Abstract: A system according to an embodiment enhances strategic characteristics of competition games using a plurality of game contents. The system includes: a game progress control unit; an information storage unit; a formation setting unit configured to set formations to be used by a player and an opponent from among a plurality of formations each constituted by a plurality of positions, and arrangement of athlete cards to the plurality of positions constituting the set formations; and a competition processing unit configured to specify at least one position constituting the formations used by the player and at least one position constituting the formations used by the opponent based on at least one of the formations used by the player and the formations used by the opponent and perform a competition process for progressing the competition game based on ability values of the game contents arranged at the specified positions.

Abstract: A method of playing an interactive game of pattern matching. The game application renders an image of a target pattern of items in a designated area of the display screen and an array of items in a stack area of the display screen. The player selects a pattern corresponding to a group of items in the stack area. If the selected pattern matches at least part of the target pattern, the selected pattern is removed from the stack area, and if it does not match, the items of the selected pattern are kept within the stack area. A match is determined when the items in the selected pattern match corresponding items in the at least part of the target pattern. After an item has been removed, a space is left behind in the stack, which allows another item in the stack from above the space to drop into the space after previous item has been removed.

Abstract: A method for providing a puzzle game on a computing device includes displaying a source image on the computing device; dividing the source image into discrete divided sections; displaying on the computing device the source image divided into the divided sections; creating and then displaying on the computing device kaleidoscopic images, each kaleidoscopic image corresponding to one of the divided sections; and permitting a user to play the puzzle game by permitting the user to select a kaleidoscopic image that corresponds to one of the divided sections from the displayed kaleidoscopic images.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A system and method for operation of a game in which teams of players attempt to negotiate through a track of rooms, or several tracts of rooms. Teams attempt to progress through the track by solving problems presented in each room thereby earning access to a following room, until the team completes a track comprising several rooms. A control system is operable to control flow of teams from room to room, and to control presentation of problem solving activities to the teams, and to interpret data from the rooms to assess the performance of the team, and grant access to a following room or to bar access to a following room and/or eject the team from the room to start over on the track.

Abstract: Provided is a life and death judgment system for a go game played with a computer, having an input reception unit that receives an input, a life and death judgment processing unit that judges whether judgment subject stones or target stones are alive, and an output processing unit that outputs the result of the life and death judgment. The life and death judgment processing unit tentatively determines the priority of a move at each point when processing life and death judgment in a predetermined judgment realm, judges a point of a move with a high possibility and/or a move with a low possibility of giving a result of the life and death judgment, changes the priority of the point of the move at each tentatively determined point, and undertakes the move of each stone in accordance with the priority after such change, thereby processing the life and death judgment.

Abstract: A method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay. A game environment is provided in which a player can play a game via a character. When the player scans a barcode from a real world object, a virtual object is retrieved based on the barcode input. The player's character can then own or interact with the virtual object in the game environment.

Abstract: A control scheme for a real time strategy game using a game controller includes maintaining a cursor in a known, fixed position of the monitor in a manner so that it appears the game space if moving behind a cursor even during changing viewing positions such as tilting movements. The control scheme further includes other aspects including a technique for selecting units using the game controller and interacting with menus using the game controller.

Abstract: A game execution method and system of a mobile terminal includes an Internet-based device synchronized with at least one mobile terminal through a game server and receiving a specific game screen that is requested from the mobile terminal from the game server to display. The game server synchronizes the Internet-based device with the at least one mobile terminal and transmits return data with respect to an input signal of manipulating the specific game to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal downloads and executes game data, transmitting to the game server the input signal of manipulating the specific game, and executes an effect function corresponding to the return data.

Abstract: An electronic puzzle, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality playing positions. Each playing position includes a switch, and an indicator that includes at least a first indicating element and a second indicating element, and each of said indicating elements has a plurality of indicating states to provide a plurality of visual indications. Further each playing position has a geometric pattern that is activated by the associated switch. The object of the game is for the player to manipulate the switches in order to transform an initial pattern of visual indications to a desired pattern of visual indications. Upon the activation of a switch, the first indicating element of at least one playing position in the associated geometric pattern changes its indicating state, and the second indicating element of at least one different playing position in said associated geometric pattern changes its indicating state.

