US 20090098.918A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0098918A1 Teasdale et al. (43) Pub. Date: Apr. 16, 2009

(54) SYSTEMIS AND METHODS FOR ONLINE Publication Classification BAND MATCHING IN A RHYTHMIACTION GAME (51) Int. Cl. A63F 9/24 (2006.01) (76) Inventors: Daniel Charles Teasdale, Cambridge, MA (US); Geoff (52) U.S. Cl...... 463/7 Pitsch, Somerville, MA (US); Daniel Asher Brakeley, Cambridge, MA (US); Daniel Schmidt, Somerville, MA (US) (57) ABSTRACT A method for matching Suitable remote players to one or more Correspondence Address: local players of a rhythm-action game includes identifying PROSKAUER ROSE LLP one or more local players to participate in a networked session ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE of a rhythm action game corresponding to a predetermined BOSTON, MA 02110 (US) band template, each local player associated with a type of (21) Appl. No.: 12/140,000 simulated musical. A first type of simulated musical instru ment represented in the predetermined band template and not (22) Filed: Jun. 16, 2008 associated with any of the one or more local players may then be identified, along with a remote player associated with the Related U.S. Application Data first type of simulated musical instrument. A game session (60) Provisional application No. 60/944.054, filed on Jun. may then be provided including the one or more local players 14, 2007. and the identified remote player.

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(leader only) (lf a slot is available)

Search until players Player found to found that fit remaining join your session Add Player to Slot roles Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 1 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 2 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

3 Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 4 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

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Xbox Live functionality

Invite Friend Kick Player (Xbox Live only) (Xbox Live Only) (Leader only) (if a Slot is available) (Xbox Live player in slot)

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(leader only) (lf a slot is available)

Search until players Player found to found that fit remaining join your Session Add Player to Slot roles FIG. 2A Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 6 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

?OZ 902 Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 7 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

11 Patent Application Publication Apr. 16, 2009 Sheet 8 of 8 US 2009/0098.918 A1

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SYSTEMIS AND METHODS FOR ONLINE a remote player associated with the first type of simulated BAND MATCHING IN A RHYTHMIACTION musical instrument. A game session may then be provided GAME including the one or more local players and the identified remote player. RELATED APPLICATIONS 0006. In one aspect, the present invention relates to com puter readable media comprising machine-readable execut 0001. The present application claims priority to U.S. Pro able code for matching Suitable remote players to one or more visional Application Ser. No. 60/944,054, filed Jun. 14, 2007 local players of a rhythm-action game. In one embodiment, and titled “Systems and Methods for Simulating a Rock Band the computer readable media includes: executable code for Experience, the contents of which are expressly incorpo identifying one or more local players to participate in a net rated by reference herein. worked session of a rhythm action game corresponding to a predetermined band template, each local player associated BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION with a type of simulated musical instrument; executable code 0002 Music making is often a collaborative effort among for identifying a first type of simulated musical instrument many musicians who interact with each other. One form of represented in the predetermined band template and not asso musical interaction may be provided by a video game genre ciated with any of the one or more local players; executable known as “rhythm-action.” which involves a player perform code for identifying a remote player associated with the first ing phrases from a pre-recorded musical composition using a type of simulated musical instrument; and executable code Video game's input device to simulate a musical performance. for providing a networked session of the rhythm action game If the player performs a Sufficient percentage of the notes or with the one or more local players and the identified remote cues displayed, he may score well and win the game. If the player. player fails to perform a Sufficient percentage, he may score poorly and lose the game. Two or more players may compete BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS against each other, Such as by each one attempting to play back different, parallel musical phrases from the same song 0007. The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, simultaneously, by playing alternating musical phrases from and advantages of the invention will become more apparent a song, or by playing similar phrases simultaneously. The and better understood by referring to the following descrip player who plays the highest percentage of notes correctly tion taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in may achieve the highest score and win. Two or more players which: may also play with each other cooperatively. In this mode, 0008 FIG. 1A is an example screenshot of one embodi players may work together to play a song, such as by playing ment of a multiplayer rhythm-action game; different parts of a song, either on similar or dissimilar instru 0009 FIG. 1B is a second example screenshot of one ments. One example of a rhythm-action game is the GUITAR embodiment of a multiplayer rhythm-action game; HERO series of games published by RedOctane and Activi 0010 FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a system facilitating Sion. Another example of a rhythm-action game is the network play of a rhythm action game; KARAOKE REVOLUTION series of games published by 0011 FIG. 1D is an example screenshot of one embodi Konami. ment of network play of a rhythm action game; 0003. In many cases players may wish to play rhythm 0012 FIGS. 2A and 2B are flow diagrams of embodiments action games online, either cooperatively or competitively, of methods for matching Suitable remote players to one or with remote players. Thus there exists a need for efficient more local players of a rhythm-action game; and ways of matching remote players of rhythm action games. 0013 FIGS. 3A and 3B are example screenshots of a game which permits players to form bands with remote players. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0004 Broadly speaking, the present invention relates to methods and systems for matching remote players having 0014 Referring now to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of a different instruments into bands for cooperative or competi screen display for a video game in which four players emulate tive online play. Bands may require certain instrumentation, a musical performance is shown. One or more of the players and one object of the invention is to efficiently match remote may be represented on screen by anavatar 110. Although FIG. players or groups of players to quickly form bands with the 1A depicts an embodiment in which four players participate, desired instrumentation for a song and/or session of a game. any number of players may participate simultaneously. For For example, players may play as bands featuring a guitarist, example, a fifth player may join the game as a keyboard a bassist, a drummer, and a Vocalist, and matchmaking meth player. In this case, the screen may be further subdivided to ods may be used to allow players to play with others remotely make room to display a fifth avatar and/or music interface. In according to the needed instrumentation. Some embodiments, an avatar 110 may be a computer-gener 0005. In one aspect, the present invention relates to meth ated image. In other embodiments, an avatar may be a digital ods for matching Suitable remote players to one or more local image. Such as a video capture of a person. An avatar may be players of a rhythm-action game. In one embodiment, such a modeled on a famous figure or, in some embodiments, the method includes identifying one or more local players to avatar may be modeled on the game player associated with the participate in a networked session of a rhythm action game aVatar. corresponding to a predetermined band template, each local (0015 Still referring to FIG. 1A, a lane 101102 has one or player associated with a type of simulated musical. A first more game “cues' 124, 125, 126, 127, 130 corresponding to type of simulated musical instrument represented in the pre musical events distributed along the lane. During gameplay, determined band template and not associated with any of the the cues, also referred to as “musical targets.” “gems.” or one or more local players may then be identified, along with 'game elements.’’ appear to flow toward a target marker 140, US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

