> The "loading screen" patent expired in 2015[0]. I cannot think of any games which have incorporated this feature.

FIFA/EAFC, one of the highest grossing console games (possibly #1).

EA's football game had that feature since, iirc, the 2010 edition, so clearly they were not too concerned about the patent.

FIFA and Bayonetta got around this because you're actually playing a subset of the main game during loading. Not a separate game.

The Sims 3 has an item-finding minigame in its loading screens, but (for me at least) it's pretty buggy when it comes to actually recognizing inputs (frequently freezes, and there's very little input feedback so you have no idea if it's just frozen or you clicked the wrong thing).

The Sims 2 also had a memory game to kept you entertained during installation.

30 years of stifling innovation will do that to you.

Bayonetta (2009, 2014, 2023) has loading screens that double as training mode (you can practice your moves while the game is loading).

Sonic Frontiers lets you control Sonic and do practice "minigames" while the game loads.

Similarly you could just stuff around on Bayonetta during load times. Useful on 360/Ps3/Wii U but once it came out of PC, SSD speed made that practically pointless.

Rayman Origins and Legends from Ubisoft have loading screens where you can move around, sometimes even catch a powerup.

Some of the Rayman games will allow you to control a silhouette of the character while loading. You can just run around a bit and attack, nothing major, but it's something to do.

Sometimes you can catch a flying health pickup. Actual gameplay.

Online games can have longer and more unpredictable loading times.Especially when synchronizing several players.

Assassin's Creed comes to mind