Abstract: Gaming technologies for detecting convergence in game play and then changing a game to overcome or inhibit convergence are generally described. In one example, a representative gaming method can include: providing a game simultaneously to a plurality of computing devices; identifying a game scenario type that includes game tests provided to the computing devices; obtaining game actions from the computing devices in response to the game tests; determining a convergence of the game actions across the computing devices that pass the game tests; and changing the game tests of the game scenario type such that the game actions of the convergence fail the changed game tests. The game can be a MMORPG, the game scenario can be a battle; the game tests can be opponents; the game actions can be battle actions; and convergence can be repeated game action patterns that defeat opponents in the battles.

Abstract: A computer-generated puzzle game can enable any appropriate image (e.g., a still image, video, or animation) to be used as a puzzle image. The puzzle game can utilize a framework including a portion of the puzzle image such that the user can determine where to place the puzzle pieces without having to see a version of the final image, which can save display real estate as well as provide suspense and additional challenge for the user. The puzzle pieces also can include a portion of the image, such that the player can determine where the pieces are to be placed in the framework without having to worry about rotating or properly positioning the pieces, which can be difficult on at least certain computing devices.

Abstract: The word building games system, apparatus, carrier, method, and process provides a plurality of characters comprising at least a first language and a second or different language. The characters of the first language and the characters of the second or different language are used non-simultaneously. A playing environment comprises a plurality of character areas. The character areas include one or more change language areas. During game play, if the characters selected from the first language engages the one or more change language areas, the characters from the second or different language are subsequently used to build a word.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for allocating game pieces selected in a game of chance based on performance in a skill exercise, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a computing device such as a computer, mobile device, server, etc. that has a processor coupled to a an input/output device and to a memory, wherein the memory and processor implement a method of ranking, allocating, and distributing game pieces in a game of chance by: ranking a strength of each of the initial blind set of one or more game pieces; conducting a skill exercise amongst the players; ranking the players' input from the skill exercise; allocating the initial blind set to each player based on each player's performance on the skill exercise; distributing the initial blind set of one or more game pieces based on the allocating operation; and continuing with the game of chance.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator (RDOG) makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with the reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with the reward generating assets, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and the time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating assets.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a game device. The game device includes an indication acceptance unit for accepting an indication for determining an amount of movement, a movement amount determination unit for determining an amount of movement on the prescribed route, a position updating unit for updating positions of all player characters on the route in accordance with the determined amount of movement, and an event processing unit for executing an event on the player character and the indication acceptance unit includes a normal indication acceptance unit for accepting a normal indication for determining a normal amount of movement and a special indication acceptance unit for accepting a special indication for determining an amount of movement different from normal, which is executed alternative to the normal indication and of which number of permitted times of issuance by the plurality of player characters is limited.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for conducting online video game tournaments involving a series of levels. The system comprises a tournament server connected to a communications network that is in electronic communication with remotely located players who register for the tournament. The server maintains a record of registered players competing in the tournament indicating at which level each player is eligible to play and, after players indicate they are ready to play a match, the server matches players who are ready to play at the same level. This matching may be repeated at regular intervals. After being matched, players play a match and the results are reported back to the server which may award prizes or allow players to unlock other levels based on the results. In general, a player who wins a pre-defined number of matches is a row wins a grand prize.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and an operating method of the mobile terminal are provided. The operating method includes connecting the mobile terminal to a sharing device so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device, the sharing device displaying a shared screen; downloading multiplayer game programs from the sharing device; and displaying a personal screen on a display module of the mobile terminal and running a multiplayer game together with another mobile terminal by using the personal screen and the shared screen while exchanging data with the sharing device. Therefore, it is possible for the mobile terminal to effectively run the multiplayer game together with the other mobile terminal by using the personal screen and the shared screen.

Abstract: A social networking roulette game system that comprises of at least one processor; and computer executable instruction code readable by the at least one processor and configured for displaying at least one game on a display device, wherein the game comprises of: randomly selecting a predefined sampling of friends from at least one online social networking contacts; displaying the predefined sampling of friends in a dynamic arrangement; animating the dynamic arrangement for selecting at least one friend of the predefined sampling of friends; reviewing a profile of the selected at least one friend; generating a random question based on the at least one friend's profile; requiring that a response be submitted for the random question; and awarding virtual currency to the gamer based on the gamer's response to the random question.

