JP2020099729A - Mini-games accessed through sharing interface - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method of generating a playable limited version of a video game.SOLUTION: The method comprises: recording gameplay of a user in a full version of a video game; analyzing the recorded gameplay of the user to determine a region of interest; defining boundaries in gameplay context of the video game on the basis of the determined region of interest; and generating a limited version of the video game on the basis of the defined boundaries.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

This invention is an automatic creation of a proposed mini-game based on recorded gameplay, a multi-part mini-game for cloud gaming based on recorded gameplay, a social graph of recorded gameplay. A method and system for sharing and remote control of a first user's gameplay by a second user.

The video game industry has seen many changes over the years. As computational power has grown, video game developers have likewise created game software that takes advantage of that computational power. To that end, video game developers have coded games that employ sophisticated manipulation and math to create a highly realistic gaming experience.

Examples of gaming platforms include Sony Playstation®, Sony Playstation 2® (PS2), and Sony Playstation 3® (PS3), each in the form of a game console. It is sold. As is well known, this game console is designed to connect to a monitor (usually a television) and allows a handheld controller to interact with the user. The game console includes a CPU, a graphics synthesizer for processing intensive graphics operations, specialized processing hardware including vector units for performing geometric transformations, and other combining hardware. It is designed to include ware, firmware and software. The game console is also designed with an optical disc tray that accepts compact discs for playing locally through the game console. Online gaming is also possible where users can interactively play against or collaborate with other users via the Internet. As game complexity continues to intrigue players, game and hardware manufacturers have continued to innovate to provide even more interactivity and computer programs.

A growing trend within the computer gaming industry is to develop games that increase the interaction between users and gaming systems. One way to achieve a richer interactive experience is to use a wireless game controller whose movements are tracked by a gaming system to track player movements and use those movements as game inputs. That is. Generally speaking, gesture input refers to causing an electronic device such as a computing system, a video game console, or a smart home appliance to respond to any gesture that a player has made and captured by the electronic device.

Another growing trend in the industry is related to the development of cloud-based gaming systems. Such a system may include a remote processing server that executes game applications, receives input from a user, and communicates with a local thin client configured to display video on a display.

The embodiment of this invention was born there.

Embodiments of the present invention include automatic creation of proposed mini-games based on recorded gameplay, creation of multi-part minigames for cloud gaming based on recorded gameplay, social of recorded gameplay. A method and system for sharing into a graph and remote control of game play of a first user by a second user is provided. Of course, the present invention can be implemented in various ways, by a process, an apparatus, a system, a device or a method on a computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention are described below.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a processor is provided, including the following method acts, for creating a playable limited edition video game: Gameplay by a user of a full edition video game. Record, analysis of the user's recorded gameplay to determine the region of interest, definition of boundaries within a gameplay context of a video game based on the determined region of interest, and defined boundaries Limited edition of video games based on.

In another embodiment, a method performed by a processor is provided, including the following method acts, for creating a playable limited edition video game: Gameplay by a user of the full edition video game. Record, analysis of the user's recorded gameplay to determine one or more areas of interest, presentation of each area of interest for selection, selection input showing selected areas of interest. Definition of boundaries within the context of gameplay of a video game based on the selected area of interest, for receiving and selected areas of interest, and creation of a limited edition of the video game based on the defined boundaries.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method performed by a processor in which a playable limited edition video game is created, including the following method acts: A record of gameplay by a user of a full-featured video game, including one or more user input data or game state data, where each of the regions of interest is to one or more thresholds. Analysis of the user's recorded gameplay to determine one or more areas of interest, which are automatically identified based on correspondence, presentation of each area of interest for selection, selected Receiving a selection input indicating an area of interest, defining a boundary within the context of gameplay of the video game based on the selected area of interest for the selected area of interest; Limited edition creation.

In one embodiment, a method performed by a processor is provided, including the following method acts, for creating a playable limited edition video game: gameplay by a user of a full edition video game. Recording, determining a plurality of user-defined portions of a user's recorded gameplay, defining, for each user-defined portion, boundaries within a gameplay context of a video game based on the user-defined portions and videos based on the defined boundaries. A continuous array of each playable part of a video game to create a playable part of the game and define a limited edition of the video game.

In another embodiment, a computer readable tangible medium containing program instructions for creating a playable limited edition of a video game is provided: A user with a full version of the video game. Program instructions for recording gameplay by a user, program instructions for determining a plurality of user-defined portions of a user's recorded gameplay, and for each user-defined portion, a gameplay context for a video game based on the user-defined portion. Defining the boundaries within and programming instructions for creating a playable portion of the video game based on the defined boundaries, sequentially defining each playable portion of the video game to define a limited edition of the video game. Program instructions for arranging.

In another embodiment, a system is provided that includes: at least one server computing device, the at least one server computing device recording gameplay by a user of a full version video game. Logic for determining a plurality of user-defined portions of a user's recorded gameplay, each having a logic for creating a playable limited edition of a video game, including logic for Definition of boundaries within the game play context of a video game based on user-defined parts and logic for creating playable parts of the video game based on the defined boundaries, video games to define a limited edition of the video game Logic for arranging each playable part of the contiguously.

In one embodiment, there is provided a method of sharing recorded gameplay against a social graph, including the following method operations performed by a processor: During a gameplay session active state. Video recording of the user's gameplay, receipt of a command to start a sharing operation during the active state of the gameplay session, and in response to receipt of the command, the gameplay session is suspended. Providing a sharing interface, processing input for determining user-defined selections of recorded video received via the sharing interface, sharing of user-defined selections of recorded video with a user's social graph, of gameplay sessions. Recovery of active state.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of sharing recorded gameplay against a social graph, including the following method acts performed by a processor: During an active state of a gameplay session. Recording a video of a user's gameplay, receiving a command to initiate a sharing operation during the active state of a gameplay session, and in response to receiving the command, determining a user-defined selection of the recorded video. , Sharing user-defined selections of recorded video against the user's social graph.

In another embodiment, a fixed computer readable medium is provided that includes defined program instructions for sharing recorded gameplay against a social graph. The program instructions include: program instructions for recording an image of a user's gameplay during an active state of a gameplay session, for initiating a sharing operation during the active state of a gameplay session. Program command for receiving a command of the user, a program command for determining a user-defined selection of the recorded video corresponding to the reception of the command, and a user-defined selection of the video recorded for the user's social graph are shared. Program instructions to do.

In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes the following method operations for remotely controlling a user's game play, wherein the method is performed on at least one processor: a first for a remote second user. A live video feed of the user's gameplay, processing a transition control request to the second user of the first user's gameplay, starting control of the first user's gameplay by the second user.

In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes the following method operations for providing multi-player gameplay, wherein the method operations are performed in at least one processor: a second to a remote second user; Providing a live video feed of one user's gameplay, processing a request for a second user to join the first user's gameplay session, gameplay by the second user in the first user's gameplay session. The start of the.

In another embodiment, a fixed computer-readable medium containing program instructions for providing remote control of a user's game play is provided. The program instructions include: program instructions for providing a live video feed of the first user's gameplay to a remote second user, to the second user of the first user's gameplay. Program instructions for processing a transition control request, program instructions for initiating control of a first user's game play by a second user.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which illustrates the principles of the invention, in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

The invention can best be understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates a user playing a cloud-based video game according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates multiple users at multiple locations participating in a cloud-based video game.

FIG. 2A illustrates a system for cloud gaming according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an accumulation of game titles across various generations of gaming consoles, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of providing a game demo to a user according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a hierarchical organization of portions of a video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates an interface for selecting a portion of a timeline of gameplay for creating a minigame or game slice, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C illustrates an interface for selecting a portion of a timeline of gameplay for creating a minigame, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a series of screenshots demonstrating a method of creating a mini-game from an existing cloud-based video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for creating a game slice code, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates modification of virtual space for creating a game slice of a video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B illustrates modifying the scene graph to create a game slice, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for creating game slices according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A illustrates various games according to one embodiment of the invention. 5 illustrates an interface for browsing game slices associated with a title.

FIG. 9B illustrates a game slice information page, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a view of a user's account information, including a live view of friends in a cloud gaming social network, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method of presenting a live gameplay feed of a current user's friends, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system including a cloud gaming system and a social network, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing variations over time of various game state variables according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A illustrates a method for creating a game slice for a linear video game according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates a method for creating a game slice for an open world video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14C illustrates a method for creating a game slice of a sports video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 conceptually illustrates a multi-game slice game configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 conceptually illustrates the creation of a multi-game slice mini-game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates an interface for gameplay sharing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an interface 1800 for selecting a portion of recorded gameplay video for sharing, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an interface 1900 for viewing a live video stream of a user's gameplay, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates hardware and user interfaces that can be used to provide interactivity in a video game, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates additional hardware that can be used to process instructions, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 shows an example of scenes A through E in which users A through E are interacting with a game client 1102 connected to a server process via the Internet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates one embodiment of the information service provider architecture.

The following embodiments are: automatic creation of a proposed minigame based on recorded gameplay, creation of a multi-part minigame for cloud gaming based on recorded gameplay, social graph of recorded gameplay. A method and system for sharing to and remote controlling a gameplay of a first user by a second user are described.

However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. Other examples do not mention well-known process operations, as they do not unnecessarily obscure the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates a user playing a cloud-based video game according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, user U1 is playing a cloud-based video game displayed on display 100. Cloud-based video games are primarily video games that run on remote servers. In one embodiment, the servers may include individual servers, or servers running within a virtual machine data center, capable of virtualizing multiple servers to provide the requested processing. In the illustrated embodiment, the cloud gaming server 104 executes the video game displayed on the display 100. The client 101 is at the user's location, receives and processes inputs, sends them to the cloud gaming server 104, and receives video and audio data from the cloud gaming server 104. The client 101 and the cloud gaming server 104 communicate with each other via a network 102 such as the Internet. In another embodiment, the client is portable as long as it can communicate with the network to provide access to a display for displaying game play and allow user input to drive the interaction. Any device, whether or not wireless or wireless. In one embodiment, the client is a thin client. However, in other embodiments, the client is a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, gaming console, personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile computing device, portable gaming device, cell phone, set top box, streaming media interface. Any device/device, smart television or networked display, or any other computing device that can be configured to meet the client functionality defined herein. In one embodiment, the cloud gaming server is configured to detect the type of client device being used by the user to provide a cloud gaming experience suitable for the user's client device. For example, video settings, audio settings and other types of settings can be optimized for the user's client device.

In various embodiments, the degree of processing performed by the client can vary with respect to input and output processing. However, generally speaking, the video game state is substantially maintained and executed on the cloud gaming server 104, with clients primarily receiving and communicating with user input and receiving video/audio data for display. The client 101 may be a stand-alone device connected to the display 100 and providing video data to be displayed on the display 100. In other embodiments, the client may be integrated within display 100. In one embodiment, the display 100 is a network-attached display that provides a platform operating system to applications or "apps" that utilize the network connectivity of the display. The client in such an embodiment may be defined by an application running on a platform provided by the display operating system.

FIG. 1B illustrates multiple users at multiple locations participating in the game play of a cloud-based video game. User U1 is shown at a first point interacting with a video game displayed on display 100. Users U2 and U3 are shown at a second point where they interact with the video game displayed on display 106. User U4 is shown at a third point where he interacts with the video game displayed on display 108. Users U5, U6 and U7 are shown at a fourth point where they interact with the video game displayed on display 110.

At each of the first, second, third and fourth points, there is at least one computer for processing input from various users and displaying a cloud-based video game on their respective displays. A swinging device is provided. Naturally, the computing device could be integrated into a display, or like a personal computer, set-top box, gaming console, as long as it has at least one processor and memory for processing and storing data. It may be a standalone device or any other type of device. The computing device is capable of executing or identifying a client, as previously described above. The computing device is connected to the network and communicates with the cloud gaming server 104 via a network such as the Internet 102.

The cloud gaming server 104 executes various video games played by a user, defines a game state of a predetermined video game from moment to moment, and computes video data (including image data and audio data) at a specific point. Send to. A computing device at a given location processes input from the user playing the video game and sends the input data to the cloud gaming server, which in turn processes the input data that affects the game state of the video game. .. Not surprisingly, this cloud-based gaming facilitates multiplayer gaming from players at different locations by running video games on a remote server that is accessible to all players over the network. To do. In this way, running a video game is independent of any single player hardware or network connection, which impacts the user experience for that player.

FIG. 2A illustrates a system for cloud gaming according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, a user 200 operates the controller 202 to provide input to a cloud-based video game. The controller 202 can include any of a variety of input devices such as buttons, joysticks, touchpads, trackballs, and motion detection hardware such as accelerometers, magnetometers and gyroscopes. In one embodiment, the controller 202 can include any illuminated object that can be tracked to determine the position of the controller 202. The controller 202 can communicate wirelessly with the thin game client 204. The client 204 communicates with the cloud gaming service 210 via the network 208. The client 204 processes the data from the controller 202 and creates the input that is sent to the video game running by the cloud gaming service 210. Further, the client 204 receives the video data to be displayed on the display 206 from the cloud gaming service 210. In one embodiment, the client 204 can process the received video data and provide the video stream in a format compatible with the display 206. In one embodiment, the client 204 can include a camera for tracking the controller device or an object located on the controller device. As already mentioned, the object may be illuminated to facilitate tracking based on the analysis of the video frames acquired from the camera.

The cloud gaming service 210 includes resources for providing an environment in which a video game can be executed. Generally speaking, resources may include a variety of computer server hardware, such as processors, storage devices and networking equipment, available to facilitate execution of video game applications. In the illustrated embodiment, the video game library 212 includes various video game titles. Each of the game titles defines executable code and associated data and asset libraries used to materialize the video game. Host 214 may be a single computing device that defines a platform for instantiating virtual machine 216. In another embodiment, the host 214 itself may be a virtualized resource platform. In other words, host 214 may operate one or more server computing devices, manipulate the use of resources defined by the server computing devices, and instantiate virtual machine 216 in between. Present a possible unified platform.

Each of the virtual machines 216 can support an operating system and define a resource environment on which the video game application 218 can run. In one embodiment, a virtual machine has a gaming console hardware with an operating system associated with the gaming console running on the virtual machine to support execution of game titles developed for the gaming console. It can be configured to mimic a resource environment. In another embodiment, the operating system is configured to mimic the gaming console's native operating system environment, regardless of whether the underlying virtual machine was configured to mimic the gaming console's hardware. be able to. In another embodiment, the emulator's application runs on top of the virtual machine's operating system and the emulator runs on the gaming console's native operating system environment to support video games designed for the gaming console. It is configured to imitate. Of course, within a cloud-based gaming system, it is possible to imitate various modern and conventional gaming consoles. In this way, users can access game titles from different gaming consoles via the cloud gaming system.