141. In some embodiments, the cues may appear to be flowing elements to appear more dimly. Alternatively, successfully towards a player. The cues are distributed on the lane in a executing game events may cause game interface elements to manner having some relationship to musical content associ glow more brightly. Similarly, the player's failure to execute ated with the game level. For example, the cues may represent game events may cause their associated avatar to appear note information (gems spaced more closely together for embarrassed or dejected, while Successful performance of shorter notes and further apart for longer notes), pitch (gems game events may cause their associated avatar to appear placed on the left side of the lane for notes having lower pitch happy and confident. In other embodiments, successfully and the right side of the lane for higher pitch), Volume (gems may glow more brightly for louder tones), duration (gems executing cues associated with a lane causes the avatar asso may be “stretched to represent that a note or tone is sus ciated with that lane to appear to play an instrument. For tained, such as the gem 127), articulation, timbre or any other example, the drummer avatar will appear to strike the correct time-varying aspects of the musical content. The cues may be drum for producing the audible music. Successful execution any geometric shape and may have other visual characteris of a number of successive cues may cause the corresponding tics, such as transparency, color, or variable brightness. avatar to execute a “flourish. Such as kicking their leg, pump 0016. As the gems move along a respective lane, musical ing their fist, performing a guitar “windmill.” Spinning data represented by the gems may be substantially simulta around, winking at the “crowd, or throwing drum Sticks. neously played as audible music. In some embodiments, 0020 Player interaction with a cue may be required in a audible music represented by a gem is only played (or only number of different ways. In general, the player is required to played at full or original fidelity) if a player successfully provide input when a cue passes under or over a respective "performs the musical content by capturing or properly one of a set of target markers 140, 141 disposed on the lane. executing the gem. In some embodiments, a musical tone is For example, the player associated with lane 102 (lead guitar) played to indicate Successful execution of a musical event by may use a specialized controller to interact with the game that a player. In other embodiments, a stream of audio is played to simulates a guitar, such as a Guitar Hero SG Controller, indicate Successful execution of a musical event by a player. manufactured by RedOctane of Sunnyvale, Calif. In this In certain embodiments, successfully performing the musical embodiment, the player executes the cue by activating the content triggers or controls the animations of avatars. “strum bar while pressing the correct fret button of the 0017. In other embodiments, the audible music, tone, or controller when the cue 125 passes under the target marker stream of audio represented by a cue is modified, distorted, or 141. In other embodiments, the player may execute a cue by otherwise manipulated in response to the player's proficiency performing a “hammer on' or “pull off” which requires quick in executing cues associated with a lane. For example, various depression or release of a fret button without activation of the digital filters can operate on the audible music, tone, or stream strum bar. In other embodiments, the player may be required of audio prior to being played by the game player. Various to perform a cue using a “whammy bar provided by the parameters of the filters can be dynamically and automati guitar controller. For example, the player may be required to cally modified in response to the player capturing cues asso bend the pitch of a note represented by a cue using the ciated with a lane, allowing the audible music to be degraded whammy bar. In some embodiments, the guitar controller if the player performs poorly or enhancing the audible music, may also use one or more “effects pedals, such as reverb or tone, or stream of audio if the player performs well. For fuZZ, to alter the Sound reproduced by the gaming platform. example, if a player fails to execute a game event, the audible 0021. In other embodiments, player interaction with a cue music, tone, or stream of audio represented by the failed event may comprise singing a pitch and or a lyric associated with a may be muted, played at less than full volume, or filtered to cue. For example, the player associated with lane 101 may be alter its sound. required to sing into a microphone to match the pitches indi 0018. In certain embodiments, a “wrong note” sound may cated by the gem 124 as the gem 124 passes over the target be substituted for the music represented by the failed event. marker 140. As shown in FIG. 1A, the notes of a vocal track Conversely, if a player Successfully executes a game event, are represented by “note tubes' 124. In the embodiment the audible music, tone, or stream of audio may be played shown in FIG. 1A, the note tubes 124 appear at the top of the normally. In some embodiments, if the player Successfully screen and flow horizontally, from right to left, as the musical executes several. Successive game events, the audible music, content progresses. In this embodiment, Vertical position of a tone, or stream of audio associated with those events may be note tube 124 represents the pitch to be sung by the player; the enhanced, for example, by adding an echo or “reverb' to the length of the note tube indicates the duration for which the audible music. The filters can be implemented as analog or player must hold that pitch. In other embodiments, the note digital filters in hardware, Software, or any combination tubes may appear at the bottom or middle of the screen. The thereof. Further, application of the filter to the audible music arrow 108 provides the player with visual feedback regarding output, which in many embodiments corresponds to musical the pitch of the note that is currently being sung. If the arrow events represented by cues, can be done dynamically, that is, is above the note tube 124, the player needs to lower the pitch during play. Alternatively, the musical content may be pro of the note being sung. Similarly, if the arrow 108 is below the cessed before game play begins. In these embodiments, one note tube 124, the player needs to raise the pitch of the note or more files representing modified audible output may be being Sung. In these embodiments, the Vocalist may provide created and musical events to output may be selected from an Vocal input using a USB microphone of the sort manufactured appropriate file responsive to the player's performance. by Logitech International of Switzerland. In other embodi 0019. In addition to modification of the audio aspects of ments, the Vocalist may provide Vocal input using another sort game events based on the player's performance, the visual of simulated microphone. In still further embodiments, the appearance of those events may also be modified based on the Vocalist may provide Vocal input using a traditional micro player's proficiency with the game. For example, failure to phone commonly used with amplifiers. As used herein, a execute a game event properly may cause game interface 'simulated microphone' is any microphone apparatus that US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

does not have a traditional XLR connector. As shown in FIG. In other embodiments, avatars may interact with each other. 1A, lyrics 105 may be provided to the player to assist their For example, two avatars may lean back-to-back while per performance. forming a portion of a song. Or for example, the entire band 0022. In still other embodiments, a player interaction with may jump up and land simultaneously, and stage pyrotechnics a cue may comprise any manipulation of any simulated may also be synchronized to the band's move. instrument and/or game controller. 0027. In some embodiments, the “lanes' containing the 0023. As shown in FIG. 1A, each lane may be subdivided musical cues to be performed by the players may be on Screen into a plurality of segments. Each segment may correspond to continuously. In other embodiments one or more lanes may Some unit of musical time. Such as a beat, a plurality of beats, be removed in response to game conditions, for example if a a measure, or a plurality of measures. Although the embodi player has failed a portion of a song, or if a song contains an ment shown in FIG. 1A show equally-sized segments, each extended time without requiring input from a given player. segment may have a different length depending on the par 0028. Although depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some ticular musical data to be displayed. In addition to musical embodiments (not shown), instead of a lane extending from a data, each segment may be textured or colored to enhance the player's avatar, a three-dimensional “tunnel'comprising a interactivity of the display. For embodiments in which a lane number of lanes extends from a player's avatar. The tunnel comprises a tunnel or other shape (as described above), a may have any number of lanes and, therefore, may be trian cursor is provided to indicate which surface is “active,” that is, gular, Square, pentagonal, sextagonal, septagonal, octagonal, with which lane Surface a player is currently interacting. In nonanogal, or any other closed shape. In still other embodi these embodiments, the viewer can use an input device to ments, the lanes do not form a closed shape. The sides may move the cursor from one surface to another. As shown in form a road, trough, or some other complex shape that does FIG. 1A, each lane may also be divided into a number of not have its ends connected. For ease of reference throughout Sub-lanes, with each Sub-lane containing musical targets indi this document, the display element comprising the musical cating different input elements. For example, the lane 102 is cues for a player is referred to as a “lane.” divided into five sub-lanes, including sub-lanes 171 and 172. 0029. In some embodiments, a lane does not extend per Each sub-lane may correspond to a different fret button on the pendicularly from the image plane of the display, but instead neck of a simulated guitar. extends obliquely from the image plane of the display. In 0024. Referring now to FIG. 1B, a second embodiment of further embodiments, the lane may be curved or may be some a screen display for a video game in which four players combination of curved portions and straight portions. In still emulate a musical performance is shown. In the embodiment further embodiments, the lane may form a closed loop shown, the lanes 103.104 have graphical designs correspond through which the viewer may travel. Such as a circular or ing to gameplay events. For example, lane 103 comprises a ellipsoid loop. flame pattern, which may correspond to a bonus activation by 0030. It should be understood that the display of three the player. For example, lane 104 comprises a curlicue pat dimensional “virtual space is an illusion achieved by math tern, which may correspond to the player achieving the 6X ematically "rendering two-dimensional images from objects multiplier shown. in a three-dimensional "virtual space' using a “virtual cam 0025. In other embodiments, a game display may alternate era, just as a physical camera optically renders a two-dimen the display of one or more avatars and/or the display of the sional view of real three-dimensional objects. Animation may band as a whole. For example, during the performance of a be achieved by displaying a series of two-dimensional views Song, a display may switch between a number of camera in rapid Succession, similar to motion picture films that dis angle providing, for example, close-ups of the guitarist, bass play multiple still photographs per second. ist, drummer, or vocalist, shots of the band as a whole, shots 0031. To generate the three-dimensional space, each of the crowd, and/or any combination of the avatars, stage, object in the three-dimensional space is typically modeled as crowd, and instruments. In some embodiments, the sequence one or more polygons, each of which has associated visual and timing of camera angles may be selected to resemble a features such as texture, transparency, lighting, shading, anti music video. In some embodiments, the camera angles may aliasing, Z-buffering, and many other graphical attributes. be selected to display an avatar of a player who is performing The combination of all the polygons with their associated a distinctive portion of a song. In other embodiments the visual features can be used to model a three-dimensional camera angles may be selected to display an avatar of a player scene. A virtual camera may be positioned and oriented any who is performing particularly well or poorly. In some where within the scene. In many cases, the camera is under embodiments, an avatar's gestures or actions may correspond the control of the viewer, allowing the viewer to scan objects. to the current camera angle. For example, an avatar may have Movement of the camera through the three-dimensional certain moves. Such as a jump, headbang, devilhorns, special space results in the creation of animations that give the dance, or other move, which are performed when a close-up appearance of navigation by the user through the three-di of the avatar is shown. In some embodiments, the avatars mensional environment. motions may be choreographed to mimic the actual playing of 0032. A software graphics engine may be provided which the song. For example, if a song contains a section where the Supports three-dimensional scene creation and manipulation. drummer hits a cymbal crash, the drummer avatar may be A graphics engine generally includes one or more Software shown to hit a cymbal crash at the correct point in the song. modules that perform the mathematical operations necessary 0026. In some embodiments, avatars may interact with the to "render the three-dimensional environment, which means crowd at a venue, and camera angles may correspond to the that the graphics engine applies texture, transparency, and interaction. For example, in one camera angle, an avatar may other attributes to the polygons that make up a scene. Graphic be shown pointing at various sections of the crowd. In the next engines that may be used in connection with the present camera angle the various sections of the crowd may be shown invention include Gamebryo, manufactured by Emergent Screaming, waving, or otherwise interacting with the avatar. Game Technologies of Calabasas, Calif., the Unreal Engine, US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

