Patent Publication Number: US-2019197820-A1

Title: Virtual slot bank for multiple players

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate to virtual reality systems and methods, and in particular to virtual reality systems and methods for use in connection with gaming. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic and electro-mechanical gaming machines (EGMs) are systems that allow users to place a wager on the outcome of a random event, such as the spinning of mechanical or virtual reels or wheels, the playing of virtual cards, the rolling of mechanical or virtual dice, the random placement of tiles on a screen, etc. Advances in technology have significantly changed the characteristics of products offered by the gambling industry and associated effects on user experiences. Virtual reality gaming involves using an innovative 3-D computer-based format with high resolution graphics the totally immerses the player into an interactive gaming environment. Virtual reality technologies may enable innovative and highly immersive player experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     A computer implemented method according to some embodiments includes providing a real-time environmental model of a shared virtual environment (SVE) that includes multiple virtual electronic wagering game machines (vEGMs). Operations include transmitting VR data corresponding to the SVE to a virtual reality (VR) device that is associated with a player. The VR data may include user display data that causes a display in the VR device to render a portion of the SVE based on an orientation of the VR device and a location of the VR device in the SVE. Operations may include receiving, from the VR device, tracking information that is generated by multiple sensors that are configured to provide information corresponding to the player and responsive to receiving the tracking information, transmitting updated VR data that causes the display to display a virtual interaction with one of the vEGMS in the SVE. 
     In some embodiments, multiple players play respective ones of the vEGMs via the tracking information. The players are represented in the SVE by avatars and the VR device includes a microphone and a speaker that provide 2 way audio communication between the players while playing the vEGMs in the SVE. 
     Some embodiments provide that the tracking information includes data corresponding to a direction that a corresponding one of the players is facing within the SVE and that the VR data causes the display to display a visual image of one or more of the avatars in the SVE based on the tracking information. 
     In some embodiments, in response to one of the players triggering a bonus round in one of the vEGMS in the SVE, other ones of the players are caused to be in the bonus round with the one that triggered the bonus round. In some embodiments, which other ones of the players are included in the bonus round is determined based on at least one of an amount of wagering during a given time period before the bonus is triggered, a random selection, and a player tracking score corresponding to wagering activity of the respective one of the players. 
     In some embodiments, the SVE includes a bonus SVE that is provided to each of the players in the bonus round via the VR device. Some embodiments provide that the bonus SVE corresponds to a theme of the vEGM that the player triggering a bonus game was playing when the bonus round was triggered. In some embodiments, the bonus SVE includes a maze that each of the players in the bonus SVE can cause their avatars to navigate using an input device that is associated with the VR device. Some embodiments provide that the bonus SVE includes a bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze, that visual and audio communication is provided between each of the players in the bonus SVE to collaborate with one another to locate the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze. 
     In some embodiments, responsive to any of the players in the bonus SVE locating the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze, each of the players in the bonus SVE are awarded games to play on the vEGM for a given time. Some embodiments provide that locating the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze includes the avatar performing at least one of opening a door in the maze, ducking below an overhanging object in the maze, jumping onto an elevated surface in the maze, climbing a vertical structure in the maze, breaking through a wall in the maze, and falling into a hole structure in the maze. 
     In some embodiments, the maze is generated responsive to the bonus round being triggered. Some embodiments provide that the difficulty of the maze is based on at least one of a payout potential of the bonus vEGM and the number of players in the bonus round. 
     Some embodiments provide that the bonus vEGM includes multiple vEGMS that are hidden at different locations in the maze and that the quantity of the vEGMS that are hidden in the maze is based on the number of players in the bonus round. 
     Some embodiments include generating, within the SVE, audible and/or visual cues to ones of the players in the bonus round based on the location of the player&#39;s avatar in the maze relative to the location of the bonus vEGM in the maze. Some embodiments include generating virtual objects that are in the maze and that the players may interact with via the respective avatars. Some embodiments provide that the virtual objects may include at least one of avatar attire, a tool, a weapon, a vehicle, a time extension award, and a maze modifier. 
     In some embodiments, the different players are each located at different geographical locations from one another and the different geographical locations include different premises types. For example, a first player may be in a first geographical location that includes a first premises type that is one of a residence, a casino, a restaurant, and an office building, and a second player is in a second geographical location that includes a second premises type that is one of a residence, a casino, a restaurant, and an office building that is different from the first premises type. 
     Some embodiments provide that one of the players is interacting with one of the vEGMS in the SVE via a communication channel between the VR device of the player and a computing device of a casino. In some embodiments, different ones of the avatars include different attributes and/or skills that may be performed in the SVE. 
