U.S. patent application number 11/278678 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for gaming system with associated commodities.
Invention is credited to Kevin Dexter Luckerson.
Application Number | 20060247056 11/278678 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37235168 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247056 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luckerson; Kevin Dexter |
November 2, 2006 |
GAMING SYSTEM WITH ASSOCIATED COMMODITIES
Abstract
This invention is a new business model and matchmaking system
designed for consumers who play competitive video games
(specifically online video games). Consumers must purchase a
digital commodity in order to participate in the gaming
marketplace. The commodity can be a character, a vehicle, or any
digital entity that has value within the gaming system. The value
of this commodity will fluctuate based on its performance in the
marketplace. Consumers may liquidate the entire commodity or
portions of the commodity. The profit or loss at the time of
liquidation is calculated by subtracting the initial value of the
commodity from the final value of the commodity. The business model
supports real foreign currencies in addition to arbitrary online
game currencies.
Inventors: |
Luckerson; Kevin Dexter;
(Carlsbad, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kevin Luckerson
# 205
663 South Rancho Santa Fe Road
San Marcos
CA
92078
US
|
Family ID: |
37235168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/278678 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60669687 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/35 20140902;
A63F 13/85 20140902; A63F 2300/558 20130101; A63F 3/00069 20130101;
A63F 13/12 20130101; A63F 2300/575 20130101; A63F 13/335 20140902;
A63F 3/00 20130101; A63F 2300/407 20130101; A63F 2300/5546
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system that manages associated commodities and is
comprised of computer hardware which consists of input devices such
as a joystick, keyboard, and/or mouse; a computer with a CPU and
memory; and optional multimedia hardware devices for rendering
real-time video graphics and playing real-time audio
2. A system according to claim 1 that consists of computer software
programs that contain data and numerous instructions used for
accepting input, running general game logic, and optionally running
multimedia instructions for rendering real-time graphics and
playing real-time audio
3. A system according to claim 1 that consists of a computer
network that contain a number of computers that are connected to
each other by communication lines. These communication lines are
able to transport data at high speeds across very large
distances
4. A system according to claim 1 that consists of a web server
computer(s) that facilitates communication among the computers
which comprise the computer network and organize data transfer and
data storage within the computer network.
5. A system according to claim 1 that consists of web client
computers that execute computer software programs and communicate
with other web clients directly or communicate with other web
client computers through a web server.
6. A system according to claim 1 that consists of a database which
stores relevant gaming information that exists within the computer
network.
7. A system according to claim 1 that consists of a number of
commodities which are bought and sold within the gaming system.
8. A system according to claim 1 that consists of a price adjuster
algorithm which is responsible for setting the price of commodities
that are bought and sold within the gaming system.
9. Commodities of different types and classes according to claim 1
that can be bought and sold over the computer network
10. A system according to claim 1 that consists of commodities that
are relevant within a particular video game(s) and have price
fluctuations which vary based on the market conditions which exist
within the said video game(s)
11. A system according to claim 1 that consists of commodities that
are relevant within a particular televised game(s) and have price
fluctuations which vary based on the market conditions which exist
within the said televised game(s)
12. A system according to claim 1 that consists of commodities that
are relevant within a particular conventional game(s) and have
price fluctuations which vary based on the market conditions which
exist within the said conventional game(s)
13. A system according to claim 1 that consists of commodities that
exist and are relevant within a particular customized game(s) and
have price fluctuations which vary based on the market conditions
which exist within the said customized game(s)
14. Commodities according to claim 2 that exist as digital
entities. These digital entities can be loaded and stored within a
particular video game(s) and are relevant within the gaming
system
15. Commodities according to claim 2 that exist as physical card
stock. These cards may reference an entity which is relevant within
the gaming system. The card may have a visual representation of the
entity along with some other relevant data.
16. Commodities according to claim 2 that exist as currencies which
are relevant within the gaming system.
17. Commodities according to claim 2 that exist as digital entities
that may reference some other entity that is relevant within the
gaming system.
