U.S. patent application number 11/624684 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for arcade casino game.
Invention is credited to Jason O'Rourke.
Application Number | 20070167239 11/624684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38263894 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070167239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Rourke; Jason |
July 19, 2007 |
Arcade Casino Game
Abstract
A casino arcade game and arcade gambling machine that combine
online poker game with a networked role-playing game (a.k.a.,
MMORPG). The game allows players to develop their virtual character
when playing at home in the MMORPG. And when players play in the
networked arcade gambling machine in the casinos, the game
integrates online poker with the MMORPG, where betting strategies
are enhanced by allowing player to supplement betting moves with
attack spells in a virtual battleground in the MMORPG against other
avatars who represent other poker players of the same poker table.
The MMORPG and the poker game are shown on the same screen of the
arcade gambling machine.
Inventors: |
O'Rourke; Jason; (Claremont,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WPAT, PC;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS
2030 MAIN STREET, SUITE 1300
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
38263894 |
Appl. No.: |
11/624684 |
Filed: |
January 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60760651 |
Jan 19, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing player interaction between players of an
electronic casino game, the method comprising: providing a
networked electronic casino game on an internal network accessible
by a plurality of networked arcade gambling machine each having an
interface for players to play the networked electronic casino game;
providing at least one monitor in each arcade gambling machine to
show a progress of the casino game and to show a first virtual
character to represent a first player; providing a first virtual
space where the first virtual character is free to move about while
the casino game is concurrently played and shown on the monitor;
and wherein the first virtual character and a scene of the first
virtual space is also shown at the arcade gambling machine.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: generating
a player expression when said first player makes a play in the
electronic casino game; wherein the player expression is
represented by at least one of the following: an image of
intimidation shown on at least one monitor; an image to elicit
player emotion and is shown on at least one monitor; a first
virtual fighting creature making an attack in the virtual space and
is shown on at least one monitor; an attack move by the first
virtual character in the virtual space and is shown on at least one
monitor; an audio-visual presentation provided by at least one
arcade gambling machine; and a motion presentation provided by at
least one arcade gambling machine.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the steps of: allowing
a second player to initiate a player expression in response to said
first player's player expression; wherein said second player's
player expression is transmitted to at least one arcade gambling
machine; and allowing the first player to pre-program an action
queue to perform auto play such that a series of pre-programmed
player expression can be shown consecutively.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the electronic casino game is a
card game selected from the group consisting of Asian Stud,
Baccarat, Blackjack, Casino war, Caribbean Stud Poker, Poker,
Chinese Poker, Faro, Five Card Draw, Four Card Poker, Let It Ride,
Mambo Stud, Omaha High, Omaha Low, Pai Gow Poker, Razz, Red Dog,
Seven Card Stud, Spanish 21, Texas Hold'em Poker, Three Card Poker,
and Two-Up.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the electronic casino game is a
non-card game selected from the group consisting of Craps, Pai Gow,
Sic Bo, Chuck-a-Luck, Big Six Wheel, Roulette, Slots, Bingo,
Keno.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the play is a game move initiated
by said first player, said play includes at least one member
selected from the group consisting of bet, bluff, call, check,
fold, and raise.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said player expression initiated
by said second player corresponds to the second player's game move
in the electronic casino game; wherein said first and second player
can go to a different physical location to play their virtual
characters in a second virtual space accessible on an external
network such as the Internet; wherein the second virtual space is a
MMORPG; wherein the first and second virtual characters each have a
character statistics, and such character statistics is continuously
maintained when said first and second players switch between
playing on the external network and on the internal network.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic casino game is not
accessible when said first and second player are playing the MMORPG
on the external network; and wherein the first virtual space is a
simulated battle arena.
9. A computer-executable program stored on a computer-readable
medium, said program comprising a process that comprises the method
of claim 8, the program further comprising: computer readable
program code for displaying the progress of the electronic casino
game and a scene of the virtual space on the same monitor screen;
wherein the MMORPG allows said first player to develop the
character statistics for said first virtual character; wherein the
character statistics is comprised of measurable values in at least
one of the following areas: agility, constitution, dexterity,
discipline, influence, intuition, logic, strength, wisdom, and
alignment; and wherein the program collects information regarding
the first player and matches the first player with at least one
casino.
10. The arcade gambling machine of claim 9, comprising: a chair
coupled to the monitor; a payment acceptance device coupled to the
monitor to accept payment from at least one of the following:
credit card, debit card, casino membership card, and cash;
audio-visual system for providing the audio-visual presentation; an
input device that enables said first player to control said first
virtual character; and a processor coupled to the input device.
11. A computer program product for playing an online role-playing
game, the computer program product comprising a computer usable
storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in
the medium, the computer readable program code comprising: a
program code that causes a computer to display a scene of a virtual
world as a virtual character representing a player roams through
the virtual world and interacts with a virtual environment; a
program code that allows the player to continue using the virtual
character in the virtual world, as the player physically moves to a
first physical location to play the online role-playing game; and
wherein when the role-playing game is played in the first physical
location, the program code allows the player to play a casino game
integrated into the role-playing game such that an action in the
casino game causes an action in the virtual world.
12. The computer program product of claim 11, wherein the first
physical location is a casino; and wherein the casino game is one
member selected from the group consisting of Asian Stud, Baccarat,
Blackjack, Casino war, Caribbean Stud Poker, Poker, Chinese Poker,
Faro, Five Card Draw, Four Card Poker, Let It Ride, Mambo Stud,
Omaha High, Omaha Low, Pai Gow Poker, Razz, Red Dog, Seven Card
Stud, Spanish 21, Texas Hold'em Poker, Three Card Poker, Two-Up,
Craps, Pai Gow, Sic Bo, Chuck-a-Luck, Big Six Wheel, Roulette,
Slots, Bingo, and Keno.
