Abstract: The field of the invention relates to interactive computer systems and more particularly to systems and methods for simulating a particular user's behavior in an interactive computer system. In one embodiment, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events. The simulator is further configured to record one or more user inputs in response to the occurrence of the one or more events, store the one or more user inputs in one or more data fields, and associate the one or more data fields with the one or more events and the one or more current circumstances.

Abstract: A service device provides a multiplayer game which a user can enjoy by a new technique. The server device includes a storage unit for storing information on at least one predetermined team operated by a predetermined player corresponding to a terminal device and made up of a plurality of characters; a first control unit for transmitting to the terminal device information on other players corresponding to other terminal devices located within a predetermined distance from the location of the terminal device; and a second control unit for controlling a game between the at least one predetermined team and an opponent character, and transmitting information on a specified character selected from among a plurality of characters constituting at least one other team operated by the other players to the terminal device as a candidate for an additional character to be added to the at least one predetermined team.

Abstract: A mini-game may be generated by recording game data during play of a video game on a computer game system, suspending play of the video game in response to a first input to the computer game system, rewinding the recorded game data to a start point in response to a second input to the computer game system, and uploading recorded game data representing a state of the video game at the start point to a remote mini-game distribution system. The mini-game data may be distributed to other game playing systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating chance-based in-game virtual item distribution in a video game. A mini-game interface presents a mini-game to a user that has committed to a battle. Prior to instigation of the battle the user participates in a chance-based mini-game that determines awards to be distributed to the user from a set of potential awards. Benefits associated with a determined award are applied to a game entity included in a battle which is to follow the mini-game.

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 calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.

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: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on by a game server, the game server and corresponding method which cause the game server to perform the steps of: provide a networked multiplayer battle game over a network, storing a battle history including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in the multiplayer battle game; determining, based on the battle history and an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode, and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes an input device and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to receive a game play event from a player. The processor is programmed to determine whether a jackpot trigger condition is satisfied based at least in part on the game play event. The jackpot trigger condition includes a target quantity of games played, a target set of game tokens, a target pattern of game symbols, and/or a target pattern of game play outcomes. The processor is further programmed to award a jackpot credit to one or more players when the jackpot trigger condition is satisfied.

Abstract: It is determined whether or not an information processing apparatus is located at a particular place. If it is determined in the determination of the location that the information processing apparatus is located at the particular place, use of predetermined data is permitted. If the information processing apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition related to the fact that the information processing apparatus is located at the particular place, the permitted use of the data is prohibited.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes collecting, using biometric sensors, stress data associated with a user of a virtual reality device. The method may also include determining a stress level of the user based on the stress data. The method may also include retrieving historical data of the user. The method may also include monitoring a current environment of the user during a current virtual session. The method may also include identifying a safety hazard during the current virtual session based on the stress data and the current environment. The method may also include determining, using the historical data, virtual scenarios that affect the stress level of the user. The method may also include generating, using the determined virtual scenarios, a safe virtual scenario to eliminate the safety hazard.

Abstract: A gaming environment, in which a new gaming machine and gaming system in which entertainment aspect of the game may be enhanced, is described. Especially a gaming environment, in which a slot game (the first game) corresponding to a first game program 33a in the RAM 33 is progressed by the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 210 in the gaming system 220, when the payout rate of the slot machine 210 is greater or equal to a predetermined value, a second game program which is different from the first game program 33a is downloaded from the game server 200 by the communication process unit 211 of the slot machine 210, the second game is progressed by the main CPU 32 via executing the second game program, is described.

Abstract: Improved methods for rehabilitation, transformation, training, and learning are provided for a person as a viewer which enable the viewer to experience a virtual session, comprised of one or more virtual scenarios intended to activate the mirror neuron system, that includes suggestion, hypnosis, hypnotic induction and/or hypnotic suggestion in verbal and/or visual forms, where said suggestion, hypnotic induction and/or hypnotic suggestion may possibly be applied to and/or utilized in relationship with the various components and/or aspects individually and/or collectively that make up a virtual session which are presented in this description of the present invention, which includes one or more virtual scenarios, a virtual character which may be created to be in the likeness of the viewer, where said virtual character and possibly additional virtual characters that are human and/or non-human may be animated to properly perform one or more acts and/or motions and/or movements and possibly express dialog and/or s

Abstract: The game system provides a game in which, by a player operating a touch panel when an object reaches a first determination line, the object can be hit back to a second determination line. The game machine includes a detection unit that detects tilting of the game machine. In a case that the detection unit detects tilting of the game machine when the player operates the touch panel, in a partial section of a moving path, the object moves at a moving speed that is set according to the tilting, and, in a remaining section, the object moves at a moving speed that is set so that the object moves from the first determination line to the second determination line in a setting time.

