Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and user interface for displaying an inquiry indication related to an inquiring user's inquiry are described. An inquiring user prepares and submits an inquiry in an inquiry application. Upon preparing and submitting an inquiry, a notice of the inquiry is generated and routed to the inquiring user's network contacts. An inquiry indication is generated to notify network contacts that an inquiry has been submitted by the inquiring user. A network contact may select the inquiry indication to display an inquiry feature and may select an inquiry feature to view the inquiry and respond to the inquiry.

Abstract: Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Sudoku style hybrid game are disclosed. Sudoku style hybrid games can include a themed entertainment game in which a player places symbols into a Sudoku puzzle and events within the entertainment portion of the Sudoku style entertainment game can trigger wagers in a real world game of chance. The outcome of the wagers can result in payouts of real world credit and can also affect gameplay within the Sudoku style entertainment game.

Abstract: A game system is designed so that, when an operation input that sequentially selects a plurality of player characters from a plurality of player characters placed in a character selection area has been performed, and it has been determined that the sequentially selected player characters satisfy a selection allowance condition that is set based on an attribute, each of the sequentially selected player characters attacks an enemy character, and the player character that has attacked the enemy character is deleted from the character selection area. The same number of player character as the player character deleted from the character selection area is additionally placed in the character selection area, and an attribute of each player character that is additionally placed in the character selection area is determined according to a given rule.

Abstract: A plurality of participants in a conversation may be scored based on ability to correctly answer questions and based on entertainment value as determined by viewers of the conversation. The conversation may be in the form of a game, or may include a number of different substantially simultaneous conversations. Audio data and video data of the conversation may be transmitted over a network, and viewer scores of the participants in the conversation may be received over the network. Participants in future conversation may be selected based on their skill in answering questions and their entertainment value, with different future conversations using different weightings of skill scores and entertainment scores in determining who may participate in the conversation.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to tie role-driven gaming purchases to executable transactions during a game so that on-line or related gaming systems create economic value inside the game itself. Players may control characters within a game which uses money to exchange goods or services to reach a goal, accomplish a task, or succeed in an event. The invention also provides for a participant to enter a game as a service provider to other players wherein the player receives compensation for the service. The service may be to provide aid in the form of a character or to provide educational services, for example. Accounts may be created to accumulate winnings or earnings as games are played.

Abstract: A game show may be played online or may be played online while being simultaneously broadcast on television. The contestants of the game show are internet users who may use a web camera to connect to the online game. The host of the game show may be transmitted to the online game as well as to the television audience. A web-only (non-televised) based game may be used to get qualifying contestants to play in the online/televised game. The object of the game is to be the “last cam standing” by, for example, answering trivia questions correctly and eliminating other players.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating metric-based conformance by character units to specified formations is provided. An instance of a game space may be executed. The game space may have character units (including a first group of character units) that are controllable by a user to perform in-space actions. Values for one or more dynamic cohesiveness metrics associated with one or more of the user or character units of the first group may be determined. Responsive to reception of a first action request specifying a formation for the first group and a second action request specifying a first in-space objective for the first group, the first group may attempt to perform the first in-space objective in the instance of the game space with a level of conformance (that is based on the determined values of the dynamic cohesiveness metrics) to the specified formation during the attempted performance of the first in-space objective.

Abstract: A resource allocation system for optimizing the allocation of resources in electronic games is provided. The resource allocation system includes a consumer attribute collection module configured to collect one or more consumer attributes associated with a consumer of an electronic game. The resource allocation system includes a consumer profile compilation module configured to describe the consumer by the one or more consumer attributes to produce a consumer profile. The resource allocation system includes a resource allocation module configured to allocate a resource of the electronic game to the consumer based on the consumer profile and one or more strategy rules.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for providing statistical and crowd sourced predictions that includes a memory component that stores logic that causes the system to determine default player ratings for a plurality of players based on statistical data, receive user player rankings from a plurality of users, and convert the user player rankings into user ratings. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine team data for a plurality of teams, where each of the plurality of teams includes a player that has been rated and simulate a game between at least two of the plurality of teams, and where the simulation is made based on the default player ratings, the user ratings, and the team data. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine an outcome of the game from the simulation and provide the outcome to the plurality of users for display.

