates with the control processor and sets a sanity level of the game character. The sanity level of the game character is modified during game play according to occurrences in the game, wherein a modifying amount is determined based on character reaction and an amount of character preparation. The control processor controls game according to the sanity level of the game character.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."

[GTAVercetti 0]

That game is Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem.

I just bought it not long ago. It is pretty cool. As you lose sanity the gaem does wierd stuff. You might walk into a room and your head falls off. Or the sound on the TV goes mute. Or the screen goes blank. Or the game seems to "reset."

I imagine the patent is for the engine.

Why yes, my license number is a palindrome. Thank you for noticing.

[Slappie 9]

The headline caught me off guard. I'm not enough of a geek to actually read the entire patent.

still a bit off the wall with the patent name.

"Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."