Usable Ghosting Features in a Team-Based Game

Abstract

A system and method are disclosed for providing a ghost in an asynchronous game. Data indicative of gaming activities engaged in by a first user is recorded during asynchronous gameplay. At least one ghost to be displayed to a second user is generated with the recorded data associated with the first user. The at least one ghost is configured for use by the second user in performing at least one action.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for providing a ghost in an asynchronous game, comprising:
 recording data indicative of gaming activities engaged in by a first user during asynchronous gameplay, wherein the data is stored on a computer readable storage medium;   generating at least one ghost to be displayed to a second user with the recorded data associated with the first user; and   configuring, with a processor, the at least one ghost for use by the second user in performing at least one action.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein configuring the at least one ghost for use by the second user includes configuring the at least one ghost to assist the second user in accomplishing a task. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising storing the recorded data with a time stamp and an identifier associated with a particular gaming activity. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising shifting the at least one ghost forward or backward in time while the second user plays the game. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein configuring the at least one ghost for use by the second user includes configuring the at least one ghost to assist the second user acquiring an object in the game. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining a set of actions for configuring the at least one ghost based on the satisfaction of predetermined criteria, said predetermined criteria accounting for one of a most recent location of the first user or tasks that have been completed by the first user. 
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one ghost is a dynamic ghost that progresses with the second user during a portion of the game. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising inserting the at least one ghost on a canvas displayed to the second user during gameplay. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one ghost affects a shared canvas associated with the game during gameplay for the user first user. 
     
     
         10 . A system for providing a ghost in an asynchronous game, comprising:
 a database for storing recorded data indicative of gaming activities engaged in by a first user during asynchronous gameplay, wherein the recorded data is stored on a computer readable storage medium; and   a ghost controller configured to utilize the recorded data associated with the first user to generate at least one ghost for display to a second user, and to configure the at least one ghost for use by the second user in performing at least one action.   
     
     
         11 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the ghost controller configures the at least one ghost to assist the second user in accomplishing a task. 
     
     
         12 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the database stores the recorded data with a time stamp and an identifier associated with a particular gaming activity. 
     
     
         13 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising a time shifter for shifting the at least one ghost forward or backward in time while the second user plays the game. 
     
     
         14 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the ghost controller configures the at least one ghost to assist the second user in acquiring an object in the game. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the ghost controller determines a set of actions for configuring the at least one ghost based on the satisfaction of predetermined criteria, said predetermined criteria accounting for one of a most recent location of the first user or tasks that have been completed by the first user. 
     
     
         16 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the at least one ghost is a dynamic ghost that progresses with the second user during a portion of the game. 
     
     
         17 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the ghost controller is configured to insert the at least one ghost on a canvas displayed to the second user during gameplay. 
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the at least one ghost affects a shared canvas associated with the game during gameplay for the user first user. 
     
     
         19 . A non-transitory computer storage medium comprising a computer readable program for providing an asynchronous game, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:
 record data indicative of gaming activities engaged in by a first user during asynchronous gameplay;   generate at least one ghost to be displayed to a second user with the recorded data associated with the first user; and   configure the at least one ghost for use by the second user in performing at least one action.   
     
     
         20 . The computer storage medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the at least one ghost is configured to assist the second user in accomplishing a team task. 
     
     
         21 . The computer storage medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the at least one ghost is configured to assist the second user in acquiring an object. 
     
     
         22 . The computer storage medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the at least one ghost is a dynamic ghost that progresses with the second user during a portion of the game. 
     
     
         23 . The computer storage medium as recited in  claim 19 , wherein the at least one ghost affects a shared canvas associated with the game during gameplay for the user first user.