U.S. patent application number 11/844884 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for system and methods for multi-platform trading card game.
Invention is credited to J. Jeffrey Filzenger, Bryan Gannon, J. Player Harrill, John T. Milito, Rob Robbers.
Application Number | 20090054124 11/844884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40381448 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090054124 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robbers; Rob ; et
al. |
February 26, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MULTI-PLATFORM TRADING CARD GAME
Abstract
A method and system for generating a game component for a
trading card game, comprising generating a trading card for playing
the trading card game in a physical play platform, generating an
electronic version of the trading card for playing on a first
electronic platform and a second electronic platform, and
implementing a rule of play for the trading card equivalently in
the physical play platform and on the first and second electronic
platforms.
Inventors: |
Robbers; Rob; (Solana Beach,
CA) ; Gannon; Bryan; (San Diego, CA) ; Milito;
John T.; (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) ; Filzenger; J.
Jeffrey; (San Diego, CA) ; Harrill; J. Player;
(Solana Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL, HASTINGS, JANOFSKY & WALKER LLP
875 15th Street, NW
Washington
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
40381448 |
Appl. No.: |
11/844884 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/9 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for a trading card game comprising: a central database
manager configured to store a first unique identifier and a first
rule of play; a first trading card graphic, wherein the central
database manager is configured to store the first trading card
graphic and a corresponding electronic version of a first trading
card; the central database manager further configured to manage the
production of the first trading card comprising: assigning the
first unique identifier and the first rule of play to the first
trading card; and causing the first trading card to be printed with
the first trading card graphic and the first unique identifier,
wherein the first trading card is configured for use by an owner
for playing the trading card game in a physical play platform; the
central database manager further configured to receive the first
unique identifier from the owner submitted through a user
interface, wherein the user interface is in communication with the
central database manager and is configured to be accessed by the
owner through multiple electronic platforms; and the central
database manager further configured to activate the electronic
version of the first trading card for use by the owner for playing
the trading card game on the multiple electronic platforms, wherein
the first rule of play is implemented in an equivalent manner on
the physical play platform and the multiple electronic platforms
for playing the trading card game.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: the central database
manager configured to store a plurality of unique identifiers, a
plurality of graphics for a plurality of trading cards,
corresponding electronic versions of the plurality of trading
cards, and a plurality of rules of play; the central database
manager further configured to manage the production of the
plurality of trading cards comprising assigning, to each of the
plurality of trading cards, a different one of the plurality of
unique identifiers, at least one of the plurality of graphics and
at least one of the plurality of rules of play; and the central
database manager further configured to activate an electronic
version of a second trading card upon receiving one of the
plurality of unique identifiers, wherein the second trading card is
configured for use by the owner for playing the trading card game
on the physical play platform and the multiple electronic
platforms.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first rule of play of the
first trading card affects the second rule of play for the second
trading card in an equivalent manner during the playing of the
trading card game on the physical play platform and multiple
electronic platforms.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a game component
related to the first trading card; the central database manager
configured to store a third unique identifier and a third rule of
play, wherein the central database manager is further configured to
manage the production of the game component comprising assigning
the third unique identifier and the third rule of play to the game
component, wherein the third rule of play of the game component
affects the first rule of play of the first trading card during the
playing of the trading card game.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the central database manager is
further configured to activate a plurality of game components each
comprising a different unique identifier by receiving the third
unique identifier of the game component entered through the user
interface.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the game component comprises a
game code retrieved from viewing media content.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the media content comprises at
least one of an animation, video, television show, radio show,
advertisement, commercial product, game, apparel, toy, book, comic,
pen, and a message on a mobile device.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the physical play platform of the
trading card game comprises a first player configuring at least
three of the plurality of trading cards in a triangular
configuration comprising at least two rows wherein a top row,
comprising a single card, is nearest the first player and a bottom
row is nearest an opponent.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the central database manager
displays the plurality of trading cards on the multiple electronic
platforms in an equivalent configuration and electronic version to
that of the physical play platform.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the multiple electronic
platforms comprise at least two of a personal computer, a mobile
telephone, a game console and a handheld gaming device.
11. A method for generating a trading card for a trading card game,
comprising: storing, on a central database manager, a first unique
identifier, a first graphic for a first trading card, an electronic
version of the first trading card, and a first rule of play;
managing, at the central database manager, the production of the
first trading card comprising: assigning the first unique
identifier and the first rule of play to the first trading card and
causing the first trading card to be printed with the first graphic
and the first unique number, wherein the first trading card is
configured for use by an owner for playing the trading card game in
a physical play platform; receiving the first unique identifier,
from the owner, submitted through a user interface, wherein the
user interface is in communication with the central database
manager and is configured to be accessed by the owner through
multiple electronic platforms; and activating, after receiving the
first unique identifier, the electronic version of the first
trading card for use by the owner for playing the trading card game
on the multiple electronic platforms, wherein the first rule of
play is implemented in an equivalent manner on the physical play
platform and the multiple electronic platforms for playing the
game.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: storing, on the
central database manager, a plurality of unique identifiers, a
plurality of trading card graphics, corresponding electronic
versions of a plurality of trading cards, and a plurality of rules
of play; managing, at the central database manager, the production
of the plurality of trading cards comprising: assigning, to each of
the plurality of trading cards, a different one of the plurality of
unique identifiers, at least one of the plurality of graphics and
at least one of the plurality of rules of play; and causing the
plurality of trading cards to be printed with the one of the
plurality of trading card graphics and the one of the plurality of
unique identifiers; and activating, at the central database
manager, an electronic version of a second trading card upon
receiving one of the plurality of unique identifiers, wherein the
second trading card is configured for use by the owner for playing
the trading card game on the physical playing format and the
multiple electronic format.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first rule of play for one
of the plurality of first trading cards affects the second rule of
play for the second trading card equivalently during the playing of
the trading card game on both the physical play platform and
multiple electronic platforms.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: storing, at the
central database manager, a third unique identifier and a third
rule of play; and managing, at the central database manager, the
production of a game component related to the first trading card
comprising: assigning the third unique identifier and the third
rule of play to the game component, wherein the third rule of play
of the game component affects the first rule of play of the first
trading card during the playing of the trading card game.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the game component comprises a
physical use distinct from the trading card game.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: displaying, in
media content, the game component as a game code retrieved by the
card owner by viewing the media content.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: activating, on the
central database manager, the game component by registering player
information and third unique identifier of the game component
entered through the user interface.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein the physical format of the
trading card game comprises a first player configuring at least
three of the plurality of trading cards in a triangular
configuration comprising at least two rows wherein a top row,
comprising a single card, is nearest the first player and a bottom
row is nearest an opponent.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: displaying the
plurality of trading cards on the electronic platform in an
equivalent configuration and electronic version to that of the
physical format for playing the trading card game.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the multiple electronic
platforms comprise at least two of a personal computer, a mobile
telephone, a game console and a handheld gaming device.
21. A method for generating a game component for a trading card
game, comprising: storing, on a central database manager, a unique
identifier, a trading card graphic and a rule of play; managing, at
the central database manager, the generating of a trading card
comprising: assigning the unique identifier and the rule of play to
the trading card; generating a trading card for playing the trading
card game in a physical play platform comprising the unique
identifier; and generating an electronic version of the trading
card for playing on a first electronic platform and a second
electronic platform, wherein the electronic version is associated
with the unique identifier; and implementing the rule of play for
the trading card in an equivalent manner in the physical play
platform and on the first and second electronic platforms.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: tracking the game
component using the unique identifier.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein at least one of the first and
second electronic platforms is a mobile telephone.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the central database manager is
configured to manage the production of a series of trading cards
comprising the same character, wherein a first trading card in the
series has a first unique identifier and a first rule of play; and
wherein a second trading card in the series has a second unique
identifier and a second rule of play different from the first rule
of play.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and second rule of
play comprise one of the following: an attack type, an attack
value, an energy level, a discipline, a discipline value, an
ability, a special damage value, and a healing value.
