Sony must be on a patent spree or something, because another one of theirs just surfaced. This one, uncovered by sleuths over at Siliconera, is about demos that, over time, lose functionality (or, "erode"
and, in turn, starts asking to buy the full version more often.
Some examples from the patent show a character wielding a huge sword that, as time goes on, shrinks down significantly, and a racing game that starts off with four tracks, but after several races, is reduced to one.
Here's a few interesting snippets from the filing:
"While a user may initially experience most or all of the full version of the game in a demonstration mode, the mode implements trigger metrics to erode game play characteristics, such as character, object, event and/or environmental features, during video game play in the demonstration mode." (Emphasis added.)
"A demonstration video game permits garners a more complete game experience while promoting a desire to acquire permission to continue playing. In some embodiments, a video game is implemented with trigger metrics. Thus, fewer play characteristics may be available as play continues in this mode. Multiple trigger metrics may gradually and successively limit play characteristics as play with the game continues." (Emphasis added)
"As the gamer loses functionality, the user may be prompted with the trigger metrics to purchase permission to continue the game in a non-demonstration mode that disables the trigger metrics and returns the game to the more complete version." (Emphasis added)
The filing can be read in its entirety here.
Callum Rakestraw, NoobFeed.