HK1235334B - Video game ride - Google Patents

Description

Video Game Rides

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for use in conjunction with amusement park games or rides.

Background Art

Since the early 20th century, amusement parks (or theme parks) have grown in popularity. Certain rides can provide visitors with an immersive experience. For example, a series of vehicles can propel riders through rooms with various features, including audio, video, and special effects. These features can also relate to the theme of the ride. With the increasing sophistication and complexity of modern ride attractions, and the corresponding increase in expectations among theme or amusement park patrons, there is a need for improved and more innovative ride attractions, including ride attractions with more complex vehicle options and features related to the ride theme.

Summary of the Invention

The following summarizes certain embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

According to one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of vehicles configured to accommodate one or more riders, each vehicle being associated with a game character and having vehicle interface circuitry, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to receive respective inputs from the one or more riders via the vehicle interface circuitry, and wherein the respective inputs relate to one or more game features of a game environment. The system also includes a game controller configured to receive information related to the respective inputs from the vehicle interface circuitry and provide instructions to modify the game environment or a path of one or more of the plurality of game vehicles based on at least one of the respective inputs, wherein the respective inputs relate to a game feature associated with the game character, and wherein modifying the game environment includes modifying a virtual or physical object within the game.

In another embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more inputs from a plurality of vehicles in a gaming environment; assigning a score or game narrative to each individual vehicle based on the one or more inputs; assigning a vehicle path within the gaming environment to each individual vehicle of the plurality of vehicles based on the score or game narrative of the respective individual vehicle; and transmitting information relating to the respective vehicle path to the respective individual vehicle.

In another embodiment, a controller includes a memory storing instructions that, when executed, are configured to access a first setting of a gaming environment; provide instructions to activate the first setting of the gaming environment; receive one or more inputs from a separate vehicle in the gaming environment; access a second setting of the gaming environment based on the one or more inputs; and provide instructions to activate the second setting of the gaming environment, wherein the first setting is associated with a first location in the gaming environment and the second setting is associated with a second location in the gaming environment; and a processor configured to execute the instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the various figures, and in which:

FIG1 is a block diagram of an interactive vehicle ride in accordance with the present technology;

FIG2 is a perspective view of a vehicle in a gaming environment in accordance with the present technology;

3 is a block diagram of a multi-player vehicle in a gaming environment in accordance with the present technology;

FIG4 is a block diagram of an interactive vehicle ride system in accordance with the present technology;

5 is a flow chart of a method for game play-based vehicle path determination in accordance with the present technology;

FIG6 is a block diagram of a multi-path game according to the present technology;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a multi-path game according to the present technology;

FIG8 illustrates transitions between different game settings in a gaming environment in accordance with the present technology;

9 is a flow chart of a method for determining a game score based on a player's skill level in accordance with the present technology; and

10 is a side view of game features assigned to different players in accordance with the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to interactive gaming rides, which include ride features that provide audio, visual, and physical effects experienced by riders in vehicles, as well as gaming features, including player interaction with various gaming effects and dynamic experiences based on these interactions. Interactive gaming rides are contrasted with passive rides that provide a static experience for each rider. For example, passive rides do not include variable routes or outcomes each time a ride is taken, and/or do not allow for dynamic rider interaction or control of the ride's physical features. This technology facilitates a potentially different experience for each vehicle and/or game player each time a ride is taken. Additionally, game players can actively control the outcomes of their physical environment. Furthermore, interactive gaming rides couple player-controlled actions of virtual effects with physical outcomes. For example, if a projected virtual player avatar jumps onto a lever (real or projected), the lever actuates and can open a physical drawbridge. In another example, physically activating an effect, such as a fan, can blow debris off a road, revealing a hidden passage. In this example, the debris can include projected or virtual debris that changes on the display in a coordinated manner with the physical effects. In this way, the interactive game ride provides continued interest over several park visits.

Interactive game rides can allow for storytelling with variable or unique narratives depending on the choices made by the game player. For example, such choices can include selecting a specific game character to role-play or follow, selecting an in-game object, speaking certain trigger phrases, etc. Interactive game rides can also provide an immersive video game-style experience, allowing players to experience their favorite games in a large-scale setting. Interactive game rides can accommodate gamers of varying levels or abilities and can include game player (including multiplayer) interactions that affect the ride path and story, both individually (i.e., for each player) and collectively (i.e., the results of multiplayer play can affect the vehicle path or story narrative for all players in the game). In addition, interactive game rides can serve as a platform for various game types, including first-person shooters, racing games, sports games, logic games, problem-solving games, puzzles, embedded narratives, etc. To expand the gaming experience, game rides can also allow players in individual vehicles or individual players within each vehicle (e.g., vehicle riders) to identify with a specific game character and experience the game as that character, i.e., role-playing. For example, an interactive game ride may allow a player to select a character from a character menu or may facilitate the assignment of a character to a player. The character may then be associated with a specific skill level or a specific game objective. In some embodiments, the game ride may assess or assign a skill level to each player and adapt accordingly.

