Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a difficulty level of a multiplayer networked game are provided herein. One exemplary method includes setting an initial difficulty level at a gaming server for a game played by a main gaming client and one or more challenger gaming clients. The method further includes sending an input request to the main gaming client and each challenger gaming client based on the initial difficulty level. The method further includes receiving main user input from the main gaming client, and challenger user input from each challenger gaming client responsive to the input request. The method also includes adjusting the initial difficulty level to an adjusted difficulty level based on the challenger user input.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing an environment for a crafting player to craft a role-playing content and/or quests in a computer game, the method including: obtaining tokens that represent in-game assets; placing the tokens to craft the role-playing content and/or quests; inviting other players to participate in the role-playing content and/or quests; running the role-playing content and/or quests; receiving at least one reward based on the rating entered by the other players; and saving a layout and composition of the crafted role-playing content and/or quests in a blueprint. Keywords include MMO, role-playing event, quests, and souvenirs.

Abstract: A gaming machine which determines establishment/non-establishment of a shift condition for shifting a game mode from a normal game mode to a special game mode, shifts to the special game mode based on the determination result, and allows an instruction of A player to be inputted thereto, extracts predetermined number of card data to be used in the special game mode, selects a first and a second card data on the gaming machine side and a player side from among the extracted card data, and determines right/wrong of a designating instruction according to a result of comparison between the card data. Upon win, this gaming machine determines establishment/non-establishment of a winning combination based on the extracted card data, and when a winning combination is established, the machine performs payout corresponding to the established combination.

Abstract: A method is described of providing a game for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs. The method comprises receiving identification data for a player and displaying representations of game play of the game, wherein at least one character is depicted as one or more graphic objects. At least one attribute of the character may be amended if a triggering event occurs during game play. The amended attribute may be stored for retrieval in a subsequent game session by the player, wherein the stored amended attribute is associated with the identification data for the player.

Abstract: The game system includes a plurality of game machines and at least one server device, in which the server device includes: an acquiring means for, among a predetermined number of character cards each associating a game character with an ability value indicating an ability in fighting motion, acquiring use information on the type of a character card presently used in a two-person game for each game; a conversion-value calculating means for calculating a conversion value as result data for narrowing the difference of the ability values corresponding to the types of character cards according to the type of the character card depending upon the amount of the acquired use information; and a transmitting means for associating the conversion value according to the type of the character card with each character card and transmitting the conversion value to each game machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine enables a common game with a common game bet amount when a common game start condition has been met based on an accumulated value of bet amount information transmitted from each gaming terminal for each unit base game. The gaming machine also enables a common game with a bet amount to which a special bet amount is added, at a specific gaming terminal selected to be a shooter. A gaming terminal having won the common game is awarded a payout corresponding to a common game bet amount, and the specific gaming terminal having been selected to be the shooter is awarded a payout of an amount corresponding to a bet amount where the special bet amount is added to the common game bet amount.

Abstract: A gaming terminal runs a base game and a special game simultaneously; awards a payout according to a result of the base game; awards the number of chance flags according to a result of the chance game; accumulatively stores, in a terminal storage unit, the number of chance flags in association with ID data and a PIN code; when ID data is newly inputted, determines whether the ID data is correct, referring to the original ID data stored; when the ID data is incorrect, determines whether the PIN code inputted through a PIN code input device is correct, referring to the PIN code stored; when the PIN code is incorrect, initializes the number of chance flags associated with the original ID data stored; when the PIN code is correct, stores the ID data newly inputted, replacing the original ID data stored.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game during which a designated cascade-triggering outcome can cause some symbols to be removed from the display and can move adjacent symbols to cascade and replace the removed symbols in a cascade outcome. A cascade outcome that includes a winning outcome can pay the player a higher value than the same winning outcome that is not included in a cascade outcome.