manufactured by Epic Games, and Renderware, manufac a limit may be placed on how far ahead one side can get in a tured by Criterion Software of Austin, Tex. In other embodi competitive event. In this manner, even a side which has been ments, a proprietary graphic engine may be used. In many significantly outplayed in the first section of a song may have embodiments, a graphics hardware accelerator may be uti a chance late in a song to win the crowd back and win the lized to improve performance. Generally, a graphics accel event. erator includes video memory that is used to store image and environment data while it is being manipulated by the accel 0038. In one embodiment, competition in local play may eratOr. involve two or more players using the same type of instrument 0033. In other embodiments, a three-dimensional engine controller to play the game, for example, guitar controllers. In may not be used. Instead, a two-dimensional interface may be Some embodiments, each player associates themselves with a used. In Such an embodiment, video footage of a band can be band in order to begin play. In other embodiments, each used in the background of the video game. In others of these player can simply play “solo, without association with a embodiments, traditional two-dimensional computer-gener band. In these embodiments, the other instruments required ated representations of aband may be used in the game. In still for performance of a musical composition are reproduced by further embodiments, the background may be only slightly the gaming platform. Each of the players has an associated related, or unrelated, to the band. For example, the back lane and each player is alternately required to perform a ground may be a still photograph or an abstract pattern of predetermined portion of the musical composition. Each colors. In these embodiments, the lane may be represented as player scores depending on how faithfully he or she repro a linear element of the display, Such as a horizontal, Vertical or duces their portions of the musical composition. In some diagonal element. embodiments, scores may be normalized to produce similar 0034 Still referring to FIG.1BThe player associated with scores and promote competition across different difficulty the middle lane 103 (drummer) may also use a specialized levels. For example, a guitarist on a “medium difficulty level controller to interact with the game that simulates a drum kit, may be required to perform half of the notes as a guitarist on such as the DrumMania drum controller, manufactured by a “hard difficulty level and, as such, should get 100 points Topway Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd. of Shenzhen, China. per note instead of 50. An additional per-difficulty scalar may In some embodiments, the drum controller provides four be required to make this feel “fair.” drum pads and a kick drum pedal. In other embodiments, the 0039. This embodiment of head-to-head play may be drum controller surrounds the player, as a “real’ drum kit extended to allow the players to use different types of game would do. In still other embodiments, the drum controller is controllers and, therefore, to perform different portions of the designed to look and feel like an analog drum kit. In these musical composition. For example, one player may elect to embodiments, a cue may be associated with a particular play using a guitar-type controller while a second player may drum. The player strikes the indicated drum when the cue 128 play using a drum-type controller. Alternatively, each player passes under the target marker 142, to Successfully execute may use a guitar-type controller, but one player elects to play cue 128. In other embodiments, a player may use a standard “lead guitar” while the other player elects to play “rhythm game controller to play, such as a DualShock game controller, guitar” or, in Some embodiments, “bass guitar. In these manufactured by Sony Corporation. examples, the gaming platform reproduces the instruments 0035 Referring back to FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, other than the guitar when it is the first player's turn to play, improvisational or “fill sections may be indicated to a drum and the lane associated with the first player is populated with mer or any other instrumentalist. In FIG. 1A, a drum fill is gems representing the guitar portion of the composition. indicated by long tubes 130 filling each of the sub-lanes of the When it is time for the second player to compete, the gaming center lane which corresponds to the drummer. platform reproduces the instruments other than, for example, 0036. In some embodiments, a player is associated with a the drum part, and the second player's lane is populated with “turntable' or “scratch' track. In these embodiments, the gems representing the drum portion of the musical composi player may provide input using a simulated turntable such as tion. In some of these embodiments, a scalar factor may be the turntable controller sold by Konami Corporation. applied to the score of one of the player's to compensate for 0037 Local play may be competitive or it may be coop the differences in the parts of the musical composition. erative. Cooperative play is when two or more players work 0040. In still other embodiments, the players may compete together in an attempt to earn a combined score. Competitive simultaneously, that is, each player may provide a musical play may be when a player competes against another player in performance at the same time as the other player. In some an attempt to earn a higher score. In other embodiments, embodiments, both players may use the same type of control competitive play involves a team of cooperating players com ler. In these embodiments, each player's lane provides the peting against another team of competing players in attempt same pattern of cues and each player attempts to reproduce to achieve a higher team score than the other team. Competi the musical performance identified by those elements more tive local play may be head-to-head competition using the faithfully than the other player. In other embodiments, the same instrument, head-to-head competition using separate players use different types of controllers. In these embodi instruments, simultaneous competition using the same instru ments, one player attempts to reproduce one portion of a ment, or simultaneous competition using separate instru musical composition while the other player tries to represent ments. In some embodiments, rather than competing for a a different portion of the same composition. high score, players or teams may compete for the best crowd 0041. In any of these forms of competition, the relative rating, longest consecutive correct note streak, highest accu performance of a player may affect their associated avatar. racy, or any other performance metric. In some embodiments, For example, the avatar of a player that is doing better than the competitive play may feature a "tug-of-war” on a crowd competition may, for example, Smile, look confident, glow, meter, in which each side tries to “pull a crowd meter in their Swagger, "pogo Stick, etc. Conversely, the losing player's direction by Successfully playing a song. In one embodiment, avatar may look depressed, embarrassed, etc. US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