Abstract: An advertising game system can include a user interface, e.g., a graphical user interface (GUI), configurable to output, e.g., display, a clue related to a brand. The output of the clue may be a part of a game. The user interface may also be configurable to display a user input field configurable to receive a guess of the brand. The user interface may also be configurable to display an advertisement related to the brand, where a received guess identifies the brand. The system can also include a processor communicatively coupled to the user interface. The processor may be executable to determine whether a received guess identifies the brand.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to cognitive training exercise adapted to train working memory systems in mammals in an intuitive, engaging, and adaptively challenging way to enhance cognition. Exercises engage users in the task of first seeing a grid with angled “bumpers” placed in various places throughout the grid. After a short initial presentation, the bumpers disappear, and the user must remember the location and orientation of the bumpers and calculate a route that a “pinball” will travel after being released from a designated starting position. In this way, the user is manipulating the remembered grid layout in working memory to solve a physically realistic task.

Abstract: If an area in which a character has been already placed by a player in another team is selected from the areas displayed in a game field display part on a top screen and a player point count corresponding to Oshikura at the bottom of as PP selection part is selected, a comparison is made between a player point count that was selected by a player at the placement of the currently placed character and a player point count that was selected by a player who will place a new character. Then, the character related to a player having more player points is determined as the character to be placed in the area. Accordingly, more competitive game elements are realized in a game that uses multiple areas.

Abstract: In various alternate exemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the inventive Collaborative Word-based Puzzle Game system and method (hereinafter referred to as the “CWPG Platform”), is operable to enable two or more players, engaging in a game session, to incrementally create and solve their own word-based puzzle (e.g.

Abstract: This is a method and system for a computerized online apparatus allowing users to engage in political prediction games based on contemporary American elections at the presidential, congressional, state, and local level, assigning points based on the results from the actual political election contests, the user's predictive accuracy relative to the actual outcomes and results of those aforementioned elections, and by comparing the user's predictive success relative to other users.

Abstract: A video game includes a reader that senses the identity of various game objects. Each game object includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. The game objects may be in a form of characters or items, for example structures or articles. Each of the game objects is associated with a animate game character or an inanimate item, for example a structure or article manipulable by an animate game character, in the video game. Game play proceeds depending on what game object is placed on the reader.

Abstract: A web hosting platform is invented to provide advertisement and promotional services of sellers of goods and services to a targeted group of people who congregate to this platform depending on their common interests that translates into common consumption preferences. This platform uses a very pervasive human behavior, interpersonal challenging and is meant to benefit the consumers and sellers of goods and services and create a revenue stream for the web hosting agencies based on an innovative business model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a network-based quiz game and related methods that is playable in parallel relative to and synchronized with an event of interest such as a sports event. This embodiment can be a massively multiplayer game in one embodiment. The players of the game include various participant using electronic devices. The game and relates methods can be implemented using a client server architecture and various hardware and software components.

Abstract: A server device executes one battle by spending the spending parameter in response to a player's operational input, and recovers the spending parameter by using a recovery item owned by the player. The server device calculates the total number of recovery items used to recover the spending parameter when one battle is fought for a plurality of times while repeating spending and recovering the spending parameter in response to operational inputs from the player until a hit point parameter of the enemy character is brought to less than or equal to a value. In response to one special operational input from the player, the server device determines whether the number of recovery items owned by the player is greater than or equal to the total number of recovery items calculated. When the determination is affirmative, the total number of recovery items calculated is automatically used from among the recovery items.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator (RDOG) makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with the reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with the reward generating assets, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and the time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating assets.

Abstract: An information processing section of a game apparatus executes a program including: a step of setting a puzzle area to be cut from an image taken by an outer camera; a step of setting the division number representing the number of portions into which the puzzle area is divided in accordance with a stage; a step of generating one-dimensional arrangement data representing a state in which puzzle pieces are positioned at random: a step of executing a game process by updating the one-dimensional arrangement data of the puzzle pieces which are selected based on a tilt of the game apparatus; and a step of switching, in accordance with the one-dimensional arrangement data, texture coordinate data of the puzzle pieces calculated based on a tilt of a virtual camera, and displaying an obtained image.

Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, which includes at least one terminal with a connection to a dedicated remote server, the system also including a module for playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal that can reproduce the recording, interact with a user, connect with a dedicated remote server, ask a terminal user a question and suggest multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected independent of the terminal user.