13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein the action in
the casino game is a card move such as bet, fold, call, raise,
check, bluff; and wherein the action in virtual world is an attack
move in the role-playing game.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the computer
code allows the player to pre-program a series of attack moves to
be automatically performed; and wherein the computer code allows
the player who is terminated in the casino game to continue his
play in the role-playing game.
15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the casino
game is a table game, and the computer code shows a progress of the
casino game on a monitor; and wherein the player can see other
players represented by other virtual characters in the role-playing
game.
16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the attack
move is targeted towards said other virtual characters; and wherein
a health level of the virtual character does not affect a
likelihood of success in the casino game.
17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the computer
code can be updated to include additional layers of gaming design,
such as scenery, passages, treasures, weapons, and background
theme.
18. A business method of operating a casino, said method
comprising: providing in the casino a plurality of networked game
stations each having at least one monitor, one seat, and a data
input device; wherein the game station allows a player to play a
role-playing game; wherein the game station also allows a player to
play a casino game concurrently; and wherein the role-playing game
uses virtual characters that were trained and development by the
player when the player played the role-playing game outside of the
casino.
19. The business method of claim 18, wherein the casino game is a
poker game, wherein the role-playing game and the poker game is
shown on the monitor concurrently, and wherein a poker move causes
intense fighting action between a plurality of avatars in the
role-playing game; wherein the plurality of avatars represent a
plurality of poker players in the same poker game.
20. The business method of claim 19, further comprising: allowing
product placement as a marketing tool in the role-playing game;
make the role-playing game accessible by anyone with Internet
access; host periodic tournaments of the casino game played
concurrently with the role-playing game; broadcast said tournament
in a media outlet such as wireless phones, television, cable
television, satellite television, and the Internet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Pat.
No. 60/760,651 filed on Jan. 19, 2006, which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is games, more particularly
electronic casino arcade games that integrate traditional casino
games with virtual role-playing video games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are various different casino games in the gaming
industry, and there has always been a need for new games, gambling
devices, and alternative entertainment to entice consumer and
gamblers. Major casinos are constantly reinventing themselves to
keep their patrons coming to their establishment.
[0004] Generally known ways to make traditional casino games more
visually enticing includes converting them into electronic/video
formats. For example, convert traditional mechanical slot machines
into electronic or video slot machines (as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,805,632, a video slot gaming machine, all of which is hereby
incorporated by reference) and provide traditional card games in
video poker machines, online poker games. It appears, however, that
these known electronic games offer relatively little creativity and
human interaction between the players.
[0005] Casino continues to look for new and better ways to entice
different demographic of patrons in view of changing market needs.
There is a continuing need for improved gaming systems that
provides relative better entertainment value and marketing value
towards a demographic of a new generation of consumers that are
enticed by video/computer games and fast-paced action
video/computer games.
[0006] Thus, there is still a need for improvements to electronic
casino games and arcade machine, wherein creativity and player
interaction are encouraged.
[0007] All referenced patents, applications and literatures are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore,
where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is
incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the
definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that
term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the
reference does not apply.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Role-playing games have become very popular in recent years.
However, there has been no effort in combining a casino game with a
role-playing game. U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,718 (herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety) issued to Kawazu discloses a role
playing video game using scenario cards. However, the scenario
cards in Kawazu does not amount to a separate card game played
concurrently with the role-playing game.
[0009] The present invention provides methods, gaming mechanics,
software, hardware, and gaming designs of electronic casino games
that combine traditional casino games (e.g. poker) with a networked
role-playing game (a.k.a., RPG), particularly with a MMORPG
(massively multiplayer online role-playing game), packed with
riveting suspense, blasting adrenaline, intricate puzzles, and fast
action all rolled into a complete entertainment package for the
gaming market.
[0010] Among the many different possibilities contemplated, the
invention involves a computer-executable program stored on a
computer-readable medium wherein the program has computer readable
program code for displaying the progress of the electronic casino
game and a scene of the virtual space on the same monitor screen,
and allow MMORPG players to develop their character statistics for
their virtual character from home.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a computer
program product for playing an online role-playing game, where the
computer program product has a computer usable storage medium
having computer readable program code embodied in the medium, and
the computer readable program code causes a computer to display a
scene of a virtual world as a virtual character representing a
player roams through the virtual world and interacts with a virtual
environment. This program code is contemplated to also allow the
players to continue using the same virtual character in the virtual
world, as the players physically move to play the game at different
physical locations. While at designated arcade machines in the
casino, the program code allows the player to play a casino game
integrated into the role-playing game such that an action in the
casino game causes an action in the virtual world. While at home,
the program code only allows the players to play the role-playing
game without any gambling elements. The contemplated computer code
shows a progress of the casino game on a monitor; and wherein a
player can see other players represented by other virtual
characters in the role-playing game. The computer code is
preferably revisable without substantial interruption to business
operation and/or RPG operation. The computer program code can be
updated to include additional layers of gaming design, such as
scenery, passages, treasures, weapons, and background theme.
[0012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention,
along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of the inventive
subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a screen shot of one aspect of the inventive
subject matter.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of arcade gambling machines in
a casino setting.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the arcade
gambling machine.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
arcade gambling machine.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a break-away illustration of the embodiment in
FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
arcade gambling machine.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
arcade gambling machine.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
arcade gambling machine.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
arcade gambling machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples
of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood
that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the
illustrated embodiments described below.