In one embodiment, the game system itself can assume the role of a leader or main character, and game players can select supporting characters (i.e., characters other than the main character). For example, a game may allow the selection of supporting characters whose goal is to play the game with the goal of enhancing/helping or hindering the main character depending on the game narrative. The individual and/or collective play of the game players then influences the story narrative presented by the game system for the main character, including the path and choices taken by the main character. In this way, individual rider players can control their individual supporting characters, but as a collective vehicle group, they can together control the main character who appears to be leading their vehicle or otherwise directing the narrative. In other embodiments, game players can assume the role of one or more main characters and experience the game ride as the main character. In another embodiment, other players can also assume the role of supporting characters within the game. The characters can also take the form of specific character avatars projected within the game environment or displayed on a video screen.

Interactive game rides can also offer the benefit of a dynamic narrative that changes in response to the interests of the game's players. For example, if a family with young children is participating in a ride, the game can receive input about the player's age to select an appropriate gaming environment. Alternatively, or in addition, player interaction with the game can also influence the game to provide feedback. In one example, the game is a series of puzzle rooms, and the player's actions within each scene or puzzle change the environment and allow different paths to be activated or different physics effects to occur.

As players navigate the game, they can interact with it via one or more game input devices, which, in some embodiments, may be provided as part of a game vehicle or as portable wireless devices. Such devices can be familiar game accessories such as joysticks, steering wheels, wands, markers (e.g., controllers configured as weapons), and the like. In the example of a game joystick, while the player is in the game, the joystick can control an avatar on a video surface (e.g., a wall, ceiling, or floor) of the game environment. Based on the player's own avatar control, the game can dynamically adjust the game experience to reflect what the player has selected or aimed at, or where the player has moved on the video surface. For example, a selection can indicate a target has been shot at or a door has opened. Furthermore, game input devices can be used to interact with video, projections, displays, or surfaces that are part of physical objects in the game (e.g., interactive objects, barriers), and the game controller can be configured to determine the nature of the interaction based on input from the input devices, sensors on the surface, and/or external sensors such as cameras within the gaming system. In another embodiment, the player's movements or actions can be sensed by various game-related sensors and used as input to the game. For example, if a player speaks a certain phrase, sensors within the environment can provide the sensed audio as input to the controller to trigger a specific game action, where a "yes" player statement has a different game outcome than a "no" statement. Accordingly, the game can also include player interactions with game characters (animatronic characters or in-game actors). Such interactions can also provide dynamic input to the game to trigger changes within the environment depending on the outcome of the interaction.

The game controller is operatively connected to certain components of the system, communicating with them and/or controlling their operation. The game controller may include one or more automated controllers, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). For example, the game controller controls the display of images or videos on one or more gaming surfaces and, in certain embodiments, may also provide instructions to control certain aspects of the display within a game vehicle. Furthermore, the game controller is configured to receive input from various game components (including game input devices, game vehicles, game environment features, sensors, etc.) to control certain aspects of game play. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the game controller may be configured to control the individual vehicle movements of any vehicle in the game. For example, an interactive game ride system may be implemented with autonomously guided vehicles. In such an embodiment, the vehicle path is determined by the game controller, and the game player does not drive or steer the vehicle. However, player interaction with the game may provide input to the game controller, which not only affects the vehicle path but also triggers vehicle effects (such as noise effects, vehicle jolt or tilt, etc.). Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the game controller may update or change the game configuration under the control of the game operator or based on the skill or performance of the vehicle rider.

The disclosed interactive video game ride can be implemented as an amusement park attraction, including shows, rides, promotions, and the like. By incorporating a specific theme into the interactive video game ride, such as a traditional video game, patrons are encouraged to visit the amusement park and further enabled to enjoy the themed experience offered by the amusement park. Additionally, because the interactive video game ride is configurable and dynamic, one gaming environment can be configured to host games with several different themes or narratives.

With the foregoing in mind, FIG1 illustrates an embodiment of an interactive game ride system 10 according to the present disclosure. The interactive game ride system 10 may include a game environment 14 for one or more game vehicles 16. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple vehicles 16 are located within the game environment 14 and are configured to move within the game environment 14. The game environment 14 may generally refer to locations within a performance venue 12 or a building where games are played. In some embodiments, the game environment 14 may include different locations (e.g., environments 14a-14f), which may be interconnected via passageways or doors. In other embodiments, the environments 14a-f may be separate sections of a larger performance venue 12. The game system 10 may permit or facilitate movement of one or more vehicles 16 within all or only a subset of the environments 14a-f, depending on the game play. Furthermore, each vehicle 16 may move within the performance venue 12, either together with other vehicles 16 or independently, such that the vehicles 16 visit different game environments 14a-f.

