Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for executing a computer game. One method includes an operation for setting an initial value to the jackpot of a first player. The jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet by the first player in the computer game. Additionally, the jackpot of the first player is increased based on each bet made by friends of the first player in the computer game. The friends of the first player have a social connection with the first player, and the jackpot of the first player is independent from bets in the computer game of players that are not friends of the first player. The method further includes an operation for resetting the jackpot of the first player to the initial value when the first player or when any friend of the first player wins the jackpot.

Abstract: A system, machine-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing reciprocation of game asset gifts from a player is provided. A notification of a game asset of a first player that is available to a plurality of players is sent from a game server to the plurality of players. The notification is sent through a web feed in a game user interface of each player of the plurality of players. A first response requesting the game asset of the first player is received from a second web feed in a second game user interface of a second player in response to the notification. The game asset is provided to a second account of the second player in response to the first response.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for processing operations of a computer game to be played on a computing device. One method includes an operation for detecting a petition for help from a first player to a second player to obtain a first game asset for the first player. The petition is sent to the second player notifying the second player that a game asset needed by the second player would be awarded to the second player for helping the first player. Further, the method includes operations for selecting a game asset to award the second player, the game asset being from a wish list of the second player, the wish list including game assets pre-identified by the second player. The second player is awarded with the game asset that is selected from the wish list of the second player, and as a result, both the first and second players are enabled to make progress within the game.

Abstract: A collaborative diplomacy mechanics system for an online game is described. A player selects an ally to be engaged in a combat mode of an online social game against an enemy. The profile of the selected ally is retrieved. An ally power up weapon is generated based on the profile of the selected ally. The ally power up weapon is applied against a combat unit of an enemy of a player in the combat mode. The ally power up weapon can also be applied on a combat unit of the player in the combat mode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selecting game servers and assigning seats to players in poker tables. One method includes an operation for receiving table parameters from a user in a poker game. The table parameters identify the characteristics of a desired table for playing poker by the user. A distance from the desired table to the available poker tables is calculated, where the distance based on the similarity between the desired table and each of the available poker tables. Each of the available poker tables is served by one of a plurality of servers. Additionally, the method includes operations for selecting candidate tables from the available poker tables based on the calculated distances, and for selecting a playing table from the candidate tables at random. The user is then connected to a server that serves the selected playing table.

Abstract: Software on a server and/or client device verifies a user as eligible to play an online game in which the wager and payout are made with real money. The software causes a graphical user interface (GUI) view for a first online game to be displayed to a user. The software then receives a first game input from the user. The first game input represents a wager or a play according to game mechanics of the first online game. The software causes a GUI view for a second game to be displayed to the user. And the software receives a second game input from the user. The second game input represents a play according to game mechanics for the second game. Then the software provides a payout for the first online game. The payout includes a promotional payout that depends at least in part on the second game input.

Abstract: Software on a server transmits a copy of a string of text data containing game state parameters to a client device executing an instance of a computer-implemented game. The string is serialized and unstructured. The instance modifies the game state parameters according to game logic and events generated by a user as the user plays the game. The software on the server then receives a batch file transmitted after a threshold period of time by the instance. The batch file includes a plurality of events. The software processes the plurality of events in the batch file against game logic to update one or more of game state parameters in the string and stores the text data in the updated string in a persistent database.

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 has a first web node, a first server node, a second server node, a push messaging server, and a second web node. The first web node receives a message from a first player at a first client node for a second player at a second client node within an online game. The first server node maintains a first persistent connection with the first client node. The second server node maintains a second persistent connection with the second client node. The push messaging server stores a game state of the first and second players of the online game, updates the game state based on the message, and notifies the first and second server node. The second web node receives the message from the push messaging server and forwards the message to the second client node via the second persistent connection.

