Apparatus and method for executing a game program having advertisements therein

Abstract

A game system which is operable to update advertisements that are displayed when a game program is executed. The system stores a game program in a memory, receives (i.e., downloads), at predetermined times of operation, for example, on each new day the game program is executed or each time the game program is executed, updated advertising data that relates to at least one advertisement, stores the received advertising data in the memory, executes the game program stored in the memory, and outputs during the execution of the game program display data which corresponds to the stored advertisement data in accordance with the game program code. Further, instead of downloading new advertisements, plural advertisements may be prestored with the game program and only advertisement selection codes are downloaded to update the advertisements that are displayed when the game program is executed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and method for executing a game program having advertisements therein and, more particularly, to apparatus and method for executing a game program in which advertisements displayed therein can be updated by downloading new advertisement data prior to the execution thereof.[0002] As is known, video games or "game machines" are extremely popular and are generally located in video arcades. Many video games, for example, auto racing programs and flight simulators, now are commercially available in the form of game systems and computer programs that may be executed by personal computers in the home. Such game programs, for example, auto racing programs, display background scenario such as houses, city sky-lines, billboards, trees, etc., along with the racing cars to make the auto racing game appear "realistic". To make the game further appear realistic, billboards and other such advertising signs in the racing program display either gener...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution enables game programs to maintain relevant and current advertisements, increasing profit potential by allowing dynamic ad changes, potentially lowering game program purchase prices and increasing consumer demand.

Problems solved by technology

These advertisements, however, are not commercial advertisements because they are not intended to persuade the viewer to purchase a specific product.

Furthermore, even if a particular game program contains an advertisement therein that can be considered to be a commercial advertisement, since game programs generally are not modified once they are released for purchase by the public, there is the possibility that such an advertisement included in the game program will become "obsolete" within a short period of time after the purchase thereof, for example, as when the advertised product is no longer sold.

Therefore, one problem encountered with typical game programs is their general inability to maximize profits made from advertisements that are displayed during the execution thereof.

Furthermore, and similar to commercial television, if profits from commercial advertisements in game programs increased, software companies could, in theory, substantially lower the purchase price of such game programs which, in turn, would generally result in the increase of consumer purchases thereof.

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