Abstract: An electronic entertainment wagering system is provided. The electronic entertainment wagering system includes a video game challenge engine configured to receive first team selection data from a first player. The first team selection data includes a first plurality of video game players selected by the first player to be on a first team. The video game challenge engine is further configured to receive second team selection data from a second player. The second team selection data includes a second plurality of video game players selected by the second player to be on a second team. The video game challenge engine is further configured to receive video game player data. The video game player data includes statistical performance data over a plurality of video game events for the first plurality of video game players and the second plurality of video game players.

Abstract: Systems and methods of transporting virtual objects through a virtual world associated with a parallel reality game are provided. The virtual world has a geography that parallels at least a portion of the geography of the real world. A method includes accessing at least one data source storing or providing data associated with the location of a real world carrier. The method further includes modifying game data associated with the parallel reality to transport at least one virtual object through the virtual world, such that the position of the virtual object in the virtual world is based, at least in part, on the data associated with the location of the real world carrier. Other implementations are directed to systems, apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable media, devices, and user interfaces for transporting virtual objects in a location-based parallel reality game.

Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing personalized leaderboards based upon user parameters, game parameters or a combination thereof. The personalized leaderboard determined by identifying a group of users (i) to which the first user belongs, and (ii) among which performance in the online game by the first user as characterized by the first set of game parameter values is relatively high. Providing leaderboards where the user features relatively high incentivizes the user to continue playing the game to continue progressing toward the top of the leaderboard, improving player retention.

Abstract: An online game is conducted by providing one or more stereolithography (STL) files to a plurality of users, by a processor, via a network, wherein the one or more STL files define respective objects. Information relating to the respective objects is received, by the processor, from the plurality of users. A winner is selected from among the plurality of users, based on the information received from the plurality of users. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of users is associated with a respective 3-D printer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a neural engine for recommending picks in an on-line fantasy sport draft and in on-line fantasy trades. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one computing memory having associated therewith a plurality of rules, wherein at least ones of the plurality of rules include historical performance information for at least two fantasy sports teams in at least two fantasy sports leagues, wherein one of the at least two fantasy sports leagues is associated with the on-line fantasy sports draft, and expert information regarding the picks in the on-line fantasy sports draft. The present invention may additionally include at least one computer processor that applies ones of the plurality of rules drawn from the at least one computing memory to arrive at a recommendation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and/or a system of an electronic puzzle game comprising a set of extendable lines combinable to form a puzzle image is disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic puzzle game includes a set of instructions, which when operated through a processor communicatively coupled with a memory operate in a manner to: generate a set of positions, wherein when at least some of the set of positions are combined together along a predetermined pathway, the combined ones of the set of positions form a puzzle image, generate a plurality of lines that are maneuverable onto each of the set of positions through a control interface, and extend the plurality of lines responsive to an action of a user along the set of positions, and when the plurality of lines are extended across the predetermined pathway by the user, the extended lines combine together to render the puzzle image.

Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, which includes at least one terminal with a connection to a dedicated remote server, the system also including a module for playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal that can reproduce the recording, interact with a user, connect with a dedicated remote server, ask a terminal user a question and suggest multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected independent of the terminal user.

Abstract: A portable, handholdable device includes global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, a camera, a user interface configured to receive user inputs, the user interface including a display; wireless communication circuitry for mobile wireless communications, and a processing system configured to execute a program using a position determined by the GPS circuitry.

Abstract: A server device selects by lot one event from among a plurality of events including an encounter event with an enemy character present in a predetermined area in a network game, accepts from a user a command indicating action taken on the enemy character, when the encounter event is selected by lot, performs a process on the enemy character, based on the accepted command, and stores a status of the enemy character obtained after processed. In addition, the server device selects by lot an encounter event for re-encountering an enemy character encountered in past, with a predetermined probability, reads from a memory a status of the re-encountered enemy character obtained at a past encounter, and sets the status as an initial status of the re-encountered enemy character.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining relationships between units are described. An illustrative system may include a semantic knowledge base having information regarding stored relationships between a plurality of units associated with content, a processor and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium in communication with the processor. The storage medium may include one or more programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to direct a display to present the plurality of units to one or more users, receive an input from each of the one or more users, compare the input with the information in the semantic knowledge base and determine whether the input corresponds to a stored relationship and provide a notification to each of the one or more users based upon the determining. The input may correspond to a determination of a relationship between the plurality of units based upon the content of each unit by a user.

Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

Abstract: A system and method for non-sequential automated fantasy drafting are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises storing a ranked list of players, each player associated with one or more characteristics from a predefined set of characteristics, defining one or more rules which specify the maximum number of active players having each of the characteristics and a maximum number of players having of each of the characteristics, storing a roster of previously selected players having the maximum number of active players for a particular characteristic and less than the maximum number of players for the particular characteristic, and automatically selecting, in an electronic device, based on the stored roster, a player for the roster from the ranked list of players satisfying the one or more rules such that a player is selected with a lower rank than a player with the particular characteristic.

Abstract: A game system is provided in which, when data is transmitted to a game apparatus of a receiver side, the influence which the transmitted data has on a game progressing in the game apparatus of the receiver side is diversified and the interest of the game is increased. The game apparatus includes a display in which a field map represents all or part of a game field in a plan view as seen from the above. A placement request icon is displayed on the display. When touching the placement request icon, a sub-character can be placed at a position where a main character is located. When a sub-character icon is selected and content of an event is determined, the sub-character is placed. When a communication connection with a different game apparatus is established, information related to the placed sub-character is transmitted.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes distributing bonus awards associated with a spelling game. A spelling game server system defines a first subset of letters included in a plurality of letters. A spelling game server system defines a set of allowed words that includes a bonus word. A spelling game server system receives one or more letters from the first subset of letters, where the subset of letters includes at least one newly spelled word, and the at least one newly spelled word is included in the set of allowed words. A spelling game server system awarding a first reward based on the at least one newly spelled word, wherein the first reward includes a bonus reward when the at least one newly spelled word includes at least a portion of the bonus word.

Abstract: A game providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more processors capable of executing a game program. In one embodiment, the game program includes a conversion rate presentation module configured to present a conversion rate between a first basic point and a first varying point to a player. When a first basic object associated with the first basic point is selected, an acquired point of the player is determined on the basis of the first basic point. When a first varying object associated with the first varying point is selected, the acquired point is determined on the basis of the first varying point.

Abstract: A system according to an embodiment includes a game progress control unit configured to control progress of a game, a screen output unit configured to output a game screen containing a path area in which a path of a puzzle game is formed to a terminal device, a placement unit configured to place a path object that functions as part of the path on the basis of advancement of turns in the path area according to an instruction from the player, a moving unit configured to advance the turns to move the moving object according to a predetermined rule, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the moving object has reached a goal point.

Abstract: A strategy game, and a method of playing said strategy game, comprising a board including a matrix, a first set of pieces, and a second set of pieces differing from the first set of pieces by an attribute such as color, wherein, a first plurality of the first set of pieces are placed in the matrix, the first plurality of the second set of pieces are placed in the matrix, and a winning position is determined when a second plurality of the first or second set of pieces are placed in a continuous line in the matrix, with the second plurality greater than the first plurality. The pieces may be placed in adjacent or non-adjacent positions in the matrix. In a particular embodiment, the second plurality is greater than the first plurality by at least three.

Abstract: A method for providing a battle game in which a user repeatedly attacks and defends against an opponent using a plurality of objects placed in a plurality of areas arranged in a matrix, includes: a selection step of causing the user to select an area from the plurality of areas, and holding the area which has been already selected as a selected area; a first execution step of causing an object placed in the selected area; a determination step of determining whether or not a combination of an already selected area and the currently selected area matches at least one line which is any of a row, a column, and a diagonal of the matrix; and a second execution step of causing an object to execute a second action, in the case where the determination step determines that the combination matches the at least one line.

Abstract: The visual information targeting game challenges users to discern target objects from a plurality of distracting elements within a game space and then challenges the users to recall and select the previously selected target objects from another plurality of distracting elements in a new game space. Target objects are categorically related to one another. The target objects and the distracting elements are particularly arranged on each game space in either a random or context based distribution. Through the identification, selection, and recall of the target objects, a user is able to strengthen their ability to process the target objects.

Abstract: A game strategy system provides game strategy in the form of recommendations to players. The system includes mobile device and application components used to capture images or other input containing game data. The game data is analyzed to general one or more recommendations for a particular game and particular set of game indicia, such as playing cards of a poker game. The system detects particular games and alters its recommendations based on the particular game being played. Location and other information may be part of the game data. In addition, one or more remote servers may be used to analyze, monetize, and publish game data, as well as to provide tournament awards to players.