     Some embodiments disclosed herein include a system for providing a multi-player wagering game. The system includes a memory, a communication interface that is communicatively coupled to a virtual reality (VR) device, and a processor that is coupled to the memory and the communication interface. The processor is configured to provide an environmental model of a shared virtual environment (SVE) that includes virtual electronic wagering game machines (vEGMs), transmit VR data corresponding to the SVE to the VR device that is associated with a player, the VR data including user display data causes a display in the VR device to render a portion of the SVE based on an orientation of the VR device and a location of the VR device in the SVE, receive, from the VR device, tracking information that is generated by sensors that are configured to provide information corresponding to the player, and responsive to receiving the tracking information, transmit updated VR data that causes the display to display a virtual interaction with one of the vEGMS in the SVE. 
     Some embodiments disclosed herein include a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes instructions configured to cause a processing device to execute methods of providing a multi-player wagering game according to operations disclosed herein. 
     It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures are included to provide a further understanding of the present inventive concept, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate some embodiments of the present inventive concept and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present inventive concept. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a network configuration for a plurality of gaming devices according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram that illustrates various components of an VR device  200  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of multiple players in a shared virtual environment (SVE) according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a bonus SVE that is generated as a maze according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a player in a three-dimensional maze according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating operations of systems/methods according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7 , which is a block diagram that illustrates various components of an VR controller  70  according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram illustrating message flows according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the inventive concepts provide systems and methods for providing a real-time environmental model of a shared virtual environment (SVE) that includes multiple virtual electronic waging game machines (vEGMs). The SVE may include audio, visual, and tactile content that multiple players can experience together via virtual reality devices. For example, the vEGMS may be arranged in the SVE as a bank of vEGMs that different players can interact with via their respective VR devices. Additionally, the players can interact with one another in the SVE via the VR devices. Although players are adjacent one another in the SVE, players may be accessing the SVE using their respective VR devices from locations that are adjacent one another and/or in different geographical locations. For example, one player may be in a casino, another player may be at a different place in a casino and yet another player may be in a location that is different than the casino, for example, at home or in a non-casino location. 
     In addition to interacting with one another in the SVE while playing the vEGMs, when a player achieves a bonus round, the player may be transported into a bonus SVE that includes different visual, audible and/or tactile content. In some embodiments, the bonus SVE may include a two- or three-dimensional maze that the player may move through with the goal of finding a bonus vEGM that can be played for a chance at winning bonus rewards. Some embodiments provide in addition to the player that triggers the bonus round, some or all of the other players in the SVE may be transported into the bonus SVE. The players may work together in a cooperative manner to find the bonus vEGM. Once the bonus vEGM is found, all to the players in the bonus SVE may play the bonus vEGM. 
     When interacting with the SVE, players may be visually represented to other players by an avatar or other graphical object that represents the player. As used herein, when a player is referred to as performing some task and/or operation in the SVE, it will be understood that the player is providing an input that causes the player&#39;s corresponding avatar to perform the task and/or operation in the SVE. These and other embodiments are discussed in detail below. 
     Virtual Reality EGM Systems and Viewers 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a gaming system  10  is illustrated. The gaming system  10  may be located, for example, on the premises of a gaming establishment, such as a casino. System components may be in communication with each other and/or at least one central controller  40  through a data network or remote communication link  50 . The data communication network  50  may be a private data communication network that is operated, for example, by the gaming facility. Communications over the data communication network  50  may be encrypted for security. The central controller  40  may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device. The processor of the central controller  40  is configured to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central controller  40  and any of the other system components. In some embodiments, one or more of the functions of one or more other system components as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller  40 . 
     A wireless access point  160  provides wireless access to the data communication network  50 . The wireless access point  160  may be connected to the data communication network  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or may be connected directly to the central controller  40  or another server connected to the data communication network  50 . 
     A player tracking server  45  may also be connected through the data communication network  50 . The player tracking server  45  may manage a player tracking account that tracks the player&#39;s gameplay and spending and/or other player preferences and customizations, manages loyalty awards for the player, manages funds deposited or advanced on behalf of the player, and other functions. Player information managed by the player tracking server  45  may be stored in a player information database  47 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a virtual reality (VR) device  200  is provided. The VR device  200  communicates with one or more elements of the system  10  to render two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) content that corresponds to a shared virtual environment (SVE) to one or more players. That is, the VR device  200  provides virtual images corresponding to the SVE to the players. In some embodiments, the VR device  200  may be further configured to enable the player to interact with virtual objects displayed to the player by the VR device  200 . 
