Specifically, the patent describes a situation where:
A console or other system is being used to run a video game from storage
The player controls a character in a “virtual space”
The player can perform an input command to make a “sub character” appear (i.e. summon another character)
If there’s an enemy where the sub character appears, the player can control a battle between the sub character and the enemy
If there’s no enemy where the sub character appears, the sub character will automatically move around
The player can move the sub character to a different location on the field, and if an enemy is there they can control a battle between the sub character and the enemy
Even lawyers can’t get you out of trying to patent something that was clearly already in the market. Previously, Nintendo’s patent lawsuits had been for specific mechanics such as throwing a ball to capture npc animals.
This describes literally every pet system in any game where the pets can battle.
This is so overly broad, it’s insane.
It’s also any RPG-like game that lets you summon creatures or undead
It sounds incredibly vulnerable to this exact argument. Patents aren’t valid if it’s been invented already.
The problem is lawyers. Nintendo has billions to spend on them.
Even lawyers can’t get you out of trying to patent something that was clearly already in the market. Previously, Nintendo’s patent lawsuits had been for specific mechanics such as throwing a ball to capture npc animals.
So… Final Fantasy, Oblivion, Inscryption…
Let’s get old with it. Dragon Quest Monsters, Shin Megami, Monster Rancher ….
You can summon animals and demons and stuff in Dungeons and Dragons.
Devil May Cry V has V that functions like this as well
WoW hunters, warlocks?
OSRS has parts where you have to command your pet cat to attack rats even
Although in fairness I’d rather not have to ever deal with those mechanics ever again
Change a few little things and boom. No nintendo.
“Boom. No nintendo” sounds like a plan to me…