Patents in the realm of video game mechanics are a rare occurrence, and their infrequency is welcomed by many in the gaming community. While the concern of having a well-liked concept imitated is legitimate, the implications of valuable game mechanics being patented can lead to significant constraints in game design.
Imagine if the innovative mechanics of the first first-person shooter (FPS) game had been patented; the entire genre and many beloved titles that followed might never have existed. Thankfully, while no one can currently patent the FPS concept itself, there are still a few patents that cover various game mechanics.
Across the industry, many patents consist of dense legal jargon or overly specific concepts that seem nearly impossible for others to adopt. Nonetheless, some mechanics are so ingenious that one can understand why the patent holders wish to protect their usage.
1.Poké Ball Mechanics
“Gotta Catch ‘Em All, Unless They’re Pals”
|
Patent Owner |
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2041 |
The Poké Ball mechanics offer a captivating method for capturing and storing creatures in the Pokémon series. This innovative approach resolves challenges seen in other creature-battling games, such as those in the Digimon and Monster Rancher franchises, particularly relating to taming and managing multiple entities.
Although the Pokémon concept has been a staple since the 1990s, the aforementioned companies did not secure the Poké Ball patent until 2021, approximately 25 years after its inception. This delay has led to various controversies, including a lawsuit against the developers of Palworld, a game that employs a similar mechanic, sparking debates about competition and originality.
2.Dialogue Wheel Mechanics
“You’re Just Talking In Circles”
|
Patent Owner |
YES |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2029 |
The dialogue wheel mechanic, particularly as seen in the acclaimed Mass Effect series, is patented specifically by EA. This dynamic interface allows a seamless selection of dialogue options, creating an engaging user experience.
While this patent protects the unique iteration of the mechanic, it doesn’t prevent the implementation of alternative dialogue systems in other games. EA has successfully integrated the wheel in various titles, including Dragon Age: Inquisition.
3.Mouse Controls for Airplanes
“Dogfight or Mousefight?”
|
Patent Owner |
Gaijin Entertainment |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2033 |
In flight simulation games on PC, players typically rely on keyboards or joysticks for control. However, developers of War Thunder innovated by utilizing mouse controls for aircraft navigation, providing a remarkably smooth and intuitive flying experience.
Although previous titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator X incorporated mouse control, the method Gaijin crafted was innovative enough to warrant a patent.
4.Loading Screen Minigames
“Two Minutes Without a Game Is Two Too Many”
|
Patent Owner |
Namco |
|
Year Patent Expired |
2015 |
In the earlier days of console gaming, it was customary for developers to embed simple minigames within loading screens to alleviate wait times. This clever move allowed designers to include more intricate games without deterring players by lengthy loading sequences.
Recognizing the potential of this approach, Namco patented the idea, limiting other companies from implementing similar features. Though minigames thrived in titles like the Tekken series, with Tekken 5 showcasing minigames like StarBlade, others were forced to endure standard load screens. Thankfully, this patent lapsed in 2015, allowing developers to reintroduce loading screen minigames, though today’s brief loading durations may undermine their relevance.
5.Controlling a Game with a Real Guitar
“How Does It Know I Played the Wrong Note?”
|
Patent Owner |
Ubisoft |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2029 |
Multiple patents surround the operational mechanics of Rocksmith, an innovative rhythm game designed not only for entertainment but also as a tool for learning guitar.
The concept of using a real guitar as a controller was groundbreaking within a genre that once favored plastic instruments, indicating a significant shift in gameplay experience. While Rock Band 3 made strides with its special guitar controller, Ubisoft successfully pioneered a more integrated approach that other developers strived to emulate.
6.Active Time Battle Mechanic
“Hang On, I’m Thinking!”
|
Patent Owner |
Square Enix |
|
Year Patent Expired |
2012 |
The Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanic made its debut in Final Fantasy IV, known as Final Fantasy II in North America, transforming the tactical elements of turn-based RPGs. This system enables characters to take their turns according to a timer rather than a strict order, enhancing strategic player engagement.
Square Enix efficiently patented this compelling mechanic, which defined the gameplay in the Final Fantasy series and influenced others, including Chrono Trigger. Although the patent has since expired in 2012, its impact on RPG design remains significant.
7.Simulating a Rock Band
“The Best Band in the Living Room”
|
Patent Owner |
Harmonix |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2032 |
The Rock Band franchise significantly altered the rhythm game landscape, adding drums and vocals alongside guitar gameplay, creating a truly immersive band experience. Harmonix secured several patents around these mechanics, reinforcing their position in the evolving genre.
Interestingly, these patents have not been employed to stifle competition, as seen in their successful defense against Konami when the latter claimed infringement from earlier titles. Harmonix’s patents acknowledged innovative improvements in gameplay design, ultimately leading to the case’s dismissal.
8.Ping Mechanics
“‘They’re Over There’ Isn’t Clear Enough”
|
Patent Owner |
YES |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2039 |
The introduction of the ping system in Apex Legends revolutionized teamwork in shooters, allowing players to communicate essential information regarding enemy locations and items without voice chat. However, the underlying patent, held by EA, safeguards this mechanic.
Fortunately, the ping system is accessible to all developers; EA’s patent protects its use rather than restricts it, benefitting the entire gaming community. Though the ongoing stewardship of this patent remains a topic of interest, it is hoped EA continues to support its widespread application.
9.Floating Direction Arrow Mechanic
“Before GPS, There Were Magical Arrows”
|
Patent Owner |
Sega |
|
Year Patent Expired |
2018 |
The noteworthy patent on the floating directional arrow, utilized in Crazy Taxi, exemplifies an effective way to guide players without dictating specific routes. By indicating general directions, players are encouraged to strategize their routes, enhancing gameplay.
Sega obtained this patent in 1998, yet its application has led to some controversy. The use of this mechanic by entities like Radical Entertainment in The Simpsons: Road Rage sparked litigation that left a lasting impact on game design innovation regarding directional guidance.
10.The Nemesis System
“An Army of Archenemies”
|
Patent Owner |
Warner Bros. |
|
Year Patent Expires |
2036 |
The acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor showcases the profoundly immersive Nemesis System, where higher-ranking orcs possess unique names, personalities, and memories of past encounters with the player. This adds unparalleled depth to gameplay, allowing for a truly personalized experience.
Given its complexity, it’s no wonder Warner Bros.chose to protect this mechanic with a patent. Despite its limitation to follow-up titles like Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, the narrow specifications of the patent may not hinder the innovation of other developers looking to create complex gameplay systems.
Leave a Reply ▼