Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for dynamically herding a matchmaking population for a multi-player game. A new player requesting to play a multi-player game is presented with a gameplay selection mode interface based on metrics gathered by monitoring the matchmaking population for the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. The metrics are evaluated by a metric evaluation engine to determine a configuration of the gameplay mode selection interface that is designed to herd the matchmaking population to evenly balance the players across the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. A herding incentive may be determined based on the evaluation of the metrics and included in the gameplay mode selection interface.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals. The method includes receiving, at each of the computer games terminals, interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and also interactive user input data from a controller associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals. The method further includes rendering a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data is received from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for dynamically herding a matchmaking population for a multi-player game. A new player requesting to play a multi-player game is presented with a gameplay selection mode interface based on metrics gathered by monitoring the matchmaking population for the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. The metrics are evaluated by a metric evaluation engine to determine a configuration of the gameplay mode selection interface that is designed to herd the matchmaking population to evenly balance the players across the different gameplay modes of the multi-player game. A herding incentive may be determined based on the evaluation of the metrics and included in the gameplay mode selection interface.

Abstract: A method for providing an interactive video game over a digital communications network. The method involves operating an interactive computer game on interconnected computer games terminals. The method includes receiving, at each of the computer games terminals, interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and also interactive user input data from a controller associated with each of the other of the plurality of computer game terminals. The method further includes rendering a graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data. Then, with at least one of the plurality of computer game terminals, non-interactive user input data is received from a controller associated with a further computer games terminal associated with a non-interactive user. The method continues with rendering the graphical representation of the computer game based on the interactive user input data and, selectively, the non-interactive user input data.