0042. Instead of competing, the players may cooperate in one or more of the players. In another embodiment the icon an attempt to achieve a combined score. In these embodi may comprise text with the name of the instrument of the ments, the score of each player contributes to the score of the player. In other embodiments, the icons may comprise a team, that is, a single score is assigned to the team based on graphical icon corresponding to the instrument of the player. the performance of all players. As described above, a scalar For example, an icon containing a drawing of a drum 182 may factor may be applied to the score of one of the player's to be used to indicate the performance of a drummer. compensate for the differences in the parts of the musical 0048. The overall performance of the band may be indi composition. cated in any manner on the meter 180. In the embodiment 0043 Still referring to FIG. 1A, an indicator of the perfor shown, a filled bar 180 indicates the band's performance as a mance of a number of players on a single performance meter whole. In other embodiments, the band's performance may be 180 is shown. In brief overview, each of the players in a band represented by an icon. In some embodiments, individual may be represented by an icon 181, 182. In the figure shown performances may not be indicated on a meter, and only the the icons 181182 are circles with graphics indicating the performance of the band as a whole may be displayed. instrument the icon corresponds to. For example, the icon 181 0049. Although described above in the context of a single contains a microphone representing the Vocalist, while icon player providing a single type of input, a single player may 182 contains a drum set representing the drummer. The posi provide one or more types of input simultaneously. For tion of a player's icon on the meter 180 indicates a current example, a single player providing instrument-based input level of performance for the player. A colored baron the meter (such as for a lead guitar track, bass guitar track, rhythm may indicate the performance of the band as a whole. guitar track, keyboard track, drum track, or other percussion Although the meter shown displays the performance of four track) and Vocal input simultaneously. players and a band as a whole, in other embodiments, any 0050 Still referring to FIG. 1D, meters 150 151 may be number of players or bands may be displayed on a meter, displayed for each player indicating an amount of stored including two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten bonus. The meters may be displayed graphically in any man players, and any number of bands. ner, including a bar, pie, graph, or number. In some embodi 0044) The meter 180 may indicate any measure of perfor ments, each player may be able to view the meters of remote mance, and performance may be computed in any manner. In players. In other embodiments, only bonus meters of local some embodiments, the meter 180 may indicate a weighted players may be shown. Bonuses may be accumulated in any rolling average of a player's performance. For example, a manner including, without limitation, by playing specially player's position on the meter may reflect a percentage of designated musical phrases, hitting a certain number of con notes Successfully hit, where more recent notes are weighted secutive notes, or by maintaining a given percentage of cor more heavily than less recent notes. In another embodiment, rect notes. a player's position on the meter may be calculated by com 0051. In some embodiments, if a given amount of bonuses puting a weighted average of the player's performance on a are accumulated, a player may activate the bonus to triggeran number of phrases. In some embodiments, a player's position in-game effect. An in-game effect may comprise a graphical on the meter may be updated on a note-by-note basis. In other display change including, without limitation, an increase or embodiments, a player's position on the meter may be change in crowd animation, avatar animation, performance of updated on a phrase-by-phrase basis. The meter may also a special trick by the avatar, lighting change, setting change, indicate any measure of a band's performance. In some or change to the display of the lane of the player. An in-game embodiments, the meter may display the band's performance effect may also comprise an aural effect, Such as a guitar as an average of each of the players' performances. In other modulation, including feedback, distortion, screech, flange, embodiments, the indicated band's performance may com wah-wah, echo, or reverb, a crowd cheer, an increase in Vol prise a weighted average in which some players' perfor ume, and/or an explosion or other aural signifier that the mances are more heavily weighted. bonus has been activated. An in-game effect may also com 0045. In some embodiments, the meter 180 may comprise prise a score effect, such as a score multiplier or bonus score subdivisions which indicate relative levels of performance. addition. In some embodiments, the in-game effect may last a For example, in the embodiment shown, the meter 140 is predetermined amount of time for a given bonus activation. divided roughly into thirds, which may correspond to Good, 0052. In some embodiments, bonuses may be accumu Average, and Poor performance. lated and/or deployed in a continuous manner. In other 0046. In some embodiments, a player or players in a band embodiments, bonuses may be accumulated and/or deployed may “fail” a song if their performance falls to the bottom of in a discrete manner. For example, instead of the continuous the meter. In some embodiments, consequences of failing a bar shown in FIG. 1D, a bonus meter may comprise a number Song may include being removed from the rest of the Song. In of “lights’ each of which corresponds to a single bonus these embodiments, a player who has failed may have their earned. A player may then deploy the bonuses one at a time. lane removed from the display, and the audio corresponding 0053. In some embodiments, bonus accumulation and to that player's part may be removed. In some embodiments, deployment may be different for each simulated instrument. if a single member of a band fails a song, the band may For example, in one embodiment only the bass player may consequently fail the song. In other embodiments, if a mem accumulate bonuses, while only the lead guitarist can deploy ber of a band fails a song, one or more other members of the the bonuses. band may continue playing. In still other embodiments, one 0054 FIG. 1A also depicts score multiplier indicators 160, or more other members of a band may reinstate the failed 161. A score multiplier indicator 160, 161 may comprise any player. graphical indication of a score multiplier currently in effect 0047. The icons 181,182 displayed to indicate each player for a player. In some embodiments, a score multiplier may be may comprise any graphical or textual element. In some raised by hitting a number of consecutive notes. In other embodiments, the icons may comprise text with the name of embodiments, a score multiplier may be calculated by aver US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

aging score multipliers achieved by individual members of a event data for all other players. The timers on the various band. For example, a score multiplier indicator 160 161 may gaming platforms communicate with each other via the net comprise a disk that is filled with progressively more pie work 196 to maintainapproximate synchrony using any num slices as a player hits a number of notes in a row. Once the ber of the conventional means known in the art. player has filled the disk, the player's multiplier may be 0060. The gaming platforms 100a, 100b also continually increased, and the disk may be cleared. In some embodi transmit game score data to each other, so that each system ments, a player's multiplier may be capped at certain (and player) remains aware of the game score of all other amounts. For example, a drummer may be limited to a score systems (and players). Similarly, this is accomplished by any multiplier of no higher than 4x. Orfor example, a bass player number of means known in the art. Note that this data is not may be limited to a score multiplier of no higher than 6x. particularly timing sensitive, because if there is momentary 0055. In some embodiments, a separate performance disagreement between any two gaming platforms regarding meter (not shown) may be displayed under the lane of each the score (or similar game-related parameters), the conse player. This separate performance meter may comprise a quences to gameplay are negligible. simplified indication of how well the player is doing. In one 0061. In one embodiment, as each player plays the game at embodiment, the separate performance meter may comprise their respective location, an analyzer module 180a, 180b on an icon which indicates whether a player is doing great, well, that player's gaming platform 100a, 100b continually extracts or poorly. For example, the icon for 'great may comprise a data from an event monitor 185a, 185b regarding the local hand showing devil horns, 'good’ may be a thumbs up, and player's performance, referred to hereafter as "emulation “poor may be a thumbs down. In other embodiments, a data'. Emulation data may include any number of parameters player's lane may flash or change color to indicate good or that describe how well the player is performing. Some poor performance. examples of these parameters include: 0056. Each player may use a gaming platform in order to 0062 whether or not the most recent event type was a participate in the game. In one embodiment, the gaming plat correctly-played note or an incorrectly-played noted; form is a dedicated game console, such as: PLAYSTATION2, 0063 a timing value representing the difference between PLAYSTATION3, or PLAYSTATION PERSONAL, manu actual performance of the musical event and expected perfor factured by Sony Corporation; DREAMCAST, manufactured by Sega Corp.; GAMECUBE, GAMEBOY, GAMEBOY mance of the musical event; ADVANCE, or WIT, manufactured by Nintendo Corp.; or 0064 a moving average of the distribution of event types XBOX or XBOX360, manufactured by Microsoft Corp. In (e.g., the recent ratio of correct to incorrect notes); other embodiments, the gaming platform comprises a per 0065 a moving average of the differences between the Sonal computer, personal digital assistant, or cellular tele actual performance of musical events and the expected per phone. In some embodiments, the players associated with formance times of the musical events; or a moving average of avatars may be physically proximate to one another. For timing errors of incorrect notes. example, each of the players associated with the avatars may 0.066 Each analyzer module 180a, 180b continually trans connect their respective game controllers into the same gam mits the emulation data it extracts over the network 196 using ing platform (“local play'). transceiver 190a, 190b; each event monitor 185a, 185b con 0057. In some embodiments, one or more of the players tinually receives the other gaming platform’s emulation data may participate remotely. FIG.1C depicts a block diagram of transmitted over the network 196. a system facilitating network play of a rhythm action game. 0067. In one embodiment, the emulation data essentially As shown in FIG. 1C, a first gaming platform 100a and a contains a statistical description of a player's performance in second gaming platform 100b communicate over a network the recent past. The event monitor 185a, 185b uses received 196, such as a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area emulation data to create a statistical approximation of the network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN) such as the remote player's performance. Internet or the World WideWeb. The gaming platforms con 0068. In one particular example, an incoming emulation nect to the network through one of a variety of connections parameter from a remote player indicates that the most recent including standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN links (e.g., remote event was correctly reproduced. When the local event T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (e.g., ISDN, monitor 185a, 185b reaches the next note in the local copy of Frame Relay, ATM), and wireless connections (e.g., 802.11a, the remote player's note data, it will respond accordingly by 802.11g Wi-Max). The first gaming platform 100a and the "faking a successfully played note, triggering the appropri second gaming platform 100b may be any of the types of ate sound. That is, the local event monitor 185a, 185b will gaming platforms identified above. In some embodiments, perform the next musical event from the other players' musi the first gaming platforms 100a and the second gaming plat cal event data, even though that event was not necessarily form 100b are of different types. actually performed by the other player's event monitor 185a, 0058 When a networked multiplayer game session begins 185b. If instead the emulation parameter had indicated that at the direction of one of the players, that player's gaming the most recent remote event was a miss, no Sound would be platform 100a (the “host') transmits a “start” instruction to triggered. all other gaming platforms participating in the networked 0069. In another particular example, an incoming emula game, and the game begins on all platforms. A timer begins tion parameter from a remote player indicates that, during the counting on each gaming platform, each player's game cues last 8 beats, 75% of events were correctly reproduced and are displayed, and each player begins attempting to perform 25% were not correctly reproduced. When the local event the musical composition. monitor 185a reaches the next note in the local copy of the 0059 Gameplay on gaming platform 100a is independent remote player's note data, it will respond accordingly by from game play on gaming platform 100b, except that each randomly reproducing the event correctly 75% of the time player's gaming platform contains a local copy of the musical and not reproducing it correctly 25% of the time. US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