When user 200 requests to play a particular video game title, that video game title is retrieved from library 212. If the matching virtual machine is not already materialized or available, a new matching virtual machine is materialized on host 214. The captured video game title runs as an application 218 on a virtual machine 216 available or newly instantiated therein. In one embodiment, this necessarily involves determining the appropriate platform for the video game title (eg, what gaming console or operating system is needed to run the game) and running the video game title on the appropriate virtual machine. , For example, with an assignment to one with an emulator application capable of running the video game title. Execution of this video game is communicated to game client 204 to provide user 200 with an interactive gaming experience. More specifically, execution of video game application 218 receives input data from client 204 via network 208. Application 218 processes its input data to update the game state of the running application. As the game state changes, the application 218 outputs the video data to be displayed on the display 206 and sends it to the client 204. In addition, the application 218 may output feedback data to the client 204 that is used to provide an additional feedback mechanism for the user. By way of example, the user's controller 202 can include a tactile vibration feedback mechanism that is activated based on feedback data output from the video game application.

In one embodiment, a cloud gaming system is configured to detect the type of client device associated with a user and the type of controller available to the user to provide input to a cloud-based video game. .. For example, in one embodiment, when a user logs in to a cloud gaming system, an option may be displayed to specify the type of client device accessing the cloud gaming system. In one embodiment, a set of client device options is presented from which the user can select the one corresponding to their client device. The user may also be presented with an option to specify the type of controller device used to play the video game. In one embodiment, a set of controller options can be presented from which the user can select the type of controller that is compatible with their controller hardware. In other embodiments, the cloud gaming system can be configured to automatically detect the client device type and/or the controller device type.

For example, upon login, the client device may send information identifying itself as well as the connected controller device to the cloud gaming server (eg, upon request from the cloud gaming server). Based on this information, the cloud gaming server can determine the appropriate video game output configuration and input parameter configuration to provide the user's client device and controller device with an optimized gaming experience. In one embodiment, a lookup table is employed to determine the video game configuration and input parameter configuration based on the detected client device as well as the detected controller device.

Of course, some video games may be developed for a particular platform and a particular controller device. However, once such a game is available via a cloud gaming system as described herein, the user may access it from a different controller device. For example, a game was developed for a game console and its associated controller, but users may access the cloud-based version of the game from a personal computer that uses a keyboard and mouse. In such a scenario, the configuration of the input parameters is such that the mapping from the inputs that can be made on the controller device (in this case the keyboard and mouse) available to the user is an acceptable input for the execution of the video game. Can be defined as

In another embodiment, a user may access the cloud gaming system from a tablet computing device, touch screen smartphone, or other touch screen driven device. In this case, the client device and the controller device are integrated into the same device and the input is provided by the detected touch screen input/gesture. For such devices, the configuration of the input parameters may define a particular touch screen input corresponding to the game input of the video game. The position on the touch screen that the user can touch to create the game input may be displayed or overlaid with a button, a cross key, or other type of input element during the game, for example. Gestures such as swipes in certain directions and certain touch actions can also be detected as game inputs. In one embodiment, in order to familiarize the user with operations for controlling the touch screen, for example, how to provide input to game play via the touch screen prior to beginning game play of a video game. A tutorial can be provided to demonstrate.

In some embodiments, the client device acts as a connection point for the controller device. That is, the controller device communicates with the client device via a wireless or wired connection to send an input from the controller device to the client device. The client device in turn processes these inputs and then sends the input data to the cloud gaming server over a network (accessed via a local networking device such as a router). However, in other embodiments, the controller itself may be a networked device and does not require its inputs to be communicated to the client device first and communicates directly to the cloud gaming server over the network. It has the ability. For example, the controller is connected to a local networking device (such as the routers described above) to send and receive data to and from the cloud gaming server. Therefore, even though the client device needs to receive the video output from the cloud-based video game and display it on the local display, the controller bypasses the input, bypassing the client device and directly to the cloud gaming over the network. Since it can be sent to the server, input delay can be reduced.

In one embodiment, the networked controller and client device can be configured to send some types of input directly from the controller to the cloud gaming server and other types of input through the client device. For example, inputs whose detection does not depend on other additional hardware or processing of the controller itself can be bypassed by the client device and sent directly over the network to the cloud gaming server. Such inputs include button inputs, joystick inputs, built-in motion detection inputs (accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc.). However, inputs that require additional hardware or processing by the client device can be sent by the client device to the cloud gaming server. These include captured video or audio that requires processing by the client device before it is sent to the cloud gaming server. Further, the input from the motion detection hardware of the controller is processed by the client device along with the captured video to detect the motion and position of the controller and then communicated from the client device to the cloud gaming server. Of course, the controller device according to various embodiments also receives data (eg, feedback data) from the client device or directly from the cloud gaming server.

2B conceptually illustrates the accumulation of game titles across various generations of gaming consoles, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the video gaming industry, video games have been developed for specific video game consoles. Over time, a library of game titles for a particular game console accumulates. For example, in the illustration shown, the first generation console 220 has a collection 228 of game titles developed for it. The second generation console 222 is accompanied by a collection 230 of game titles developed for it. And a third generation console 224 is also shown, which has a collection 232 of game titles developed for it. In another embodiment, there is also a collection 234 of game titles developed specifically for cloud-based games for use with client 226. In addition, other types of games, such as internet games, can be developed and collected for distribution via cloud gaming systems as described herein. Of course, game titles from different generations of gaming consoles can be collected and integrated within the cloud gaming library 212. As shown, the library 212 includes a first generation console library 236 developed for the first generation console 220. Similarly, library 212 also includes a second generation console library 238 and a third generation console library 240, which include video games developed for the second and third generation consoles, respectively. Other types of games, such as games developed for clients 226 and Internet games, may also be included in game library 212. As can be seen, a large number of game titles across various generations of gaming consoles have been accumulated and made available via the cloud gaming library. As previously mentioned, each of these games can be run on a virtual machine that mimics the operating system associated with the given gaming console in which the game was developed. In this way, users accessing this cloud-based gaming system can easily access and play the game from many different consoles, as well as games from other contacts such as internet games and their cloud. You can also access and play games specifically developed for the base gaming system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of providing a user with a game demo, according to one embodiment. Interface 300 is shown providing vignettes or icons 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 of various game titles that can be used for demonstrations. Each icon is configured to provide an image showing the game it represents. In one embodiment, when a user moves over a given icon, that icon activates to display an animation or video clip representing the video game, or otherwise displays additional information about the content of the video game. provide. In the illustrated embodiment, the user has moved to icon 302 so it is highlighted and an active animation representing a scene of the video game is displayed. When the user selects an icon, the preview video is displayed according to method operation 314. If the user continues to select the game in method operation 316, then method operation 318 launches the game code for the demo. At method operation 320, the game demo is immediately available for game play by the user. Not surprisingly, since this game demo is cloud-based, it's readily available by instantiating a preloaded game demo within a cloud-based system. When the game demo starts up, execution of the preloaded game demo materialization starts. Method operation 322 determines if the user desires to continue running the game demo, or if it is available, to play another demo of the video game. If so, the method returns to operation 322 to continue running the game demo or to run a new game demo for the video game. If not, the method operation 324 presents the user with the option to purchase a mini version of the video game. Further, at method operation 326, the user may be presented with the option to purchase the full version of the video game. If the user chooses to purchase a mini or full version of the game, then at method operation 328 that version of the game is added to the user's account. Not surprisingly, games are available via cloud-based gaming systems, so adding a game to a user's account is as simple as giving the user's account access to a particular version of the game. is there. Moreover, once purchased, the game is virtually instantly available to the cloud-based system for the user's game play, especially if it is pre-materialized on the cloud-based system.

FIG. 4A illustrates a hierarchical structure of various parts of a video game, according to one embodiment of the invention. By way of example, a video game may be structured into various sections 400. In the illustrated embodiment, it may include a settings section, an introduction section, various levels of sections, and an end section. A given level can be further divided into various scenes. As shown, the level 3 section is divided into various scenes 402. When the user finishes playing a given scene, recording a gameplay timeline of the scene, including a video recording of the user's gameplay, and recorded input data and game state of the executed game application. You can In the illustrated embodiment, the gameplay timeline 404 represents the user's gameplay at level 3, scene 2 of the game. According to embodiments of the present invention, users may select some portion of their recorded gameplay from which to create a minigame or game slice. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the gameplay timeline 404 has a start time T0 and an end time Tz, and the portion of the gameplay timeline from time Tx to time Ty is to create a minigame. chosen.

FIG. 4B illustrates an interface for selecting a portion of a timeline of gameplay for creating a minigame or game slice, according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, an interface 412 is displayed on the touch screen 411 of the device 410. In one embodiment, device 410 is a tablet computing device. Interface 412 includes a selectable gameplay timeline 414. It can be seen that in the expanded view 430 of this gameplay timeline 414, the gameplay timeline 414 according to an embodiment is represented as a filmstrip with adjustable markers 416 and 418. .. Marker 416 specifies the selected starting position along the gameplay timeline 414 and marker 418 specifies the selected ending position of the gameplay timeline. Additionally, marker 419 can be placed within the portion of gameplay timeline 414 provided by start marker 416 and end marker 418. For ease of use and to give the user a visual understanding of which portion of their gameplay was selected, the start frame 420 corresponding to the position of the marker 416 in the gameplay timeline. Can be displayed. The start frame 420 is an image of the recorded game play video corresponding to the time when the start marker 416 is placed. Similarly, an end frame 424 can be displayed that corresponds to the position of the marker 418 on the gameplay timeline. Similarly, this end frame 424 is an image of the recorded game play video corresponding to the time when the end marker 418 is placed. In addition, the representative frame 422 can be displayed corresponding to the position where the marker 419 is placed along the timeline of game play. This representative frame 422 can be used as a representative image of a mini game created based on a selected portion of the gameplay timeline. Of course, although a touch screen-type interface is presented and described in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, selection of start and end positions that define portions of gameplay for mini-game creation. Can utilize various other inputs. For example, input can be via a game controller, keyboard, motion input, voice input, and other types of input devices and mechanisms, with the selection of representative frames from the recorded gameplay video. In addition, a part of the game play can be selected.

In some embodiments, the selectable marker may not be continuously adjustable along the gameplay timeline, but instead may be stopped at a predetermined point along the gameplay timeline. Can be configured to. For example, a predetermined point in time can be defined to correspond to a particular event occurring within the gameplay timeline. The particular event on the timeline of a given gameplay that is assigned at a predetermined point in time can be created based on an analysis of the user's gameplay and depends on the gameplay's unique architecture for that video game. In one embodiment, the predetermined time points can be assigned based on the geographical location of the character within the virtual world defined by the video game. For example, at a predetermined point in time, a character moves from one geographical location to another geographical location, for example from one scene scene to another scene scene, from one city to another city, a structure It can be assigned to a specific time such as entering, entering a room in a structure, boarding a vehicle, entering a different type of environment, or any other significant geographic transition. In another embodiment, the predetermined time points can be assigned based on the growth of the controlled user in the video game. For example, at a predetermined point in time, a user-controlled character or entity can accomplish a mission, acquire a skill, acquire an object, pass a level, or otherwise complete a portion of a video game. Or it can be assigned at the point in time to perform or achieve some other important activity in the video game.

FIG. 4C illustrates an interface for selecting a portion of a timeline of gameplay to create a minigame according to an embodiment of the invention. Gameplay timeline 414 shows a timeline along which a user may set start and end markers 416 and 418, thereby specifying a selection of gameplays to make a mini-game. A start frame 410 corresponding to the position of the start marker 416 and an end frame 424 corresponding to the position of the end marker 418 are shown. Of course, these frames can be identified from the recorded footage of the user's gameplay. Several candidate frames 440, 442, 444 and 446 are presented, from which the user can choose which one to use as the representative frame for the mini-game. Candidate frames can be determined in various ways. For example, candidate frames are presented in small intervals of selected portions of the gameplay timeline. This spacing can be equal so that the candidate frames are evenly aligned along the gameplay timeline, and some frames along the gameplay timeline are more likely than others at each other. It is also possible to make them non-uniform so that they are close to each other. In one embodiment, the earlier portions of the selected portion of the gameplay timeline create a higher density of candidate frames as compared to the later portions of the selected portion of the gameplay timeline. In one embodiment, candidate frames are created with high density in both the early and late regions of the selected portion of the gameplay timeline, but in the central portion of the selected portion of the gameplay timeline. , Candidate frames are created with lower density.

After a user selects a portion of gameplay to create a minigame, embodiments and embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating a playable minigame based on the selected portion of gameplay. It More specifically, the mini-game allows other users to play essentially the same portion of a video game that the original user played, possibly under essentially the same conditions and parameters. To do. In this sense, the minigame is more than just a replay video of the original user's gameplay (although a replay video clip of the original user's gameplay is provided with the minigame), and the user's own game. It is the playable portion of the video game itself, as specified based on the choice of play. Therefore, the second user can experience the same game play as the original user.

FIG. 5 shows a series of screenshots demonstrating how to create a mini-game from an existing cloud-based video game, according to an embodiment of the invention. Screenshot 500 shows a user playing a video game. In the illustrated embodiment, the user is playing level 3 of the video game. In screenshot 502, the user has completed level 3 of the video game. Upon completion of a level, the user is offered the option to create a game slice or mini-game based on the user's game play at that level. When the user chooses to create a game slice, screenshot 504 provides the user with an interface to select a starting position for the game slice from the user's recorded gameplay. As previously mentioned, a representation of the gameplay timeline is displayed with an adjustable slider that the user can move to specify the starting position of the game slice. After the user specifies a starting position, screenshot 506 provides the user with an interface configured to allow selection of the ending position for that game slice. Here again, the adjustable slider is moved by the user to specify the end position along the timeline of gameplay displayed in the interface. When the start position and the end position are specified from the user's game play time line, a game slice or a mini game is created as described elsewhere. In screenshot 508, the user has the option of sharing the newly created game slice with other users or informing the other user of the newly created game slice, another from the same gameplay timeline. Additional options may be provided, such as an option to create a game slice, continue gameplay in the current video game, view an existing game slice for the user, and so on. If the user selects to view their existing game slices, screenshot 510 presents an interface that displays the game slices that the user previously created. In the illustrated embodiment, the user can select one of the previously created game slices and view the information and statistics for that game slice as shown in screenshot 512. Information and statistics about a given game slice can include any of the following: the title of the game slice, the video game from which the game slice was created, the date the game slice was created, and the game slice Number of times played by other users, completion rate indicating the average percentage of game slices completed by users who played that game slice, comments left by other users, etc.

In the embodiment just described, the option to create a game slice is presented to the user after the completion of a level of the video game, but it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the user may create a game slice. As long as there is recorded gameplay of the video game with definable choices for playing, the user can create game slices during the video game or at any other time. For example, in one embodiment, an interface may be provided that provides access to various recorded gameplay from various video games relevant to the user. A user creates a game slice by selecting a game play for a particular video game and selecting a portion of the recorded game play from which to create a game slice according to the embodiments described herein. can do.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for creating game slice code according to an embodiment of the invention. The terms game slice and minigame are used interchangeably herein to define a separately playable portion of a video game created based on a user's selection from existing recorded gameplay. Has been done. In the illustrated embodiment, the user's gameplay 600 conceptually represents that the user is interacting with the full version of the video game. The main game code 602 is executed to define the full version of the video game displayed by the user. While the video game is played, it produces various types of game outputs, including video data, game state data, and user input data. These are recordable thereby to define the user's recorded gameplay. In the illustrated embodiment, the image stream 604 conceptually represents the output of video data from a video game. Game state metadata 606 and user input data 608 are also shown. The game state data 606 includes data that defines the game state of the video game being executed momentarily during game play. The game state data can include the values of any variables that define the running state of the video game. User input data is data created by capturing user-initiated actions that occur during interaction with a video game, perhaps activation of an input device on a controller device, detection of sensor data (such as a motion sensor), capture. It is provided as an audio input.