     The VR device  200  communicates with one or more elements of the system  10  to coordinate the rendering of virtual reality images, sounds, and/or tactile outputs that correspond to the SVE to the player. For example, in some embodiments, the VR device  200  may communicate directly with the network  50  (and the devices connected thereto) over a wireless interface  202 , which may be a WiFi link, a Bluetooth link, an NFC link, etc. In some embodiments, the VR device  200  may communicate directly with the network  50  (and the devices connected thereto) over a wired interface  206 . In other embodiments, the VR device  200  may communicate with the data communication network  50  (and devices connected thereto) over a wireless interface  204  with the wireless access point  160 . The wireless interface  204  may include a WiFi link, a Bluetooth link, an NFC link, etc. In still further embodiments, multiple VR devices  200  may communicate simultaneously with the network  50  (and devices connected thereto) over the wireless interface  202 , the wireless access point  160  over the wireless interface  204  and/or the wired interface  206 . In these embodiments, the wireless interface  202 , the wireless interface  204  and the wired interface  206  may use different communication protocols and/or different communication resources, such as different frequencies, time slots, spreading codes, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless interface  202  may be a Bluetooth link, while the wireless interface  204  may be a WiFi link. 
     The interfaces  202 ,  204 ,  206  allow the VR device  200  to coordinate the generation and/or rendering of virtual reality images, sounds, and/or tactile outputs to multiple different players via corresponding VR devices  200 . 
     In some embodiments, the gaming system  10  includes a virtual reality controller, or VR controller  70 . The VR controller  70  may be a computing system that communicates through the data communication network  50  with the VR devices  200  to coordinate the generation and rendering of virtual reality images, sounds and/or tactile outputs to one or more players using the VR devices  200 . The VR controller  70  may be implemented within or separately from the central controller  40 . 
     In some embodiments, the VR controller  70  may coordinate the generation and display of the virtual images of the same virtual object to more than one player by more than one VR device  200 . As described in more detail below, this may enable multiple players to interact with the same virtual object and with each other together in real time in the SVE. This feature can be used to provide a shared multiplayer experience to multiple players at the same time. 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, the VR controller  70  may coordinate the generation and display of the same virtual object, sound and/or tactile output to players that are at different physical locations, as will be described in more detail below. 
     The VR controller  70  may generate and/or store a three dimensional wireframe map of a gaming area, such as a casino floor, that includes multiple vEGMS and may provide the three dimensional wireframe map to the VR devices  200 . The wireframe map may store various information about the vEGMs in the SVE, such as the identity, type and relative location of the vEGMs. The three-dimensional wireframe map may enable an VR device  200  to more quickly and accurately determine its position and/or orientation within the SVE, and may enable the VR device  200  to assist the player in navigating the SVE while using the VR device  200 . The generation of three-dimensional wireframe maps is described in more detail below. 
     In some embodiments, at least some processing of virtual images, objects, sounds and/or tactile outputs that are rendered by the VR devices  200  may be performed by the VR controller  70 , thereby offloading at least some processing requirements from the VR devices  200 . 
     A back bet server  60  may be provided to manage back bets placed using a VR device  200  as described in more detail below. A VR device  200  may communicate with the back bet server  60  through the wireless interface  204  and network  50 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which is a block diagram that illustrates various components of an VR device  200  according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the VR device  200  may include a processor  272  that controls operations of the VR device  200 . Although illustrated as a single processor, multiple special purpose and/or general purpose processors and/or processor cores may be provided in the VR device  200 . For example, the VR device  200  may include one or more of a video processor, a signal processor, a sound processor and/or a communication controller that performs one or more control functions within the VR device  200 . The processor  272  may be variously referred to as a “controller,” “microcontroller,” “microprocessor” or simply a “computer.” The processor  272  may further include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). 
     Various components of the VR device  200  are illustrated in  FIG. 12  as being connected to the processor  272 . It will be appreciated that the components may be connected to the processor  272  and/or each other through one or more busses  294  including a system bus, a communication bus and controller, such as a USB controller and USB bus, a network interface, or any other suitable type of connection. 
     The VR device  200  further includes a memory device  274  that stores one or more functional modules  276  for performing the operations described above. 
     The memory device  274  may store program code and instructions, executable by the processor  272 , to control the VR device  200 . The memory device s 74  may include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (ARAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In some embodiments, the memory device  274  may include read only memory (ROM). In some embodiments, the memory device  274  may include flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein. 
     The VR device  200  may include a communication adapter  278  that enables the VR device  200  to communicate with remote devices, such as the wireless network  50 , another VR device  200 , and/or a wireless access point  160  ( FIG. 1 ) over a wired and/or wireless communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cellular communication network, or other data communication network. 
     The VR device  200  may include one or more internal or external communication ports that enable the processor  272  to communicate with and to operate with internal or external peripheral devices, such as displays  284 , speakers  286 , cameras  288 , sensors, such as motion sensors  290 , input devices  292 , such as keyboards, pointer devices, and/or keypads, mass storage devices, microphones  296 , haptic feedback devices  282  and wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, internal or external peripheral devices may communicate with the processor through a universal serial bus (USB) hub (not shown) connected to the processor  272 . Although illustrated as being integrated with the VR device  200 , any of the components therein may be external to the VR device  200  and may be communicatively coupled thereto. Although not illustrated, the VR device  200  may further include a rechargeable and/or replaceable power device and/or power connection to a main power supply, such as a building power supply. 