0070. In another particular example, an incoming emula stored data for the performance of a band member who is tion parameter from a remote player indicates that, during the unavailable to play in a specific game. last 4 beats, 2 events were incorrectly performed, with an (0077 Referring now to FIG. 1D, one embodiment of a average timing error of 50 “ticks.” The local event monitor screen display for remote multiplayer play is shown. The 185a, 185b will respond accordingly by randomly generating embodiment of the screen display shown in FIG. 1D may be incorrect events at a rate of 0.5 misses-per-beat, displacing used for head-to-head play, for simultaneous competition, them in time from nearby notes by the specified average and for cooperative play. As shown in FIG. 1D, a local play timing error. er's lane 109 is shown larger than the lanes 106 107 of two remote players. The avatars for remote players may appear 0071. The above three cases are merely examples of the normally on stage in a similar manner as if the avatars repre many types of emulation parameters that may be used. In sented local players. In other embodiments, the lanes may be essence, the remote player performances are only emulated displayed in a similar manner for both local multiplayer and (rather than exactly reproduced) on each local machine. remote multiplayer. In still other embodiments, in remote 0072. In this embodiment, the analyzer module 180a, multiplayer, only the local player or player's avatars may be 180b may extract musical parameters from the input and shown. transmit them over a network 196 to a remote gaming plat 0078. As shown in FIG. 1D, the lanes 106, 107 associated form. For example, the analyzer module 180a, 180b may with the remote players are shown smaller than the local simply transmit the input stream over a network 196 or it may player's lane 109. In other embodiments, the lanes of one or extract the information into a more abstract form, Such as more remote players may be graphically distinguished in any “faster' or “lower.” Although described in the context of a other way. For example, the remote players’ lanes may be two-player game, the technique may be used with any number shown translucently. Or for example, the remote players of players. lanes may have a higher transparency than local player's 0073 Still referring to FIG. 1C, in another embodiment, lanes. Or the remote players lanes may be shown in gray analyzer module 180a, 180b extracts data from the event scale, or in a different screen location than local players monitor 185a, 185b regarding the local player's performance. lanes. In some embodiments, a remote Vocalist's lane may not In this embodiment, however, the extracted data is transmit be shown at all, and instead only the lyrics of the Song may be ted over the network 550 using the transceiver 190a, 190b. displayed. When the analyzer 180a, 180b receives the transmitted data, 0079. In some embodiments, multiple players participate it generates an emulation parameter representing the other in an online face-off between two bands. A "band' is two or player's musical performance and provides the locally-gen more players that play in a cooperative mode. In some erated emulation parameter to the event monitor 185a, 185b, embodiments, the two bands need to have the same types of as described above. One advantage of this embodiment is that instruments at the same difficulty level selection, i.e., a gui each player may locally set their preference for how they want tarist playing on "hard' and a bassist playing on “medium’ the event monitor 185a, 185b to act on emulation parameters. playing against a guitarist playing on "hard' and a bassist 0.074. In other embodiments, the transmitted data is asso playing on “medium.” In other embodiments, the two bands ciated with a flag that indicates whether the transmitted data still need to have the same types of instruments but the diffi represents a Successfully executed musical event oran unsuc culty selections can be different: Players participating at a cessfully executed musical event. In these embodiments, the lower difficulty level simply have fewer gems to contribute to analyzer 180a, 180b provides a locally-generated emulation the overall score. The song to be played may be selected after parameter to the event monitor 185a, 185b based on the flag the teams have been paired up. Alternatively, a band may associated with the transmitted data. publish a challenge to play a particular song and a team may 0075 One unusual side effect of these techniques is that accept the challenge. each local player does not hear an exact reproduction of the 0080 For example, a local group of players may formed a remote players performances; only a statistical approxima band and give their band a name (“The Freqs.”). Each of the tion. However, these statistical approximations have two four players in the “The Freqs' is local to one another. They countervailing positive attributes: because they are synchro may then competing against a team of players located nized to the local player's timer and the local copy of the remotely, who have formed a band called “The Champs. In remote players note data, they are synchronous with the local some cases “The Champs' may each be local to one another. player's performance; and while not exact reproductions, In other cases, members of “The Champs' my be remote to they are “close enough to effectively communicate to the each other. Each player in “The Freqs' and “the Champs” local player the essence of how well the remote players are may see a display similar to FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B. However, in performing musically. In this model, delays in the transmis Some embodiments, an additional score meter may be dis sion of the data over the network 196 do not have the intol played showing the score of the other band. In other embodi erable side effect of causing cacophonous asynchronicity ments any other measure and indication of performance of a between the note streams triggering Sounds on each player's band may be given. For example, in some embodiments, local system. meters may be displayed for each band indicating relative 0076. In other embodiments, a central server may be used performance, crowd engagement, percentage of notes hit, or to facilitate communication between the gaming platforms any other metric. In some embodiments, a four-in-one meter 100a, 100b. Extraction of emulation parameters is per 180 as depicted in FIG. 1A may be displayed for each band. formed, as described above. The server distributes data, In some embodiments, avatars from both bands may be whether music performance data or emulation parameter depicted on the stage. data, to all other gaming platforms participating in the current I0081. In some embodiments, the bands “trade” alternating game. In other embodiments, the server may store received portions of the musical composition to perform; that is, the data for use later. For example, a band may elect to use the performance of the song alternates between bands. In these US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

