Patent Publication Number: US-8974308-B2

Title: System and method for gaming transactions

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to a system and method for charging fees in role-driven games and, more particularly, to a system and method for acquiring revenue from role-driven opportunities during a game. 
     BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION 
     The vast majority of electronic games today involve a purchasing model where the player buys the rights to play a game, often indefinitely, for a lump sum of money. At that point, the player may play the game as often as they wish without incurring any more costs. Some players play the purchased game for a few hours, some for hundreds of hours and others will play it for thousands of hours. In all cases, the gaming company derives their revenue purely from the initial sale. The disadvantages with this is that those players who really enjoy the game, may very likely pay more for the gaming opportunity and, accordingly, this may be viewed as lost revenue potential for the gaming company. This may include both single and multi-player games. 
     In games today, generating revenue on behalf of the player does not exist. Games do not provide an opportunity for players to accrue financial pools of money for their own benefit. Role-driven games do not consider involving financial achievement as part of the role-drive game itself. 
     Other variations of gaming models include a smaller (though significant) lump sum charge along side an additional monthly fee for use during that month. These are often MMOG, or Massively Multi-player On-line Game. Others are just multi-player games. In this model, the player interacts with other human opponents or partners, and in order to do for any given month, they must pay a monthly fee. This model becomes slightly more desirable than the previous in that the maker of the game obtains not only a base revenue, but also a recurring revenue stream according to the continued interest level of the consumer. This model&#39;s disadvantage is that there is only binary correlation between the player&#39;s interest and the revenue earned in a monthly cycle. Either the customer has or has not paid, and therefore, value any individual might be willing to pay is still irrelevant. Rather, the game&#39;s manufacturer is left to estimate the game&#39;s economic elasticity. Thus, the manufacturer must try to maximize revenue based on the model of each player as a binary “yes/no” payer, setting the subscription price according to their estimates. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for gaming. The method comprises the steps of participating in a game by selecting one or more game roles and accumulating an account entry in an account of a user based upon the selected one or more roles and accompanying activity. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a system for gaming is provided. The system comprises a means for participating in a game by selecting one or more game roles and a means for accumulating an account entry in an account of a user based upon the selected one or more roles and accompanying activity. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided comprising a computer usable medium having readable program code embodied in the medium and includes a first computer program code, the computer program product includes at least one component to participate in a game by selecting one or more game roles and accumulate an account entry in an account of a user based upon the selected one or more roles and accompanying activity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an embodiment showing steps of using the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an embodiment showing steps of using the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a system and method for tying role-driven gaming purchases to executable transactions during the game. The invention extends enhancements to on-line gaming systems and provides a business model that extends an economically rational behavior inside the game, itself. The players control characters within a game which uses money to exchange goods and services to reach a goal, accomplish a task, or succeed in an event, and optionally receive prizes. This invention addresses creating an enticing virtual world where individuals/players may have an opportunity to earn and spend real money, while the hosting gaming company may make an optimized profit off of all transactions occurring during game play. 
     In the system and method of the invention, it may typically cost nothing for a player to get started in the game, but money may be spent to become better educated, acquire items, participate in activities, or the like. In general, the more a player spends, the better their chances of succeeding. As the player progresses in the game, and becomes more active, more money may be required to enter advanced levels. Therefore, the more the player spends on education and supplies increases their chances to win the game allowing them to earn money rather than loose money. 
     Optionally, of course, nominal one-time or monthly subscriptions may still be maintained; however, within the model of the invention, incentives may now exist for a player to continue spending over-and-above any other optional one-time or standing fees. A few advantages, among others, of the invention may include:
         An increase in revenue to the maker/provider of the game; and   A possibility for the customer, or player, to participate in a game that may be less expensive than a “normal” priced game or, if the player is good enough, they may be able to make money.       

     In each case above, both the consumer and the supplier of the game may receive additional benefits when compared to previous game playing models. Many players may not be as skilled or fortunate and may “lose” more money than others. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention, generally denoted by reference numerical  100 . The invention includes a network  105  (e.g., the Internet), a server  110  for running (or delivering for off-line mode) one or more interactive games, a database  115  for storing information associated with the one or more games, and one or more interactive gamers  120  and  125 . The interactive gamers  120  and  125  are interactively connected to the server  110  via the network  105 . Off-line gamers  130  may periodically log on to the server  110  via the network  105  to acquire new games or advance in status in a current game. The invention may also include a device such as a personal digital assistant  135  (or alternatively a cell phone, or the like) for interactively playing games provided by server  110  over network  105 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an embodiment showing steps of using the invention, starting at step  200 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  may equally represent a high-level block diagram of components of the invention implementing the steps thereof. The steps of  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be implemented on computer program code in combination with the appropriate hardware. This computer program code may be stored on storage media such as a diskette, hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or tape, as well as a memory storage device or collection of memory storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM). Additionally, the computer program code can be transferred to a workstation over the Internet or some other type of network. The steps of  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be implemented using the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     At step  205 , an individual may access the game website and may create an account to begin their gaming adventures. At step  210 , the individual, once an account has been set up, may enter a game in observer mode. In embodiments, the individual may have either free access for an unlimited amount of time, or the individual may pay fees according to the game chosen. The individual/player may be placed in an observer mode so they are restricted from spending (e.g., losing) money, but may not win money either. 