Abstract: This disclosure generally describes a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) or, more specifically, a card-based MMORPG that enables characters in a virtual world to collect cards representing specified actions or powers and presents three-dimensional (3D) elements to players representing one or more aspects associated with the characters and environment. This 3D display can, in one implementation, offer a real-time combat engine that processes the card-based events. The 3D display may also offer hanging effects that dynamically present state information associated with the respective character. Further, the MMORPG may offer a real-time responsive and flexible chat management system.

Abstract: According to a gaming machine 1 of the present invention, a specific number of free games are generated when three or more trigger symbols 100 have been stop-displayed in a normal game. Further, when one or two trigger symbols 100 have been stop-displayed in a free game, numeric values in number equivalent to the number of stop-displayed trigger symbols 100 are selected, and then the number of times obtained by summing up the selected numeric values is added to the number of free games.

Abstract: This disclosure generally describes a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) or, more specifically, a card-based MMORPG that enables characters in a virtual world to collect cards representing specified actions or powers and presents three-dimensional (3D) elements to players representing one or more aspects associated with the characters and environment. This 3D display can, in one implementation, offer a real-time combat engine that processes the card-based events. The 3D display may also offer hanging effects that dynamically present state information associated with the respective character. Further, the MMORPG may offer a real-time responsive and flexible chat management system.

Abstract: Improved capabilities are described for managing prior game play data for asynchronous computer game play, comprising: providing fast response searchable memory for storage of game play data having a data search and data retrieval speed that is substantially faster than a data search and data retrieval speed from a structured database; receiving game play data from a live participant; identifying a game attribute; providing a plurality of game play data buckets in the fast response searchable memory, forming a bucket attribute corresponding to each bucket; and storing the game play data in one of the buckets where the bucket attribute and the game attribute substantially match, such that, upon receipt of a gaming request that includes a desired attribute, the desired attribute can be used as a basis for identifying a bucket from the buckets in which to search for prior game data to be used to simulate an opponent.

Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a predetermined award presented in a manner in which a player's skill at the game appears to affect the amount of the award without actually having an effect on its amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically determining game content based upon dynamically adjusted individual skill levels are provided. Example embodiments provide an Electronic Gaming Engine (“EGE”), which includes a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster for supporting multi-player, individualized skill-based games. In one embodiment, the EGE comprises game flow logic; game content models, for example, question and answer (“Q&A”) challenge models; a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster; one or more scoring modules; challenge data; participant data; and an input/output interface. These components cooperate to determine and assign skill level indexes on an individual basis and to automatically present game content appropriate to each individual player's skill level.

Abstract: A target information storage unit (203) stores information regarding a group of targets (target panels) which are disposed dispersedly on a virtual race course and which each have an objective speed set therefor. An operation input reception unit (201) receives an operation input for a moving object (racing car) to be run on the course. Then, a running condition managing unit (204) manages the running condition of the moving object based on this operation input. Meanwhile, a passage determination unit (206a) sequentially determines whether or not the moving object has passed on the course by contacting the respective targets, based on the managed running condition. Further, a speed comparison unit (206b) compares the speed of the moving object at the time of the passage and the objective speed of each target. Then, an evaluation unit (206) evaluates the operation input from a user based on the determination result and comparison result.

Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes, at least one of the plurality of game episodes having a plurality of episode features. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to cause, in response to a manual selection received from the player, the start of the wagering game from any previously played feature of the plurality of episode features.

