Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games. The graphical user interface includes a friends panel that is operable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The friends panel provides friends information display functionality, social network management functionality, and/or messaging functionality both in the collapsed condition and in the expanded condition. In the collapsed condition, the friends panel may comprise a friends bar that shows a row of friend cards or chiclets associated with respective friends of a host player associated with a displayed game instance, the friends bar being clear of a view of a virtual in-game environment shown in the game display, while the expanded friends panel may comprise a grid of friend cards or chiclets that functionally obscures the in-game environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing games with multi-hand bets with escalating payouts. One method includes an operation for providing an interface for a betting game, the interface including an option to select single or multiple turn bets. Additionally, the method includes an operation for detecting a player selection of the multiple-turn bet, which has a plurality of single turns, each single turn being associated with a respective payout multiplier. The method executes game operations for each single turn until the player loses or until the player plays the last turn, and calculates the total winnings, which are equal to the sum of winnings from each single turn. The winnings from each single turn are equal to the respective payout multiplier times the winnings determined from a payout table. In addition, the method includes an operation for providing the total winnings, if any, to the player.

Abstract: A virtual vault is generated and displayed for a user of a real-money application and is defined to hold in trust real-money rewards for the user. Each real-money reward is redeemable for real-world monetary value within the real-money application. The virtual vault includes respective reward graphics for the real-money rewards for the user. Upon selection of a reward graphic by the user, a determination is made as to whether or not the user is qualified to receive a real-money reward corresponding to the selected reward graphic. If the user is qualified to receive the real-money reward, the user is credited with a real-world monetary value specified by the real-money reward. Or, if the user is not qualified to receive the real-money reward, the user is notified of one or more actions required by the user in order to qualify for receipt of the real-money reward.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a user of an online game to assemble a crew of additional crew members for accessing a content item after completing a goal with the crew. A method provides an operation for displaying a crew assembly dialog that includes a graphics user interface (GUI) allowing the user to select crew members for assembling the crew from a crew inventory. The method further provides operations for receiving a selection of at least one crew member and sending a help request directed to the at least one crew member. Additionally, the method provides for assembling the crew and detecting completion of the goal by the crew. Moreover, the method provides an operation for sending data to the user to access the content item.

Abstract: A method of customizing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. A combination of virtual items of a computer-implemented game is selected such that the sum of the values of each of the combination of virtual items has a proportion to an amount of currency in an account of a user of the computer-implemented game, the selecting being performed by a processor. An offer for a sale of the combination of the virtual items at a discounted price is generated for the user of the computer-implemented game. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to the user.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating game configurations are presented. For example, a system may receive a game configuration request message from a client device being operated by a player playing a virtual game. The game configuration request message may be sent, for example, in response to the player initiating a new game of the virtual game. The system may then select a game configuration based at least in part on historical performance data associated with the selected game configuration. The historical performance data may accumulate performance data from a group of players that previously played the virtual game using the selected game configuration. The system then communicates the selected game configuration to the client device. The player may play the virtual game using the selected game configuration as the initial game configuration for the virtual game.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for enhancing social collaboration in an online casino game. One method includes receiving game inputs from client devices facilitating play in a first mode for an online room. Then, determining contributions to a community metric based on outcomes of the game inputs in the first mode, such that client devices facilitate play in the online room contribute toward the community metric as play progresses in the first mode. Progress of the community metric is indicated by a community progress indicator, and the community progress indicator has a characteristic that indicates increases in the community metric. The method includes moving each of said client devices connected to the online room into a second mode different from the first mode when a predetermined goal is reached for the community metric.