For example, in one example of gameplay, a first vehicle 16 may travel through environments 14a, 14c, and 14e, while a second vehicle 16 may travel through environments 14c, 14b, 14d, 14f, and 14e. Game environment 14 may be configured to allow for simultaneous play with multiple vehicles 16 or to maintain only one or a few vehicles 16. Accordingly, the active game may feature vehicles 16 converging at specific locations within performance venue 12 to play together and then separating to achieve their respective game objectives. In this manner, system 10 may also be configured to maximize the available play time of a high-interest game environment 14, which may otherwise bottleneck gameplay. The distribution of vehicles 16 within the performance venue may be determined in part via one or more rule-based algorithms that use as input the desired number of vehicles 16 in a particular game environment 14, the desired length of time a vehicle spends in an environment 14, the game objective of the environment 14, recovery time for any physical effects, and the like. Regardless of which vehicle path is assigned, for some games, a linear story or narrative is presented, incorporating player interaction, for example, via a selected game character avatar. System 10 can store different narratives or outcomes that are activated based on receiving specific input. In some embodiments, gaming system 10 may have over 100 or over 1,000 different possible narratives, which may include variable vehicle paths, physics objects, physical effects, character interactions, and the like. Each vehicle (or group of vehicles) experiences a specific linear narrative during the course of a single game. However, the narrative is dynamic and responsive to player input. Accordingly, the game narrative is not set at the beginning of the game, making it impossible for the player to predict how the game will unfold.

In certain embodiments, the system 10 may also determine a divergent vehicle path based on gameplay and input received from the player in the vehicle 16. The vehicle 16 may be driven and controlled by the player, or may be provided as an autonomously guided vehicle controlled via a game controller. In embodiments using a guided vehicle, the vehicle path is determined by the game controller and the player moves within the venue 12 and to and from the various game environments 14 without controlling the movement of the vehicle 16. The vehicle 16 may also include display functionality, and information about the vehicle path may be provided as part of a map display, which may also facilitate player driving of the vehicle 16. Such a display may include various features of the game and may be part of the game narrative. That is, the vehicle 16 may display a map including a depiction of the game environment 14 selected by the controller for gameplay.

Each game environment 14 may include one or more interactive features that enhance the game experience. Player interaction with these features dynamically alters the course of the game. For example, in one embodiment, certain vehicles 12 may experience completely different paths, game narratives, and challenges relative to other vehicles in the game and/or relative to other times during the game. In this way, each experience with the game is customized for the player or group of players. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the game environment 14, which includes virtual game features such as those provided by a projection or video display 30. The video display may include various selectable virtual display features 32 that can be selected by the game player (e.g., player 46). In some embodiments, the display may be portions of the walls, ceiling, and/or floor 36 of the environment 14, depending on the desired game environment. The environment 14 may also include interactive physical objects 38, such as surface features that reflect projections of the environment, forming dynamic physical barriers, visual interest, or that can be activated when a game objective is achieved. For example, if a game objective is achieved, a pot of gold may appear from the floor under mechanical control. Alternatively, barriers may be imposed or raised based on game play. Such physical objects 38 may also include animatronics. In one embodiment, the animatronics may deliver different audio messages to the game player 46 depending on their game play. In this way, the animatronics may reward highly skilled players 46 or provide clues to lagging players 46 to help them catch up with other players in the game. The animatronics or other physical objects 38 may be configured to be controlled via a game controller that provides instructions indicating that the vehicle 16 is within range to activate certain motion actions.

The game environment 14 can also be configured to activate certain special effects 40, such as smoke or water effects. Other physical effects can include snow, fire, wind, ice, temperature effects, scents, and the like. Special effects 40 can be augmented by the video display 30. For example, a water wall effect can include some physical water supported by the video display, giving the player 46 the impression that they are walking through a waterfall without being uncomfortably soaked. The game environment 14 can also include various audio effects delivered via one or more speakers 42. An operator interface 44 controls player interaction with the game environment 14 and can include, for example, one or more player input devices, such as a steering wheel, brake and accelerator pedals, a joystick, a display screen, one or more buttons, a gun, and the like. A selection box 50 on the video display 30 indicates player selections via the joystick or other input device. For example, selecting a door can trigger the game controller to activate an adjacent game environment 14, similar to a cottage interior, and automatically guide the vehicle 16 to the appropriate environment 14. Passing through the environment 14 without selecting a door maintains the game environment in an exterior setting.