Abstract: A streaming data acquisition section acquires streaming data distributed from a server and including an application image, and a streaming data reproduction section reproduces the streaming data. A command input acceptance section accepts a command input to an application inputted by a user. A command transmission section transmits the inputted command. The command is provided to an information processing apparatus of a distributor of the streaming data and is reflected on processing of the application being executed in the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An operating mode distinguishing method, a touch point determining method and a touch control circuit are provided. It is determined whether an underwater mode is entered according to a self capacitance value and a mutual capacitance value. In the underwater mode, a touch point position is determined according to deformation of a substrate.

Abstract: A computer device has a user interface configured to receive an input from a user. The device also has a display configured to display game elements for engagement by a user via the user interface to allow the user to play a game. A processor is provided which is configured to control the display to display at least one of two different progress paths through a game. Each of the progress paths comprises a plurality of different game levels.

Abstract: Video game processing apparatuses, media, and methods are provided for controlling progress of a video game. Player character related information is stored in a memory and changes in accordance with progress of the video game. Initial area information is stored in the memory and indicates an initial state of each of a plurality of areas. Updated area information is stored in the memory and indicates a progress status of the video game in each of the areas. The updated area information is updated in accordance with the progress of the video game. It is determined whether to use the initial area information or the updated area information corresponding to a selected area in response to an operation of the player character. The game is progressed in the selected area using a corresponding one of the initial area information and the updated area information.

Abstract: Automated initiation of game sessions between a game player and subscribers to the game player's streamed output is disclosed. A content item server receives a request to initiate a game session from a particular game player. The content item server communicates the request to a streaming server which references a database to identify streaming subscribers who receive streaming output of games played by the particular game player. The streaming server communicates a notification to the streaming clients for the identified streaming subscribers. In response to receiving acceptances from particular subscribers, the streaming server communicates information identifying the accepting subscribers to the game server which creates a game session and adds the accepting subscribers to the game session. The streaming server communicates instructions to the streaming clients of the accepting subscribers to launch game clients and log in the subscribers to the designated game session.

Abstract: A method for storing video data according to one embodiment includes receiving a video signal comprising television programming, and converting the video signal to video data. Additionally, the method includes storing first temporal-based portions of the video data in files on a first storage device, storing second temporal-based portions of the video data in files on a second storage device, and creating reduced quality video data from the video data based on the first and/or second temporal-based portions of the video data. Further, the method includes outputting the first temporal-based portions of the video data and/or the second temporal-based portions of the video data, outputting the reduced quality video data to a first device via a network, and outputting the first temporal-based portions of the video data and/or the second temporal-based portions of the video data to a second device via the network.

Abstract: A game system includes a character setting section that sets a plurality of characters selected by a player from among a plurality of characters possessed by the player to be battle characters, a game processing section that executes a battle between the characters that have been set to be the battle characters and an enemy character that appears in a stage selected by the player, and an information presentation section that, when a number of times that the player failed to clear the stage has reached a predetermined number, extracts a plurality of characters recommended to be the battle characters from among the characters possessed by the player when the number of times that the player failed to clear the stage has reached a predetermined number, determines whether or not the player can clear the stage when the extracted characters are set to be the battle characters, and presents information that corresponds to the determination result to the player.

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: A method for an online video game or application service system includes running a video game or application on an application host server at a data center, an uncompressed video stream being produced therefrom. The uncompressed video stream is encoded into compressed video stream, which is then transmitted over the Internet to an output client device of a user. The output client device decompresses the compressed video stream and displays live video on a screen. User control input transmitted from an input client device is delivered to the application host server. The user control input includes game or application commands. The input client device is associated with the user and is separate from the output client device. Responsive to receiving the game or application commands, the application host server generates a new uncompressed video stream.

