Gated Unlock Codes for Videogame Features and Content

Abstract

There is provided a system and method for gated unlock codes for videogame features and content. By maintaining a redemption database where master unlock codes are used to provide access to specific subsets of feature unlock codes, unique exclusive content may be provided for different retailers. In this manner, a universal game media containing all possible additional content may be utilized for retail distribution, reducing publishing costs while still providing customized versions for retailers with desirable exclusive content. By restricting each gaming device or user account to a single group or hierarchy of master unlock codes, the use o f ancillary unlock codes with videogames purchased from different retailers may be discouraged, thereby preserving user incentives to purchase primary and secondary items with feature unlock codes at a single retailer.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A gaming device comprising:
 a memory configured to store a program code;   a processor configured to:
 execute the program code from the memory to provide an interactive videogame on a display; 
 display a first query on the display requesting one of a plurality of master unlock codes associated with the interactive videogame, wherein each of the plurality of master unlock codes corresponds to a specific retailer of a plurality of retailers each assigned a unique master unlock code from the plurality of master unlock codes; 
 receive a first master unlock code of the plurality of master unlock codes in response to the first query; 
 verify the first master unlock code; 
 provide access to a list of a plurality of features corresponding to the specific retailer in response to verifying the first master unlock code, wherein each of the plurality of features having a corresponding feature unlock code of a plurality of feature unlock codes; 
 receive a request for a first feature of the plurality of features corresponding to the specific retailer; 
 display a second query on the display requesting the feature unlock code of the plurality of feature unlock codes corresponding to the first feature; 
 receive the feature unlock code in response to the second query; 
 verify the feature unlock code; and 
 grant access to the first feature in response to verifying the feature unlock code. 
   
     
     
         22 . The gaming device of  claim 21 , wherein he first master unlock code is provided with a purchase from a first retailer of a game media containing the program code. 
     
     
         23 . The gaming device of  claim 22 , wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from the first retailer of a secondary item. 
     
     
         24 . The gaming device of  claim 22 , wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from a second retailer of a secondary item. 
     
     
         25 . The gaming device of  claim 24 , wherein the secondary item is one of Blu-ray or DVD discs, movie tickets and game accessories. 
     
     
         26 . The gaming device of  claim 21 , wherein the plurality of master unlock codes are each associated with mutually exclusive feature unlock codes. 
     
     
         27 . The gaming device of  claim 21 , wherein the processor is configured to verify the first master unlock code by accessing a database over a network. 
     
     
         28 . A method for use by a gaming device having a processor and a memory configured to store program code, the method comprising:
 executing, using the processor, the program code from the memory to provide an interactive videogame on a display;   displaying, using the processor, a first query on the display requesting one of a plurality of master unlock codes associated with the interactive videogame, wherein each of the plurality of master unlock codes corresponds to a specific retailer of a plurality of retailers each assigned a unique master unlock code from the plurality of master unlock codes;   receiving, using the processor, a first master unlock code of the plurality of master unlock codes in response to the first query;   verifying, using the processor, the first master unlock code;   providing, using the processor, access to a list of a plurality of features corresponding to the specific retailer in response to verifying the first master unlock code, wherein each of the plurality of features having a corresponding feature unlock code of a plurality of feature unlock codes;   receiving, using the processor, a request for a first feature of the plurality of features corresponding to the specific retailer;   displaying, using the processor, a second query on the display requesting the feature unlock code of the plurality of feature unlock codes corresponding to the first feature;   receiving, using the processor, the feature unlock code in response to the second query;   verifying, using the processor, the feature unlock code; and   granting, using the processor, access to the first feature in response to verifying the feature unlock code.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the first master unlock code is provided with a purchase from a first retailer of a game media containing the program code. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from the first retailer of a secondary item. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from a second retailer of a secondary item. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the secondary item is one of Blu-ray or DVD discs, movie tickets and game accessories. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the plurality of master unlock codes are each associated with mutually exclusive feature unlock codes. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the verifying of the first master unlock code includes accessing a database over a network.