Patent ID: 7828657
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for enhancing the experience of a first player controlling a first avatar in a computer game by causing a speaker to play a theme, the method comprising the steps of: (a) causing a processor to determine a context for the first avatar based on a first avatar's location in a virtual world; (b) causing a processor to select a groove level responsive to characteristics of the first avatar's virtual location, wherein the groove level is indicative of one of an excitement and a tension level; (c) causing a processor to play, at a non-zero output level, through a speaker, a background theme based on the first avatar's location and the selected groove level; (d) causing a processor to receive first instructions from the first player, the first instructions causing the first avatar to play a first melody, the first melody being chosen by the first player from among a plurality of available melodies; (e) causing a processor to receive second instructions from a second player, the second instructions causing a second avatar to play a second melody, the second melody being chosen by the second player; and (f) causing a processor to transform the first melody in response to the background theme and to the second melody by carrying out one of melody transposition and tempo matching.