Why is it that companies cannot copyright game mechanics, but can patent them?

Question

For example, the dialogue wheel from Bioware, or the Nemesis system by WB.

In: 71

Answer 1

Patents are used for inventions, (mechanics, equipment) while copyright is more to do with protecting someone’s literary and artistic skills (content, look and feel, the actual dialogue).

From: [https://legal-translations.com.au/difference-copyright-patent-trademark/](https://legal-translations.com.au/difference-copyright-patent-trademark/)