26. A system for producing a trading card comprising: a central
database manager configured to store a unique identifier, a
corresponding rule of play, a character graphic and an electronic
version of the trading card; the central database manager
configured to manage the production of the trading card comprising:
assigning the character graphic, the unique identifier and the rule
of play to the trading card and the corresponding electronic
version of the trading card; and causing the trading card to be
printed with the character graphic, the unique identifier and the
rule of play.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the central database manager is
further configured to activate the electronic version of the
trading card by receiving the trading card unique identifier
entered through the user interface.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the electronic version of the
trading card is accessible for game play on multiple electronic
platforms and the rule of play stored on the central database
manager is implemented in an equivalent manner to a physical play
platform.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein the central database manager
stores a game component unique identifier and a corresponding game
component rule of play, and manages the production of a game
component by assigning the game component unique identifier and the
game component rule of play to the game component; and wherein the
rule of play of the game component enhances the trading card rule
of play when using the game component in the trading card game.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein the game component comprises at
least one of media content, an animation, video, television show,
radio show, advertisement, commercial product, game, apparel, toy,
book, comic, pen, and a message on a mobile device.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein the central database manager is
configured to manage the production of a series of trading cards
comprising the same character, wherein a first trading card in the
series has a first unique identifier and a first rule of play; and
wherein a second trading card in the series has a second unique
identifier and a second rule of play different from the first rule
of play.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the first and second rule of
play comprise one of the following: an attack type, an attack
value, an energy level, a discipline, a discipline value, an
ability, a special damage value, and a healing value.
33. A method for producing a trading card comprising: storing, at a
central database manager, a unique identifier, a rule of play, a
character graphic and a corresponding electronic version of the
trading card; managing, at the central database manager, the
production of the trading card comprising: assigning the character
graphic, the unique identifier and the rule of play to the trading
card and the corresponding electronic version of the trading card;
and causing the trading card to be printed with the character
graphic, the unique identifier and the rule of play.
34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: activating, at the
central database manager, the electronic version of the trading
card by receiving the trading card unique identifier entered
through the user interface.
35. The method of claim 33, further comprising: providing access,
at the central database manager, to the electronic version of the
trading card for game play on multiple electronic platforms,
wherein the rule of play stored on the central database manager is
implemented in an equivalent manner to the physical play
platform.
36. The method of claim 33, further comprising: storing, at the
central database manager, game component unique identifier and a
corresponding game component rule of play, and managing the
production of a game component by assigning the game component
unique identifier and the game component rule of play to the game
component; and wherein the rule of play of the game component
enhances the trading card rule of play when using the game
component in the trading card game.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the game component comprises at
least one of media content, an animation, video, television show,
radio show, advertisement, commercial product, game, apparel, toy,
book, comic, pen, and a message on a mobile device.
38. The method of claim 33, further comprising: producing a series
of trading cards comprising the same character graphic, comprising:
assigning, at the central database manager, a first unique
identifier and a first rule of play for a first trading card in the
series; and assigning, at the central database manager, a second
unique identifier and a second rule of play to a second trading
card in the series, wherein the first rule of play is different
from the second rule of play.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the first and second rule of
play comprise one of the following: an attack type, an attack
value, an energy level, a discipline, a discipline value, an
ability, a special damage value, and a healing value.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a trading card game. More
specifically, the present invention relates to multi-platform
trading card game.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] Trading cards, traditionally cardboard or plastic cards
depicting graphics, have been developed in many areas throughout
multiple industries, such as professional sports and the
entertainment industry. Trading cards are, for example,
photographic depictions of an athlete with information about the
sports figure, and/or a trading card may depict music performers,
animated and/or movie characters. Traditionally, trading cards are
collected as a hobby, for example, for economic and historic
value.
[0005] Some of the trading cards available may be used in trading
card games where a player, having collected a deck of trading
cards, plays against an opponent that has also collected some
trading cards. Different strategies are involved in playing such
games, which can include, for example, means for eliminating
opponents or advancing in a game. Many of the trading card games
include a deck of trading cards as the primary medium for playing
out the game, and in some trading card games, the ultimate strategy
is to trade or collect the trading card.
[0006] Trading card games, for example, can depict various
creatures or military items, each of which has a predetermined
value in a trading card game. Trading card games may involve a
hierarchal ranking of members of a typical society, wherein the
member is depicted on the trading card and each trading card has a
predetermined value in the trading card game. Still other trading
card games include playing a "baseball game," which is played with
baseball type player trading cards, a die and a deck of standard
playing cards. This game can also include a board game for
simulating the game of baseball, wherein baseball trading cards are
used for playing pieces.
[0007] Some systems disclose electronic trading cards (ETC), or a
trading card metaphor, for collecting trading, game playing and
creating of digital electronic trading cards for application in
consumer digital media. These systems use components designed to
generate and accept a shared proprietary electronic trading card
format, so that, for example, a card created by a user with a
card-making application can be recognized by an electronic trading
card album. The ETC format also supports the concepts of scarcity
and authenticity within a disassociated computer code segment.
[0008] Some trading card game systems use closed-system video games
coupled with a card reader that is used for transferring
information stored on the card to the video game system's computer.
For example, in some systems, trading cards, configured as video
sports cards, contain a computer readable memory chip, including
read-only memory (ROM), for storing a video of highlight sequences
to be played on a display screen. Some trading cards may contain an
updatable electronic storage medium that is attached to the trading
card and used for storing a unique password. Other trading cards
include computer chip elements containing audio data played in
response to a user action stimulus, such as squeezing or touching a
portion of the trading card.
[0009] Some trading card systems provide for trading cards over an
electronic network such as the Internet, wherein the paper trading
cards and/or playing rights to the trading cards are associated
with unique identifiers. The trading card's unique identifiers are
registered with game service providers and used for playing an
online fantasy sports game.
SUMMARY
[0010] The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods
for providing game components for playing a trading card game on
either a physical play platform and/or an electronic platform. One
embodiment includes a method for generating a game component for a
trading card game comprising generating a trading card for playing
the trading card game in a physical play platform, generating an
electronic version of the trading card for playing on a first
electronic platform and a second electronic platform and
implementing a rule of play for the trading card in substantially
the same manner on the physical play platform and on the first
and/or second electronic platforms.
[0011] Another embodiment includes a system for a trading card game
comprising a central database manager configured to store a unique
identifier, a rule of play and a trading card graphic, wherein the
central database manager is configured to store the trading card
graphic and a corresponding electronic version of the trading card.
The central database manager is also configured to manage the
production of the trading card by assigning the unique identifier
and the rule of play to the trading card and causing the trading
card to be printed with the trading card graphic and the unique
identifier. The trading card is configured for use by an owner for
playing the trading card game in a physical play platform. The
central database manager is further configured to receive the
unique identifier from the owner submitted through a user
interface. The user interface is in communication with the central
database manager and is configured to be accessed by the owner
through multiple electronic platforms. The central database manager
is also configured to activate the electronic version of the
trading card for use by the owner for playing the trading card game
on the multiple electronic platforms. Wherein, the rule of play is
implemented in an equivalent manner in the physical play platform
and the multiple electronic platforms for playing the trading card
game.
[0012] According to several embodiments, the system described above
may include the central database manager configured to store a
plurality of unique identifiers, a plurality of graphics for a
plurality of trading cards, corresponding electronic versions of
the plurality of trading cards, and a plurality of rules of play.
The central database manager may also be configured to manage the
production of the plurality of trading cards comprising assigning,
to each of the plurality of trading cards, a different one of the
plurality of unique identifiers, at least one of the plurality of
graphics and at least one of the plurality of rules of play.
Additionally, the central database manager may be configured to
activate an electronic version of one or more of the plurality of
trading cards upon receiving one of the plurality of unique
identifiers from an owner. The plurality of trading cards are
configured for use by the owner for playing the trading card game
on the physical play platform and/or the multiple electronic
platforms.
[0013] Additionally, the system may provide that the rule of play
of the trading card affects another rule of play for another
trading card. The rules of play affect game play equivalently when
playing the trading card game in either the physical play platform
and/or multiple electronic platforms.