embodiments, musical performance output from “The cittern, clavichord, double bass, fiddle, slide guitar, Steel gui Champs' is reproduced locally at the gaming platform used tar, harpsichord hurdy gurdy, kora, koto, lute, lyre, mandola, by “The Freqs' when “The Champs' are performing. Simi mandolin, sitar, ukulele, viola, violin, and Zither) and key larly, the musical performance of “The Freqs' is reproduced board instruments (including accordion, bandoneon, cal remotely (using the emulation parameter technique described liope, carillon, celesta, clavichord, glasschord, harpsichord, above) at the gaming platform of “The Champs' when “The electronic organ, Hammond organ, pipe organ, MIDI key Freqs' are performing. In other embodiments, the bands play board, baby grand piano, electric piano, grand piano, janko simultaneously. In these embodiments, the displayed score piano, toy piano, upright piano, viola organista, and spinets). may be the only feedback that “The Freqs' are provided I0085. Referring now to FIG. 2A, a flow chart illustrating regarding how well “The Champs' are performing. one embodiment of a method for allowing players to form 0082 In some particular embodiments, members of coop transient online bands is shown. Players may form online erating bands may be local to one another or remote from one bands for the purpose of playing a rhythm action game coop another. Similarly, members of competing bands may be local eratively and/or competitively with remotely located players. to one another or remote from one another. In one example, In brief overview, the method comprises plugging into a local each player is remote from every other player. machine which assigns the player, who has chosen a character 0083. In some embodiments, players may form persistent to play as, to a slot. One or more additional local players may bands. In these embodiments, those bands may only compete join. The player may then find additional players, invite spe when at least a majority of the band in available online. In cific players, or remove players from the band. Once the band some of the embodiments, if a member of a persistent band in slots have been filled, the game may begin. Although FIG. 2A not online and the other band members want to compete, a discusses online functionality in the context of MICROSOFT gaming platform may substitute for the missing band mem XBOX LIVE, it should be understood that any game system ber. Alternatively, a player unaffiliated with the band may and any network functionality associated with any game sys substitute for the missing band member. In still other embodi tem may be used. ments, a stream of emulation parameters stored during a I0086 Still referring to FIG. 2A, a player may decide to previous performance by the missing band member may be play an online experience by selecting an option from a menu. substituted for the player. In other embodiments, an online In some embodiments, a game may provide a “quickplay” venue may be provided allowing players to form impromptu option in which a player may play one or more songs with a bands. Impromptu bands may dissolve quickly or they may number of other players without first creating a persistent become persistent bands. band. Throughout the description, this mode may be referred 0084. Although FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1D show a band com to as “quickplay' or “transient band' mode. prising one or more guitars, a drummer, and a Vocalist, a band I0087. The game may first detect whether one or more local may comprise any number of people playing any musical players are present, and which simulated instruments the instruments. Instruments that may be simulated and played in local players would like to use. In some embodiments, the the context of a game may include, without limitation, any game may detect the type or types of controllers plugged into percussion instruments (including cymbals, bell lyre, celeste, the game to determine the simulated instruments used by the chimes, crotales, glockenspiel, marimba, orchestra bells, local players. In other embodiments, the game may allow a steel drums, timpani, vibraphone, Xylophone, bass drum, player to select their instrument. For example, if the game crash cymbal, gong, Suspended cymbal, tam-tam, tenor drum, detects that a player has plugged in a guitar controller, the tom-tom, acme Siren, bird whistle, boat whistle, finger cym game may allow a player to choose between playing guitar or bals, flex-a-tone, mouth organ, marching machine, police bass parts. For local players, slots in a band may also reflect whistle, ratchet, rattle, sandpaper blocks, slapstick, sleigh the order the controllers are plugged into a game system, bells, tambourine, temple blocks, thunder machine, train and/or the arrangement in which the controllers are plugged whistle, triangle, vibra-slap, wind machine, wood block, into given physical slots on the game system. Orfor example, agogo bells, bongo drum, cabaca, castanets, claves, conga, slots in a band may reflect the order avatars appear on stage cowbell, maracas, Scraper, timbales, kick drum, hi-hat, ride during performances. cymbal, siZZle cymbal, Snare drum, and splash cymbal), wind I0088. After the game has detected a local player using a instruments (including piccolo, alto flute, bass flute, contra simulated instrument, the game may allow the player to select alto flute, contrabass flute, Subcontrabass flute, double con or create a character to represent the player in the game. A trabass flute, piccolo clarinet, Sopranino clarinet, Soprano character may comprise any information to the player, and clarinet, basset horn, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, contra-alto may be customized by the player in any way. Character clarinet, contrabass clarinet, octocontra-alto clarinet, octo attributes which may be set by a player and/or set automati contrabass clarinet, Saxonette, Soprillo, Sopranino Saxo cally include a character name, Screen name, hometown, phone, Soprano saxophone, conn-o-Sax, clar-o-Sax, saxie, motto, favorite music, skill level, amount of in-game money, meZZo-soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bands the character is a member of and amount of in-game baritone saxophone, bass saxophone, contrabass saxophone, fame. In some embodiments, a player may be able to custom Subcontrabass saxophone, tubax, aulochrome, tarogato, ize an avatar representing the character. A player may alter folgerphone, contrabassoon, tenoroon, piccolo oboe, oboe any attribute of an avatar including without limitation gender, d'amore, English horn, French horn, oboe de caccia, bass appearance, clothing, style, gestures, size, height, color, in oboe, baritone oboe, contrabass oboe, bagpipes, bugle, cor game instrument, gear, demeanor, tattoos, face paint, and net, didgeridoo, euphonium, flugelhorn, shofar, Sousaphone makeup. In some embodiments, a player may modify their trombone, trumpet, tuba, accordion, concertina, harmonica, avatar's clothing or instrument with virtual stickers. In some harmonium, pipe organ, Voice, bullroarer, lasso d'amore, embodiments, a player may save a character so that it can be whip and siren), other stringed instruments (including harps, accessed later. In other embodiments, the character may be dulcimer, archlute, arpeggione, banjo, cello, Chapman Stick, erased after a use. In some embodiments, character data may US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009 be uploaded and/or saved on a server So that other players may whether they want to join the matching band instead of find view the character. In some embodiments, a server may pro ing players for their own band. vide a leaderboard or similar feature which allows users to 0093. A search algorithm used to match players may browse through a listing of characters and view their past match players based on any criteria including, without limi performance. In some embodiments, a single player may be tation, skill, latency, experience, instrument, physical loca able to create and/or maintain multiple characters. tion, language, and hardware. For example, in one embodi ment, a search algorithm may first search for players of the 0089. After a player has created a character or selected an required instruments of a comparable skill level. In some already created character, the player may be taken to a screen embodiments, skill level may be measured using a history of which allows the player to assemble or join a band. Referring past online performance. After identifying a pool of compa ahead to FIGS. 3A and 3B, example screenshots of a band rably skilled players of the required instruments, the search selection screen are shown. This example screen may be used algorithm may select the player with the lowest latency to the in conjunction with the band matching methods illustrated in forming band. In this embodiment, the latency measure may FIGS. 2A and 2B. In brief overview, in FIG. 3A the player be either the latency between the potential players and the “rocker hmx' is currently joined to play as a band using the searching player or between the potential players and a given avatar “Jillian'. Three open slots labeled “searching” are SeVe. shown signifying that searching for these members is taking 0094. After a transient band is formed, the band may then place online. be given the opportunity to play one or more songs as a band. 0090. A band may have a leader who is designated as the In some embodiments, one or more members of the band may decision maker for certain matters involving the band. In be replaced after a song. In some embodiments, a transient Some embodiments, the band leader may have the sole author band may be given the option to change into a persistent band. ity to find new players for a band, which may entail either 0.095 Referring back to FIG. 2A, after connecting a con asking specific players to join or using an online player troller and selecting a character, a player may also have the matching service. In some embodiments, the band leader may option of starting a session with a persistent band of which have the sole authority to remove band members. they are a member. This is shown in FIG.2A as the “assemble 0091. As shown in FIG. 2, after arriving at the band for a band flow. In that flow a player selects a band they are a mation screen, a player may be able to invite one or more local member of, and then invitations are sent to the other players to or remote players to join the band. In some embodiments, the join a session as that band. Invitations to other players can be player may be able to select from a list of friends, or a list of sent via any means, and appear on the other players' Screens players the player has previously played with to invite. In in any manner. Invitations may be sent using the an "Invite other embodiments, the player may be able to search through Friend' menu option as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In one a listing of players to invite. In these embodiments, the listing embodiment, each invited player may receive a pop-up mes may be sorted by skill level, latency, instrument, physical sage saying "Player has invited you to play with location, experience, or username in order to aid the player's the band. If a player accepts an invitation to join a search. In some embodiments, after a player has joined a band, they may be displayed on a screen such as FIG.3B, with band, the player may be able to select the character they want the indication “player who invited them's Guest' to play as. For example, in FIG. 2, the player “rocker hmx' 0096. A game may also provide a screen for creating and may select among a number of characters that player has editing properties of a band. These properties may be stored created using the 'select rocker” option, or may have the locally or on a server. Properties of a band may include the option to create a new character. In some embodiments, cer names of the band members, the date the band was created, tain characters may not be available to a player if the charac the name of the band leader, the number of songs the band has ters correspond to a different instrument than the user is performed, the amount of fame the band has accumulated, the playing. current amount of “buzz' surrounding the band, the number 0092 Aband formation screen may also have the option to and type of venues the band has played at, the band’s “home search for additional remote players in the cases where there town,” a band logo, band possessions such as vehicles, equip is not a specific player the player would like to invite into the ment, and money, and band employees, such as roadies, set band. Referring ahead to FIGS. 3A and 3B this may take the designers, managers, and agents. In some embodiments, form of a “Search” and/or “Cancel Search' menu option some or all of these properties may be set by a member of the displayed. This option (which may also be included in the band or by the band leader. In other embodiments, some or all screen of FIG. 7B) may employ an algorithm which finds of these properties may be determined by a central server players of similar skill to play against. After a player has tracking the band's progress. In some embodiments, an exter selected to search for players, the player may also be able to nal web site may be provided which allows aband's attributes cancel the search, such as if the search is taking too long, or and/or progress through a tour to be viewed over the internet. another local player arrives. In some embodiments, after a In one of these embodiments, the web site may give bands an player selects to search for more players, the one or more option to make their attributes and statistics public. players found by the search algorithm will appear in the slots (0097. Referring now to FIG. 2B, a flow chart illustrating as members of the band. In other embodiments, a player may an embodiment of a method for matching Suitable remote be prompted “do you want to allow player to join’?” players to one or more local players of a rhythm-action game and allowed to select yes or no. In any of these embodiments, is shown. In brief overview, the method comprises: identify the band leader may be able to kickout a player after they have ing one or more local players to participate in a networked joined. In some cases, after a player selects to search for session of a rhythm action game corresponding to a predeter players, a search algorithm may determine that the player mined band template, each local player associated with a type matches with another, larger, partially formed band looking of simulated musical instrument (step 201); identifying a first for players. In these cases, the player may be prompted as to type of simulated musical instrument represented in the pre US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009