As previously mentioned, the user interface graphically depicts the user's recorded gameplay and facilitates selection of certain portions of the user's gameplay to create game slices. In the illustrated embodiment, users have defined a selection 610 from their recorded gameplay. This selection of the user's recorded gameplay is used by the game slice generator to create a game slice code 622 that defines a limited game based on the selected portion of the user's gameplay. The game slice generator 612 includes a game state analyzer 614 that analyzes the game state of the recorded selections 610. Based on the analysis of the recorded selection game state, the game breakpoint processor determines the appropriate breakpoints that define the beginning and end of the game slice. Breakpoints are based on geography, time, mission or goal achievement, scene boundaries (physical or temporal), or any other aspect in which the gameplay of a video game can be divided to create game slices. Can also be defined. A brief description of some graphical embodiments helps highlight certain possibilities of breakpoint determination.

For example, some video games involve controls that allow a character to move from one geographical scene or location to another. The selected portion of the user's gameplay can be determined to be created from the gameplay in a particular scene. In such an embodiment, the boundaries of a particular scene may define geographical breakpoints in the game slice, and by selecting a scene with exclusions of other scenes, inevitably other proximity may occur. Or it will exclude adjacent scenes, as well as those that are neither adjacent nor adjacent to that particular scene, or otherwise less relevant or irrelevant. Of course, the recorded gameplay selection 610 may involve gameplay from multiple scenes, in which case the game breakpoint processor 616 may use multiple scenes used to select the recorded gameplay. It can be configured to define breakpoints according to the boundaries of.

It should be noted that the scene is both geographical and temporal in nature. That is, the scene can not only define a geographic region within the virtual space defined by the video game, but can also exist at a specific time or a specific chronological point within the larger context of the video game. It is also possible to configure as follows. Such scenes can have goals or goals defined for the player to achieve. Thus, game breakpoints can be defined in chronology or other temporal aspects, as defined by video games.

Further, a given scene may have associated objects or features as part of the scene during gameplay. These objects or features can be analyzed to further define breakpoints according to their content. For example, objects in the scene can be captured from a subset of the asset library, where the subset of the asset library can be defined by the game breakpoint processor 616 for game slices and is related to recorded gameplay selections. Exclude other objects in the asset library that are not used in the scene. Of course, the objects and features in a given scene can be dynamic elements with associated mechanisms that define their changes in response to events that occur in video games. For example, an object may have a damage modeling module that determines when it is damaged (eg, hit by a weapon) and adjusts the appearance of the object. Alternatively, a feature may be a vehicle enabled in the scene with associated logic that defines appearance, actuation, and response to user input during gameplay. Logic or damage modeling such as these can further define game breakpoints for creating game slices.

Various aspects of a video game that define or are otherwise used in selected portions of the video game can be the basis for defining game breakpoints. The example just described is provided as an example only and is not a constraint. Of course, in other embodiments, other aspects of the video game can form the basis for defining breakpoints for creating game slices.

In one embodiment, a video game can be organized into various scenes that must be completed in succession, such that subsequent scenes cannot be tried without first completing the preceding scene. Each scene may include multiple goals or goals, some of which are needed to complete the scene and some of which are also options for completing the scene. The objective is to move from a start position in the scene to a predetermined end position, survive for a predetermined length of time, destroy a predetermined number of enemies, earn a certain score, It can include defeating an enemy or any other activity definable within the game. A scene is one of those scenes where once the user achieves its completion point, if for some reason it becomes impossible for the user to continue playing the game (eg, the user quits the game, or the user's game character dies , Exhausting life or health, hitting the user's vehicle, etc.), or having various predefined completion points that allow the user to return to it. At a predetermined completion point, the video game may be configured to automatically save the user's progress or present the user with an option to save the progress.

In one embodiment, game breakpoint processor 616 is configured to define game breakpoints at predetermined completion points. In one embodiment, this finds the closest completion points to the selected start and end positions from the user's recorded selections of gameplay and defines those closest completion points as game breakpoints for the game slice. Achieved by using. In another embodiment, the closest breakpoint that occurs before the selected start position from the recorded gameplay selections is used to define the start breakpoint to create the game slice, while the end breakpoint is used. Is used to define the closest completion point that occurs after the selected end position from the recorded gameplay selections. In yet another embodiment, if the completion point is located within a predetermined radius (eg, before or after) from the user's recorded start or end of the gameplay selection, the completion point is the game slice. Used to define the start or end game breakpoint corresponding to the. If there is no completion point located within the predetermined radius, a game breakpoint closer to the user selected start or end position for the recorded selection is defined. In another embodiment, the predetermined radii for the start and end positions may be different for purposes of determining whether to use an existing completion point to define a game breakpoint.

As previously mentioned, the game breakpoint processor 616 determines appropriate breakpoints applicable to various aspects of the video game based on the user's recorded gameplay selections. The breakpoints defined by processor 616 serve to define a limited range of game slices created based on the user's recorded gameplay selections. In one embodiment, an overlay processor 617 is provided that creates an overlay that can contribute to an improved user experience when playing a game slice created by the game slice generator 612. For example, in one embodiment, the overlay processor 617 defines pre-game slice data that defines the video, game play or additional information that can be provided as an introduction to the game of the game slice prior to the actual game play. An example of the pre-game slice data is an introductory video that can provide a background to a user who has started a game play that is a slice. In another embodiment, the pre-game slice data provides the user with an opportunity to define an introductory game play for the game slice and learn skills that may be useful or necessary to the user when playing that game slice. To do. In another embodiment, the pre-game slice data may define one or a series of multiple information screens or images that provide the user with information about that game slice. Such information may include controller configurations, narrative background information, objectives or goals, maps, or any other type of information that may be useful to the user or otherwise improve the user's playing experience with that game slice. Is also included.

Overlay processor 617 can also be configured to define post-game slice data. In some embodiments, this post-game slice data may define a video or image to be displayed after completing gameplay for the game slice. For example, a blessing video may be displayed after the user completes a game slice. Such video may be customized based on the gameplay by the user of the game slice, for example by displaying information or images based on the user's gameplay. In one embodiment, the post game slice data may define a playback mechanism that plays a recorded portion of the user's game play after the game slice is completed. In another embodiment, the post game slice data displays statistics about the user's game play at that game slice, showing a comparison of the user's game play with other users and the original creator of that game slice. be able to. In yet another embodiment, the post-game slice data may define additional interaction elements that are presented to the user at the completion of the game slice. These include options to purchase some or all of the video game that underlies the game slice, redirect to additional sources of information about the video game, and so on.

In some embodiments, overlay processor 617 can be configured to define the elements to be overlaid in the game slice. These include elements customizable by the user playing the game slice, such as customization of characters, objects, properties, and other customization options. In some embodiments, this overlay processor 617 can be configured to define a simplified element for a game slice, thereby complicating the game slice code and executing the game slice. You can reduce the required resources. By way of example, many video games include artificial intelligence (AI) bodies such as characters, vehicles, enemies and the like. Within the complete video game, these AI bodies are managed by artificial intelligence models that define the AI body's reactions and activities based on events that occur within the video game. However, in a limited range of game slices, the activity of some AI bodies was hard-coded definitions or simplifications rather than full modeling as they would in a full video game. It may be a simple definition through extrapolation.

For example, if in a recorded gameplay selection of a complete video game, a given AI character moves in a manner according to an AI model that is unlikely to change within that game slice, then for that game slice. It is more efficient to define an approximation of the AI character's movement. Such an approximation does not require a full AI model to be included as part of the game slice code, but the user playing the game slice still experiences the original experience with the AI character from which the game slice was created. Is substantially equivalent to that of the user's game play. Resource savings realized by approximation of AI body activity are even more important when multiple AI bodies are present and interact with the user's recorded gameplay choices. Each AI body may have an AI model that depends on the output of the AI model of the other AI body. However, when the gameplay is recorded, the activity of each of these AI bodies is known, and it is therefore controlled by a simplified mechanism such as direct coding of their control variables or approximation of that activity. It can be played in the game slice.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, a game settings state processor 618 is provided to define the initial state of the game slice. Based on the operation of game state analyzer 614, game breakpoint processor 616 and game setting state processor 618, code assembly manager 620 gathers various pieces of code to define game slice code 622. When that game slice code 622 is executed, the user's game play 624 provides an input that defines the execution state of the game slice code, which includes video data and feedback data for displaying the game slice to the user. Create play output. The video data may include a pre-game slice overlay video 622, a game slice video 624 resulting from the game play of the game slice, and a post game slice overlay video 626.

Of course, in one embodiment, the game slice code 622 is fully self-contained, including all of the code necessary to execute that game slice. However, in other embodiments, the game slice code 622 may incorporate references or suggestions for existing code portions within the main game code of the complete video game. In addition, the game slice code 622 may include or use references to existing assets in the asset library for the main game code of the complete video game. However, in other embodiments, a new asset library can be created for the game slice code.

FIG. 7A illustrates modification of virtual space to create a game slice of a video game according to an embodiment of the invention. Map 700 represents a scene or geographical portion of a video game. The map shown is a two-dimensional representation, which can represent a three-dimensional virtual space that moves and experiences during the actual game play of the video game. As shown, the map 700 shows a region 702 and several passages 704, 706, 708 and 710. In the recorded gameplay of a video game, the user's character 712 moves from area 702 to passage 710. Based on this recorded movement and other analysis of the gameplay of the video game, it can be determined that additional passages 704, 706 and 708 are not required to create the game slice. Those aisles represent a wrong choice compared to aisles 710, lead to areas unrelated to the game slice, or the ability of the players in the game slice to follow the aisle and experience the same gameplay as the original user. May decrease. Further, if the areas led by aisles 704, 706 and 708 are not supported in the game slice, the inclusion of such aisles may confuse the player or at least result in a poor user experience. Thus, in the modified map 720, the passages 710 and regions 702 remain unchanged, but the passages 704, 706 and 708 are unavailable for gameplay within that game slice. Thus, when a user plays a game slice that employs the terrain defined in map 720, he will experience a virtual space within which passages 704, 706, and 708 cannot pass. The user is then likely to pass the aisle 710 and thus experience similar gameplay as the original user did.

Of course, the portion of the virtual space defined for the game slice or mini-game can be defined by the boundaries determined based on the user's recorded gameplay. The boundary defines a small area of the larger virtual space and contains a small portion of the features available in the larger virtual space. In some embodiments, the boundaries of the virtual space are determined to determine locations in the virtual space defined by the user's gameplay, where they are closest to and surrounding those locations associated with that virtual space. The determination can be made by determining a predetermined boundary arranged at. For example, the user's game play may define the path taken by the user's video game character. The path can be analyzed and a set of predetermined boundaries defining an area surrounding the path can be selected based on the location of the path in virtual space. In some embodiments, the predetermined boundary is defined by a particular feature that essentially defines a portion of the virtual space, such as a door, window, wall, room, hallway, fence, road, intersection, hallway, etc. can do.

FIG. 7B illustrates modifying the scene graph to create a game slice, according to an embodiment of the invention. Scene graph 730 conceptually illustrates the structure of various scenes A through G of a video game. Of course, the scenes described here are geographical and/or temporal in nature and each can be played in a video game as the player progresses from one scene to another. , Stage, level, section, point, or any other structural unit. In this scene graph 730, various nodes representing scenes A to G are shown. As shown, the player can proceed from scene A to scene B and from scene B to either scene D or E. The player can also proceed from scene A to scene C and from scene C to either scene F or G. Scene graph 730 illustrates the structure of a complete video game scene. However, for the purpose of creating a game slice, not all available scenes are needed for that game slice. Thus, by way of example, a scene graph 732 shows a scene structure for a game slice. As shown, the scene graph 732 includes scenes A, B, C and F, but not the other scenes included in the complete video game scene graph 730. This allows the user to go from scene A to either scene B or C, and from scene C to scene F. However, the other scenes in the complete video game scene graph 730 are not available for gameplay in that game slice. As previously mentioned, systems according to embodiments of the present invention may be configured to limit the use of scenes when creating game slices. As such, a game slice does not contain scenes that are not necessary for the limited context and intended purpose of the gameplay.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for creating game slices according to an embodiment of the invention. At method operation 800, a user's game play of a video game is recorded, including a video recording of the user's game play and video game data, such as video game input data and game status data. At method operation 802, a user interface is provided for use in selecting recorded game play to create a game slice. The interface defines a mechanism for receiving user input, defining start and end positions from recorded gameplay. For example, an interface may be provided for reviewing recorded gameplay, which allows a user to define start and end positions within the gameplay video based on movements or playbacks thereof on the gameplay video. At method operation 804, a user-defined selection of gameplay video is received. At method operation 806, a video game breakpoint is identified based on the user-defined selection of the received gameplay video. In one embodiment, there are predetermined breakpoints for video games. Based on the user-defined selection of the gameplay video, the game breakpoint closest to the user-defined selection start and end positions may be selected as the game breakpoint for the game slice to be created. At method operation 808, game code is defined for slice selection as defined by the identified breakpoints. At method operation 810, game settings are defined for the slice selection. In one embodiment, the game settings state is based on the game states that are present in the user's recorded gameplay. At method operation 812, a game slice code is created and at method operation 814 the game slice code is stored in the game slice library and associated with the user's account.

In one embodiment, the method can include a method operation 816, in which a video selection of a proposed game slice is created based on the user's recorded gameplay video and data. A suggested user's gameplay selection may be determined based on the user's recorded gameplay analysis. For example, if gameplay of a portion of it in which a high level of activity occurs is detected (eg, positively above a predetermined threshold), it may be suggested for game slice video selection. is there. At method operation 818, the interface for game slice selection may provide a user with a selection of suggested game slice videos. In one embodiment, the user may be provided with screenshots representing each of the proposed game slice video selections. At method operation 820, a user selection of one of the proposed game slice video selections is received. Based on the user's selections, the game slice code can be created and saved as described above.

FIG. 9A illustrates an interface for browsing game slices associated with various game titles, according to one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface is organized into a series of tabs including tabs 900, 902, and 904 that, when selected, provide access to various pages corresponding to different game titles. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 900 is currently selected and thus the page presented provides information about the game slice created for a particular game title T1. The game slice listing 904 displays a list of various game slices created from the game title T1. In one embodiment, the game slice listing 904 also identifies the user who created the game slice (eg, displays the user name of the user who created the game slice). In one embodiment, the game slice listing 904 can browse or navigate to highlight different game slices of the game slices listed in the game slice listing 904. In the illustrated embodiment, game slice A created by user A is currently highlighted, thereby displaying details 906 associated with game slice A. Details 906 provides various types of information related to the game slice, the level or stage at which the game slice was created, more specific information about where the game slice was created, game details, created game slice. May include comments by user A, the number of comments from others, the number of times the game slice has been played, or any other type of information about the game slice that can be provided when the game slice listing is highlighted. is there.