18. A gaming system according to claim 1 that provides an interface
that allows market participants to buy and sell commodities using a
currency which is valid with the gaming system. The interface also
allows speculators to view the real time price of any commodity
within the gaming system.
19. A gaming system according to claim 1 that provides a
Clearinghouse that will settle all accounts left open at the end of
a said trading period. The Clearinghouse will guarantee that every
commodity trade is closed by the end of the said trading period.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to devices that allow players
to play a game, particularly gaming systems that keep track of
players' performances, assign rewards based on the players'
performances, and allow players to enter into various transactions
using their rewards.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Current video games, such as Nintendo's PS2 and Microsoft's
X-Box, allow players to connect to the internet, find other
players, invite potential competitors, and compete with other
players. The applicant has discovered that one way to make existing
video games more exciting and rewarding than they currently are is
to allow players to earn rewards based on their own performances,
another player's performance, or a team's performance. Another way
is to structure the rewards so that they can serve like commodities
wherein players may trade, accumulate, and monitor their
rewards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is substantially a front schematic diagram showing
the components of one implementation of the player gaming system of
the present invention.
[0004] FIG. 2 is substantially a flow chart showing one manner of
using the player gaming system of the present invention.
[0005] FIG. 3 is substantially a front view of a log-in screen that
may be displayed during the execution of the player gaming system
of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 4 is substantially a front view of a gaming stock price
quotation screen that may be displayed during the execution of the
player gaming system of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 5 is substantially a flow chart showing one manner of
executing the player gaming system's competition mode.
[0008] FIG. 6 is substantially a front view of a sample screen
showing two teams playing a game on the player gaming system of the
present invention and further showing real-time stock prices of
each team.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0010] As used herein, the term "internet" may interchangeably used
with the term "network" to refer to a communication system that
allows users to connect computers, terminals, or databases. The
term "server" may interchangeably be used with the term" computer"
to refer to an electronic device or a plurality of connected
electronic devices that can store, retrieve, or process data or
than can provide service for computers connected thereto.
[0011] The present invention comprises a player gaming system
(PGS), generally indicated by reference number 20. PGS 20
preferably allows a plurality of game players to earn rewards based
on their individual performances, performances of other players, or
performances of particular teams. In one of the embodiments of the
present invention, the reward can be in a form of an adjustable
prize that does not have to be immediately redeemed upon earning
the prize. The adjustable prize may increase or decrease in value.
The adjustable prize may further be monitored and traded just like
a share of stock with a publicly traded company.
[0012] In the preferred implementation of PGS 20 shown in FIG. 1,
PGS 20 preferably includes at least one web server 22. The web
server 22 preferably includes a database 26 of usernames of players
or investors, passwords that correspond to the usernames, various
video game software, unique pairings comprised of the identity of
each player or team and the corresponding game the player or team
plays (hereinafter "player/game pair" or "stock" or "commodity"),
and adjustable values associated with the pairings (also referred
to as a "stock price" or "commodity price"). The adjustable values
are preferably dependent on the players' performances in playing
the video games. It is noted that while the preferred embodiment of
the present invention refers to computer video games, the present
invention may utilize other forms of games, such as televised
games. Games may be in various forms, such as conventional sports,
including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, customized
games, and traditional games. Games may also be skill games, such
as a basketball three-point shooting contest, football quarterback
drills, and a baseball home run derby or slugfest.
[0013] With continued reference to FIG. 1, web server 22 of PGS 20
preferably includes a commodity price adjuster 25. The commodity
price adjuster 25 preferably includes a price adjustment algorithm
that may be linked with the software that runs the various video
games. The price adjustment algorithm preferably provides a dynamic
stock price based on various predetermined conditions. For
instance, obtaining a predefined winning outcome, overcoming a
difficult obstacle, reaching a particular stage in the game,
overall score, team rankings, and various other conditions may be
included in the algorithm that the price adjuster 25 would consider
when providing a dynamic stock price.
[0014] The price adjuster 25 may be a program code that may be
compiled and built separately as a stand-alone binary file. At
run-time, the price adjuster binary file instructions may be
dynamically linked with the game executable instructions.