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: A CAPTCHA system uses images/pictures and/or motion for granting access to a computing system. The images can be culled from examples used in pictorial games, and can progressively presented to increase the strength of the CAPTCHA challenges. Speech recognition, motion and touch sensing can also be employed as parts of the challenge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for level-balancing an online progression game, such as by determining a placement order for puzzle games (or, other game challenges) within the progression game, are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods access difficulty metrics assigned to puzzle games presented by an online progression game, select a cadence, pattern and/or sequence associated with placing the puzzle games within the online progression game, and place the puzzle games within the online progression game based on matching the accessed difficulty metrics to the selected cadence, pattern, and/or sequence. For example, the systems and methods may determine and/or assign difficulty metrics to puzzle games eligible to be placed within the online progression game by playing each of the puzzle games with an artificial intelligence game play simulator configured to play multiple instances of each of the eligible puzzle games, among other things.

Abstract: In a system and method to facilitate the evaluation and selection of players to be used for collective scoring in a fantasy environment of competing groups sports players can be evaluated for inclusion to a fantasy sports roster by evaluating past and projected performance statistics to maximize a team manager's opportunity to defeat other teams based on the particular scoring system employed by a fantasy sports league.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a class of games and activities of skill and logic, particularly to puzzles based on reason and logic. Disclosed are a method and a system for comparing solutions to the puzzles based on the paths to solution and for completion of the activities based on the order of carrying out the steps of the activity. A number of applications of the method are disclosed for development of further puzzles and activities from the initial puzzle or activity, as well as for other enriching experiences and expressions, particularly the method of providing a priori or real time hints to a participant to solve the puzzle or advance in the activity.

Abstract: An apparatus for a contest based on the accuracy of predictions for a future sports event is described. Participants in a sports-based contests attempt to engage in multiple, successful predictions, which may result in “streaks” that provide for additional points or other rewards for contest participants. Participants may also engage in seed-based predictions, which may result in additional points or other rewards for contest participants.

Abstract: A method of tailoring an educational learning environment to a particular student may include receiving a selection of an educational game type from a plurality of educational game types and determining a learning activity. The method may also include determining a difficulty level for the learning activity and accessing a parameter set based on the learning activity and the difficulty level. The method may additionally include accessing, based on the parameter set, a set of functional instructions and a plurality of graphic objects. The method may further include creating an educational game based on the set of functional instructions, the plurality of graphic objects, the educational game type, the learning activity, and the difficulty level.

Abstract: An apparatus for a contest based on the accuracy of predictions for a future sports event is described. Participants in a sports-based contests attempt to engage in multiple, successful predictions, which may result in “streaks” that provide for additional points or other rewards for contest participants. Participants may also engage in seed-based predictions, which may result in additional points or other rewards for contest participants.

Abstract: A method and a system for resolving a two-player influencer blocking conflict are disclosed. The method and system may include to form a set of defender actions to increase a defender set of nodes; form a set of attacker actions; determine a defender strategy based the set of attacker actions, the defender strategy comprising a new defender action; to determine an attacker strategy that is based the set of defender actions; modify the set of defender actions to include the new defender action; update the set of attacker actions according to the attacker strategy; form a new set of attacker actions when the set of defender nodes increases more than a threshold; and form a display to show the defender set of nodes and the attacker set of nodes in a graph.

Abstract: Multiple video game players access an encrypted video game library stored on a shared mass storage device. A multiplexer multiplexes data read from the mass storage device to provide output streams to multiple video game playing units consuming video game instructions. A secure bus communicates video game instructions from the shared mass storage device to each of the video game playing units. Video game software or other entertainment content is distributed to the shared mass storage device via electronic download in multi-level encrypted form. Before being transported, the content is encrypted and then further encrypted. Once the content has been successfully transported, it is decrypted to remove the further encryption layer—leaving the first encryption layer intact for protecting the video game during storage on mass storage at the remote distribution location.

Abstract: A method of play, wherein play emphasizes storytelling and story recounting abilities, and wherein the method comprises: (a) providing a gaming device which provides for: a plurality of subject elements, wherein each subject element from the plurality of subject elements comprises a topic for a particular story; and a plurality of situational elements, wherein each situational element from the plurality of situational elements qualifies the subject element; (b) pairing a subject element from the plurality of subject elements with a situational element from the plurality of situational elements; and (c) providing a story based on the paired subject element and selected situational element.