In some embodiments, when multiple players 46 are present in a single vehicle 16, the vehicle 16 may include multiple interfaces 44, as shown in FIG3 . Each interface 44 allows for different inputs to the game. In one embodiment, players 46a-46d are associated with different game characters. Accordingly, each player 46 may have different game objectives and/or different operator interfaces 44a-44d. For example, in a wizard-themed game, each operator interface 44 may represent a different wand associated with each character. The wands may be the players' own wands, and in such embodiments, the game system 10 may link to the wands before the game begins, configuring game play and authorizing each wand to interact with the game environment 14. Unauthorized wands will not have the effects or abilities to interact with features in the game system 10.

In addition, depending on the type of game configuration, players 46a-46d can compete on opposing teams or can work together to achieve a joint goal. For team-based play, vehicles 12 can be scored individually and cumulatively. Various operator interface inputs can be accumulated for an overall vehicle score, or can be arbitrated to the highest or lowest player ability to determine vehicle paths and/or game play or influence the unfolding story. For example, depending on the game play, additional clues, plot points in the narrative, or avatar interactions can be revealed. In one embodiment, advanced game play can reveal bundled information about the game theme, such as movie screening information, or can reveal introductions to specific characters within the game theme. In another embodiment, a certain game play can reveal clues or hints to allow novice players to catch up with more experienced players.

As illustrated in FIG4 , system 10 includes a game controller 48 communicatively coupled to one or more vehicles 16 and a gaming environment 14. As shown in FIG4 , which is a block diagram of system 10, the technology disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with one or more components of system 10, including vehicles 16, gaming environment 14, and game controller 48. To provide movement for individual vehicles 16, vehicles 16 include an engine 62 and brakes 64. Movement of vehicle 16 can include driving (e.g., accelerating, decelerating), steering, and stopping. Engine 62 can be powered by any suitable power source 58, including but not limited to batteries, solar panels, generators, internal combustion engines, or any combination thereof. The operation of engine 62 and brakes 64 can be controlled by vehicle controller 50. For example, vehicle controller 50 can control engine 62 to adjust its output power to accelerate or decelerate vehicle 16. Vehicle controller 50 can also control brakes 64 to decelerate or stop vehicle 16. Additionally, vehicle controller 50 may operate under instructions from a player via operator interface 44 and/or from game controller 48 (eg, to steer the vehicle with steering wheel or joystick based operator controls).

The vehicle 16 may include a position feedback system 54 for monitoring its position within the gaming environment 14. In one embodiment, the position feedback system 54 interacts with one or more sensors or tags within the gaming environment 14. In such an embodiment, the vehicle position feedback system 54 includes a reader that can sense the sensors or tags to provide position information for the vehicle 16. The reader then supplies the position information to the vehicle controller 50, which in turn provides the information to the game controller 48. The vehicle 16 may include a communication module 56 to facilitate communication with the game controller 48 and facilitate the transmission of information related to game-specific inputs (e.g., gaming environment interactions) from the operator interface 44 and the receipt of information related to autonomous vehicle guidance and controlled vehicle paths. In this manner, the game controller 48 can control the movement of the vehicle 16 within the system 10. Based on feedback from the game controller 48, the vehicle 16 may also display game information via a display module 60 coupled to a display screen. Game information may include vehicle scores and team scores, a representation of the gaming environment 14 (e.g., a 2D dynamic graphical display including the current game configuration and vehicle positions within the gaming environment 14, as well as any available interactive display elements 32).

The game controller 48 and the vehicle controller 50 may include various components that may allow the player 46 to interact with the vehicle 16 and the game environment 14. In addition, the game environment may include separate control circuits for facilitating interactive and dynamic game elements, including display circuitry 70 for the video display 30, tags or sensors 72 for tracking the vehicle 16 and/or input devices of the operator interface 44, a sound module 74, and a physics effect module 76 for controlling one or more physical effects (e.g., special effects 40 and/or physics objects 38; see FIG2 ). One or more of the disclosed features of the game environment 14 may alternatively be implemented in the vehicle 12, for example, speakers may be part of the vehicle 12 but controlled via the game controller 48 and/or the vehicle controller 50.

While certain elements are discussed in the context of a game controller 48, it should be understood that the vehicle controller 50 and the gaming environment 14 may include similar components. For example, the vehicle controller 16 may be any device that employs a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 80. The vehicle controller 16 may also include a memory device 82 for storing instructions executable by the processor 80 to perform the methods and control actions for the vehicle 16 described herein. The processor 80 may include one or more processing devices, and the memory 82 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by the processor 80 or by any general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine having a processor. Furthermore, the game controller 48 may be configured to communicate with the gaming environment 14 and the vehicle 16 via wired or wireless communication paths. The game controller 48 may comprise a distributed control system (DCS) or any computer-based workstation including a display 84 and a fully or partially automated input/output interface 86 .

