Method and apparatus for developing video game elements with automatic game element evaluation

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for developing game elements, such as game levels, to be included within a video game that can be played upon a data processing apparatus such as a computer, a game console, or a mobile device. The method includes receiving a set of desired game element characteristics, as might be prescribed by a game framework, automatically evaluating the game element to determine its characteristics, and including the game element into the game framework if the element matches the desired characteristics. The apparatus can implement the method using computer readable medium and a processor, or by allowing a user to create a game element, while automatically evaluating the game element to determine whether it matches the desired set of characteristics.

1 . A method for developing a game element, to be used within a game adapted to be played using a data processing apparatus, comprising:
 providing a predetermined set of characteristics specific to the game element being developed;   receiving the game element; and   including the game element into a game framework when the game element is determined by an automated evaluation process as having met the predetermined set of characteristics.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the game element is excluded from the game framework when the game element is determined by the automated evaluation process as having not met the predetermined set of characteristics. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the game is a video game. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the game element is used within a level of the game framework. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the game element is an entire level of the game framework. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined set of characteristics comprises a difficulty measure of the game element. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the set of characteristics are determined such that the inclusion of the game element within the game framework will ensure that the game framework provides a progression of difficulty. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the automated evaluation process comprises presenting to a creator of the game element a determination result of whether the game element meets the predetermined set of characteristics, thereby enabling the creator to respond to the determination result. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein a change in the game element triggers the automated evaluation process to re-determine whether the game element as changed meets the predetermined characteristics. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the automated evaluation process comprises presenting to the creator of the game element a re-determination result of whether the game element as changed meets the predetermined set of characteristics, thereby enabling the creator to respond to the re-determination result. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the game element is received or included into the game framework over a data network. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the data network is the Internet. 
   
   
       13 . A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to direct a processor to perform a method comprising:
 providing a predetermined set of game element characteristics;   receiving a game element;   determining via a data processing apparatus, based upon the set of predetermined characteristics, whether the game element description satisfies the game element characteristics.   
   
   
       14 . The medium of  claim 13  is further configured to direct a processor to receive the game element from a computer executable method of game element creation. 
   
   
       15 . The medium of  claim 14  is further configured to direct a processor to provide the results of the determination to the computer executable method of game element creation. 
   
   
       16 . The medium of  claim 14  is further configured to direct a processor to provide the results of the determination to a method which, if the determination indicates that the game element satisfies the set of game element characteristics, adds the game element to a game framework. 
   
   
       17 . A computer readable medium storing instructions configured to direct a processor to perform a method comprising:
 receiving a predetermined set of game element characteristics;   accepting user input to create a game element;   determining via a data processing apparatus, based upon the set of predetermined characteristics, whether the game element satisfies the game element characteristics.   
   
   
       18 . The medium of  claim 17  is further configured to direct the processor to provide the results of the game element determination to the user, allowing the user to see the results of the determination and provide additional user input which can change the game element. 
   
   
       19 . The medium of  claim 18  is further configured to direct the processor to provide the user, when the determination shows the game element to match the predetermined characteristics, the option of executing a method which submits the game element to a game framework.