Abstract: An episode structure and API are disclosed for interweaving multiple game threads into gameplay experiences of virtual worlds such that players have clarity about overall story arcs and their mission purposes but find that, as they pursue those purposes, they continue to experience quests and events that teach them SEL principles that they need to learn based on their level and needs. In some aspects, successful execution or completion of SEL episodes can thwart or enable overall achievement of mission purposes and players that struggles are educated about what they did wrong through an empathy process.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. Game image information containing positional information of the target object in a game image used in the video game is stored in a game image information memory. A position of a viewpoint against the game image is specified on the basis of progress of the video game. A game image is displayed on the display screen on the basis of the specified position of the viewpoint and the game image information stored in the game image information memory. It is determined whether the target object becomes a non-display state or not in response to a movement request of the viewpoint received from a player. Selection of the target object by the player is received in a case where it is determined that the target object does not become the non-display state.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for placing players of a multiplayer game in a virtual world are described. Territory for a player of the multiplayer game is placed in the virtual world for the multiplayer game. Territory for at least one other player is placed adjacent to the territory of the player in the virtual world. The player is determined to have entered the territory for the at least one other player. At least one in-game task is assigned to the player based on an in-game state of the player and an in-game state of the at least one other player.

Abstract: A method to operate game of chance using a map of sites as playing surface with moving pieces called movers. There are ruled movements. A random draw of ruled movements move movers from sites to sites. Players bet on own selected movers moving to own selected sits by one or several draws of movements. The holder of a hanging bet earns credit to place free make-up bets. Calculation of the hanging or winning probability of every bet together with its hanging credit or winning payoff will be provided. An automatic computer/video version of the game is included.

Abstract: An online mahjong gaming system for a plurality of users each has a game client communicating with a game server. The game client displays a mahjong table having four player positions, a deck of turned down mahjong tiles and a row of turned up mahjong tiles visible to the user at each player position but concealed from the other users. The mahjong table has a display portion displaying turned up mahjong tiles which have been discarded. The game client displays an allow icon to the user at the player position indicating that a viewer desires to view the game. The game server is configured to link the game client of the viewer to the mahjong table to display the mahjong table to the viewer with the row of turned up mahjong tiles of the player who selected the allow icon being displayed to the viewer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, payoffs to an actor during the strategic game according to a solution concept is simulated a predetermined number of times. A machine learning tool is used to predict a payoff based on the predetermined number of payoffs according to the solution concept, wherein the machine learning tool is trained with plurality of pairs, each pair comprising a set of simulated payoffs and an actual payoff, wherein the simulated payoffs are predetermined number of payoffs determined in accordance with the solution concept. In another embodiment, a process tree representative of a strategic game involving actors is obtained. The process tree may comprise computational nodes, and leaf nodes which define payoff based on computations of the computational nodes. The process tree is reduced to a game tree representing the strategic game by simulating routes in the process tree.

Abstract: A game management server apparatus that provides, to terminal devices connected via a network, a game service in which players operating the terminal devices cooperate with each other to battle against an enemy, includes, a storing unit storing a battle history of a player; a generating unit generating strategy guide information for conquering an opposing enemy; an attacking screen information generating unit generating attacking screen information including the battle history and the strategy guide information; a communication screen information generating unit generating communication screen information for a plurality of players to have communication with each other; and a screen information sending unit sending the attacking screen information and the communication screen information to the terminal devices, wherein the attacking screen information generating unit generates attacking screen information in which display of the battle history and the strategy guide information are terminated when a predeter

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for placing players of a multiplayer game in a virtual world are described. Territory for a player of the multiplayer game is placed in the virtual world for the multiplayer game. Territory for at least one other player is placed adjacent to the territory of the player in the virtual world. The player is determined to have entered the territory for the at least one other player. At least one in-game task is assigned to the player based on an in-game state of the player and an in-game state of the at least one other player.

Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein determines whether to provide at least one of the plurality of progressive awards to the player based on that player's measured level of skill in: (i) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game, (ii) a skill-based progressive award sequence, or (iii) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. The determination is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player which tend to measure that player's level of skill in at least one of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for an interactive audio-visual puzzle is presented herein. Particularly, in order to create, design or otherwise prepare the puzzle, an audio composition and a digital object are selected and partitioned into a plurality of separate segments or pieces. For example, the composition may be partitioned in separate segments of time and the object may be separated into a plurality of visual puzzle pieces. Each of the puzzle pieces are assigned or associated with a different one of the audio segments. The goal of the puzzle or game is for the player to reconstruct both the visual object and the audio composition by aligning the puzzle pieces in the correct order or orientation.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are described herein for interacting with an omni-directionally projected display. The omni-directionally projected display includes, in some embodiments, visual information projected on a display surface by way of an omni-directional projector. A user is able to interact with the projected visual information using gestures in free space, voice commands, and/or other tools, structures, and commands. The visual information can be projected omni-directionally, to provide a user with an immersive interactive experience with the projected display. The concepts and technologies disclosed herein can support more than one interacting user. Thus, the concepts and technologies disclosed herein may be employed to provide a number of users with immersive interactions with projected visual information.