[0014] In other embodiments the system may comprise a game
component related to the trading card. The central database manager
may be configured to store a unique identifier and a rule of play
for the game component. The central database manager is further
configured to manage the production of the game component
comprising assigning the unique identifier and the rule of play to
the game component, wherein the rule of play of the game component
affects the rule of play of one of the plurality of trading cards
during game play. In some embodiments, the game component is a game
code retrieved from viewing media content.
[0015] According to several embodiments the multiple electronic
media platforms may include at least two of a personal computer, a
mobile telephone, a game console and a handheld gaming device.
[0016] Another embodiment includes a method for generating a
trading card, including storing, on a central database manager, a
unique identifier, a graphic for a first trading card, an
electronic version of the trading card and a rule of play. The
method further includes managing, at the central database manager,
the production of the trading card including assigning the unique
identifier and the rule of play to the trading card and causing the
trading card to be printed with the graphic and the unique number.
The trading card is configured for use by an owner for playing the
trading card game in a physical play platform. The method may also
include receiving the unique identifier, from the owner, submitted
through a user interface, wherein the user interface is in
communication with the central database manager and is configured
to be accessed by the owner through multiple electronic platforms.
The method further includes activating, after receiving the unique
identifier, the electronic version of the trading card for use by
the owner for playing the trading card game on the multiple
electronic platforms, wherein the rule of play is implemented in an
equivalent manner in the physical play platform and the multiple
electronic platforms during game play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the
present embodiments will be more apparent from the following more
particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a system for
a trading card game;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a trading
card;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a
system for a trading card game;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a diagram further depicting another embodiment of
FIG. 3A for a system for trading card game;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting the method of generating
a trading card for a trading card game;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a trading
card game configuration;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a trading
card game configuration;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a trading
card;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a
trading card;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a
trading card;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a
trading card;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a diagram depicting another embodiment of a
trading card;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting an electronic version of a
trading card game configuration;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a trading
card;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram depicting a method for generating
a game component; and
[0033] FIG. 15 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of a system for
a trading card game.
[0034] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled
artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions, sizing, and/or
relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be
exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve
understanding of various embodiments. Also, common but
well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a
commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to
facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It
will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein
have the ordinary meaning as is usually accorded to such terms and
expressions by those skilled in the corresponding respective areas
of inquiry and study except where other specific meanings have
otherwise been set forth herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general
principles of the embodiments described herein. The scope of the
invention should be determined with reference to the claims. The
present embodiments address the problems described in the
background while also addressing other additional problems as will
be seen from the following detailed description.
[0036] The embodiments described herein relate to a trading card
game playable on multiple platforms, and a method of generating the
trading cards and for playing the trading card game in either a
physical play platform and on an electronic platform. None of the
previous trading card systems described above provide the ability
of the owner of a trading card to choose to play the trading card
game in either a physical play format or an interactive electronic
format. None of the previous trading card systems disclose a
central system that controls the production of the trading card
and/or game components in both the physical and electronic formats,
which also communicates with a user interface for registering the
trading cards and/or playing the trading card game on multiple
electronic platforms.
[0037] Some of the embodiments described herein allow the player to
readily choose between both the physical and electronic interactive
formats of game play wherein, for example, the opponents play
face-to-face with the physical format of the trading card and/or in
an interactive electronic format on multiple electronic
platforms.
[0038] According to several embodiments, "trading card" refers to a
physical or material representation including, for example,
cardboard, plastic, cloth, metal or other similar material.
Additionally, an electronic version of the trading card is a two or
three dimensional graphical version, which is presented by
electronic means on a display.
[0039] According to several embodiments of the present invention,
the trading card game allows two players, or two teams of players,
to battle against each other using trading cards implementing rules
of play in an attempt to decide a winner. In some embodiments, the
trading cards comprise graphics or other identifying means that
correspond to a rule of play. By way of example, a player may
purchase, collect or trade the trading cards and/or game components
in order to construct one or more decks of trading cards. Some
players may select to only collect and display his/her trading
cards and card portfolio. The decks of trading cards may include
unique attributes for use in game play. In some embodiments, some
of the trading cards with a particular graphic and/or
characteristic are rare to find, and thus, may be more difficult
for a player to be able purchase or collect. In some embodiments,
the rare trading cards may be more valuable in game play.
Additionally and/or alternatively, a particular graphic and/or
characteristic of a card may be duplicated in another card in a
deck of cards, and, for example, the duplicated cards may
correspond to the same rule of play.
[0040] Game play may include physical trading cards and/or game
components with rules of play effectuated in a physical play
platform and/or with an electronic version of the trading cards
and/or game component and the equivalent rules of play effectuated
electronically. The players directly control and advance the game
play in both the physical play platform and/or on the electronic
platform in real-time.
[0041] Referring first to FIG. 1, a diagram is shown depicting an
embodiment of a system for a trading card game. The system 100
comprises a central database manager 102, a first trading card 104,
a card owner 106, a first electronic platform 108, a second
electronic platform 110, and a user interface 112. According to
several embodiments, the first trading card 104 includes a unique
identifier 114. The central database manager 102 stores a first
rule of play 116 and an electronic version 118 of the first trading
card 104. The central database manager 102, for example, is
configured to manage the production of the first trading card 104.
The central database manager 102 is also coupled to the user
interface 112, and the user interface 112 is accessible by the card
owner 106 through multiple electronic platforms, for example, the
first electronic platform 108 and the second electronic platform
110.
[0042] According to several embodiments, the central database
manager 102 is a computer and/or server configured to manage the
generation of the first trading card 104. The central database
manager 102 is configured to electronically store, for example, a
particular graphic for producing the first trading card 104. The
central database manager 102 manages the production of the first
trading card 104 by, for example, having the graphic printed on a
piece of material in a physical form. The first trading card 104 is
then purchased by the card owner 106.
[0043] The card owner 106 is also supplied with the first rule of
play 116 that corresponds to the first trading card 104 for playing
the trading card game. A rule of play 116, for example, may be
rules for selling, collecting, moving a creature, trading,
attacking, eliminating, battling, growing and/or nurturing a
physical or electronic game component, The rule of play 116
corresponding to the first trading card 104 is implemented by a
player during a trading card game, and may be used to, for example,
to win a battle, eliminate an opponent, increase a score, move a
position, etc. Examples of rules of play 116 are further provided
below in regards to the description of FIGS. 5-13.
[0044] In some embodiments, the central database manager 102
manages the production of a plurality of trading cards in a similar
fashion to the first trading card 104. A player, collector,
participant, seller, buyer or the like, e.g., the card owner 106,
purchases or collects the trading cards to create a deck of cards.
A deck of trading cards is used by the card owner 106 for playing
the trading card game face-to-face with an opponent. In some
embodiments, the deck of cards, having been collected, includes
more than one trading card having the same graphic of the first
trading card 104, and in other embodiments, the first trading card
104 may be rare, and thus, not duplicated. Although the graphic of
the first trading card 104 may be duplicated, the first trading
card 104 includes the unique identifier 114 which is not duplicated
in other the trading card and/or game component produced from the
central database manager 102.
[0045] Accordingly, the central database manager 102 is also
configured to store the unique identifier 114, the first rule of
play 116 and the electronic version 118 corresponding to the first
trading card 104. The card owner 106 is then able access the
electronic version 118 of the first trading card 104 by registering
the unique identifier 114 with an online community and/or network,
for example, through a web site browser on a the Internet and/or a
software application locally stored on an electronic device. The
unique identifier 114 may be in the form of a numeric code,
alphanumeric code, bar code, graphical code, magnetic code or the
like, and the unique identifier 114 ensures each of the plurality
of trading cards and game components are unique.
[0046] According to several embodiments, the card owner 106 may
access the user interface 112 via one of the multiple electronic
platforms, for example, the first electronic platform 108 and/or
the second electronic platform 110. The first electronic platform
108 and the second electronic platform 110 both include a display
for displaying content to the card owner 106 and an input device
for the card owner 106. The input device allows a user to interact
or provide input to the electronic platforms. The multiple
electronic platforms are, for example, a personal computer, a
mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game
console or a handheld gaming device.