Alternatively, the code may be statically compiled and built with
the game code, and both instructions may run in the same address
space.
[0015] Also in FIG. 1, PGS 20 preferably includes a website 24 that
may be supported by web server 22 or a separate web server (not
shown). The website 24 preferably allows users to log in, create an
account, buy, sell, or trade commodities, and view the performance
of a commodity. The web pages are preferably written with a
combination of HTML and a scripting language, such as PERL or
ASP.
[0016] PGS 20 preferably includes a plurality of client computers
28 and 30, which may be used by the game players or interested
users. Each client computer 28 or 30 preferably includes at least a
microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), at least one network
hardware device, and a web browser. In the preferred embodiment,
each client computer 28 or 30 preferably further includes devices
for running video games, such as a memory storage medium, such as
compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs), dedicated
graphics hardware preferably capable of performing complex 3d math
operations, audio hardware for sound, video out for rendering
images to a display, input controllers for sending instructions to
the video game software, and output devices, such as monitors and
speakers.
[0017] The web browser of a client computer 28 or 30 may
communicate with a web server that supports the website 24, such as
web server 22. The web browsers of the client computers 28 and 30
may also communicate with the web server 22 to access the database
26. Web communications is preferably through HyperText Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) or other languages known in the art.
[0018] The web server 22 may be dedicated or non-dedicated. In the
embodiment where the web server 22 is a dedicated server, the web
server 22 preferably maintains game states and provides users with
real-time stock prices. Thus, web server 22 preferably includes a
microprocessor, a RAM, and at least one network hardware device. In
the embodiment where the web server 22 is not a dedicated server
and serves as a client computer as well, the web server 22 may
further include a video game software, a memory storage medium,
such as CDs or DVDs, graphics hardware preferably to render three
dimensional graphics, audio hardware, video out, input controllers,
and output devices, such as monitors and speakers.
[0019] Manner of Use
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, a flow chart 32 showing one way of
using the PGS 20 of the present invention is provided. Client
preferably accesses the website 24 at step 33. Once the client is
on the website 24, at step 34, a client may be asked to create an
account if he has not done so. As used herein, the term "client"
may refer to a game player who may physically control a client
computer 28 or 30 to attempt to obtain a desired outcome. The term
"client" may also be used to refer to a person interested in
investing or attempting to gain a prize based on a player's or a
team's performance.
[0021] PGS 20 preferably solicits information from client, such as
client's name, mailing address, email address, username desired,
password desired, and source of funds for the initial investment,
such as a credit card number. The player is preferably required to
provide an initial investment. For instance, the player may be
asked to purchase 100 initial shares of his own stock at an initial
price offer of $1.00. Since the player is required to make some
commitment by risking his money, it is anticipated that the player
will strive to perform well to at least earn back his money. Thus,
it can be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present
invention creates a highly competitive and entertaining environment
for players and investors.
[0022] At step 36, a client is preferably asked to log onto the
website 24 by entering a username and password. A preferred screen
shot of this step is shown in FIG. 3. Client's username and
password are preferably passed from the client computer 28 or 30 to
the web server 22 and vice-versa using HTTP internet protocol. The
web server 22 verifies the username and password with the database
26. After the client is verified, client is preferably provided a
list of available video games at step 38 (FIG. 2). At the next step
40, client is preferably asked whether he wants to create a new
stock or see existing stocks. If the client chooses to see existing
stocks, a list of existing stocks is preferably provided. Web
server 22 preferably waits for client to select a stock.
[0023] Once the client selects a stock, the client is preferably
shown a screen similar to the screen 140 shown in FIG. 4. Screen
140 preferably displays the name of the stock selected 142, the
stock's current value, the stock's highest value for the year 144,
the stock's lowest value for the year 146, a chart showing the
stock's performance for the week 148, a rating amount 150, a buy
button 154, and a sell button 156.
