Patents Assigned to Zynga Inc.
  • Patent number: 12268966
    Abstract: A game management system provides a content generator configured for automated generation of custom game content based on a plurality of parametric values that model gameplay behavior of one or more players for whom the game content is to be customized. The customized configuration is generated in a predefined sequence of progressive configuration stages. In each stage, a respective configurable feature is assigned a custom value that is determined (e.g., in a biased or constrained randomized operation) based on a respectively linked parameter value from the data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 12214281
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include a particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data. Additional parameters for which operator input mechanisms are provided by the generator interface include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form a game event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 12145069
    Abstract: A game management system is configured for automated analysis of player behavior regarding traversal of different screens and options in a game application (as opposed to exclusively gameplay behavior) and to generate an automated estimation or inference about one or more psychological aspects of player behavior, such as motivation for game engagement and/or emotional states at different stages of interaction. The results of such analysis are automatically parametrized and included in a multidimensional parametric player model that informs player clustering and/or automated customization of game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 12115446
    Abstract: A method of providing virtual items based on location-based action is disclosed. An indication is received of a performance of a location-based action by a player of a computer-implemented game. A virtual item is provided based on the receiving of the indication of the performance of the location-based action by the player of the computer-implemented game. The virtual item may be usable within the computer-implemented game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen Auterio, Deniz Ersever, Nathan Arthur Etter, Hardik Kheskani, Serena Lam, Amitt Mahajan, Christopher Joseph Makarsky, Jay Monahan, Donald C. Mosites, Benjamin Mullin, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds, Shantanu Talapatra, Justin Waldron, Ian Wang, Jackson Wang
  • Patent number: 12109488
    Abstract: A game server generates a set of game content items for a designated game. The set of game content items is customized for one or more user accounts based on numerical values from a player model representing the one or more user accounts. The player model is generated based on previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts while playing the designated game. The game server forecasts, using the player model, a sequence of user actions of the one or more user accounts during gameplay of the designated game with the generated set of game content items. The sequence of user actions represents a prediction of in-game user interaction with the set of game content items. The game server computes a set of metrics associated with gameplay of the one or more user accounts represented by the player model in the designated game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 12083436
    Abstract: A game server accesses player model representing subset of players. Player model is generated based on previous in-game behavior of the subset of players while playing a computer-implemented game. The game server accesses a set of interactive content items associated with the game. The game server forecasts, using the player model, a sequence of user actions of the subset of players during gameplay of the game. The sequence of user actions represents a prediction of user interaction with the set of interactive content items. The game server computes, based on the forecasted sequence of user actions and software-defined outcomes of the forecasted sequence of user actions in the game, configuration values for the set of interactive content items. The game server causes execution of gameplay at a client device associated with the player model. The gameplay is according to the computed configuration values for the set of interactive content items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 12029985
    Abstract: A method of changing a virtual world of a computer-implemented game based on real-world locations of players of the computer-implemented game is disclosed. A presence of a player of the computer-implemented game is detected at a physical location. A presence of an additional player of the computer-implemented game is detected at the physical location based on a communication received from the player of the computer-implemented game. An aspect of the virtual world of the computer-implemented game is changed based on the detecting of the presence of the player at the physical location and the detecting of the presence of the additional player of the computer-implemented game at the physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Arthur Etter, Jay Monahan, Matthew Adam Ocko, Brian Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11957972
    Abstract: A communication analysis system for an online game is described. A communication history among players of the online game is retrieved. Communication tracking metrics are generated based on the communication history of the players of the online game. A retention analysis is performed with the communication tracking metrics to determine retention of players of the online game. A retention recommendation is generated based on the retention analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Girish Keswani, Jim Baer, Kenneth Rudin, Daniel McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 11957982
    Abstract: A game management system generates a multidimensional parametric player model representative of player behavior by one or more players in a computer game. The parametric player model populated is used in the identification of groups or clusters of players, and/or in at least partly automated configuration of custom game content for behavior consistent with the parametric player model. A single parametric player model is defines a single set of parametric values corresponding to multiple predefined gameplay parameters, and can be used to model the behavior of a single respective player or to model the behavior of multiple players (e.g., based on cumulative historical gameplay data for the relevant players), providing a representative player model for those players. The player model is ingested by a content generator configured to generate game content customized to the behavior represented by the player model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11948433
    Abstract: A game server is configured to implement a multiplayer online computer-implemented game that provides an inflationary economy system which allows for growth in a player's in-game virtual currency with an increase in game level or experience, while attenuating the in-game purchasing power by concomitantly inflating virtual currency value of predefined inflationary features. The inflationary features include rewards or winnings available by the player pursuant to gameplay success. Players at different inflationary levels can compete in-game for a common reward or jackpot, but a virtual currency value of the reward is denominated differently at different inflation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Kin Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 11904237