[0047] Additionally, the first and second electronic platforms 108,
110 are configured to access and display the user interface 112 to
the card owner 106. In some embodiments, the user interface 112 may
display a website to the card owner 106, wherein the first and
second electronic platforms 101, 110 are configured to access the
website over the Internet. In one embodiment, the first and second
electronic platforms 108, 110 are networked together and/or
networked to the central database manager 102, and may further be
configured to access the central database manager 102 over the
Internet and/or a cable, telephone and/or a cellular network.
According to several embodiments, the user interface 112 displays a
website stored on, and/or served from, the central database manager
102. Furthermore, the user interface 112 may be a software
application stored on an electronic platform, and may include
multiple formats for working on different types of electronic
platforms. In some embodiments, the user interface 112 software
application may be stored on the central database manager 102 and,
for example, sent to an electronic platform upon request through a
website,
[0048] Referring next to FIG. 2, shown is a diagram depicting an
embodiment of a trading card, for example, the first trading card
104 of FIG. 1. The trading card 104 is depicted with a trading card
graphic 202 and the unique identifier 114. According to several
embodiments, the central database manager 102 may be configured to
store the unique identifier 114 and the trading card graphic 202.
The central database manager 102 optionally also determines how
many trading cards should be produced with the same trading card
graphic 202. This determination may depend on the rule of play for
the trading card graphic 202 and the value and/or rarity of the
trading card. In this embodiment, the central database manager 102
is configured to manage the production of a predetermined number of
trading cards with the same trading card graphic 202, however, the
unique identifier 114 will be different for each trading card 104
produced.
[0049] Referring next to FIG. 3A, shown is diagram depicting an
another embodiment of a system for a trading card game. System 300
comprises a central database manager 102, a graphic database for
print 302, game component production 304, a graphic database for
electronic versions 306, an electronic display device 308, and a
card mapping application 310.
[0050] According to several embodiments, the central database
manager 102 is central to, and coupled with, the card mapping
application 310, the graphic database for print 302, the game
component production 304, the graphic database for the electronic
versions 306 and the electronic display device 308. The graphic
database for print 302 is further coupled to the game component
production 304. In some embodiments, the graphic database for
electronic versions 306 is also coupled to the electronic display
device 308.
[0051] The game component production referred to in FIG. 3A is the
production of both game components and trading cards. Thus, the
system described below applies to both producing game components
and trading cards, however, the system and method for producing a
game component is used as an example. By way of example, in the
system 300, the central database manager 102 determines a set of
game components and/or trading cards that need to be produced. The
game components include an item for purchase that is not
necessarily a trading card; however, the game component may have a
rule of play for the trading card game. According to several
embodiments, the game component may also have a use other than for
playing the trading card game.
[0052] By way of example, the game component comprises a pen that
functions as a writing utensil, as well as bringing the card owner
106 a special power during the trading card game. In other
embodiments, the game component, for example, comprises a toy, an
item of clothing and/or apparel, a book and/or comic, or a code
displayed in media content. According to several embodiments, there
may be media content (e.g., a cartoon) which is played on TV or in
the movies. The media content displays a code for viewers that may
be used to obtain special powers, for example, when playing the
electronic version of the trading card game. In some embodiments,
the media content may be an animation, video, television show,
radio show, advertisement, commercial product, game, apparel, toy,
book, comic, pen, or a message on a mobile device.
[0053] According to several embodiments, the card mapping
application 310 is configured to distribute or map a unique
identifier to each game component to be produced. The central
database manager 102 may be configured to store the result of the
mapping application. For example, every game component and every
trading card that is produced is given a unique identifier. The
central database manager 102 may store how many trading cards
and/or game components of the same type have been produced, and
store a list enumerating the assigned unique identifier that was
mapped to the produced game component and/or trading card.
[0054] The central database manager 102 is configured to
communicate with the graphic database for print 302 in order to
manage the production of the game component. The graphic database
for print 302 is configured to store the game component design,
creature graphics and/or creature information, for example, used to
print and/or produce the game components. In some embodiments, the
graphic database for print 302 and the central database manager 102
provide the necessary information for the game component production
304.
[0055] The game component production 304 is configured to update
the central database manager 102. An update may include, for
example, information regarding which printed or produced game
components have been discarded, a distribution status to retail
stores and/or a sales status of the game component.
[0056] According to several embodiments, the central database
manager 102 is also configured to store the unique identifier in
connection with the electronic version of the game component. By
way of example, the central database manager 102 is configured to
store the unique identifier in a database along with a pointer to
the electronic version of the game component stored on the graphic
database for electronic versions 306. In other embodiments, the
central database manager 102 stores a copy of the electronic
version of the game component in the database with the assigned
unique identifier. In other embodiments, the central database
manager 102 sends the assigned unique identifier to the graphic
database for electronic versions 306 for storing assigned unique
identifier with the electronic version of the game component.
[0057] In some embodiments, the unique identifier is the same for
the physical trading card and for the electronic version of the
game component. However, in some embodiments the unique identifier
is not displayed to the user during electronic play even though the
unique identifier is associated with the electronic version of the
game component. In other embodiments, the unique identifier is
encrypted with the electronic version of the game component, and
may be displayed similarly to the physical game component, or not
displayed at all.
[0058] Similarly as to the trading cards, the game components may
be activated by the card owner via a user interface (described in
more detail below). Once the central database manager 102 has
received notification that an electronic version of a game
component is being activated, the central database manager 102
verifies if the game component is valid. In some embodiments, the
central database manager 102 then accesses the graphic database for
electronic version 306 to retrieve the appropriate graphic for
displaying the game component on the electronic display device 308.
In some embodiments, the central database manager 102 formats the
retrieved graphic to be compatible with the type of electronic
display 308 on which the game component will be displayed.
[0059] Referring next to FIG. 3B, shown is a diagram further
depicting another embodiment of a system for a trading card game.
In addition to the central database manager 102, the graphic
database for a trading card 302, the graphic database for
electronic versions 306 and the component mapping application 310,
the system 300 also includes the game component 312, the user
interface 112, the card owner 106, and an electronic platform 108.
As described in reference to FIG. 3A, the central database manager
102 determines what type, and how many, game components need to be
produced. The component mapping application 310 assigns a unique
identifier to the game component 312 that the central database
manager 102 determines needs to be produced.
[0060] The central database manager 102 then retrieves a game
component 312 graphic from the graphic database for print 302 and
sends the graphic and the unique identifier to a game component
production for producing the game component 312. The game component
312 also optionally includes a website address printed either on
the game component 312, on the packaging of the game component 312
or is otherwise associated with the game component 312. Once the
game component 312 is produced with a unique identifier, the game
component 312 is then shipped to a retailer for sale. By use of the
unique identifier, the central database manager 102 may also be
configured to keep track of the status of the game component 312,
for example, to determine whether it has been shipped, when it is
ready for sale, and/or other distribution steps and/or sale of the
game components 312.
[0061] In accordance with one embodiment, after the card owner 106
purchases the game component 312, the card owner 106 accesses the
user interface 112 to register the game component 312, for example,
by accessing the website address provided with the game component
312. The card owner 106 may access the user interface 112 on the
electronic platform 108. The electronic platform 108, for example,
includes an input interface that allows the card owner 106 to enter
the unique identifier and/or owner information for registering the
game component 312. Additionally, the electronic platform 108 may
be coupled to the central database manager 102 through, for
example, a network, and thus, is able to transfer the owner
information and unique identifier to the central database manager
102.
[0062] Registration of the game component 312, and other owner
information provided, may depend on the age of the card owner. By
way of example, providing owner information may comprise providing
a username, password and an email address, In some embodiments, the
requested information may comply, for example, with Children's
Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for users under the age of
13. As to users over the age of 13, registration could also include
providing information such as a mobile phone number, ZIP code,
favorite movie, etc. In some embodiments, the owner's email address
is not displayed to other players.
[0063] By way of example, once the card owner 106 has registered
the game component 312 on the user interface 112, the user
interface 112 sends the registration information to the central
database manager 102 through the electronic display device 308 for
verification. Accordingly, the central database manager 102 then
accesses a database for comparing registration information and
unique identifier of the game component 312 to a list of valid game
components. In one embodiment, the central database manager 102
compares the unique identifier to a list of game components that
have been produced and that have been shipped to retailers, but
have not yet been activated by a card owner 106. Once the game
component 312 is verified, the central database manager 102 stores
the owner information in an owner profile, for example, along with
the unique identifier.
