Nintendo has been lauded recently for its use of the Kind Code in-game help system, used in New Super Mario Bros. Wii in the form of the Super Guide, which helps players get through difficult parts of the game by essentially playing the game for them.

Not to be outdone, Microsoft recently filed a patent for an in-game help system of its own, only its implementation seems to rely on hints in the form of text, audio and video, and if the console manufacturer has its way, will be entirely user generated.

According to a report by SiliconEra, the new patent filed by the Director of Games Platform Strategy at Microsoft, Andre Vrignaud, will rely on players of their consoles’ games to offer help to other players of those same games by uploading help and hints to Xbox LIVE in the form of text, screenshots and video clips, all with the ability to have notes added to them with a digital pencil.

These helpful players will also be able to add audio commentary, objects and tags to the game in question to hopefully show players who are stuck in a difficult in-game situation how to progress.

Developers, too, will have the option of adding hints to their games so players won’t get stuck for too long in areas and situations that cause overt frustration

Personally, I think this is a wonderful idea and not quite as clear-cut and, dare I say it, patronising as Nintendo’s solution, and will be interesting to see how well the community at large will respond if/when the system is implemented.

Source: SiliconEra