     In some embodiments, the VR device  200  may include a head mounted device (HMD) and may include optional wearable add-ons that include one or more sensors and/or actuators, including ones of those discussed herein. In some embodiments, the VR device  200  may be a head-mounted augmented-reality (AR) (also referred to as mixed-reality) device configured to provide elements of the SVE as part of a real-world scene being viewed by the player wearing the VR device  200 . An AR display may provide sensory indication that the player perceives as being associated with a location in a real-world scene in a field of view of the player. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3 , which is a schematic diagram illustrating a view of multiple players in a shared virtual environment (SVE) according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the SVE  320  is a virtual environment that is provided to the players  300  via the VR devices  200 . Within the SVE  320 , the players  300  may be represented by avatars or other virtual objects. The players  300  may communicate with other players  300  in the SVE  320  in real-time. For example, a first player  300 A may talk to a second player  300 B during the shared experience in the SVE  320 . Some embodiments provide the player  300  may see each other in the SVE  320  by virtue of their respective avatars. 
     The SVE  320  may include a plurality of virtual electronic wagering game machines (vEGMs)  100  that may be played by the players  300  in the SVE  320 . The VR devices  200  may include inputs for the players  300  to interact with and play the vEGMS  100 . A player  300  may hear and see another player  300  playing a vEGM  100  in the SVE  320 . While the players  300  are playing together virtually in the SVE  320 , in reality, each of the players  300  may be in completely different geographical locations. For example, among players  300  that are playing vEGMS  100  together in the SVE  320 , one player  300 A may be in a casino while another player  300 B may be at his or her home that may be at a different address from the casino and/or in a different city, state, country and/or continent. 
     Some embodiments provide that when one of the players  300  triggers a bonus round on the eVGM  100  that the player  300  is playing in the SVE  320 , the VR controller  70  may transport the player  300  into a bonus SVE that is different than the SVE  320 . For example, reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , which is a top view of a bonus SVE that is generated as a maze  420 . The maze  420  may be a three-dimensional maze that the player (via their avatar) may explore. For example, the maze may be a three-dimensional maze  420  that the player may navigate from a first person perspective by providing user inputs via the VR device  200 . 
     Examples of user inputs for the VR device  200  that may be used for moving within the maze include buttons, a directional indicator such as a joystick or the like, body and/or motion and/or position detectors, including control inputs that may be integrated into gloves or other devices that may worn by the player  300 . A player  300  may use a controller and/or buttons on gloves to move forward in the direction they are facing, which may be determined based on other control inputs to control which direction the player  300  is facing. In some embodiments, a player  300  may traverse the maze  420  by physically stepping while wearing their virtual reality gear and by turning their body left or right to change directions. 
     In some embodiments, the maze  420  may include a bonus virtual electronic wagering game machine (vEGM)  400  that may be in an undisclosed location relative to the players  300 . For example, the bonus vEGM  400  may be hidden in the maze  420 . In some embodiments, the vEGM  400  may look like a real physical slot machine and may include slot machine titles that are physically produced in the real (non-virtual) world. Some embodiments provide that one or more of the players  300  know which machine will be the bonus vEGM  400  in the bonus SVE. In some embodiments, the bonus vEGM  400  is unknown to any of the player  300  and/or is not based on any real-world game titles. 
     Some embodiments provide that the maze  420  includes a number of rooms, hallways, courtyards, doors, stairs, and other such features. The theme of the maze  420  may be tied to any theme including a theme unique to a particular EGM, unique to a casino operator, and/or unique to a licensed property, such as an entertainment industry franchise. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the players  300 A-C may begin in the same general area or room of the maze  420  when the bonus round begins. In this regard, the players  300 A-C may work together to navigate the maze  420  in a cooperative effort to locate the hidden bonus vEGM  400 . Some embodiments provide that the players  300 A-C may start in different location in the maze  420  relative to one another. In such embodiments, the players  300  may communicate with one another to try to determine their locations relative to other players  300  by describing landmarks in the maze  420  or other features. In some embodiments, the maze  420  is a dynamic maze that includes one or more doors, windows, trapdoors, floors and/or walls that may move and/or be moved by the players  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the players  300  may receive clues regarding their locations relative to the hidden bonus vEGM  400 . For example, the VR device  200  may produce sounds that correspond to the bonus vEGM  400  and that indicate a particular direction relative to a player  300 . Some embodiments provide that such clues may be visual clues such as a glowing area corresponding to the direction of the bonus vEGM  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the bonus vEGM  400  is hidden in the maze  420  at the same place every time and is the same machine. In some other embodiments, the system randomly chooses a machine type and/or machine location within the maze  420 . 