Abstract: The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN ONLINE REWARDS INCENTIVE PROGRAM (hereinafter “ORIP”) transforms user gameplay inputs via ORIP components into incentive rewards outputs. Also, the ORIP may monitor user gameplay associated with a metagame account and provide a rewards incentive in exchange for user gameplay activities.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for an Animation Engine. The Animation Engine generates a color row representative of positional coordinates of movement of pixel data in an animation according to one or more colors of a color space. The Animation Engine divides the color row into a plurality of segments of equal length. For each segment of the color row, the Animation Engine scales down the respective segment according to a first scaling factor to generate a down-scaled segment. The Animation Engine expands the down-scaled segment according to an original length of the respective segment. The Animation Engine compares at least one color distortion present in the expanded down-scaled segment to at least one color present in the respective segment with respect to a distortion threshold.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Clustering Engine that determines that respective actions, performed in a first instance of a virtual environment by a first user during a first time range, correspond with a first latent state. The Clustering Engine determines that respective actions, performed in a second instance of the virtual environment by a second user during the first time range, correspond with a second latent state. The Clustering Engine triggers a first virtual environment feature based on a first latent state parameter space for the first user. The Clustering Engine triggers a second virtual environment feature based on a second latent state parameter space for the second user.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.

Abstract: An optimized friend recommendation system is described. An active social network (ASN) of a player of an online game is determined based on a frequency of reciprocated communications between the player and friends of the player. The ASN of the player has friends of the player with a minimum number of closed-loop communications with the player within a predetermined duration. The social network of non-ASN friends outside the ASN of the player is identified. One or more non-ASN friends identified and suggested to socially engage with the player in an online game based on the social network of non-ASN friends of the player outside the ASN of the player are.

Abstract: In example embodiments, a method of mitigating the effects of fraudulent usage of game accounts is disclosed. One or more values stored in one or more fields of a row of a database table maintained by the game networking system are received. The one or more fields correspond to features of a game account that are relevant to determining whether the game account is potentially being used fraudulently. Based on a combination of the one or more values transgressing a threshold value, it is determined that the game account is potentially being used fraudulently. At least some use of the potentially fraudulent game account is automatically locked to mitigate the effect of the potentially-fraudulent use.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing a computer implemented game comprising: displaying one or more on-screen objects in accordance with the computer implemented game; accepting input from a user of the computer implemented game; responsive to receiving input from the user, updating the one or more on-screen objects according to one or more game rules using one or more computer processors; receiving a notification from a game server, over a network, that the user of the computer implemented game has completed a gameplay specific task in a second computer implemented game, wherein the second computer implemented game is provided on a separate platform from the computer implemented game; and responsive to receiving the notification from the game server, providing a reward to the user in the computer implemented game.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.

Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to provide efficient game access is described. A request to access a first game using a first primary identifier is received. An internal identifier and a game identifier associated with the first primary identifier are accessed. A request to access a second game using a second primary identifier is received. An internal identifier and a game identifier associated with the second primary identifier are accessed. A determination that the first and second primary identifiers are associated with a particular player is made. An association between the internal identifiers is stored.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing approximated diffuse lighting are described. One of the methods includes receiving a position and orientation of a moving object in a frame, which includes a game space of a game. The method further includes receiving a first irradiance attribute imparted by a first light source to at least a portion of the moving object. The first irradiance attribute is generated based on the position and orientation. The method further includes receiving a second irradiance attribute imparted by a second light source to at least the portion of the moving object. The second irradiance attribute is generated based on the position and orientation. The method includes applying a statistical operation to the first irradiance attribute and the second irradiance attribute to generate a combined attribute and generating a rendered attribute for the moving object based on the combined attribute.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for representing a resource object in a virtual environment are presented. To begin, a graphical user interface may be provided to a player. The graphical user interface may display a virtual environment that includes the resource object and a game object. A resource production event may be detected. The resource production event may be generated based on a resource production attribute that specifies that a quantity of resource units have been generated. Based on the detected resource production event, at least some portion of the quantity of generated resource units is allocated to the resource pool. Then, responsive to detecting a user initiated game action being applied to the game object, a determinable amount of resource units is removed from the resource pool.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for online game cooperation. One method includes an operation for receiving a first request from a first user to place a game asset in a first game board of the first user. The game asset is associated with a task to be performed in the game. Further, the method includes an operation for receiving a second request from a second user to place the game asset in a second game board of the second user. The first user and the second user make progress by interacting with the game asset in their respective game boards. When the first user or the second user receives a transactional reward for interacting with the game asset, the transactional reward is also given to the other user. A final reward is given to the first user and to the second user upon completion of the task.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identity key management in networked application execution. In one embodiment, an identifier request is transmitted from a client system to a server system, in which an identity key value in the identifier request is blank. Upon detecting the blank identity key value at the server system, the server system operates to generate a new identity key value and an identifier for the new identity key value. The new identity key value and the identifier for the new identity key value are transmitted from the server system to the client system. The new identity key value is stored in a local store of the client system. The local store of the client system is secured by a passcode and persists data through power cycling of the client system. The identifier is used to track execution of a networked application in an anonymous execution mode.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for efficiently collecting doobers. A game area may be presented in a graphical user interface on a display device. The game area may include a game character associated with a first player, regions and objects within the regions. The character may move within the regions and interact with the objects. One or more doobers may be presented in the game area, and the doober(s) may be identified as collected by the first player in response to one or more inputs to the graphical user interface by the first player. The doober(s) may be marked as collected if an input is within a particular distance from the doober(s).

