Abstract:
This invention is a new business model and matchmaking system designed for consumers who play competitive video games (specifically online video games). Consumers must purchase a digital commodity in order to participate in the gaming marketplace. The commodity can be a character, a vehicle, or any digital entity that has value within the gaming system. The value of this commodity will fluctuate based on its performance in the marketplace. Consumers may liquidate the entire commodity or portions of the commodity. The profit or loss at the time of liquidation is calculated by subtracting the initial value of the commodity from the final value of the commodity. The business model supports real foreign currencies in addition to arbitrary online game currencies.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to devices that allow players to play a game, particularly gaming systems that keep track of players&#39; performances, assign rewards based on the players&#39; performances, and allow players to enter into various transactions using their rewards.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Current video games, such as Nintendo&#39;s PS2 and Microsoft&#39;s X-Box, allow players to connect to the internet, find other players, invite potential competitors, and compete with other players. The applicant has discovered that one way to make existing video games more exciting and rewarding than they currently are is to allow players to earn rewards based on their own performances, another player&#39;s performance, or a team&#39;s performance. Another way is to structure the rewards so that they can serve like commodities wherein players may trade, accumulate, and monitor their rewards. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0003]      FIG. 1  is substantially a front schematic diagram showing the components of one implementation of the player gaming system of the present invention.  
         [0004]      FIG. 2  is substantially a flow chart showing one manner of using the player gaming system of the present invention.  
         [0005]      FIG. 3  is substantially a front view of a log-in screen that may be displayed during the execution of the player gaming system of the present invention.  
         [0006]      FIG. 4  is substantially a front view of a gaming stock price quotation screen that may be displayed during the execution of the player gaming system of the present invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 5  is substantially a flow chart showing one manner of executing the player gaming system&#39;s competition mode.  
         [0008]      FIG. 6  is substantially a front view of a sample screen showing two teams playing a game on the player gaming system of the present invention and further showing real-time stock prices of each team.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0009]     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0010]     As used herein, the term “internet” may interchangeably used with the term “network” to refer to a communication system that allows users to connect computers, terminals, or databases. The term “server” may interchangeably be used with the term” computer” to refer to an electronic device or a plurality of connected electronic devices that can store, retrieve, or process data or than can provide service for computers connected thereto.  
         [0011]     The present invention comprises a player gaming system (PGS), generally indicated by reference number  20 . PGS  20  preferably allows a plurality of game players to earn rewards based on their individual performances, performances of other players, or performances of particular teams. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, the reward can be in a form of an adjustable prize that does not have to be immediately redeemed upon earning the prize. The adjustable prize may increase or decrease in value. The adjustable prize may further be monitored and traded just like a share of stock with a publicly traded company.  
         [0012]     In the preferred implementation of PGS  20  shown in  FIG. 1 , PGS  20  preferably includes at least one web server  22 . The web server  22  preferably includes a database  26  of usernames of players or investors, passwords that correspond to the usernames, various video game software, unique pairings comprised of the identity of each player or team and the corresponding game the player or team plays (hereinafter “player/game pair” or “stock” or “commodity”), and adjustable values associated with the pairings (also referred to as a “stock price” or “commodity price”). The adjustable values are preferably dependent on the players&#39; performances in playing the video games. It is noted that while the preferred embodiment of the present invention refers to computer video games, the present invention may utilize other forms of games, such as televised games. Games may be in various forms, such as conventional sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, customized games, and traditional games. Games may also be skill games, such as a basketball three-point shooting contest, football quarterback drills, and a baseball home run derby or slugfest.  
         [0013]     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , web server  22  of PGS  20  preferably includes a commodity price adjuster  25 . The commodity price adjuster  25  preferably includes a price adjustment algorithm that may be linked with the software that runs the various video games. The price adjustment algorithm preferably provides a dynamic stock price based on various predetermined conditions. For instance, obtaining a predefined winning outcome, overcoming a difficult obstacle, reaching a particular stage in the game, overall score, team rankings, and various other conditions may be included in the algorithm that the price adjuster  25  would consider when providing a dynamic stock price.  