determined band template and not associated with any of the When the user first enters our matchmaking screen, he is one or more local players (step 203); identifying a remote allowed to join the band and become its leader. Any other player associated with the first type of simulated musical players in the same room can also connect instruments to the instrument (step 205); and providing a networked session of console and join up as members of the band. the rhythm action game with the one or more local players and 0104. At this point in the process, the player has created a the identified remote player (step 207). Any of the steps session on a matchmaking server. However, the session is shown may be performed by a game console, a centralized marked as “private’, meaning that no one else can see that it server, or a plurality of game consoles. exists yet. If the player only wants to play online with friends, 0098. Still referring to FIG. 2B, now in greater detail, one he then selects an “Invite Friend' button. This will bring up a or more local players may be identified to participate in a list of the player's friends, and upon selecting a friend, an networked session of a rhythm action game corresponding to invite message is sent to the matchmaking server, which then a predetermined band template, each local player associated relays the message to the friend if he is currently playing the with a type of simulated musical instrument. The local play game. If the friend accepts the invite, he is given the appro ers may be identified by any means and at any time. For priate information that will allow him to connect to the ses example, the local players may be identified by one or more Sion, even though it may still be private on the matchmaking simulated instruments connected to the local game console. The local players may be identified at different times. For server. An invite system may be structured such that the friend example, a local player may begin searching for remote play can receive an invite while in any game mode (e.g. mid-song, ers, and another local player may join midway through the in single-player modes . . . ). In this way, it does not require remote search process or after the remote search process has him to be sitting in a lobby to see that his friend would like to been completed. play with him. 0099. A band template may comprise any specification of 0105. A user may also decide that he would like to play allowable instrument types and numbers of those types for a with strangers. To do this, he selects a “Find Players' option rhythm-action game. A band template may specify minimum on the matchmaking screen. At this point, the screen goes into and/or maximum numbers for each instrument type. For a 'searching state. A matchmaking algorithm optimized to example, a band template may specify that a band may have form complete bands as quickly as possible may then be up to two guitarists, one drummer, and one Vocalist. Or for started: example, a band template may specify that a band must have 0106 1) The player's console identifies the instruments at least one guitarist, at least one Vocalist, and no more than that are present locally (step 201) and then sends a search one drummer. Or for example, a band template may specify request to the matchmaking server along with a list of the that a band may have a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, and a instruments that the local band contains. The matchmaking Vocalist. server will search its database for every session that has 0100. The method may then comprise identifying a first marked itself as “public.” and returns a list of the sessions type of simulated musical instrument represented in the pre that have the correct empty instrument slots (steps 203 and determined band template and not associated with any of the 205). For example, if the searching session has a guitarist one or more local players (step 203). For example, if a gui and drummer, the matchmaking server will filter out every tarist and a drummer are the local players, and the band session that already has a drummer, or two guitarists. Note template specifies that a band includes a guitarist, a bassist, a that having one or no guitarists is acceptable since bands drummer, and a Vocalist, the method may identify that a can have two guitarists, but only one drummer. Vocalist and bassist are the types not represented locally. This 0107 2) The console receives the list of viable sessions identification may be performed either by the local console, a and sorts them, giving higher priority to sessions that have central server, or a remote console. fewer available slots. This may enable full bands to fill up 0101 The method may then comprise identifying a remote quickly and can proceed to playing the game. It may also player associated with the first type of simulated musical reduce load on the server to have sessions removed from instrument (step 205). The remote player may be further the public pool as quickly as possible. identified by any criteria, including without limitation the 0.108 3) The console attempts to join the first session in the remote player's presence in a group having one or more other list, where the hosting console performs a full handshake needed instrument types. and Verification that the instrument configuration is legal. 0102. After the players have been identified, a networked The hosting console will reject if the slots have already session of the rhythm action game may be provided with the been taken, if the remote console is currently attempting to one or more local players and the identified remote player join a different session, or if the remote console has already (step 207). The session may be hosted on any of the local moved on past the matchmaking screen. console, the remote console, or a central server. The session 0109 4) If the join is successful, the algorithm stops and may comprise any of the gameplay described herein, and may the console is now a member of another's session. Other comprise a persistent band or a quickplay session. wise, the game looks at the next session in the list and Quickplay Example repeats step 3 as many times as there are results in the list. 0110 5) If the game has gone through the entire search list 0103) The following paragraphs provide a detailed and has still been unable to join another session, he then example of how online matchmaking may be implemented in tells the server to mark his own session as “public'. At this a game that allows up to four players to play together, includ point, another console may join his session. If this ever ing 2 guitarists, one Vocalist, and 1 drummer. In the quickplay happens, the game will stay in this “public' state until the mode, players are able to form a cooperative band to play band fills up or the host decides to move on with an incom Songs without any persistent data stored about their team. A plete band. Also, once a remote user has joined, the game full band consists of 1 drummer, 1 Vocalist, and 2 guitarists. will never move on to the next step. Note also that the host US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009 11

