EA Working On “Videographer Mode” To Spectate In Online Games

Rundown:

• Electronic Arts Inc. has recently been awarded a patent for a videographer mode feature in online video games which enables players to capture gameplay footage of other players in the video game.
• The system establishes connections between the players and the videographer’s device to enable this feature and receives player input and updates the video game state, then outputs gameplay data to both the players and the videographer.
• The spectator’s perspective is attached to one of the players in the video game, and the spectator can move the perspective around the player in an orbit using controls in the videographer mode through a dedicated user interface.
• The system may determine which instance of the online video game the spectator can participate in based on determined matching factors, such as the spectator’s reputation score and the players’ skill scores.
• The system can also receive feedback from the players regarding the spectator’s performance in the video game and updates the spectator’s reputation score based on that feedback.

Earlier today, we came across a recently published patent titled “VIDEOGRAPHER MODE IN ONLINE GAMES,” filed in October 2021 under the name of Electronic Arts Inc. The patent, published earlier this month, describes a feature for online video games called “videographer mode” which allows a player (the “videographer”) to capture gameplay footage of other players in the video game. The online gaming system establishes connections between the players and the videographer’s device to enable this feature. The system receives player input and updates the video game state, then outputs gameplay data to both the players and the videographer. This feature can enhance the overall gaming experience and provide new ways to enjoy and learn from gameplay.

“A online gaming system may provide for a videographer mode in online gaming. The online gaming system may initiate an instance of an online game for players playing the online game in a player mode, establish connections to respective game clients of the players and to a videographer client of a computing device of a videographer, the videographer being a user participating in the online game in a videographer mode differing from the player mode, the videographer mode including capturing gameplay at least one of the players,” reads the abstract for the patent. “Then, the online game system may receive player input data from at least one of the players, update a game state of the instance based on the player input data, and output respective game client data to the respective game clients and videographer client data the videographer client.”

This patent aims to address the issue of frustration that may arise due to a lack of ways online video games can be experienced beyond just playing them. Specifically, it introduces a videographer mode in online gaming that allows a user to capture the gameplay of other players in the video game, in addition to playing it themselves. This mode can provide a new and unique perspective on the video game, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Furthermore, this feature not only allows players to spectate other players’ gameplay but also provides them with an opportunity to learn from them. This feature could be especially beneficial for live tournaments where players can spectate professional players in real-time and gain valuable insights into their gameplay. The system appears to be akin to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s GOTV, which enables players to record and watch their gameplay and spectate matches of others, but with additional functionalities.

According to the patent’s claims, a player can participate in an online video game in “videographer mode,” which is different from the regular “player mode.” In this mode, the player can capture the gameplay of one or more players and generate a view of the online video game from their perspective. The system uses sensors on the player’s device to change the direction of the perspective based on the device’s rotation. Therefore, it is plausible that players may have a virtual reality (VR) experience while using this feature. Additionally, the spectator’s perspective is attached to one of the players in the video game. The spectator can move the perspective around the player in an orbit using controls in the videographer mode through a dedicated user interface.

The patent describes a step in the system where the spectator can send a request to the system to participate in the online video game in the videographer mode, identifying the player they want to attach to. The system can also capture gameplay from the perspective of the spectator and store the captured data, which can include image or video data. The system may also determine which instance of the online video game the spectator can participate in based on determined matching factors, such as the spectator’s reputation score and the players’ skill scores. Then, the system receives feedback from the players regarding the spectator’s performance in the video game and updates the spectator’s reputation score based on that feedback. This could potentially create new opportunities for videographers, both paid and voluntary, that players, especially content creators, can enlist or request to capture their gameplay. Likewise, the system can also restrict the capturing of gameplay from other players in the video game. Finally, while in videographer mode, spectators can also send text messages or audio streams to players during the online gaming session.

This system could enhance the social aspects of online gaming and allow players to interact with each other in new and interesting ways. With the rise of e-sports and online gaming, this feature could provide a unique and immersive experience for players and spectators alike. It is crucial to keep in mind that while this patent is a promising advancement in the online gaming industry, it is essential to understand that it is only a patent, and its implementation is not guaranteed as of yet. It remains to be seen when or if this feature will be implemented, but it’s clear that Electronic Arts is committed to pushing the boundaries of online gaming and providing new and innovative ways for players to engage with their favourite video games.

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