Abstract: An information processing device processes game data including a startup file and a program file, the game data being formed by adding, to an image file of game data including a plurality of files that are each assigned one or a plurality of blocks and including metadata of each file, metadata including a signature attached to each of the plurality of blocks constituting the image file. The information processing device includes: a first mount processing section mounting the image file to which the metadata including the signature is added at a first mount point, and recognizing the image file; and a second mount processing section mounting the recognized image file at a second mount point, and recognizing the plurality of files included in the image file.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game using playing cards derived from the insertion of a physical denomination of currency. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.

Abstract: A video game application is executed on a computer gaming device. While the video game application is providing active gameplay, the computer gaming device receives a command to broadcast the active gameplay. Responsive to the command, the computer gaming device broadcasts the active gameplay without interrupting the active gameplay.

Abstract: A controller is provided. The controller includes at least one button, an object integrated with a body, and the object defined from a translucent plastic material. Further included is an inertial sensor, an LED device defined to illuminate the object, and a circuit for interpreting input data from the at least one button and the inertial sensor and for communicating data wirelessly. The circuit further configured to interface with the LED device to trigger illumination of the LED to switch from an un-illuminated state to an illuminated color. The LED device is activated depending on data received from a computing system. The activation occurring in response to a state interpreted by the computer program during execution.

Abstract: There are provided a capture notification system, a capture notification method, a program, an information storage medium, and an information processing device for allowing a user executing a program to become aware of another user capturing an image indicating content of execution of the program. A capture request receiving section receives a capture request of an image indicating content of execution of a program from a capture requesting user requesting capture of the image. A notifying section notifies a capture object user that the image is to be captured in response to the receipt of the capture request.

Abstract: Provided is a user interface having improved usability when, in a period in which information relating to a state of a game which is being executed by a game device is being distributed to another game device, users exchange messages regarding the game being distributed. The game device executes a game application, distributes the information relating to the state of the game being executed to the another game device, receives from a distribution-destination game device a message input by the user of the distribution-destination game device regarding the distributed information, and controls display means to display a game image representing the state of the game along with the received message.

Abstract: A game system including first and second game devices is provided. Each of the first and second game devices includes a communication function for communication by using any one communication channel of a plurality of predetermined communication channels. The first game device switches from a first communication channel being used to a second communication channel other than the first communication channel and broadcasts a frame including data, and switches back to the first communication channel and continues original communication after broadcasting. When the second game device receives the frame through the second communication channel, it performs processing of the received frame.

Abstract: A server device and the like that can make a whole game and SNS more active by promoting the movement of players between groups to enhance the mobility of game participants. A server device comprises: an information storage unit for storing information of a game in which a plurality of players are able to participate and which includes a battle event; and a control unit for accessing the information and executing an operation related to the game. The server device executes a predetermined step that includes performing, when a first player transfers from a first group to a second group, payment and receipt of transfer points as compensation for the transfer between at least two out of the first player, the first group, and the second group.

Abstract: An object control section according to one embodiment moves a player object in a virtual space according to an operation performed by a user. When the player object has reached a predetermined position in the virtual space by the operation performed by the user, the object control section issues a read instruction to a communication control section. The communication control section transmits radio wave to a storage medium when receiving the read instruction. When the radio wave is received, electromotive force is generated in the storage medium, and information stored in the storage medium is read by an information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a server having a basket containing a set of events, each event having an element of predictability and an element of randomness. User devices connected to the server accept user selections with respect to a pre-determined game and each user selection includes an ordered list of a subset of the basket. The gaming system has a way to determine results of the plurality of events and a way to determine if any of the user selections matches the results, and if so, declaring a winner.

Abstract: A gaming system that includes a server and a first gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, wherein the first gaming machine includes an input device configured to receive game play events from a first player operating the first gaming machine. The gaming system further includes one or more additional gaming machines communicatively coupled to the server, wherein each of the one or more additional gaming machines is operated by a respective player. The gaming system also includes a processor programmed to provide a game of chance on the first gaming machine, determine that a triggering event as occurred, and based on the triggering event, enable one of the one or more players on one of the one or more additional gaming machines to execute a game play event for the first player.

