Zynga Patents

Zynga Inc. develops, markets and operates social games played on the iOS and Android mobile platforms and the Facebook social networking website. Their popular game brands include FarmVille, Words With Friends, Zynga Poker, Hit It Rich! Slots and CSR Racing.

Zynga Patents by Type
  • Zynga Patents Granted: Zynga patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Zynga Patent Applications: Zynga patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Patent number: 11957982
    Abstract: A game management system generates a multidimensional parametric player model representative of player behavior by one or more players in a computer game. The parametric player model populated is used in the identification of groups or clusters of players, and/or in at least partly automated configuration of custom game content for behavior consistent with the parametric player model. A single parametric player model is defines a single set of parametric values corresponding to multiple predefined gameplay parameters, and can be used to model the behavior of a single respective player or to model the behavior of multiple players (e.g., based on cumulative historical gameplay data for the relevant players), providing a representative player model for those players. The player model is ingested by a content generator configured to generate game content customized to the behavior represented by the player model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11957972
    Abstract: A communication analysis system for an online game is described. A communication history among players of the online game is retrieved. Communication tracking metrics are generated based on the communication history of the players of the online game. A retention analysis is performed with the communication tracking metrics to determine retention of players of the online game. A retention recommendation is generated based on the retention analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Girish Keswani, Jim Baer, Kenneth Rudin, Daniel McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 11948433
    Abstract: A game server is configured to implement a multiplayer online computer-implemented game that provides an inflationary economy system which allows for growth in a player's in-game virtual currency with an increase in game level or experience, while attenuating the in-game purchasing power by concomitantly inflating virtual currency value of predefined inflationary features. The inflationary features include rewards or winnings available by the player pursuant to gameplay success. Players at different inflationary levels can compete in-game for a common reward or jackpot, but a virtual currency value of the reward is denominated differently at different inflation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Kin Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 11904237
    Abstract: A online gaming system provides for presentation on a user device of actionable game-related push notifications. The push notification is presented outside of a game interface and includes both contextual information about a particular game event and one or more action elements. Responsive to selection of a particular action element, a corresponding game-related action is performed with launching or switching to a game application for the game on the user device. Thus, the push notification mechanism provides for performance of a game-related action without receiving user input via a game-specific user interface provided by a corresponding game application executed by the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bucher, Troy Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 11869313
    Abstract: A game server is configured to implement a multiplayer online computer-implemented game that provides an inflationary economy system which allows for growth in a player's in-game virtual currency with an increase in game level or experience, while attenuating the in-game purchasing power by concomitantly inflating virtual currency value of predefined inflationary features. The inflationary features include rewards or winnings available by the player pursuant to gameplay success. Players at different inflationary levels can compete in-game for a common reward or jackpot, but a virtual currency value of the reward is denominated differently at different inflation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Kin Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 11806624
    Abstract: A game server receives data associated with gameplay of one or more user accounts, the one or more user accounts being used for playing a designated game. The game server computes, for the one or more user accounts, a player model representing previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts. The game server identifies, based on the player model, configuration values for the designated game. The configuration values represent data to specify operation of the designated game. The configuration values represent at least one of a game mechanics configuration and a game parameter configuration. The game server causes transmission of the configuration values to a client device. The configuration values cause the client device to adjust a game engine at the client device based on the previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11738272
    Abstract: A game management system provides a content generator configured for automated generation of custom game content based on a plurality of parametric values that model gameplay behavior of one or more players for whom the game content is to be customized. The customized configuration is generated in a predefined sequence of progressive configuration stages. In each stage, a respective configurable feature is assigned a custom value that is determined (e.g., in a biased or constrained randomized operation) based on a respectively linked parameter value from the data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11724193
    Abstract: A game management system is configured for automated analysis of player behavior regarding traversal of different screens and options in a game application (as opposed to exclusively gameplay behavior) and to generate an automated estimation or inference about one or more psychological aspects of player behavior, such as motivation for game engagement and/or emotional states at different stages of interaction. The results of such analysis are automatically parametrized and included in a multidimensional parametric player model that informs player clustering and/or automated customization of game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11724180
    Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for automatic game creation are presented. An access module can access player information for a receiver and an originator. Additionally, a matching module can determine that the receiver and the originator have a connection based on the player information. Furthermore, a game invitation module can detect that a recipient game is installed on an originator device of the originator and that the recipient game is not installed on a receiver device of the receiver. Subsequently, the game invitation module can send, to the receiver device, a game invitation to play the recipient game based on the determination and the detection, with the game invitation including information associated with the originator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Abhinav Agrawal, Adam Ja Ming Yim, Kohta Aoki Wajima
  • Patent number: 11727756
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a computer-implemented online game provides dynamically variable rewards to incentivize player interaction with sponsored content presented within the game. The particular reward offered to incentivize player interaction with particular sponsored content (e.g., a particular advertisement) can be dynamically variable based on the attributes of the player, thus providing user-specific custom rewards for interaction with sponsored content. Properties of incentive rewards that may be dynamically variable can include a custom type of in-game asset or resource, and/or a custom amount of a particular in-game asset or resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Marc Burgin, Diwakar Gupta, Simon Asselin
  • Patent number: 11673049
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include a particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data. Additional parameters for which operator input mechanisms are provided by the generator interface include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form a game event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11654370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing recommendations of online games to friends of social network are described. A method for processing recommendations includes identifying a gaming session of a user on an online game provider network, accessing a use profile of the user for the online games of the online game provider network, and accessing a social graph of the user to identify friends of the user and respective friend profiles from the social network. The method further includes producing a recommendation of an online game. The recommendation includes an identification of a target friend of the user and is being provided by examination of the use profile of the user and friend profiles in the social graph. The method includes providing the recommendation to the user. The recommendation also includes an offer incentive to the user to share the recommendation with the target friend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar Rama Rao, Ara Nicholas Yessayan, Jr., Paul David Bettner, David Bettner, Paolo Malabuyo, Benjamin F. Gregorski, Michael Chow, Yie Lyn Choo
  • Patent number: 11642594
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form the game event. In addition, the generator interface in some examples enables the operator to selectively vary the particular number of game levels that are together to form the game event, via an event sizing mechanism provided by the generator interface. A particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data can also be selected in the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11636505
    Abstract: A method of incentivizing location-based actions by groups is disclosed. A group of users of a game networking system is notified that an incentive reward is to be provided based on a number of members of the group performing a location-based action transgressing a threshold. The incentive reward is provided based on the number of members of the group performing the location-based action transgressing the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Paul Bethke, Scott Koenigsberg, Amitt Mahajan, Matthew Adam Ocko
  • Patent number: 11628364
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Anshul Dhawan, Michael Gauthier, Oliver Attila Tabay, Jeffrey Zakrzewski
  • Patent number: 11623135
    Abstract: A swipe input mechanism for a computer-implemented game presented on a touchscreen allows for user-selection of different menu options by swipe gestures in different directions via a swipe menu dedicated to receiving such swipe input. In a third person shooter game or a first-person shooter game user-selection of different character abilities are enabled via the swipe menu. The swipe menu is a floating user interface element that auto-adjusts its on-screen position to register with the position of user touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hemby, Kevin Michael Adsett, Jameson Francis Thatcher
  • Patent number: 11602688
    Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing reciprocation of game asset gifts from a player is provided. A notification of a game asset of a first player that is available to a plurality of players is sent from a game server to the plurality of players. The notification is sent through a web feed in a game user interface of each player of the plurality of players. A first response requesting the game asset of the first player is received from a second web feed in a second game user interface of a second player in response to the notification. The game asset is provided to a second account of the second player in response to the first response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Hall, Dylan Sproule, Ben Hall, Timothy J. O. Catlin, Jason Paul Allen, Clayton Rhodes Stark
  • Patent number: 11590424
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Patent number: 11565182
    Abstract: A game management system generates a multidimensional parametric player model representative of player behavior by one or more players in a computer game. The parametric player model populated is used in the identification of groups or clusters of players, and/or in at least partly automated configuration of custom game content for behavior consistent with the parametric player model. A single parametric player model is defines a single set of parametric values corresponding to multiple predefined gameplay parameters, and can be used to model the behavior of a single respective player or to model the behavior of multiple players (e.g., based on cumulative historical gameplay data for the relevant players), providing a representative player model for those players. The player model is ingested by a content generator configured to generate game content customized to the behavior represented by the player model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11562626
