Abstract: A network-based strategy game based on live sporting events contains a processor and a computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying code executed by the processor to cause operations to be performed. At least one strategy question with multiple choice answers is electronically published during a sporting event relating to an impending coaching decision of the sporting event via at least one network connection of a computerized data processing apparatus. A user answer selected from the multiple choice answers published by each of a plurality of game users is recorded. A coaching answer is selected from the multiple choice answers that correlate to a coaching decision made by a coach with the impending coaching decision is recorded. The success of the coaching decision is recorded. Data correlating at least two of: the recorded user answers, the recorded coaching answer, and the recorded successfulness of the coaching decision, is published.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer-based solitaire game which collects a player's fee at the start of the game and pays a player award as a function of a per-card payout award and one or more of the number and/or identities of cards that have been transferred from the card deck on foundation stacks. The per-card payout award is determined as a function of an expected number of transferred cards, which number has been determined as a function of a discrete probability density function calculated from outcomes produced in a multi-game simulation. The number of games in the multi-game simulation is selected to provide a statistically stable result, and may be on the order of more than one million games. The simulated games are played by applying a set of ordinally-ranked solitaire game play rules.

Abstract: A card game and method for playing a card game are provided for a plurality of players. A pre-determined number of cards are included in the card deck. A preset number of cards from the card deck are dealt to each player. Each card has a face with a variety of characters, written instructions, numeric fractional values, shapes, mathematical symbols, special characters, or lines. In embodiments of the card game, a designated winning word is spelled or a designated number of matching cards are obtained, with consideration to the operation instructions of a number of cards that can alter the arrangement of the cards in a player's hand or can alter the order of play of the card game. Once a current designated player obtains the designated word or the designated number of matching cards and has a winning combination of cards, that player wins and the game is over.

Abstract: A puzzle game where the objective of the game is to create a target number of HEXA and DIA formations per level using a set of primary sub-formations. The game is further intensified by the introduction of secondary sub-formations and a set of Reward Buttons that are awarded for completing different formations. The present invention uses a novel way of scoring where points are calculated based on the formations created by a player and the time remaining in the level. Therefore, if a player finishes a level faster, the player gets additional points. There is also an Infinite game mode for PDA and mobile phone users that allows play until the battery in the device runs out or the device shuts off due to a low battery that has no set levels and set scoring based on various possible formations only.

Abstract: A system is described for a computer-based word-guessing game that can be used to elicit market-research data, specifically sentiment and awareness data. The two-person game involves a clue giver and a guesser, each playing on their own mobile device. The clue giver sends clues to induce the guesser to guess a given target word or phrase before a countdown clock runs out. The clues used and the guesses made can be analyzed to reveal the opinions and knowledge that the players have about products, brands, and people. The game features a novel mechanic in which the clue words are categorized according to how obvious they are. Using more-obvious clues causes the countdown clock to decrement faster, thereby making the game play more strategic and entertaining, while also incentivizing the clue giver to use less-obvious, sentiment-oriented words that are more useful for market-research purposes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The platform may facilitate user retention by encouraging repeat visits with compelling rewards that may be progressively increased and based on gameplay.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated online platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The sponsored word-based games may provide opportunities for the user to win items such as branded items and the sponsor to engage an audience.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content processing are described. In one embodiment, gaming data is received from a gaming source server. The gaming data associated with a game. A content signal is received from a signal source during presentation of programming content. The programming content is associated with the content signal and the game. A determination of whether the content signal includes the trigger is made. The device content is presented using the gaming data. The device content is in synchronization with the presentation of the programming content based on a determination that the content signal includes a trigger. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An gaming system comprises a game server with which client systems can interact, wherein users play interactive games based on the users' team associations, wherein virtual matches between teams are determined, at least in part, by real-world league schedules, and wherein the gaming system presents game results by team for a league where the virtual match results for various teams in the league are determined by results of individual games played between users representing those teams while playing the games. Individual users for individual games can be associated with teams of their choice, assigned teams or assigned to teams that rival other teams that the users' preferred team is a rival of. The client systems can be computers, handheld devices, gaming consoles, or the like. The client systems can include local game code or could connect to a game server to obtain that functionality. In some implementations, the game is locally played without an intervening network.