Abstract: A game headset receives a plurality of audio channels during play of a particular game, monitors one or more of the plurality of audio channels and detects an occurrence of one or more particular sounds in the plurality of audio channels during the monitoring of the one or more of the plurality of audio channels. In response to the detecting, the game headset triggers playback of one or more of a plurality of voice commands that corresponds to the one or more particular sounds. The voice commands may be predefined and associated with the one or more particular sounds in a data structure. The voice commands may instruct the listener of the game headset to perform an action in the particular game. The characteristics of the one or more sounds may include direction, intensity, and/or frequency of the particular one or more sounds.

Abstract: Gaming system and method for online gaming on at least one gaming machine. The method includes providing and streaming a video of the gaming machine, which is to be remotely played by a user, displaying the video at a client station of the user, receiving from the client station input data including data indicative of the user's interaction with controls of the gaming machine which appearing in the video, and activating the gaming machine based on the input data. In certain embodiment of the invention the input data is indicative of one or more regions of the video at which controls of the gaming machine appear and with which the user interacted.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for operating a fantasy league including: fantasy player information including performance history of one or more real-world athletes selected as fantasy players is stored. Sponsorship information associated with the fantasy player is stored on at least one of an individual or team basis. An operational request from a fantasy client device is received. An association between the operational request and the fantasy player is determined. An operational result is determined. At least one item of sponsorship information is associated with the operational result. The operational result and the sponsorship information are transmitted. An alert window is displayed at the fantasy client device including the sponsorship information.

Abstract: A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. The sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g., tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g., tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.

Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating powering of unpowered objects for tracking, augmented reality, and other experiences according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes scanning, by a scanner of a computing device, an object, where the object includes an unpowered object, and where the scanner is further to detect a smart tag at the object. The method may further include providing power, by the computing device, to the object, where the power is provided via the smart tag at the object, where providing power includes initiating an output from the object to enable performing of location tracking of the object, where the output is received by the computing device. The method may further include rendering an augmented reality (AR) experience involving the object, where the AR experience is based on the output.

Abstract: Techniques for sending and receiving broadcast information are described. In an aspect, broadcast metadata may be generated for broadcast information and may include location and time criteria used by terminals to filter the broadcast information. Each location and time criterion may include (i) a location criterion given by a target location and a presence or absence requirement and (ii) a time criterion given by a time period in which the location criterion applies. A terminal may receive the broadcast metadata prior to or with the broadcast information, obtain location and time criteria from the broadcast metadata, and filter the broadcast information based on the location and time criteria. The terminal may evaluate each location and time criterion by determining its location within a specified time period and determining whether its location is within or outside a specified target location, as indicated by the presence or absence requirement.

Abstract: A vehicle toy that can work with common construction blocks provides connector surfaces covering the top and bottom of the toy housing for full integration into construction projects. Interface and control with the vehicle are provided by mesh wireless connectivity to a cell phone or the like greatly simplifying its construction. Mesh interconnections between vehicles and controllers allow greater interaction of the devices including allowing one device to be nominated as a referee permitting automatically refereed interactive contests.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique includes initiating, at a computing device having one or more processors, a video chat session with another computing device via a network. The technique includes displaying, at the computing device, a video chat window in response to initiating the video chat session, the video chat window displaying a video stream received from the other computing device. The technique includes detecting, at the computing device, a lack of interaction between a user of the computing device and the video chat window. The technique also includes in response to detecting the lack of interaction between the user and the video chat window, at least one of automatically resizing and automatically repositioning, at the computing device, the video chat window.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the use of location-based service applications including: a mobile device. A carrier-positioning infrastructure interacts with the mobile device for enabling the use of location-based applications by the mobile device. A mobile location-based application provider communicates with the carrier-positioning infrastructure to provide a location-based application to the mobile device. A location transaction platform monitors the use of the location-based application by the mobile device. An analytics server communicates with the location transaction platform and location stamps an occurrence of use of the location-based application by the mobile device and performs a task in accordance with predetermined rules as a function of the location-based stamp.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transmission portion configured to transmit a two-dimensional image to a plurality of controllers through a network. The two-dimensional image is a simplification of a three-dimensional image based on information of a selected application. The transmission portion is further configured to transmit positional information for a first object to the plurality of controllers. The positional information for the first object is receivable from a first controller. The apparatus further includes a reception portion configured to receive positional information for a second object from a second controller through the network based on the positional information for the first object and the two-dimensional image.