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 11547943
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing social network content in an online game is disclosed herein. Content is obtained from a social network site and is displayed within the game. The game also provides a mechanism for the user of the game to generate content to the posted within the social network from within the game. Such generated content is automatically posted in the social network for a recipient specified by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jinming Cao, Lin Hou, Chao Guo, Xingguang Yu, Huiqiang Liu, Kerry Yang, Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 11498006
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang (Amy) Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Patent number: 11471759
    Abstract: A method of providing virtual items based on location-based action is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A virtual item is provided based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game. The virtual item may be usable within the computer-implemented game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen Auterio, Deniz Ersever, Nathan Arthur Etter, Hardik Kheskani, Serena Lam, Amitt Mahajan, Christopher Joseph Makarsky, Jay Monahan, Donald C. Mosites, Benjamin Mullin, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds, Shantanu Talapatra, Justin Waldron, Ian Wang, Jackson Wang
  • Patent number: 11465052
    Abstract: A client device receives compiled software for a game engine. The game engine is for playing a designated game. The client device receives a game definition file for the designated game. The game definition file stores rules for the designated game. The game definition file defines the rules using non-compiled machine-readable code. The client device executes the game engine at the client device to enable playing of the designated game via the client device. Executing the game engine includes: accessing the game definition file; and providing, via a user interface generated on the client device, interactive gameplay of the designated game according to the rules for the designated game defined by the game definition file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11420126
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
  • Patent number: 11420115
    Abstract: A game server generates a set of game content items for a designated game. The set of game content items is customized for one or more user accounts based on numerical values from a player model representing the one or more user accounts. The player model is generated based on previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts while playing the designated game. The game server forecasts, using the player model, a sequence of user actions of the one or more user accounts during gameplay of the designated game with the generated set of game content items. The sequence of user actions represents a prediction of in-game user interaction with the set of game content items. The game server computes a set of metrics associated with gameplay of the one or more user accounts represented by the player model in the designated game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11406900
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for defining an in-game event requiting accumulation of a pre-defined set of virtual objects in a virtual game (or online game) prior to termination of the in-game event. The System Tuner determines a head-start subset from the pre-defined set of virtual objects for a target player account based on a difference between a reference player skill level for the virtual game and a player skill level of the target player account. The System Tuner determines, based on the player skill level of the target player account and a pre-defined duration of the in-game event, a drop rate for virtual objects remaining in the pre-defined set of virtual objects. The System Tuner sends the head-start subset and the drop rate to a client device associated with the target player account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Patton, Jean Luo, Jack Lim, Tim LeTourneau, Alexi Chialtas, Joseph Traverso, Hao Chen
  • Patent number: 11395966
    Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating game configurations are presented. For example, a system may receive a game configuration request message from a client device being operated by a player playing a virtual game. The game configuration request message may be sent, for example, in response to the player initiating a new game of the virtual game. The system may then select a game configuration based at least in part on historical performance data associated with the selected game configuration. The historical performance data may accumulate performance data from a group of players that previously played the virtual game using the selected game configuration. The system then communicates the selected game configuration to the client device. The player may play the virtual game using the selected game configuration as the initial game configuration for the virtual game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: M. Ian Graham, Ya-Bing Chu
  • Patent number: 11376504
    Abstract: A method of changing a virtual world of a computer-implemented game based on real-world locations of players of the computer-implemented game is disclosed. A presence of a player of the computer-implemented game is detected at a physical location. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game is detected at the physical location based on a communication received from the player of the computer-implemented game. An aspect of the virtual world of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting of the presence of the player at the physical location and the detecting of the presence of the additional player of the computer-implemented game at the physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Arthur Etter, Jay Monahan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11351461
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for an Alliance Engine. The Alliance Engine receives a selection, by a first player, of a first tile to be controlled by a first enforcer asset on behalf of the first player. The first tile provides access to a first type of in-game resource to the first player. The Alliance Engine detects the first tile is adjacent to a second tile. The second tile is controlled by a second enforcer asset on behalf of a second player. The first player and the second player belong to a player alliance. The second tile providing access to a second type of in-game resource to the second player. Based on the detected adjacency, the Alliance Engine transfers a portion of the first type of in-game resource of the first tile to the second player. The Alliance Engine transfers a portion of the second type of in-game resource of the second tile to the first player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Massimo Maietti