Abstract: A method for developing thinking skills comprises directing participants to play one or more real time strategy games and then directing the participants to engage in discussions about the game and the decisions that were made during game play. The steps of playing the game and then discussing the gaming experience may be repeated in an iterative fashion. Larger objectives external and/or in addition to the in-game objectives may be laid out for the participants, so that the participants are competing and/or trying to achieve objectives beyond those inherent in the real time strategy game itself. Also, a real time strategy (RTS) game provides “game within a game” capabilities, such that the game terrain (e.g., a game board) is divided up into a finite number of fragments. Within each fragment, game play is in real-time.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating interface-based game-space contest generation is provided. A user interface may be provided to an administrator. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs from the administrator that include one or more performance criteria to be associated with a contest to be provided in a game space, one or more awards to be distributed in association with the contest, and one or more qualifications to participate in the contest. A notification that relates to the contest may be provided, based on the user inputs, in the game space. Performance scores of users that participated in the contest may be determined based on the performance criteria and activities that are performed in the game space by the participating users. Automated distribution of the awards to individual ones of the participating users may be facilitated in accordance with the performance scores of the individual participating users.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and an operating method of the mobile terminal are provided. The operating method includes connecting the mobile terminal to a sharing device so as to be able to communicate with the sharing device, the sharing device displaying a shared screen; downloading multiplayer game programs from the sharing device; and displaying a personal screen on a display module of the mobile terminal and running a multiplayer game together with another mobile terminal by using the personal screen and the shared screen while exchanging data with the sharing device. Therefore, it is possible for the mobile terminal to effectively run the multiplayer game together with the other mobile terminal by using the personal screen and the shared screen.

Abstract: To provide a game device capable of preferably producing an image of a picture in which a first game character loses sight of a second game character having moved so as to disappear from view of the first game character, and thus delays in responding to the second game character. An operation target selection unit (72) selects an operation target character from among the plurality of first game characters. An operation target control unit (74a) changes a state of the first game character selected by the operation target selection unit (72), in the game space, based on a signal input from an operation unit. A selection restriction unit (72b) restricts, in the case where it is determined by the determination unit (72a) that the position of the second game character is included in a determination target area determined based on the position and orientation of the first game character, selection of that first game character by the operation target selection unit (72).

Abstract: A server device according to the present invention is connected with a player terminal that displays a game screen through a network, and to execute a battle game played by a player using a plurality of characters. The server device includes: a storage unit configured to store the plurality of characters to be arranged in the character arrangement area; a special area selection unit configured to select a special area to be highlighted on a game screen; a character arrangement unit configured to arrange a character selected from the plurality of characters to be arranged in the character arrangement area in the highlighted special area; and a battle processing unit configured to control attack processing in which the character arranged in the special area performs an attack and attack processing in which a character arranged in an area other than the special area performs an attack to be different.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to generating a Sudoku array and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods and systems for generating a Sudoku array for a puzzle or for encrypting data.

Abstract: A game program according to the invention instructs a computer to perform the following processes: a reception process in which a building request that requests building of a character group into which a plurality of characters are organized is received from a player terminal that is used by a player when the player plays a game; an image generation process in which a group-building game image is generated in response to the building request, the group-building game image being displayed on a display unit of the player terminal when the player builds the character group, the group-building game image including images of characters owned by the player and pieces of suggesting information that causes the player to estimate an attribute set for each of these characters; and a process in which the group-building game image generated in the image generation process is sent to the player terminal.

Abstract: In an editor a plurality of valid start points are determined. Based on the plurality of start points a user may select one of the points. When a user selects one of the points, the editor determines at least one valid end point. The user may then draw a line between the selected point and a valid end point. As a result of the connection between the two points a new environment is created in the editor.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to cognitive training exercise adapted to train working memory systems in mammals in an intuitive, engaging, and adaptively challenging way to enhance cognition. Exercises engage users in the task of first seeing a grid with angled “bumpers” placed in various places throughout the grid. After a short initial presentation, the bumpers disappear, and the user must remember the location and orientation of the bumpers and calculate a route that a “pinball” will travel after being released from a designated starting position. In this way, the user is manipulating the remembered grid layout in working memory to solve a physically realistic task.

