Abstract: Disclosed is a AI decision making solution under which the actions, reactions and behavior of an AI entity are defined in a virtual environment. In addition to gathering user interactive data within a given scenario, the disclosed principles also provide for a periodic analysis of the entire virtual environment, regardless of user interaction. This allows the disclosed AI entity to make more accurate decisions by constantly taking into account the status of the environment in addition to user interactions with the environment or other characters. Also, the disclosed principles provide an AI solution capable of modifying not only the weights assignable to data used in the decision making process, but also modifying the actual rules of the decision making process itself depending on the gathered and analyzed weighted data. As a result, the disclosed AI entity is capable of making varying decisions on the same or similar collection of data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and related methods for providing a gaming environment where users of a network system can be connected with each other, and by using predefined player virtual entities, or by creating new ones, they can play against each other, or against an artificial intelligence (AI) opponent alone or in a cooperative mode. The disclosed principles provide various options to users, and depending on a user's choice and/or the specifications of his virtual gaming entity, a system or process in accordance with the disclosed principles provides a very fast and efficient matchmaking process for identifying other virtual entities and/or users for gameplay with the searching user. This corresponds to a pleasing gaming experience for all the users participating in a virtual gaming environment, and provides a fair chance to all users to complete given goals within the gaming environment.

Abstract: A method for providing games over a wide area network is disclosed. The invention includes several methods for providing at least one game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. One method comprises receiving a request from a user to play a game, the request comprising an identification of the user; verifying that the user is eligible to play the game; receiving a payment method from the user; and enabling the game responsive to completing the steps verifying that the user is eligible and receiving a payment method.

Abstract: A method and interface for a network gaming system is disclosed. The invention includes a method for providing a game interface for a multi-player game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. This method comprises transmitting an identification of a user over a wide area network to a database server; retrieving a number of units associated with the user from the database server; executing a game on a display; indicating on the display the number of units associated with the user; updating on the display the number of units granted to the user based on a game activity of the user; depicting a link on the display for allowing use of the units by the user; and deducting from the number of units the specified member of units responsive to the use of the units by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one database server accessible through a wide area network for storing account information for the users, the database server being configured for communicating with at least one game server supporting at least one game on a client, for providing at least a portion of the account information to the game server upon receiving a user identification from the game server, and for updating the account information by the at least one database server upon receiving an update from the game server either during or after completion of a game play by one the users.

Abstract: A method and interface for advertising in a software application accessible over a computer network by a plurality of users is disclosed. A software application is executed on a display interface for interaction by a user and an advertisement is provided for display to the user on the display interface during the interaction of the user with the software application, wherein a content of the advertisement corresponds to the interaction of the user with the display interface.

Abstract: A method for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request at a server from a user for credits, wherein the credits are usable within the network gaming system; depositing the credits into an account of the user; receiving a second request for an object available within the network gaming system; and debiting the account of the user by an amount equal to a value assigned to the object.

Abstract: A method and interface for a network gaming system is disclosed. The invention includes a method for providing a game interface for a multi-player game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. This method comprises transmitting an identification of a user over a wide area network to a database server; retrieving a number of units associated with the user from the database server; executing a game on a display; indicating on the display the number of units associated with the user; updating on the display the number of units granted to the user based on a game activity of the user; depicting a link on the display for allowing use of the units by the user; and deducting from the number of units the specified member of units responsive to the use of the units by the user.

Abstract: A method for providing games over a wide area network is disclosed. The invention includes several methods for providing at least one game accessible over a wide area network by a plurality of users. One method comprises receiving a request from a user to play a game, the request comprising an identification of the user; verifying that the user is eligible to play the game; receiving a payment method from the user; and enabling the game responsive to completing the steps verifying that the user is eligible and receiving a payment method.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one database server accessible through a wide area network for storing account information for the users, the database server being configured for communicating with at least one game server supporting at least one game on a client, for providing at least a portion of the account information to the game server upon receiving a user identification from the game server, and for updating the account information by the at least one database server upon receiving an update from the game server either during or after completion of a game play by one the users.

Abstract: A method for providing a network gaming system is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a request at a server from a user for credits, wherein the credits are usable within the network gaming system; depositing the credits into an account of the user; receiving a second request for an object available within the network gaming system; and debiting the account of the user by an amount equal to a value assigned to the object.