[0064] Next, the card owner 106 may choose to play the trading card
game with the game component 312 in the physical play platform
and/or on the electronic display device 308. The card owner 106
accesses the user interface 112 to play the trading card game on
the electronic display device 308, and the electronic display
device 308 sends the request to the central database manager 102.
The central database manager 102 may then retrieve the electronic
version of the game component 312 from the graphic database for
electronic versions 306. The rule of play for the game component
312 is implemented equivalently, e.g., in substantially the same
way, in both the physical play platform and on the electronic
display device 308. In other words, the trading card game is
generally the same game as to the rules of play regardless of the
medium on which the game is being played.
[0065] Implementing the rules of play equivalently in the physical
play platform and electronic platform does not require that when a
player executes a rule of play in the physical platform the same
rule of play is automatically executed in the electronic platform.
The physical and electronic games are typically played
independently of each other. However, the players may choose to
currently play the game on more than a single platform, and
simultaneously implement the same rule of play in the physical play
platform and the multiple electronic platforms.
[0066] Additionally, in some embodiments, the game components 312
may be traded, sold and/or collected, for example, by the card
owner 106. The game components 312 may also be traded
electronically in some embodiments. For example, the user interface
accessed over the Internet may comprise a community interface for
communicating with other players for trading game components 312
electronically.
[0067] Referring next to FIG. 4, shown is a flow diagram depicting
a method for providing a trading card game. Method 400 begins with
step 402 by generating trading cards available for playing a
trading card game on a physical play platform. The method continues
in step 404 by generating an electronic version of the trading
cards available for playing the trading card game on multiple
electronic platforms. Next, in step 406, a rule of play for trading
cards is implemented equivalently on the physical play platform and
the multiple electronic platforms. Thus, becoming an expert player
of the game in the physical play platform translates to the ability
to become an expert player of the game in the multiple electronic
platforms.
[0068] The players of the trading card game are benefited by the
ability to play the trading card game equivalently across all
platforms, for example, by creating consistency in game play to
allow for cross platform battles/play which will be carried out in
the same manner on all platforms. This benefit does not limit the
"look and feel" of the actual game, for example, because the game
experience may be much richer on the web site as compared to mobile
device and/or on the physical play platform.
[0069] Additionally, providing the multi-platform playing
capability allows for providing highly desirable collectable
physical cards with decorative art/detailed back stories in
addition to elaborate two or three dimensional electronic versions
of the trading cards. The multi-platforms and rules of play provide
strategic game play at various skill levels from beginners to
expert levels. Additionally, the unique online experience which
brings the physical play trading card game to an online service,
which may, in some embodiments, be offered for free with the
purchase of trading cards by utilizing unique identifiers.
Furthermore, the online or multiple electronic platforms allows the
players to play the game online with the same rules as the offline
version while also allowing a card owner to trade the electronic
version of the card online within a rich community driven immersive
and dynamic environment.
[0070] Referring next to FIG. 5, shown is a diagram depicting an
embodiment of a trading card game configuration. FIG. 5 depicts one
embodiment of a battlemat 501 comprising a position for a first
trading card 502, a second trading card 504 and a third trading
card 506. The battlemat 501 further comprises positions for attack
cards 508, discarded attack cards 510, an instruction guide 514,
location cards 516, a legend 518 and an energy score and discipline
tracking grid 520.
[0071] According to several embodiments, the battlemat 501 is for
use by a player and/or a team of players, wherein the player
engages an opponent in game play using trading cards and/or game
components in a physical play platform and/or an electronic
platform. The battlemat 501 is electronically displayed in an
equivalent graphical format on an electronic platform for playing
the electronic version of the trading card game.
[0072] By way of example, a trading card game may comprise two
players or two teams of players, each with a set of creature cards,
location cards and attack cards and mugic cards. Creature cards,
for example, are the characters of the game and/or fantasy world
that the creatures live in, which go into battle against each
other. Location cards may dictate where the battles take place and
may favor one of the creatures in one or more ways. Attack cards,
for example, dictate how much damage is done to the opponent's
creature during a battle. Mugic cards are a combination of music
and magic. Magic, which is similar to a spell, combined with music
allows a creature to cast "spells" on any creature, for example,
when in battle with other creatures. Additionally, each creature
may be equipped with a piece of Battlegear. To begin, each player
sets out creature cards in a generally triangular configuration.
Next, each player makes a selection of location cards, attack cards
and mugic cards. Location cards, attack cards and mugic cards are
strategically placed face down in front of the players and the
selection of mugic cards are kept in-hand.
[0073] Next, the first active player selects three attack cards
from the pile in front of him/her and proceeds to strike, e.g.,
play a series of battles, with his/her opponent's corresponding
creature. The series of battles and/or strikes take place pursuant
to the "steps" of the game, e.g., the rules of play. The steps, for
example, entail dealing the values located on the attack cards to
the energy scores of the creature cards. In some embodiments, mugic
cards can be dealt at any given time and allow a player to heal an
injured creature or apply unexpected additional damage to the
opponent's creature. The first player to have all standing
creatures eliminated looses the game.
[0074] Referring next to FIG. 6, shown is diagram depicting another
embodiment of a trading card game configuration. Depicted is one
embodiment of a battleboard 600 with the first battlemat 501 of
FIG. 5 and a second battlemat 601. The second battlemat 601
includes equivalent positions as those on the first battlemat 501
in FIG. 5: a first trading card 602, a second trading card 604 and
a third trading card 606, attack cards 608, discarded attack cards
610, an instruction guide 614, location cards 616, a legend 618 and
an energy score and discipline tracking grid 620. Also depicted on
the first battlemat 501 is the generally triangular configuration
of a battlegrid 522, in which the first, second and third trading
cards 502, 504, 506 are placed. The second battlemat 601 has a
similar generally triangular configuration of a battlegrid 622, in
which the first, second and third trading cards 602, 604 and 606
are placed.
[0075] According to several embodiments, the first battlemat 501
and the second battlemat 601 are placed opposite each other for the
trading card game, for example, such that the two opposing
battlegrids 522, 622 are joined at their bases of the generally
triangular configuration to form a battleboard. By way of example,
the battlegrids 522 and 622 are configured such that top of the
triangle, e.g., the single card, is closest to the player, and the
bottom of the triangle, e.g., the row with the most cards, is
closest to the opponent and the opposite battlemat.
[0076] In some embodiments, the battlegrids 522, 622 are suitable
for a three-on-three creature battle or game play. According to
several embodiments, the size of the battle may be extended to
six-on-six, ten-on-ten, etc., and for example, depends on the
number of trading cards each player has in the player's deck. In
some embodiments, the first and second battlemat 501, 601 have
different configurations, and may also be positioned differently
depending on the configuration.
[0077] Referring next to FIGS. 7-11, shown are examples of the
trading cards used to play a trading card game. According to
several embodiments, the trading cards described below are used in
playing the trading card game on the battleboard 600 of FIG. 6.
Each of the trading cards set forth illustrations and associated
indicia about the capabilities of the trading card in the game. The
opposite side of the card (not shown) contains the name of the game
and trade dress design. Each trading card and/or game component
described below may be registered using the unique identifier and
used to play an electronic version of the trading card game.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, depicted is an example of a trading
card used to play a trading card game in a physical play format. By
way of example, the trading card is a creature card 700. The
creature card 700 depicts a creature's tribe symbol 702, a name of
the creature 704, a creature availability symbol 706, a creature
graphic 708, a creature's element attack type 710, a creature's
energy level 712, a unique identifier 714, a card ability 716, a
creature's mugic value 718, a creature's discipline 720 and a card
type 722. The creature card 700 displays, for example, "Creature"
as the card type 722. Other examples of card types are "Attack",
"Battlegear", "Mugic" and/or "Location", which will be discussed in
further detail below. In some embodiments, there may be additional
and/or alternative card types available.
[0079] By way of example, during game play, the creature card 700
may have one or more special abilities. For example, a special
ability may be at least one of: innate; activated; and triggered.