Abstract: The computer-implemented game comprises a plurality of user-initiated in-game actions for affecting game state information that includes a set of browser in-game actions which is available via a browser user interface and includes a set of convenience in-game actions which is unavailable via the browser user interface, a single convenience in-game action of the set of convenience in-game actions being capable of producing a particular game result that corresponds to a plurality of browser in-game actions from the set of browser in-game actions, the plurality of browser in-game actions being capable of collectively producing the particular game result. A mobile application allows access to a set of mobile in-game actions that includes at least a portion of the set of browser in-game actions and includes the set of convenience in-game actions, initiation of each convenience in-game action being a user-selectable option for a user only via the mobile application.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide interaction messages related to in-game activities and events within a computer-implemented multiplayer online game environment. In an example embodiment, potential interactions for a user's social connections are determined, and interaction messages detailing the potential interactions are generated and displayed for the user's social connections. In response to user activity with the interaction messages, various in-game events may be performed. In a further example, the interaction messages are provided and displayed directly through a “friendship” or “neighbor” bar providing a listing of in-game social connections.

Abstract: A method of providing virtual items based on location-based actions 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 added to an inventory of a player character of the player of the computer-implemented game 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 is usable within the computer-implemented game by the player character of the player of the computer-implemented game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating confirmation of completion of a transaction for state synchronization over a non reliable network using signature processing are described. One of the methods includes receiving a read request from a first client, sending a last known signature with a context object to the first client in response to receiving the read request, and receiving an appended signature from the first client with a context object for a transaction at the first client. The appended signature includes the last known signature and an increment by the first client. The operation of receiving the appended signature occurs upon execution of the transaction at the first client. The method further includes updating the last known signature to the appended signature and sending the updated last known signature to the first client to facilitate marking of the transaction as complete resulting in a definitive state synchronization.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for enhancing social collaboration in an online casino game. One method includes an operation for receiving bets from players playing in a first gambling mode in an online gambling room. The method also includes an operation for determining contributions to a community metric based on the outcomes of the bets, where all players in the online gambling room contribute towards the community metric. After detecting that the community metric reaches a predetermined goal, the online casino game enters all players in the online gambling room into a second gambling mode to achieve a room goal, where the value of the community metric does not change while players are in the second gambling mode.

Abstract: Methods for allowing a user to participate and change outcome of an asynchronous game includes receiving an indication of an attack initiated by a second player on a first player's game base during game play. In response, a first social post is generated to inform friends of the first player of the attack and request assistance to defend the first player's game base. An acceptance to defend the first player's game base is detected from a third player at the first social post. In response, game replay of the attack by the second player is initiated and the third player is enabled to participate in the game replay and defend the game base of the first player. A second social post is generated to inform the first player and the friends of the first player of the third player's contribution in defending the first player's game base.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein to modify a size of one or more input detection areas. A size modifier accesses user interface size data. The user interface size data comprises a size for a first user interface element and a size for a first user input detection area. The size modifier determines a size of a display area of a user device. The size modifier calculates a modified size of the first user interface element. The modified size of the first user interface element is based on the size for the first user interface element and the size of the display area. The size modifier calculates a modified size of the first input detection area based on the size for the first input detection area and a first factor unrelated to the size of the display area.

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: Methods, and computer programs are provided for games with an additional chance for a fee. One method includes operations for providing an interface for playing a game, and executing game operations to determine the outcome of the game, where the outcome includes a combination obtained by the player. Additionally, the method includes operations for determining if the combination is eligible for allowing the player to improve, and for ending the betting game when the combination is ineligible for improvement. The option to improve is provided when the combination is eligible to improve the combination. In one example, the game is a video poker game, and a money card is offered to the player if the player could improve the hand to a straight or better. If the player selects the money card, a fee is charged that does not increase the bet of the player for the hand being played.

Abstract: A first remote player device records a state of the gambling game that is in progress. The gaming system interrupts the gambling game and transfers the state of the gambling game to a second remote player device. The gambling game resumes on the second remote player device.

