U.S. patent application number 12/279649 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for game selection in a wagering game machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS GAMING INC.. Invention is credited to Shridhar P. Joshi, Larry Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz, Muthu Velu.
Application Number | 20100298040 12/279649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38437891 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100298040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joshi; Shridhar P. ; et
al. |
November 25, 2010 |
GAME SELECTION IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE
Abstract
A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module
operable to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be
wagered, and a game selection module operable to allow a game
player to select a game to be played from among a plurality of
wagering games available via the wagering game system. Games are
grouped using factors such as theme, brand, popularity, type of
game, and user rating, and are recommended based on factors such as
past games a user has played, games viewed, game player
demographics, popularity of games, number of licenses available,
and length of play of games.
Inventors: |
Joshi; Shridhar P.;
(Naperville, IL) ; Pacey; Larry; (Chicago, IL)
; Schwartz; Richard T.; (chicago, IL) ; Velu;
Muthu; (Addison, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER/WMS GAMING
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS GAMING INC.
Waukegan
IL
|
Family ID: |
38437891 |
Appl. No.: |
12/279649 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
February 15, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/04106 |
371 Date: |
July 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60743303 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
60746798 |
May 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3239 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3237
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 ;
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computerized wagering game system, comprising: a gaming module
operable to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be
wagered; and a game selection module operable to allow a user to
select a game from a filtered list generated from a plurality of
wagering games available via the wagering game system.
2. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
user comprises a wagering game player and the selected game is a
game to be played.
3. The computerized wagering game system of claim 2, wherein the
selected game is downloaded from a wagering game establishment
server.
4. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
user comprises a wagering game system operator, the wagering game
system comprises a wagering game server and one or more wagering
game machines, and the selected game is made available for play on
the one or more wagering game machines.
5. The computerized wagering game system of claim 3, wherein the
wagering game system further comprises a wagering game manufacturer
server and the selected game is downloaded from the wagering game
manufacturer server.
6. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
wagering game filtered list is generated via at least one of a
recommendation function and a search function.
7. The computerized wagering game system of claim 6, wherein the
recommendation function is based on at least one of past games
played, games viewed, game player demographics, popularity of
games, and length of play of games.
8. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
filtered list comprises wagering games grouped by at least one of
theme, brand, popularity, type of game, and user rating.
9. The computerized wagering game system of claim 1, wherein the
game selection module is further operable to select at least one
second game related to the user-selected game.
10. A method of operating a wagering game system, comprising:
presenting a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered;
and allowing a user to select a game from a filtered list generated
from a plurality of wagering games available via the wagering game
system.
11. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 10,
wherein the user comprises a wagering game player and the selected
game is a game to be played.
12. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 11,
wherein the selected game is downloaded from a wagering game
establishment server.
13. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 10,
wherein the user comprises a wagering game system operator, the
wagering game system comprises a wagering game server and one or
more wagering game machines, and the selected game is made
available for play on the one or more wagering game machines.
14. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 13,
wherein the wagering game system further comprises a wagering game
manufacturer server and the selected game is downloaded from the
wagering game manufacturer server.
15. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 10,
wherein the wagering game filtered list is generated via at least
one of a recommendation function and a search function.
16. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 15,
wherein the recommendation function is based on at least one of
past games played, games viewed, game player demographics,
popularity of games, and length of play of games.
17. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 10,
wherein the filtered list comprises wagering games grouped by at
least one of theme, brand, popularity, type of game, and user
rating.
18. The method of operating a wagering game system of claim 10,
further comprising selecting at least one second game related to
the user-selected game
19. A machine-readable medium with instructions stored thereon, the
instructions when executed operable to cause a computerized
wagering game system to: present a wagering game on which monetary
value can be wagered; and provide a game selection interface
through which a user can select a game from a filtered list
generated from a plurality of wagering games available via the
wagering game system.
20. The machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the user
comprises a wagering game player and the selected game is a game to
be played.
21. The machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the user
comprises a wagering game system operator, the wagering game system
comprises a wagering game server and one or more wagering game
machines, and the selected game is made available for play on the
one or more wagering game machines.
