Abstract: A magnet assembly for an amusement device, such as a pinball machine includes a permanent magnet coupled to a play surface of the device. The permanent magnet is movable between a first position, where the permanent magnet is proximate the play surface and a second position, where the permanent magnet is distally located from the play surface. The permanent magnet is movable by an actuator coupled to a linkage assembly to move the permanent magnet between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An amusement device includes an interactive target and projector feature. The device has a cabinet housing a plurality of game input devices and game output devices and a playfield housed within the cabinet. The playfield has a top surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface is configured to allow movement of a ball, such as a pinball thereupon. A projector is operably mounted to the top surface of the playfield and the projector is configured to project an image upon a projection surface of at least one of the game input devices or game output devices located above the top surface.

Abstract: Software receives a command from a player selecting one or more businesses from a game menu in an online game that is a builder-type game. The software then receives a command from the player identifying an empty location in a game space for the game. The software causes the one or more businesses to be displayed in the game space at the location and receives a command from the player selecting a plurality of displayed businesses. The software then receives a command from the player to consolidate the displayed businesses that were selected into a consolidated business and displays the consolidated business in the game space.

Abstract: Software receives a command from a player selecting one or more businesses from a game menu in an online game that is a builder-type game. The software then receives a command from the player identifying an empty location in a game space for the game. The software causes the one or more businesses to be displayed in the game space at the location and receives a command from the player selecting a plurality of displayed businesses. The software then receives a command from the player to consolidate the displayed businesses that were selected into a consolidated business and displays the consolidated business in the game space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for playing a multi-player, online game in which players build virtual worlds by placing game objects into a game space and may consolidate multiple game objects into a single object such that the new consolidated object maintains some or all of the features of the original, separate objects but occupies less game space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for playing a multi-player, online game in which players build virtual worlds by placing game objects into a game space and may consolidate multiple game objects into a single object such that the new consolidated object maintains some or all of the features of the original, separate objects but occupies less game space.

Abstract: The ball trough is of a unitary construction such that it is mounted directly to the underside of the playfield as a single piece. The ball trough consists of a generally U-shaped channel that is mounted to the underside of the playfield and extends between the drain hole and the shooter lane. The bottom surface of the channel is inclined relative to the horizontal such that a ball entering at the drain hole will roll under the force of gravity toward the shooter lane. When activated, the solenoid plunger will kick the ball located adjacent the shooter lane up through an aperture in the playfield and into the shooter lane. A series of optical switches are mounted on the channel and arranged such that each switch will detect the presence or absence of the ball in the queue.