Expect more Loading Screen Mini-Games Now that the Patent has Expired

You ever wonder why so many games use text during loading screens to keep people busy? I mean, this is an interactive media, and just because something is loading doesn't mean you can't do something a little more intuitive than item descriptions or repetitive gameplay tips. Well, part of the reason we haven't seen more creative use of the loading screen is because twenty years ago Namco Bandai got a patent on the idea of putting mini-games on loading screens, and to implement that idea into a game you had to either pay Namco Bandai for the privilege or not.

Well, that Patent is actually on the verge of expiring, and tomorrow, Namco's iron grip on the idea of keeping players entertained while games load will be a thing of the past just in time for loading screens to be fairly short thanks to the ceaseless advances of modern science and engineering. Ah well. Better late than never.

To celebrate Namco Bandai losing its patent (which, for the record, cannot be extended the way Copyright can, or re-applied the way Trademarks often are), several developers are holding a Loading Screen Jam, an opportunity for people to think up super-creative mini-games that can occupy those few seconds between proper gameplay bits. Think of it like a Warioware game jam in terms of scope, and I, for one, look forward to seeing what they produce.

While it'll still be a while before we see more mini-games in triple-A games (If at all--they are something of an artistic choice, after all) we can still celebrate the fact well be seeing more in the future, if nothing else. Or, if that doesn't strike your fancy, you can just continue to be apathetic. The possibilities are endless!