Microsoft has laid claim to its 5,000th patent, an online spectator mode that allows gamers to watch online games "similar to the viewing of a sporting event broadcast."
Patent no. 6,999,083 covers technologies that will be implemented in future Xbox 360 titles.
The system will allow online viewers who are not involved in actual gameplay to view game highlights and instant replays, as well as let them control camera perspectives.
A statement from Microsoft also describes "A portal such as a Web site to access spectator-related services such as schedules and information on multiple games and events as well as the number of spectators and participants in each. The portal allows the spectator to find the most popular games to watch, preview the action, and then connect to the desired game or event."
Back in 2004, a Microsoft Game Studios job advertisement searched for professionals with server experience to work on “a spectator mode for many Xenon games - Xbox TV - with tickers at the bottom of the screen featuring recent high scores and game highlights, a tournament system, and tradable trophies.”
*Information from [link=hyperlink url]www.mlgpro.com[/link]*