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing a game action sweep mechanic are presented. A virtual game environment that includes a first virtual object and a second virtual object may be generated for a user. User interactions involving a game pointer and a selection input are then monitored. In response to detecting the selection input being activated while the game pointer is located proximate to the first virtual object, a game action is then performed on the first virtual object. A game action sweep mode is then activated. While the game action sweep mode is active, the game action is then performed on the second virtual game object in response to detecting the game pointer is located proximate to the second virtual object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying dynamically changing content within scrollview class applications are described. In some example embodiments, an intermediate module fetches images from an underlying layer of a webview module, and provides the images to a scrollview module, which presents the images via a scrollable user interface on a computing device, such as a scrollable user interface within a game application presenting an online game via a user interface of a mobile device.

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: In various embodiments, a method of estimating odds that a player will win a round of a card game is disclosed. Information is received pertaining to cards that have been dealt from a deck at a particular point during a round of a card game. The information identifies cards that have been revealed to the player and a number of cards that have not been revealed to the player. An estimation of odds that the player will win the round of the card game is generated. The generating includes repeatedly, for each of the number of cards that has not been revealed to the player and for each remaining card to be dealt in the round, randomly selecting a card from remaining cards in the deck. The estimation of the odds is communicated for integration into a presentation of information pertaining to the card game.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for an Alliance Engine. The Alliance Engine receives a selection, by a first player, of a first tile to be controlled by a first enforcer asset on behalf of the first player. The first tile provides access to a first type of in-game resource to the first player. The Alliance Engine detects the first tile is adjacent to a second tile. The second tile is controlled by a second enforcer asset on behalf of a second player. The first player and the second player belong to a player alliance. The second tile providing access to a second type of in-game resource to the second player. Based on the detected adjacency, the Alliance Engine transfers a portion of the first type of in-game resource of the first tile to the second player. The Alliance Engine transfers a portion of the second type of in-game resource of the second tile to the first player.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating revenue in an online game are presented. One method includes an operation for creating, in the online game, a first virtual currency and a game score, where the amount of the first virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency. The first virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the online game. Further, a game module, that is an autonomous game within the online game, is started, and a second virtual currency and a module score are created in the game module. The amount of the second virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency, where the second virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the game module and cannot be traded for advancement in the online game outside of the game module. Advancement in the game module increases the module score and does not increase the game score.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multitenancy gaming platform services are presented. In one embodiment a method for providing multitenancy gaming platform services comprises receiving, at a server computer, a request from one of a plurality of applications for an operation associated with a service, the request including a token, data related to an application, and a target user identifier. The method further comprises, decoding the token to determine an application identifier and a user identifier. The method further comprises, determining which service of a plurality of multitenancy gaming platform services is requested, and sending the data related to the application to a second server computer responsible for the service, wherein the operation is authorized by the second server computer based on the user identifier and target user identifier. The method further comprises receiving a response from the second server computer responsible for the service, indicating a status of the operation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for limiting transfer of virtual currency in an online game. One method includes an operation for receiving, at a server, a purchase order for virtual currency from a first player. The purchase order is made with legal currency, and the virtual currency is usable within a computer-implemented gambling game. Further, the method includes operations for using a particular type of virtual currency available in an account of the first player to purchase a virtual item and a beneficiary is selected for crediting the virtual item. Account of the first player is adjusted to reflect the purchase of the virtual item and the account of the beneficiary is updated to credit the virtual item.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing information in a poker game. One method includes operations for providing an interface to a player for playing a poker game, and for detecting the creation of a side pot in the poker game during play. The side pot is presented in a first format, which includes the amount of the side pot. Additionally, the method includes an operation for detecting a selection by the first player in the poker game requesting additional information about the side pot. In response to the selection, the side pot is presented in a second format, which has the amount of the side pot and one icon for each of the players participating in the side pot, where players absent from the side pot are not represented in the second format.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cross-social network communication. The method may include determining a plurality of recipients of a social networking service interaction, determining a plurality of target social networking services based upon the plurality of recipients of the social networking service interaction, and a plurality of authentication information associated with the plurality of social networking services. The method may include constructing an application programming interface call for each of the plurality of target social networking services, the application programming interface call associated with the social networking service interaction, the application programming interface call specifying one or more of the plurality of recipients that is to receive the interaction, the one or more of the plurality of recipients being members of the particular target social networking service.

