In a world gone mad... can sanity be patented? Apparently, as
United States Patent 6,935,954 (thanks
Slashdot) outlines a patent granted Nintendo for a "Sanity system for video
game." Here's the abstract:
A video game and game system incorporating a
game character's sanity level that is affected by occurrences in the game such
as encountering a game creature or gruesome situation. A character's sanity
level is modified by an amount determined based on a character reaction to the
occurrence such as taking a rest or slowing game progress and/or an amount of
character preparation. That is, if a character is prepared for the particular
occurrence, the occurrence may have little or no affect on the character's
sanity level. As the character's sanity level decreases, game play is effected
such as by controlling game effects, audio effects, creating hallucinations and
the like. In this context. the same game can be played differently each time it
is played.
Feel like you're losing your mind yet?