Patent ID: 9566518
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: A63F

Claim:
1. A computer-implemented method to alter gameplay elements based on proximity to audio artist avatars in a virtual environment, the computer-implemented method comprising: retrieving an indication of an artist associated with audio content being played by a first user controlling a first player avatar in the virtual environment; generating a companion avatar providing a virtual representation of the artist of the audio content; assigning the companion avatar to the first player avatar in the virtual environment, whereafter the companion avatar is configured to interact with the first player avatar, wherein presence of the companion avatar conveys to one or more other users interacting within the virtual environment that the first user is currently listening to audio content of the artist; and granting, by operation of one or more computer processors, to a second player avatar satisfying a first proximity threshold pertaining to the companion avatar, a first gameplay perk inaccessible when the first proximity threshold is not met.