In one embodiment, data is transmitted between the game controller 48, the gaming environment 14, and the vehicle controller 50 at least in part via a wireless network. The vehicle controller 50 can transmit data indicating the status of the vehicles to the game controller 48. Such data can include vehicle identifiers and associated locations, speeds, zones of influence, directions of travel, engine output power, load conditions, etc. for individual vehicles 16. Based on the data received from the vehicle controller 50, the game controller 48 can send instructions to the vehicle controller 50 to control the movement of the vehicles 16. In accordance with the present disclosure, the game controller 48 can independently control each of the multiple ride vehicles 16.

The system 10 can determine vehicle location and game player interaction via a location tracking system 54 interacting with tags or sensors 72 on or in the game environment 14, or other suitable technology for determining vehicle location. For example, the system 10 can include external sensors 90, such as cameras, that track the location of the vehicle 16 and provide data to the game controller 48. In addition, the vehicle 16 can include a transmitter, such as an RFID transmitter, that provides a signal to the game controller 48 and can be used to determine location information. In addition, while the disclosed embodiments have been described in the context of the vehicle 16, in other embodiments, the game player 46 can interact directly with the game environment 14. In such embodiments, the game player can wear a watch or other object that can incorporate a location indicating device. Alternatively, the player's location can be determined via the external sensors 90.

In operation, a game system (e.g., the game ride system 10 of FIG. 4 ) starts the game and the vehicles 16 proceed through the game environments 14 . Their movement within the game's larger arena 12 and to and from the various environments 14 can be dynamically determined based on game play. This is in contrast to passive rides, in which all ride participants follow a fixed path within the attraction. As provided herein, interactive game rides allow and facilitate different paths and/or different game experiences within the game ride based on game play. Accordingly, the game's progression is not fixed at the start, but rather responds to the player's own interactions with the game features.

FIG5 is a flow chart of a method 100 for assigning vehicle paths to one or more vehicles 16 based on their paths during game play. Method 100 may be executed in whole or in part by a game controller 48, as provided herein using control logic or programming (e.g., via controller 100). At block 102, controller 48 receives one or more signals or inputs from vehicles 16 containing interactive game input information. This information may be from operator interface 44 and/or display screen 30. For example, this information may include the position and/or angle of a joystick, button actuation, trigger pull, etc. The information may also include vehicle position information via position feedback system 54. In one embodiment, controller 48 may receive information indicating that a trigger has been pulled from a specific gaming environment location. Additionally, controller 48 may determine whether a target has been hit based on optical or other signals (e.g., a light source in a gun barrel may shine light onto a target, and a light sensor in the target may provide information indicating that light detection is consistent with a hit on a game target). Player actions can be received via the operator interface, and data related to the actions can be stored and/or transmitted to controller 48 for further processing, such as score determination at block 104. In some embodiments, score input can include input from external sensor 90 that captures player motion (such as wand motion) and provides motion characteristics as input to the score determination algorithm. If the wand motion is associated with a particular spell that is a valid spell for the game, the player's score can be updated to indicate a successful "freeze spell" or other spell that has been cast. Additional score input can also include information from the video display and sensors in game environment 14. For example, the selection of a particular object in video display 30 can be received by game controller 48 and provided as score input. Based on the vehicle score, method 100 can assign a vehicle path in the game at step 106 and modify or update the existing game environment at step 108 to reflect the player's action and score or similar action scoring. For example, if player 46 selects a door, game environment 14 can be updated via controller 48 to display an open door instead of a closed door. Once the path is assigned, the controller 48 transmits the path information to the vehicle 16 (e.g., to the vehicle controller 50). The method 100 tracks the progress of the game and the score of the particular vehicle 16 and/or rider 46 by returning to step 102 to process the new position information as the vehicle 16 progresses through the game environment 14 during game play.

