Patent ID: 8016675
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
1. A network-based game system comprising: a game processing subsystem for providing a virtual game environment in which player-controlled virtual game entities can move; player devices for controlling virtual game entities; and connectivity subsystems through each of which multiple players, each using a said playing device, can communicate with the processing subsystem to move associated virtual game entities and view game play in the game environment; the processing subsystem being operative to associate each connectivity subsystem with a respective particular location in the game environment, such that game entities associated with players communicating with the processing subsystem via the corresponding connectivity subsystem enter the game environment at that particular location and can only be retrieved from the game environment at that particular location; and the processing subsystem being further configured to implement a transfer-facilitation arrangement, said transfer-facilitation arrangement being operative to allow a said game entity to reside in the game environment whilst the associated player terminates communication with the processing subsystem from a first said connectivity subsystem, moves to a second said connectivity subsystem, and re-establishes communication with the processing subsystem via the second connectivity subsystem to take control again of the game entity.