         [0014]     The price adjuster  25  may be a program code that may be compiled and built separately as a stand-alone binary file. At run-time, the price adjuster binary file instructions may be dynamically linked with the game executable instructions. Alternatively, the code may be statically compiled and built with the game code, and both instructions may run in the same address space.  
         [0015]     Also in  FIG. 1 , PGS  20  preferably includes a website  24  that may be supported by web server  22  or a separate web server (not shown). The website  24  preferably allows users to log in, create an account, buy, sell, or trade commodities, and view the performance of a commodity. The web pages are preferably written with a combination of HTML and a scripting language, such as PERL or ASP.  
         [0016]     PGS  20  preferably includes a plurality of client computers  28  and  30 , which may be used by the game players or interested users. Each client computer  28  or  30  preferably includes at least a microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), at least one network hardware device, and a web browser. In the preferred embodiment, each client computer  28  or  30  preferably further includes devices for running video games, such as a memory storage medium, such as compact discs (CDs) or digital versatile discs (DVDs), dedicated graphics hardware preferably capable of performing complex  3 d math operations, audio hardware for sound, video out for rendering images to a display, input controllers for sending instructions to the video game software, and output devices, such as monitors and speakers.  
         [0017]     The web browser of a client computer  28  or  30  may communicate with a web server that supports the website  24 , such as web server  22 . The web browsers of the client computers  28  and  30  may also communicate with the web server  22  to access the database  26 . Web communications is preferably through HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or other languages known in the art.  
         [0018]     The web server  22  may be dedicated or non-dedicated. In the embodiment where the web server  22  is a dedicated server, the web server  22  preferably maintains game states and provides users with real-time stock prices. Thus, web server  22  preferably includes a microprocessor, a RAM, and at least one network hardware device. In the embodiment where the web server  22  is not a dedicated server and serves as a client computer as well, the web server  22  may further include a video game software, a memory storage medium, such as CDs or DVDs, graphics hardware preferably to render three dimensional graphics, audio hardware, video out, input controllers, and output devices, such as monitors and speakers.  
         [0019]     Manner of Use  
         [0020]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a flow chart  32  showing one way of using the PGS  20  of the present invention is provided. Client preferably accesses the website  24  at step  33 . Once the client is on the website  24 , at step  34 , a client may be asked to create an account if he has not done so. As used herein, the term “client” may refer to a game player who may physically control a client computer  28  or  30  to attempt to obtain a desired outcome. The term “client” may also be used to refer to a person interested in investing or attempting to gain a prize based on a player&#39;s or a team&#39;s performance.  
         [0021]     PGS  20  preferably solicits information from client, such as client&#39;s name, mailing address, email address, username desired, password desired, and source of funds for the initial investment, such as a credit card number. The player is preferably required to provide an initial investment. For instance, the player may be asked to purchase  100  initial shares of his own stock at an initial price offer of $1.00. Since the player is required to make some commitment by risking his money, it is anticipated that the player will strive to perform well to at least earn back his money. Thus, it can be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention creates a highly competitive and entertaining environment for players and investors.  
         [0022]     At step  36 , a client is preferably asked to log onto the website  24  by entering a username and password. A preferred screen shot of this step is shown in  FIG. 3 . Client&#39;s username and password are preferably passed from the client computer  28  or  30  to the web server  22  and vice-versa using HTTP internet protocol. The web server  22  verifies the username and password with the database  26 . After the client is verified, client is preferably provided a list of available video games at step  38  ( FIG. 2 ). At the next step  40 , client is preferably asked whether he wants to create a new stock or see existing stocks. If the client chooses to see existing stocks, a list of existing stocks is preferably provided. Web server  22  preferably waits for client to select a stock.  
         [0023]     Once the client selects a stock, the client is preferably shown a screen similar to the screen  140  shown in  FIG. 4 . Screen  140  preferably displays the name of the stock selected  142 , the stock&#39;s current value, the stock&#39;s highest value for the year  144 , the stock&#39;s lowest value for the year  146 , a chart showing the stock&#39;s performance for the week  148 , a rating amount  150 , a buy button  154 , and a sell button  156 .  