Abstract: Systems and methods that regulate a hybrid game to detect and/or defeat unauthorized use of the hybrid game. One embodiment includes a method of detecting unauthorized operation of a hybrid gaming system that includes a gambling game and an entertainment game. In addition, the method can include collecting first game operating performance data (GOPD) from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a first player, generating a reference profile using the first GOPD, collecting second GOPD from the entertainment game while the hybrid game is being played by a second player, comparing the second GOPD to the reference profile to determine whether the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner, and generating a notification to an operator upon determination that the second player is operating the hybrid game in an unauthorized manner.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes game processing of a virtual game. The game program and the game data are read from an optical disk into a main memory of the game apparatus. During execution of the game processing, a single-search hitting count obtained in a case that a predetermined database is searched by a word selected by the player is read from the game data, or an AND search hitting count obtained in a case that the database is searched by a word selected by the player and a word set in advance is read from the game data. The game apparatus progresses the game processing on the basis of the read single-search hitting count and AND search hitting count.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of gaming, in which a first player and a second player each submit a set of 2 completed gaming tables, a game board and a guess board, for competition against each other. Each gaming table has the same number of gaming cells and is populated by the respective player with a set of tokens. The populated game board of the first player is compared to the populated guess board of the second player to determine a score for either the first player or the second player, depending on the scoring methodology. Similarly, the populated game board of the second player is compared to the guess board of the first player to determine a score for the first player. Two gaming tables are compared against each other by comparing the values of tokens located in corresponding positions of the gaming tables that are being compared. An intermediate score is determined for each position on the gaming table. Those intermediate scores are then utilized to determine a score for a player.

Abstract: The language-based video game places a player avatar into a game environment contained within a display field following a story narrative or an adventure for completing an objective. The gameplay reinforces pronunciation and writing of a given language. The display field includes a minor head graphic, as can be highlighted text in the given language, interactive text objects, and can include a control icon and a progress icon. The minor head graphic is a representation of a human head, or portion thereof, animated to show pronunciation of the highlighted text. As the player progresses through the game, the player encounters the interactive text objects that, upon activation, transform into useful objects for overcoming challenges present in the game environment, the interactive text object being the same as, substantially the same as, or corresponding to the highlighted text. Avatar movement and interactions are controlled through a control scheme via an interface.

Abstract: Teaching aid math games utilizing a mathematical matrix organized about x and y axises where the game is played by correctly associating numbers with their corresponding stations. The matrix comprises a first string of stations and a second string of stations where the first and second strings have the same number of stations. Each station is associated with a numerical value, and each station on the first string is parallel to a corresponding station on the second string where each corresponding station pair add up to the same numerical value. The display of the matrix provides visual associations for mathematical relationships.

Abstract: A social networking roulette game system that comprises of at least one processor; and computer executable instruction code readable by the at least one processor and configured for displaying at least one game on a display device, wherein the game comprises of: randomly selecting a predefined sampling of friends from at least one online social networking contacts; displaying the predefined sampling of friends in a dynamic arrangement; animating the dynamic arrangement for selecting at least one friend of the predefined sampling of friends; reviewing a profile of the selected at least one friend; generating a random question based on the at least one friend's profile; requiring that a response be submitted for the random question; and awarding virtual currency to the gamer based on the gamer's response to the random question.

Abstract: An interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt, comprising a plurality of pseudo-treasures (1) distributed over a playing area (5), and a detector (6) which is allocated to each player (7, 20, 21) and is suitable for scanning over the playing area (5) and detecting at least one pseudo-treasure (1), characterized in that said system further comprises means (24) suitable for allocating, to each player (7, 20, 21), at least one specific pseudo-treasure (1) to be found within a predetermined time period, each pseudo-treasure (1) comprising identification means and each detector (6) being suitable for identifying the scanned pseudo-treasures (1) and indicating the pseudo-treasure or treasures (1) found within the set time period.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to challenge search query game systems and methods wherein search queries are integrated into game play activities. In one example approach, a challenge search query game system may include a search server configured to receive a challenge query from a game program in response to an in-game action by a game player, and retrieve a challenge in response to the challenge query. The challenge may include one or more clues and a solution. The search server may further be configured to send the challenge to the game program for display in the game, causing the game program to store the challenge and present a first clue from the one or more clues to the game player.