FIG. 9B shows a game slice information page according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game slice information page is for game slice A as described with respect to FIG. 9A and can be reached when the user selects the listing for game slice A as shown in FIG. 9A. With continued reference to FIG. 9B, the game slice information page provides various types of information related to game slices. In addition to bibliographic information about the game slice (eg, title, user name of the user who created the game slice, creation date, etc.), a video 910 of the game slice may be displayed. In one embodiment, video 910 is a recorded gameplay video of the original user who created the game slice. In another embodiment, video 910 may be recorded gameplay video of another user, such as the user who achieved the highest score in the game slice or who recently played the game slice. In one embodiment, video 910 may be a live feed of users currently playing a game slice. In other embodiments, a representative image of the game slice will be shown instead of the video.

The game slice information page may further include selectable buttons 912 for initiating game play for the game slice. The game slice information page may also include a detail section 914 that may capture various details and statistical information about the game slice, such as number of plays, average completion rate, and the like. The game slice information page may also include a comment section 916 that takes up comments left by the user. The sort button 918 provides various options for sorting the comments (eg, chronological, most popular, by rating, relationship to current user (eg, comments by friends of users of social graph are prioritized). ) Etc.) can be provided for selection.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of user account information including a live view of friends on a cloud gaming social network according to one embodiment of the present invention. The library section 1002 displays various game titles of the user's library. These may be game titles that the user purchased or otherwise acquired. Display of the game title may include display of representative graphics in addition to the title information. The games may be full game titles, but each may be part of a full game title, or may be limited in some ability when compared to a full game title. It will be appreciated that it may be a mini version. Friends listing 1004 lists the current user's friends in the social network associated with the cloud gaming system (ie, other users of the current user's social graph). The social network may be a social network that is specific to the cloud gaming system, or it may exist separately from the cloud gaming system with which the cloud gaming system communicates to obtain information about the user's social graph (third party). Party) may be a social network. The friend listing 1004 shows the games owned by each friend, such as the friend's online status (eg, online, offline, inactive, etc.), the friend's last login and its duration, the last game played by the user, etc. May include additional information about the user's friends, such as identifying.

In one embodiment, live active user portion 1006 provides a live view of the gameplay of a friend who is currently online and may be playing a video game. In one embodiment, each user has the option of setting whether his live gameplay is available for live viewing by other users. In such an embodiment, live views are presented only to those users who have the options specified to allow other users to view their live gameplay. In the illustrated embodiment, live active user portion 1006 includes not only live view 1010 of friend B's current game play, but also live view 1008 of friend A's current game play. In one embodiment, the current user can navigate or browse for friends in the friends listing 1004 and/or browse live views available in the live active users section 1006. In one embodiment, a live view may be highlighted as the current user navigates to that live view and may be rendered differently than other live views. For example, the live view may be displayed in a desaturated color scheme by default, but may be displayed in a fully saturated color scheme when highlighted or selected. Also, the live view may be displayed at a lower resolution, frame rate or size by default, but may be displayed at a higher resolution, frame rate or size when selected. In this way, a particular live view based on the user's selection is presented in order to present a live view that the user is interested in watching with higher fidelity than other live views that may be active at the same time. Bandwidth can be allocated to. Live View may not only display the specific gameplay of a video game, but may also display other activities of a friend on the cloud gaming system, such as navigation through menus, or other types of activities related to that cloud gaming session. Should be understood.

In one embodiment, live view is only available to those users who are currently actively involved in the game play of the video game. In other words, the live view of a given user is not available either when the user is offline or online but not actively involved in the gameplay of the video game. Thus, when a user is performing other activities other than gameplay on the cloud gaming system (eg, navigating the cloud gaming system's graphical interface while logged into the system), such activities may It is not provided for live feeds that others watch. In another embodiment, the live view may include all activities of the user logged in to the cloud gaming system, including gameplay of the user as well as other activities than gameplay.

In one embodiment, a given user's live view can be filtered to prevent potentially sensitive or personal information from being viewed by others. For example, a cloud gaming system may support chat functionality. Some users want to leave the chat unattended, so they can provide an option to exclude the chat log when presenting the live view. It should be understood that the chat feature can be implemented during gameplay activities as well as during non-gameplay activities and that chat features may be filtered out of live views in either or both of these situations. Is. In another embodiment, video game aspects may be filtered out of the live view. For example, a user may want to keep certain user-defined settings secret because they may give the user an advantage during gameplay. Accordingly, activity associated with settings (eg, when a user accesses a video game settings interface) may be provided with the option not to be displayed as part of the live feed. In another embodiment, the live view is configured to prevent viewing of personal information (eg, viewing when a user accesses a personal information page, enters payment information, enters a password, etc.). it can.

In one embodiment, the interface provides the primary user with the option to request to join the gaming session of the currently online secondary user. For example, a primary user may want to watch a secondary user's live gameplay feed and join the secondary user's gameplay. In one embodiment, when the option is activated, a request is sent to the secondary user informing the secondary user that the primary user wants to join their session. If the secondary user accepts the request, then the multiplayer mode of the video game is activated, facilitating multiplayer gameplay by the first user and the second user. In another embodiment, two or more secondary users may already be involved in multiplayer gameplay. In such an embodiment, the primary user can send a request to join multiplayer gameplay. If the request is accepted by one of the secondary users (eg, the designated host of the gameplay session), the primary user can join the multiplayer session of the video game. It should be understood that the above interface showing the secondary user's live gameplay feed encourages the primary user to join the secondary user's gameplay after being able to see the secondary user's gameplay. Is.

In one embodiment, the option to make a request to join the secondary user's gameplay is subject to the primary user's determination of the ownership status of the video game. If the primary user does not own the video game, the option may not be presented, whereas if the primary user owns the same video game as the secondary user, the secondary user's game Options to make requests to join play are available as part of the interface. In one embodiment, the primary user then determines that the primary user is not the owner of the video game, but the primary user then determines the duration of gameplay, available scenes/levels/stages/etc, customization options, abilities, skills, weapons. , Characters, vehicles, or any other aspect of a video game that may be limited, but may participate in secondary user gameplay in a multiplayer mode, but with limited capabilities. In one embodiment, following the limited edition game play of the video game, the primary user is provided with the option to purchase the video game in its entirety. In another embodiment, the primary user is offered the option to purchase an additional portion of the video game.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the displayed information may also include game history information 1012 for the user's friends. Game history information 1012 can provide information about the gameplay history of a given friend, such as recently played games, duration of gameplay sessions, gameplay statistics, and so on.

It will be appreciated that many methods and configurations for presenting a cloud gaming interface are possible in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In one such embodiment, a method operation of presenting a cloud gaming interface of a primary user, a method operation of determining one or more secondary users who are friends of the primary user, and a current status of each of the secondary users is determined. A method operation for determining that the current status is one of online or offline, and for at least one online secondary user, the current of the online secondary user in the primary user's cloud gaming interface. A method operation for presenting a live feed of a gaming session, the live feed comprising: providing an option for a primary user to join a current gaming session of an online secondary user; A method of activating multiplayer mode of an online secondary user's current gaming session in response to receiving a request to activate an option to join the next user's current gaming session, wherein the multiplayer mode is an online secondary user. Providing the primary user's gameplay in the current gaming session of, and activating multiplayer mode includes determining the primary user's ownership status for the video game, defining the online secondary user's current gaming session. , When the primary user is determined to own the video game, then the multiplayer mode provides gameplay for the full version of the video game, and when the primary user is determined not to own the video game, then multiplayer Provided is a method for displaying a current gaming status of a user of a cloud gaming system, including method operations to activate a mode providing limited gameplay of a video game.

In one embodiment, the limited edition of the video game has levels available, scenes available, features available, time limits, virtual space, campaign length, number of lives, compared to the full version of the video game, Or define a reduction in one or more of the number of replays.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises a method act of presenting the option of the primary user to purchase at least a portion of the video game when the video game is not owned by the primary user.

In one embodiment, the online secondary user's live feed is presented at a first resolution and the selection of the live feed causes the online secondary user's live feed to be presented at a second resolution that is higher than the first resolution. Trigger.

In one embodiment, the online secondary user's live feed is presented in a desaturated color mode, and the selection of the live feed triggers the presentation of the online secondary user's live feed in the saturated color mode.

In one embodiment, presenting the cloud gaming interface includes presenting a library of game titles associated with each of the secondary users.

In one embodiment, determining the one or more secondary users includes accessing a social graph associated with the primary user. In one embodiment, accessing the social graph includes accessing a social network API.

In one embodiment, presenting the primary user's cloud gaming interface includes presenting each listing of the secondary user in order of priority, the priority being the current status, login freshness, or primary user. Based on one or more of the co-owned games of.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method of presenting a live gameplay feed of a current user's friends according to one embodiment of the invention. At method operation 1100, a current user logs on to a cloud gaming system. At method operation 1102, a friend of the current user is identified from the current user's social graph. As mentioned above, the current user's social graph may be from a social network that is specific to the cloud gaming system, or perhaps from a social network that exists separately from the cloud gaming system. At method operation 1104, the user's friend's library information is retrieved. The user's friend library information can identify a game title in the user's friend library. At method operation 1106, the current status of the current user's friends is identified. If the current status of the given friend is online, then at method operation 1108 it is determined whether the given friend is currently involved in the game play of the video game in the cloud-based system. If so, then at method operation 1112, a live gameplay feed for that user is obtained. At method operation 1110, the current user's friends are prioritized for display based on various factors or preferences. At method operation 1114, the current user's friends and their status information and life gameplay feeds are presented in priority order. In one embodiment, friends of the current user who are online are prioritized over friends who are currently offline. In one embodiment, friends of the current user who are currently involved in active gameplay are prioritized over friends who are not currently involved in active gameplay. In one embodiment, friends with available live gameplay feeds may be prioritized over other friends. In one embodiment, friends may be prioritized based on the recency with which they have logged into the cloud gaming system. In another embodiment, friends may be prioritized based on co-owned video games. The above example of friend prioritization is provided as an example, not a limitation. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in other embodiments, the current user's friends can be prioritized and presented according to priorities based on other relevant factors.

FIG. 12 shows a system including a cloud gaming system and a social network according to the embodiment of the present invention. The cloud gaming system 1200 provides cloud-based access to your games. The cloud gaming system includes a game library 1202 containing various game titles that may be played by a user. User data 1204 includes various types of data associated with a user account, such as a game title owned by the user, any saved gameplay of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, various gameplay sessions are shown conceptually, including Session A, Session B, and Session C. Session A defines the game play of user A viewing session A game play on display 1208. The gameplay for Session A is rendered as a view 1210 on User A's display 1208. Similarly, session B defines user B's gameplay as rendered on user B's device 1212 as view 1214. In the illustrated embodiment, view 1214 of user B's session shows an interface that includes live views from other users, including live views of session A and session C. As gameplay from sessions A and C progresses, gameplay video may be output from sessions A and C and streamed through user B's session, as displayed in user B's view 1214. The gameplay video may be processed for streaming through User B's session, eg, reducing resolution, size, frame rate, color saturation, etc. to conserve bandwidth.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, a social network 1216 is also shown. The social network 1216 includes user data 1218, which includes data such as the user's social graphs, jobs, photos, videos, bios, and the like. App 1220 can be run on a social network platform. A Graphic User Interface (GUI) 1222 sets up an interface for interacting with social networks. API 1224 facilitates access to social networks. The notification module 1226 processes social network user notifications according to social network user preferences. As described above, User B's view 1214 includes live feeds from other users' sessions. In one embodiment, User B's friends were determined based on access to API 1224 of social network 1216 to determine members of User B's social graph. These members were cross-referenced to users of the cloud gaming system to provide live gameplay feeds from User B's friends, including feeds from Session A and Session C.

In one embodiment, user A chooses to share from his gameplay session A to his social graph. User A's session A communicates via API 1224 to activate the notification module 1226 of social network 1216 to send appropriate notifications to User A's social graph friends. When a social network user 1230 in user A's social graph accesses the social network via device 1228, they may see a message or post from user A about user A's session. If set up, the user may receive a notification, such as an email, indicating that User A is sharing something on the social network. A variety of user A's achievements in the video game, invitations to play the video game, comments about the video game, invitations to view or play the game slices created by user A, video clips of user A's game play, etc. It should be appreciated that various video game related activities may be shared.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing various game state variables over time according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, there may be many different types of game state variables that are unique to a particular video game. The game state variables shown and described with respect to the illustrated embodiment are provided as examples only and not as limitations. Game state variables may include values set by running a video game, as well as values set by user input. In the illustrated embodiment, there are position variables shown that indicate the X, Y, and Z positions of an object in the virtual space of a video game, such as a character or vehicle. The camera angle variable indicates the direction of the virtual camera or virtual view in the video game. In one embodiment, the camera angle is defined by an azimuth component measured with respect to an azimuth reference (eg, along a horizontal plane) and a tilt component measured with respect to a tilt reference (eg, with respect to a vertical plane). Action variables, such as the Action A and Action B variables shown, indicate the beginning and sustain of various actions within a video game. It should be appreciated that the actions of a given video game are specific to the context of that video game. By way of example, an action may be an existing action, such as initiating a particular strategy, applying a skill, increasing its level such as intensity or frequency, or any other type of action that can be triggered by user input in the video game flow. It would include a trigger for a corrector to correct the activity. With continued reference to FIG. 13, the weapon variable indicates a weapon trigger in a video game. The health variable indicates the level of health of the user's character in a video game, for example. The button variable indicates the state of the button on the controller device, for example, whether the button is in the pressed state or in the release statement. The joystick state variable of the illustrated embodiment indicates the magnitude of joystick movement relative to the neutral position. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the game state variables described above with respect to the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary and that many other types of game state variables can be tracked over time.

Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the game state analyzer 614 can be configured to analyze the game state variables of the user's recorded gameplay. Based on an analysis of the user's recorded gameplay, various regions of interest in the user's recorded gameplay can be defined and presented to the user as possible choices for the game slice generator. For example, a region of gameplay characterized by a high level of activity for a particular game state variable may define a user's recorded choice of gameplay. It should be understood that the activity level of a given game state variable may be based on a variety of factors such as intensity level, activation frequency, sustain duration, and the like. In some embodiments, analysis of game state variables may involve searching for areas of gameplay, such as two or more variables having high activity levels at the same time. The activity levels of different game state variables are correlated in a predetermined way. High activity levels can be determined based on a predetermined threshold.

In various embodiments, a user's recorded region of interest for game play is: For threshold detection of any one or more of combinatorial inputs (eg combo keys), motion vectors, pressure exerted on the controller, user excitement (eg detected based on user captured image or audio data). It may be automatically determined based on the above.

