You certainly can't copyright a game mechanic. But, as long as software, algorithms and business processes are patentable so are game mechanics. Also, patents

You certainly can't copyright a game mechanic. But, as long as software, algorithms and business processes are patentable so are game mechanics. Also, patents aren't so much about "what's patentable" as "How much are you willing to pay lawyers to uphold/get tossed out a patent"