In some embodiments, innate abilities are in effect for game play
and the game may require the player to use the innate abilities.
Activated abilities, for example, may be optionally used in game
play and may have a cost associated when used by a player. The cost
may require a player to remove one or more attributes from certain
game cards. Additionally and/or alternatively, triggered abilities
may be engaged, for example, when a specific condition within game
play occurs activating the corresponding triggered ability.
[0080] According to several embodiments, the creature card 700 is
part of a tribe, and the tribe type is indicated in the creature's
tribe symbol 702. By way of example, a tribe is a sub section of
how the creatures are divided within the trading card game and/or
within the fantasy world that the creatures occupy. Some examples
of tribes available for the creature card 700 are Overworld,
Underworld, Danian and Mipedian. In other embodiments, additional
or different types of tribes may also be available.
[0081] In some embodiments, the name of the creature 704 also
appears on the creature card 700. The creature graphic 708 is
similar to the electronic graphic of the electronic version of the
creature card 700 used for playing the trading card game on
multiple electronic platforms. According to several embodiments,
the creature availability symbol 706 provides that particular
creature's availability, for example, as being rare or common. By
way of example, some of the trading game cards and game components,
regardless of the type, will have virtually unlimited distribution,
e.g., rendering them common, while other trading game cards have
limited production and distribution, e.g., rendering them rare.
This difference in availability of the different trading cards may
encourage players to trade for rare cards for game playing as well
as collecting purposes. According to some embodiments, rare trading
cards may have enhanced monetary, game and collecting value.
[0082] According to several embodiments, the creature card 700
comprises one or more creature element attack types 710. By way of
example, the creature element attack types 710 allow a player to
evaluate what type of attack the creature can play. For example,
attack types 710 comprise elements, such as, of fire, air, earth
and water in addition to text, base damage and/or all inclusive or
any combination thereof. In some embodiments, additional and/or
different creature element attack types 710 may be available and
displayed on the creature card 700.
[0083] The creature's energy level 712 may also be displayed on the
creature card 700. The energy level 712 of the creature card 700
may be modified, for example, pursuant to rules of play, by any
battlegear, location effects, mugic and/or other game components
which may alter the creature's game state. A further description of
such modifications during game play is described in further detail
below.
[0084] The creature card 700 further comprises the unique
identifier 714. As described above, each game component and trading
card is produced with a unique identifier. The owner of the
creature card 700 may register the creature card 700 with the
online game community, for example, such that an electronic version
of the game can be played with the creature card 700 and/or game
component.
[0085] Additionally, according to several embodiments, the creature
card 700 comprises the creature's mugic value 718 that for example,
comprise a numeric value which dictates the creature's mugic for
the game. As described above, mugic allows a creature to cast
spells on other creatures during the trading card game, and, for
example, a player may do so even when the opponent's creature is
not in battle.
[0086] According to several embodiments, the creature discipline
720 found on the creature card 700 comprises symbols corresponding
to a numeric value. Some examples of available creature discipline
720 are: courage, power, wisdom and speed. Each creature discipline
720 has a distributed value per creature which allows players to
make game state comparisons for the purpose of applying various
affects/abilities of other creatures. For example, if a creature
has a higher creature discipline 720 value of wisdom than another
creature, then the creature with the higher wisdom value would take
the initiative to deal the "first" attack damage during game play.
In some embodiments, there may be additional and/or alternative
disciplines available and displayed on the creature card 700. By
way of example, the creature card 700 may have a series of variable
wisdom, power, courage and speed disciplines. Thus, it could be
that no two creature cards are exactly alike. Because a series of
creature cards may have variable wisdom, power, courage and speed
disciplines, it could be that no two games are exactly alike. A
further description of how the creature card 700 is used in game
play is provided below.
[0087] Referring next to FIG. 8, shown is another embodiment of a
trading card. FIG. 8 depicts an example of an attack card 800
comprising characteristics that differentiate the attack card, for
example, from a creature card 700 of FIG. 7. According to several
embodiments, the attack card 800 may comprise an attack value 802,
a name 804 of the attack card 800, an availability symbol 806, a
card type 806, a base damage value 810, element damage 812, a
unique identifier 814 and an ability description 816 of the attack
card 800.
[0088] The card type 806 indicates that the trading card is an
"Attack" type of trading card, which may be used in conjunction
with creature cards for playing the trading card game. According to
several embodiments, the attack card 800 is also used during game
play to strike or to cause damage to the opponent's creature card
700. The availability symbol 806, similar to the availability
symbol 706 of the creature card 700, indicates whether the attack
card 800 is rare or common. The unique identifier 814 of the attack
card 800 identifies the card as unique among all trading cards and
game components, and the card ability description 816 provides a
description of the ability of the attack card during game play. In
some embodiments, the attack value 802 of the attack card 800 may
modify a rule of play, for example, of the creature card 700 or
other trading cards similar to those described in reference to FIG.
7-10. When using an attack card 800 during a strike, the player
uses the base damage value 810 and the element damage 812 for
calculating how much damage is dealt to the opponent's
creature.
[0089] For purposes of game play, for example, a player will use a
creature card 700 in combination with an attack card 800 to check
or challenge an opposing player or team creature card 700. A check
within the game requires a player to utilize an attack card 800 to
determine if the creature's discipline 720 of power, wisdom, speed
or courage is at least a certain numeric value. A challenge within
the game requires a player to compare numeric values of the each
opposing creature's discipline 720 to determine which is greater.
When a creature card 700 checks or challenges, for example, an
attack card 800 may deal extra damage or have another unexpected
affect on an opposing player or team. Further examples of the game
play with attack and creature cards are provided in more detail
below.
[0090] Referring next to FIG. 9, shown is another example of a
trading card. The trading card of FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a
battlegear card 900. The battlegear card 900 may comprise a card
name 904, an availability symbol 906, a battlegear graphic 908, a
card type 910, an ability description 912, and a unique identifier
914.
[0091] According to several embodiments, the battlegear card 900
may affect a rule of play of the creature card 700 depicted in FIG.
7. By way of example, the battlegear card 900 may represent
weapons, armor and/or gear that a creature depicted in the creature
card 700 may use to gain an advantage in game play.
[0092] Referring next to FIG. 10, shown is another example of a
trading card. The trading card of FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a
mugic card 1000. The mugic card 1000 may comprise a mugic card
tribe type 1002, a name 1004 of the mugic card 1000, an
availability symbol 1006, a mugic card type 1008, a mugic card cost
1012, a mugic card ability description 1010 and a unique identifier
1014.
[0093] According to several embodiments, the mugic card 100 may be
used strategically during game play to cast spell effects. In some
embodiments, one mugic card 1000 may be included for each creature
card 700 in a player's deck. By way of example, each creature card
700 has a mugic value 718 for the duration of the game. Once a
mugic card 1000 is used in the game play, the mugic value 718 of
the creature card 700 reduces in value.
[0094] Referring next to FIG. 11, shown is another example of a
trading card. The trading card depicted in FIG. 11 shows one
embodiment of a location card 11100. The location card 1100 may
comprise a location name 1104, a location card availability symbol
1106, a location card ability description 1108, a location card
initiative 1110, a card type 1112 and a unique identifier 1114.
[0095] According to several embodiments, the location card 1100 is
used during the trading card came to determine which creature will
win initiative as between two opposing players and/or teams. By way
of example, initiative 1110 determines which player goes first
during the game play. For example, a player wins a random draw
determining him to be the first active player. The first active
player flips over a location card 1100 to begin the game. The
location card will state an initiative, for example: "Initiative.
Courage". Then, each opposing player will compare the creature
discipline 720 value for courage located on his/her battling
creature card 700. If the first active player's creature card has a
higher creature discipline 720 value of courage as compared to the
opponent's Creature card, the first active player initiates the
first battle. Accordingly, the random draw, for example, rolling a
dice or flipping a coin, would only determine which player gets to
flip his/her location card first. The location card will determine
where a battle will occur, however, the location card initiative
1110 determines which player deals the first attack damage.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 6-11, one embodiment of a game
between two players will be described herein. By way of example, a
game is played between two players by executing, in a series of
steps, rules of play with trading cards 502, 504, 506, 602, 604,
606 and a battleboard 600. The opposing players and/or teams place
the battlemats 501, 601 such that the bases of the triangular
battlegrids 522 directly oppose each other to form the battleboard
600 for a game.