Abstract: A game of skill and chance is provided in which a random element selection device is used to indicate an element a player or computer is to remove from a grid of objects. When a predetermined outcome in the game is obtained, then the player is a winner if the outcome is attained within a predetermined period. A player may play against the odds or may play against other players.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; to present an initial image including a subset of a swarm in space representing a portion of the wagering game; and to determine the actual outcome of the wagering game based on player input indications, swarm behavior modeling, and a selected statistical game outcome. An updated image may then be generated and presented, derived from the initial image and the actual outcome.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatic generation of achievement objects corresponding to the achievement of a user in a computer implemented game which encapsulates renderable event sequence data defining a sequence of events graphically illustrating the achievement of the user. The generation of renderable event sequence data and the creation of achievement objects may be in automatic response to the detection of an achievement by a user within the context of the computer implemented game. Achievement objects, once generated, may be posted to a news feed or an electronic leaderboard for viewing by users of an online gaming community. In some embodiments, achievement objects may be customized such as through an editor interface that facilitates insertion of text, video, or audio comments. Achievement objects may also be commented on in the form of other achievement objects, having their own renderable event sequence.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game process. When a player character encounters an enemy character in a game world, a battle screen is displayed on a monitor. On the battle screen, an input pattern is displayed, and background music (BGM) is output from a speaker. A player determines an operation timing based on the input pattern and the BGM (drum part). If there is a high level of coincidence between the operation timing by the player and a timing of the music pattern, damage which the player character applies to the enemy character and experienced obtained by the player character increases.

Abstract: The invention provides a role-playing game environment wherein the nature of various NPCs within the game may be varied over time within the game. The goals of various NPCs within the game may be dynamically and automatically changed within the game. At certain in-game time periods, the game server may dynamically assign one or more new goals for some or all of the NPCs based on the current status of each NPC. When a player later interacts with a given NPC assist (or impede) that NPC in reaching its currently assigned goal, the method may dynamically determine a steps that the player's avatar may perform to assist (or impede) the goal. Thus, players cannot predict what will happen when they move through the game and reach a location at which they can interact with a given NPC, making the game-playing experience ever fresh and challenging.

Abstract: A video game player can control the movement of a moving object in a video game during a moving object dispatch operation by a character, thereby allowing the video game player to experience nervousness and a sense of realism when causing the character to dispatch the moving object. This video game program includes a first request receiving function, a operation display function, a second request receiving function, a moving object control function, and a moving object display function. In the video game implemented with this program, a dispatch request for dispatching the moving object is received from the controller in the second request receiving function when the dispatch operation of the character is displayed on the monitor. According to the timing at which the second request receiving function received the dispatch request, the movement of the moving object is controlled in the moving object control function.

Abstract: A game system receives special command input information input by the player when a moving object and a target have a predetermined positional relationship, and moves the moving object to a position at which bullets fired from the moving object can hit the target irrespective of movement input information when the game system has received the special command input information.

Abstract: A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of receiving a wager, determining an intermediate outcome of a game of chance, determining a first option for play, determining a first final outcome based on the intermediate outcome and the first option for play, determining a second option for play, and determining a second final outcome based on the intermediate outcome and the second option for play.

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: Methods, systems, and computer program products for compensating participants of events or activities of virtual environments, such as on-line games, digital or virtual worlds, and virtual universes are disclosed. One or more embodiments may comprise conducting an event, measuring event participation by the participant, and compensating the participant based upon the measured participation. Various embodiments may compensate the participant based upon the amount of time the participant spends at the event, while other embodiments may compensate the participant based upon amounts or types of activity of the participant while attending the event. Some embodiments may compensate the participant based upon such activity as chat activity, keyboard activity, and mouse activity. Some embodiments may compensate the participant based upon one or more referrals that the participant makes other participants.

Abstract: Method, article and apparatus for executing computer games, and in particular, computer-based platform games. In a platform game, a user may interact directly with and articulate pop-up book elements to modify the game level. The modified game level may be navigable by a game character also controlled by the user.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a player terminal operable by a player to simulate a slots game, and a random event generator for generating a random event upon which an outcome of the slots game is based. The slots game has a plurality of successful outcomes, each associated with a corresponding prize. A wagering facility enables the player to place a wager on the occurrence of any specific successful outcome of the slots game, or to make a plurality of different wagers, each corresponding to a different specific one of the successful outcomes of the slots game. The different specific successful outcomes include a favorable outcome and a number of intermediate outcomes. The prize corresponding to the favorable outcome is a jackpot prize. The prize corresponding to an intermediate outcome is repayment of the player's wager at fixed odds inversely proportional to the probability of that intermediate outcome occurring.