Abstract: A wagering game that allows a player to adjust a positive expectation game situation to a lower expectation game situation. In return, the player can increase the paytable so that awards the player wins will be paid at a higher rate. Alternatively, the player can increase the paytable in exchange for a less favorable game state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides gaming systems, devices, and methods providing a multi-stage bonus game. When a first stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a first bonus game stage. During the first stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and determine any first stage awards based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage triggering event occurs, the gaming system initiates a second bonus game stage. During the second stage, the gaming system enables the player to roll dice, and may provide the player with elements, which the player accumulates during the second stage, based on the outcome or outcomes of the rolls. When a second stage termination event occurs, the gaming system determines any second stage awards based on a total quantity of elements accumulated by the player, provides the player with any determined awards, and terminates the bonus game.

Abstract: If an area in which a character has been already placed by a player in another team is selected from the areas displayed in a game field display part on a top screen and a player point count corresponding to Oshikura at the bottom of as PP selection part is selected, a comparison is made between a player point count that was selected by a player at the placement of the currently placed character and a player point count that was selected by a player who will place a new character. Then, the character related to a player having more player points is determined as the character to be placed in the area. Accordingly, more competitive game elements are realized in a game that uses multiple areas.

Abstract: A gaming system which provides the player a plurality of playing cards to form an initial primary card hand and also displays one or more other card hands. The player selects one or more of the initially dealt cards in the primary card hand to hold or to discard. The held cards are also held in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed hands. The gaming device evaluates the held cards and determines which card game outcomes are possible based on the held cards and the remaining cards in the deck. The gaming device utilizes a stored table of different distributions of card game outcomes which would result in each payout amount and a table regarding which card game outcomes are possible based on the player's held cards to determine a distribution of outcomes that provides a total payout equal to the payout of the predetermined game outcome.

Abstract: A strategy game includes a first group of primary elements representing movement, and a second group of primary elements representing combat or interaction. The first group of primary elements includes first and second game pieces representing speed and maneuver, respectively, and each having a value. The second group of primary elements includes third and fourth game pieces representing attack and defense, respectively, and each having a value. The game pieces include dice represented in different colors.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with a reward generating asset, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and a time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating asset.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated online platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The sponsored word-based games may provide opportunities for the user to win items such as branded items and the sponsor to engage an audience.

Abstract: A plurality of first team player game pieces, a plurality of second team player game pieces, a football designation device, and a game board are provided for playing a football board game. At least one of the player game pieces may have an advantage over one or more of the other player game pieces. One or more of the player game pieces, may be allowed to move twice as fast as one or more other player game pieces, when a first designation is associated with the one or more player game pieces that are given the advantage. The player game pieces given the advantage may move from a “fast” space, marked with a graphic, to another “fast” space, marked with the same graphic, located a predetermined number of spaces away, such as two spaces away, in any direction.

Abstract: A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns, to determine a game outcome based on patterns of symbols in the rows and columns, and also being arranged to generate a feature game in response to a trigger condition, and determine an outcome of the feature game depending on the occurrence of a non-linear pattern of symbols.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a puzzle game containing an answer category clue, a letter grid containing multiple letters, numbers or characters, an image, and an answer grid which contains blanks for each letter that will be used to fill-in the correct answer. The game allows a letters from the letter grid to be selected and automatically placed onto the answer grid. Points are awarded if the letter selected is the next available blank in the answer grid. As the player selects a letter from the letter grid, that letter disappears and a portion of an image appears. As additional letters are removed from the letter grid, additional portions of the image are displayed, which provides another clue for the solution to the puzzle.

Abstract: A board game includes a plurality of game pieces, a plurality of reward cards, and a game board, where the game board includes a travel path on the game board, said travel path including a plurality of instruction spaces, a plurality of hidden cache spaces, and a plurality of open cache spaces, where one of said plurality of hidden cache spaces and one of said plurality of open cache spaces are associated with one of said plurality of game pieces, and at least one instruction space includes directions to add one of said plurality of reward cards to one of said plurality of open cache spaces that is associated with one of said plurality of game pieces.

Abstract: A puzzle game where the objective of the game is to create a target number of HEXA and DIA formations per level using a set of primary sub-formations. The game is further intensified by the introduction of secondary sub-formations and a set of Reward Buttons that are awarded for completing different formations. The present invention uses a novel way of scoring where points are calculated based on the formations created by a player and the time remaining in the level. Therefore, if a player finishes a level faster, the player gets additional points. There is also an Infinite game mode for PDA and mobile phone users that allows play until the battery in the device runs out or the device shuts off due to a low battery that has no set levels and set scoring based on various possible formations only.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer-based solitaire game which collects a player's fee at the start of the game and pays a player award as a function of a per-card payout award and one or more of the number and/or identities of cards that have been transferred from the card deck on foundation stacks. The per-card payout award is determined as a function of an expected number of transferred cards, which number has been determined as a function of a discrete probability density function calculated from outcomes produced in a multi-game simulation. The number of games in the multi-game simulation is selected to provide a statistically stable result, and may be on the order of more than one million games. The simulated games are played by applying a set of ordinally-ranked solitaire game play rules.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated online platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The sponsored word-based games may provide opportunities for the user to win items such as branded items and the sponsor to engage an audience.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The platform may facilitate user retention by encouraging repeat visits with compelling rewards that may be progressively increased and based on gameplay.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game between at least one live player and at least one computer-controlled player includes executing a training program between at least two agents to generate probability weights correlating actions or meta-actions representing a set or sequenced set of actions with a probability that the action or meta-action will produce a game outcome meeting a specified criterion or specified criteria. A game is conducted in which at least one live player plays against at least one computer-controlled player in which the computer-controlled player selects actions at one or more of the decision nodes in the game based, at least in part, on the probability weights.