[0024] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes
of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0025] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification structure, material or
acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an
element can be understood in the context of this specification as
including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be
understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by
the specification and by the word itself.
[0026] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims therefore include not only the combination of elements which
are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or
acts for performing substantially the same function in
substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result.
In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent
substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in the claims below or that a single element may be
substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements
may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that
one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases
be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination
may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a
subcombination.
[0027] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalent
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0028] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what
essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.
[0029] Thus, the detailed description set forth below in connection
with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the
presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is
to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions
may be accomplished by different embodiments that the spirit of the
invention also intends to encompass.
[0030] The present invention provides methods, gaming mechanics,
gaming designs, gaming hardware and software, as well as novel
business methods of electronic casino games that has elements of
traditional casino games (e.g. poker) and elements of a networked
role-playing game (a.k.a., RPG).
[0031] As used herein, the term "RPG" in refers to a role-playing
game typically accessible on the Internet. RPG is also herein
referred to as MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing
game), or MMO games. As used herein, RPG also refers to any
role-playing game placed on a network such as the Internet,
intranet, proprietary network, inter-casino network, intra-casino
network, computer network, cellular network, and satellite
network.
[0032] As used herein, the term "player station" is synonymous with
"game station", "adrenaline system", "adrenaline cabinet", "gaming
cabinet", "arcade gambling machine". The player station refers to a
seating unit having at least one monitor and is connected to a
network to play the contemplated game of the present invention.
[0033] As used herein, the term "avatar" is synonymous with
"virtual characters". They both refer to a computer generated
virtual being to represent an actual player of the contemplated
game.
[0034] As used herein, the term "Internet" refers to the world wide
web. It is also referred to as the "external network". An "internal
network" refers to a limited network that may be an intranet,
inter-casino network, intra-casino network, proprietary network.
Optionally, any portion of the contemplated game may also be
offered on a cellular network or a satellite network.
[0035] As used herein, the term "player expression" refers to any
expression initiated by a player to another player. Examples of
player expression includes: an image of intimidation transmitted to
and shown on at least one monitor; an image to elicit player
emotion and is shown on at least one monitor; a first virtual
fighting creature summoned by a player making an attack in the
virtual space and is shown on at least one monitor; an attack move
by the first virtual character in the virtual space and is shown on
at least one monitor; an audio-visual presentation provided by at
least one player station; and a motion presentation (e.g.,
vibrating player station) provided by at least one player
station.
[0036] The MMO gaming industry possesses a $13 billion market and
generally attracts a relatively younger audience. Currently popular
MMO games include World of Warcraft.TM. and Everquest.TM.. Another
widely popular online game among the younger generation is online
poker. Online poker has an estimated $18 billion market, and is
typically played over the internet in real time against anyone in
the world. The contemplated gaming design of the present invention
is a powerful blend of MMO games and online poker made available in
a unique casino player station that offers attractive alternative
to spinning wheel slot machines and video poker machines. One of
the many desirable characteristics of the present invention is that
it is aimed to attract a certain demographic of players into the
casinos with the ability to entertain them for hours. The
contemplated invention includes software, hardware, business
method, and components parts relating to the contemplated gaming
design, details of which will be more fully described below.
[0037] It is important to appreciate that the contemplated gaming
design is not merely a video gaming machine for the casino only,
but it is an epic world which a portion of it is available online
where players become their characters at home. While at home (or
anywhere with Internet access), the contemplated gaming design
allows players to play the contemplated game as in any other MMO
games, travel through a virtual world collecting items and
upgrading virtual weapons. Players may gain skills and training,
prepare for "battle" in the "arena." The "arena" is herein referred
to as the virtual space where players come to battle. This arena is
accessible by the players' virtual characters when the players play
on the player station in the casinos. While in the arena, the
players battle in the virtual world as well as in a virtual poker
game.
[0038] Examples of the contemplated gaming design is as
follows:
EXAMPLE 1
Battle Poker
[0039] One contemplated storyline for Battle Poker is as
follows:
[0040] Players take on the role of Battle Mages in the fantasy
world of Lun, a once proud, futuristic society that was long ago
devastated by magical apocalypse. Today, most of Lun is a wasteland
called The Burn, a place dominated by powerful mutants and other
creatures warped by the treacherous magical forces that annihilated
the past. Survivors who escaped the apocalypse live in enclaves
protected by a small number of draconian wizard overlords called
the Pentacles, who have outlawed magic in the hands of the common
citizen. Only those trained in the Pentacles' College of the
Spheres are permitted to practice magic. All others do so against
the will of the land--except at Arena, where Battle Mages compete
to prizes, glory, and the right to enter the College and become one
of the Pinnacles' feared Luminaries. Players stalk the ruins of an
advanced society, scavenging from a futuristic past to rule a
magical present. They travel from towering urban hives to darkly
twisted dungeons, and in between they visit amazing original lands
teeming with darkly twisted creatures.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, Battle Poker 1 is a poker simulator
game with integrated role playing game, designed to enhance gaming
experience for the role playing game and for the online poker. This
game is contemplated to be an approved game ready for the casino
market. The Battle Poker has two portions, or versions. A first
portion is the casino portion 10. A casino portion 10 is typically
available in player stations 15 at the casino and contemplated to
allow a player to play online poker with integrated role playing
game on the same screen. Player stations are connected via a
network to casino server 18, which couples to an outside server 28
with a firewall 2 in between. The casino portion has an arena
environment 11 where avatars 12 (or virtual characters) gather in
the role-playing game. It is called the casino portion because it
has elements of online poker which may not be legally allowed
outside of a casino setting.