Abstract: When a predetermined time has elapsed after a handheld game apparatus received “game information” from another handheld game apparatus, a character corresponding to a player of the another handheld game apparatus appears as a passerby in a shopping center in a game world of a game of the handheld game apparatus. The predetermined time is determined based on the positional relationship between the shopping center in the game world and the present position of the player character of the game of the another handheld game apparatus.

Abstract: Providing SMS check in and check out, comprising receiving an SMS mobile originated entrance communication from at least one user, authenticating the SMS mobile originated entrance communication, determining at least one location of the authenticated SMS mobile originated entrance communication and authorizing the at least one user to enter the at least one location.

Abstract: A video server is configured to provide streaming video to players of computer games over a computing network. The video server can provided video of different games to different players simultaneously. This is accomplished by rendering several video streams in parallel using a single GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The output of the GPU is provided to graphics processing pipelines that are each associated with a specific client/player and are dynamically allocated as needed. A client qualifier may be used to assure that only clients capable of presenting the streaming video to a player at a minimum level of quality receive the video stream. Video frames provided by the video server optionally include overlays added to the output of the GPU. These overlays can include voice data received from another game player.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods of placing real-world wagers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers through location-based reveals to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user location even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers. The system may associate certain locations with a reveal such that when a user enters, is determined to be at, and/or leaves a reveal location, a reveal opportunity may be presented to the user. For example, the system may invite the user to make a purchase at a nearby partner retailer for a chance to win a payout or be guaranteed to win a payout and/or may simply obtain a particular payout (e.g., via cash, item, etc.) when a user enters a particular location.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for image recognized content creation. There is provided a method comprising capturing an image from a camera, analyzing the image to recognize a plurality of elements, converting the plurality of elements into custom content data, and executing an interactive application using the custom content data. In one embodiment, the interactive application may comprise a racing video game, and the image may comprise a racetrack layout for use in the racing video game. Thus, a user can provide a racetrack by drawing simple lines and curves on a piece of paper, which are detected by the camera and converted into valid data assets for the video game. In this manner, even young children can leverage common drawing skills using familiar physical drawing implements for quick and simplified content creation, bypassing the need to use complex, tedious, and proprietary conventional on-screen user interfaces.

Abstract: The game program pertaining to the present invention receives selection operation input from a player by having the player select one of a plurality of characters. Then, it is determined whether the received selection operation input is a first selection operation input or a second selection operation input, and if the first selection operation input has been received, the character selected by the player is configured as a selectable object and a first action is configured for the character that is a selectable object, and if the second selection operation input has been received, the character selected by the player is configured as a selectable object and a second action that is different from the first action is configured for the character that is a selectable object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing and selling a user-generated game offered for sale via an online retail platform are provided. A user can input user-specified game information via a computing device over a network instructions for the development of the components of a game are automatically created based at least in part on the user-specified game information. Moreover, the systems and methods may further include transmitting the instructions for the development of the components of the game to an online retail platform, print on demand manufacturing the game, and thereafter offering the game for sale or rent via the online retail platform.

