Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a gaming method, comprising the steps of: (a) upon receiving a game initiation request from an initiating live participant, providing a computer generated multi-player game environment in which the initiating live participant can play a game and invite at least one additional participant to join the game; (b) in response to receiving a second participant invitation from the live participant, requesting a second live participant to join the game; and (c) following the second participant invitation, providing a wait period for receiving acceptance of a second live participant to join the game prior to starting the game, where if the second live player accepts within the wait period the two players play live, and if not, then a simulated live opponent is provided with inter-game interaction so that the opponent appears to be a live opponent.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a gaming method, comprising the steps of: (a) receiving, from a live participant, a request for game play, the request including desired opponent information; (b) in response to the request, evaluating prior game play data associated with the live participant to assess the live participant's recent success in gaming, forming a satisfaction score; (c) in further response to the request, causing another user's prior game play data to be selected and retrieved based on the following (i) a substantial match with the desired opponent information; and (ii) a substantial match with the satisfaction score; and presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the other user's prior game play data.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for an online gaming method, where an initiating live participant can invite a friend to join a game as an additional participant. Following the invitation, a wait period is provided for receiving acceptance, and if acceptance is received within the wait period, then they will play as live participants in the game play. If acceptance of the friend is not received within the wait period, then a simulated additional participant based on prior game play data of the friend will be presented in game play with the initiating live participant such that the simulated additional participant appears to be a live participant due at least in part to an inter-game interaction between the initiating live participant and the simulated additional participant.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for serving a computer game, comprising (a) receiving, at a server, a request from a client for prior game play data relating to another user's prior live game play; (b) retrieving the prior game play data and transmitting the prior game play data to the client; (c) causing the client to store the prior game play data such that the client can retrieve the prior game play data at a later time; and (d) presenting a multi-player game environment where a live gaming participant using the client can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent, the apparently live opponent's interaction being based on the prior game play data.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for serving a computer game, comprising: (a) providing two separate storage facilities accessible from a server, the first storage facility comprising fast response searchable memory for storage of recently produced game play data, and the second storage facility comprising a structured database for longer term storage of game play data, the first memory having a data search and data retrieval speed that is substantially faster than the second memory; (b) receiving, at the server, a game play request from a live gaming participant with a desired opponent attribute; (c) in response to the game play request, searching the first memory, based on the attribute, to identify prior game play data corresponding to an appropriate opponent; and (d) presenting a multi-player game environment where the live gaming participant can play against and have two-way interactions with an apparently live opponent.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data.