FIG. 14A illustrates a method for generating a game slice of a linear type video game according to an embodiment of the present invention. Broadly speaking, a linear video game is a video game in which a player progresses a video game according to a straight course, and in order for the video game to progress, the player must complete the previous goal before proceeding to the later goal. .. Therefore, all players must complete the same objectives in the same order to progress through the video game. The purpose in a linear video game may be tied not only to a temporal location but also to a geographical location in the context of a video game space-time storyline. At method operation 1400, a video game scene is identified. Scenes are both spatial and temporal in nature, and may have a variety of purposes defined therein. At method operation 1402, the spatial and temporal length of the scene is defined. The length of the scene can be defined according to user input and may be defined based on the purpose associated with the scene. At method operation 1404, an initial setting for an item, character, or any other object in the scene to which the property can be assigned is defined. At method operation 1406, a game slice is generated for the identified length of the scene having previously defined initial characteristics.

FIG. 14B illustrates a method for generating a game slice of an open world type video game according to an embodiment of the present invention. An open world video game can be characterized as a video game in which the user may freely pursue any number of goals in a unique selection order. Open world type video games also typically allow the user to navigate one or more virtual spaces at will. A particular set of goals may be required to complete in order to progress to different levels of video games or complete video games, but the user is free to complete these goals in different ordering. At method operation 1410, a location within the virtual world of the video game is identified. At method operation 1412, a limited portion of the virtual world is defined. A limited portion of the virtual world can be defined based on user input that defines recorded gameplay selections, as described herein. For example, a user's game play in an open world video game may span a wide variety of places during the game play. However, to generate the game slice, the user may select a portion of the gameplay that occurs within the limited geographical area of the virtual world of the video game. This limited geographic area allows the user to control the location of a character controlled by the user in the virtual world and define a boundary that includes all locations where the character is found to exist. It can be determined based on an analysis of the user-selected portion of the recorded gameplay. At method operation 1414, an initial of various objects, characters, items, vehicles, or any other objects found within the limited geographical area previously determined from the user's recorded gameplay selections. Characteristics are defined. At method operation 1416, a game slice is generated based on the limited geographical area of the open world and previously defined characteristics.

FIG. 14C illustrates a method for generating a game slice of a sports video game according to an embodiment of the invention. Game slices can be generated based on a user-defined selection of a user's recorded gameplay. At method operation 1420, the settings are identified based on the user's recorded gameplay selections. By way of example, the settings may define the location of a court, stadium, track, or any other location setting where a sporting event in a video game may occur. At method operation 1422, a time period is defined based on the user's recorded gameplay selections. The time period defines the portion of time over which the game slice is generated and may be based on the recorded user selection of game play. The duration of a sports video game may determine particular aspects of the video game slice, such as special rules or inclusion of activities that occur during a particular duration during a sport. At method operation 1424, a player for the game slice is determined based on the players included in the user's recorded gameplay selections. During gameplay, a player may include one or more user-defined characters as well as AI characters controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) character control logic of the video game being run. As described elsewhere herein, the AI character's actions may approximate in some examples. On the other hand, in some embodiments, AI character control logic is defined for the game slice with parameters as defined in the user's recorded gameplay selections. At method operation 1426, scene attributes for sports video game slice localization are defined. For example, these may include attributes such as weather, track or course conditions, and other attributes of sport settings. At method operation 1428, a game slice for the video game is generated based on the parameters described above.

FIG. 15 conceptually illustrates formation of a multi-game slice game according to an embodiment of the present invention. Video games can be organized into various levels or stages. In the illustrated embodiment, user gameplay from various levels of a video game is shown. Specifically, gameplay timeline 1502 and gameplay timeline 1506 represent the user's gameplay from the second and third levels of the video game, respectively, while gameplay timeline 1500 is: 5 illustrates a user's gameplay from a first level of a video game. According to embodiments of the present invention, a user may concatenate multiple game slices from a video game to form a larger multi-game slice mini-game. In the illustrated embodiment, the selection 1502 from the user's gameplay timeline 1500 is utilized to define the first game slice 1514. A selection 1504 from the user's gameplay timeline 15 of 2 is utilized to define the second game slice 1818. The user's selection 1508 from the gameplay timeline 1506 is then utilized to define the third team slice 1522. The first game slice, the second game slice, and the third game slice are arranged in a series to define a mini game 1510. In doing so, mini-game 1510 includes game slices from each of the first, second, and third levels of the video game. In this manner, a user playing mini-game 1510 can experience a limited portion of multiple levels of a video game by playing through mini-game 1510. This may be helpful in providing a more compelling preview or demo of the video game than a traditional game demo where the user can only play one part from one level or stage of the video game. .. The experience is usually similar to that of movie previews, which provides clips from different parts of the same movie rather than just a single clip. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the user enjoys a better sense of the scope of a complete video game and enjoys a multi-part game demo where gameplay can be taken up sequentially from one part to the next. You can

In one embodiment, the user may plug in additional data such as user-defined videos, messages, images, or other types of information before or after the game slice. In the illustrated embodiment, an intro 1512 is provided to introduce the player to the mini-game 1510 and possibly also the player to the first game slice 1514. In addition, message 1516 is inserted between first game slice 1514 and second game slice 1518. Meanwhile, another message 1520 is inserted between the second game slice 1518 and the third game slice 1522. In one embodiment, the inserted data may include a recorded gameplay video of the gameplay of the original user from whom the game slice was generated. If the recorded gameplay is shown before playing the game slice, the player who initiates the game slice can better understand the game slice and its purpose before beginning the gameplay, whereas the gameplay of the game slice. , The player can see how the gameplay of the game slice compares to the gameplay of the original user.

FIG. 16 conceptually illustrates generation of a multi-game slice mini game according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the recorded gameplay timeline 1600 of the user of game A together with the recorded gameplay timeline 1604 of the user of game B and the recorded gameplay timeline 1608 of the user of game C. Shown. In one embodiment, a user can generate a multi-game slice mini-game based on game slices from different video games. In the illustrated embodiment, a selection 1606 from the user's recorded gameplay 1604 is utilized to define a game slice 1620, and a selection 1610 from the user's recorded gameplay 1608 to the game slice 1624. Whereas the user's recorded selection of gameplay 1600 1602 is utilized to define a game slice 1616, while being utilized to define a game slice 1616. Game slices 1616, 1620, and 1624 are arranged in sequence to define mini-game 1612. Optionally, additional data can be inserted before or after the game slice. In the illustrated embodiment, intalud 1618 is defined between game slice 1616 and game slice 1620, and another intalud 1622 is defined between game slice 1620 and game slice 1624, whereas intro 1614 is It is inserted before the game slice 1616.

It will be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, game slices are taken from different video games. This gives the user great flexibility to mix game slices from different game titles, genres, and console generations across. By way of example only, a user may create a mini-game with game slices from each of several game titles in a single video game series. In this way, a mini-game player can experience and understand the evolution of the video game series with a continuous game playing experience.

Embodiments of the present invention have been generally described with respect to cloud-based gaming systems. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that similar concepts and principles as described herein may be applied to conventional console-based video systems, perhaps in conjunction with cloud-based gaming systems. For example, a user may play a console-based video game and have the user's gameplay input data and game dwell metadata recorded during gameplay. Based on the user's gameplay input data and game state metadata, the actual gameplay output of the video game can later be played. Thus, the recorded input data and game state metadata, as described, together with the video game code to provide an interface for selection of a portion of the user's gameplay from which the minigame was generated. Can be utilized. The mini-game code can be generated on the console, uploaded to the cloud system, and made available for download by other users. In another embodiment, the mini game code is generated by the cloud system after receiving selected portions of user game play input data and game state metadata. The cloud system processes selected portions of the user game play input data and game state metadata to generate a mini game code based on the video game code stored in the cloud system. Once a mini-game is generated, mini-game execution occurs on cloud-based systems, but to traditional console-based systems for execution on the console to facilitate console-based gameplay of mini-games. It can be used for cloud-based gaming, which can also be used for download. In this way, both users of console-based video gaming systems and users of cloud-based video gaming systems can create and play mini-games.

Embodiments of the present invention have been generally described with respect to playable user-defined portions of mini-games or video games. However, many of the principles described herein also apply to the generation and sharing of recorded gameplay, including sharing live streaming of recorded gameplay, screenshots, and active gameplay. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the application is easy. In some embodiments, providing access to a mini-game (eg, in response to receiving a notification) presents a recorded video of the original user's gameplay on which the mini-game was based. May be included. In yet another embodiment, methods, systems, and interfaces are contemplated to facilitate sharing of a user's gameplay with the user's social graph.

In one embodiment, a method for storing gameplay is contemplated. The game play can be performed by the game console's operating system in response to a user's request, which may be provided in the form of standard file operations for a set of data associated with the desired game play. The request can be sent from an application associated with the game. Gameplay may include, for example, video content, audio content, and/or static visual content, including wallpaper, themes, code “add-on” content, or content related to any other type of game. It is contemplated that such content may be generated by a user or developer whether free or paid, complete or trial, and/or for sale or for rent.

Portions of gameplay can be buffered, or temporarily stored. As described further herein, for previous actions within gameplay, for example, the previous 15 seconds, the previously completed level can be temporarily stored. As used herein, a "portion" is a single bit or byte of data, or any associated group of bits or bytes or any portion of gameplay that can be divided into any group. May correspond to. For example, a "portion" of gameplay may correspond to a level, chapter, scene, action, character, background, texture, course, action, song, theme, duration, size, file, portion thereof, and combinations thereof. .. Further, the gameplay portion may include a video game screenshot or a predetermined duration.

In one embodiment, portions of gameplay may be stored locally on a game console, either primary storage or permanent storage. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the gameplay can be transmitted over a network that is stored remotely. For example, the portion of gameplay can be sent over a wireless or wired network to another computing device, another game console, or a remote server. Such remote servers may include social media servers.

Optionally, portions of the gameplay that are not removed from the buffer, or portions of the gameplay that are external to a particular gaming interval (eg, particular duration, level, chapter, course, etc.) can be deleted from the buffer. This removal process can be completed using standard file operations in the operating system.

The gameplay portion can be displayed on any of a number of display devices that have access to the stored gameplay. For example, the stored gameplay can be displayed on a television set connected to the game console where the gameplay was captured. In another example, the stored gameplay can be displayed on the computer to which the stored gameplay was sent. The stored gameplay can be displayed alone or in combination with other information, such as on social media websites.

In one embodiment, the portion of gameplay is displayed by another game console associated with a user other than the user who buffered or captured the gameplay. According to this embodiment, the portion of game play may show the ball being thrown from the first user to the second user from the perspective of the first user. The portion of gameplay can then be sent to the second user's game console. Therefore, the second user can view the game play from the perspective of the first user. The second user may also have a portion of the gameplay stored in which the ball thrown by the first user and catching the second user is shown from the perspective of the second user. In the present embodiment, the second user can review the game play from both the first user's viewpoint and the second user's viewpoint. Further, the portion of the gameplay stored by the second user can be sent to the first user's game console, so the first user can review the gameplay from two perspectives. This embodiment is applicable to any number of users with any number of viewpoints, and thus gameplay can be reviewed from any number of different viewpoints.

With respect to storing, transmitting and/or displaying gameplay as described herein, it is contemplated that portions of gameplay can be stored, transmitted and displayed as image data or video data. However, in another embodiment, the portion of the gameplay may be stored and transmitted as telemetry or metadata representing image or video data and created as an image or video by a game console or other device prior to display. Can be redone.

In some embodiments, the gameplay portion has a predetermined relationship with the executed gameplay. For example, the portion of gameplay may correspond to a certain amount of gameplay prior to the currently executing gameplay, such as 10 seconds prior to gameplay. In another embodiment, the first portion of gameplay has a predetermined relationship with the second portion of gameplay. For example, the first portion of gameplay corresponds to a certain amount of gameplay prior to receiving a capture request for the second portion of gameplay, such as 10 seconds of gameplay before selection of the capture button. There is. In each of these embodiments, the user can configure and adjust the amount of gameplay buffered or requested prior to the current gameplay according to his particular preferences.

In other embodiments, the buffer is "smart" or "elastic", so the buffer captures gameplay according to variables regardless of time. In one such embodiment, the first portion of gameplay has a predetermined relationship with an event associated with gameplay. For example, the first part of gameplay involves the arrival of high scores, the collection of large numbers of points in a short time, multiple selection of buttons on the controller, and other anomalous manifestations in statistics such as other unusual events. May be buffered as. The anomalous manifestations in such statistics can be determined by comparing the gameplay metric to the average metric for a particular game or scene, or generally for all games. Such average metric can be stored locally or remotely for comparison. For example, a game console may track a global high score for a particular game, and a user may approach that high score and buffer more gameplay. In another example, a remote server can track a global high score for a particular game and the user can communicate that information to a game console that approaches that high score and buffers more gameplay.

In another example, portions of gameplay may be buffered to include outcomes such as trophy acquisition or other landmark arrivals. Such trophies or landmarks commemorated any goal or gaming achievement, such as a certain number of achievement points, a certain achievement level, etc. For example, gameplay may be buffered to include awarding trophies, such as reaching level 10, reaching 100,000 points, and so on.

Similarly, the progress towards the arrival of an event, in addition to the actual achievements of the trophy or the anomalies appearing in the statistics, can be buffered to be included in the portion of the gameplay. For example, a screen shot can be taken at each of levels 1 through 10 and a photo album can be created to commemorate the receipt of the trophy at level 10. As another example, a video of the users who have won the races 1 to 5 can be taken, and the trophy is awarded for 5 wins.

In this way, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the executed game can always be stored in the running buffer. In other words, when a request to share a portion of gameplay is received, the portion of previous gameplay can already be captured to include the previous video. For example, if a request to share gameplay is received after the user has scored a goal in a racing game, the buffered gameplay may also include the goal user's video. In other words, the user could capture the moment that occurs before the gameplay sharing request is made.

FIG. 17 illustrates an interface for sharing gameplay according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the interface 17 includes a variety of selectable icons to facilitate sharing to a user's friends, such as members of the user's social graph. In one embodiment, the interface 1700 is accessible from a dedicated button on the controller device. When a button is pressed during gameplay, an interface 1700 can be presented to allow users to share their gameplay.

Icon 1702 can be selected to initiate screenshot upload from the user's gameplay. In one embodiment, area 1704 of icon 1702 is populated with representative screenshots from the user's recent gameplay, thereby providing a small preview of the screenshots that may be shared. In one embodiment, selection of the icon 1702 provides an additional screenshot selection interface that allows the user to select a particular screenshot from the user's recorded gameplay for sharing to the user's social graph. Access is provided. This may take the form of a navigable gameplay timeline that may be traversed or navigated to identify a particular point in gameplay and its corresponding screenshot.

Icon 1706 can be selected to initiate the upload of a video of the user's gameplay. The area 1708 of the icon 1706 displays a representative video clip from the user's recent gameplay, such as the last 5 seconds of the user's gameplay, recent achievements, etc., thereby allowing the user's game to be shared. Can be configured to show a small preview of a video clip from play.

Icon 1710 can be selected to initiate live video streaming of the user's active gameplay. In one embodiment, selecting icon 1710 initiates live video streaming of the user's gameplay while triggering resumption of the user's gameplay. In another embodiment, selecting icon 1710 enables comments to whom to share the streaming video, whether to include a video stream from a local image capture device intended to show the user himself during gameplay. Access to the interface is provided to determine settings for streaming video broadcasting, such as whether to do so.

