Methods and systems for spectating a live video game are presented. In one embodiment, a method for performing an automated catch-up to a player is provided. The method includes providing an interface for presenting a first view of a video game on a client device where the first view has a first vantage point and includes a target player. The method includes an operation for providing a portal within the interface for presenting a second view of the target object, the second view having a second vantage point. The method further includes an operation for moving the second vantage point toward the target object within the portal. Additionally, the method provides an operation for wiping away the portal.

A method of retargeting camera motion is disclosed. Data is received that describes a position of a target along a target path. Data is received that describes a position and an orientation of a first camera along a first camera path wherein the first camera is filming the target. A second camera path is computed, the second path corresponding to a second camera. The second camera path corresponds to the first camera path with one or more exceptions. The one or more exceptions include one or more of modification of orientation data corresponding to the second camera path to place the target at the center of a camera screen associated with the second camera and removing of a camera rotation roll for the second camera. A difference is computed between the first camera path and the second camera path. The computed difference is applied to a third camera path.

A method of retargeting camera motion is disclosed. Data is received that describes a position of a target along a target path. Data is received that describes a position and an orientation of a first camera along a first camera path wherein the first camera is filming the target. A second camera path is computed, the second path corresponding to a second camera. The second camera path corresponds to the first camera path with one or more exceptions. The one or more exceptions include one or more of modification of orientation data corresponding to the second camera path to place the target at the center of a camera screen associated with the second camera and removing of a camera rotation roll for the second camera. A difference is computed between the first camera path and the second camera path. The computed difference is applied to a third camera path.

An avatar or avatar environment to visualize data may be provided within a social networking system or service, for example as part of the Internet, and/or within a desktop widget, panel, gadget, or the like. The avatar may further evolve or alter its appearance, animation, or other visual or audio characteristics in response to the data or other input such as athletic activity performed by a corresponding user. In particular, the avatar of an embodiment may respond to and provide visualization of athletic or sport performance data.

An avatar or avatar environment to visualize data may be provided within a social networking system or service, for example as part of the Internet, and/or within a desktop widget, panel, gadget, or the like. The avatar may further evolve or alter its appearance, animation, or other visual or audio characteristics in response to the data or other input such as athletic activity performed by a corresponding user. In particular, the avatar of an embodiment may respond to and provide visualization of athletic or sport performance data.

In some embodiments, a detecting endpoint system accessing a shared virtual environment detects a collision between a target avatar and an object within the shared virtual environment. The detecting endpoint system transmits a location change notification for a head of the target avatar. An observer endpoint system moves the head of the target avatar based on the location change notification. A target endpoint system associated with the target avatar does not move its viewpoint based on the location change notification. In some embodiments, this decoupling of viewpoint from the avatar allows for a more immersive experience for all users.

In some embodiments, a detecting endpoint system accessing a shared virtual environment detects a collision between a target avatar and an object within the shared virtual environment. The detecting endpoint system transmits a location change notification for a head of the target avatar. An observer endpoint system moves the head of the target avatar based on the location change notification. A target endpoint system associated with the target avatar does not move its viewpoint based on the location change notification. In some embodiments, this decoupling of viewpoint from the avatar allows for a more immersive experience for all users.

Methods and systems for spectating a live video game are presented. In one method embodiment, an operation includes providing an interface for presenting an overhead view of an interactive environment of a video game on a head mounted display (HMD). The method also provides an operation for providing a magnifying window for displaying a magnified view of the interactive environment, where the magnified view is associated with a second vantage point that is closer to the interactive environment than is a first vantage point of the overhead view. The method further provides an operation for tracking a real-world position of a controller of the spectator and moving the location of the magnifying window to correspond to the real-world position of the controller.

Methods and systems for spectating a live video game are presented. In one method embodiment, an operation includes providing an interface for presenting an overhead view of an interactive environment of a video game on a head mounted display (HMD). The method also provides an operation for providing a magnifying window for displaying a magnified view of the interactive environment, where the magnified view is associated with a second vantage point that is closer to the interactive environment than is a first vantage point of the overhead view. The method further provides an operation for tracking a real-world position of a controller of the spectator and moving the location of the magnifying window to correspond to the real-world position of the controller.

In a multiplayer video game, virtual cameras are controlled by continually assessing and ranking storylines relating to the interactions of various players during a game session. A ranking for each storyline may be based on various factors such as, but not limited to, what the players can see, the distance between certain players, nearby game items or in-game. Subsequently, at least one virtual camera is navigated to provide a view of the highest-ranking storyline, subject to certain limitations on how the camera can move, transition, or otherwise display the interactions between players. In embodiments, a set of rules including rules of cinematography, are used to provide additional control of the movement of the virtual camera. In embodiments, movements of a human camera-person are used on a mocap system to control the movement of the virtual camera.