Abstract: Peggle is a game that balances skill and luck. The Peggle board is made up of different types of pegs, some of which the player must clear. The player begins a turn by aiming a ball at the pegs. When the player releases the ball, the ball travels through the pegs, contacting some and eventually falling to the bottom of the board. The ball may bounce off many pegs, and those pegs that the ball contacts are removed. A score is calculated based on the number and types of pegs hit during a turn.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for managing a fantasy league are disclosed to incorporate one or more reality factors, equity lines, luxury tax, and/or revenue sharing policies into administration of the fantasy league. A reality factor may influence real life scenarios between at least one of a real player, a real team, and/or a real league, for example. Accordingly, the reality factor may be applied to at least one of a corresponding fantasy player, fantasy team, and/or fantasy league to create a fantasy rule configured to enable a fantasy environment (e.g., the fantasy player, fantasy team, fantasy league, and/or relationships thereof) to more closely emulate the real player, real team, real league, and/or corresponding relationships.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which the processor draws the elements as irregularly arranged columns of coloured blocks; and the processor draws small animals are placed on or amongst the blocks; and the processor is programmed such that the object of the game is to enable a target number of the animals to descend to the ground and be rescued, by the player removing blocks from the gameboard.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed: to show a virtual path or other virtual world that indicates the level reached by the player and that player's social network friends; to show on the computing device a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched by a player, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which a processor generates, if no move has been made for a defined time, help or hints by brightening and enlarging game elements used in a possible move on the gameboard with an animation.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that disappear when matched or switched, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which one or more of the processors are programmed such that: the gameboard includes an entry point and one or more exit points and the player completes a level of the game if he or she clears elements to make a path from the entry point to an exit point; and the game includes a virtual path though which the player progresses if he or she completes a level of the game; and that virtual path can, at some nodes, fork in several different directions and the position of the exit successfully reached in the gameboard determines which fork the player will take through the virtual path if the player completes a level.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched by a player, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which the processor(s) enables the game elements to evolve into visually altered versions when they form part of a match or switch and it is the altered versions that can be removed by subsequent matching or switching by the player.

Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and casino games are provided, comprising dealing cards to a player hand and a bank hand according to a set of conventional casino game rules, allowing at least a first player to place a bet on the casino game, granting a right of first refusal to place a bet on jackpot to the first player by virtue of the first player's bet on the casino game, allowing the first player to exercise the right of first refusal to bet on the jackpot or at least a second player to place a bet on the jackpot if the first player declines the right to place a bet on the jackpot, determining the outcome of the live casino game according to the set of conventional casino game rules, and determining the outcome of the jackpot according to a combination of cards.

Abstract: A game playing device having a housing with a card holding member, the card holding member being configured to receive a plurality of cards; a plurality of switches located on a surface of the housing each of the plurality of switches being capable of being illuminated; and a controller for selectively illuminating each of the plurality of switches, the illumination of at least one of the plurality of switches indicating a turn for playing the game playing device.

Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with a first part (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) that presents first content associated with one or more wagering games and a second part (e.g., a main content display area) that concurrently presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers. Some embodiments are directed to determining, based on concurrent presentation of the first content and the second content, that one or more awards are available from a first of the content providers conditional upon performance of one or more activities indicated by a second of the content providers, and the browser application presents one or more indicators to indicate the one or more awards and/or the one or more activities.

Abstract: Described are one or more embodiments that include a browser application (“browser”) with multiple parts. A first part of the browser (e.g., a toolbar, a dropdown, a pop-up, a widget, etc.) presents first content associated with one or more wagering games. Concurrently a second part of the browser (e.g., a main content display area) presents second content independently from presentation of the first content in the first part of the browser. In some embodiments, the first content and second content are from separate content providers with a marketing relationship. In some embodiments, in response to concurrent presentation of the first and second content, the browser application detects the marketing relationship between the content providers and presents one or more indicators. The one or more indicators indicate the marketing relationship. For example, the indicators can indicate cross-marketing, available coupons, and/or awards available via the first or second content.

