Activision Patents System for Customizing Replays

A recently filed patent from Activision reveals the developer may be working on a system for players to customize their post-game replays. Between Activision and Blizzard, the publisher conglomerate has created some of the most popular online games in the gaming world, particularly with its shooters. Call of Duty stands as one of the most successful modern video game franchises and Overwatch has recently seen a major resurgence, thanks to the recent early access launch of Overwatch 2. Now, Activision looks to be creating a new system for players to style and personalize their replays.

The patent from Activision contains details for a "system for customizing a replay of one or more game events" with a variety of features included for customizing replays. The description of the system directly mentions the Call of Duty franchise's "KillCam" and references the ability to include more events within a replay. The system is also mentioned to potentially include an event log for replays, recording inputs from the in-game event like button presses, mouse movements, and more. Players would then be able to add different visual elements like text, graphics, and editing the clip's video or audio.

The extended description for the patent also references the ability for players to create templates for specific kinds of replays in games like Call of Duty. The system allows a player to call one of these multiple templates in-game, allowing players to personalize their in-game experience in the heat of a match. The description also suggests a player's custom elements for kill replays would be visible to the player on the other end. Activision also stressed that, while offering examples specific to shooter games, the replay system could be used for a variety of different game genres.

A new system for replays would look to be a major benefit for many of Activision Blizzard's biggest franchises. Alongside the previously-mentioned Overwatch 2, Activision and Infinity Ward are set to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 later this week, with the newest Call of Duty campaign already available in early access. Both games make heavy use of in-game replays for major events like player kills and the "Play of the Game" system. A customizable replay system would allow players to add their own personal flair to their in-game exploits.

With only a few days left until Modern Warfare 2's release, Activision has already given players plenty of reason to get in on the game early. With the campaign available before the game's multiplayer releases, Infinity Ward is providing players with several bonuses for playing Modern Warfare 2's campaign like bonus XP, Operators, and Calling Cards. Activision and Blizzard's shooters have become some of gaming's most popular franchises and the addition of customizable replays would look to be another enticing feature for fans.