22. The machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the wagering
game filtered list is generated via at least one of a
recommendation function and a search function.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/743,303 filed Feb. 16,
2006 and entitled "GAME SELECTION IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE", and
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/746,798 filed
May 9, 2006 and entitled "GAME SELECTION IN A WAGERING GAME
MACHINE", which applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to computerized wagering
game systems, and more specifically to selection of a wagering game
in a wagering game machine.
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever. Copyright 2006, 2007, WMS
Gaming, Inc.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Computerized wagering games have largely replaced
traditional mechanical wagering game machines such as slot
machines, and are rapidly being adopted to implement computerized
versions of games that are traditionally played live such as poker
and blackjack. These computerized games provide many benefits to
the game owner and to the gambler, including greater reliability
than can be achieved with a mechanical game or human dealer, more
variety, sound, and animation in presentation of a game, and a
lower overall cost of production and management.
[0005] The elements of computerized wagering game systems are in
many ways the same as the elements in the mechanical and table game
counterparts in that they must be fair, they must provide
sufficient feedback to the game player to make the game fun to
play, and they must meet a variety of gaming regulations to ensure
that both the machine owner and gamer are honest and fairly treated
in implementing the game. Further, they must provide a gaming
experience that is at least as attractive as the older mechanical
gaming machine experience to the gamer, to ensure success in a
competitive gaming market.
[0006] Many computerized wagering games do not rely on a dealer or
other personnel to facilitate game play and to provide an
entertaining game playing environment, but rely upon the
presentation of the game and environment generated by the wagering
game machine itself. Incorporation of audio and video features into
wagering games to present the wagering game, to provide help, and
to enhance the environment presented are therefore important
elements in the attractiveness and commercial success of a
computerized wagering game system. Music and environmental effects
are also played through speakers in some wagering game systems to
enhance or complement a theme of the wagering game. These sounds
typically accompany video presentation of the wagering game on a
screen, which itself often includes animation, video, and
three-dimensional graphics as part of presentation of the wagering
game.
[0007] The variety of audio, video, and other elements presented to
create an entertaining theme surrounding a traditional wagering
game are for many a significant factor in enjoying the gaming
experience. While some players prefer to play wagering games with a
variety of different themes, other players have one or two favorite
games, and may base their choice of gaming facilities or
destinations on availability of certain games.
SUMMARY
[0008] One example embodiment of the invention comprises a
computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module operable
to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered,
and a game selection module operable to allow a game player to
select a game to be played from among a plurality of wagering games
available via the wagering game system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a computerized wagering game machine, as may be
used to practice some embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computerized wagering game
machine as may be used to practice some embodiments of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a player game selection touchscreen interface,
consistent with some embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of practicing an
example embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a wagering game network
architecture as may be used to practice some embodiments of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] In the following detailed description of example embodiments
of the invention, reference is made to specific example embodiments
of the invention by way of drawings and illustrations. These
examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled
in the art to practice the invention, and serve to illustrate how
the invention may be applied to various purposes or embodiments.
Other embodiments of the invention exist and are within the scope
of the invention, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other
changes may be made without departing from the subject or scope of
the present invention. Features or limitations of various
embodiments of the invention described herein, however essential to
the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not
limit other embodiments of the invention or the invention as a
whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation,
and application do not limit the invention as a whole but serve
only to define these example embodiments. The following detailed
description does not, therefore, limit the scope of the invention,
which is defined only by the appended claims.
[0015] One example embodiment of the invention comprises a
computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module operable
to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered,
and a game selection module operable to allow a game player to
select a game to be played from among a plurality of wagering games
available via the wagering game system.
[0016] In various further embodiments, games are grouped using
factors such as theme, brand, popularity, type of game, and user
rating, and are recommended based on factors such as past games a
user has played, games viewed, game player demographics, popularity
of games, number of licenses available, and length of play of
games. These and other features enable various wagering game
machine embodiments to provide a user with the ability to select a
game via a user interface, and to recommend specific games based on
a variety of factors. Such a system enhances the availability of
preferred games, and presents a game player with new games that are
deliberately selected to appeal to the game player.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a computerized wagering game machine, as
may be used to practice some embodiments of the present invention.