[0024] Referring back to FIG. 3, the client may then be provided an
option to purchase shares of a particular stock, liquidate his
existing shares, or keep his existing shares at step 41. It is
noted that since the web server 22 has a database 26 that includes
clients' profiles, account information including current stock
holdings, credit card or online payment service information (such
as PayPal), whenever the client engages in a transaction with the
web server 22, such as purchasing or liquidating shares, the client
may not be required to make a payment immediately. The business
owner operating PGS 20 may also not be required to collect or send
any money to the client immediately. The web server 22 can simply
update the database 26 according to the transaction of the client
(step 43). The business owner operating the PGS 20 may charge a fee
for each client transaction, which may be automatically charged to
the client's account. PGS 20 may then proceed to step 50, which is
discussed below.
[0025] If the client chooses to create a new stock, the client is
preferably asked to select a game from the list of available games
at step 42. The games may be games meant to be played individually
or as a team. The client may then be asked to provide an identifier
at step 44, which may be the client's initials. The new stock
preferably will appear in the format <client initial-name of the
game> for individual games and <client initial-name of the
team> for team games. At step 46, a default initial stock price
offering of $1.00 per share is preferably assigned to the stock,
which is displayed to the player or investor along with the new
name of the stock. Of course, other initial stock price may be used
as default price. Foreign currencies as well as arbitrary game
currencies, such as game credits may be used to trade. Arbitrary
game currencies may be used to redeem prizes from sponsors, which
may be retail stores. Alternatively, arbitrary game currencies may
be auctioned off for cash.
[0026] At step 48, the client is preferably asked to indicate the
number of initial shares the client wants to purchase, and PGS 20
preferably records the order. It is noted that the business owner
operating PGS 20 may limit the number of shares of stock it issues
to guarantee that it can facilitate trading of stocks by being able
to readily buy stocks that players or investors sell.
[0027] Once the client makes the stock purchase, the client may be
asked whether he is a player or an investor at step 50. If the
client is a player, at step 52, PGS 20 preferably activates the
game software (step 57) and allows the client to play the game
previously selected (step 59). The stock price of the player may
then be adjusted and displayed to the player during or after the
game, depending on what conditions are programmed to dictate the
stock price (step 60). For instance, if the stock price is
programmed to be based on the game level the player reaches, then
the stock price may be adjusted during the game. If the stock price
is programmed to be based on the overall score of the player, then
the stock price may be adjusted after the game.
[0028] Both client computers 28 or 30 and the server 22 preferably
run identical video game software and communicate with each other
by sending binary data packets across a network. The client
computer 28 or 30 preferably tells the server 22 information about
the client game state at an arbitrary point in time. As soon as the
server 22 computer receives information from the client computer 28
or 30, the server 22 preferably takes a snapshot of the global
game-state at that instant and sends this information back to the
client computer 28 or 30. This way, the client computer 28 or 30
can keep its local game-state in sync with the server game state
and vice-versa.
[0029] If the client is an investor, at step 54, PGS 20 preferably
interrogates the game player, which is associated with the stock
the investor has selected, for a game schedule. PGS 20 preferably
notifies the investor of the game schedule at step 56. At the
schedule indicated by the game player, PGS 20 preferably activates
the game software (step 57) and allows the game player to play a
game (step 59). The stock price of the player may then be adjusted
during or after the game, depending on what conditions are
programmed to dictate the stock price (step 60).
[0030] It can be appreciated that certain embodiments of the
present invention may encourage players or teams to perform well so
as to maximize their stock prices. Players or teams at the bottom
may not despair, as their stock prices may still increase. For
instance, if they beat a top ranked team or player, their stock
prices may soar. Investors may not necessarily pick only the strong
teams or players, but may also consider promising teams or players.
Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention provide diverse
choices of stocks for investors.
[0031] Certain embodiments of the present invention may further
provide scenarios where a player or a team may be undervalued, and
investors may find bargains in purchasing a stock. For instance, a
team may currently be undergoing a losing streak. The price of the
commodity associated with this team may be at its all-time low. An
investor may purchase a certain number of shares for this commodity
in anticipation of certain changes, such as more upcoming home
games or a return of an injured player.