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.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein to display positions of symbols in a target sequence. In various embodiments, a Sequence Generator generates a target sequence of symbols to be identified by a player in a virtual gaming environment. The Sequence Generator generates an obscured display of the target sequence. The Sequence Generator receives from the player a first selected sequence of symbols to be played in a first game move in the virtual gaming environment. The Sequence Generator identifies a first shared symbol present in both the first selected sequence and the target sequence. Responsive to the identifying, the Sequence Generator changes the obscured display of the target sequence to reveal the first shared symbol at a first position in the target sequence.

Abstract: A system for automated tuning of a computer-implemented game is configured to enable definition of a performance metric indicative of player performance in a computer-implemented game that has tunable gameplay parameters. A performance target is defined that represents target values for the performance metric during progress in the game. The system executes a gameplay simulation using an automated player, and performs an iterative tuning operation based on results of the simulation. The tuning operation automatically determines a suggested value set for the tunable parameters.

Abstract: Software parses an app update schedule with a parsing utility to obtain a current app version number of an app and determines that the deployed app version number is older than the current app version number. The software conducts a dependency analysis of the current version of the app using a scanning utility that outputs a hierarchical tree diagram of dependent code modules. The hierarchical tree diagram identifies a name and a code version number for each dependent code module. The software uses the name and code number for each dependent code module to obtain all code version numbers for the dependent code module from the code database and determines whether at least one code version number for a dependent code module is later than the code version number for the dependent code module in the hierarchical tree diagram. Then the software creates an updated app using newer source code.

Abstract: Software for a gaming system receives a password over a network from a user of a remote player device for a gaming system for a gambling game. The software authenticates the user using the password. The software also receives an age from the user and determines that the user is of age to gamble on the gambling game, based on data stored in a database for the gaming system. Then software transmits a program to the remote player device. When executed, the program interactively presents the gambling game through a remote player interface and causes media associated with the gambling game to be presented on the remote player device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for providing players with additional side betting options. One method includes operations for receiving user account information of a first player for playing a blackjack game, and for providing data for a sideboard interface to be presented before a round of the blackjack game. The sideboard interface provides options for side bets, which are wagers on cards dealt during the round. Additionally, the method includes an operation for providing data for a blackjack interface for playing the blackjack game after side bets have been entered. A check is made to determine if the one or more cards dealt during the round of the blackjack game produce one or more winning side bets, and a currency counter of the user account is increased of the first player for the one or more winning side bets during the round of the blackjack game.