Abstract: A secondary game is played continuously over a series of reel-type main games on a video gaming device, where the successful outcome of the secondary game is the initiation of a bonus game. Therefore, the player is enticed to keep playing due to the player's investment in the secondary game and the expectation of playing the bonus game. At the beginning of a playing session, a visual indicator, such as a colored tile, is located at each of the symbol positions. The virtual reels are then spun and randomly stopped to display random symbols. If there is a winning combination of symbols, such as three of a kind, the indicators at those symbol positions are changed, such as being extinguished. The player keeps playing the main games until there are no more indicators. When all indicators are extinguished, a bonus game is initiated.

Abstract: A game board (20), wherein the players or the actions of the players are identified by pawns (P) or cards, wherein the pawns (P) are conductive and include an authentication sole (S) interpreted by the software of a capacitive screen (5) of a digital tablet (1), wherein the game board (20) includes an opening window (21), the edges of the opening window (21) being arranged against the edges of the capacitive screen (5) of the digital tablet (1), the contact between the game board and the screen occurring over transmission areas (24) which are electrically connected to pawn-authentication areas (22) on the surface of the game board (20).

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting and/or preventing cheating in online gaming. Some implementations provide gaming information in formats that are difficult for a bot to interpret, but which are preferably easy for humans to interpret. Some implementations of the invention involve the tracking and analysis of players' gaming activities. Some implementations of the invention provide a multi-tier approach to data analysis. Some analysis may be performed, for example, by a centralized computing device such as a server, whereas other analysis may be performed by a host device. In some implementations, “challenge and response” measures will be employed. Some implementations of the invention involve detection and prevention of collaboration between players.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for playing a multi-player, online game in which players build virtual worlds by placing game objects into a game space and may consolidate multiple game objects into a single object such that the new consolidated object maintains some or all of the features of the original, separate objects but occupies less game space.

Abstract: In a network game system, as well as causing a player to appreciate a growth of a character in accordance with an elapsing of time, to cause the player not to feel a strangeness either in a display of a character which another player is breeding. A visible range of a hypothetical space displayed on a display device for each player participating in a network game is managed. Also, a plurality of parameters, including a number of breeding days, strength, stamina and judgment, are set in a breeding character which each player breeds, and managed in a server apparatus. Although the number of breeding days is updated at a daily prescribed time, the strength, the stamina and the judgment are updated in accordance with details of breeding which each player has carried out for the breeding character.

Abstract: Each game apparatus participating in a network system has a wireless communication module for performing a one-to-many wireless communication with reference to identifying information and a local communication module for performing a one-to-one infrared communication without referring to it. In a case that the one-to-many wireless communication is performed, pairing processing is executed in a tournament method such that a master and a slave are first decided between its own game apparatus and any one of the game apparatuses over the local communication module, and identifying information stored on the slave side is collected into the master side. In a case that its own game apparatus becomes the only master game apparatus as a result of a series of pairing processing, it transmits a signal including identifying information of all the game apparatuses over the wireless communication module whereas in a case that its own game apparatus becomes the slave apparatus, it receives the signal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an integrated platform for gameplay of word-based games, obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games such as crossword puzzle games and word search puzzle games, providing sponsored word-based games, and facilitating sweepstakes entries based on the word-based games. The systems and methods may provide an integrated online platform that facilitates the convergence of word-based games, sponsored brands, sweepstakes, prizes, and obtaining and using virtual assets related to the word-based games across social networks, mobile networks, and/or other networks. The integrated online platform leverages the use of various puzzles such as puzzles from third party puzzle providers, custom puzzles, and/or other puzzles for gameplay of the word-based games. The platform may facilitate user retention by encouraging repeat visits with compelling rewards that may be progressively increased and based on gameplay.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to games and applications in general and in particular to computer-implemented online games, such as online role-playing games, playable by more than one person from more than one location. The game engine can search a player's social network to find friends to play with. These social networks can be constructed implicitly by analyzing a player's game play information and other information.