  • Patent number: 11318386
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form the game event. In addition, the generator interface in some examples enables the operator to selectively vary the particular number of game levels that are together to form the game event, via an event sizing mechanism provided by the generator interface. A particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data can also be selected in the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11291918
    Abstract: A collaborative diplomacy mechanics system for an online game is described. A player selects an ally to be engaged in a combat mode of an online social game against an enemy. The profile of the selected ally is retrieved. An ally power up weapon is generated based on the profile of the selected ally. The ally power up weapon is applied against a combat unit of an enemy of a player in the combat mode. The ally power up weapon can also be applied on a combat unit of the player in the combat mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Amer Ajami, Hans C. Yang, Michael John Goodwin, Gregory Anthony Black
  • Patent number: 11291915
    Abstract: A game management system is configured for automated analysis of player behavior regarding traversal of different screens and options in a game application (as opposed to exclusively gameplay behavior) and to generate an automated estimation or inference about one or more psychological aspects of player behavior, such as motivation for game engagement and/or emotional states at different stages of interaction. The results of such analysis are automatically parametrized and included in a multidimensional parametric player model that informs player clustering and/or automated customization of game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11285395
    Abstract: In example embodiments, a method of limiting access to a gaming system is disclosed. Encoded content is embedded into an image presented by an application executing on a client device. The image is captured into an image buffer. The encoded content is retrieved from the image. A login request is sent to the gaming system. The login request includes the encoded content. A login response is received from the gaming system. The login response includes a success status. The success status is based on a verification of the encoded content. A notification of the success status is presented in a user interface on the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jarred Wesley Simmer, Jason Eugene Orcutt, Samuel Sintz
  • Patent number: 11278805
    Abstract: A method and a system for predicting churn of a player of an online game is described. Online engagements of a group of players of the online game are monitored during a churn prediction model training period. Online engagement scores for the group of players are computed within a periodic number of days within the churn model training period. A weighted exponential moving average of the online engagement scores of the group of players of the online game is computed during the churn model training period. The weighted exponential moving average is used to determine an online engagement threshold value of a churn prediction model for the online game. The online engagement threshold value is applied to a weighted exponential moving average of a player during an observation period to determine a churn probability of the player within a prediction period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wolters, Jim Baer, Girish Keswani
  • Patent number: 11241626
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to control movement of a non-player character is provided. Actions of a player character in a race event of a multiplayer game are detected. A player character movement model based on the actions of the player character is generated. A set of non-player actions is generated in a non-player character movement model based on the player character movement model. A movement of a non-player character in the multiplayer game is controlled based on the set of non-player actions in the non-player character movement model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Arjun Bharat Lall, Abhinav Agrawal
  • Patent number: 11232671
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to games and applications in general and in particular to computer-implemented online games, such as online role-playing games, playable by more than one person from more than one location. The game engine can dynamically determine the type of in-game asset to award to a first player and the types of in-game obstacles to present to the first player by referencing the in-game assets available to other players in the first player's social network and by referencing other game state variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Amitt Mahajan, Roger F. Dickey, Carl Eric Schiermeyer, Jonathan Chang Tien
  • Patent number: 11192023
    Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for automatic game creation are presented. An access module can access player information for a receiver and an originator. Additionally, a matching module can determine that the receiver and the originator have a connection based on the player information. Furthermore, a game invitation module can detect that a recipient game is installed on an originator device of the originator and that the recipient game is not installed on a receiver device of the receiver. Subsequently, the game invitation module can send, to the receiver device, a game invitation to play the recipient game based on the determination and the detection, with the game invitation including information associated with the originator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Abhinav Agrawal, Adam Ja Ming Yim, Kohta Aoki Wajima
  • Patent number: 11183022
    Abstract: A game server is configured to implement a multiplayer online computer-implemented game that provides an inflationary economy system which allows for growth in a player's in-game virtual currency with an increase in game level or experience, while attenuating the in-game purchasing power by concomitantly inflating virtual currency value of predefined inflationary features. The inflationary features include rewards or winnings available by the player pursuant to gameplay success. Players at different inflationary levels can compete in-game for a common reward or jackpot, but a virtual currency value of the reward is denominated differently at different inflation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc
    Inventor: Kin Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 11148057
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to modify a game based on playing style is provided. Player-specific playing style information that indicates one or more attributes of a playing style of a player is accessed. The playing style information is based on gameplay behavior of the player. Game parameters that defines at least some aspects of a game level forming part of the game is accessed. In an automated operation one or more of the game parameters are modified, thereby a difficulty of the game level for the player based on the one or more playing style attributes is modified. The modified game parameters are caused to be presented on a client device associated with the player of the game level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong
  • Patent number: 11123643
    Abstract: Techniques for recommending and establishing connections between users within a gaming social network, designed for connecting users having common gaming interests or characteristics. Embodiments include methods for recommending connections from members of an out-of-game social network, the gaming social network, and gaming activity participants; evaluating user profile information and user characteristics in a gaming social network and gaming activity in a game networking system to determine an appropriate set of connections for a selected user; and presenting graphical user interface content and configurations to enable the suggestion, review, and accepting of recommended connections in the gaming social network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Hall, Daniel McCaffrey, Dylan Sproule, Ben Hall, Timothy J. O. Catlin, Jason Paul Allen, Clayton Rhodes Stark
  • Patent number: 11097190
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a user of an online game to assemble a crew of additional crew members for accessing a content item after completing a goal with the crew. One example method includes sending, from the one or more servers to a client of a user, data for displaying a crew assembly dialog that includes a graphical user interface (GUI). The crew assembly dialog allowing the user to select crew members for assembling the crew for the online game. Sending, from the one or more servers in response to a selection made at the GUI, a help request directed to the at least one crew member for response from the at least one crew member. The method further includes assembling the crew based on the selection of the user for the at least one crew member and response of the at least one crew member to the help request. The assembling of the crew enables the user to make progress in the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Andres Cantor
  • Patent number: 11083969
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang (Amy) Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Patent number: 11083958
    Abstract: A online gaming system provides for presentation on a user device of actionable game-related push notifications. The push notification is presented outside of a game interface and includes both contextual information about a particular game event and one or more action elements. Responsive to selection of a particular action element, a corresponding game-related action is performed with launching or switching to a game application for the game on the user device. Thus, the push notification mechanism provides for performance of a game-related action without receiving user input via a game-specific user interface provided by a corresponding game application executed by the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bucher, Troy Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 11071906
    Abstract: A swipe input mechanism for a computer-implemented game presented on a touchscreen allows for user-selection of different menu options by swipe gestures in different directions via a swipe menu dedicated to receiving such swipe input. In a third person shooter game or a first-person shooter game user-selection of different character abilities are enabled via the swipe menu. The swipe menu is a floating user interface element that auto-adjusts its on-screen position to register with the position of user touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hemby, Kevin Michael Adsett, Jameson Francis Thatcher
  • Patent number: 10987589
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Patent number: 10940392
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Anshul Dhawan, Michael Gauthier, Oliver Attila Tabay, Jeffrey Zakrzewski
  • Patent number: 10937277
    Abstract: A system and method provide automated guild-dependent variation of in-game capabilities available to player in an computer-implemented game. An in-game capability is made available to the player in inter-guild competitive gameplay, for example comprising an object-specific ability associated with the game object, such as a collectible card. A value for a variable attribute of the in-game capability is dynamically adjusted based at least in part on one or more guild metrics for an associated guild of which the player is a member. The one or more guild metrics may include guild size and activity levels of guild members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Reid Tinsman, Michael J. Engle
  • Patent number: 10926182
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing recommendations of online games to friends of social network are described. A method for processing recommendations includes identifying a gaming session of a user on an online game provider network, accessing a use profile of the user for the online games of the online game provider network, and accessing a social graph of the user to identify friends of the user and respective friend profiles from the social network. The method further includes producing a recommendation of an online game. The recommendation includes an identification of a target friend of the user and is being provided by examination of the use profile of the user and friend profiles in the social graph. The method includes providing the recommendation to the user. The recommendation also includes an offer incentive to the user to share the recommendation with the target friend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar Rama Rao, Ara Nicholas Yessayan, Jr., Paul David Bettner, David Bettner, Paolo Malabuyo, Benjamin F. Gregorski, Michael Chow, Yie Lyn Choo
  • Patent number: D938484
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Hill, Sang Han