FIG6 illustrates an example of vehicle routing that can be implemented via the method 100 of FIG5 . For example, two vehicles 16a and 16b in a game begin in the same environment 14. The vehicles then interact with the game environment 14 (e.g., via the operator interface 44), and information regarding the interactions is received by the game controller 48. Based on this information, as well as additional information (e.g., the selected character and the selected difficulty level), the game controller 48 provides routing information to the vehicles 16. For autonomously guided vehicles, the vehicle controller automatically controls the routing of the vehicles 16, including the speed and direction of the vehicles 16 within the game, the speed and degree of rotation, and vehicle start, stop, and reverse. In one embodiment, vehicle 16a may be associated with character A, while vehicle 16b may be associated with character B. Vehicle 16a can select a path by selecting within the maneuver controls and clicking on a fork in the path shown on the display screen. Based on the selection, vehicle 16a proceeds to environment 14a. Similarly, vehicle 16b can select a different path and then proceed through environment 14b. Depending on the game, vehicles 16a and 16b can come together in another game environment 14 before exiting the game. In some embodiments, players in different vehicles 12 compete with each other to proceed on a desired or winning path. In other embodiments, players in a multi-player vehicle follow multiple characters, with each player focusing on providing input/control to his/her own character.

FIG7 illustrates another example of vehicle routing within environment 14 that can be implemented via method 100 of FIG5 . For example, environment 14 may include multiple entrances 120 (e.g., entrances 120a and 120b) and exits 122 (e.g., exits 122a-d). Based on predetermined factors, a particular entrance 120 may be assigned to in-game vehicle entry. In one embodiment, repeat players may be assigned a new entrance 120 upon each visit. In another embodiment, repeat players may "unlock" access to new entrances through game skill or achievement. Other entrance assignment factors may include assessed skill level, age, or character assignment (e.g., a specific game character may be assigned a preset entrance, while other characters use their own designated entrances), or the cumulative "score" or performance level of all players in the same vehicle. For example, in one embodiment, repeat game players who have reached a certain skill level may have certain hidden or special characters available as options upon reaching a cumulative score threshold over the course of multiple game sessions. Environment 14 may also include certain character training rooms that are accessible only to vehicles associated with specific characters. For example, a character training room may be located just inside the designated character entrance 120 .

Once within the environment, the game proceeds as the player's vehicle progresses through the environment 14, for example, when the player enters a room and interacts with the game environment 14. Certain locations in the game can trigger a forking path. For example, a vehicle on path 126 may reach path junction 128, at which the game player determines whether the player exits on path 130 to exit 122b or on path 132 to exit 122d. For example, if the game objective is achieved, the vehicle may be directed to proceed to a higher-level location on path 130. Alternatively, if the game objective is not achieved, the vehicle may proceed to a lower-level path 132. Accordingly, the paths may represent routes through the environment associated with different skill levels. Paths may also present different options depending on the player's interests. For example, one or more players in a vehicle may choose whether a path through the dungeon or the kitchen is more interesting, and may be allowed to choose any path regardless of skill level. In the depicted configuration, other paths may be taken through other game locations. Path 134 can proceed to path node 136, which can then branch toward node 128 or node 137, which can then branch into path 138 and path 139. These paths can represent other features. For example, in a castle game, various paths can lead through a throne room or bedroom game environment. It should be understood that the paths depicted are examples, and other environment configurations can be selected based on the desired game objectives. Some paths can be longer and more complex than others and can be associated with longer game runtimes. In addition, the game can be played so that different vehicles enter simultaneously via various entrances and so that vehicles can converge within the game and then move away depending on their game play. In other examples, other vehicles can play the same game but can never encounter each other because their paths never converge.

In addition to controlling the progress of vehicles in the game via different gaming environments 14, the system 10 can be reconfigured by changing the images displayed in a single environment. FIG8 illustrates an example of a gaming environment 14 transitioning from a first setting to a second setting. In some embodiments, information from or associated with the vehicle 16 indicates that a certain gaming objective has been achieved (block 140) and triggers an update to the second setting (block 144). In this way, the gaming system 10 can change the game in response to gameplay in substantially real time. In one embodiment, such a transition may include a screen displaying a message indicating that a different level has been reached.

As provided herein, the gaming system 10 can incorporate player skill information in determining scores and/or environment updates. FIG9 illustrates a method 160 for accounting for player skill within a game. For example, in a multi-vehicle team game, each vehicle 16 (vehicles 16a-16c) can have associated players 46 with varying skill levels, including high-skill (block 162), medium-skill (block 164), and low-skill (block 166) players. The skill level can be determined through the player's self-assessment or from previous game play information. For example, if the game player is a repeat visitor, game scores from earlier park visits can be stored on a visitor card or pass. In some embodiments, the skill level can be determined in a test environment or in the initial gaming environment 14. Accordingly, the gaming system 10 can dynamically adapt to players with varying skill levels. For novice players, the low skill level can also include a default setting that allows such players to experience the game ride as a ride without interacting with the gaming environment 14. Based on the interaction with the game, the system 10 can weight the game score (or environment updates) according to skill level to produce an adjusted score (e.g., scores 174, 176, and 178). In addition, the scores can be combined into an overall team score 180. In other embodiments, the game ride may not be score-focused (i.e., may not provide a score), but may instead feature tasks related to achieving and solving story goals. For example, the game may instruct the player to catch a criminal, find treasure, solve a mystery, etc.