[0042] The second portion is the home portion 20. In the home
portion 20, players build personalized virtual characters 12 in a
virtual world 21 shared by millions of other players around the
world via the Internet and accessible by home PCs 25. These
personalized virtual characters 12 undertake RPG quests, team up
with friends, and interact with thousands of computer-controlled
allies and enemies. The home portion 20 has, in some ways, elements
of popular video games such as Fable.TM., Grand Theft Auto.TM., and
Everquest II.TM.. In the home portion 20, no poker play is allowed.
A player typically uses the same avatar 12 as he moves from playing
at home to playing at the casino.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2. In this screen shot of casino
portion 10, each player in his player station can see on his
monitor screen an arena environment 11. The upper portion 11A of
the screen shows the progress of an online poker game. The upper
right corner 14 of the screen shows the player's pocket cards. The
upper left hand corner 17 shows status of each player in the
current poker hand. A large portion of the screen shows the
role-playing game 11B as avatars 12 battle a creature 13 in a
coliseum setting. Here, the poker game is played the same way as
any popular poker game with pocket cards, flop, turn, river,
bluffs, and all the basic ingredients of poker. In the RPG, each
player (who is concurrently playing poker) brings his avatar 12
(who he has trained and developed in the home portion 20) to the
arena for gladiatorial battle. Those avatars 12 present in the
coliseum represent those poker players sitting at the same virtual
poker table, as shown in 11A. In one embodiment, chips for the
poker game are integrated with attack spells. Any bet, call or fold
is simulated with an intense action sequence including intense
sound and vibrant visual effects.
[0044] In one embodiment, players use attack moves, blocks and
retreat moves to represent betting patterns. For example, a player
summons a $5 creature (which correspondingly results in a $5 raise
or a $5 call in the poker game) to attack a second player's avatar
until the second player make a decision to counter attack, block,
or retreat (bet, call, fold, respectively). All of these game moves
in the RPG are shown on at least one monitor in the networked
player stations that play the same poker game.
[0045] In another embodiment, players initiate by picking a betting
amount, which correspondingly results in summoning a creature 13 of
corresponding size and attack strength. For example, when a player
decide to place a $10 raise, a $10 creature comes out to attack
other avatars for the player. Special attacks are activated by
table raises, and special defenses are activated by strong hands.
Having this interrelationship in the two games (poker and PvP
battle), all the strategies of the world's most popular card game
carry over, as player bluff, tilt, and slow play their opponents
not only out of the pot but also off a field of desperate
battle.
[0046] In yet another preferred embodiment, the amount of betting
has no relations to the size and strength of the creature 13. The
player separately decides on the bet and what type of creature 13
or attack moves to summon. This embodiment gives an added level of
betting strategy to the poker game. For example, in a poker game
where there are two players left in a poker hand, player A has
pocket Jack's and player B has pocket Ace and 4. If player B is
first to act and wants callers, he can raise a small amount and
cast a weak creature. Player A needs to first decide whether to
call the bet, then decide why did player B send a weak creature
into the arena. And, if player A thinks player B is bluffing and
decides to call the small raise, player A can now cast a very
strong creature into the arena to attack player B's avatar. It is
now player B is turn to decide whether to fight the creature or
fold.
[0047] The attack moves (and/or creatures) are typically gathered,
developed, or trained in the home portion. One contemplated
embodiment allows the attack moves to be purchased and/or traded.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, attack moves are represented and
transmitted to other player's screen in the form of a menacing
creature 13 moving about in the coliseum attacking all avatars 12
except the caster. This creature automatically focuses attack on
whoever's turn it is to make a poker move. The creature 13 may
optionally attack other avatars 12 at any time regardless of who's
turn it is in poker. The contemplated gaming design may optionally
allow players to direct their avatars 12 to freely move about and
attack creature 13 in the coliseum. For example, a player who has
folded can direct his avatar 12 to attack any of the many creatures
13 roaming in the coliseum as he wait for the next poker game to
begin. Avatars' attack on the creature 13 typically causes the
creature's life level to decrease, and eventually die. Creatures 13
not dead remain in the coliseum, posing a threat to all avatars 12
except the caster. As one ordinary skill in the art would
recognize, as the poker game progresses, the number of creatures 13
in the coliseum may increase, making the RPG game even more
challenging.
[0048] The attack move represented by a menacing creature above may
also be represented by other skills/talents the player has gained
previously in the RPG. Examples of these other skills/talents
include: special weapon, frightening weather changes, intimidating
images, loud sound and visual effects, motion effect (e.g., player
station vibrates vigorously) in each player's player station
(except the caster's player station).
[0049] In other contemplated embodiments of the gaming design, the
game allows a player to pre-program a series of attack move in the
casino version. For example, a player may drag and pull attack
moves into an action in advance, so that the selected attack moves
will be presented in order. This important feature allows a player
to concentrate on the poker game portion, without having to worry
about the coliseum battle.
[0050] In still further embodiments, a player may roam outside of
the battle arena when he folds, instead of staying within in the
battle arena.
[0051] It should be especially noted that a player's experience and
possession of weapons and other goods in the RPG has minimum effect
on playing the poker game. An avatar's fighting skill also does not
enhance a player's ability to play poker. The poker game portion is
played with the same rule as with other popular online poker games.
Therefore, a player in the casino portion 10 is expected to play
poker just as same as regular online poker. A player does not win
poker merely by winning a fight in the coliseum. And the player
does not win extra poker chips by successfully killing a creature
13. Having the RPG concurrently played provides improved
entertainment and added challenge to the poker game.