     In some embodiments, the maze  420  may include virtual objects  430  that the players collect and/or interact with. For example, virtual objects  430  may include avatar attire that may be an upgrade relative to the initial attire of an avatar. The upgrade may be a visual improvement and/or a functional improvement that provides the avatar with increased and/or additional capabilities, such as speed, jumping, climbing, flying, etc. In some embodiments, the virtual object  430  may be a new avatar that the player steps into when the player interacts with the virtual object in the maze  420 . 
     Some embodiments provide that the virtual object  430  include an object that the avatar may pick up and use to improve and/or increase functionality in the maze  420 . For example, the object may include a tool, a weapon, a vehicle, a time extension award, credit/monetary award and/or a maze modifier, such as a way to move and/or remove barriers or walls. For example, players  300  may find small cash prizes that they may win individually and/or to be shared with the other players in a pool. 
     Players  300  may be assigned similar and/or different avatars in the maze  420 . In some embodiments, the avatars may have different shapes and/or sizes and may have different unique special abilities and/or limitations. For example, a dwarf avatar may let the player  300  scurry through small openings, a giant avatar may have the ability to break down locked doors, a dragon avatar may have the ability to fly up to far away ledges. In some embodiments, a player  300  may choose their avatar and the avatar may have no effect on game play. 
     Certain challenges in the maze  420  may only be accomplished if multiple players  300  participate. For example, a particular door might have multiple levers which require multiple players to open. 
     Some embodiments provide that once a player  300  touches the bonus vEGM  400  in the maze  420 , each of the players may have a predetermined amount of time to play the bonus vEGM  400 . Playing the bonus vEGM  400  may be quite lucrative, so the more quickly the players can find the hidden bonus vEGM  400 , the more time they may have to try to win. Some embodiments provide that the amount of time the players  300  have to find the bonus vEGM  400  may be determined by how the bonus was triggered, by the number of players  300  in the maze  420 , by the richness or level of awards of the hidden slot machine, and/or by any other suitable method. In some embodiments, the player  300  who first touches the hidden bonus vEGM  400  may receive an extra award such as more spins or plays, a multiplier (e.g.  2 X), more player tracking points and/or any other suitable reward. In some embodiments, all cash prizes collected by all the players  300  are shared by all of the players  300 . 
     In some embodiments, a player  300  may be given the opportunity to customize their maze  420 . For example, the choice may be based on a desired level of volatility in which a player may choose between less time to or a larger maze find a more lucrative bonus vEGM  400  or more time or a smaller maze to find less lucrative bonus vEGM  400 . Additionally, the choice may be a thematic choice such as a choice among Medieval, Mayan, Egyptian, Outer Space, Zombie Warehouse, etc. Some embodiments provide that new types of challenges may be provided to the players  300  so that the maze challenge can stay interesting. 
     In some embodiments, the bonus SVE may include a leaderboard that shows the fastest time that previous teams have found the bonus vEGM  400 . Some embodiments provide that the fastest times may be eligible for and extra reward. After the bonus round, the leaderboard may show all players where the bonus vEGM  400  was located in the maze  420  and what path they could have taken to find it. Players  300  may still win a consolation prize. In some embodiments, if a bonus vEGM  400  is not found in one bonus round, the next bonus round may include an extra bonus vEGM  400  to be found. 
     In some embodiments, a group bonus round may provide that ones of the players  300  may chase another player  300  if that player is chosen and achieves a certain bonus and/or award level or threshold. Some embodiments provide that some players  300  tagging a target player may claim/share a part of the level achieved by the target player. In this manner, distribution of levels achieved by the target player may provide increased levels for some or all of the other players  300 . 
     Brief reference is made to  FIG. 5 , which is a schematic view of a player  300  in a maze  420  according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the maze  420  includes the bonus vEGM  400  at the end of one of the illustrated corridor of the maze  420 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6 , which is a flowchart illustrating operations of systems/methods according to some embodiments. Operations may include providing a real-time environmental model of a shared virtual environment (SVE) (block  602 ). Some embodiments provide that the SVE includes multiple virtual electronic wagering game machines (vEGMs). For example, vEGMS may include virtual expressions corresponding to electronic wagering game machines (EGMs) that physically exist and may be playable in one or more casinos. In some embodiments, the vEGMs may be wholly fictitious in that there are no real-world versions of the particular vEGM. The vEGMs may be arranged in a group of machines that may be played by different players at the same time in the SVE. Detailed feature of vEGMs according to some embodiments are described below. 
     Operations may include transmitting VR data corresponding to the SVE to a virtual reality (VR) device that is associated with a player (block  604 ). Some embodiments provide that the VR data includes user display data that causes a display in the VR device to render a portion of the SVE based on an orientation of the VR device and a location of the VR device in the SVE. For example, some embodiments provide that multiple players can play different multiple instances of vEGMS in the SVE at the same time. In some embodiments, the players are represented in the SVE by respective avatars. Some embodiments provide that the players may interact with one another via the VR devices. For example, VR devices may include a microphone and a speaker that provide 2-way audio communication between different players while playing the vEGMs in the SVE. 
     Operations may include receiving, from the VR device, tracking information that is generated by a plurality of sensors that are configured to provide information corresponding to the player (block  606 ). Some embodiments provide that the tracking information includes data corresponding to a direction that a player is facing within the SVE. Operations may include causing a virtual interaction between the player and a vEGM based on the tracking information (block  607 ). 
     Operations include, responsive to receiving the tracking information, transmitting updated VR data that causes the display to display a virtual interaction with one of the vEGMS in the SVE (block  608 ). In some embodiments, the VR data may be transmitted to the VR device (block  610 ). The VR data may cause the display to display a visual image of one or more of the avatars in the SVE based on the tracking information. 
     Some embodiments provide that, responsive to one of the players triggering a bonus round in their vEGMS in the SVE, causing other of the players to be in the bonus round with the player that triggered the bonus round (block  612 ). In some embodiments, determining which other players are included in the bonus round is determined based on at least one of an amount of wagering during a given time period before the bonus is triggered, a random selection, and a player tracking score corresponding to wagering activity of the respective one of the plurality of players. 
     Some embodiments provide that the SVE includes a bonus SVE that is provided to the players in the bonus round via the VR device. In some embodiments, the bonus SVE corresponds to a theme of the vEGM that the one of the players triggering a bonus game was playing when the bonus round was triggered. 
     In some embodiments, the bonus SVE includes a maze that each of the players in the bonus SVE can cause their respective avatars to navigate using an input device that is associated with the VR device.  19 . In some embodiments, different avatars may include different attributes and/or skills that may be performed in the SVE. 
     Some embodiments provide that maze may be generated (block  614 ), while other embodiments provide that the maze pattern is selected from among a list of stored maze patterns. 
     In some embodiments, the bonus SVE includes a bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze. Some embodiments provide that visual and audio communication is provided between each of the of players in the bonus SVE to collaborate with one another to locate the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze. In response to any player in the bonus SVE locating the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze, each of the players in the bonus SVE may be awarded games to play on the vEGM for a given time. In this regard, the more quickly the players can find the hidden vEGM, the more time they may have to win additional awards in the bonus round. 
     Some embodiments provide that locating the bonus vEGM that is hidden in the maze requires an avatar to perform at least one of opening a door in the maze, ducking below an overhanging object in the maze, jumping onto an elevated surface in the maze, climbing a vertical structure in the maze, breaking through a wall in the maze, and falling into a hole structure in the maze. In some embodiments, the VR device may provide a haptic feedback to the player responsive to certain actions and/or environmental conditions and/or events. Some embodiments provide that the difficulty of the maze may be based on at least one of a payout potential of the bonus vEGM and the number of players in the bonus round. For example, a maze with a relatively large number of players may be made more difficult than one with fewer players. 
     In some embodiments, the difficulty may be varied by providing more than one bonus vEGMs that are hidden at different locations in the maze. For example, the quantity of vEGMS hidden in the maze may be negatively correlated with the number of player in the bonus round. In some embodiments, audible and/or visual cues may be generated for one or more players based on the location of the player avatars relative to the bonus vEGM in the maze. For example, a glowing light may emanate from the direction of the vEGM or sounds may be generated to come from the direction of the vEGM in the maze. 
     In some embodiments, the maze may be populated with virtual objects including clues, tools, avatar attire, weapons, vehicles, time extension awards, cash awards and/or a maze modifier, among others. Some embodiments provide that the virtual objects may be used to assist the players in finding the hidden bonus vEGM. For example, special attire such as a flying suit, fast shoes, or increased strength may be available. Weapons may be used to eliminate or subdue active threats in the maze, such as worms that make the floor slick or snakes that block an entrance or passageway. In some embodiments, tools such as hammers, keys, drills, etc. may be used to unlock or overcome obstacles or barriers in the maze. Vehicles may provide increased speed in traversing the maze and/or may allow the player to overcome obstacle such as water (e.g., boats or submarines) or canyons or walls (e.g., aircraft). Tools may include dynamite for blasting down doors or removable walls. 
     Some embodiments provide the players are each located at different geographical locations from one another. While players may be in a casino while playing in the SVE, players are not so limited. For example, players may play from home or any other type of premises than a casino. Additionally, a group of players playing in the SVE may be located in different locations and/or types thereof. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 , which is a block diagram that illustrates various components of an VR controller  70  according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the VR controller  70  may include a processor  772  that controls operations of the VR controller  70 . Although illustrated as a single processor, multiple special purpose and/or general purpose processors and/or processor cores may be provided in the VR controller  70 . For example, the system may include one or more of a video processor, a signal processor, a sound processor and/or a communication controller that performs one or more control functions. The processor  772  may be variously referred to as a “controller,” “microcontroller,” “microprocessor” or simply a “computer.” The processor may further include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). 