Abstract: A game server of a game system includes: a player existence determination unit for determining whether a player exists in a predetermined area (ballpark or the like) of a real world during a predetermined time span; a strength improvement information generation unit for generating strength improvement information which improves the strength of the player when the versus game is to be performed in the in-game match-up area (in-game ballpark) corresponding to the predetermined area when the player existence determination unit determines that the player exists in the predetermined area during the predetermined time span; and a distribution unit for distributing the strength improvement information generated by the strength improvement information generation unit to the terminal device of the player.

Abstract: Various aspects are directed to a gaming system configured or designed for use with a bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may include a movable gaming unit, the movable gaming unit which is operable to be lowered below an upper surface of the bar top or table top, and which is operable to be raised, at least partially, above the upper surface of the bar top or table top. In at least one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to control a wager-based game played on the gaming system. The gaming system may be further operable to lower the gaming unit below the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one first condition or event. The gaming system may be further operable to raise a first portion of the gaming unit above the upper surface of the bar top or table top in response to detecting at least one second condition or event.

Abstract: An approach is described for instructing a player character to automatically take cover in a region of a simulated environment without receiving express commands from a user. The approach determines whether the player character should take cover based on one or more factors. Such factors may include: the presence of an enemy-type character in the region; the presence of a nearby object in the region that can be used to seek cover; and a determination whether the player character's behavior is consistent with a decision to seek cover.

Abstract: Optional commitments may be provided to players within a videogame. The optional commitments commit players to perform and/or abstain from certain actions within the videogame. The players may be rewarded for accepting commitments. The players may be penalized for failing to fulfill commitments. This model for rewarding optional behaviors may provide an alternative for incenting actions within a videogame to conventional models in which players are rewarded and/or penalized only after attempting an activity or activities.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for providing concurrent gameplay of a single-player mode of a computer game. In one embodiment, a first instance of the single-player mode of the computer game is being played by a first player and receives, from a second instance of the single-player mode of the computer game, data associated with an avatar controlled by a second player. The first instance may provide, to the first player, an indication of the avatar controlled by the second player, as both players play the computer game.

Abstract: The following types of processing are provided in the present invention. 1) Projection processing in which a shadow projected onto the ground of a flying object flying through a virtual space is prevented from becoming too small. 2) Viewpoint moving processing in which a viewpoint is moved automatically so that a character to be displayed is accommodated within the field of vision of the viewpoint at all times. 3) Semi-transparentizing processing in which, when display objects overlap, the display object with the smaller surface area according to [a comparison of] the displayed surface area is made semi-transparent. 4) Relative strength judgment processing in which the relative strength of teams in a team competition is determined on the basis of the sum of the fighting abilities. 5) Leader setting processing in which a leader character is determined and the outcome of the game is judged according to whether or not the leader character is active.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically determining game content based upon dynamically adjusted individual skill levels are provided. Example embodiments provide an Electronic Gaming Engine (“EGE”), which includes a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster for supporting multi-player, individualized skill-based games. In one embodiment, the EGE comprises game flow logic; game content models, for example, question and answer (“Q&A”) challenge models; a Dynamic Challenge Level Adjuster; one or more scoring modules; challenge data; participant data; and an input/output interface. These components cooperate to determine and assign skill level indexes on an individual basis and to automatically present game content appropriate to each individual player's skill level.

Abstract: To provide a game system that enables a degree of difficulty of an occurrence of a predetermined game event to be changed depending on a degree of proficiency of a player in a game in which the predetermined event is made to occur when a controller is operated according to specific procedures. The present invention relates to a game system including one or more controllers. In the game system, a determining unit (52) determines whether or not a criterion operation data string has been inputted from the controller within a determination target period, a game event generation unit (58) generates a predetermined game event according to a result of the determination made by the determining unit (52), and the determining unit (52) changes a length of the determination target period based on a result of a past determination on at least one of the one or more controllers.