Abstract: A plurality of symbols are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided symbols are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt symbols to hold. If a symbol combination with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the symbols designated by the player not to hold and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's symbol combination is provided to the player.

Abstract: A video poker style game premised on stud poker and draw poker. In one version, a video poker device utilizes a simulated standard deck of 52 playing cards to facilitate play of the game. The video poker device causes ten, five-card poker hands to be displayed on a video poker device display. Depending on wagers placed, the strength of the ten, five-card poker hands determines a player payout. Players may also select in advance less than all ten poker hands to wager on. The two remaining cards not used in any of the ten five-card poker hands may be designated as wild or used to form seven-card poker hands with each of the ten five-card poker hands or player-selected hands. Players may also select a hand to play draw poker.

Abstract: A method of card game includes a main game and a side game. The main game includes the steps of dealing two cards to a banker and each player; determining a hand strength of each two-card hand and categorizing it in one of a highest special hand class, a paired hand class, and a standard hand class; dealing a third card if necessary; determining a hand strength of each three-card hands; ranking the hand strength; and determining a winner of the main game. After the main game is completed, the side game includes the steps of determining a category of the hand of the banker; determining a single valuation card of the banker; determining the point value and suite of the single valuation card; and determining a winner of the side game.

Abstract: A gaming machine has display means and a game control means. A game is played in which one or more random events are displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. On the occurrence of a predefined event, the player is offered a choice of two or more different prize sets, each containing a plurality of prize outcomes. The prize is drawn from the prize set or sets selected. The sets of prizes may be presented on segments of wheels that can spin before stopping randomly on a segment which defines the prize outcome. Alternatively the sets of prizes are presented on the faces of dice which are arranged to spin before stopping with the front face of the die defining the prize won.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier.

Abstract: A main player operates a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor. A sub player operates a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device. A game image that is substantially identical to the monitor game image viewed by the main player is displayed on the LCD. By touching a touch panel provided on a screen of the LCD of the terminal device, the sub player can generate various events at a position in a game world corresponding to a touched position.

Abstract: A word game with a sliding mechanic. A game board includes a play area including a plurality of tiles and at least two bench areas, each including a set of tiles. Each of the bench areas is arranged as a column or a row adjacent to the play area. Each tile in the plurality of tiles and the second plurality of tiles specifies a letter and a point value. At least one round of the word game is played. A round includes a turn for each player. A turn includes receiving an ordered selection of tiles within the play area that form a word, removing the tiles in the ordered selection of tiles from the play area, and receiving a selection of one of the at least two bench areas. Empty tiles within the play area are replaced by sliding tiles from the selected bench area onto the play area.

Abstract: A gaming system, comprising a graphic user interface generated by a processor for a display device, the graphic user interface further comprising a field having a N×M matrix of spaces, wherein N and M are integers greater than three, and wherein each space of the matrix includes one of a plurality of different items. A cursor having an associated item and configured to allow a user to exchange a selected item from the field with the cursor item. Wherein forming a predetermined arrangement of three or more identical items results in the items within the arrangement being removed from the field.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may provide gaming options relating to contagious wilds, non-contagious wilds, dormant wilds, contagious dormant wilds, and/or blockers.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a first player may follow the same pattern of betting used by a second player.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an electronic board game. In use, a primary game (e.g. a card game) is played until one of the players presses an activation button. The other players attempt to quickly react and press their buttons. The faster they react, the more points the players earn. The initial activation of the timers can be done when that player perceives a predetermined event that occurred during the card game. The player may attempt to bluff the other players by pressing the button without having perceived the event but doing so risks the other players issuing a challenge. In certain embodiments, the cards are selected to help players learn basic skills, such as shapes, colors, or mathematical operations.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a video poker game. The video poker game offers the player an ability to view “reveal cards” after the initial deal of five cards. The reveal card(s) show the values of some of the card(s) that are on top of the deck which would be dealt as replacement cards. The player, being able to view these reveal cards, can select his or her cards to hold using a more careful strategy than if the player had no such information.

Abstract: Provided is a game that relies on virtual synthesis of compounds based on building blocks for these compounds, such as the elements of the periodic table.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. Specifically, example business objects include FundsManagementFund and Merchandise Category Hierarchy.

Abstract: Provided is a wager-per-play skill game in which the player's skill is used in selecting one of several random prize distributions or prize pools from which the player's award will be randomly selected. Wagers are preferably entered automatically for each skilled interaction the player makes in the game play area, allowing for continuous play in which the game state persists between wagers. In one version, there is no possibility of complete failure of the skill game, instead every move of the player is given an immediate skill rating or value. The immediate skill rating is used to select an associated prize distribution or prize pool from among multiple distributions or pools, which is then applied to randomly select a prize for the player's move.