    Abstract: A online gaming system provides for presentation on a user device of actionable game-related push notifications. The push notification is presented outside of a game interface and includes both contextual information about a particular game event and one or more action elements. Responsive to selection of a particular action element, a corresponding game-related action is performed with launching or switching to a game application for the game on the user device. Thus, the push notification mechanism provides for performance of a game-related action without receiving user input via a game-specific user interface provided by a corresponding game application executed by the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bucher, Troy Steinbauer
  • Patent number: 11869313
    Abstract: A game server is configured to implement a multiplayer online computer-implemented game that provides an inflationary economy system which allows for growth in a player's in-game virtual currency with an increase in game level or experience, while attenuating the in-game purchasing power by concomitantly inflating virtual currency value of predefined inflationary features. The inflationary features include rewards or winnings available by the player pursuant to gameplay success. Players at different inflationary levels can compete in-game for a common reward or jackpot, but a virtual currency value of the reward is denominated differently at different inflation levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Kin Hang Chan
  • Patent number: 11806624
    Abstract: A game server receives data associated with gameplay of one or more user accounts, the one or more user accounts being used for playing a designated game. The game server computes, for the one or more user accounts, a player model representing previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts. The game server identifies, based on the player model, configuration values for the designated game. The configuration values represent data to specify operation of the designated game. The configuration values represent at least one of a game mechanics configuration and a game parameter configuration. The game server causes transmission of the configuration values to a client device. The configuration values cause the client device to adjust a game engine at the client device based on the previous in-game behavior of the one or more user accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11738272
    Abstract: A game management system provides a content generator configured for automated generation of custom game content based on a plurality of parametric values that model gameplay behavior of one or more players for whom the game content is to be customized. The customized configuration is generated in a predefined sequence of progressive configuration stages. In each stage, a respective configurable feature is assigned a custom value that is determined (e.g., in a biased or constrained randomized operation) based on a respectively linked parameter value from the data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11727756
    Abstract: A system and method for managing a computer-implemented online game provides dynamically variable rewards to incentivize player interaction with sponsored content presented within the game. The particular reward offered to incentivize player interaction with particular sponsored content (e.g., a particular advertisement) can be dynamically variable based on the attributes of the player, thus providing user-specific custom rewards for interaction with sponsored content. Properties of incentive rewards that may be dynamically variable can include a custom type of in-game asset or resource, and/or a custom amount of a particular in-game asset or resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Marc Burgin, Diwakar Gupta, Simon Asselin
  • Patent number: 11724180
    Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for automatic game creation are presented. An access module can access player information for a receiver and an originator. Additionally, a matching module can determine that the receiver and the originator have a connection based on the player information. Furthermore, a game invitation module can detect that a recipient game is installed on an originator device of the originator and that the recipient game is not installed on a receiver device of the receiver. Subsequently, the game invitation module can send, to the receiver device, a game invitation to play the recipient game based on the determination and the detection, with the game invitation including information associated with the originator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Abhinav Agrawal, Adam Ja Ming Yim, Kohta Aoki Wajima
  • Patent number: 11724193
    Abstract: A game management system is configured for automated analysis of player behavior regarding traversal of different screens and options in a game application (as opposed to exclusively gameplay behavior) and to generate an automated estimation or inference about one or more psychological aspects of player behavior, such as motivation for game engagement and/or emotional states at different stages of interaction. The results of such analysis are automatically parametrized and included in a multidimensional parametric player model that informs player clustering and/or automated customization of game content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11673049
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include a particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data. Additional parameters for which operator input mechanisms are provided by the generator interface include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form a game event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen
  • Patent number: 11654370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing recommendations of online games to friends of social network are described. A method for processing recommendations includes identifying a gaming session of a user on an online game provider network, accessing a use profile of the user for the online games of the online game provider network, and accessing a social graph of the user to identify friends of the user and respective friend profiles from the social network. The method further includes producing a recommendation of an online game. The recommendation includes an identification of a target friend of the user and is being provided by examination of the use profile of the user and friend profiles in the social graph. The method includes providing the recommendation to the user. The recommendation also includes an offer incentive to the user to share the recommendation with the target friend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar Rama Rao, Ara Nicholas Yessayan, Jr., Paul David Bettner, David Bettner, Paolo Malabuyo, Benjamin F. Gregorski, Michael Chow, Yie Lyn Choo
  • Patent number: 11642594
    Abstract: A game management system provides a generator interface that enables an operator to trigger automated generation by a content generator of a game event based on operator input values. These values include respective target values for a target metric (e.g., a difficulty level) for each of a plurality of game levels that are together to form the game event. In addition, the generator interface in some examples enables the operator to selectively vary the particular number of game levels that are together to form the game event, via an event sizing mechanism provided by the generator interface. A particular predefined group or cluster of players for whom the game event is to be tailored or customized based on multidimensional parametric player model data can also be selected in the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Dicken, Johnathan Pagnutti, Yang Wen