[0052] Continuing with the avatar's capabilities in the arena, in
the preferred embodiment, avatars 12 do not directly battle each
other in the arena. Direct battle is carried out between an avatar
12 and a creature 13 summoned by another avatar. A group of players
may, of course, choose to team up to play at the same poker table,
and to team up in attacking creatures 13 in the coliseum summoned
by other avatars 12. Other embodiments of the inventive gaming
design may allow avatars 12 to directly battle with one
another.
[0053] In one aspect of the contemplated gaming design, many of the
virtual treasures and items, as well as opportunity for character
advancements will only be available at the arena, where players
engage in gladiatorial battle in the casino portion of the battle
poker.
[0054] Contemplated home portion of the battle poker does not
include the coliseum battle scene. In the home version, avatars
roam through a virtual world collecting information, treasure,
weapons, etc. Avatars also interact with AI characters as well as
other avatars in the virtual world, gaining experience as he
travels.
[0055] One contemplated gaming design includes a scaling feature
wherein any character or team can engage any creature in the battle
at any time. The computer automatically scales every creature to
the character of the team's level. Unlike other typical MMO games,
here, characters can go anywhere at level 1 (for example).
EXAMPLE 2
Vacant Lands--The Beginning (VL-TB)
[0056] VL-TB is another casino arcade game similar to Battle Poker
in that it also has a casino portion and a home portion. Like
Battle Poker, the casino portion of VL-TB performs on an innovative
hardware platform called the "Adrenalin System", detail of which
will be described more fully later. Also similar to Battle Poker,
home version of VL-TB may be played on any device capable of
Internet access, such as personal computers, cell phones, and PDAs
(personal digital assistant). In the home version, players cannot
play the poker portion of the game.
[0057] Contemplated story line of the role play game is as follows:
The "Champion of Wizards", a virtual tournament in the role play
game, happens once every lunar cycle. This special event brings
wizards from all over the lands to gather and battle it out to see
who will become the supreme sorcerer of the Year. Apprentices young
and old alike train all year long in the role playing game,
developing skills necessary to enter the tournament and win fame
and fortune. Would-be wizards take on odd and bizarre tasks in the
role playing game to train and obtain specialized skills and
spells, because experience and training is critical for any
apprentice to prepare for the tournament.
[0058] As is true in Battle Poker, a player may continue his use of
the same virtual character when playing from the home portion to
the casino version. The virtual status, or virtual characteristics
of his wizard, can be saved on a server. Alternatively, the virtual
status, or virtual characteristics of his wizard can be saved on a
personal portable memory device such as a chip, so that a player
may carry this chip with him as he visits different casinos to play
the casino version of VL-TB.
[0059] Preparation for the tournament can lead a player across many
lands and encounter many obstacles. The land is filled with many
quests and tasks. In this virtual world, bartering is the only form
of currency, thus a contestant searching for new skills and spells
must learn to negotiate with the common town folks to acquire
knowledge and equipment. And, confrontation against other spells
and developing defensive skills is the key to gaining experience.
Contestants have choices to gain skills of force or magic, and can
alter their own destiny by following a specialized path.
[0060] Any player worthy of becoming the next "Master Wizard" has
taken on tremendous obstacles with valour and skillfulness;
knowledge of their feat can spread across all the land in the role
playing game. In the role playing game, Karma can effect a player's
reputation and their interaction with town folks, who are
artificial intelligence (AI) in the role play game. The town breads
all types of virtual town folks, their instinct and innate ability
to judge character determines which player the town chooses to do
business with.
[0061] Further, wizards gather in a communal area called the
bizarre. The Bizarre is a neutral location where characters can
interact face to face. They can trade goods, offer advice, learn
about new training areas and more. A wizard initiating their
training can choose a level from the Bizarre and can be teleported
to that land where he will be free to wander. A wizard will be able
to talk and interact with town folks who will barter for equipment
and/or offer opportunities to gain knowledge of spells in exchange
for something the town folk needs or wants. Achieving these various
efforts will lead a player to discover new spells and/or skills.
These advanced spells and skills is what separates a wizard from
other wizards, and allows game players to use spells that other
game players do not have.
[0062] Again, when a player joins the tournament by visiting a
casino that hosts casino version of VL-TB, the player can play
online poker while playing the role play game concurrently on the
same screen. In the casino version of VL-TB, a player may play
on-line poker where the avatars are animated and can roam vast 3D
environments, build their arsenal, and develop personality.
Optionally, players may even receive other entertainment
(advertisement, ESPN sports, movies, etc.) and news on the screen
concurrently. The use of concurrently available programming
provides the player something to do while sitting out of poker
hands. Poker players create confrontation in the RPG from the card
action instead of trigger points in the game.
[0063] In such instance, when a wizard takes on quests and wanders
the lands, he will be confronted with attack spells cast by
competing wizards (controlled by other online poker game players on
the same virtual poker table who are also in the role play game)
trying to crush their competition. This attack spell will result in
an actual creature or magical force that has been summoned to
inflict as much damage as possible. This attack can happen at any
time and in any location as long as the wizard is also playing in
the poker hand. The attack spell is directly linked to a player's
raise in the poker game. Once an attack spell is cast upon a
wizard, the wizard under attack must defend and battle this
obstacle. Fighting the attack will give the wizard experience
points. The attack will have a time limit and a poker decision must
be made within the time. If a player goes over the time they will
automatically fold their poker hand. Once the confrontation is
resolved a wizard is able to continue their quests and walk the
lands until the process repeats.