FIG10 illustrates an embodiment of a gaming environment 14 that includes interactive elements specific to certain game players. Element 32a is associated with player 46a, and element 32b is associated with player 46b. Such differentiation can be based on the role and/or skill level of player 46. When player 46a attempts to interact with element 32b, there is no response, e.g., controller 48 does not receive any input from the attempted interaction. Alternatively, gaming system 10 can be configured to indicate a penalty associated with such an attempt.

In another embodiment, the gaming system 10 can track a player's gaming experience. For example, an amusement park can track player progress during a park visit across various games, such as via a card or mobile device. When a player or group of players returns to a game, the game controller 48 can select a game to display based on the game previously played. In this way, a single gaming location can provide challenges for both more experienced players and novice players. For example, new game levels and ride experiences can be played and experienced on each return visit. In addition, for games played with mixed player skill levels, the game controller 48 can introduce additional challenges for more advanced players. The gaming system 10 can also track player performance on home or online game versions associated with park rides and respond and adjust accordingly.

Although only certain features of the present embodiment have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and variations will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or interchangeable with each other.

Claims (36)

1. A system for interactive game riding, comprising: Multiple vehicles are configured to accommodate one or more riders, each of the multiple vehicles being associated with a game character and having vehicle interface circuitry, wherein each of the multiple vehicles is configured to receive corresponding input from the one or more riders via the vehicle interface circuitry, and wherein one or more of the corresponding inputs are associated with a vehicle path, and wherein the one or more riders select a vehicle path from multiple vehicle paths by selecting one or more game features of a game environment to provide the one or more inputs associated with the vehicle path, wherein the game environment includes multiple locations; and The game controller is configured as follows: Receive information from the vehicle interface circuitry associated with the one or more inputs; A score for each of the plurality of vehicles is determined based on the one or more inputs; A first team score and a second team score are determined, wherein the first team score is based at least on the score of each vehicle from a first subset of the plurality of vehicles, and the second team score is based at least on the score of each vehicle from a second subset of the plurality of vehicles, wherein when the first team score is higher than the second team score, the first subset of the plurality of vehicles is permitted to enter one or more of the plurality of locations; Provides instructions for the vehicle to travel along a selected vehicle path; and Instructions are provided to modify the game environment based on the input, wherein the corresponding input is related to game characteristics associated with a game character, and wherein modifying the game environment includes modifying virtual or physical objects within the game environment. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the game controller is configured to assign a first game character to a first subset of the plurality of vehicles and a second game character to a second subset of the plurality of vehicles. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each game character is associated with a predetermined game skill level, and wherein the game controller is configured to associate individual inputs of a single vehicle with the predetermined game skill level of the associated game character to determine the score of the single vehicle. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the game controller is configured to receive input to dynamically determine the gaming skill level of the one or more riders. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the game controller is configured to modify the game environment based on the score. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to travel on an independent vehicle path in at least a portion of the game environment. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the game controller is configured to allow individual vehicles to enter one or more of the plurality of locations based on a score. 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a team score based on a score from each of the plurality of vehicles, wherein a team score above a threshold permits the plurality of vehicles to enter the one or more locations. 9. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles having a score above a threshold is permitted to enter the one or more locations, or wherein the game environment is altered based on the score. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first subset and the second subset compete with each other. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the vehicle controller of each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to receive the instruction and automatically move the plurality of vehicles to one or more new locations in the game environment based on the instruction. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the game controller is configured to: Determine the score for each game character based on the one or more inputs; and Instructions are given to the vehicle controller based on the score to make each of the multiple vehicles move in the game environment. 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a predetermined entry point to the game environment of each of the plurality of vehicles, wherein the predetermined entry point to the game environment is determined by the game character associated with each vehicle. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the game environment includes character training features assigned to each game character, and wherein each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to receive instructions to access the character training features of an associated game character. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the character training feature includes a character training room for each game character, and wherein each vehicle is only permitted to enter the character training room of the associated game character of each vehicle. 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the game environment includes multiple exit points. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of exit points is associated with a different game path within the game environment. 