The computerized gaming system shown generally at 100 is a video
wagering game system, which displays information for at least one
wagering game upon which monetary value can be wagered on video
display 101. Video display 101 is in various embodiments a CRT
display, a plasma display, an LCD display, a surface conducting
electron emitter display, or any other type of display suitable for
displaying electronically provided display information. In some
further embodiments, additional displays such as a bonus game
display or top box display 102 are further operable to display
electronically provided information to a wagering game player.
Alternate embodiments of the invention will have other game
indicators, such as mechanical reels instead of the video graphics
reels shown at 103 that comprise a part of a video slot machine
wagering game.
[0018] A wagering game is implemented or presented using software
within the wagering game system, such as through instructions
stored on a machine-readable medium such as a hard disk drive or
nonvolatile memory. In some further example embodiments, some or
all of the software stored in the wagering game machine is
encrypted or is verified using a hash algorithm or encryption
algorithm to ensure its authenticity and to verify that it has not
been altered. For example, in one embodiment the wagering game
software is loaded from nonvolatile memory in a compact flash card,
and a hash value is calculated or a digital signature is derived to
confirm that the data stored on the compact flash card has not been
altered. The game of chance implemented via the loaded software
takes various forms in different wagering game machines, including
such well-known wagering games as reel slots, video poker,
blackjack, craps, roulette, or hold 'em games. In some further
embodiments, a secondary game or bonus game is displayed on the
secondary display 102, or other information such as progressive
slot information or other community game information is
displayed.
[0019] The wagering game is played and controlled with inputs such
as various buttons 104 or via a touchscreen overlay to video screen
101. The touchscreen is used in some embodiments to display virtual
buttons, which can have unique functions in some embodiments, or
can duplicate the functions provided by the mechanical buttons 104
in other embodiments. In some alternate examples, other devices
such as pull arm 105 used to initiate reel spin in this reel slot
machine example are employed to provide other input interfaces to
the game player. The player interface components are in this
example contained within or mechanically coupled to the wagering
game system, but in other embodiments will be located outside the
wagering game system cabinet such as by a wired or wireless
electronic connection to the wagering game system.
[0020] Monetary value is typically wagered on the outcome of the
games, such as with tokens, coins, bills, or cards that hold
monetary value. The wagered value is conveyed to the machine such
as through a changer 106 or a secure user identification module
interface 107, and winnings are returned such as via a returned
value ticket, a stored value card, a player account, or through the
coin tray 108. Sound is also provided through speakers 109,
typically including audio indicators of game play, such as reel
spins, credit bang-ups, and environmental or other sound effects or
music to provide entertainment consistent with a theme of the
computerized wagering game. In some further embodiments, the
wagering game machine is coupled to a network, and is operable to
use its network connection to receive wagering game data, track
players and monetary value associated with a player, and to perform
other such functions.
[0021] In other embodiments, the computerized wagering game system
takes one or more other forms, such as a mobile or portable
wagering game device, a server-based wagering game device, or a
networked wagering game system. These other computerized wagering
game system embodiments need not contain all features of the
wagering game system of FIG. 1, which does not limit the scope of a
computerized wagering game but is provided as an example only.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example embodiment of a
wagering game system. The wagering game system includes a processor
201, which is sometimes called a microprocessor, controller, or
central processing unit (CPU). In some embodiments, more than one
processor is present, or different types of processors are present
in the wagering game system, such as using multiple processors to
run gaming code, or using dedicated processors for audio, graphics,
security, or other functions. The processor is coupled via a bus
202 to various other components, including memory 203 and
nonvolatile storage 204. The nonvolatile storage is able to retain
the data stored therein when power is removed, and in various
embodiments takes the form of a hard disk drive, nonvolatile random
access memory such as a compact flash card, or network-coupled
storage. Further embodiments include additional data storage
technologies, such as compact disc, DVD, or HD-DVD storage in the
wagering game system.
[0023] The bus 202 also couples the processor and components to
various other components, such as a value acceptor 205, which is in
some embodiments a token acceptor, a card reader, or a biometric or
wireless player identification reader. A touchscreen display 206
and speakers 207 serve to provide an interface between the wagering
game system and a wagering game player, as do various other
components such as buttons 208, pullarms, and joysticks. These
components are located in a wagering game machine cabinet such as
that of FIG. 1 in some embodiments, but can be located in multiple
enclosures comprising a wagering game system or outside a wagering
game machine cabinet in other embodiments, or in alternate forms
such as a wireless or mobile device.