Abstract: A method for performing a social project in a video game is provided. A session of the video game for a primary user is initiated, and a social project is initiated within the session of the video game. One or more secondary users are determined from a social graph of the primary user. A message requesting help to complete the social project is sent to the one or more secondary users, the message including a low-friction response mechanism. Upon activation of the low-friction response mechanism of the request, a response is received indicating an intent to help complete the social project from a responsive secondary user. Upon receiving the response, automated retrieval and animation of an avatar of the responsive secondary user is triggered within the primary user's session of the video game so as to collaborate on the social project.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium, and a computer-implemented method are directed to a Contact Ranking Engine (hereinafter “CR Engine”). The CR Engine identifies a plurality of contacts of a player of a first game on a gaming network environment (or a game networking system). The CR Engine collects contact attributes for each of the plurality of contacts from one or more contact attribute sources. The CR Engine requests a first configuration table related to the first game. Upon receiving the first configuration table, the CR Engine scores the collected contact attributes of each contact of the player according to one or more updateable rules of the first configuration table. The CR Engine ranks in a contacts ranking list each contact based on a respective score. The CR Engine selects a portion of the contacts ranking list. The CR Engine displays each contact from the selected portion.

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.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identity key management in networked application execution. In one embodiment, an identifier request is transmitted from a client system to a server system, in which an identity key value in the identifier request is blank. Upon detecting the blank identity key value at the server system, the server system operates to generate a new identity key value and an identifier for the new identity key value. The new identity key value and the identifier for the new identity key value are transmitted from the server system to the client system. The new identity key value is stored in a local store of the client system. The local store of the client system is secured by a passcode and persists data through power cycling of the client system. The identifier is used to track execution of a networked application in an anonymous execution mode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a game and for creating computer-generated game quests, which are referred to as dynamic quests. One method includes an operation for identifying a template for creating a dynamic quest. The dynamic quest includes quest tasks and quest rewards, which are provided to a player upon completion of the quest tasks in the game. The template includes template tasks and template rewards. Further, the method includes an operation for selecting one or more template tasks for the quest tasks, and an operation for selecting one or more template rewards for the quest rewards. The dynamic quest is created in the game with the selected one or more template tasks and the selected one or more template rewards.

Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to cause simulation of a kinetic disaster is provided. A physical interaction with a client device is detected during gameplay of a multiplayer game that includes a virtual environment. The detected physical interaction is analyzed using a user interaction profile. A kinetic disaster simulator is selected based on the analyzing the physical interaction with the user interaction profile. Simulation of a predefined game action is caused within the virtual environment.

Abstract: A method for facilitating asynchronous group play of an online casino game is provided. A group session is initiated over the Internet, including a plurality of players. A group objective defines a requirement of two or more of the plurality of players achieving winning outcomes that result from initiation of player decisions occurring in relative proximity to each other. For each player, outcomes of player decisions occurring during a period of gameplay are stored to a current session database defined in a storage device, wherein the periods of gameplay of at least two of the plurality of players are asynchronous. The current session database is analyzed to identify outcomes of two or more of the plurality of players occurring within a predefined number of player decisions of each other. The identified outcomes are combined and compared against the group objective.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for providing play areas to communities of players in an online game. One method includes an operation for identifying attributes of players in the online game. A characteristic that is common to a subset of players is determined in the online game, where the characteristic is based on the attributes of players in the online game. The method further includes an operation for creating a playing area in the online game, such that the subset of players are allowed to play in the playing area, but other players in the online game, that are outside the subset of players, are disallowed from playing in the playing area. The subset of players is then enabled to play in the playing area with other players from the subset of players.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for guiding a player to the completion of a task during game play. The player selects a control device in a graphical user interface device generated by a processor. In response to the selection, a hint is provided to the user in the graphical user interface that presents a game board to a player. The player may use the hint to accomplish the task.