Abstract: A server device executes one battle by spending the spending parameter in response to a player's operational input, and recovers the spending parameter by using a recovery item owned by the player. The server device calculates the total number of recovery items used to recover the spending parameter when one battle is fought for a plurality of times while repeating spending and recovering the spending parameter in response to operational inputs from the player until a hit point parameter of the enemy character is brought to less than or equal to a value. In response to one special operational input from the player, the server device determines whether the number of recovery items owned by the player is greater than or equal to the total number of recovery items calculated. When the determination is affirmative, the total number of recovery items calculated is automatically used from among the recovery items.

Abstract: A system for enhancing reading performance operates on a network-connected server with software executing from a non-transitory medium at the server providing an interactive interface for a user connected to the server via a browser link. There is a data repository coupled to the server. The interactive interface provides a word search exercise for the user for improving the user's reading performance, displays a passage comprising a first number of words and a search list with a second number of words that each appear at least once in the passage, the second number smaller than the first number, and when the user clicks on every word in the passage for a word that appears in the search list, that word is indicated in the list as found, until all the words in the search list have been indicated as found.

Abstract: A game providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more processors capable of executing a game program. In one embodiment, the game program includes a conversion rate presentation module configured to present a conversion rate between a first basic point and a first varying point to a player. When a first basic object associated with the first basic point is selected, an acquired point of the player is determined on the basis of the first basic point. When a first varying object associated with the first varying point is selected, the acquired point is determined on the basis of the first varying point.

Abstract: A computer device has user interface configured to display user actuatable game elements and to detect user input when a user engages with a game element; and a processor configured to receive a detected user input and on detecting a match game condition to control the user interface to remove at least three game elements from the display and to provide on the user interface replacement user actuatable game elements, wherein the manner of providing each replacement game element has a graphical representation governed by a tile associated with each game element, wherein each tile has a selectable physics which controls at least one of (i) the direction in which it moves to replenish a vacancy left by the removed user game elements; and (ii) the speed at which it moves to replenish the vacancy.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a neural engine for recommending picks in an on-line fantasy sport draft and in on-line fantasy trades. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one computing memory having associated therewith a plurality of rules, wherein at least ones of the plurality of rules include historical performance information for at least two fantasy sports teams in at least two fantasy sports leagues, wherein one of the at least two fantasy sports leagues is associated with the on-line fantasy sports draft, and expert information regarding the picks in the on-line fantasy sports draft. The present invention may additionally include at least one computer processor that applies ones of the plurality of rules drawn from the at least one computing memory to arrive at a recommendation.

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: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a substitution hybrid game including: a gambling game; a multiplayer entertainment game that triggers at least one wager in the gambling game; a substitution module constructed to access a database containing player profiles associated with players of the substitution hybrid game, and the substitution module is constructed to: detect a substitution request from a human player via a user interface concerning a gameplay session of the substitution hybrid game, where a player profile within the database describes the human player; evaluate whether the substitution request involves a substitution of players that satisfies at least one substitution standard using at least the player profile that describes the human player; and perform the requested player substitution when the substitution request satisfies the at least one substitution standard.

Abstract: One object is to provide a server device that enables accurate expectation of cost required to acquire a desired game content. In accordance with one aspect, a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a game to one or more players via a network. This server device includes a won game content selecting unit configured to select one or more game contents as first won game contents from the game contents contained in a first deck allocated to a first player of the one or more players, an owned game content information storage unit configured to store the one or more won game contents in association with the first player identification information, and an updating unit configured to update the first deck by clearing the one or more first won game contents from the first deck.

Abstract: A system and method of providing adaptive training sessions for visual perception provides long-term training schedules, each schedule composed of visual training sessions, each training session composed of training exercises. Each training session is gamified by keeping score related to user input regarding Gabor patches, distractors, and other visual stimuli. Furthermore, each training session is adapted to the user based on user input in each training exercise, and the long-term schedule is adapted to the user based on data collected about the user during each training session.