A newly uncovered Microsoft patent hints that the platform holder may be developing an in-game guide/FAQ service designed to assist Xbox 360 players struggling to make progress.

Spotted by Silicon Era, the patent was filed over a year ago by Andre Vrignaud, director of games platform strategy at Microsoft. It describes a database that players could access for hints when stuck. These tips could be both user submitted and created by game developers, and feature screenshots, video clips, annotations and perhaps audio commentary.

The patent suggests that the service would utilise Xbox Live, although there’s no mention of whether it would be free or only accessible to paid subscribers.

As the site points out, this type of service could also prove popular with fans of Achievements.

Nintendo recently launched its new Super Guide system with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which helps players who are stuck at any point during the game by showing them a video walkthrough.