Abstract: When an acquisition unit acquires image data of a game being played on another information processing apparatus, a display processing unit displays, using the acquired image data, an image of game play. A participation processing unit allows a user to join the game being played on the other information processing apparatus, and a transmission unit transmits operation information from the user to the other information processing apparatus. When the acquisition unit acquires image data in which the transmitted operation information is reflected in the progress of the game in the other information processing apparatus, the display processing unit displays, using the image data, an image of game play in which the operation information is reflected.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment comprises a client device configured to communicate with a remote system over a network. The client device comprises a processor, a memory, an input device and a display. The client device is configured to detect an input event generated at the input device, to store in the memory a local time associated with the input event, and to transmit information characterizing the input event to the remote system over the network. The client device is configured to receive from the remote system a video signal comprising an event index of the input event. An event index is extracted from the video signal, and a round-trip latency is computed between the input event and a corresponding video output of the client device based at least in part on a local time associated with the extracted event index and the stored local time associated with the input event.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling a mobile augmented reality (AR) table betting system to facilitate game play with a table game and one or more players each using a mobile device. The method includes: enabling a player to register at an available betting spot on the table game using the player's mobile device; providing a dealer display that presents information to a dealer as game events occur on the player's associated mobile device; enabling a player to access funds from an electronic wallet associated with the player to place an initial bet at the table game; commencing game play at the table game; enabling a player to place an subsequent bet or game decision at the table game using the player's mobile device; in response to a winning table game outcome, transferring funds to the player; and in response to a losing table game outcome, transferring funds from the player.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages within online games are described. One of the methods includes receiving a message post from a first user. The message post is displayed on an in-game object that is configured for sharing message posts between the first user and other users. The method further includes detecting an interfacing action by a second user with the in-game object. The interfacing action is an input that is responsive to request content that is part of the message post. The method further includes validating the interfacing action to meet a threshold. If the threshold is met, the virtual game object is credited to the game space of the first user. The method includes generating a reward to the second user when the interfacing action is validated. The reward is credited to a game space of the second user.

Abstract: A gaming device configured to operate in a marketing mode or a standard gaming mode dependent upon the determination of whether the user is a preselected user or not.

Abstract: Incorporating player-generated audio in an electronic game is disclosed. Incorporation may include receiving an audio clip from art electronic game player, applying a modification to the audio clip to generate a chant, associating the chant to the execution of an event in the electronic game, retrieving the chant when the event in the electronic game is executed, and initiating the play of the chant upon execution of the event in the electronic game.

Abstract: A gaming environment can be affected based on one or more aspects of a media environment. By way of example, gaming content and/or the gaming experience provided and/or suggested to an individual can be tailored based on his/her musical profile effectively obtained from the media environment associated with the individual. Similarly, a media environment can be affected by a gaming environment. By way of example, musical content provided and/or suggested to an individual can be based on his/her gaming profile. In addition, an open media-gaming environment can be provided where various media and gaming components can be integrated together. By way of example, an individual can identify one or more of his favorite songs to be presented for a game. The game can be packaged and/or sold without the song(s) but configured to receive and effectively provide them for game play.

Abstract: A server device and the like that can make a whole game and SNS more active by promoting the movement of players between groups to enhance the mobility of game participants. A server device comprises: an information storage unit for storing information of a game in which a plurality of players are able to participate and which includes a battle event; and a control unit for accessing the information and executing an operation related to the game. The server device executes a predetermined step that includes performing, when a first player transfers from a first group to a second group, payment and receipt of transfer points as compensation for the transfer between at least two out of the first player, the first group, and the second group.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to multi-player casino games are described. An electronic gaming device is provided that allows a live player to compete against a virtual player in a multi-player wager-based game using playing cards derived from the insertion of a physical denomination of currency. The electronic gaming device can be configured to simulate the decision making of a virtual player and associated behaviors of the virtual player during game play. In some instances, the simulated behaviors of the virtual player output at the electronic gaming device can be learned by a live player so that the live player can make better or more advantageous game play decisions. The simulated behaviors of the virtual player can be conveyed to the live player via visual images, such as simulated facial expressions of the virtual player.

Abstract: A game system allows a user to play a game in a similar way to a game machine. The game system includes a server device, a game machine, and a network terminal device. A game machine program makes a control device function as a device for making a user play a game and a device for accepting a predetermined service from the server device as well as identifying a user in cooperation with the server device. The server device is provided with a virtual game machine portion which executes the game machine program and makes a control unit thereof function as the device for making a user play the game and the device for accepting the service. The network terminal device is provided with an I/O control portion which makes the network terminal device function as a remote I/O device for the virtual game machine control portion.

Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A barcode corresponding to an identification of the networked device is attached on a networked device, and the identification is associated with an IP address of the networked device in a server, wherein a terminal device captures the barcode for transmitting a connection request to the server; and the server obtains the identification code of the networked device according to the connection request, wherein the IP address of the networked device is obtained according to identification code for establishing a point to point (P2P) connection between the terminal device and the networked device.

Abstract: A method obtains multiple recorded instances of play through a virtual environment and generating the virtual environment through which progress may be made by a player. At a first elapsed time, a position of the player is determined within the virtual environment. At the first elapsed time, data indicating a position within the virtual environment is obtained, and a difference between the obtained position and the determined position of the player is calculated. If the difference exceeds a first threshold, the method searches for a second recorded instance of play meeting criteria where, at the first elapsed time, the data indicates a position within the environment whose difference from the determined position does not exceed a second threshold. If a second recorded instance of play meets the criteria, a graphical element is incorporated into the environment at the position obtained from the first elapsed time within the second recorded instance.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing an event space associated with a primary virtual space is provided. An event space is provided to users of a primary virtual space, wherein the event space comprises one or more event objectives. Users of the primary virtual space having primary user accounts have associated event space accounts indicating event user parameters, event game parameters, and event inventory information for the first user. The user may be provided with event virtual items for purchase wherein the event virtual items are used in the event space during the event period. In response to a determination of the progress of the user associated with one or more event objectives an event award is determined for distribution to the user, wherein the event award may be used within the primary virtual space.

Abstract: A client device with processor(s), memory, and a display captures an image of a displayed interface of a game being executed on the client device. The image includes game data corresponding to game performance of a user of the client device. The client device provides, to a server, the image for extraction of the game data from the image of the displayed interface of the game. In response to providing the image, the client device receives, from the server, game ranking information specifying a ranking for the user that is based on the game data extracted from the image. In some embodiments, the client device displays the game ranking information in an interface of a social networking platform, where the game ranking information includes relative rankings of the user and social network contact(s) of the user on the social networking platform.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: A computer game mode module provides a navigable image on a display, the navigable image comprising a set of location icons each representing a location associated with a game mode object of multiple game mode objects of different types selectable at the location icon. A first game mode generates a first marker when a first game objective is attained. A second game mode generates a successful task signal which causes an electronic assistance message to be provide. A third game mode receives remote user input game data generated at other user devices.

Abstract: A network game system includes a server apparatus and a plurality of video game apparatuses connected to the server apparatus. A party includes player characters of a plurality of players. When the party battles with an opponent character, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits movie playback information to each video game apparatus for starting playback of a movie. Each of the players can skip the movie at a desired timing. A screen is displayed on each video game apparatus that has skipped the movie until the battle starts. When information is received from each video game apparatus that indicates playback of the movie has ended, the server apparatus simultaneously transmits battle start information to each video game apparatus.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for providing an online game experience using multiple devices are generally disclosed including methods and devices for, in some examples, receiving first data from a first device, the received first data being associated with a first interaction with the online game, receiving a request to utilize a second device and responsive to the received request, transmitting second data to the second device, the second data being associated with a second interaction with the online game, the second interaction related to the first interaction but being different from the first interaction.

Abstract: A computerized technique for use with a game console, the technique including providing, using the game console, a combat video game that includes a weapon, providing, using the game console and an audiovisual system, music as a player plays the video game, analyzing, using the game console, at least one of i) the music, and ii) metadata relating to the music, to determine a property, and controlling the operation of the weapon, using the game console, as a function of the property.

Abstract: An instant messaging user may use a buddy list that includes a user-selected list of potential instant messaging recipients (“buddies”) to identify another instant messaging user with whom instant messages are to be exchanged. An instant messaging user also may use a buddy list for other purposes, such as to initiate playing of an on-line game or to invite participants to play an on-line game. The buddy list may be used as an on-line game leaderboard that presents a list of players of the on-line game in ranked order.