must update its current instrument configuration on the his session, provided they have the correct instruments. matchmaking server every time a new console joins the Unlike Band Quickplay, however, this mode may not prompt session. the player's console to start looking for sessions to join. In 0111 6) The game waits a random amount of time persistent mode, the creator of the band may be guaranteed to between 10 and 20 seconds. If no remote console joins the be the host. After the user has proceeded past the matchmak session in this time, he sends another search ping to the ing screen, he will have the option to make any users currently matchmaking server and repeats 2-5. The session will stay in the session permanent members of the band if desired. “public' on the server, but will reject any join requests if he I0123. When a player chooses to substitute for a band, he is currently waiting for a join request from another host. will be taken to a searching screen, where he will wait while 0112 7). Once a full complement has joined the session the game asks the server for a list of bands that have a slot and/or the user of the host console designates that he is available for his instrument. This search will only find ses satisfied with the band composition (which may include sions that have marked themselves as public. Once the server the user deciding to play with one or more open slots) a has returned the list, the game will sort the list, giving highest game starts with the joined consoles (step 207) priority to larger bands. The game then starts at the top of the list, and attempts to join each session in order. As soon as a Head to Head Example join request is accepted, the console joins the session and the user joins the host on the matchmaking screen. At that 0113. In some embodiments, the matchmaking algorithms moment, he is a “substitute' or a temporary member of the described herein may be applied to head-to-head competitive band, though the host may decide to promote him to a per modes, such as one-on-one remote competitions and remote manent member. “battle of the bands' competitions. Matchmaking with 0.124. If the player chooses a band that he has already Strangers inhead to head modes uses a modified version of the created, he will be taken again to the matchmaking screen. As above algorithm, in which players are grouped with oppo before, he will have the option to invite his friends or allow nents that are using the same instrument type. strangers to join the band if he wishes. However, any other 0114. In some modes, players with a guitar controller are remote player that he has already added to the band's perma required to choose whether they want to play a song's guitar nent roster will also be able to join into the band, even without part or bass part before they enter the matchmaking screen. In him explicitly inviting the player or making the session pub those cases, guitarists are only matched up with other guitar lic. ists who chose the same part that they did. In other modes, 0.125 Ifa player chooses aband that he is a member of, but users are required to choose a difficulty level before they are is not the owner, he is taken to a searching screen. He sends a match. In those cases, only players that have chosen the same special request to the matchmaking server which contains the difficulty will be grouped together. unique ID of the band. The matchmaking server looks 0115 Head-to-head modes may fall into two general cat through all its existing sessions to see if the owner is currently egories: “Player Match” and “Ranked'. Player Matches are playing Band World Tour for that band. Even if the session is casual encounters in which no stats are recorded. In Player marked as private, the matchmaking server will return the Matches, the user may invite his friends to play with a connection info for the session so that the user can join up. mechanic that is similar to Band Quickplay. In Ranked This structure ensures that the band owner doesn’t have to matches, details about the winner and loser are tracked so that send out invites to each friend to join the session. users may be ranked on a leaderboard. Players are not allowed 0.126 Aspects of the present invention may be provided as to invite friends to play them in a Ranked match, as that would one or more computer-readable programs embodied on or in allow players to rig matches in order to abuse the ranking one or more articles of manufacture comprising computer system. readable media. The article of manufacture may be a floppy disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, DVD, other optical disk, a flash Persistent Band Example memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic tape. 0116. In some embodiments, the matching methods In general, the computer-readable programs may be imple described herein may be applied to persistent band modes. mented in any programming language, LISP, PERL, C, C++, For example, a game may provide a “World Tour option PROLOG, or any byte code language such as JAVA. The which allows persistent bands to make progress as a group Software programs may be stored on or in one or more articles together through a set of venues, events, and Songs, and of manufacture as executable instructions. In some embodi resume their progress later if they desire. ments, portions of the Software programs may be stored on or 0117. After choosing the persistent mode, a player in one or more articles of manufacture, and other portions chooses one of four options: may be made available for download to a hard drive or other 0118 1) Start a new band media connected to a game platform. For example, a game 0119 2) Substitute for an existing band may be sold on an optical disk, but patches and/or download able content may be made available online containing addi I0120 3) Select an existing band that the user owns tional features or functionality. I0121 4) Select an existing band that the user is a mem I0127 Having described certain embodiments of the inven ber of but does not own tion, it will now become apparent to one of skill in the art that 0122) When a player chooses to start a new band, he will other embodiments incorporating the concepts of the inven own the band. The user is taken to a matchmaking screen that may look similar to the matchmaking screens for Quickplay tion may be used. (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Just as in the other modes, the user can What is claimed is: keep his session private and invite his friends directly into the 1. A method for matching Suitable remote players to one or session. He can also select “Find Players,” which will mark more local players of a rhythm-action game, the method his session as public. At this point, random Strangers may join comprising: US 2009/0098.918 A1 Apr. 16, 2009 12

... identifying one or more local players to participate in a executable code for identifying one or more local players to networked session of a rhythm action game correspond participate in a networked session of a rhythm action ing to a predetermined band template, each local player game corresponding to a predetermined band template, associated with a type of simulated musical instrument; each local player associated with a type of simulated ... identifying a first type of simulated musical instrument musical instrument; represented in the predetermined band template and not executable code for identifying a first type of simulated associated with any of the one or more local players; musical instrument represented in the predetermined c. identifying a remote player associated with the first type band template and not associated with any of the one or of simulated musical instrument; and more local players; d. providing a networked session of the rhythm action executable code for identifying a remote player associated game with the one or more local players and the identi with the first type of simulated musical instrument; and fied remote player. executable code for providing a networked session of the 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or rhythm action game with the one or more local players more local players is identified after the remote player is and the identified remote player. identified. 13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein at least one of the one or more local players is identified after the 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theat least one of the one remote player is identified. or more local players corresponds to a simulated musical 14. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein instrument connected to a game console after the remote the at least one of the one or more local players corresponds player is identified. to a simulated musical instrument connected to a game con 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the type of simulated sole after the remote player is identified. musical instrument is selected from the group of guitar, 15. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein drums, and microphone. the type of simulated musical instrument is selected from the 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the band template com group of guitar, drums, and microphone. prises two guitars, one microphone, and one drum set. 16. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying, to the band template comprises two guitars, one microphone, the one or more local players, an option to search for a remote and one drum set. player. 17. The computer program product of claim 12, further 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying, to comprising executable code for displaying, to the one or more the one or more local players, an option to allow one or more local players, an option to search for a remote player. remote players to join. 18. The computer program product of claim 12, further 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying, to comprising executable code for displaying, to the one or more the one or more local players, an option to invite a specific local players, an option to allow one or more remote players remote player. to join. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises 19. The computer program product of claim 12, further identifying a plurality of types of simulated musical instru comprising executable code for displaying, to the one or more ment represented in the predetermined band template and not local players, an option to invite a specific remote player. associated with any of the one or more local players; and 20. The computer program product of claim 12, further wherein step (c) comprises identifying a plurality of remote comprising executable code for identifying a plurality of players, each remote player associated with a different one of types of simulated musical instrument represented in the pre the identified plurality of types of simulated musical instru determined band template and not associated with any of the mentS. one or more local players; and for identifying a plurality of 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of remote remote players, each remote player associated with a different players are local to each other. one of the identified plurality of types of simulated musical 11. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises instruments. identifying a plurality of simulated musical instruments rep 21. The computer program product of claim 20, wherein resented in the predetermined band template and not associ the plurality of remote players are local to each other. ated with any of the one or more local players; and wherein 22. The computer program product of claim 12, further step (c) comprises identifying a plurality of remote players, comprising executable code for identifying a plurality of each remote player associated with one of the identified plu simulated musical instruments represented in the predeter rality of simulated musical instruments. mined band template and not associated with any of the one or 12. A computer program product comprising machine more local players; and for identifying a plurality of remote readable executable code for matching Suitable remote play players, each remote player associated with one of the iden ers to one or more local players of a rhythm-action game, the tified plurality of simulated musical instruments. computer program product comprising computer readable media having: c c c c c