Abstract: A method for providing to a user a solution element from a predetermined list of solution elements involves storing a first table with solution elements, question elements, and for each pair of solution element and question element, a determining parameter indexing a level of concordance between said question element and said solution element, generating a second table, successively providing to the user a plurality of question elements from the second table, acquiring from the user an information element in response to a question element provided to the user, identifying one or a plurality of improbable solution element(s) from the second table, modifying the second table by removing the improbable solution element(s), and providing to the user a remaining solution element from the second table when no question element that enables to identify an improbable solution element from the second table remains in the second table.

Abstract: A computer-implemented game system enables users to simulate the trading of financial instruments in a financial market. Among other things, the system simulates the purchasing of a financial instrument, the specification of conditions for holding or selling the financial instrument, and the selling of a financial instrument to realize simulated gains and losses. The performance of each user is tracked and displayed, such that users can compare their performance against other users. The performance of each user is used to determine a payout for that user.

Abstract: A timed word game played on a game board. Words are formed from a predetermined set of alphabet letter tiles, including wild tiles exchangeable for alphabet letters. The exact same set of tiles (level playing field) is provided to each player playing the DAILY CHALLENGE. Thus, the DAILY CHALLENGE competition is based solely on skill. Each tile has a value of “1”, “2” or “3”, indicated by color. Words may stand alone or be intersecting. A total score is determined from word cumulative tile value with a deduction for misspelled words. Higher point words receive bonus points. The tile set may have multiple tiles of the same letter, with the same or different values. A total score is displayed at games end, the words made and respective scores may be viewed and/or printed. Top scores for each day's DAILY CHALLENGE are published.

Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, characterized in that it comprises at least one terminal including connection means to a dedicated remote server (1), the system also comprising means of playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal (2, 3) comprising means of reproducing the recording, means of interaction with a user and means (21, 31) of connection with a dedicated remote server (1), means of asking a terminal user a question and suggesting multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected by means independent of the terminal user.

Abstract: The system and methods of the present application comprise one or more computers for substantially removing the element of chance in a contest that would normally be on whose outcome would be determined by a mixture of chance and skill. The system comprises one or more computers that interact with a user in order to reduce or eliminate the elements of chance, thereby forcing the contest to obey the law of averages within a finite number of iterations of the contest, thereby reducing variance and increasing the success of skillful players.

Abstract: A robotic gaming system is provided that includes at least one sensor placed on a playing surface. At least one robot is controlled by a player to navigate on the playing surface and manipulate at least one target towards a gate. The sensor is operative for identifying when the target is moved to a scoring region of the playing surface.

Abstract: A word game with a sliding mechanic. A game board includes a play area including a plurality of tiles and at least two bench areas, each including a set of tiles. Each of the bench areas is arranged as a column or a row adjacent to the play area. Each tile in the plurality of tiles and the second plurality of tiles specifies a letter and a point value. At least one round of the word game is played. A round includes a turn for each player. A turn includes receiving an ordered selection of tiles within the play area that form a word, removing the tiles in the ordered selection of tiles from the play area, and receiving a selection of one of the at least two bench areas. Empty tiles within the play area are replaced by sliding tiles from the selected bench area onto the play area.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention therefore relates to a games board assembly comprising a series of squares, the squares representing the locations on which the individualised playing pieces of each player are restricted in terms of movement by the rules of the game, characterised in that each square on the games board comprises a digital recognition pictogram, the playing piece is a digital playing piece which incorporates a calculator, a screen interface, game software, pictogram recognition means on the board, playing piece movement calculation means on the board, a touchscreen which represents, according to the position of the digital playing piece on the games board, the characteristics of the square and/or of the updated game data field on which the digital playing piece is physically positioned.

Abstract: An interactive web and mobile phone game system may include a web server having a database, a computer software program and a portable electronic device for interactively communicating with each other via a communications link when playing the game. The game may be played via computer such as a mobile phone, computer terminal or the like. As a non-limiting example, a portable electronic device may be utilized in a vehicle having an actuator linked to a transceiver via a communication interface. A plurality of vehicle components may further be linked to the actuator. In this way, the game may be played using the portable electronic device for remotely communicating with the web server and vehicle components via the communications link.