Fantasy Sports Embodiment
[0032] With reference now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the
present invention involves the use of trading cards 150, which may
be bought on-line or at a retail store. The trading cards 150 may
be used in a number of online fantasy sports games. Trading cards
150 preferably include printed images of sports characters 152,
their names 154, and the team where they belong 156. The
information printed on each trading card preferably conveys to the
buyer the type of fantasy game associated with the trading card
150. Trading cards 150 preferably also have the URL of the website
(not shown in FIG. 9) where a player or investor is called to
log-in to use the player gaming system 20 of the present invention.
Trading cards 150 preferably also include at least one access code
the player or investor may use to log-in (not shown in FIG. 9). The
access code may be covered by a removable material, such as those
used for lottery scratch-off tickets. The trading cards may be made
using a card stock or other materials known in the art.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 10, the fantasy sports embodiment
utilizing trading cards 150 is preferably implemented on PGS 20 as
follows. PGS 20 preferably associates the access code of each
trading card 150 with a stock at step 162. PGS 20 preferably also
associates the access code of each trading card 150 with a fantasy
game (step 164).
[0034] Next, PGS 20 preferably allows a player or an investor, who
has trading card 150, to log-in to the PGS 20 website using the
access code from the trading card 150 (step 166). The player or
investor may be allowed to purchase, sell, liquidate, or keep
existing shares of stock (step 168). The player or investor may be
provided with more information about the athlete depicted on the
trading card. For instance, the player or investor may be provided
information pertaining to the health of the athlete, conditioning,
strengths, weaknesses, pre-season training, and the like. The
player or investor may be provided a full three-dimensional scan of
the athlete 180 as shown in FIG. 11 to fully assess the athlete
represented in the trading card. Referring back to FIG. 10, at step
170, PGS 20 preferably updates the database to reflect any
transaction made by the player or investor.
[0035] At step 172, PGS 20 preferably notifies the player or
investor of the game schedule. PGS 20 may then conduct a fantasy
game, by either activating a game software program or by referring
to a televised or publicized game (step 174). PGS 20 may adjust and
display stock prizes either during the game or after the game (step
176).
[0036] PGS 20 may include various fantasy games. One embodiment of
a PGS fantasy game is in a form of a league. Various trading cards
may be made and sold for each team participating in the league. A
trading card buyer may purchase trading cards representing one or
more teams. The trading card that represents a team that prevails
in the league may have the most increase in value. Other trading
cards that represent teams that experienced some success, such as
reaching the playoffs, may increase in value as well.
[0037] Another embodiment of a PGS fantasy game is in a form of
individual performance. For instance, a trading card buyer may
select a trading card that represents an athlete, such as a
basketball player, a golfer, or a quarterback. Every time the
athlete's performance statistics improve, the value of the trading
card representing the athlete may increase. For instance, in golf,
every time the golfer's driving accuracy increases, the value of
the respective trading card may increase.
[0038] Athletes in the same sport may be paired by the trading card
holders to compete in individual skill games. For instance,
quarterbacks may be allowed to compete in a quarterback drill
competition; basketball players may be allowed to compete in
three-point contests or slam dunk contests; and, baseball players
may be allowed to compete in a home run derby. The athletes'
performances may cause the value of the trading cards to increase
or decrease, and the card holders may purchase, sell, or liquidate
their trading cards. Card holders may also exchange cards with
other card holders.
[0039] In another embodiment of the PGS fantasy game, individual
athletes may be grouped into teams to play team sports. Each
athlete may be depicted on a trading card, and each trading card
may have an associated value. The total value of all athletes in
one team may be capped to encourage card traders to compose a team
having a diverse mix of high valued and low valued athletes. The
cap may have a predetermined schedule, such as per season, per
week, or per month. The value of the trading card may fluctuate
depending on the individual performance and the team's
performance.