[0024] In operation, the wagering game system loads program code
from nonvolatile storage 204 into memory 203, and the processor 201
executes the program code to cause the wagering game system to
perform desired functions such as to present a wagering game upon
which monetary value can be wagered. This and other functions are
provided by various modules in the computerized system such as an
audio module, a game presentation module, or a touchscreen display
module, where such modules comprise in some embodiments hardware,
software, mechanical elements, manual intervention, and various
combinations thereof.
[0025] In one embodiment, software executing on the wagering game
machine presents a user interface that enables the game player to
select from among a variety of wagering games. For example, the
user is in one embodiment presented with a number of differently
themed five reel slot machine games, four reel slot machines, three
reel slot machines, video poker games, and other such games. The
game player selects a game via the user interface, and the selected
game is presented for playing.
[0026] The game is in some embodiments stored in a wagering game
system's nonvolatile memory, such as hard disk 204, while in other
embodiments is retrieved via a network connection. In some such
embodiments, a wagering game establishment will have a certain
number or licenses for a particular game, and the availability of a
game will be regulated via the network. Demand for games is also
monitored via the network in such embodiments, enabling the gaming
establishment to track license usage and purchase additional
licenses as needed.
[0027] The available games are presented to the wagering game
player in some embodiments via a user interface such as the
touchscreen controls shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, games are
presented to the game player using a wide variety of selection or
organization methods. For example, a game player knowing the name
of a specific game can enter the game's name into a search box at
301 and search for games having certain names, containing certain
words, or that have some relation to an entered search term. In
other embodiments, the game player can perform various searches
such as a keyword search from other screens, or from any screen, to
find a new wagering game.
[0028] In some embodiments, the wagering game system will recognize
the game player through a player tracking card, biometric
identification, or through some other method, and is able to
present user-specific information. For example, a recommendation
engine is used at 302 to recommend games similar to those preferred
by a particular wagering game player. The recommendation engine
uses different algorithms and methods in different embodiments,
including recommending games preferred by those who have similar
game preferences as the game player. In a further embodiment, the
recommended games list contains only games meeting this criteria
that the wagering game player has not yet played.
[0029] If the wagering game player is not recognized, the
recommended games feature can still be used to make recommendations
based on games the game player has shown an interest in playing,
such as by selecting a game for more information or to view screen
shots while browsing available games. If no such information is
available, the recommendation is based on other factors such as
current popularity, newness of a game, the number of licenses
remaining, and other such factors.
[0030] Some game players prefer to play the same wagering games
repeatedly, or simply like to revisit old favorites from time to
time, and will make use of a favorites feature as shown at 303. In
this particular example, three favorite game icons are shown at
304, but the games will be represented by name, screen image, or
other methods in other embodiments.
[0031] The most popular games in a particular wagering game
establishment will likely have broad appeal to a wide range of game
players, and so are also shown in this game selection interface
example at 305. The popularity in some embodiments is weighted over
a certain period of time, such as the last week or the last month,
and in some further embodiments is weighted to favor games played
more recently. Popularity can be estimated using metrics such as
amount wagered, number of reel spins or other wagering game events,
time played, or other such metrics in various embodiments.
[0032] Other icons, such as those shown at 306, represent games
promoted for other reasons, such as games that are a part of a
branded channel or group of games, or that are consistent with a
particular theme such as a nearby holiday. Games can be grouped by
theme or thematic element, such as fishing, wild west, adventure,
television-related, or by other thematic element, where the theme
is either searchable or is presented as a button 306 or part of a
navigation menu. Other groupings include brands, such as a Warner
Brothers branded game, a WMS New Release, a WMS Classic, Monopoly
or Parker Brothers, and other such brands. Similar labels can be
assigned to other grouping criteria, such as sorting groupings by
user rating into platinum, gold, silver, and bronze games, or
sorting the games into five, four, three, and two-star games.
[0033] Games selected for promotion or recommendation for any of
the categories can be influenced by a variety of factors, including
game characteristics, demographics, and other such elements. For
example, if a particular player is known to be a senior citizen,
the games that are recommended as favorites, most popular, and that
are recommended as a result of analyzing other players with similar
profiles will return primarily games that have been determined to
appeal to older garners and will include fewer games that appeal
more strongly to young players. Other game player characteristics
including gender, credit limit or wagering rate, expressed
interests, and other such interests are used in some embodiments to
similarly filter or weight the games selected or ordered for
presentation via the game selection tool.
[0034] Games can also be categorized by a variety of criteria to
provide for game recommendations or searchability based on analysis
of these game characteristics. For example, wagering games can be
ranked by speed, complexity, high-tech v. traditional, and other
such factors so that games recommended to a player who has shown a
preference for slow-moving traditional games of low complexity will
be similar in character, while games recommended for a player who
prefers fast-moving high-tech games that are complex will also be
appropriate for that player. Similarly, games that are more
volatile, or that have higher payouts but pay out less often, can
be distinguished from games that are less volatile and have more
regular but smaller payouts to suit player preferences in either
search categorization or recommendations. In one embodiment, these
game characteristics are predetermined, and are stored as meta-tags
or other data structures that can be searched to categorize or
recommend various games.
[0035] Recommendation of a game itself can take many forms,
including finding a recommendation based on a trusted group of
garners, such as a group that shares demographic characteristics or
other interests, or that is known to a particular wagering game
player. Players in some embodiments are asked to rate a game after
play, so that the demographic information along with the player
rating can be used to build a knowledge base of game appeal to
different groups of people. In another example, game players
believing that certain awards or events become "overdue" after
non-occurrence for a period of time can search for games or see
recommendations based on number of plays or time since a certain
prize was awarded.
[0036] The touchscreen interface control of FIG. 3 shows a screen
that enables selection of a game before game play begins, but other
embodiments of the invention will use similar methods to recommend
or promote games at other times. For example, if a game player
plays a particular game, the wagering game system in one such
embodiment will recommend similar games when the game is complete,
such as during cash-out. In another embodiment, similar games are
recommended in a window or overlay on the touchscreen display,
between game events, or on a top-box or other display while the
game player is playing a game.
[0037] Game selection can also take other forms, including random
selection of a game, such as a random selection from a weighted
group of popular new games or playing games in a playlist-style
ordered progression through a list of selected games. In one such
example, a list of games is created ahead of time much like a
playlist for a digital music player, and each game is played for a
certain number of game events or for a certain period of time.
These features can be combined with other game selection criteria,
such as those shown in FIG. 3, to recommend or queue games for
play.
[0038] Game selection in some embodiments is not limited to
selecting a single wagering game, but includes manual or automated
selection of secondary or bonus games, and includes downloading of
similar games anticipating player interest. In one example, a
player searching for "Fishing" finds "Reel 'em In", "Goldfish", and
"Marlin Voyage" fishing-themed games. The player selects one game
as the main game, but elements of the other games are included as
secondary games or bonus games of interest to the game player. In
another embodiment, the player selects one of the games for game
play, but the other two games are also downloaded and stored in the
local wagering game system in anticipation of player interest in
the game.
[0039] More sophisticated examples of game selection and
recommendation implementation include consideration of license
limits, load management, and other infrastructure or business
considerations when recommending games. For example, games that are
often so heavily used that licenses risk being all used at a given
time may be significantly less heavily promoted than other similar
games, or may face other restrictions on play. One such restriction
includes limiting a game under high demand to higher denominations,
such as dollar and higher games, while restricting players from
starting new games at lower denominations such as quarter games
until more licenses become available. In a further embodiment, the
wagering game establishment is notified of such restrictions so
that additional licenses can be purchased, ensuring that each game
player can play their desired game without restriction.
[0040] In another example, the availability of certain games is
restricted for other reasons, such as for premium games available
only to members of a wagering game establishment's player's club,
premium games, previews or exclusive access to new games, or other
such categories of games. The game restrictions may be in the form
of denomination restrictions, such that premium games or new games
are only available in dollar denominations or greater, or such that
only members of a nickel slot player's club may play a hot new game
for a nickel denomination.
[0041] Similarly, players having shown a preference for a certain
type of game, or for a certain event such as a tournament, are
notified of the game or tournament and given an opportunity to
play. In one such example, a player favoring fast-paced games
having a nature theme will be notified that a fast-paced variation
on a fishing game is available but that he has not yet played the
game. In another example, a player who regularly signs up for
monthly slots tournaments will be notified of the tournament and
prompted to register, such as when signing on or when cashing out
after finishing game play.
[0042] When downloading the selected wagering game, the wagering
game system in some embodiments shows other wagering games which
have similar characteristics to the selected game, or which may
otherwise be of interest to the game player. For example, the
hottest new games in the wagering game establishment may be
promoted, games of the same type as the selected game may be shown,
games of similar content or theme as the selected game may be
shown, and results of player searches or browsing through available
games can be displayed.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an example method of
implementing user-selectable games in the context of the wagering
game network of FIG. 5. At 401, a wagering game player initiates
play at a wagering game machine such as 504 of FIG. 5. The player
in this example identifies himself by inserting a player tracking
card into the wagering game machine, at which point the wagering
game machine queries a wagering game establishment server 501 for
player preference and recommendation information, as well as for
license availability information and other information as may be
used to recommend wagering games. The wagering game establishment
server in this example also makes note of the game selection, as
well as any review, length of play, number of game events played,
and other such information to determine player satisfaction,
profitability, and other characteristics of the selected game.
[0044] If the selected game is not resident in the wagering game
machine 504, it is downloaded from the server 501 or is presented
on the wagering game machine 504 via the network connection. The
wagering game machine in some embodiments does not run the game
code itself, but simply presents a wagering game conducted
elsewhere, such as in wagering game establishment server 501. In a
further embodiment, game code can further be downloaded from a
wagering game manufacturer server 503, or additional licenses for a
game already resident in the wagering game establishment server 501
or wagering game machines 504 can be obtained through a connection
to the wagering game manufacturer's server 503.
[0045] In one such embodiment, a wagering game license is obtained
if needed at 405, ensuring that the game player has access to
whatever wagering game is desired. In an alternate embodiment, the
wagering game machine indicates that a desired game is unavailable,
and optionally notifies the game player when the desired game
becomes available. For example, the player may play another game,
which is interrupted with a notice that the preferred game has
become available. In another example, the wagering game system
notifies the player via text message, cell phone call, or other
means that the game has become available for play, and the game is
reserved for a period of time for the waiting game player.
[0046] Once the game is downloaded, the player is able to play the
wagering game. In an alternate embodiment of game downloading,
actual game operation takes place on the server 501 and the game
results and other game-related information are conveyed to the
wagering game machine 504 and displayed on the wagering game
machine display. Play of certain games, such as new, premium, or
high-demand games is restricted in some examples to a certain
period of time, such as a few hours, to ensure availability of a
game for other players.
[0047] In another embodiment, the wagering game facility manager
uses a wagering game selection tool such as that shown in FIG. 3 to
select games for downloading and distribution within the wagering
game facility. In one such example, the wagering game facility
manager uses wagering game facility server 501 or 502 to run a game
selection tool, including features that let the wagering game
facility manager search for games having certain characteristics,
and including features that recommend games based on
characteristics such as performance of similar games in the
particular wagering game establishment or performance of particular
games in other wagering game establishments.
[0048] Once the facility manager has chosen one or more games, a
license is purchased if necessary and the games are downloaded from
the wagering game manufacturer's server 503 to the wagering game
facility server. There, the games are made available for play, such
as by a wagering game player's use of a game selection tool like
that of FIG. 3, or through the wagering game facility manager
selectively downloading games to various wagering game machines
within the facility. The wagering game manufacturer in various
embodiments the manufacturer of the physical game presentation
equipment, the wagering game server, the content developer, or
another producer of wagering game products.
[0049] The example embodiments of the invention described here
illustrate a variety of ways in which a game player can be provided
an opportunity to select from among a variety of available wagering
games to play on a wagering game machine. Various embodiments
include use of a server to provide downloadable or remotely hosted
gaming, and include a variety of game recommendation and cataloging
methods. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement that achieve the same purpose,
structure, or function may be substituted for the specific
embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the example embodiments of the
invention described herein. It is intended that this invention be
limited only by the claims, and the full scope of equivalents
thereof.
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