Microsoft patents in-game guidance system

Patent papers filed by Microsoft Director of Games Platform Strategy Andre Vrignaud suggest the corporation has been developing an in-game help system for the XBox 360 console.

Much like the Super Guide feature built into New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the untitled XBox user guide system is intended to help frustrated players overcome challenges by offering a list of user-submitted tips and guides.

The service demands a connection to XBox Live (no word yet on whether Gold membership is a requirement) and offers helpful players the opportunity to submit text guides, audio commentary and even edit video and screenshots with a digital stylus (a la John Madden and his trusty Telestrator tablet.) The ambitious system is expected to be organized hierarchically via user reviews and a tagging system, allowing players to filter the database by specific enemies, levels or game modes. Developers are expected to have the option of submitting their own tips and guides, which will be flagged as premium content.

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Patent papers filed by Microsoft Director of Games Platform Strategy Andre Vrignaud suggest the corporation has been developing an in-game help system for the XBox 360 console.

Much like the Super Guide feature built into New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the untitled XBox user guide system is intended to help frustrated players overcome challenges by offering a list of user-submitted tips and guides.

The service demands a connection to XBox Live (no word yet on whether Gold membership is a requirement) and offers helpful players the opportunity to submit text guides, audio commentary and even edit video and screenshots with a digital stylus (a la John Madden and his trusty Telestrator tablet.) The ambitious system is expected to be organized hierarchically via user reviews and a tagging system, allowing players to filter the database by specific enemies, levels or game modes. Developers are expected to have the option of submitting their own tips and guides, which will be flagged as premium content.

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