[0064] In yet other contemplated embodiments of the inventive
subject matter, players will be assigned seating at virtual poker
tables called `wings`. A wing is referred to as any land a player
teleport to from the Bizarre. Wings can be categorized base on
poker limit, rules, or type of poker game. Each wing is also
contemplated to contain special game features (e.g., information,
herbs, weapons) that lure players into each wing. As each player
play poker in the wing, each player may also search for clue and
gather materials and experience points. Some of the contemplated
virtual backgrounds for wings may include, woods/pathways, village,
subterranean, trading posts.
[0065] Just as previously discussed in Battle Poker, how players
play their cards can be directly related to the virtual environment
they are playing in. Players can check, bet, fold just as in any
regular poker game; the key is that any bet, call or fold can be
simulated with an intense action sequence which may include intense
sound, vibrant visual, and motion (e.g., movement/vibration of the
Adrenaline System) effects.
[0066] In one contemplated embodiment, players must play poker as
they normally do. Simply concentrating on the RPG will not ensure
success in the poker game.
[0067] Players that limp in before the flop are not making an
attack move, thus they are simply calling the Big Blind and will
use a standard `Limp` move in the game. In a similar action,
players that choose to fold the hand can simply choose the `fold`
move in the game to leave the hand and are then free to explore the
environment until they are notified of the next hand. If no one
raised (attacked) in the same poker game, no one will have an
attack creature on their screen.
[0068] In one aspect of the present invention, players that are
first to make an attack or `Raise` may choose their `Attack` move
from a pull down menu and then use it against their opponents. The
attack can be some sort of magical force, summoning a creature or a
weapon. The card they choose is determined based on the caster's
decision to make their opponents call their bluff or not. A player
determines the attack based on real dollar value and the damage it
can inflict on the opponents in the 3D environment. This fantasy
value of the attack spells gives the player a new level of bluffing
in on-line poker. Once an attack is cast the attack rolls to the
next player to act and will continue to threaten the player until
they make a Poker decision to call, fold or re-raise.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, when a player decides to simply
call they use a `Block` command that will counteract the attack
being used on them. The block command they choose may or may not be
directly related to an actual dollar amount. Every Attack move
includes a block move. Players that choose to block can simply
choose block and the appropriate action to block the attack will
result. When a player chooses to re-raise, the appropriate block
move will happen and then the player will cast their new attack
move to the next player. Attack moves less than the original attack
are not available to the re-raiser.
[0070] In another preferred embodiment, a player under attack must
defend himself against the attack in two phases, the Poker phase
and the RPG Phase. In the RPG phase he must defend himself against
the creature or weapon being used against him just as in any video
game, and within a given amount of time to make a poker card choice
to stop the poker phase. The RPG phase attack will not stop until
the player decides on a Poker decision. In the RPG phase the attack
being used on the player can damage the player's `health` level
until they choose a poker card choice stopping the RPG phase
attack. Every time the player is hit by the creature or weapon and
do not block they can loose health points. The health level is
separate from the actual dollar amount in the Poker Phase, and the
player's health loss does in no way affect their ability to play
cards. However, by not defending himself, a player may lose certain
virtual characteristics of his wizard, characteristics which he has
built and developed over time in the home version of VL-TB.
[0071] Once a player acts upon the attack, the action continues
around the table until the `pot is right`. This same betting
sequence will continue for the flop, turn and river. Players that
fold will be free to roam the gaming environment.
[0072] In one contemplated embodiment, attack moves are equal to
chip values. Meaning a $5 chip is a Level 5 attack move, a $10 chip
is a level 10 and so forth. Players with a lot of money can buy
$1,000 to start their account. However they can only buy Level 1,
5, 10, 20 level attack moves. If they wish to increase their level
of play to a 50, 100, 300, etc. attack move, they must participate
in the game and gain experience of their player. The player is not
subject to play on a low limit table they are simply limited in
their attack move representation.
[0073] In anther contemplated embodiment, types of attack moves
does not relate to chip values. For example, a player can decide to
use a $5 chip in a poker move, while accompany it with a level 20
attack move. This adds a new layer of betting and bluffing
strategy, leaving opponents to wonder your motivation in your poker
move as well as the RPG move.
[0074] In the preferred embodiments, attacks and block moves can be
endlessly added and improved into the contemplated gaming design.
All game attack moves are stored on the server and players that
wish to use attack moves may pay for them. Optionally, players may
freely trade attack moves among themselves with money or other
things of value.
[0075] In building and training a virtual character, players are
able to choose from a variety of character types (e.g., a wizard),
each with unique abilities. Once players begin their journey they
are free to roam the lands and gain as many attack skills as they
can find and develop their strength and armour experience through
combat with other players. Players can distinguish themselves from
other characters by choosing their hairstyle, hair colour,
complexion, eye colour, wardrobe apparel and decorative jewellery.
Also characters will receive scars and damage to themselves and
their equipment from battle.
[0076] Players logging into the game system for the first time will
be able to enter a design environment where they can review the
different types of characters and attack spells available for that
character type. This process will set up their account with the
server. Players will be able to navigate through option screens and
learn about their choices. Options are fairly limited in regards to
spells, clothing, etc. Each character type will have the lowest
possible strengths and spells making it generally equal across all
characters. Players must earn their upgrades through game play.
[0077] Once a player decides on their character they will be asked
to save their information, which may include personal background
information of the player. Data will be sent to the server logging
their choice into their account. This data may be used by the
casino for targeted marketing purposes.
[0078] Character stats, or development statistics increase and
decrease based on the characters experience in combat. Characters
are limited to certain poker tables and equipment based on their
statistics. This is a built-in feature in the system to shelter
weak players from advanced tables and levels. The following is a
list of possible categories of character stats:
Agility
[0079] A representation of a person's grace in motion and general
nimbleness of body. Actions requiring balance, maneuverability, or
quick reactions are based on this attribute. Agility directly
affects a character's defensive strength.
