A Method and Apparatus For Providing A Simulated Band Experience Including Online Interaction and Downloaded Content

1 . A method for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network comprising:

a. displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition;

b. receiving music performance input from the first player, the received music performance input associated with a first instrument present in the musical composition;

c. displaying to a second player target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition, the second player located remotely from the first player; and

d. receiving music performance input from the second player, the received music performance input associated with a second instrument present in the musical composition.

2 . The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition, the target musical data disposed along a musical time axis that does not lie in the image plane of a display associated with the first player.

3 . The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) comprises receiving music performance input from the first player via a controller resembling a first musical instrument.

4 . The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) comprises receiving music performance input from the second player, the received music performance input associated with a second instrument present in the musical composition, wherein the first player and second player cooperate to provide music performance input.

5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of

a. displaying to a third player target musical data associated with a musical composition, the third player physically proximate to the first player; and

b. receiving music performance input from the third player, the received music performance input associated with a third instrument present in the musical composition.

6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving emulation data representing music performance input from the second player.

7 . The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of generating a local approximation of the second player's music performance input using the emulation data, the local approximation synchronous with a local musical performance.

8 . The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of downloading content usable with the game.

9 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading an avatar for display to the first player.

10 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading a play arena for the game.

11 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading an instrument for display with an avatar.

12 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading an outfit for an avatar.

13 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading an accessory for an avatar.

14 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading an avatar action for execution.

15 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading a new style of musical instrument for display with an avatar.

16 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading a new type of instrument for display with an avatar.

17 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading a banner associated with a plurality of avatars for display.

18 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading stage equipment associated with a plurality of avatars.

19 . The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of downloading pyrotechnic stage equipment associated with a plurality of avatars.

20 . A system for facilitating real-time interaction between a first and second player of a music-based video game via a network, the system comprising:

a. means for displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue;

b. means for receiving music performance input from the first player, the received music performance input associated with a first instrument present in the musical composition;

c. means for displaying to a second player, the second player located remotely from the first player, target musical data associated with the downloaded musical composition; and

d. means for receiving music performance input from the second player.

21 . The system of claim 20 further comprising means for displaying to a first player target musical data associated with a musical composition downloaded from an online venue, the target musical data disposed along a musical time axis that does not lie in the image plane of a display associated with the first player.

22 . The system of claim 20 wherein the means for receiving music performance input comprises a controller resembling a first musical instrument.

23 . The system of claim 20 further comprising means for assigning a single score to the first player and the second player responsive to the music performance input received from the first and second player in cooperation.

24 . The system of claim 20 further comprising:

a. means for displaying to a third player target musical data associated with a downloaded musical composition, the third player physically proximate to the first player; and

b. means for receiving music performance input from the third player, the received music performance input associated with a third instrument present in the musical composition.

25 . The system of claim 20 further comprising means for receiving emulation data representing music performance input from the second player.

26 . The system of claim 25 further comprising means for generating a local approximation of the second player's music performance input using the emulation data, the local approximation synchronous with a local musical performance.

27 . The system of claim 20 further comprising means for downloading content associated with game.