METHOD OF PLAYING A GIFTED GAME

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for sending and receiving an online game shared amongst a plurality of recipients whom may collect awards from each other via electronic funds transfers. In a preferred embodiment, a game randomly distributes a predetermined amount of electronic funds amongst selected recipients, as described in more detail below.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent 61/628,260 filed on Oct. 27, 2011, and entitled “Method of Operating A Gift Game”.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of this application may contain materials subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of this material in the same form as filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, but all other copyright rights are reserved.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of operating an online game and, more specifically, a game in which a first person sends an online game to one or more other persons whom receive awards based upon game outcomes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous service providers for online social games (e.g. Zynga, Playfish) and electronic funds transfers (e.g. PayPal, Xoom). These services are used throughout the world but rarely, if ever, used together to exchange funds between game players.

There is a need and opportunity, therefore, to expand the range of online products and services to include methods for playing online games that offer electronic funds transfers between the game players.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides methods for sending and receiving an online game shared amongst a plurality of recipients whom may collect awards from each other via electronic funds transfers. In a preferred embodiment, a game randomly distributes a predetermined amount of electronic funds amongst selected recipients, as described in more detail below.

A game is selected from a plurality of games that use random events to generate results. For example, a game comprised of a wheel divided into a plurality of segments with each segment displaying an award value. The game then issues the award value indicated at the end of each wheel spin. Alternatively, the game may use elements of skill, such as hand-eye coordination, or knowledge, such as memorization of trivia. Further alternative embodiments may allow the selection of more than one game, including multiple selected games of the same or difference type or value. For example, two games of chance and one trivia game may be selected.

The selected game is purchased and associated with a prize value. For example, a selected game must be purchased for $5.00 USD and associated with a $5.00 USD prize value. Alternatively, any real or virtual currency, loyalty program point system, customer relationship program, product or service may be associated with a selected game. In a further alternative embodiment, the purchase price may not match the prize value. For example, a $5.00 USD purchase price may generate a $4.00 USD prize value or a $10.00 prize value.

The selected game is then transmitted via internet to one or more recipients. For example, twelve recipients are selected from a list of recipients and notified via an email invitation. The email contains credentials to enter a secure server-system to read the card and play the game. Alternatively, any number of recipients may be selected to receive a card and game via any electronic means, such as stand-alone applications, downloadable games, and application programming interfaces. Further alternative embodiments may require that at least one of the game recipients not be the game purchaser. And further embodiments require that none of the game recipients may be the game purchaser.

Recipients play the selected game individually in a predetermined order. For example, the twelve recipients selected above may be ordered by date of birth and play the game one-at-a-time from oldest to youngest. Alternatively, recipients may be ordered in any fashion from manual selection to automatic sorting by any category or preference. Further alternative embodiments may allow individual or group play by recipients in first-come, first-serve order. And even further embodiments provide for playing a game at simultaneous, sequential, or overlapped times.

The selected game randomly distributes a fraction of the total prize value. For example, the selected game may distribute $1.50 USD out of the total $5.00 USD value. After each play, the selected game retains the remaining value. For example, the selected game retains $3.50 USD after the distribution of $1.50 USD out of the total $5.00 USD value. The selected game distributes random fractional values that cannot exceed one (1). Alternatively, the game may award fractional values above one (1) and, therefore, provide awards greater than the initial purchase price. For example, a $5.00 game may award $500 USD, or 100 times purchase price. Further alternative embodiments may allow reduction of the total monetary value by a fraction of the distribution amount. For example, a distribution of $1.00 USD may only reduce the total monetary value by $0.50 USD. In further embodiments, the total monetary value may reset to a predetermined value upon the occurrence of certain conditions. For example, distribution of more than 85% of the total monetary value may cause the total monetary value to reset back to 100% of the original amount.

The selected game continues until no total prize value remains to distribute. For example, a selected game with $5.00 USD prize value continues until $0.00 USD prize value remains. Alternatively, a selected game may continue until a predetermined or random amount of prize value remains. Further embodiments may allow a selected game to continue until one or more awards of a predetermined value issue. For example, a selected game may continue until a first award over $0.10 issues. In further embodiments, a selected game may continue until a predetermined number of recipients play. For example, a selected game may allow each recipient to play once. And in a further embodiment, a selected game may continue until a predetermined time period expires. For example, a selected game may continue for one day.

The purchases and prizes are awarded via electronic funds transfer. For example, purchases may be completed using VISA, an online credit card transaction service, and prizes may issue using PayPal, an online electronic funds transfer service. Alternatively, purchases and prizes may also be awarded via codes, cards, and other physical devices. For example, a prize may be awarded by printing out a bar code or coupon that is redeemable at a store or via gift card. A fee may be charged for the issuance of some awards.

Computer & Networks

The preceding summary of invention operates via program procedures executed on a computer system or network of computer systems. A computer system has a computer with any number or combination of processing units, such as CPUs, and storage devices, such as floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, DVD/CD ROM, display monitor, and input devices, such as keyboard and mouse. A computer system may be replaced by, or combined with, any suitable processing system, including hand-held, laptop/notebook, mini, mainframe and super computers.

Communications between computer systems or networks of computer systems may occur utilizing the Internet. The use of the Internet is exemplary only and any suitable communications network may be substituted without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, a main game server may be located on one computing node or terminal and various players may interface with the main game server via the Internet and play the game from remotely located PCs. In this manner, a game owner may be able to attract players located at remote parts of the country or world.

Features & Advantages

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the specification and the appended claims seek to cover all such features and advantages which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Since numerous variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications may be resorted to. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Claims

1. A method of playing a game operated using computer processors connected via a computer network comprising:

a. purchasing a game with an award;

b. selecting a plurality of recipients;

c. sending the game to the recipients;

d. determining a play sequence amongst the recipients;

e. determining the game outcomes for recipients;

f. issuing some or all of the award to recipients based upon the results of the game; and

g. returning the balance of the award, if any, to the purchaser.

2. A method claim 1 in which the recipients continue to play the game in accordance with the determined play sequence until the total value of awards issued is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

3. A method of claim 1 in which the recipients continue to play the game in accordance with the determined play sequence until a predetermined number of awards are issued to a predetermined number of recipients.

4. A method of claim 1 in which game issues awards that may exceed the purchase price of the game.

5. A method of claim 1 in which game issues awards that may not exceed the purchase price of the game.

6. A method of claim 1 in which the game is an online game downloadable from the internet, operated using a computer network across the internet, and played via internet users' handheld, mobile, desktop, laptop, or other computer devices.

7. A method of claim 1 in which the game result is generated by one or more of the following methods:

a. a random number generator;

b. knowledge-based input; or

c. skill-based means

8. A method of claim 1 in which at least one of the game recipients is not the game purchaser.