[0097] As described in regards to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battlemats
501, 601 have predetermined positions for location cards 516, 616,
discarded attack cards 510, 610 and attack cards 508, 608. By way
of example, a player or team may use a preconstructed deck of
trading cards for a game and/or a plurality of trading cards for a
game. It is noted that battlemats 501, 601 are not required to
complete a game; however, in some embodiments, the configuration of
the battlemats 501, 601 are followed with respect to the
predetermined positions for placement of the various trading cards
and/or game components.
[0098] According to several embodiments, the game begins with each
player drawing the top two cards from a deck of cards at the attack
card 508 position. These attack cards may then be held in hand,
thereby randomly dictating which forms of Attack may be used during
a turn. Because the forms of attack are randomly dictated the
element of chance is added to game play. Additionally, because
players must strategically select which attack cards should be
played during a game, the element of strategy is also a big part of
game play.
[0099] Game play continues with each player placing a creature card
700 in each space of the triangular configuration of the battlegrid
522, 622. By way of example, if the players are engaging a
three-on-three card game, a creature card 700 may be placed in the
first trading card 502, 602 position closest to the player, and the
last two creature cards 700 may be placed closest to the opponent
in the second and third trading card 504, 604 and 506, 606
positions. The same configuration may be used for a six-on-six card
game where the triangular configuration of the battlegrids 522, 622
may have three rows of cards, a bottom row comprising three cards,
a middle row comprising two cards, and a top row comprising a
single card. As described above, the battlegrid 522, 622
configurations may be expanded at the start of the game, however,
no further creature cards 700 may be added to the battlegrids 522,
622 once the size of the game to be played is determined at the
start of a game by the two players and/or teams.
[0100] The player taking a turn within game play is called the
active player. The first turn by a player may be determined
randomly such as through, for example, flipping a coin or rolling a
die. Next, a player will execute a turn. Each turn comprises three
chronological steps: (1) a location step; (2) an action step; and
(3) an end of turn step.
[0101] According to several embodiments, during the location step,
the active player, for example the first player, may first reveal
the location card 1100 in the deck of cards at the location cards
516 position. For example, this location card 1100 may randomly
dictate where a battle will take place within a turn. Game play
during a turn will take place within the revealed location on the
location card 1100, and, for example, the location card 1100 may
dictate which creature will have the initiative 1110 in combat.
Some locations provided on the card may favor a Creature for being
the best in courage, power, wisdom, speed or other discipline.
Therefore, for game play purposes, the active player will use his
or her own location cards 1100 to provide a location for a
turn.
[0102] According to several embodiments, during the action step of
a turn, four chronological sub-steps of are performed: (i) movement
to start battle; (ii) Initiative; (iii) Striking; and (iv)
Finishing battle. In some embodiments, during the movement sub-step
of an action step, the first player may move at least one creature
card 700 on the battlegrid 522 of the battleboard 600 during each
turn. Each creature card 700 may be moved by a player one space per
turn. A player may not, however, move the creature card 700 into a
space already occupied by a creature card 700 of the active player.
Accordingly, if the first player, as the active player, moves into
a space occupied by an opposing player's creature card 700 in the
second player's battlegrid 622, battle between those creatures
begin. According to several embodiments, battle may only be
activated once per turn.
[0103] Next, according to several embodiments, the initiative
sub-step of an action step requires the active player and opposing
player to determine which creature, of the two battling creatures
within a turn, has the initiative 1110. The initiative 1110 may be
found on the location card 1100 revealed in the first location step
of a turn. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, some locations
favor a specific creature for being the best in courage, power,
wisdom, speed or other creature discipline 720, while some
locations favor a specific creature tribe type 706. Accordingly,
the creature discipline 720 values will be compared as between the
two battling creatures during a turn and, depending on the
attributes contained within the initiative 1110, the highest value
will strike first. If a tie occurs such that both battling
creatures of opposing players or teams within a turn are the same
value, the creature controlled by the active player gets the
initiative 1110. In simple form, the initiative 1110 determines
which player will strike first during a turn as between the
creature controlled by the active player and the creature
controlled by the opposing player.
[0104] Once the initiative sub-step of the action step has been
completed, the creature card 700 with initiative 1110 strikes
first. The sub-step of striking may allow a player, either the
active player or opposing player depending on which player won the
initiative step, to draw the top card from his or her deck of
attack cards 800 located at the attack cards 508, 608 position.
After drawing an additional attack card 800, the player will then
have a total of three attack cards 800 in hand for game play.
[0105] By way of example, the player with three attack cards 800
must choose one of the attack cards in hand and play that card.
Once the attack card 800 chosen by said player is played, the
amount of damage the attack card 800 deals must be determined. This
calculation is done using the attack card 800 base damage value 810
and the elemental damage value 812. The attack card 800 comprises
the base damage numeric value 810 and the value of the elemental
damage 812. The creature cards 700 will deal the base damage
numeric value 810 located on the attack card 800. The elemental
symbols 710 on the played creature card 700 are then compared to
the based damage numeric value 810 on the played attack card 800.
For each matching symbol, the corresponding numeric value is
applied as elemental damage to determine total damage dealt on a
creature. To determine the total damage dealt by the player in the
striking step within a turn, the base damage numeric value 810 and
the appropriate value of the elemental damage 812 are added
together. That total damage dealt is then subtracted from the
creature's energy level 712 located on the creature card 700. A
creature is defeated during the striking step when said creature
card 700 has taken damage equal to or greater than the creature's
energy level 712, for example. Accordingly, once a creature's
energy level 712 is reduced to zero that creature is eliminated
from the game. The creature's energy level 712 of the creature
cards 700 may be tracked using the energy score and discipline
tracking grid 520, 620 located the battlemats 501, 601.
[0106] According to several embodiments, the last sub-step of the
action step is finishing combat. In some embodiments, during this
sub-step, the non-striking player may strike. The non-striking
player, for example, for the reasons stated above regarding
initiative 1110, may be the active player or the opposing player.
The same steps of the striking sub-step are followed. Accordingly,
the opposing players alternate the striking sub-step until a
creature is defeated.
[0107] Following the last sub-step of the action step is the end of
turn step. By way of example, once the active player has moved at
least one creature card 700, his or her turn ends. When a turn
ends, any damage dealt to the creature's energy level 712 is
removed, provided that creature's energy level 712 was not reduced
to zero, thus being eliminated from a game. The location card 1100
revealed during the location step of a turn is then placed on the
bottom of that player's deck of location cards 1100 corresponding
to his or her battlemat 501, 601.
[0108] In accordance with one embodiment, a game is completed once
the aforementioned steps of executing a turn has reduced the
creature's energy level 712 to zero of all creature cards 700 held
by an opposing player.
[0109] In accordance with further embodiments, additional types of
trading cards, such as battlegear cards 900 and mugic cards 1000
are used during the execution of a turn to enhance game play. In
some embodiments, the battlegear cards 900 may equip one creature
card 700. Some battlegear cards 900 must be revealed at the
beginning of game play while others may be placed faced down under
a creature card 700 on a player's battlegrid 522, 622. The
battlegear cards 900 placed face down have no game effect until
being turned facing up, for example, in which case the creature to
whom the battlegear is "equipped" becomes engaged for striking with
the enhanced game effect.
[0110] Mugic cards 1000 are used for enhanced game effects and all
of a player's mugic cards 1000 are viewable only by that player
during a game. For example, to play a mugic card 1000, the player
checks to see if the mugic card 1000 has a tribal affiliation. If
it does, then the player removes the mugic counters 718 from a
creature card 700 that the player controls of the same tribe 702
equal to the number of mugic symbols 1012 on the card.
[0111] In other embodiments of the game, a plurality of players
combined with a plurality of trading cards may be joined to form a
team, thereby enabling a group of players to battle against another
group of players in accordance with the aforementioned method of
play wherein each team represents a player.