Users share gameplay (eg, selected screenshots, videos, or live gameplay streams) with one or more specifically selected friends, across their social graphs, or with any friends in social networks It will be understood that you can. The social network may be a gaming social network associated with the platform on which the video game runs or a third party social network that exists separately from the video game or its platform. The social network can be accessed through an API configured to allow connection with the social network. Users with whom the gameplay is shared may receive notifications informing them of the shared gameplay. Such notifications may take the form of posts to social news feeds, private messages via social networks, in-game notifications, email, chat notifications, and the like. Sharing gameplay to social networks involves making gameplay available to other subsets of users of the social network that may or may not be part of the sharing user's social graph. Sometimes. For example, for a given video game, the gameplay may be shared or made available to any user of a social network that also owns the videogame and thus is granted access to the shared gameplay of the videogame. May become. Such shared gameplay may be accessed through online forums, chat rooms, or other online channels only available to video game players. In one embodiment, video games may have their own pages or sites on social networks. Shared gameplay is available to users who access a video game page or site. Of course, it will be appreciated that from the sharing user's perspective, users can provide options to allow them to specify and coordinate with whom and with which forum their gameplay is shared.

FIG. 18 illustrates an interface 1800 for selecting a portion of gameplay that has been recorded for sharing according to an embodiment of the invention. Interface 1800 includes a preview area 1802 that loops a preview of the currently selected portion of the video from the user's gameplay. Screenshots 1804, 1806, 1808, 1810, and 1812 are placed chronologically adjacent to each other and define a timeline of screenshots showing the content of the gameplay video. The various screenshots 1804, 1806, 1808, 1810, and 1812 may be image frames extracted at regular intervals from the gameplay video. The screenshot timeline can be scrolled to the right or left to show additional frames that precede or follow the currently displayed frame. Markers 1814 and 1816 indicate the start and end points of the currently selected video clip (or segment or portion). The currently selected video clip can be repeatedly played in the preview area 1802, as described above.

In one embodiment, buttons 1818 and 1820 can be selected to reduce or increase the duration of the selected video portion, respectively. The preview portion 1822 can be selected to trigger playback of a full screen preview of the currently selected video clip. Trimming option 1824 can be selected to access additional video trimming features.

FIG. 19 illustrates an interface 1900 for viewing a live video stream of a user's gameplay according to an embodiment of the invention. At reference 1902, the name and/or alias of the user streaming their gameplay is shown. At reference 1904, the number of users currently viewing the live video stream is indicated. The live video stream of the user's gameplay is displayed in the video display area 1906. Additionally, a live user video 1908 can be included that shows a live video of an actual user whose gameplay is live streamed. The command options 1910 can be selected to allow the viewing user to issue commands that affect the video game or even take control of the streaming user's game play. Issuing in-game commands or remote control of a user's gameplay allows the user playing the game to perform such actions that the viewing user is required to be predefined, or required at the time of gameplay. Either of the above may be required.

Option 1912 allows the viewing user to participate in the streaming user's gameplay. And option 1914 allows the viewing user to purchase an ongoing video game.

In addition, the interface may include a comment section 1916 that displays comments from users viewing the live video stream, indicating the time of each comment. A comment input field 1918 is provided for the viewing user to enter text for the posted comment. Then, the send button 1920 is pressed to upload a comment for viewing by a user who performs live streaming and another who views the live video stream.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in terms of accessing various interfaces for sharing from pressing a dedicated button, in other embodiments some or all of these interfaces may be It will be appreciated that it may not be necessary to facilitate sharing of gameplay on the graph. For example, in one embodiment, the controller button can be configured to capture a screenshot of user gameplay when pressed. The captured screenshots can then be automatically uploaded to the user social graph and shared.

In another embodiment, pressing a particular button on the controller initiates gameplay video recording. When a particular button is pressed a second time, gameplay video recording is stopped and the video clip can be uploaded to the user social graph and shared. In one embodiment, uploading and sharing the video clip to the user social graph may occur automatically following the end of the video recording operation. However, in another embodiment, when a particular button is pressed a second time to stop recording, the user customizes various options such as trimming the video, selecting a representative screenshot of the video, An interface is presented to determine the particular users with whom to share the video, allow adding captions or titles, and so on. After customization by the user, the video can be shared with others or otherwise available for viewing.

In one embodiment, certain buttons on the controller can be configured to share a predetermined duration of gameplay video on social networks. For example, a user may specify that when the button is pressed, the previous 10 seconds of the gameplay video is shared in the user social graph. In another embodiment, upon button press, the next 10 seconds of the gameplay video may be recorded and specified to be shared in the user social graph. It should be appreciated that the options for trimming the video and performing other types of customizations may apply to the recorded gameplay video. In addition, the recorded gameplay video of a predetermined duration following the button trigger can be combined with the previously buffered gameplay video as described.

In yet another embodiment, a particular button on the controller device can be configured to initiate live video streaming of the user's active gameplay. Live video streaming may be for members of the user social graph only, or to other smaller or larger groups of users, such as a particular subset of the user social graph, who own the same video game or otherwise to the same video game. It can be pre-defined to be available to all users with access, any user of the gaming platform, etc.

Automatic creation of proposed mini-games for cloud gaming based on recorded gameplay

In one embodiment, a method operation for recording a user's gameplay of a full version of a video game, a method operation for analyzing a user's recorded gameplay to determine a region of interest, and a method of analyzing the determined region of interest. A video game, wherein the method is performed by a processor, the method comprising: defining a boundary in a gameplay context of the video game based on the method; and generating a limited version of the video game based on the defined boundary. A method is provided for generating a playable limited edition of.

In one embodiment, recording the user's game play includes recording one or more of user input data or game state data. In one embodiment, analyzing the recorded gameplay of the user includes determining a level of activity of user input data or game state data, the region of interest having a level of activity above a predetermined threshold. Area.

In one embodiment, defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game includes defining spatial boundaries within the virtual space of the video game. In one embodiment, the spatial boundaries within the virtual space of the video game define a portion of the virtual space that is less than the entire virtual space, the portion of the virtual space having a subset of the virtual space features.

In one embodiment, defining a boundary within the gameplay context of the video game includes defining a temporal boundary within the temporal context of the video game.

In one embodiment, defining a boundary includes identifying one or more closest start points or closest end points within a stage, level, or scene.

In one embodiment, analyzing the user's recorded gameplay includes determining a user game state setting value based on the user's recorded gameplay to generate a limited edition of the video game. This includes defining a limited edition of the video game to have an initial game state setting based on the determined user game state setting.

In one embodiment, regions of interest are automatically identified based on a match to one or more thresholds. In one embodiment, at least one of the thresholds is user input, speed of user input, frequency of user input, repetition of user input, input pattern, sharing of gameplay context with other users, on social networks. Associated with one or more of the popularity of the video game divisions based on social network sharing levels.

In another embodiment, a method operation for recording a user's game play of a full version of a video game and a method operation for analyzing a user's recorded game play to determine one or more regions of interest, A method operation for presenting each of the regions of interest for selection, a method operation for receiving a selection input indicating the selected region of interest, and for the selected region of interest a video game based on the selected region of interest. A playable limited edition of a video game, the method comprising a method for defining a boundary within a gameplay context and a method for generating a limited edition of a video game based on the defined bound, the method being performed by a processor. A method for generating is provided.

In one embodiment, recording the user's game play includes recording one or more of user input data or game state data. In one embodiment, analyzing the user's recorded gameplay includes determining a level of activity of user input data or game state data, each region of interest determining a level of activity above a predetermined threshold. It is an area that has.

In one embodiment, analyzing the user's recorded gameplay includes determining a user game state setting value based on the user's recorded gameplay to generate a limited edition of the video game. This includes defining a limited edition of the video game to have an initial game state setting based on the determined user game state setting.

In one embodiment, each region of interest is automatically identified based on a match to one or more thresholds.

In another embodiment, a method operation of recording a user's game play of a full version of a video game, wherein recording the user's game play includes one or more of user input data or game state data. A method of recording, including recording, and a method of analyzing recorded game play of a user to determine one or more regions of interest, each region of interest having one or more A method action for analyzing, a method action for presenting each of the regions of interest for selection, a method action for receiving a selection input indicating a selected region of interest, the method action being automatically identified based on a match to a threshold value; Method operations for defining a boundary within the gameplay context of the video game based on the selected area of interest for the defined region of interest, and method operations for generating a limited version of the video game based on the defined method operation A method for producing a playable limited edition of a video game is provided, the method comprising:

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining boundaries within the gameplay context of a video game include method operations for defining spatial boundaries within a virtual space of a video game, wherein the spatial boundaries within the virtual space of the video game are virtual. Defining a portion of the virtual space that is less than the entire space, the portion of the virtual space having a subset of the features of the virtual space.

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game include method operations for defining temporal boundaries within the temporal context of the video game.

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining a boundary include method operations that identify one or more closest start positions or closest end positions of stages, levels or scenes.

In one embodiment, at least one of the above thresholds is for user input speed, user input frequency, user input repetition, input pattern, gameplay context sharing with other users, gameplay on social networks. Associated postings of relevant comments, or one or more user inputs of popularity of portions of the video game based on social network sharing levels.

Generation of multi-part mini-games for cloud games based on recorded gameplay

In one embodiment, a method of generating a playable limited edition of a video game comprising the following method acts: recording the user's game play of the full version of the video game. Method of determining multiple user-defined portions of game play, and for each user-defined portion, boundaries within the game play context of the video game are defined based on the user-defined portions to enable play of the video game. And a method of arranging each playable portion of the video game in series to define a limited edition of the video game, the method comprising: Provide a method performed by.

A method operation for determining a user-defined portion of each of a user's recorded gameplay includes: a method operation for receiving a user-defined start position and a user-defined end position within the user's recorded gameplay; Part of the method is based on the received user-defined start position and the user-defined end position.

In one embodiment, the method operations of recording a user's game play include method operations of recording one or more of user input data or game state data. In one embodiment, a method operation of generating a playable portion of a video game includes analyzing the game state data to identify a code element and assembling the code element to generate a playable portion of the video game. Defining the executable code to define.

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game include method operations for defining spatial boundaries within the virtual space of the video game. In one embodiment, the spatial boundaries within the virtual space of the video game define a portion of the virtual space that is less than the entire virtual space, the portion of the virtual space having a subset of features of the virtual space.

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game include method operations for defining temporal boundaries within the temporal context of the video game.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises, for each user-defined portion, a method operation of analyzing a user's recorded gameplay to determine a user game state setting to produce a playable portion of a video game. The method acts to include a method operation that defines a playable portion of the video game to have an initial game state setting based on the determined user game state setting.

In one embodiment, the method operations for defining boundaries include method operations that identify one or more closest start or end positions of a stage, level or scene.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises a method operation of recording a user-defined video, wherein the method operation of placing a playable portion of the video game precedes or follows one of the playable portions of the video game. Includes method operations for placing user-defined videos at locations within the series. In one embodiment, the user-defined video comprises video from at least one of the user-defined portions of the user's recorded gameplay.

In another embodiment, a tangible computer readable medium embodying program instructions for generating a playable limited edition of a video game, the program recording a game play of a user of a full edition of the video game: Instructions and program instructions for determining a plurality of user-defined portions of a user's recorded gameplay, and for each user-defined portion, defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game based on the user-defined portions. And program instructions for generating playable portions of the video game based on the defined boundaries and program instructions for placing each of the playable portions of the video game in series to define a limited edition of the video game. And a tangible computer readable medium including and.

In one embodiment, a method operation for determining a user-defined portion of each of a user's recorded gameplay is a method of receiving a user-defined start position and a user-defined end position within a user's recorded gameplay. Operations and method operations for determining a user-defined portion based on a received user-defined start position and a user-defined end position.

In one embodiment, the method operations of recording a user's game play include method operations of recording one or more of user input data or game state data. In one embodiment, a method operation of generating a playable portion of a video game includes analyzing the game state data to identify a code element and assembling the code element to generate a playable portion of the video game. Defining the executable code to define.

In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium further comprises, for each user-defined portion, program instructions for analyzing a user's recorded gameplay to determine a user game state setting, the playable portion of the video game. The method operations that generate include method operations that define a playable portion of the video game to have an initial game state setting based on the determined user game state setting.

In another embodiment, at least one server computing device having logic circuitry for generating a playable limited edition of a video game, including logic circuitry for recording gameplay of a user of a full version of a video game: And a logic circuit for determining a plurality of user-defined portions of the user's recorded gameplay, and for each user-defined portion, defining boundaries within the gameplay context of the video game based on the user-defined portions. And a logic circuit that generates playable portions of the video game based on the defined boundaries, and a logic circuit that places each of the playable portions of the video game in series to define a limited edition of the video game. A system including is provided.

In one embodiment, a method operation for determining a user-defined portion of each of a user's recorded gameplay is a method of receiving a user-defined start position and a user-defined end position within a user's recorded gameplay. Operations and method operations for determining a user-defined portion based on a received user-defined start position and a user-defined end position.

In one embodiment, the method operations of recording a user's game play include method operations of recording one or more of user input data or game state data. In one embodiment, a method operation of generating a playable portion of a video game includes analyzing the game state data to identify a code element and assembling the code element to generate a playable portion of the video game. Defining the executable code to define.

In one embodiment, the logic circuitry described above further includes logic circuitry for analyzing user recorded gameplay to determine user game state settings for each user-defined portion, the playable portion of a video game. The method operations for generating a method include method operations that define a playable portion of a video game to have an initial game state setting based on the determined user game state setting.

Distribution of recorded gameplay to the social graph

In one embodiment, a method of distributing recorded game play to a social graph, the following method operations: recording a video of a user's game play during an active state of a game play session, and distributing. A method operation for receiving a command to start work during an active state of a gameplay session, and a method operation for entering a dormant state of the gameplay session and presenting a dispensing interface in response to receiving the command; A method operation for processing input received via an interface to determine a user-defined selection of recorded video, and a method operation for distributing the user-defined selection of recorded video to a user's social graph; A method action for resuming an active state of a gameplay session, the method being performed by a processor.

In one embodiment, the method acts of recording a video of a user's game play include the method acts of storing the video in a buffer during an active state of the game play session.

In one embodiment, the method acts of presenting the shared interface include the method acts of retrieving and presenting one or more portions of video from a buffer.

In one embodiment, the sharing interface includes a duration selector that defines the duration of the user-defined selection.

In one embodiment, the method operations for distributing selections include method operations for uploading selections for availability on a social network service that defines a user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the method operations for uploading selections include method operations for compressing selections and uploading compressed selections.

In one embodiment, the method acts of distributing the selection include the method acts of generating a notification to members of the user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the notification is defined by one or more of a private message, a chat message, an in-game notification, a social news feed listing, an email.

In one embodiment, the method acts of distributing the choices include the method acts of presenting the choices on the user's profile page.

In one embodiment, the method action of receiving a command to initiate a dispense operation is defined from a button press on a controller device.

In another embodiment, a method of distributing recorded gameplay to a social graph comprising the following method acts: recording a video of a user's gameplay during an active state of a gameplay session. A method operation for receiving a command to initiate a dispensing operation during an active state of a gameplay session, and a method operation for determining a user-defined selection of a recorded video in response to receiving the command; A method operation for distributing a user-defined selection of videos to a user's social graph, the method providing a method performed by a processor.