     Various components of the VR controller  70  are illustrated in  FIG. 7  as being connected to the processor  772 . It will be appreciated that the components may be connected to the processor  772  through a system bus, a communication bus and controller, such as a USB controller and USB bus, a network interface, or any other suitable type of connection. 
     The VR controller  70  further includes a memory device  774  that stores one or more functional modules  776  for performing the operations described above. 
     The memory device  774  may store program code and instructions, executable by the processor  772 , to control the VR controller  70 . The memory device  774  may include random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (ARAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In some embodiments, the memory device  774  may include read only memory (ROM). In some embodiments, the memory device  774  may include flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein. 
     The VR controller  70  may include a communication adapter  778  that enables the VR controller  70  to communicate with remote devices, such as VR devices and/or a player tracking server  45  ( FIG. 1 ) over a wired and/or wireless communication network, such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), cellular communication network, or other data communication network. 
     Reference is made to  FIG. 8 , which is a flow diagram illustrating message flows according to some embodiments. As illustrated, first and second VR devices  200 A,  200 B are in communication with a VR controller  70 . The first VR device  200 A may initiate a shared virtual environment (SVE) session via the VR controller  70  (arrow  802 ). Some embodiments provide that the VR device  200 B corresponding to another player may join the SVE session (arrow  804 ). The SVE session may provide access to a bank of virtual electronic wagering game machines (vEGMs) that each of the players corresponding to VR devices  200 A,  200 B may select and play within the SVE session (arrows  806 ,  808 ). During the SVE session, the player corresponding to VR device  200 A may communicate with another player (i.e., player associated with VR device  200 B) (arrow  810 ). Similarly, the player corresponding to the VR device  200 B may communicate with another player (i.e., player associated with VR device  200 A) (arrow  812 ). Although illustrated and discussed as including two players in the SVE session, the disclosure herein contemplates a number of players other than two. 
     Any of the players may, during the course of playing the vEGM, may trigger a bonus round. For example, the player corresponding to VR device  200 B may trigger a bonus round (arrow  814 ). In response to the bonus round being triggered, the VR controller  70  may provide a maze to each of the players in the SVE session (block  816 ). The maze may include one or more hidden vEGMs that the players may look for cooperatively. In some embodiments once one of the players finds the hidden vEGM, all of the players in the SVE session may play the vEGM  820  for a given time. Some embodiments provide that the player who finds the hidden bonus vEGM may be rewarded with an extra reward such as a progressive, extra time to play the bonus vEGM, and/or a wild reel and/or symbol, among others. 
     A Virtual EGM (vEGM) 
     An examples of virtual electronic gaming machine (vEGM) may come in many different shapes, sizes, layouts, form factors, and configurations, and with varying numbers and types of virtual input and output devices, and that embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited to the particular vEGM features described herein. 
     The vEGMs and/or the bonus vEGM&#39;s may include virtual versions of any one of slot machines, card table, video poker, roulette, craps, and/or a cash grabber type game. 
     Like EGMs, vEGMs may include a number of standard virtual features such as a virtual support structure, housing or cabinet which provides virtual support for virtual displays, inputs, outputs, controls and other features that enable a player to interact with the vEGM. 
     For example, a vEGM may include virtual display devices, including a primary virtual display device located in a central portion of the virtual cabinet and a secondary virtual display device located in an upper portion of the virtual cabinet. The primary and secondary virtual display devices may be combined into a single virtual display device. The vEGM may further include a virtual credit display and a virtual bet display. The virtual credit display displays a player&#39;s current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. The virtual bet display displays a player&#39;s amount wagered. 
     The vEGM may further include a number of virtual input devices that allow a player to provide various inputs to the vEGM, either before, during or after a game has been played. For example, the vEGM may include a plurality of virtual input buttons that allow the player to select options before, during or after game play. The vEGM may further include a virtual game play initiation button and a virtual cashout button. The virtual cashout button is utilized to receive a payment corresponding to a quantity of remaining credits of a virtual credit display. 
     In some embodiments, one or more virtual input devices of the vEGM are one or more virtual game play activation devices that are each used to initiate a play of a game on the vEGM or a sequence of events associated with the vEGM following appropriate funding of the vEGM. A vEGM may include a virtual game play initiation button. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the vEGM begins game play automatically upon appropriate funding rather than upon utilization of the virtual game play activation device. 