Constitution
[0080] Constitution is a measure of the physical durability of a
character. It helps with disease, critical hits, and affects the
maximum number of Health Points a player can receive. It also
affects a number of other things including encumbrance and some
maneuver checks. Constitution does not affect a character's stun
and Hit Point recovery rate. When the Constitution stat increases,
it does not automatically increase a character's Hit Point total,
but will increase the character's Maximum Hit Point total. (To
actually increase a character's hit points, one must spend points
on Physical Training.) Adding their Constitution Bonus to the Base
Hit Point Total for the character's race would result in Maximum
Hit Point total.
Dexterity
[0081] This is a measurement of a person's hand-eye coordination
and fine motor skills. This aids in actions requiring precision and
deft manipulation, such as picking locks, picking pockets,
skinning, and aiming ranged or targeted attacks.
Discipline
[0082] Discipline is a measure of a character's force of will,
determination and ability to focus on the task at hand. Discipline
is used in a wide range of game systems, some of which include
determining the total amount of experience that a character can
gain before needing to rest, and attempts to resist mental or
emotion-based attacks.
Influence
[0083] This measures a person's ability to influence others. Some
aspects of Influence include leadership, inspiration, persuasion,
intimidation, fear, presence, and personal charm or magnetism.
Magic or abilities that affect the target's mind or emotions are
typically more powerful for casters with a high Influence
attribute.
Intuition
[0084] This defines a character's innate or instinctive ability to
sense things without conscious deduction or critical analysis. It
is distinctively different from Logic in that it refers to the
ability to make decisions or leap to conclusions with little or no
overt supporting evidence, relying more upon subconscious
"hunches." Included in intuition would be what is commonly referred
to as a "sixth sense", prescience, perception, and luck.
Logic
[0085] This defines a person's capacity for critical and rational
thought, reflecting their ability to reach logical conclusions
based on available facts. Logic affects how much experience a
character can gain before needing to rest, how quickly a character
can absorb that experience, and the ability to activate magical
items and scrolls.
Strength
[0086] Strength is a measure of physical prowess. It affects a
character's Attack Strength with melee weapons as well as the
amount of weight a character may carry (encumbrance) before
suffering penalties. The Strength Bonus is added directly to a
character's Attack Strength.
Wisdom
[0087] A representation of a person's common sense, pragmatism,
ability to draw upon past experiences to evaluate new challenges,
and the ability to examine problems and issues from multiple
perspectives. Wisdom also represents a person's conscious
connection with spirituality. Spiritual magic is strongly tied to
Wisdom.
Alignment
[0088] Alignment will flux through a characters life based on their
morals and decisions they make. Characters who save, rescue and
protect lives will lead a very different life then those that
choose to destroy, steal, torment and persecute.
[0089] In one aspect of the contemplated embodiments, armour in the
RPG can be used to provide protection against enemy attacks, and
will also provide shelter from harsh weather conditions in the 3-D
environment. Players travelling through cold or tropical regions
must be capable of changing clothing to handle the changes in
weather. Some armour will be used for purely protection purposes
while others can be used to show authority and class of power.
[0090] A big part of the game is how the AI world reacts to a
character and how the AI world develops itself base on how each
player handles himself in the RPG. As players complete quests, gain
experience and collect trophies to mark their conquests, the town
folks will start to respect you more and more and treat you like a
hero. Of course, if a player play through the game on the evil
side, the town folk will fear the player instead. Certain relics
and attack moves are contemplated to be available only to good
characters and vice-versa to evil characters.
[0091] One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize
that some of the features in the VL-TB and Battle Poker may
interchange with each other. The contemplated gaming design may
adapt and combine features as described herein. The key feature of
the gaming design being the novel integration of the RPG with
online poker to enhance player interaction, player expression, and
to provide improved entertainment for players of casino games.
[0092] Furthermore, the contemplated game engine provides an
ability to add concepts and materials into the game to create new
games, new models, new scenery and sounds. The contemplated RPG
portion of the gaming design is never-ending, and new updates can
be added to the RPG portion for added layers of environments (e.g.,
hidden world inside of trees, caves behind waterfalls, new
passageway to new lands). Different casinos may host tournaments of
the contemplated integrated game using different game theme such as
Western, Samurai, or Pirate. The theme in the Casino version may be
regularly changed based on the need of the particular casino
hosting it. Also, the contemplated gaming design has the ability to
allow players to play on the same virtual poker table, even when
these players are physically located in different casinos each
having its own theme, in different cities. In the case where
casinos with different themes are involved in the same poker game,
the gaming program will automatically make them compatible to each
other. Also, product placement in the game as part of marketing
strategy may be implemented since the game and visual elements in
the game can be modified on demand.
[0093] A further contemplated game design includes a poker/RPG
combination game having the ability to allow characters from other
MMORPG (e.g., World of Warcraft.TM.) to enter and play online poker
at the same time play some kind of RPG as described above. The RPG
portion of the game may be the original MMORPG (e.g., World of
Warcraft.TM.), or it may be any one of the types of RPG environment
(e.g., coliseum arena) as described above using characters from
other MMORPG. Optionally, the RPG portion may be independently
played with no relation to a poker game that is also played or
shown on the same screen, or on an adjacent screen. In other words,
casino can offer player stations where players can play their
favorite MMORPG as they normally do, at the same time offering the
same players online poker at the same player station to be played
concurrently by the same players.