In one embodiment, the method acts of recording a video of a user's game play include the method acts of storing the video in a buffer during an active state of the game play session.

In one embodiment, the method acts of determining a user-defined selection of recorded video include the method acts of retrieving and presenting the video from a buffer and the method acts of processing user input identifying portions of the video.

In one embodiment, the method operations for distributing selections include method operations for uploading selections for availability on a social network service that defines a user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the method action of receiving a command to initiate a dispense operation is defined from a button press on a controller device.

In another embodiment, a fixed computer readable medium having program instructions defined for distributing recorded game play to a social graph is provided. The program instructions include a program instruction for recording a video of the user's game play during the active state of the game play session, a program instruction for receiving a command for starting the distribution operation during the active state of the game play session, and receiving the command. In response, there are program instructions for determining a user-defined selection of recorded video, and program instructions for distributing the user-defined selection of recorded video to a user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the method acts of recording a video of a user's game play include the method acts of storing the video in a buffer during an active state of the game play session.

The method acts of determining a user-defined selection of a recorded video include the method acts of retrieving and presenting the video from a buffer and the method acts of processing user input identifying portions of the video.

In one embodiment, the method operations for distributing selections include method operations for uploading selections for availability on a social network service that defines a user's social graph.

The method action of receiving a command to initiate a dispense operation is defined from a button press on the controller device.

Remote control of gameplay by the user

In one embodiment, a method of providing remote control of a user's game play, comprising the following method acts: presenting a live video feed of a first user's game play to a second remote user. A method of handling a request to transition control of a first user's game play to a second user; and a method action of initiating control of a first user's game play by a second user, the method comprising: , Provided by at least one processor.

In one embodiment, the method operation of initiating control of the first user's game play by the second user includes controlling the control of the first user's game play by the first controller device associated with the first user. The method acts include activating and controlling the game play of the first user by a second controller device associated with the second user.

In one embodiment, controlling the first user's game play by the second user receives an input command from the second controller device and applies the input command to define the first user's game play. Including method operations.

In one embodiment, the live video feed is presented to a second user via a social interface, the social interface provides access to the second user's social graph, and the first user uses the second user to access the social graph. Defined as a member of the user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the social interface includes a comment interface that posts comments during game play of the first user.

In one embodiment, the method acts of processing the request to transition control include the method acts of receiving an acknowledgment from the first user that enables the second user to control game play of the first user.

In one embodiment, presenting the live video feed of the first user's gameplay to the second user includes presenting the live video feed in a non-full screen format, the first user's game. The method acts that initiate control of play by the second user include method acts that trigger the presentation of a live video feed in full-screen format.

In another embodiment, a method of providing multi-player gameplay comprising the following method acts: presenting a live video feed of gameplay of a first user to a second remote user. A method of processing a request for two users to join a gameplay session of a first user, and a method operation of initiating gameplay by a second user in a gameplay session of a first user, the method comprising: , Provided by at least one processor.

In one embodiment, the method acts of initiating gameplay by the second user in the first user's gameplay session include initiating a multiplayer mode of a video game.

In one embodiment, the live video feed is presented to a second user via a social interface, the social interface provides access to the second user's social graph, and the first user uses the second user to access the social graph. Defined as a member of the user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the social interface includes a comment interface that posts comments during game play of the first user.

In one embodiment, the method operations for processing a request to join a first user's gameplay session include a confirmation response that enables control of gameplay by the second user in the first user's gameplay session. Method operations received from one user.

In one embodiment, the method acts of presenting a live video feed of the first user's game play to the second user includes a method action of presenting the live video feed in a non-full screen format. The method acts initiated by the user in the first user's gameplay session include method acts that trigger the presentation of a live video feed in a full-screen format.

In another embodiment, processing program instructions for presenting a live video feed of a first user's gameplay to a second remote user and a request to transition control of the first user's gameplay to the second user. A fixed computer-readable medium embodying program instructions for remotely controlling a user's game play, the program instructions comprising a program instruction for causing a second user to initiate control of a game play for a first user. To do.

In one embodiment, the method operation of initiating control of the first user's game play by the second user includes controlling the control of the first user's game play by the first controller device associated with the first user. The method acts include activating and controlling the game play of the first user by a second controller device associated with the second user.

In one embodiment, controlling the first user's game play by the second user receives an input command from the second controller device and applies the input command to define the first user's game play. Including method operations.

In one embodiment, the live video feed is presented to a second user via a social interface, the social interface provides access to the second user's social graph, and the first user uses the second user to access the social graph. Defined as a member of the user's social graph.

In one embodiment, the social interface includes a comment interface that posts comments during game play of the first user.

In one embodiment, the method acts of processing the request to transition control include the method acts of receiving an acknowledgment from the first user that enables the second user to control game play of the first user.

In one embodiment, presenting the live video feed of the first user's gameplay to the second user includes presenting the live video feed in a non-full screen format, the first user's game. The method acts that initiate control of play by the second user include method acts that trigger the presentation of a live video feed in full-screen format.

FIG. 20 illustrates hardware and user interfaces that can be used to provide interactivity in a video game, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20 illustrates an overall system architecture of a Sony® Playstation 3® entertainment device, adapted to interface a computer program running on a base computing device with a control device, according to embodiments of the invention. 1 schematically shows a console that can be. The system unit 2000 is supplied, and various peripheral devices can be connected to the system unit 2000. The system unit 2000 includes a cell processor 2028, a Rambus® dynamic random access memory (XDRAM) unit 2026, a Reality Synthesizer graphics unit 2030 having a dedicated video random access memory (VRAM) unit 2032, and an I/O bridge 2034. including. The system unit 2000 includes a Blu Ray (registered trademark) disc BD-ROM (registered trademark) optical disc reader 2040 for reading from the disc 2040a and a removable slot-in hard disk drive that is accessible via the I/O bridge 2034. (HDD) 2036 is also included. Optionally, the system unit 2000 also includes a memory card reader 2038 for reading a CompactFlash® memory card, a Memory Stick® memory card, etc., which are also accessible via the I/O bridge 2034. ..

The I/O bridge 2034 includes six Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 ports 2024, a Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark) port 2022, an IEEE 802.11b/g wireless network (Wi-Fi) port 2020, and a maximum of 7. Connected to a Bluetooth® wireless link port 2018 that can support up to three Bluetooth® connections.

In operation, I/O bridge 2034 handles all wireless data, USB data, and Ethernet data, including data from one or more game controllers 2002-2003. For example, when a user is playing a game, the I/O bridge 2034 receives data from the game controllers 2002-2003 via a Bluetooth® link and updates the game status accordingly. Lead to 2028.

In addition to game controllers 2002-2003, wireless USB and Ethernet ports also include remote controls 2004, keyboard 2006, mouse 2008, portable entertainment devices 2010 such as Sony Playstation Portable™ entertainment devices, EyeToy™. 2.) Bring connectivity towards other peripheral devices such as video cameras 2012, such as video cameras, microphone headphones 2014, and microphone 2015. Thus, such peripheral devices may connect to the system unit 2000 in principle wirelessly, eg, a portable entertainment device 2010 may communicate via a Wi-Fi ad hoc connection while a microphone. Headphones 2014 can communicate via a Bluetooth® link.

The installation of these interfaces is compatible with other peripheral devices such as Playstation 3 devices such as digital video tape recorders (DVRs), set top boxes, digital cameras, portable media players, voice over IP phones, mobile phones, printers and scanners. Means potentially fit.

In addition, the legacy memory card reader 2016 can be connected to the system unit via a USB port 2024, which allows the type of memory card used by the Playstation® or Playstation 2® device. 2048 readings are possible.

The game controllers 2002-2003 are operable to communicate wirelessly with the system unit 2000 via a Bluetooth® link or to be connected to a USB port, and as a result, game controllers 2002-2003. The electric power for charging the battery is also supplied. The game controllers 2002 to 2003 include a memory, a processor, a memory card reader, a permanent memory such as a flash memory, an illuminated spherical section, a light emitter such as an LED or infrared light, a microphone and a speaker for ultrasonic communication, an acoustic chamber, It can also include recognizable shapes such as digital cameras, internal clocks, spherical sections facing the game console, and wireless communication using protocols such as Bluetooth®, WiFi®.

The game controller 2002 is a controller designed to be used with two hands, and the game controller 2003 is a one-handed controller having a fitting. In addition to one or more analog joysticks and conventional control buttons, game controllers are susceptible to three-dimensional location determination. As a result, gestures and movements by the user of the game controller may be interpreted as inputs to the game in addition to or instead of traditional button or joystick commands. Optionally, other wirelessly enabled peripheral devices, such as the Playstation® portable device, can be used as the controller. In the case of Playstation®, portable devices, additional game or control information (eg, control instructions or number of lives) can be provided on the screen of the device. Dance mats (not shown), light guns (not shown), handles and pedals (not shown), or single or several large buttons (also not shown) for quick response quiz games Other alternative or auxiliary control devices may also be used, such as custom-made controllers.

The remote control 2004 is also operable to wirelessly communicate with the system unit 2000 via a Bluetooth® link. The remote control 704 includes controls suitable for operation of the Blu Ray™ disc BD-ROM reader 2040 and navigation of the disc content.

The Blu Ray™ disc BD-ROM reader 2040 reads conventional pre-recorded and recordable CDs and so-called super audio CDs, as well as CD-ROMs compatible with Playstation and Playstation 2 devices. Is operable. The reader 2040 is also operable to read DVD-ROMs compatible with Playstation 2 and Playstation 3 devices, in addition to conventional pre-recorded and recordable DVDs. The reader 2040 is further operable to read a Playstation 3 device as well as a BD-ROM compatible with conventional pre-recorded and recordable Blu-Ray discs.

The system unit 2000 provides audio and video generated or decoded by the Playstation 3 device via the Reality Synthesizer graphics unit 2030 to a display and sound such as a monitor or television set having a display 2044 and one or more speakers 2046. It is operable to supply output device 2042 via audio and video connectors. Audio connector 2050 can include conventional analog and digital outputs, while video connector 2052 includes component video, S-video, composite video and one or more high-definition multimedia interfaces (HDMI (registered trademark)). Trademark)) output can be included in various ways. As a result, the video output can be in a format such as PAL or NTSC, or high resolution of 720p, 1080i or 1080p.

Audio processing (generation, decoding and others) is performed by the cell processor 2028. The Playstation 3 device operating system supports decoding 7.1 surround sound from Dolby® 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby® Theatre Surround (DTS) and Blu-Ray® discs. To do.

In this embodiment, the video camera 2012 enables the compressed video data to be transmitted for decoding by the system unit 2000 in a valid format such as the intra-layer image based MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) standard. , Single charge-coupled device (CCD), LED indicator and hardware-based real-time data compression and encoding device. The camera LED indicators are arranged, for example, to illuminate in response to valid control data from the system unit 2000 to represent an unsuitable lighting condition. Embodiments of video camera 2012 can be variously connected to system unit 700 via a USB, Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi communication port. Embodiments of video cameras can include one or more associated microphones, as well as being capable of transmitting audio data. In a video camera embodiment, the CCD can have a suitable resolution for high resolution video capture. In use, the image captured by the video camera can be incorporated into a game, for example, or interpreted as a game control input. In another embodiment, the camera is an infrared camera suitable for detecting infrared light.

In general, a reasonable piece of software, such as a device driver, should be provided so that data communication can occur without failure with a peripheral device such as a video camera or remote control via one of the communication ports of the system unit 2000. Is. Device driver technology is well known and will not be described in detail here, but with the exception of those skilled in the art, device drivers or similar software interfaces may be necessary in this embodiment. You will understand that.

FIG. 21 illustrates additional hardware that can be used to process instructions, according to one embodiment of the invention. The cell processor 2028 includes four basic components, an external input/output structure including a memory controller 2160 and a dual bus interface controller 2170A, B), a main processor called a power processing element 2150, and a synergistic processing element (SPE) 2110A-. It has an architecture that includes eight coprocessors called H and a circular data bus connecting the above components called an element interconnect bus 2180. The total floating point performance of the cell processor is 218 GFLOPS compared to 6.2 GFLOPs of the Emotion Engine of the Playstation 2 device.

The Power Processing Element (PPE) 2150 is based on a Bidirectional Simultaneous Threading Power 570 compliant PowerPC Core (PPU) 855 running with an internal clock of 3.2 GHz. It includes a 512 kB level 2 (L2) cache and a 32 kB level 1 (L1) cache. The PPE 2150 is capable of 8 single position operations per clock cycle converted to 25.6 GFLOPs at 3.2 GHz. The PPE 2150's primary role is to act as a controller for the synergistic processing elements 2110A-H, which handles most of the computer's workload. In operation, PPE 2150 maintains a job queue, schedules jobs for synergistic processing elements 2110A-H, and monitors their progress. As a result, each synergistic processing element 2110A-H executes a kernel whose role is to fetch and execute jobs and to synchronize with PPE 2150.

Each synergistic processing element (SPE) 2110A-H includes a respective synergistic processing unit (SPU) 2120A-H, and a respective memory flow controller (MFC) 2140A-H is a respective dynamic memory access controller (DMAC). 2142A-H, respective memory management units (MMUs) 2144A-H and bus interface (not shown). Each SPU 2120A-H is a RISC processor that includes 256kB local RAM 2130A-H that is clocked at 3.2GHz and is expandable to 4GB in principle. Each SPE gives a theoretical 25.6 GFLOPS of single precision performance. The SPU can operate on four single-precision floating point members, four 32-bit numbers, eight 16-bit integers, or sixteen 8-bit integers in a single clock cycle. Memory operations can also be performed in the same clock cycle. The SPU 2120A-H does not directly access the system memory XDRAM 2026, but the 64-bit address formed by the SPU 2120A-H accesses the memory through the element interconnect bus 2180 and the memory controller 2160 to the DMA controller 2142A-H. To MFCs 2140A-H that instruct them to do so.

An element interconnect bus (EIB) 2180 connects the above 12 processor elements, which are a total of 12 participants, namely PPE 2150, memory controller 2160, dual bus interfaces 2170A,B and 8 SPEs 2110A-H. A logical circular communication bus internal to the cell processor 2028. Participants can simultaneously read and write to the bus at a rate of 8 bytes per clock cycle. As mentioned above, each SPE 2110A-H includes a DMAC 2142A-H that schedules a longer read or write sequence. The EIB contains four channels, two each in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. As a result, for twelve participants, the longest graduated data flow between any two participants is six steps in a reasonable direction. Therefore, the theoretical peak instantaneous EIB bandwidth of 12 slots is 96B per clock for full utilization via arbitration between participants. This equates to a peak bandwidth of 307.2 GB/s (gigabytes/second) at a clock rate of 3.2 GHz.

The memory controller 2160 includes an XDRAM interface 2162 developed by Rambus Incorporated. The memory controller interfaces with the Rambus XDRAM 2026, which has a theoretical peak bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s.

The dual bus interface 2170A,B includes a Rambus FlexIO® system interface 2172A,B. The interface is organized into 12 channels, each 8 bits wide, 5 paths are inbound and 7 are outbound. Accordingly, the theory of 62.4 GB/s (36.4 GB/s outbound, 26 GB/s inbound) between the I/O bridge 2034 via the cell processor and the controller 2170A and the Reality Simulator graphics unit 2130 via the controller 2170B. Peak bandwidth is obtained.