     At step  215 , a check is made whether the individual/player has decided to change mode. That is, if the person does not want to continue in observer mode, the individual may have the option of removing their account and/or leaving the game. However, if the individual/player wishes to enter the game as a participant, the individual/player may change to participant mode. If the individual chooses not to enter as a participant, then the process ends at step  220 . 
     However, if the individual chooses to become a participant, then at step  225 , the player may choose a level of play. For example, the player may choose to play in a 1/1 conversion level, a 1/10 conversion level or 1/100 conversion level, or even a multiplier conversion rate of 2/1, or any other available level provided by the game provider. These levels typically correspond to a conversion rate at which the player&#39;s real money is converted. For example, an item in a game may cost thirty dollars ($30). In the 1/1 level, the player may be actually be spending thirty ($30) real dollars to purchase items in the game. However, if the player were playing in the 1/100 realm, then that same thirty-dollar ($30) item would only cost 30 cents. This scheme provides a level of separation between players; avoiding one group of players dominating everyone. In some games, however, there may be only one level. 
     At step  230 , the player may deposit money into their account. This may be accomplished using a credit card, checking account number, or any other payment system like PayPal®. Once the player deposits an amount of money to their account, the game may recommend a minimum balance that a player should maintain in their account for game playing. At any time during game play or after game play, a player may add additional funds to their account, if necessary. Alternatively, synchronous payments may be made coinciding with purchases of items in the game, using a micropayment system as is now commonly available. 
     At step  240 , a player may wish to pay to obtain knowledge. As is commonly encountered in many games, advancement in the skill level and competitiveness of the game may require special knowledge. Therefore, a player may pay to attend on-line education and pay for real-time fee based hints during game play. Typically, such education or hints would be “in character,” however, other options may be available that are not “in character.” 
     Education classes may nominally provide the character (i.e., the player) more information about the game and such knowledge may give the character capabilities and/or strengths. This ability to purchase education is significantly different than many of today&#39;s methods such as supplying a manual with everything a player needs to know at the time of purchase of the game. In this way, on-line purchasing of education induces a level of mystery of expectations and discoveries. The education may be applied so that the player pays for only the education (i.e., hints and tips) that is meaningful to the player. In this way, a player increases their odds of winning when they are well educated and well supplied. 
     At optional step  245 , the player may visit a gaming marketplace. At the marketplace, the player may interact with other players or obtain directly from the marketplace items to sell or purchase such as clothes, protection, weapons, maps, books, transportation, or other such assets as appropriate for a particular game. The quality or quantity of these goods, and the effect upon the game&#39;s future direction, may correlate directly with the cost. 
     At step  250 , a player may choose to play the game either on-line or off-line. If the player chooses to play off-line, then at step  255 , the game is timed against other participants that chose to play the game off-line during the same start period. At step  260 , a player plays the game off-line and solves the puzzle or challenge. During the play, the player may spend money to complete tasks or obtain items or services. These charges are updated to the player&#39;s account the next time the player logs into the system. 
     At step  265 , when the user completes the game, a finish time is recorded and may be optionally saved. At step  270 , the player, within a set period of time, for example, 24 or 48 hours, logs into the on-line game environment and may upload their experience. The charges incurred during the off-line game and the completion time may then be uploaded to the central game server. At step  295 , at the end of the game time, a winner may be identified and any winning prize money may be credited to the winner&#39;s account. The process continues at step  215 . 
     If at step  250 , the player chooses to play the game on-line, then at step  275 , the player may select a game role. A role may be either a service provider or an active participant. A player may take on different roles; that is, the player may play the game to win and make money, or the player may play the game to provide a service, such as for example, a bodyguard, which makes money by providing the bodyguard service to other players. Assuming a service provider role may provide a quick recharge of funds to resume playing the game and acquiring other assets or to buy a service provided by another service provider. In embodiments, a barter operation may take place where a service provider may swap services with another service provider for an agreed upon exchange rate, thus each player may gain new advantages by exchanging services for little or no cost. 
     When a player selects a service provider, the type of service provider is typically related to the nature of the game and would be “in character,” as relevant to the game. Service providers, therefore, may make money by providing a special service to other players. Examples of these services include, but not limited to, a body guard that has gained education and weapons to be a strong fighter and may offer their protection services to another player for a fee. Other examples may include, a “hit man” to be hired by a player to eliminate other players, or a guide who may be an expert at the map of the game and may offer to guide other players through the maze or game at a faster rate. Further examples may include a medic to offer healing services to a wounded player or perhaps a trader that may buy assets from other players and sell those assets to other players for a profit. These examples are meant to be illustrative and not limiting and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that service providers may offer any type of service germane to a game. 
