Appeal No. 2003-1371 Page 2
Application No. 09/186,856
Berkley Systems have allowed multiple players to compete via the Internet. (Spec. at
1.)
The appellants opine that the market for computer games is driven by action
games that attract boys. To date, they add, most commercially successful computer
games have been written for, and marketed to, boys. (Id.)
In contrast, the appellants' computer game requires its two players to act
cooperatively (and independently) to complete the game. Different modes of
cooperation are provided within the context of a story and include holding a door for a
player, handing a tool to a player, and helping a player lift an object. Furthermore, both
players must complete the game together; neither player can complete the game
without the other. (Id. at 47.) The appellants believe that such cooperation "is
necessary for the success of a girl-directed computer game." (Id. at 8.)
A split-screen mode and a single-screen mode enhance the difference between
cooperative action and independent action. When players are cooperating, the single-
screen mode is generally used; when players are acting independently, the split-screen
mode is generally used. (Id. at 47.) The appellants believe that the modes, which allow
close interaction between players, will appeal to girls. (Id. at 13.)
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