Abstract: A streaming data acquisition section acquires streaming data distributed from a server and including an application image, and a streaming data reproduction section reproduces the streaming data. A command input acceptance section accepts a command input to an application inputted by a user. A command transmission section transmits the inputted command. The command is provided to an information processing apparatus of a distributor of the streaming data and is reflected on processing of the application being executed in the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on by a game server, the game server and corresponding method which cause the game server to perform the steps of: provide a networked multiplayer battle game over a network, storing a battle history including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in the multiplayer battle game; determining, based on the battle history and an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode, and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting individualized content made available to users of an online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type, and content made available to the users is customized accordingly. Information relating to prospective usage may include predictive information such as demographic and geographic information, as well as game usage information for the users. User types may include resource collection, player versus player, and player versus environment. Customized content may include content made available to the users through the users in-game actions, such as exploring a map, researching a technology or skill, purchasing an in-game item, and completing an in-game achievement, including in-game items, in-game powers, in-game skills, in-game technologies, in-game pets, in-game transportation units, in-game units, and in-game buildings.

Abstract: Methods and systems for triggering integrated game actions include monitoring a user's state during operation a video game with one or more user state sensors. It is determined whether the user's level of activity is below a predetermined activity threshold based on the monitored state considered over a period of time. If the user's level of activity is below the predetermined activity threshold, a game sequence in the video game is triggered that involves physical activity on the part of the user.

Abstract: Systems of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid game are disclosed, including a hybrid game associated with a player, the hybrid game constructed to: communicate game operating performance data (GOPD); and the a regulatory scanning and screening audit (RSSA) module connected to the hybrid game via a communication link, the RSSA module constructed to: receive GOPD comprising game world credit information for game world credit accrued by the player, and real credit information for real credit committed by the player; determine a rate of accrual of the game world credit and a rate of commitment of the real credit; determine whether the player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner; and communicate a notification causing the hybrid game to suspend operation.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for dynamically modifying an order of a cardholder verification method (CVM) implemented at a point-of-sale (POS) device. In some instances, the techniques instruct a POS device to determine a card network or other attributed associated with a received payment instrument and determine, based on this information, whether to implement a default order of a CVM or whether to modify the order of the CVM such that the POS device requests different verification information than if the POS device did not modify the order of the CVM.

Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a method and apparatus for providing various dance movements as input to a dancing video game. The method and apparatus may detect the hand and arm movements of a video game player and interpret those movements as inputs to the video game. The video game may then compare the dancing movements of the user to expected dance movements to determine if the correct dance movement was performed by the user. The video game may also display a video game environment that instructs and interacts with the user to perform several dance movements of the video game. In this manner, the method and apparatus may provide a more realistic and dynamic dancing video game experience than previous dancing video games that only allowed the player to press buttons as inputs to the game.

Abstract: To provide a program, an information storage medium, an image processing device, an image processing method, and a data structure capable of collaboration between replay data and a motion picture produced by an image capturing unit during a period corresponding to the replay data. A replay data obtaining unit obtains replay data for reproducing the status of execution of a program. A captured motion picture obtaining unit obtains a captured motion picture that is produced by the image capturing unit during an image capturing period including at least a part of a reproduction period in which the status of execution of the program is reproduced based on replay data. A data holding unit holds replay data and a captured motion picture so as to be correlated to each other.

Abstract: A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time).

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: In some cases, one or more tasks may be selected for inclusion within a content item or portions of a content item such as different story arcs. Each such task may be completed based, at least in part, on an associated set of one or more actions and an associated set of one or more parameters. Also, in some cases, one or more node layouts may be generated in association with a content item or portions of a content item. Each node within a node layout may, for example, have at least one associated task within a respective content item or content item portion.

Abstract: Provided is a game system that is capable of limiting the usage of predetermined information individually. The game system acquires a two dimensional code for recreating a combined image from a character card, and utilizes, for the progression of a game, the combined image recreated during the game on the basis of the two dimensional code that has been acquired. And, the game system provides a two dimensional code so that information of a player name ID that is employed in order to limit the usage of the two dimensional code is included.