         [0024]     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the client may then be provided an option to purchase shares of a particular stock, liquidate his existing shares, or keep his existing shares at step  41 . It is noted that since the web server  22  has a database  26  that includes clients&#39; profiles, account information including current stock holdings, credit card or online payment service information (such as PayPal), whenever the client engages in a transaction with the web server  22 , such as purchasing or liquidating shares, the client may not be required to make a payment immediately. The business owner operating PGS  20  may also not be required to collect or send any money to the client immediately. The web server  22  can simply update the database  26  according to the transaction of the client (step  43 ). The business owner operating the PGS  20  may charge a fee for each client transaction, which may be automatically charged to the client&#39;s account. PGS  20  may then proceed to step  50 , which is discussed below.  
         [0025]     If the client chooses to create a new stock, the client is preferably asked to select a game from the list of available games at step  42 . The games may be games meant to be played individually or as a team. The client may then be asked to provide an identifier at step  44 , which may be the client&#39;s initials. The new stock preferably will appear in the format &lt;client initial-name of the game&gt; for individual games and &lt;client initial-name of the team&gt; for team games. At step  46 , a default initial stock price offering of $1.00 per share is preferably assigned to the stock, which is displayed to the player or investor along with the new name of the stock. Of course, other initial stock price may be used as default price. Foreign currencies as well as arbitrary game currencies, such as game credits may be used to trade. Arbitrary game currencies may be used to redeem prizes from sponsors, which may be retail stores. Alternatively, arbitrary game currencies may be auctioned off for cash.  
         [0026]     At step  48 , the client is preferably asked to indicate the number of initial shares the client wants to purchase, and PGS  20  preferably records the order. It is noted that the business owner operating PGS  20  may limit the number of shares of stock it issues to guarantee that it can facilitate trading of stocks by being able to readily buy stocks that players or investors sell.  
         [0027]     Once the client makes the stock purchase, the client may be asked whether he is a player or an investor at step  50 . If the client is a player, at step  52 , PGS  20  preferably activates the game software (step  57 ) and allows the client to play the game previously selected (step  59 ). The stock price of the player may then be adjusted and displayed to the player during or after the game, depending on what conditions are programmed to dictate the stock price (step  60 ). For instance, if the stock price is programmed to be based on the game level the player reaches, then the stock price may be adjusted during the game. If the stock price is programmed to be based on the overall score of the player, then the stock price may be adjusted after the game.  
         [0028]     Both client computers  28  or  30  and the server  22  preferably run identical video game software and communicate with each other by sending binary data packets across a network. The client computer  28  or  30  preferably tells the server  22  information about the client game state at an arbitrary point in time. As soon as the server  22  computer receives information from the client computer  28  or  30 , the server  22  preferably takes a snapshot of the global game-state at that instant and sends this information back to the client computer  28  or  30 . This way, the client computer  28  or  30  can keep its local game-state in sync with the server game state and vice-versa.  
         [0029]     If the client is an investor, at step  54 , PGS  20  preferably interrogates the game player, which is associated with the stock the investor has selected, for a game schedule. PGS  20  preferably notifies the investor of the game schedule at step  56 . At the schedule indicated by the game player, PGS  20  preferably activates the game software (step  57 ) and allows the game player to play a game (step  59 ). The stock price of the player may then be adjusted during or after the game, depending on what conditions are programmed to dictate the stock price (step  60 ).  
         [0030]     It can be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention may encourage players or teams to perform well so as to maximize their stock prices. Players or teams at the bottom may not despair, as their stock prices may still increase. For instance, if they beat a top ranked team or player, their stock prices may soar. Investors may not necessarily pick only the strong teams or players, but may also consider promising teams or players. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention provide diverse choices of stocks for investors.  
         [0031]     Certain embodiments of the present invention may further provide scenarios where a player or a team may be undervalued, and investors may find bargains in purchasing a stock. For instance, a team may currently be undergoing a losing streak. The price of the commodity associated with this team may be at its all-time low. An investor may purchase a certain number of shares for this commodity in anticipation of certain changes, such as more upcoming home games or a return of an injured player.  