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

Abstract: A 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: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing custom features in a game is provided. A themed game board associated with a first set of rules of a computer-implemented game is generated. The first set of rules relates to a theme of the themed game board and is different than a second set of rules associated with a game board without a theme. Game board display data is provided to a first client device of a first player to display the themed game board. A move on the themed game board is received from the first client device, and a score associated with the move is generated. The score is based on the first set of rules relating to the theme, where the score is different than a score associated with the move on the game board without a theme.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein to render one or more graphical objects on multiple types of browsers despite the browsers providing support for different graphical capabilities. A Rendering Engine receives source data associated with a graphical object. The Rendering Engine receives an identification of a program for rendering the graphical object in a first browser that supports a graphical capability. The Rendering Engine infers an intended first graphical result of the program. The Rendering Engine identifies a function for rendering a second graphical result in a second browser that does not support the graphical capability. The second graphical result is similar to the intended first graphical result of the program. The Rendering Engine generates target data based on the source data. The Rendering Engine calls the function according to the target data.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing social network content in an online game is disclosed herein. Content is obtained from a social network site and is displayed within the game. The game also provides a mechanism for the user of the game to generate content to the posted within the social network from within the game. Such generated content is automatically posted in the social network for a recipient specified by the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selecting game servers and assigning seats to players in poker tables. One method includes an operation for receiving table parameters from a user in a poker game. The table parameters identify the characteristics of a desired table for playing poker by the user. A distance from the desired table to the available poker tables is calculated, where the distance based on the similarity between the desired table and each of the available poker tables. Each of the available poker tables is served by one of a plurality of servers. Additionally, the method includes operations for selecting candidate tables from the available poker tables based on the calculated distances, and for selecting a playing table from the candidate tables at random. The user is then connected to a server that serves the selected playing table.

Abstract: A method of encouraging a user to be active with respect to a game networking system on a particular day is disclosed. An event is detected on the game networking system. A newsworthiness of the event to the user is determined. An action that the user is likely to want to perform on the game networking system in response to receiving information pertaining to the event is determined. A notification is generated that includes the information pertaining to the event and information pertaining to the action. The notification is sent to the user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for adjusting bonus winning odds while playing an online slots game. One method includes an operation for receiving user input during a session of an online slots game, where the user input is defined to spin wheels of the online slots game. In addition, the method includes an operation for defining an initial tier and one or more additional tiers for play of the online slots game during the session, each tier being assigned an odds value that changes with each assigned tier, and each tier being defined to have a set of spins. Further, the method includes operations for assigning tiers with changed odds when an option to play a bonus game is not presented during the predefined set of spins for each tier, and for assigning the initial tier upon determining that the bonus game was played during the session.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are described for providing rewards, awards, and other incentives to players based on the activities of associated players is described. In some examples, the technology determines an activity level for players associated with a distinguished player, such as friends and other players within a social or game network, and rewards the distinguished player based on their activity levels.

Abstract: In a method of notifying a user of an option to participate in a meta game, a presence of a player of a computer-implemented game at a location is detected. An association between a computer-implemented meta-game and the location is identified. The player of the computer-implemented game is presented with an option to participate in the computer-implemented meta-game. An indication of an acceptance of the option to participate in the computer-implemented meta game is received from the player of the computer-implemented game. A performance of an action within the computer-implemented game by the player of the computer-implemented game is reflected within the computer-implemented meta game.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to provide and implement a state machine in a display software user interface environment, and used to handle events and actions associated with the state machine. In one example embodiment, a virtual display environment provided by an engine is interfaced with a state machine that is configured to interpret various state machine definitions corresponding to states occurring in the virtual display environment. The state machine definitions may be used to determine how a particular state of a virtual item in the display environment may be represented, interacted with, and transitioned into another state. Use of the state machine definitions may enable representation of complex scenarios for virtual objects and events in the display environment in a unified definition format, without requiring specialized programming or scripting commands to implement the scenarios.

Abstract: A device may be configured to provide a user interface that supports sequential selection of objects displayed on a screen. As configured, the device may display a presentation of multiple objects, and the device may receive a user input that defines a path within the presentation of displayed objects. The device may then determine the sequential order of a selected subset of the displayed objects. Based on this sequential order, the device may select, initiate, and perform an action that is targeted at the selected subset of the objects. In the context of an action game, the user may trace the path through various enemies, and the device may select and perform the action based on the number of enemies, the type of enemies, or the order in which the enemies were selected. Selection and initiation of the action may begin while the user input is still being received.