Abstract: Electronic game method and system where a hiding player hides objects in a background photograph. The hiding player can move, resize, rotate, crop, shade, and otherwise alter the object to better hide it within the background picture. The hiding player can also bluff by not hiding any new objects. One or more other players then receive the resulting image and try to select the objects that were not part of the original picture within a set number of tries. The game is played with electronic devices, ideally using smart phones or tablet computers equipped with touch screens and digital cameras. Players can use their own photographs to play the game.

Abstract: A method of providing a game show that includes broadcasting performances from a plurality of contestants to audience members and receiving lists from the audience members. Each list received contains the identifiers of at least two contestants. These lists are tabulated and a vote is recorded for a contestant each time the identifier for that contestant appears on a list. The contestants are then ranked in order of the number of votes each received, with the contestant who received the least votes ranked first. The contestant with the most votes and/or the contestant with the least votes are named the winner. The group of audience members who submitted lists that rank the contestants in order of who received the fewest votes to who received the most votes also win.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems for managing a fantasy league are disclosed to incorporate one or more reality factors, equity lines, luxury tax, and/or revenue sharing policies into administration of the fantasy league. A reality factor may influence real life scenarios between at least one of a real player, a real team, and/or a real league, for example. Accordingly, the reality factor may be applied to at least one of a corresponding fantasy player, fantasy team, and/or fantasy league to create a fantasy rule configured to enable a fantasy environment (e.g., the fantasy player, fantasy team, fantasy league, and/or relationships thereof) to more closely emulate the real player, real team, real league, and/or corresponding relationships.

Abstract: To provide a game system capable of preferably producing a picture in which a first game character loses sight of a second game character having moved so as to disappear from the view of the first game character. The present invention relates to a game system for displaying on a display unit (82a) a picture of a display target area in a common game space where a first game character corresponding to a game machine A (10a) and a second game character corresponding to a game machine B (10b) are placed. A position condition determination unit (78a) determines whether or not a position of the second game character included in the display target area satisfies a position condition based on the position and orientation of at least one of the first game characters. A display control unit (80a; display restriction means) restricts display output of the second game character included in the display target area on the display unit (82a), based on a result of determination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a block puzzle (100) comprising an array of substantially cubic puzzle blocks (102), wherein one face of each puzzle block (102) bears a face pattern that is a fragment of a solution pattern, the face patterns of the puzzle blocks (102) together forming the solution pattern when the puzzle (100) is in a solved state, the puzzle (100) manipulable via a constrained set of moves to transform it from any one of a set of scrambled states to the solved state, the constrained set of moves comprising any move that rotates one row of puzzle blocks (102) in the array ninety degrees about a longitudinal axis of the row, and any move that rotates one column of puzzle blocks (102) in the array ninety degrees about a longitudinal axis of the column.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.

Abstract: Technical features described in this application can be used to construct various embodiments of television quiz show gaming methods and apparatus, according to the embodiments described herein. In one approach, a method of television quiz show gaming utilizes a television quiz game show controller to control a quiz question and answer game play on player devices of a plurality of players. Sudoku game play for selecting one or more players to enter or continue play in the television question and answer quiz show is also controlled on at least some of said player devices by the controller. According to the outcome of the Sudoku game play on said player devices, the controller selects one or more players for entering or continuing in the television quiz question and answer game show.

Abstract: A target map area system for an online game is described. A player selects a target map area of an online neighbor of an online social game. Reward information from the target map area resulting from a successful attack from the player in the target map area of the online neighbor is generated to the player prior to the attack. A result of the attack in the target map area of the online neighbor based on a profile of the player and a profile of the online neighbor is determined. An outcome on the target map area is generated based on the result of the attack.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.

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 method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay with a character in a game environment. A game environment is provided in which a player can play a game via a character. The player's geographic location is detected and stored. In response to the detected geographic location, a storyline is retrieved for the character to interact with. The retrieved storyline is related to the geographic location of the player.

Abstract: Systems and methods of asynchronous interactive game play are described. In some embodiments, a method permits a first player to access a first game instance of a multiplayer online game and access a second game instance of the multiplayer online game. The second game instance is accessed at a first time. The first game instance is associated with the first player and the second game instance is associated with a second player. The method receives an identification of an in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance while the first player accesses the second game instance. The second player is permitted to access the second game instance at a second time, which is later than the first time. The method causes display to the second player an identification of the in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance.

