System and method for delivering electronic media content on a multi-level basis

Abstract

A system and method for delivering an electronic video game allows a consumer to purchase the game in sequential portions. The video game is broken down into incremental portions that are each individually available for sale. A consumer purchases a first portion of the video game that contains the first level, or set of levels, of the game. When the first portion is completed by the consumer, the consumer can then buy the next sequential portion for an additional incremental sum of money. The incremental portions may contain one or more levels. Similarly, the initial purchase vehicle may contain the entire game and a consumer purchases key codes to access subsequent portions of the game.

1 . A method of distributing electronic media content comprising:
 providing electronic media content, said electronic media content being divided into a plurality of sequential portions,   fixing each of said plurality of sequential portions in a plurality of respective electronic media packages;   providing software within said first electronic media package for generating a key code at the completion of the electronic media content;   providing software within said next electronic media package to receive said key code to permit access to said next sequential portion of said electronic media content;   distributing a first one of said plurality of electronic media packages containing a first of said plurality of sequential portions of said electronic media content; and   distributing a next electronic media package containing a next sequential portion of said electronic media.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of electronic media packages is selected from the group consisting of: CD, DVD, ROM-Cartridge, memory storage device, and electronic data file. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series. 
     
     
         5 . A method of distributing electronic media content comprising:
 providing electronic media content, said electronic media content being divided into plurality of sequential portions;   fixing said plurality of sequential portions in a single electronic media package;   providing software within said electronic media package to receive access key codes to permit sequential access to said plurality of sequential portions of said electronic media content;   providing an access key code for gaining access to a first one of said plurality of sequential portions of said electronic media content;   distributing said electronic media package containing said plurality of sequential portions of said electronic media content; and   providing software for generating an additional access key code to access a next sequential portion of electronic media content.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said electronic media package is selected from the group consisting of: CD, DVD, ROM-Cartridge, memory storage device, and electronic data file. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of:
 providing software within said electronic media package for generating a completion key code at the completion of a portion of said electronic media content to verify completion of said portion of said electronic media content; and 
 providing software within said next electronic media package to receive said access key code and said completion key code to permit access to said next sequential portion of said electronic media content. 
 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said electronic media package is selected from the group consisting of: CD, DVD, ROM-Cartridge, memory storage device, and electronic data file. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said electronic media content is selected from the group consisting of: video games, books, periodicals, movies, movie series, television programs and television series.