The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has had patents secured for numerous aspects of the game by Nintendo. Learn more about the skills being patented, the reasoning behind it, and what critics have to say about it.
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Nintendo Releases Tears of the Kingdom Patents
Used as Basis for Corporation Patents
Nintendo has recently come under fire for an increase in patent filings. Many of the registered patents have become public during the past month, most of which appear to revolve around The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
A careful analysis undertaken by Patent Result, a company committed to collecting and analyzing patent and business data, revealed an unusual statistic: Nintendo's patents had been invoked an astounding 180 times as one of the reasons for rejecting other corporations' patents in 2022. This incredible number highlights the breadth and importance of Nintendo's intellectual property portfolio.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Patents
Between the brief window of July 10 and August 4, Nintendo released a stunning collection of 32 patents into the public domain. Even more intriguing, a significant portion of these patents—31 in total—seem to converge around the anticipated title The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
This has piqued the interest of fans and analysts alike, sparking vigorous discussions about the mechanics, gameplay elements, and narrative facets included in these patents.
The spectrum of these patents extends from general gameplay mechanics to intricate in-game abilities, providing a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of innovation woven into Tears of the Kingdom.
Among the unveiled patents, names like Ultrahand
and Fuse
are overarching mechanics that shaped the gameplay experience. Additionally, Nintendo has meticulously detailed patents related to the abilities of specific side characters, such as the patent for Riju's remote lightning attack, the object-riding function and loading screen sequence.
This demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to even the most minor details, guaranteeing that every aspect of the game experience is perfectly tuned.
Critics Find the Patents Excessive
Some critics contend that Nintendo's rigorous patenting strategy stifles innovation in the industry and limits the freedom of other developers to explore novel techniques. But it's crucial to understand that these patents have a dual purpose.
Nintendo clearly protects its intellectual property, allowing the company to continue developing innovative and engaging games. Still, they also demonstrate the company's dedication to upholding the highest levels of gameplay quality. The increase in patent applications shows the company's commitment to protecting its creations.
Sources:
Patent Result List
