Microsoft's latest patent shows that the software giant isn't foolin' around with online gaming. The company's was granted its 5,000th U.S. patent that provides for tech that will hopefully help take gaming to a worldwide spectator sport. The patent was filed back in 2001, and is now announcing the new game-viewing technology. Currently, Project Gotham Racing 3 has already dabbled with spectator-like features through "Gotham TV," which allows players to watch global races.

Here is what the new technology can do:

* A system for generating a spectator experience in real time from a game or event, such as highlights, instant replays, and unique views of the action within a game to enhance the experience for spectators rather than players. Using viewing controls, a spectator can control one or more virtual cameras to select desired viewpoints or an automated camera control to frame the action and perform specific cuts to best convey the story and action. The game and in turn the spectator experience may vary as a function of participant interactions and other contributions to the game based on real-time spectator activity.

* A portal such as a Web site to access spectator-related services such as schedules and information on multiple games and events as well as the number of spectators and participants in each. The portal allows the spectator to find the most popular games to watch, preview the action, and then connect to the desired game or event.

Somebody's playing for keeps. Your move, Sony.

MSoft Announcement [Official Site] via PixelGamers Thanks, Chris!
Patent Here [US Government]