The data sent by the cell processor 2128 to the Reality Simulator graphics unit 2130 typically includes a display list which is a series of commands such as drawing vertices, applying surface textures to polygons, and specifying lighting conditions. Become.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary illustration of scenes A-E where each user A-E interacts with a game client 2202 connected to a server process via the Internet, according to one embodiment of the invention. Game clients are devices that allow users to connect to server applications and processes over the Internet. The game client allows a user to access and play online entertainment content such as, but not limited to, games, videos, music and photos. Additionally, game clients can provide access to online communication applications such as VOIP, text chat protocols and email.

The user interacts with the game client via the controller. In some embodiments, the controller is a controller dedicated to the game client, while in other embodiments the controller can be a combination of keyboard and mouse. In one embodiment, the game client is a stand-alone device capable of outputting audio and video signals to create a multimedia environment via a monitor/television and associated audio equipment. For example, the game client can be, but is not limited to, a thin client, an internal PCI-express card, an external PCI-express device, an ExpressCard device, an internal, external, or wireless USB device or a Firewire® device. .. In other embodiments, the game client is integrated with a television or other multimedia device such as a DVR, Blu-Ray player, DVD player or multi-channel receiver.

In scene A of FIG. 22, user A interacts with the client application displayed on monitor 2204A using controller 2206A, which is labeled game client 2202A. Similarly, within scene B, user B interacts with another client application displayed on monitor 2204B using controller 2206B labeled game client 2202B. Scene C shows a view from the back of user C when looking at a monitor showing games and games and buddy lists from client 2202C. Although FIG. 22 shows one server processing module, in one embodiment, there are multiple server processing modules throughout the world. Each server processing module includes sub-modules for user session control, sharing/communication logic, user geographic location and load balancing processing services. In addition, the server processing module includes network processing and distributed storage.

When the game client 2202 connects the processing module to the server, user session control can be used to authenticate the user. Authorized users may have associated virtualized distributed storage and virtualized network processing. Exemplary items that may be stored as part of a user's virtualized distributed storage include purchased media such as, but not limited to, games, videos and music. In addition, distributed storage can be used to store game state for multiple games, customized environment for individual games, and general environment for game clients. In one embodiment, the server processing user geographic location module is used to determine the geographic location of the user and their respective game clients. Shared/communication logic and load balancing processing services can use the user's geographic location to optimize performance based on geographic location and processing demands on multiple server processing modules. By virtualizing one or both of network processing and network storage, processing tasks from game clients can be dynamically transferred to underutilized server processing modules. Therefore, load balancing can be used to minimize latency associated with recalls from storage and data transmission between the server processing module and the game client.

The server processing module has instances of server application A and server application B. The server processing module may support multiple server applications, as indicated by server application X1 and server application X2. In one embodiment, server processing is based on a cluster computing architecture that allows multiple processors in a cluster to process server applications. In another embodiment, different types of multi-computer processing schemes are applied to handle server applications. This allows the server processing to be scaled to accommodate a larger number of game clients executing multiple client applications and corresponding server applications. Alternatively, the server process can be scaled to accommodate the increased computational demands of more demanding graphics processing or gaming, video compression, or application complexity. In one embodiment, the server processing module performs most of the processing via the server application. This allows relatively expensive components such as graphics processors, RAM and general processors to be centrally located, reducing game client costs. The processed server application data is sent back to the corresponding game client via the Internet for display on the monitor.

Scene C illustrates an exemplary application that can be executed by the game client and server processing modules. For example, in one embodiment, the game client 2202C allows user C to create and display a buddy list 2220 that includes user A, user B, user D and user E. As shown, in scene C, user C can view a real-time image or avatar of each user on monitor 2204C. The server process executes each application of the game client 2202C and each game client 2202 of the user A, the user B, the user D, and the user E. Since the server process is aware of the application being executed by game client B, user A's buddy list can indicate which game user B is playing. Still further, in one embodiment, User A can view the reality in the game video directly from User B. This is enabled by simply sending the processed server application data for user B to game client A in addition to game client B.

In addition to being able to display videos from peers, the communication application may allow real-time communication between peers. As applied to the previous example, this allows User A to provide encouragement or hints while watching User B's real-time video. In one embodiment, two-way real-time voice communication is established via a client/server application. In another embodiment, the client/server application enables text chat. In yet another embodiment, the client/server application converts voice to text for display on the buddy's screen.

Scenes D and E show respective users D and E interacting with game consoles 2210D and 2210E, respectively. Each game console 2210D and 2210E represents a network connected to a server processing module and by which the server processing module coordinates game play towards the game console and game clients.

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of an Internet service provider architecture. An information service provider (ISP) 2370 delivers many information services to geographically dispersed and connected users 2382 via a network 2386. The ISP may deliver only one type of service, such as stock price updates or various services such as radio media, news, sports, games, and so on. Moreover, the services offered by each ISP are dynamic, ie services can be added or deleted at any time. Therefore, the ISP that provides a particular type of service to a particular individual may change over time. For example, the user can be dealt with by the ISP at a place close to the user while he or she is at home, and the user can be dealt with by the different ISP when moving to a different city. The home ISP will transfer the necessary information and data to the new ISP, the user information will "follow" the user to the new city, and the data will be accessible and accessible to the user. In another embodiment, a master-server relationship can be established between a master ISP that manages information about users and a server ISP that directly interfaces with users under the control of the master ISP. In another embodiment, the data is transferred from one ISP to another as the client travels around the world to make the ISP better located to serve the user the ISP that delivers these services. To be done.

ISP 2370 includes an application service provider (ASP) 2372 that provides computerized services to customers over a network. Software provided using the ASP model is sometimes also referred to as on-demand software or software as a service (SaaS). A simple way to provide access to special purpose programs (such as customer relationship management) is by using standard protocols such as HTTP. The application software is resident on the seller's system and is accessed by the user via a web browser using HTML by dedicated client software provided by the seller or other remote interface such as a thin client.

Cloud computing is often used in services that are distributed over large geographical areas. Cloud computing is a computing style in which dynamically scalable and frequently virtualized resources are provided as services on the Internet. The user does not have to be an expert in the technical infrastructure within the "cloud" that supports the user. Cloud computing can be divided into different services, such as a service (IaaS), a platform as a service (PaaS) and an infrastructure as software (SaaS) as a service. Cloud computing services often serve common business applications online accessed from web browsers, while software and data are stored on servers. The term cloud is a metaphor of the Internet, based on how the Internet is shown in a diagram of a computer network, and an abstraction for the complex infrastructure that the Internet hides.

In addition, ISP 2370 includes a game processing server (GPS) 2374 used by the game client to play single and multi-player video games. Most video games played on the Internet operate via a connection to a game server. Games typically use a dedicated server application that collects data from a player and delivers it to other players. This is more efficient and effective than a peer-to-peer deployment, but requires a separate server to employ the server application. In another embodiment, GPS establishes communication between players and each game pre-device exchanges information without relying on centralized GPS.

The dedicated GPS is a server that runs independently of the client. Such servers typically run on dedicated hardware located within the data center, providing more bandwidth and dedicated processing power. A dedicated server is the preferred way to employ a game server for most PC-based multiplayer games. On a large scale, multi-player online games typically run on a dedicated server employed by the software company that owns the game title, which can control and update the content.

The Broadcast Processing Server (BPS) 2376 delivers audio or video signals to viewers. Broadcasting to a very narrow audience is sometimes called narrowcasting. The final step of broadcast delivery is whether the signal reaches the listener or viewer in the same way, and may come to the antenna and receiver wirelessly, as in the case of radio or television stations. Or it may come through a station or directly from the network via a wired TV or wired radio (or "wireless cable"). The Internet can also bring radio or TV to the recipient, especially with multicasting, which allows the signal and bandwidth to be shared. Traditionally, broadcasts have been separated by geographical areas such as national level broadcasts or regional level broadcasts. However, with the rapid spread of the Internet, broadcasts are not defined by geography as the content can reach almost any country in the world.

Storage Service Provider (SSP) 2378 provides computer storage space and associated management services. SSP also provides regular backup and archive processing. Providing storage areas as a service allows the user to order more storage areas as needed. Another major advantage is that SSPs include backup services so that users will not lose all their data if the hard drive of their computer fails. Further, multiple SSPs may have full or partial copies of user data, which allows the user to be efficient and independent of the device they are using to access their whereabouts or data. You can then access the data. For example, a user may access personal files on the move at his computer at home as well as on his mobile phone while on the move.

Communication provider 380 provides connectivity to users. One type of communication provider is the Internet Service Provider (ISP), which provides access to the Internet. ISPs connect customers using any data transmission technology suitable for delivering Internet Protocol datagrams, such as dial-up, DSL, cable modem, wireless or dedicated high speed interconnects. Telecommunications providers may also provide messaging services such as email, instant messaging and SMS texting. Another type of communication provider is a network service provider (NSP) that sells bandwidth or network access by providing direct backbone access to the Internet. Network service providers may consist of telecommunications companies, such as high speed Internet access, data carriers, wireless communication providers, Internet service providers, and cable television operators.

Data exchange 2388 interconnects several modules inside ISP 2370 and connects these modules to user 2382 via network 2386. The data exchange 2388 may cover a small area where all modules of the ISP 2370 are in close proximity, or may cover a large geographical area where different modules are geographically dispersed. is there. For example, the data exchange 2388 may include high speed Gigabit Ethernet (or faster) within a data center partition or a virtual area network (VLAN) between continents.

User 2382 accesses remote services with a client device 2384 that includes at least a CPU, display and I/O. The client device may be a PC, mobile phone, netbook, PDA, etc. In one embodiment, ISP 2370 recognizes the type of device used by the client and adjusts the communication method employed. In other cases, the client device uses standard communication methods, such as html, to access ISP 2370.

Embodiments of the invention can be practiced with various computer system configurations including handheld devices, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The present invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through wired or wireless networks.

With the above embodiments in mind, it should be understood that the invention may employ various computer-implemented operations involving data stored in computer systems. These operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Any of the operations described herein that form part of the present invention are useful machine operations. The present invention relates to a device or device for performing these operations. The device may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may be a general purpose computer selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer. In particular, a variety of general purpose machines can be used with computer programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may be convenient to create more specialized equipment to perform the necessary operations.

The present invention may also be implemented as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. Computer-readable media are any data storage devices that can store data that can subsequently be read by a computer system. Examples of computer readable media include hard drives, network attached storage (NAS), read only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. There is. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable tangible media distributed on network coupled computer systems such that the computer-readable code is distributed and stored and executed.

Although the method acts have been described in a particular order, can other housekeeping tasks be performed between tasks, or at slightly different times, as long as the overlay task is handled in the desired manner? It is to be understood that the work can be coordinated so that it can be delivered in a system that allows the work to occur at various process-related intervals.

While the above invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this embodiment is to be regarded as illustrative and not limiting, and the invention is not limited to the details shown herein, but within the scope and scope of equivalents of the appended claims. It can be modified.

Claims (20)

A way to share your gameplay experience,
A cloud gaming system executing a video game, the executing the video game including processing a game state of the video game to provide game play for the video game;
Streaming the game play of the video game over a network, wherein the game play of the video game is defined to a first user;
Receiving instructions for sharing an interactively playable portion from the game play of the video game;
Sharing the interactively playable portion of the video game via a social interface in response to the instruction, the social interface comprising the interactively playable portion by a second user. How to enable access to your gameplay. The interactive playable portion is configured to have a game setting state defined from the game state of the video game at a time in game play of the video game in which the interactive playable portion is generated. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed. Storing the game state of the video game during execution of the video game;
The method of claim 2, further comprising retrieving the stored game state of the video game to define the game setting state of the interactively playable portion. The method of claim 1, wherein the game state of the video game includes variables that define a running state of the video game. The gameplay of the interactively playable portion by the second user is a gameplay experience of the first user during the gameplay of the video game in which the interactively playable portion is generated. 2. The method of claim 1, providing a gameplay experience for the second user that is substantially similar to. The interactively playable portion is substantially the same as the gameplay scene of the video game in which the interactively playable portion is generated by the second user of the video game scene. The method of claim 1, configured to provide gameplay. The interactive playable portion is the first of the video game spatial locations that is substantially the same as the gameplay spatial location of the video game in which the interactive playable portion is generated. The method of claim 1, configured to provide gameplay by two users. The interactively playable portion is the video game temporal position that is substantially the same as the gameplay temporal position of the video game in which the interactive playable portion is generated. The method of claim 1, configured to provide gameplay by two users. The gameplay of the videogame includes a gameplay video rendered from the game state of the video game, the gameplay video transmitted by the cloud gaming system on the network;
The game play of the video game includes user input generated from interactivity by the first user using the game play video, the user input being received by the cloud gaming system on the network; The method of claim 1, wherein the user input is applied during processing of the game state of the video game. Sharing the interactively playable portion via the social interface may include the interactively playable portion being generated by the second user via the social interface. The method of claim 1 including enabling watching gameplay. A way to share your gameplay experience,
A cloud gaming system executing a video game, the executing the video game comprising processing a game state of the video game to provide game play for the video game;
Storing the game state of the video game during execution of the video game;
Streaming the game play of the video game over a network, wherein the game play of the video game is defined to a first user;
Receiving instructions for sharing an interactively playable portion from the game play of the video game;
Responsive to the command, using the stored game state to share the interactively playable portion of the video game via a website, the website comprising: A method for allowing a user to access game play of the interactively playable portion. The interactive playable portion is configured to have a game setting state defined from the game state of the video game at a time in game play of the video game in which the interactive playable portion is generated. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed. The method of claim 11, wherein the website is accessible via a web browser. The gameplay of the interactively playable portion by the second user is a gameplay experience of the first user during the gameplay of the video game in which the interactively playable portion is generated. 2. The method of claim 1, providing a gameplay experience for the second user that is substantially similar to. The interactively playable portion is substantially the same as the gameplay scene of the video game in which the interactively playable portion is generated by the second user of the video game scene. The method of claim 1, configured to provide gameplay. A way to share your gameplay experience,
A cloud gaming system executing a video game, the executing the video game including processing a game state of the video game to provide game play for the video game;
Streaming the game play of the video game over a network, wherein the game play of the video game is defined to a first user;
Receiving instructions for sharing a plurality of interactively playable portions from the gameplay of the video game;
Responsive to the instruction, sharing the plurality of interactively playable portions of the video game via a social interface, the social interface comprising the plurality of interactively played by a second user. A method for providing access to playable portions of gameplay. 17. The step of sharing the plurality of interactively playable portions includes placing the plurality of interactively playable portions into a multiple portion sequence for gameplay by the second user. The method described in. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of sharing the plurality of interactively playable portions inserts material recorded before or after at least one interactively playable portion in the sequence of the plurality of portions. Method. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the recorded material comprises recorded gameplay of the first user. A given interactive playable portion is a game setting state defined from the game state of the video game at a time in gameplay of the video game at which the given interactive playable portion is generated. 17. The method of claim 16, configured to have.