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 calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable recording medium having stored thereon instructions to be executed on by a game server, the game server and corresponding method which cause the game server to perform the steps of: provide a networked multiplayer battle game over a network, storing a battle history including an identifier of an opponent with whom a user has battled in the multiplayer battle game; determining, based on the battle history and an identifier of an opponent with whom a battle begins, a procedure for conducting the battle in the battle game to be one of a first mode for conducting the battle based on user operations and a second mode for conducting the battle with fewer user operations than in the first mode, and conducting the battle with the determined procedure.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a game artificial intelligence (AI), which can provide a lifelike game service as if a gamer plays a game with another real gamer, by enabling a game model which is determined as optimal for a particular game situation from previously played game models or randomly played game models, to play a game AI in an identical game situation. Also, a method and system which can execute the game AI in a pattern where a play trend of the gamer is reflected with respect to a particular game situation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-game and post-game video game character presentation and equipping are disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, a computer implemented method useful for video game play comprises: determining identities and equipment of at least some game characters for participation in game play; in a time period outside of game play, providing information for rendering the game characters with their equipment in a scene having visual characteristics of a virtual world for game play; providing game players the opportunity to change and/or purchase equipment for their game characters; and providing for game play including the game characters.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus receives operation input corresponding to a plurality of devices and renders a first screen for a particular viewpoint in a virtual space in which it is possible to move an avatar based on the operation input, wherein avatars corresponding to each of the plurality of devices are simultaneously positioned in the virtual space. Meanwhile, the apparatus also performs processing on particular content that is not an avatar based on the operation input and renders a second screen for the content. The apparatus, in a case where an avatar corresponding to an apparatus to which the second screen is provided is included in a rendering scope for the particular viewpoint, renders the first screen, applying the second screen provided to the apparatus corresponding to the avatar to an object related to the avatar in the virtual space.

Abstract: A game system includes a game progresser, a storage, a game reproducer, and a changer. The game progresser is configured to control game progress in accordance with a player's instruction information. The storage is configured to store a game-play-history of a first-player in accordance with a first instruction information of the first-player. The game reproducer is configured to reproduce a first game progress of the first player based on the game-play-history, during a second game progress progressed by the game progresser in accordance with a second instruction information of a second-player. The changer is configured to change at least one of: control on the first game progress of the first-player reproduced by the game reproducer; and control on the second game progress of the second-player to be progressed in accordance with the second instruction information, with reference to at least one of first and second player's game situations.

Abstract: In a method for selecting a game element of a game and adjusting the game element during execution of the game, a processor retrieves a plurality of received game element feedback data from a plurality of users of a game, wherein the plurality of received game element feedback data was selected from a list of possible game elements. A processor selects the game element to be adjusted, based upon the plurality of received game element feedback data. A processor causes the game element to be adjusted during execution of the game.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing game data are provided. In a network game to be tested, skill effect data of a character to be tested can be obtained, and a combat strategy can be formulated accordingly. The network game along with a fight test of the character can be implemented, according to the combat strategy, to obtain and output testing data. Whether the combat strategy needs to be adjusted can then be determined. When the combat strategy is determined that needs to be adjusted, the methods and apparatus can be used to adjust the combat strategy, implement the fight test of the character according to the adjusted combat strategy, and obtain the testing data. When the combat strategy is determined that does not need to be adjusted, the methods and apparatus can be used to analyze a degree of balance of the character in the network game.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system comprising a display and a game controller, the game controller being arranged to identify a player from received player identification data, receive associated player game data of the identified player, and control the display of one or more characteristics of, or associated with, an avatar such that the player is provided with a graphical representation of the player game data. A method of gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprising executing a program on a server of a server center that generates and streams a user page in the form of streaming interactive video on a display of a user computer connected to the server via the Internet, the user page including a plurality of video windows, one or more of the video windows including streaming interactive video as well as simultaneously recorded video segments which are replayable by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating player interaction with sets of virtual tiles in a game space are disclosed. A set of virtual tiles may be provided for player interaction such that a player may be enabled to engage the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the individual tiles in the set of virtual tiles using a set of resources granted to the player. The player may be enabled to allocate a subset of the granted resources to engage a given tile in the set. An outcome of the engagement may be determined stochastically or quasi-stochastically. The player may be enabled to interact with the next tile in the set upon defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the previous tile. Upon the player defeating the non-player entity (or entities) associated with the last tile in the set, a prize may be awarded to the player.

Abstract: A method in support of providing customized gamification for accomplishing goals receives a request to generate a game framework, the request specifying a goal to be accomplished by one or more participants of a plurality of participants, at least in part through interaction with the game framework. A first set of one or more game parameters to be applied to the game framework is determined for at least a first participant of the plurality of participants, and the game framework comprising the first set of one or more game parameters is generated. The game framework comprising the first set of one or more game parameters is applied to a first profile relating to the first participant of the plurality of participants. The game framework can then be provided to an electronic computing device of the first participant over the network. Systems can be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that facilitates wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play on such a gaming device, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming stations, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming stations.

Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.