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

Abstract: A method for facilitating placement of wagers in an online game during game play includes displaying a first view of a wagering grid for an online game, with the wagering grid having lines. The method further includes receiving an input that is a gesture representing placement of a wager by a user on the wagering grid, and displaying a second view of the wagering grid that is a pop-up view. The second view, which can be a zoomed view or a magnified view, excludes any other placed wagers to facilitate placement of the wager by the user with respect to the lines of the wagering grid. Once the user has placed the wager, the method includes displaying an updated version of the first view that includes the wager placed by the user. In one example, the online game is a roulette game.

Abstract: Disclosed in one example is a method of authenticating with multiple social network services. The method may include storing first authentication information associated with a user for a first social networking service using at least one computer processor, receiving second authentication information associated with the user for a second social networking service from a social networking application, and sending to the social networking application the first authentication information. The first authentication information may enable the social networking application to utilize a protected application programming interface call for the first social networking service and the second authentication information may enable the social networking application to utilize a protected application programming interface call for the second social networking service.

Abstract: Methods for assembly and management of friends for crew participation in a social gaming program. One method includes providing a game activity within the social gaming program, and the game activity is identified as gated for crew participation. The method identifies parameters for assembly of friends to complete crew participation for the game activity that is identified as gated for crew participation. Then, querying data provided by the social networking system to analyze contact data of friends that are likely for crew participation, and sending an invite message to the friends that are likely for crew participation. The friends that are accepted are added as crew members for crew participation to complete the game activity. An in-game reward for each of the friends that are part of the crew participation is generated upon detecting completion of the game activity.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Game Action Trigger Module (GATM) for trigger game actions. The GATM generates a virtual gaming environment comprising a concurrent display of a tile board and a game world separate from the tile board. The GATM receives a selection of a sequence of tile board virtual objects. The GATM identifies a location of a particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM identifies a target game world virtual object based on the location of the particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM applies a game action to the target game world virtual object.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method to display icons based on messaging activity is provided. A request to access a game user interface of the first player is received from a client device of a first player, the game user interface being associated with a computer-implemented game. First player messaging activity information associated with messaging activity of the first player is accessed, the messaging activity of the first player including receipt of a message from one or more players associated with the computer-implemented game. A first manner of displaying one or more icons each identifying the one or more players is determined including determining the first manner based on the first player messaging information. Display data to display the one or more icons in the first manner within the game user interface is provided to the client device.

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: The APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREW MECHANICS IN MULTIPLAYER GAMES (hereinafter “CMMG”) the CMMG platform transforms in game status of a user's social content item via CMMG components into a content item with layered integration of additional content indicative of status.

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: Methods for allowing a user to participate and change outcome of an asynchronous game includes receiving an indication of an attack initiated by a second player on a first player's game base during game play. In response, a first social post is generated to inform friends of the first player of the attack and request assistance to defend the first player's game base. An acceptance to defend the first player's game base is detected from a third player at the first social post. In response, game replay of the attack by the second player is initiated and the third player is enabled to participate in the game replay and defend the game base of the first player. A second social post is generated to inform the first player and the friends of the first player of the third player's contribution in defending the first player's game base.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are directed to a Migration Engine that provides for installing a unified variant of an application. The Migration Engine determines presence a stock identifier for one of the first variant and the second variant. Upon determining presence of a respective stock identifier, the Migration Engine identifies a player identifier and transmits the respective stock identifier and the player identifier to a game networking system. The Migration Engine receives application state data. The application state data is representative of a current usage by the player of a variant identified by the respective stock identifier. The Migration Engine instantiates an instance of the unified variant to provide functionality of the variant identified by the respective stock identifier, where the instance of the unified variant of the application is initialized with the received application state data.

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: The present disclosure generally relates to games and applications in general, and in particular to computer-implemented online games playable on mobile device. The computer-implemented online game may be played via a mobile user interface or via a browser. The mobile user interface may allow access to a first set of in-game actions related to a game event, and the browser may allow access to a second set of in-game actions related to the game event, where the first set of in-game actions related to the game event is smaller in number than the second set of in-game actions related to the game event.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to games and applications in general and in particular to computer-implemented online games, such as online role-playing games, playable by more than one person from more than one location. The game engine can search a player's social network to find friends to play with. These social networks can be constructed implicitly by analyzing a player's game play information and other information.