Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a bonus currency game is operable simultaneously with the primary game. When a player initiates play of the primary game, the bonus currency game is initiated as well. The bonus currency game includes a set of target symbols which have corresponding bonus currency values such that, when a target symbol is activated, such as by a random or quasi-random determination, the bonus currency value associated with the target symbol is awarded to the player. After a player accumulates bonus currency, the player may utilize the currency to purchase various available online items, such as game plays in an arcade.

Abstract: A method, gaming machine, and networked gaming system are disclosed for operating a wagering game that includes an interface activate-able by a player; a set of game plays, with at least one of the game plays occurring after activation of the interface by the player; and a persistent customizable player avatar interactive with a player and the wagering game, and, providing entertainment and companionship for a player during game play.

Abstract: A system, method, and processor-readable media for providing interactive, television-based gaming service, comprising a server cluster including processor electronics configured to send and receive messages and to execute a game, a first set-top box coupled to a first headend managed by a first television service provider, the first set-top box executing a first game client for enabling a first user to play the game executed by the server cluster, a second set-top box coupled to a second headend managed by a second television service provider, the second set-top box executing a second game client for enabling a second user to play the game executed by the server cluster, wherein the server cluster is coupled to the first and second headends via a public network and further configured to enable the first user to play the game with or against the second user.

Abstract: A system, method, and processor-readable media for providing interactive, television-based gaming service, comprising a server cluster including processor electronics configured to send and receive messages and to execute a game, a first set-top box coupled to a first headend managed by a first television service provider, the first set-top box executing a first game client for enabling a first user to play the game executed by the server cluster, a second set-top box coupled to a second headend managed by a second television service provider, the second set-top box executing a second game client for enabling a second user to play the game executed by the server cluster, wherein the server cluster is coupled to the first and second headends via a public network and further configured to enable the first user to play the game with or against the second user.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a bonus currency game is operable simultaneously with the primary game. When a player initiates play of the primary game, the bonus currency game is initiated as well. The bonus currency game includes a set of target symbols which have corresponding bonus currency values such that, when a target symbol is activated, such as by a random or quasi-random determination, the bonus currency value associated with the target symbol is awarded to the player. After a player accumulates bonus currency, the player may utilize the currency to purchase various available online items, such as game plays in an arcade.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for executing an interactive game in a television distribution system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input over the television distribution system from a game client indicating an action associated with a game instance, wherein the game client is hosted on a set-top box; determining an updated status of the game instance based on the action; generating a game status message identifying the updated status of the game instance; and transmitting the game status message to the game client. Further, the game status message can be transmitted to a plurality of game clients participating in the game instance. Additionally, input can be received over the television distribution system from another game client indicating a second action associated with the game instance and an updated status of the game instance can be determined based on the second action.

Abstract: A method, gaming machine, and networked gaming system are disclosed for operating a wagering game that includes an interface activate-able by a player; a set of game plays, with at least one of the game plays occurring after activation of the interface by the player; and a persistent customizable player avatar interactive with a player and the wagering game, and, providing entertainment and companionship for a player during game play.

Abstract: Interactive environments can include operating an interactive game in which a video feed is distributed to a plurality of locations, determining a time offset for at least one of the locations based on a delay of the video feed to the at least one location, and accepting game responses from the at least one location based on the time offset for the location.

Abstract: Using mobile devices in interactive gaming environments can include receiving inputs for a game event sent from wireless mobile devices over a plurality of disparate wireless networks. Each received input can include a game response and a timestamp indicative of when the game response was made. The timestamp and the game response of each input can be compared to formulate a game output.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for executing an interactive game in a television distribution system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input over the television distribution system from a game client indicating an action associated with a game instance, wherein the game client is hosted on a set-top box; determining an updated status of the game instance based on the action; generating a game status message identifying the updated status of the game instance; and transmitting the game status message to the game client. Further, the game status message can be transmitted to a plurality of game clients participating in the game instance. Additionally, input can be received over the television distribution system from another game client indicating a second action associated with the game instance and an updated status of the game instance can be determined based on the second action.

Abstract: A play along television system includes a plurality of questions and answers to be used as part of an interactive game to be played over a network. A main server stores a plurality of questions and answers, the questions are displayed to the users who answer the questions. The users are scored based on whether they answer the questions correctly, and how fast the ester the questions. The users may also receive hence about claim I mean answering the question and those hence are displayed when the user takes longer than a certain time to answer the question. After answering the question, the correct answer is displayed along with a fun fact about the question. All users playing everywhere are globally scored according to the scoring criteria.