     A player may also choose to be an active participant in the game. However, in embodiments, a player may select to be an active participant while at the same time also serving as a service provider. In this mode, the player may suspend active play during those periods when the player&#39;s special service provider role is provided to another player. By switching to a service provider from an active participant, a player may typically sacrifice time towards winning the game. However, the financial tradeoffs should be weighed as part of the game by the player. 
     At step  280 , the player may select a puzzle or challenge or game in which they wish to compete. At step  285 , the player may enter the game as a service provider, active participant, or in embodiments, both service provider and active participant. At step  290 , the player enters the game and provides a service or plays the game as an active participant. As an active participant, the player competes to solve a puzzle, win a challenge or finish a game. If the player chooses to enter the game as a service provider, a player may take on various roles, such as for example, a medical offering to heal wounded players for a fee or to act as a bodyguard to fight off attackers of another player. 
     At step  295 , a winner or winners may have money accredited to their accounts according to the level of play and rewards as published by the gaming entity. The process then continues at step  215 . 
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart of an embodiment showing steps of using the invention beginning at step  300 . At step  305 , a player may sign-in to an existing account on the game provider&#39;s website. At step  310 , the player may choose to compete as a player in a game or challenge and/or choose to provide a service to another player, such as for example, a medic or a bodyguard. 
     At step  315 , the players may check their account to establish whether they must submit fees or, if they have significant winnings, may request a remittance of money for their own use. At step  320 , the player may enter the game as a service provider or as a player. At step  325 , a check is made to determine whether the player entered as an active player or a service provider. If a service provider, then at step  330 , a check is made to see if the player has opted to change the mode of play from service provide to active player. If no change in mode is made, then at step  335 , a check is made to see if another player has made a request for a service as provided by this service provider. If no request has been made by another player, then processing continues with step  330 . 
     If however, a request has been made by another player for this service provided by this service provider, then at step  340 , the service provider may post fees for his service. At step  350 , a check is made to determine whether the request for service has been accepted based upon posted fees. This allows multiple service providers to compete for providing a service and keeps fees for a particular service at an optimal level (i.e., on a competitive fee basis), thus establishing, in effect, a competitive free market scenario among service providers and service seekers. In embodiments, an auction or bid process may be provided for acquiring a competitive service from competing service providers. If the service has been accepted, then at step  355 , the service provider provides a service in accordance with the offered role. An account entry may be entered to assess a fee by debiting an account of the player receiving the service and crediting the account of the service provider. The processing continues at step  325 . If however, at step  350 , the service is not accepted, then processing continues at step  330 . 
     If at step  325 , the player had previously selected to play a game as an active player, then at step  360 , a check is made to see if the active player has now requested to change mode of playing. If the player has selected to change mode, then the mode is changed from active player to service provider and processing continues at step  325 . If, however, a change of mode has not been requested by the active player, then processing continues at step  365 . At  365 , the active player competes in the challenge, game, or puzzle. A player may make money, for example, by finding assets in the game, first to find a treasure, or first to reach objectives. Money/credit (e.g., an account entry) may be granted to other participants based on performance or game criteria. 
     At step  370 , a check is made to see if the game is over. This may be in accordance with a time-out or when a player achieves a goal. If the game is not over, then the processing continues at step  360 . If however, the game is over, then at step  375 , winners may be awarded any prizes which may include monetary awards. This may be accomplished by accrediting the awards monies to the winner&#39;s account. In embodiments, service providers may also receive credit. Processing then completes at step  380 . 
     Examples of Game Creation and Game Play 
     A new storyline (i.e., challenge) adventure, or treasure hunt may be created every day, or on a regular basis, by the gaming company in order to keep the game unique. This may include randomly generated options from a database of actions. A player may play the same challenge over and over until they win. 
     Players may also create their own challenges or puzzles. The service provider hosting the game may optionally pay the creator of a challenge or puzzle a small fee for the creation and hosting of the puzzle or challenge on their main computer system. Depending on demand, games may start every few minutes or every hour or on some predetermined interval. The prize or treasure awarded to winners may be a percentage of collections for any particular game. The hosting game company may keep a percentage for operations and profit. A game may also optionally allow for teams of players and the winning team may split the winnings appropriately. 
     In certain games, a service provider may be available for a fee. By way of illustration, a player could conceivably be wounded, and require medical care. In this scenario, the service provider would be a medic that provides a medical service and earns money in this fashion. As another example, weather may become relevant in a game. For a fee, a player may speak with a weather forecaster prior to specific weather-sensitive activities. In this way, a player may increase their advantage during the game by acquiring weather knowledge. 
     Game timelines may be variable. For example, five minutes of real time may equate to one hour of game time. This may also allow for day time and night time play in the game. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications and in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.