         [0000]     Fantasy Sports Embodiment  
         [0032]     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the present invention involves the use of trading cards  150 , which may be bought on-line or at a retail store. The trading cards  150  may be used in a number of online fantasy sports games. Trading cards  150  preferably include printed images of sports characters  152 , their names  154 , and the team where they belong  156 . The information printed on each trading card preferably conveys to the buyer the type of fantasy game associated with the trading card  150 . Trading cards  150  preferably also have the URL of the website (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) where a player or investor is called to log-in to use the player gaming system  20  of the present invention. Trading cards  150  preferably also include at least one access code the player or investor may use to log-in (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). The access code may be covered by a removable material, such as those used for lottery scratch-off tickets. The trading cards may be made using a card stock or other materials known in the art.  
         [0033]     With reference to  FIG. 10 , the fantasy sports embodiment utilizing trading cards  150  is preferably implemented on PGS  20  as follows. PGS  20  preferably associates the access code of each trading card  150  with a stock at step  162 . PGS  20  preferably also associates the access code of each trading card  150  with a fantasy game (step  164 ).  
         [0034]     Next, PGS  20  preferably allows a player or an investor, who has trading card  150 , to log-in to the PGS  20  website using the access code from the trading card  150  (step  166 ). The player or investor may be allowed to purchase, sell, liquidate, or keep existing shares of stock (step  168 ). The player or investor may be provided with more information about the athlete depicted on the trading card. For instance, the player or investor may be provided information pertaining to the health of the athlete, conditioning, strengths, weaknesses, pre-season training, and the like. The player or investor may be provided a full three-dimensional scan of the athlete  180  as shown in  FIG. 11  to fully assess the athlete represented in the trading card. Referring back to  FIG. 10 , at step  170 , PGS  20  preferably updates the database to reflect any transaction made by the player or investor.  
         [0035]     At step  172 , PGS  20  preferably notifies the player or investor of the game schedule. PGS  20  may then conduct a fantasy game, by either activating a game software program or by referring to a televised or publicized game (step  174 ). PGS  20  may adjust and display stock prizes either during the game or after the game (step  176 ).  
         [0036]     PGS  20  may include various fantasy games. One embodiment of a PGS fantasy game is in a form of a league. Various trading cards may be made and sold for each team participating in the league. A trading card buyer may purchase trading cards representing one or more teams. The trading card that represents a team that prevails in the league may have the most increase in value. Other trading cards that represent teams that experienced some success, such as reaching the playoffs, may increase in value as well.  
         [0037]     Another embodiment of a PGS fantasy game is in a form of individual performance. For instance, a trading card buyer may select a trading card that represents an athlete, such as a basketball player, a golfer, or a quarterback. Every time the athlete&#39;s performance statistics improve, the value of the trading card representing the athlete may increase. For instance, in golf, every time the golfer&#39;s driving accuracy increases, the value of the respective trading card may increase.  
         [0038]     Athletes in the same sport may be paired by the trading card holders to compete in individual skill games. For instance, quarterbacks may be allowed to compete in a quarterback drill competition; basketball players may be allowed to compete in three-point contests or slam dunk contests; and, baseball players may be allowed to compete in a home run derby. The athletes&#39; performances may cause the value of the trading cards to increase or decrease, and the card holders may purchase, sell, or liquidate their trading cards. Card holders may also exchange cards with other card holders.  
         [0039]     In another embodiment of the PGS fantasy game, individual athletes may be grouped into teams to play team sports. Each athlete may be depicted on a trading card, and each trading card may have an associated value. The total value of all athletes in one team may be capped to encourage card traders to compose a team having a diverse mix of high valued and low valued athletes. The cap may have a predetermined schedule, such as per season, per week, or per month. The value of the trading card may fluctuate depending on the individual performance and the team&#39;s performance.  