[0040] Yet another embodiment of a PGS fantasy game is a team match
up, wherein trading card buyers (hereinafter cardholders) may
purchase exactly the same trading cards, which represent exactly
the same team. Thus, cardholder A may own a trading card
representing Team A, and cardholder B may own trading card that
also represents Team A. Cardholder A's Team A and cardholder B's
Team A may compete, and the outcome of the game may dictate which
cardholder's trading card would increase or decrease in value. It
can be realized that PGS 20 may include players that can be
duplicated and that can compete against each other. The capacities
and talents of each player in the team may be given to cardholders
A and B in equal amounts. The game outcome may be determined by how
cardholders A and B utilize the players' capacities. Thus,
cardholders A and B may have to execute effective gaming skills and
mentality to obtain a desired outcome.
[0041] To promote more excitement to the team match up fantasy game
embodiment, a limit may be set on the number of times a player may
be duplicated. For instance, a player may not be duplicated, or a
player may only be duplicated once. In the scenario where a player
cannot be duplicated and cardholders A and B have requested to add
said player in his team, a random number generator may be added to
PGS 20 to determine which card holder obtains the desired
player.
[0042] It can be appreciated that the fantasy game and trading card
features of the PGS of the present invention create an exciting
atmosphere of trading and speculation for participants. Some
participants may stock up on certain cards before a game or before
a season based on speculations that the players depicted in the
cards will play well. The speculations may be based on information
provided to the participants, which may include the health of the
athlete, conditioning, strengths, weaknesses, pre-season training,
and the like.
[0043] Competition Embodiment
[0044] One embodiment of PGS 20 preferably allows stock prices to
be dictated by the performances of the players when competing
against each other. For instance, at least two players may choose
to play a football game. If client A beats client B by a final
score of 21-7, the stock price of client A may increase, and the
stock price of client B may decrease. In this embodiment, PGS 20
preferably operates as follows:
[0045] With reference to FIG. 5, PGS 20 preferably executes steps
33 through 50, as shown in flowchart 32 of FIG. 2. At step 50, if
the client indicates he is a player, PGS 20 preferably allows the
player to select between competition mode and individual mode (step
69). If the player selects individual mode, PGS 20 preferably
executes steps 57, 59 and 60 shown in FIG. 2. If the player selects
competition mode, PGS 20 preferably shows the player a list of
other players connected to the web server 22 (step 70). The list of
connected players is referred to as the game lobby. Thus, the game
lobby is where connected players meet.
[0046] At step 72, PGS 20 preferably further shows the number of
shares of stock each player owns. PGS 20 may then match the current
player with other connected players by comparing the number of
shares they hold. In the preferred embodiment, the current player
may compete with only those who have the same number of shares of
stock with him (step 74). The player may then be allowed to select
at least one other player whom he wants to summon to a competition
(step 76). Steps 70-76 may be represented in a screen display 100
shown in FIG. 6, wherein screen display 100 preferably includes an
identification of the video game 102, the words "game lobby" 104 to
alert the player the stage he is in, the name of the current player
106, the number of shares of stock of the current player 108, and a
list of players with their corresponding stock holdings 110.
[0047] It is noted that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, which is
preferably for team sports, such as soccer, the player names are
formatted such that the player's initials 112 appear first followed
by the name of his team 114. The format may vary in other
embodiments. For instance, in individual sports, the player's
initials may appear first followed by the name of the sport. It is
further noted that the list of players preferably includes active
players 116, as represented by the bold fonts and inactive players
118, as represented by the grayed out fonts. Active players are
preferably those that have the same number of shares as the current
player. Inactive players are those that were screened out at step
74 because they do not have the same number of shares as the
current player. Screen display 100 preferably further includes a
select button 120 for use in selecting at least one active player
to summon to a competition, a back button 122 to make changes to
the selection, a make a challenge button 124 to summon at least one
selected player to a competition, and an accept the challenge
button 126 for a summoned player to accept the summon.
[0048] When another player in the lobby (hereinafter "player 2")
accepts the challenge summoned by the current player (hereinafter
"player 1"), both players are preferably allowed to play at least
one game. For instance, referring now to FIG. 7, both player 1 and
player 2 may play against each other in a video football match
wherein player 1 is represented by team 1, and player 2 is
represented by team 2. Team 1's name and score are preferably
indicated by reference number 130. Team 2's name and score are
indicated by reference number 132. Each team's corresponding
real-time stock prices 134 and 136 are also preferably displayed.