Abstract: A video gaming console and related network interfaces with a server computer hosting an online fantasy sports game. The video game machine acquires a fantasy team roster of the fantasy sport game over a network that includes the Internet and the video game console is programmed to create a video game team using at least a portion of the fantasy team roster. The video game team created is playable on the video game console.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive a check-in indication from a physical location with a corresponding virtual location in a virtual game. An attribute in the virtual game is altered based upon the check-in indication. The attribute may be earned points for a user, a virtual object earned by a user or an enhanced popularity measure for the virtual location.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for multiple plays for free games. Some games of chance, or of skill, or of mixed skill and chance are only or can only be proposed for free to players. Enabling players to play many more times for free associated with a paid-for service of generation of multiple free plays is the main purpose of the invention. It comprises, namely, an embodiment for a free lottery and an embodiment for a financial forecasting game. It comprises an additional description, for a financial game, of automatic or semi-automatic generation of forecasts.

Abstract: A game playing device having a housing with a card holding member, the card holding member being configured to receive a plurality of cards; a plurality of switches located on a surface of the housing each of the plurality of switches being capable of being illuminated; and a controller for selectively illuminating each of the plurality of switches, the illumination of at least one of the plurality of switches indicating a turn for playing the game playing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments enabling a saved state of an application to be stored at a central location and to be retrieved by multiple computing devices executing the application. Accordingly, saved states of applications and interfaces are also enabled to follow a user from one personal computing device to the next.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for implementing game play in a video game. A plurality of characters are provided, and a character may be captured and controlled by a user for gameplay such as fighting, crafting, and the like. The capture and control is for a limited time, such as a predetermined time that is generally short compared to the overall game duration. After the predetermined time, the character is released and the user free to grab another character.

Abstract: An exemplary game system and the like which do not impair ease of playing a game are provided. An exemplary game system for performing game processing includes: an operation processing section configured to control a player character in a virtual space on the basis of an operation of a player; a condition determination section configured to determine whether or not a positional relationship between the player character and a predetermined object meets a predetermined condition; and an adjacency processing section configured to perform a process which makes the player character less likely to be close to the object, on the basis of the determination of the condition determination section.

Abstract: An electronic question and answer game device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing that has several side walls or surfaces. A display screen is disposed on one of the sides. The display screen is configured to present a question to the user of the electronic device. The electronic game device includes several mechanisms that vary the methods in which a user can play the game.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention are related to a fantasy league aggregation system with a processor to bidirectionally communicate with a plurality of external servers, accept a first set of sports league data from a first user and accept a second set of sports league data from the plurality of external servers. The processor combines the first user selection and the second set of sports league data, displays an aggregate view of the combination with a player favorability view for one or more league players including a plurality of player strength categories associated with each player such as a list of players for the first user, a list of players favorable to the first user, a list of players neutral to the first user, a list of players that are unfavorable to the first user and a list of players that are against the first user.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing device comprising a game for testing the spatial reasoning of a player. The game includes a virtual multi-surfaced object having at least a first surface and a second surface, with first indicia associated with the first surface and second indicia associated with the second surface. A facing surface and a goal surface are displayed on a user interface, which also includes mechanisms for changing the orientation of the virtual object by rotating the object in steps. In response to input from the game player, the virtual object is rotated. Each time the virtual object is rotated, the facing surface displayed is changed so that it correlates to the changed orientation of the virtual object. The game continues until the game player causes the facing surface to match the goal surface by entering a series of rotational moves.

Abstract: An amusement device system includes a first amusement device, a second amusement device and a central server. The first controller is coupled to the first memory and the first display. The first memory stores an electronic game having a plurality of game content. The first controller is configured to show a first game content of the plurality of game content to an authenticated user. The second controller is coupled to the second memory. The second memory stores the electronic game having the plurality of game content. The central server is configured to store information sufficient to identify the first game content displayed to the authenticated user. The first and second controllers are prevented by the central server from again showing the first game content until a remainder of the plurality of game content has been displayed to the authenticated user.