         [0040]     Yet another embodiment of a PGS fantasy game is a team match up, wherein trading card buyers (hereinafter cardholders) may purchase exactly the same trading cards, which represent exactly the same team. Thus, cardholder A may own a trading card representing Team A, and cardholder B may own trading card that also represents Team A. Cardholder A&#39;s Team A and cardholder B&#39;s Team A may compete, and the outcome of the game may dictate which cardholder&#39;s trading card would increase or decrease in value. It can be realized that PGS  20  may include players that can be duplicated and that can compete against each other. The capacities and talents of each player in the team may be given to cardholders A and B in equal amounts. The game outcome may be determined by how cardholders A and B utilize the players&#39; capacities. Thus, cardholders A and B may have to execute effective gaming skills and mentality to obtain a desired outcome.  
         [0041]     To promote more excitement to the team match up fantasy game embodiment, a limit may be set on the number of times a player may be duplicated. For instance, a player may not be duplicated, or a player may only be duplicated once. In the scenario where a player cannot be duplicated and cardholders A and B have requested to add said player in his team, a random number generator may be added to PGS  20  to determine which card holder obtains the desired player.  
         [0042]     It can be appreciated that the fantasy game and trading card features of the PGS of the present invention create an exciting atmosphere of trading and speculation for participants. Some participants may stock up on certain cards before a game or before a season based on speculations that the players depicted in the cards will play well. The speculations may be based on information provided to the participants, which may include the health of the athlete, conditioning, strengths, weaknesses, pre-season training, and the like.  
         [0043]     Competition Embodiment  
         [0044]     One embodiment of PGS  20  preferably allows stock prices to be dictated by the performances of the players when competing against each other. For instance, at least two players may choose to play a football game. If client A beats client B by a final score of  21 - 7 , the stock price of client A may increase, and the stock price of client B may decrease. In this embodiment, PGS  20  preferably operates as follows:  
         [0045]     With reference to  FIG. 5 , PGS  20  preferably executes steps  33  through  50 , as shown in flowchart  32  of  FIG. 2 . At step  50 , if the client indicates he is a player, PGS  20  preferably allows the player to select between competition mode and individual mode (step  69 ). If the player selects individual mode, PGS  20  preferably executes steps  57 ,  59  and  60  shown in  FIG. 2 . If the player selects competition mode, PGS  20  preferably shows the player a list of other players connected to the web server  22  (step  70 ). The list of connected players is referred to as the game lobby. Thus, the game lobby is where connected players meet.  
         [0046]     At step  72 , PGS  20  preferably further shows the number of shares of stock each player owns. PGS  20  may then match the current player with other connected players by comparing the number of shares they hold. In the preferred embodiment, the current player may compete with only those who have the same number of shares of stock with him (step  74 ). The player may then be allowed to select at least one other player whom he wants to summon to a competition (step  76 ). Steps  70 - 76  may be represented in a screen display  100  shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein screen display  100  preferably includes an identification of the video game  102 , the words “game lobby”  104  to alert the player the stage he is in, the name of the current player  106 , the number of shares of stock of the current player  108 , and a list of players with their corresponding stock holdings  110 .  
         [0047]     It is noted that in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , which is preferably for team sports, such as soccer, the player names are formatted such that the player&#39;s initials  112  appear first followed by the name of his team  114 . The format may vary in other embodiments. For instance, in individual sports, the player&#39;s initials may appear first followed by the name of the sport. It is further noted that the list of players preferably includes active players  116 , as represented by the bold fonts and inactive players  118 , as represented by the grayed out fonts. Active players are preferably those that have the same number of shares as the current player. Inactive players are those that were screened out at step  74  because they do not have the same number of shares as the current player. Screen display  100  preferably further includes a select button  120  for use in selecting at least one active player to summon to a competition, a back button  122  to make changes to the selection, a make a challenge button  124  to summon at least one selected player to a competition, and an accept the challenge button  126  for a summoned player to accept the summon.  