18. A system for interactive game riding, comprising: Multiple vehicles are configured to accommodate one or more riders, each of the multiple vehicles being associated with a game character and having vehicle interface circuitry. Each of the multiple vehicles is configured to receive corresponding input from the one or more riders via the vehicle interface circuitry, and wherein one or more of the corresponding inputs are associated with a vehicle path. The one or more riders select a vehicle path from multiple vehicle paths by selecting one or more game features of a game environment to provide the one or more inputs associated with the vehicle path. The game environment includes character training features assigned to each game character, wherein the character training features include a character training room for each game character, and wherein each vehicle is only permitted to enter the character training room of the game character associated with each vehicle. The game controller is configured as follows: Receive information from the vehicle interface circuitry associated with the one or more inputs; Provides instructions for the vehicle to travel along a selected vehicle path; and Instructions are provided to modify the game environment based on one or more inputs, wherein the corresponding inputs are related to game characteristics associated with a game character, and wherein modifying the game environment includes modifying virtual or physical objects within the game environment. 19. A method for riding in an interactive game, comprising: Receive one or more inputs from multiple vehicles in a game environment, each of which is associated with a game character; The score or game narrative is assigned to each individual vehicle based on one or more of the inputs. Based on the score or assigned game narrative of the respective individual vehicle, vehicle paths within the game environment are assigned to each of the plurality of vehicles; and Information related to the corresponding vehicle path is sent to the corresponding individual vehicle, wherein the game environment includes character training features assigned to each game character, wherein the character training features include a character training room for each game character, and wherein each vehicle is only permitted to enter the character training room of the game character associated with each vehicle. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: updating the score based on new input from the plurality of vehicles, and assigning an updated vehicle route based on the update. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein assigning a vehicle route to an individual vehicle comprises: assigning a first vehicle route if the individual vehicle score is higher than a threshold; and assigning a second vehicle route if the individual vehicle score is lower than the threshold. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein assigning a vehicle route to an individual vehicle comprises: assigning a first vehicle route if any individual vehicle score among the plurality of vehicles is above a threshold; and assigning a second vehicle route if all individual vehicle scores are below the threshold. 23. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing instructions to modify the game environment based on the score or the game narrative, wherein modifying the game environment includes modifying virtual or physical objects within the game environment. 24. The method of claim 19, further comprising: activating a first setting of the game environment when the score is above a threshold, and activating a second setting of the game environment when the score is below a threshold. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first setting includes a first portion of the game story, and the second setting includes a second portion of the game story. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first setting includes a first set of game environment features, and the second setting includes a second set of game environment features, wherein the first setting and the second setting are associated with the same location in the game environment. 27. The method of claim 19, wherein the vehicle path defines a path within the game environment associated with a subset of rooms in the game environment. 28. A method for riding in an interactive game, comprising: Receive one or more inputs from one or more riders of the vehicle within the game environment; A score is assigned to each of the one or more riders based on the one or more inputs; A first team score and a second team score are determined, wherein the first team score is based on the score of each rider from a first subset of the one or more riders, and the second team score is based at least on the score of each rider from a second subset of the one or more riders, wherein when the first team score is higher than the second team score, the first subset of the one or more riders is permitted to enter one or more of a plurality of locations; Assigning vehicle paths within the game environment to each vehicle for each rider in a first subset of the one or more riders, at least in part based on the vehicle score of each vehicle; and Provides instructions to move the vehicle along the vehicle path. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least in part, input from the one or more riders is provided based on external motion sensors disposed within the gaming environment. 30. The method of claim 28, further comprising assigning a skill level to each of the one or more riders. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining a weighted score for each of the one or more riders based at least in part on the skill level of each of the one or more riders, wherein the vehicle score is based at least in part on the weighted scores of the one or more riders. 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising assigning a skill level to one or more riders based at least in part on a score associated with the rider during a previous riding experience. 33. The method of claim 28, further comprising assigning a game character to the vehicle based on the game character selection of the one or more riders, wherein the game character is selected from a plurality of game character options, and wherein the game character options are presented based on the skill level of the one or more riders. 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising providing instructions to modify the game environment based on a game character assigned to a vehicle, wherein modifying the game environment includes modifying virtual or physical objects within the game environment. 35. A system for interactive game riding, comprising: Multiple vehicles are configured to accommodate one or more riders in a game environment, wherein each of the multiple vehicles is associated with a game character and includes vehicle interface circuitry responsive to input from the one or more riders; and The game controller is configured as follows: Receive one or more inputs from the plurality of vehicles; The score or game narrative is assigned to each individual vehicle based on one or more of the inputs. Based on the score or assigned game narrative of each individual vehicle, vehicle paths within the game environment are assigned to each of the plurality of vehicles; and Information related to the corresponding assigned vehicle path is sent to each individual vehicle, wherein the game environment includes character training features assigned to each game character, wherein the character training features include a character training room for each game character, and wherein each vehicle is only permitted to enter the character training room of the game character associated with each vehicle. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein information associated with the corresponding assigned vehicle path causes each individual vehicle to travel along the assigned vehicle path.