Patent ID: 8814696
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A63F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing branded virtual objects in a virtual environment, comprising: conducting an auction to identify a plurality of branded virtual objects for display in a virtual in-game environment, the auction being concluded between a game networking server and at least two advertising servers, each of the plurality of branded virtual objects having a revenue amount that indicates a respective value of in-game assets repeatedly producible during gameplay through operation of the branded virtual object, the conducting of the auction further comprising determining for each of the plurality of branded virtual objects, based at least in part on the corresponding revenue amount, a respective lower threshold for a bid associated with the branded virtual object; generating a game instance of a computer-implemented multiplayer online game, the game instance being associated with a virtual environment of a player; causing a graphical user interface to be provided to the player, the graphical user interface to display the plurality of branded virtual objects for selection by the player, the plurality of branded virtual objects corresponding to different real-world brands; monitoring selection and placement of at least one branded virtual object in the virtual environment by the player; and updating the virtual environment of the player to include the branded virtual object.