Abstract: A system that facilitates enhancing a game, game play or playability of a game may include an experience component, a game component and an alteration component. The experience component can collect a portion of data related to a game in which the portion of data indicates at least one of a tip or a tactic for the game. The game component can dynamically incorporate the portion of data into the game during game play to enhance playability of such game for a user with assistance provided by at least one of the tip or the tactic. The alteration component may alter the game during game play.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed in which players achieve various lifestyle goals through interactive game-playing. A plurality of game elements is provided, wherein information regarding an activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal is displayed on a surface of each game element. A game framework is provided, comprising a spatial representation of an actual accomplishment by a player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A journal is also provided, comprising a written representation of the actual accomplishment by the player of the activity in pursuit of the lifestyle improvement goal. A timing device may also be provided that times the actual accomplishment of the activity in pursuit of a lifestyle improvement goal by the player, according to a timing criterion that comprises at least one of a lower time limit and an upper time limit.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a wager input device and a display for displaying a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a manufacturer player identification reader for receiving a manufacturer player identifier and a casino player identification reader for receiving a casino player identifier. The system further includes a controller operative to associate the casino player identifier with the manufacturer player identifier.

Abstract: A game server device, which can communicate with a plurality of game terminal devices through which registered players can play a competitive game, is provided with a rating calculation unit for calculating ratings of players for each competition; a comparison unit for comparing a mean value of ratings of all registered players and a predetermined reference value; an adjustment unit for carrying out processing to bring the means value closer to the reference value; a CPU player setting unit for setting a CPU player to an opponent player of the registered player. When the average value is smaller than the reference value, the adjustment unit sets the CPU player as an opponent player of the registered player, and sets the rating of the CPU player to be larger than its original rating of the registered player, whereas in the reverse case, the adjustment unit sets the rating of the CPU player to be smaller than the original rating in the calculation of the rating of the registered player.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU displays a difficulty level setting screen on a second LCD prior to a start of the virtual game. On the difficulty level setting screen, a player sets a difficulty level so as to be higher or lower than an initial value by using coins that a player character obtains by playing a virtual game. For example, in a case that the difficulty level is high, the virtual game is made difficult, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made high, On the other hand, in a case that the difficulty level is low, the virtual game is made easy, but a possibility of obtaining a rare item is made low.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.

Abstract: Consolidated game flow for a plurality of different productivity applications is provided by a challenge director program module which may be local to a computing device or accessible via a remote network server at a challenge director interface of the productivity application currently utilized by a user. A consolidated game board display output of the challenge director at the computing device may encourage learning features of different productivity applications via attractive images that may be animated. Animation sequences may be provided at the challenge director interface which may grab the attention of a user of a productivity application to play a challenge or reward usage of learned productivity application features. Further animation sequences may be provided for entertainment during interactive game board play such as animation sequences played between skill levels of play or during play.

Abstract: Consolidated game flow for a plurality of different productivity applications is provided by a challenge director which may be local to a computing device or accessible via a remote network server. A consolidated game board display output of the challenge director at the computing device may encourage learning features of different productivity applications, for example, based on achieving at least one challenge for a feature that is of a different productivity application than one currently utilized by a user. The challenge director may launch a productivity application associated with a challenge from a version of the productivity application currently available at the computing device at the beginning of challenge play. An overall theme of the consolidated game board display may link a plurality of levels of play to one another with individual related sub-themes for each skill level of game play.

Abstract: In an embodiment, education games may be played on user systems or online. Game developer can make available games that test various skills. Games may be integrated with monitor software to evaluate skills and deficiencies. Reports of games may be made available for analysis.

Abstract: Players are enabled to participate in competitive challenges within a videogame. The challenges may provide for interactive play between players while the players play the videogame in an asynchronous manner. The challenges may be based on actual performances of one or more tasks by the players within the videogame. The tasks may include, for example, one or more of a race, a battle, a fight, a musical performance (or simulated music performance), a puzzle, and/or other objectives or tasks.