As discussed above, the stock prices are preferably provided by a
price adjuster, which uses an algorithm that is preferably based on
certain predefined conditions. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7,
Team 1 has scored a goal, while Team 2 has not scored a goal. In
the embodiment shown, making a soccer goal is preferably one of the
conditions the algorithm is programmed to consider. Accordingly,
Team 1's current stock price is higher than Team 2.
[0049] It is noted that in other embodiments of the present
invention, player 1 and player 2 does not have to play
simultaneously. For instance, player 1 and player 2 may take turns
playing a game. Each player's score may be compared after each
player has taken his turn. The price adjuster may provide a stock
price after it has compared the performances of both players.
[0050] Stock Splits
[0051] PGS 20 may declare a stock split if the stock value has
reached a particular predetermined threshold. For instance, a stock
split may be declared each time the value of the stock increases to
S10.00 a share. When a stock split is declared, the number of
shares the player has is preferably multiplied by two, and the
stock value is divided into two. To illustrate, as discussed above,
a player preferably starts with 100 shares at $1.00 a share. If the
stock increases to $10.00 a share, a stock split would be declared,
and the player would now have 200 shares at $5.00 per share.
[0052] It is noted that when the stock value of a player increases
to a level that would reach the threshold for a stock split, the
player or the team must have experienced at least some success in
competing against other players or teams, since the stock prices
are preferably based on the players' performances. Thus, each time
a stock split occurs, and each time the number of shares of the
player is doubled, this event can be equated to the player being
elevated to a more competitive level, which is a level that may
include other players or teams who have experienced similar amount
of success and demonstrated similar level of skill.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 8, five levels of clients are
preferably created. The first level 140 preferably includes clients
owning at least 100 shares. Clients with at least 200 shares belong
in the second level 142; 500 shares or more belong in the third
level 144, 1000 shares or more belong in the fourth level 146; and,
5000 shares or more belong in the fifth level. It can be
appreciated that the skills of the players belonging from the first
level to the fifth level increase.
[0054] With the stock split feature, it can be appreciated that
certain embodiments of the present invention provides a match
making system that would match players or teams with similar skill
or success levels. The stock split feature may also encourage
clients to move up the ladder to challenge more difficult
opponents. The stock split feature may further allow clients to
earn more money, as clients may be able to liquidate.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment, when clients liquidate, PGS 20
preferably retain the latest number of shares each client had. For
instance, if a client's stock value increases to S10.00 a share,
and as a result of the stock split, the client now has 200 shares
at $5.00, PGS 20 preferably requires the client to retain at least
$1.00 a share (or $200) to continue using PGS 20. This ensures that
the client does not revert to a lower level and compete with lesser
skilled players.
[0056] In another embodiment, a client may be allowed to enter any
of the five levels shown in FIG. 8 so long as the commodity is for
sale. For instance, if a client wants to enter the fifth level to
own a commodity worth 5000 shares, there must be 5000 shares of
commodity that are up for sale. Otherwise, the client can only buy
what is available. If there are no high level commodities for sale,
the client preferably has to buy the default number of commodity at
the default base price.
[0057] It can thus now be appreciated that certain embodiments of
the present invention provide a more exciting and rewarding gaming
system than those that exists. Certain embodiments allow consumers
to make real money playing video games. Certain embodiments allow
both players and non-players alike to obtain rewards by investing
in themselves, in another player, or in a team. Certain embodiments
provide new methods of doing business as PGS operator, a PGS
player, a PGS passive investor, or as a PGS commodity broker.
Certain embodiments provide a more competitive networked gaming
system than those that exists.
[0058] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For instance,
certain log-in procedures may be eliminated; initial stock price
offering may vary; stock split rules may vary; formats of the names
of the stocks may vary; the types of games where PGS 20 may be
implemented may vary, including televised games and computerized
video games; and, PGS 20 may work in a variety of competition
formats, such as tournaments, seasons, and exhibition games.
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