[0112] Referring next to FIG. 12, shown is an electronic
representation of the trading card game configuration. Depicted is
one embodiment of an electronic version of a battleboard 1200 for
playing the above described trading card game in an interactive
electronic format on, for example, an electronic platform. The
electronic version of the battleboard 1200 comprises a plurality of
electronic versions of creature card 1204 trading cards comprising
an electronic version of the graphic for the trading cards. Also
shown in the electronic version of the battleboard 1200 is the
electronic version of an attack card 1206. The electronic version
of the battleboard 1200 may further comprise location cards,
battlegear cards, mugic cards, etc., depending on the game play
occurring. The electronic versions of the trading cards 1204 each
correspond to a rule of play that is implemented on the electronic
platform substantially in the same manner as it is on the physical
play platform. Accordingly, all steps of the game play, for
example, accessing and beginning a game, advancing the steps within
executing a turn and using other services associated with the
electronic format, will all be effectuated and presented by
electronic means.
[0113] According to several embodiments, the interactive electronic
game component may be available to a player with the purchase of
game component. In the above described electronic format, the
electronic game components may allow a player to, for example,
store trading cards in an online portfolio, trade cards, build
battle groups, purchase cards, sell cards, play the game
interactively in real-time against other players, and join the
online player communities. In addition, a player, collector,
participant, seller, buyer or the like, may utilize the electronic
format in connection with game play or services associated
therewith. For example, the central database manager 102 described
in reference to FIG. 1 may comprise, provide, and/or couple to a
software interface capable of recognizing unique identifiers
associated with purchased game components. The software interface
may also be configured to provide special enhanced services beyond
game play.
[0114] By way of example, a player, collector, participant, seller,
buyer or the like, may access the electronic version of the trading
card game and components by registering with an online network
through a web site on the Internet, and for example, entering the
unique identifier from a purchased game component. The unique
identifier may be in the form of a numeric code, alphanumeric code,
bar code, graphical code or the like, and said identifier will be
unique to ensure each of a plurality of game components are unique.
The unique identifier will be located on each trading card as shown
in FIGS. 7-11, and associated game related goods (not shown). The
physical unique identifier will be associated and linked to the
electronic unique identifier. The unique identifier may be entered
and verified by manually entering the identifier, scanning the
identifier with a commercial or freeware scanner and/or a
commercial and/or freeware graphical reader. In some embodiments,
upon verification of the identifier by the central database
manager, the software interface may activate the electronic
versions of the game components or associated goods corresponding
to the unique identifier for interactive game play or use of
services associated therewith.
[0115] In some embodiments, the electronic game components may
closely resemble, be equivalent to and/or be identical to the
physical game components. In other embodiments, the electronic
versions of the game components may be altered and/or advanced due
to the capabilities and/or restrictions of the electronic graphical
representation. For example, displaying a plurality of trading
cards on an electronic platform in an equivalent configuration and
electronic version to that of the physical format for playing the
trading card game may not require the unique identifier to be
displayed in the electronic version.
[0116] Referring next to FIG. 13, shown is an embodiment of a
trading card. A master key card 1300 is shown as an example of a
trading card that is sold with a deck of trading cards. In some
embodiments, the master key card 1300 comprises a master unique
identifier. The master key card 1300 may, for example, be different
from the other trading cards that are used for playing the trading
card game. In some embodiments, when individual trading cards are
purchased, each individual unique identifier must be registered,
verified and activated. In other embodiments, a plurality of unique
identifiers may be verified and activated through the use of the
master unique identifier 1314 on the master key card 1300. For
example, the master key card 1300 could be used to register a
plurality of unique identifiers simultaneously as compared to
registering each code individually through one of the numerous
forms stated above. According to several embodiments, the unique
identifiers, regardless of form, may be used in connection with
multiple media and/or electronic platforms and readily available
electronic devices.
[0117] Referring next to FIG. 14, shown is a flow diagram depicting
an embodiment of a method for generating a trading card for a
trading card game. Method 1400 begins in step 1402 by storing, on a
code database manager, a first unique identifier, a first graphic
for a first trading card, an electronic version of the first
trading card, and a first rule of play. The method 1400 continues
in step 1404 by managing, at the code database manager, the
production of the first trading card comprising assigning the first
unique identifier and the first rule of play to the first trading
card. Next, the method continues in step 1406 by causing the first
trading card to be printed with the first graphic and the first
unique number, wherein the first trading card is configured for use
by an owner for playing the trading card game in a physical play
format.
[0118] The method 1400 continues in step 1408 by receiving the
first unique identifier, from the owner, submitted through a user
interface, wherein the user interface is in communication with the
code database manager and is configured to be accessed by the owner
through multiple electronic platforms. The method continues in step
1410 by activating, after receiving the first unique identifier,
the electronic version of the first trading card for use by the
owner for playing the trading card game on the multiple electronic
platforms, wherein the first rule of play is equivalently
implemented in each of the physical play format and the multiple
electronic platforms for playing the game.
[0119] Referring next to FIG. 15, shown is a diagram of a system
for implementing a trading card game. The system 1500 comprises a
central database manager 102 configured to coupled to modules on a
plurality of platforms comprising, for example, an intelligent toy
1504 with USB capabilities or other electronic transfer
capabilities, a dual screen handheld module 1506, an interactive
television 1508, a movie 1510, a console video game 1512, a trading
card game 1514, a mobile device 1516, a book, comic, and/or pen
1518 and apparel 1520.
[0120] The modules may be configured to communicate with the
central database manager 102 through a multi-system interface. This
may comprise allowing the owner to register the unique identifier
through the user interface described in reference to FIGS. 1-4. The
multi-system interface may comprise a combination of hardware and
software components configured to couple and communicate with a
variety and/or a plurality of platforms and/or operating systems.
Thus, in some embodiments, the interface is generic, and specific
system requirements are unnecessary. By way of example, the
intelligent toys 1504 and/or apparel 1520 may be configured to
communicate the unique identifier via an electronic chip such as a
Radio Frequency emitting IC that emits the unique identifier,
automatically and/or upon request or initialization.
[0121] Additionally, the embodiments described herein with
reference to FIGS. 1-15 may be implemented using a computer that
includes a central processing unit such as a microprocessor, and a
number of other units interconnected, for example, via a system
bus. Such a computer may also include, for example, a Random Access
Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an I/O adapter for connecting
peripheral devices such as, for example, disk storage units and
printers to the bus, a user interface adapter for connecting
various user interface devices, a communication adapter for
connecting the computer to a communication network (e.g., a data
processing network) and a display adapter for connecting the bus to
a display device.
[0122] Additionally, the various embodiments may be implemented on
one or more of the following exemplary devices including: a
personal computer, a laptop, a tablet PC, a Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), mobile phones, console games, handheld games and
other electronic devices independent of the underlying operating
system (e.g., Windows, Linux, MAC, etc.). Additionally, the various
embodiments can be implemented using a distributed computing
environment or a local computing environment. For example, the
embodiment described herein can be implemented as a personal
computer client software architecture as well as a web-based
architecture. In this manner, the user interface can be, for
example, an application interface for a software program that is
running locally or on a remote computer.
[0123] Alternatively, the user interface can be a browser based
interface where the computations and method described herein are
implemented on a remote computer and provided to a user through the
browser application. In accordance with some embodiments, the
various aspects described above may be implemented using computer
programming or engineering techniques including computer software,
firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Any
resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may be
embodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media,
thereby making a computer program product, i.e., an article of
manufacture, according to the invention.
[0124] The computer readable media may be, for instance, a fixed
(hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductor
memory such as read-only memory (ROM), etc., or any
transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other
communication network or link. The article of manufacture
containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing
the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one
medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a
network. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art of computer
science will be able to combine the software created as described
with appropriate general purpose or special purpose computer
hardware, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) hardware, or other
electronic hardware to create a computer system or computer
sub-system embodying the various methods of the invention.
[0125] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by
means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, other
modifications, variations, and arrangements of the present
invention may be made in accordance with the above teachings other
than as specifically described to practice the invention within the
spirit and scope defined by the following claims.
* * * * *