[0094] Although poker is specifically mentioned herein, one of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the possibility to
replace poker with any other types of casino games. These casino
games may be card game, or non-card games. They may be table games,
or non-table games. Examples of these casino games include Asian
Stud, Baccarat, Blackjack, Casino war, Caribbean Stud Poker, Poker,
Chinese Poker, Faro, Five Card Draw, Four Card Poker, Let It Ride,
Mambo Stud, Omaha High, Omaha Low, Pai Gow Poker, Razz, Red Dog,
Seven Card Stud, Spanish 21, Texas Hold'em Poker, Three Card Poker,
Two-Up, Craps, Pai Gow, Sic Bo, Chuck-a-Luck, Big Six Wheel,
Roulette, Slots, Bingo, and Keno.
[0095] We now refer to FIGS. 3-10. In casino portion of the gaming
design can be played on networked arcade gambling machine 15 in the
casino. In FIG. 4, one contemplated networked arcade gambling
machine 35 has a seat 37, a base 30, and a monitor 36. This
particular arcade gambling machine 35 has a base 30 with a
footprint substantially close to those current slot machines in
casinos. The size of the base 30 allows easy replacement and
interchangeability with slot machines.
[0096] In FIGS. 5 and 6, a modular arcade gambling machine 45 with
detachable parts is disclosed. Here, arcade gambling machine 45 has
a head rest 41, arm rest 42, foot rest 43, speaker 44, monitor 46,
seat 47A, back 47B, side wall 47C, cup holder 48, and base 49. This
modular concept may be applied to any other contemplated
embodiments.
[0097] In FIG. 7, a touch screen control 56A is provided near the
monitor 56B. In addition, a window 57D provides added privacy to
the player. This window 57D may be added on both sides of the
arcade gambling machine.
[0098] In FIG. 8, arcade gambling machine 65 has a flat screen
monitor 66B, and a base 69 having storage area 69A underneath. FIG.
9 shows a arcade gambling machine 75 with pivotable flat screens
76C and 76D to complement main screen 76B. The three screens can
provide panoramic view of the game (both poker and RPG).
Optionally, the three screens can each handle a portion of the
game. For example, main screen 76B can show the poker game in
progress, side screen 76C shows the RPG in progress, while side
screen 76D shows other entertainment or news.
[0099] FIG. 10 shows a arcade gambling machine 85 with a large flat
panel screen 86B with control panel 86A. Notice there are two sets
of control panels 86A. In yet another contemplated embodiment, this
arcade gambling machine allows two players to sit side by side on a
bench, using separate control panels, to play the contemplated
game. Both players may play their own integrated game.
Alternatively, one player may concentrate on the poker game while
the adjacent player sitting next to him helps him by controlling
his avatar in the RPG.
[0100] Although only a control panel is shown in the figures, a
keyboard or other data input device (e.g., mouse, joystick,
trackball, touch screen) may also be used. Arcade gambling machine
may optionally include plug-in ports where players may bring their
own gaming tools (e.g., trackball, mouse) to use. Arcade gambling
machines may also have a payment acceptance device coupled to the
station, for accepting payment by credit card, debit card, casino
membership card, cash, or any other typical payment methods. Also,
although only a simple speaker is shown in the figures, arcade
gambling machines may implement typical audio-visual equipments
(lights, siren, etc.) to enhance audio-visual impact on a player. A
arcade gambling machine may also have a motor that cause the seat
to vibrate or move, to indicate a fighting action in the game.
[0101] The contemplated inventive subject matter also offers a
novel business method of operating a casino by connecting and
continuing home RPG play into the casino arena. This business
method offers a power marketing strategy for casino seeking to
target a particular group of consumers. Casinos may host related
events and tournaments, send out invitations to players base on
players' background information or gaming usage/characteristic
information. For example, player's residence or geographical
location of home play can be used to target them for casinos that
are closest to their geographic location. And, casinos may target
and categorize their marketing efforts to those players who have
reached certain level of virtual fighting skills, those players who
tends frequent a particular virtual region in the virtual space
(e.g., a particular village in the game), those player who tends to
repeat certain actions (e.g., having gathered a particular weapon,
or attempts to overcome a particular obstacle), or those players
who spend certain amount of hours in home play or arena play. These
background data may also be used to limit each player's access to
different levels of the casino portion. For example, low health
level avatars are will permitted to play on the same poker table as
high health level avatars. One of ordinary skill in the art would
immediately recognize that other player information can be used by
the casino to target marketing materials, and formulate marketing
events.
[0102] The contemplated business method may include any of the
inventive embodiments as described above, provide in the casino a
plurality of networked game stations for patrons to play the
contemplated game, allow product placement as a marketing tool in
the role-playing game, make the role-playing game portion
accessible by anyone with Internet access. The business method
further includes hosting periodic tournaments for the contemplated
game, and broadcast said tournament in a media outlet such as
wireless phones, television, cable television, satellite
television, and the Internet.
[0103] Lastly, throughout the description above the casino game is
not made available on the Internet, or areas outside of casinos.
Such restriction is necessary for some regions to adhere to
federal, state, local and regional government regulations regarding
legal gambling. It should be noted that making the casino portion
available outside of the casino is also contemplated, especially
when it is not in conflict with local law and regulations.
Likewise, the casino portion can be offered outside of the casino
setting where no real money is played. Optionally, winnings from
such casino games may be represented by redeemable points for
coupons, hotel accommodations, travel vouchers, gift certificates,
consumer products, and the like.
[0104] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of Integrated
Role Playing Poker Game have been disclosed. It should be apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from
the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter,
therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification
and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the
specification claims refer to at least one of something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should
be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A
plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *