Patent ID: 9412218
Filing Date: 2016-08-09
CPC Classification: G07F

Claim Text:
1. A computer implemented method implemented by a server that enables connection of gaming devices over a network, comprising: establishing a plurality of groups by the server that manages a group session database, the group session database includes group identifiers for each group including players involved in multiplayer play at gaming devices over the network; outputting, by the server, on a website an indication of each group of the plurality of groups, along with a description of a game the group is involved with; providing, by the server, on the website an interface through which players may browse the plurality of groups, wherein any player may browse the plurality of groups without having received any invitation to join any group of the plurality of groups and without any player being required to be a friend of players in any one of the plurality of groups, wherein being a friend includes having a preexisting relationship; and allowing, by the server, a subsequent player to join one of the plurality of groups, wherein joining one of the plurality of groups includes establishing a link between players in that players that joined a group have agreed to split a prize if the group's winnings exceed an amount; processing the game by the server, the processing includes enabling players that joined the group to play via the gaming devices that include a first gaming device and a second gaming device, wherein providing the interface further includes listing a number of members needed within one or more of the plurality of groups in order to play the game.