Patent ID: 6179713
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in playing a turn-based computer game over a computer network involving a large number of players, the turn-based computer game involving a series of turn time periods where players can enter moves separated by turn processing time periods where moves from the preceding turn time period are processed, the apparatus comprising:first storage means for storing status information regarding a current state of the game, wherein said current state of the game reflects any moves that have been processed from any previous turns;second storage means, separated from said first storage means, for storing, during a given turn time period, prospective move information regarding prospective moves entered during said given turn time period so as to maintain a record of moves that have been entered and that are to be processed during the next turn processing time period; andfirst processing means, operatively associated with said second storage means, for accessing said prospective move information during said given turn time period so as to allow a player to modify one of said prospective moves entered by said player during said given turn time period prior to processing of said prospective move.