Nintendo has recently filed patents for a total of 32 in-game technologies, with the majority of them related to their popular game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These patents cover various abilities of the game’s protagonist, Link, such as ‘Fuse’, ‘Ultrahand’, and ‘Recall’. Additionally, specific abilities like Riju’s remote lightning attack have also been registered.
While it is not uncommon for Nintendo to file patents, some of these patents have raised concerns among fans. According to Automaton, some of the patents may be considered “too aggressive” or “too general”. For example, Nintendo has even registered basic ideas like the game’s loading sequences, where players use fast travel to send Link to another location and the image of the starting point map changes to a map of the destination. This patent aims to enrich the game presentation during waiting periods.
Another interesting patent mentioned is the calculation of speed when Link is on top of a “dynamic” object or vehicle. The patent describes how the movement of dynamic objects in the game is controlled by physics calculations, while the movement of the player’s character is controlled by user input. When the character is on top of an object, the movement of the dynamic object is added to the movement of the player’s character.
While these patents provide insightful descriptions, some fans are worried that Nintendo’s aggressive patenting could stifle innovation and potentially block other developers from implementing similar mechanics in their games.
It is important to note that these patents seem to focus on existing gameplay and mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom and do not necessarily indicate any new content coming to the game in the future.
In March of this year, Nintendo also patented the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
What are your thoughts on Nintendo’s recent patent filings? Leave a comment below.
[source: naoya2k.hatenablog.com, automaton-media.com, gamerant.com]
Do you believe Nintendo’s aggressive patenting of gameplay mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom could limit creativity and prevent other developers from incorporating similar features in their games
Nintendo has been causing a stir among fans with its recent patent filings. The gaming giant has submitted a whopping 32 patents for in-game technologies, most of which are related to their popular game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These patents cover a range of abilities for the game’s protagonist, Link, including intriguing ones like ‘Fuse’, ‘Ultrahand’, and ‘Recall’. But it’s not just Link who is getting some patent love – specific abilities like Riju’s remote lightning attack have also made the list.
While Nintendo frequently files patents, some fans are concerned about the implications of these particular filings. Automaton has reported that some of the patents could be seen as a bit “too aggressive” or “too general”. For instance, Nintendo has even patented basic ideas like loading sequences, where players use fast travel to transport Link to another location and the starting point map seamlessly transitions into a map of the destination. The intention behind this patent is to enhance the game presentation during those inevitable waiting periods.
One intriguing patent described by Automaton involves the calculation of speed when Link is atop a “dynamic” object or vehicle. It delves into how the movement of these dynamic objects in the game is controlled by physics calculations, while the player’s character movement is driven by user input. With this patent, when the character stands on top of an object, the movement of the dynamic object is combined with the character’s own movement. It’s an interesting mechanic that could add a new layer of complexity to gameplay.
However, not all fans are thrilled about Nintendo’s aggressive patenting. Some worry that this approach could discourage innovation and potentially prevent other developers from implementing similar mechanics in their games.
It’s worth noting that these patents seem to focus on existing gameplay and mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom, rather than hinting at any new content being added to the game in the future.
And let’s not forget, back in March, Nintendo also patented the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. So it seems the company has been quite busy in the patent department lately.
What are your thoughts on Nintendo’s recent patent filings? Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know your take on the matter.
Wow, can’t wait to see what new gameplay mechanics Nintendo has in store for Zelda!