     In some embodiments, one or more virtual input devices of the vEGM are one or more virtual wagering or betting devices. One such virtual wagering or betting device is as a maximum wagering or betting device that, when utilized, causes a maximum wager to be placed. Another such virtual wagering or betting device is a repeat the bet device that, when utilized, causes the previously-placed wager to be placed. A further such virtual wagering or betting device is a virtual bet one device. A bet is placed upon utilization of the virtual bet one device. The bet is increased by one credit each time the bet one device is utilized. Upon the utilization of the virtual bet one device, a quantity of credits shown in a virtual credit display (as described below) decreases by one, and a number of credits shown in a virtual bet display (as described below) increases by one. In some embodiments, one or more of the virtual display screens may include a virtual touch-sensitive display. 
     The virtual display devices are generally configured to display one or more game and/or non-game images, symbols, and indicia. In certain embodiments, the virtual display devices of the vEGM are configured to display any suitable visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects; dynamic lighting; video images; images of people, characters, places, things, and faces of cards; and the like. In certain embodiments, the virtual display devices of the vEGM are configured to display one or more virtual reels, one or more virtual wheels, and/or one or more virtual dice. 
     The vEGM also includes various virtual features that enable a player to deposit credits in the vEGM and withdraw credits from the vEGM, such as in the form of a payout of winnings, credits, etc. For example, the vEGM may include virtual representations of a ticket dispenser, a bill/ticket acceptor, and a coin acceptor. The vEGM may also include a virtual note dispenser configured to dispense paper currency and/or a virtual coin generator configured to dispense coins or tokens in a virtual coin payout tray. 
     The vEGM may play audio and display attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the virtual display devices audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract other players in the SVE to the vEGM and/or to engage the player during gameplay. In certain embodiments, the vEGM may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages during idle periods to attract potential players in the SVE to the vEGM. The videos may be customized to provide any appropriate information. 
     In some other embodiments, an vEGM may be implemented as a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing device, or other computerized platform. In some embodiments, the vEGM may be a virtual hand held device or a virtual mobile device. 
     Player Tracking 
     In various embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more player tracking systems under control of the player tracking server  45  shown in  FIG. 1 . Such player tracking systems enable operators of the gaming system (such as casinos or other gaming establishments) to recognize the value of customer loyalty by identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. Such a player tracking system is configured to track a player&#39;s gaming activity. In one such embodiment, the player tracking system does so through the use of virtual player tracking cards. In this embodiment, a player is issued a virtual player identification card that that uniquely identifies the player. The gaming system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified player&#39;s gaming session. The gaming system also timely tracks when the virtual player tracking card is removed to conclude play for that gaming session. In such embodiments, during one or more virtual gaming sessions, the gaming system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts, and/or the time at which these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player&#39;s account number, the player&#39;s card number, the player&#39;s first name, the player&#39;s surname, the player&#39;s preferred name, the player&#39;s player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player&#39;s player tracking card, the player&#39;s address, the player&#39;s birthday, the player&#39;s anniversary, the player&#39;s recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In various embodiments, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display. In various embodiments, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows that are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device. At least U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,722,985; 6,908,387; 7,311,605; 7,611,411; 7,617,151; and 8,057,298 describe various examples of player tracking systems. 
     In some embodiments in which the gaming system includes: a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or a plurality of VR devices configured to communicate with one another through a data network, the data network is an internet or an intranet. It should be appreciated that the central server, central controller, or remote host and the VR device are configured to connect to the data network or remote communications link in any suitable manner. In various embodiments, such a connection is accomplished via: a conventional phone line or other data transmission line, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a T-1 line, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, a wireless or wired routing device, a mobile communications network connection (such as a cellular network or mobile internet network), or any other suitable medium. It should be appreciated that the expansion in the quantity of computing devices and the quantity and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to use a variety of VR devices to play games from an ever-increasing quantity of remote sites. It should also be appreciated that the enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with players. 
     Examples of implementations of Internet-based gaming are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,566, entitled “Internet Remote Game Server,” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,334, entitled “Universal Game Server,” which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Further Definitions and Embodiments 
     In the above-description of various embodiments, various aspects may be illustrated and described herein in any of a number of patentable classes or contexts including any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or by combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, various embodiments described herein may take the form of a computer program product comprising one or more computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
     Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be used. The computer readable media may be a computer readable signal medium or a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an appropriate optical fiber with a repeater, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible non-transitory medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
     A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer readable signal medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
     Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Scala, Smalltalk, Eiffel, JADE, Emerald, C++, C#, VB.NET, Python or the like, conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language, Visual Basic, Fortran 2003, Perl, COBOL 2002, PHP, ABAP, dynamic programming languages such as Python, Ruby and Groovy, or other programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider) or in a cloud computing environment or offered as a service such as a Software as a Service (SaaS). 
     Various embodiments were described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), devices and computer program products according to various embodiments described herein. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable instruction execution apparatus, create a mechanism for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium that when executed can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions when stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which when executed, cause a computer to implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable instruction execution apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatuses or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may be designated as “/”. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout the description of the figures. 
     Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.