초록 ▼

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer game that is played over a computer network and is capable of accommodating a large number of players. When the game is play on the Internet, players are able to input moves and be apprised of the state of the game using the basic input/o

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer game that is played over a computer network and is capable of accommodating a large number of players. When the game is play on the Internet, players are able to input moves and be apprised of the state of the game using the basic input/output functions of their Web browser. Consequently, the game can be played with substantially no other game related software, plug-ins or add-ons. Another embodiment of the invention relates to the management of a game data base so as to compensate for the lack of game resources that a newer player has relative to older players that are likely to possess significantly greater game resources. Further, the virtual space of the game is highly expandable and updatable. In another embodiment of the invention a game is provided that couples game playing and advertising via a game currency that an advertiser can provide to a player and which can be used by the player in playing the game. The invention allows players to change moves during a turn of a turn-based game and allows for substantially continuous game play even during processing of turns.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for use in playing a turn-based computer game over a computer network involving a large number of players, the turn-based computer game involving a series of turn time periods where players can enter moves separated by turn processing time periods where moves

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for use in playing a turn-based computer game over a computer network involving a large number of players, the turn-based computer game involving a series of turn time periods where players can enter moves separated by turn processing time periods where moves from the preceding turn time period are processed, the apparatus comprising:first storage means for storing status information regarding a current state of the game, wherein said current state of the game reflects any moves that have been processed from any previous turns;second storage means, separated from said first storage means, for storing, during a given turn time period, prospective move information regarding prospective moves entered during said given turn time period so as to maintain a record of moves that have been entered and that are to be processed during the next turn processing time period; andfirst processing means, operatively associated with said second storage means, for accessing said prospective move information during said given turn time period so as to allow a player to modify one of said prospective moves entered by said player during said given turn time period prior to processing of said prospective move.