Abstract: A game distribution platform includes a game submission interface through which a developer can submit a game. In some embodiments, when a developer submits a game using a game submission interface, the game distribution platform generates a loader for the game. The loader, when downloaded by a gaming device of a user, enables the gaming device to load the game from the platform, and to access player profiles that include game progress data. The loader may be distributed via one or more game portals.

Abstract: An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. A user may experience difficulty in the application at a particular point in the application. Input commands may be obtained from a stored past session of the application. The stored past session of the application may correspond include another user successfully completing the particular point in the application. The input commands may be provided to the application to help the user get past the difficulty.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A first portion of a first video frame is encoded at a lower quality level than a second portion of the first video frame based, at least in part, on a rate of change of objects portrayed in the second portion. The first and second encoded portions are displayed in a second video frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A temporary lapse of attention by a user is predicted. The encoding of the video signal into the video stream is adjusted from an initial state to a conservation state in response to predicting the temporary lapse of attention by the user. The conservation state is configured to conserve one or more resources used for the video stream relative to the initial state.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing limited versions of applications. A limited version of an application is automatically generated from a full version of the application. The limited version has a smaller data size than the full version. The limited version of the application is sent to the client computing device in response to a request for a trial of the application.

Abstract: A game distribution platform includes a game submission interface through which a developer can submit a game. In some embodiments, when a developer submits a game using a game submission interface, the game distribution platform generates a loader for the game. The loader, when downloaded by a gaming device of a user, enables the gaming device to load the game from the platform, and to access player profiles that include game progress data. The loader may be distributed via one or more game portals.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. A user may experience difficulty in the application at a particular point in the application. Input commands may be obtained from a stored past session of the application. The stored past session of the application may correspond include another user successfully completing the particular point in the application. The input commands may be provided to the application to help the user get past the difficulty.

Abstract: Past usage of an application is presented in order to enhance the experience of a user with an application. An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. Input commands may be obtained from a client and provided to the application. A real-time state of the application may be recorded as the application is executed in the hosted environment. The real-time state of the application that has been recorded may be replayed.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A temporary lapse of attention by a user is predicted. The encoding of the video signal into the video stream is adjusted from an initial state to a conservation state in response to predicting the temporary lapse of attention by the user. The conservation state is configured to conserve one or more resources used for the video stream relative to the initial state.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A video signal is encoded into a video stream. A temporary lapse of attention by a user of the interactive application is predicted. The encoding of the video signal into the video stream is adjusted from an initial state to a conservation state in response to predicting the temporary lapse of attention by the user. The conservation state is configured to conserve one or more resources used for the video stream relative to the initial state.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A video signal is encoded into a video stream. A temporary lapse of attention by a user of the interactive application is predicted. The encoding of the video signal into the video stream is adjusted from an initial state to a conservation state in response to predicting the temporary lapse of attention by the user. The conservation state is configured to conserve one or more resources used for the video stream relative to the initial state.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that implement attention misdirection to conceal errors or anomalies in video signals. It is determined whether an error in a video signal may be user perceivable. If the error may be user perceivable, a distraction is generated that is designed to interfere with perception of the error by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for adjusting the encoding of a video signal into a video stream based on user attention. A video signal generated by an interactive application is encoded into a video stream. A temporary lapse of attention by a user of the interactive application is predicted. The encoding of the video signal into the video stream is adjusted from an initial state to a conservation state in response to predicting the temporary lapse of attention by the user. The conservation state is configured to conserve one or more resources used for the video stream relative to the initial state.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing limited versions of applications. A limited version of an application is automatically generated from a full version of the application. The limited version has a smaller data size than the full version. The limited version of the application is sent to the client computing device in response to a request for a trial of the application.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing limited versions of applications. A limited version of an application is automatically generated from a full version of the application based at least in part on an expected use of the application by a client computing device during a testing period. The limited version has a smaller data size than the full version. The limited version of the application is sent to the client computing device. The limited version of the application is configured to be executed in a secured environment of the client computing device. The secured environment denies the limited version of the application access to secured resources of the client computing device.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for enhancing the experience of a user with an application by presenting past usage of the application. An application is executed in a hosted environment in one or more computing devices. Multiple input commands are obtained from a client, and the input commands are provided to the application. A video signal generated by the application is encoded into real-time content, which is sent to the client. Recorded content from a library of recorded content is sent to the client. Each recorded content presents a past usage of the application.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments that implement attention misdirection to conceal errors in streaming video. A video stream quality monitor executed in one or more computing devices determines that an error in a video stream may be user perceivable. The video stream is then configured to include a distraction to mask the error. The distraction is designed to induce a saccade in a user, which interferes with perception of the error by the user.