         [0048]     When another player in the lobby (hereinafter “player 2”) accepts the challenge summoned by the current player (hereinafter “player 1”), both players are preferably allowed to play at least one game. For instance, referring now to  FIG. 7 , both player  1  and player  2  may play against each other in a video football match wherein player  1  is represented by team  1 , and player  2  is represented by team  2 . Team  1 &#39;s name and score are preferably indicated by reference number  130 . Team  2 &#39;s name and score are indicated by reference number  132 . Each team&#39;s corresponding real-time stock prices  134  and  136  are also preferably displayed. As discussed above, the stock prices are preferably provided by a price adjuster, which uses an algorithm that is preferably based on certain predefined conditions. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 7 , Team  1  has scored a goal, while Team  2  has not scored a goal. In the embodiment shown, making a soccer goal is preferably one of the conditions the algorithm is programmed to consider. Accordingly, Team  1 &#39;s current stock price is higher than Team  2 .  
         [0049]     It is noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, player  1  and player  2  does not have to play simultaneously. For instance, player  1  and player  2  may take turns playing a game. Each player&#39;s score may be compared after each player has taken his turn. The price adjuster may provide a stock price after it has compared the performances of both players.  
         [0050]     Stock Splits  
         [0051]     PGS  20  may declare a stock split if the stock value has reached a particular predetermined threshold. For instance, a stock split may be declared each time the value of the stock increases to S10.00 a share. When a stock split is declared, the number of shares the player has is preferably multiplied by two, and the stock value is divided into two. To illustrate, as discussed above, a player preferably starts with 100 shares at $1.00 a share. If the stock increases to $10.00 a share, a stock split would be declared, and the player would now have 200 shares at $5.00 per share.  
         [0052]     It is noted that when the stock value of a player increases to a level that would reach the threshold for a stock split, the player or the team must have experienced at least some success in competing against other players or teams, since the stock prices are preferably based on the players&#39; performances. Thus, each time a stock split occurs, and each time the number of shares of the player is doubled, this event can be equated to the player being elevated to a more competitive level, which is a level that may include other players or teams who have experienced similar amount of success and demonstrated similar level of skill.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , five levels of clients are preferably created. The first level  140  preferably includes clients owning at least 100 shares. Clients with at least 200 shares belong in the second level  142 ; 500 shares or more belong in the third level  144 , 1000 shares or more belong in the fourth level  146 ; and, 5000 shares or more belong in the fifth level. It can be appreciated that the skills of the players belonging from the first level to the fifth level increase.  
         [0054]     With the stock split feature, it can be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention provides a match making system that would match players or teams with similar skill or success levels. The stock split feature may also encourage clients to move up the ladder to challenge more difficult opponents. The stock split feature may further allow clients to earn more money, as clients may be able to liquidate.  
         [0055]     In the preferred embodiment, when clients liquidate, PGS  20  preferably retain the latest number of shares each client had. For instance, if a client&#39;s stock value increases to S10.00 a share, and as a result of the stock split, the client now has 200 shares at $5.00, PGS  20  preferably requires the client to retain at least $1.00 a share (or $200) to continue using PGS  20 . This ensures that the client does not revert to a lower level and compete with lesser skilled players.  
         [0056]     In another embodiment, a client may be allowed to enter any of the five levels shown in  FIG. 8  so long as the commodity is for sale. For instance, if a client wants to enter the fifth level to own a commodity worth 5000 shares, there must be 5000 shares of commodity that are up for sale. Otherwise, the client can only buy what is available. If there are no high level commodities for sale, the client preferably has to buy the default number of commodity at the default base price.  
         [0057]     It can thus now be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention provide a more exciting and rewarding gaming system than those that exists. Certain embodiments allow consumers to make real money playing video games. Certain embodiments allow both players and non-players alike to obtain rewards by investing in themselves, in another player, or in a team. Certain embodiments provide new methods of doing business as PGS operator, a PGS player, a PGS passive investor, or as a PGS commodity broker. Certain embodiments provide a more competitive networked gaming system than those that exists.  
         [0058]     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For instance, certain log-in procedures may be eliminated; initial stock price offering may vary; stock split rules may vary; formats of the names of the stocks may vary; the types of games where PGS  20  may be implemented may vary, including televised games and computerized video games; and, PGS  20  may work in a variety of competition formats, such as tournaments, seasons, and exhibition games.