Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to conduct a game associated with a physics simulation, the physics simulation being adapted to generate a game result based on a set of input parameters. According to one embodiment, a game condition associated with a game to be played by a player is established. For example, a three-dimensional terrain associated with a golf putting green may be established. It is then determined that at least one set of possible input parameters to the physics simulation will produce a successful game result given the established game condition. For example, it may be determined that a player can use his or her mouse to provide a set of inputs parameters to the physics simulation such that a simulated golf ball will reach a simulated golf hole based on the three-dimensional golf putting green terrain.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate game play. According to one embodiment, game information associated with a game to be played by a player is determined. For example, a putting green contour may be determined for a computer-based golf game. It is the arranged for altered game information to be indicated to the player and for the player to play the game in accordance with the game information, wherein the altered game information alters game play by an automated game playing device more than game play by a human player. For example, the contour of the putting green may be altered before being transmitted to a remote player device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to ensure that a threshold game result is possible. According to one embodiment, a game condition associated with a game of skill is established. The game of skill may be, for example, a puzzle game (e.g., a word puzzle game or a graphical puzzle game) or an arcade-style game. It is determined that at least one set of possible player inputs during game play will produce at least a threshold game result given the established game condition. The threshold game result may be associated with, for example, prizes provided to players based on game results.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate games of skill for prizes played via a communication network. According to one embodiment, a potential game to be played at a remote player device via a communication network is determined. The potential game is evaluated to estimate an amount of player skill required to play the potential game, the evaluation being performed based on a sample of player performance information. The potential game is also evaluated to determine an ability of an automated game playing device to play the potential game. The potential game is modified if (i) the amount of player skill required is unacceptable or (ii) the ability of the automated game playing device is unacceptable.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a player device continues game play independent of a determination of player input validity. According to one embodiment, a game controller receives a player input from a remote player device via a communication network. For example, the game controller may receive a batch of player inputs from a player device via the Internet. The game controller then determines if the received player input is valid based on a game condition while the remote player device continues game play independent of any indication of validity from the game controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a portion of a landscape is transmitted to a remote player device. According to one embodiment, a game controller determines landscape information associated with a game being played by a player. A first portion of the landscape information is transmitted to a remote player device without transmitting a second portion. For example, a first portion of a maze configuration may be transmitted without a second portion. The game controller then arranges for the player to play the game via the remote player device in accordance with the first portion of the landscape information, and a game result will be based on the first and second portions of the landscape information.