Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a simulated gambling slots game for playing in a social media context including a mobile version. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a general scheme for a social media version of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates aspects of a central function for a start-up reel, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0004]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrate sample start-up reels showing selection and setting of bets, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0005]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sample pay table, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0006]      FIG. 6  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for a scratch game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0007]      FIG. 7  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for a dice game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0008]      FIG. 8  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for a risk game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0009]      FIG. 9  illustrates sample bonus games, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0010]      FIG. 10  shows a display of friends and bonuses, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0011]      FIG. 11  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a general scheme for a mobile version of the slots journey game according to certain embodiments. 
           [0012]      FIG. 12  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a mobile version of the scratch game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0013]      FIG. 13  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a mobile version of the bonus game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 14  shows a sample interface for collecting friend&#39;s bonuses, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 15  illustrates a game interface model, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 16  illustrates sample “worlds” and “locations” features of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 17  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates the “invite friends” feature, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 18  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates the “share” feature, according to certain embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 19  illustrates samples of the share application, according to certain embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Methods, systems, user interfaces, and other aspects of the invention are described. Reference will be made to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments alone. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 
         [0021]    Moreover, in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these particular details. In other instances, methods, procedures, components, and networks that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention. 
         [0022]    According to certain embodiments, a social media game combines elements of gambling slots and adventure (herein referred to as slots journey game). Certain embodiments include a mobile version of the game. According to certain embodiments, the slots journey game presents “Worlds” and locations and levels within each world to the gamer for playing the game. For example, each World comprises several levels of the slots game. When the gamer first enters a given “World” (Egypt, for example) and the gamer then plays the game in that World by progressing from one location to another (within that World) and from one level to another within a location. When the gamer finishes all the locations and levels associated with a World, then the game presents the next World to the gamer for play. For example, the gamer plays the slots using in-game coins or chips, earns points and moves forward in the locations and levels within the World. According to certain embodiments, one way of obtaining in-game coins or chips is by collecting hourly bonuses in the game. Another way of obtaining in-game coins or chips is by buying the in-game coins or chips using an in-application purchase. For example, the game application can present a user interface, such a tool bar, to the gamer that allows the gamer to purchase in-game coins using a credit card, electronic wallet, SMS payment, or some electronic payment service, etc. 
         [0023]    According to certain embodiments, the game includes a virality aspect where the gamer entices her/his friends to the game. According to certain embodiments, the game allows the gamer to purchase boosters and power-ups. According to certain embodiments, a booster is a technique for multiplying the gamer&#39;s winnings and enhancing the game experience and is activated before spinning the reel of the slots journey game. According to certain embodiments, a power-up is a technique for changing the positions of one or more reels before spinning the reels when playing the game. 
         [0024]    According to certain embodiments, the game includes “bigwins”. A bigwin is an amount of winnings that is several times the betting amount. For example, a bigwin can be 10 times the betting amount in the social media version of the slots journey game. As another example, a bigwin can be 5 times the betting amount in the mobile version of the slots journey game. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a general scheme for a social media version of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments. The slots journey game can be accessed via browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, etc. The game can also be installed and run on smart devices such as smart phones, smart tablets, smart pads etc. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 1 , at block  101 , the simulated gambling slots journey game is launched. The gamer has the option to select a “world” at block  102 , or select the option of collecting bonuses at block  103 . If the gamer selects to collect bonuses then the gamer is presented with a variety of ways to collect bonuses. Some non-limiting examples of collecting bonuses include: a scratch game  104 , a dice game  105 , an hourly bonus  106 , and friend&#39;s bonuses  107 . The scratch game, dice game, hourly bonus and friend&#39;s bonuses are described in greater detail herein. If the gamer selects a “world”, then the gamer can start playing one of several locations and levels within the world. For example, the game starts at the first location and level if the gamer is just starting the game in that particular world or the gamer can resume at the location and level in which he/she was playing previously. 
         [0027]    At block  108 , the gamer can select the amount of in-game coins to bet (a bet) and then spin the reels of the slots journey game. At block  109 , it is determined if the reels have arrived at a winning combination. For example, a result of a winning combination can include: winning in-game coins  110 , winning a bonus game offering  111 , or winning a risk game offering  112 . The number of in-game coins that is won is calculated based on a pay table that is described in greater detail herein. 
         [0028]    If there is no winning combination, then at block  113 , it is determined if the gamer has enough in-game coins left in order to place a new bet to continue playing the game. If it is determined that the gamer has enough remaining in-game coins to place a new bet, then the gamer can place a bet and spin the reel again as described with respect to block  108 . If it is determined that the gamer does not have any remaining in-game coins, then at block  114  it is determined if there are any bonuses available to the gamer. If it is determined there are bonuses available, then the gamer can collect bonuses as described with respect to block  103 . If it is determined there are no bonuses available, then at block  115 , the gamer can decide if she/he would like to purchase in-game coins. If the gamer purchases in-game coins, then it is determined if the gamer has enough in-game coins to place a bet to continue playing the game as described with respect to block  113 . If the gamer does not purchase in-game coins, then the game ends at block  116 . 
         [0029]    According to certain embodiments, the gamer can purchase in-game coins using a payment toolbar that appears in the game application. The gamer can purchase in-game coins using a credit card, electronic wallet, SMS payment, or some electronic payment service, etc. The gamer can also use the payment toolbar to purchase boosters and power-ups. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates aspects of a central function for reel start-up and crediting a win to a gamer, according to certain embodiments. At block  201 , the gamer can select the amount of in-game coins to bet and then spin the reels (reel start-up) of the slots journey game. At block  202 , it is determined if the reels have arrived at a winning combination. For example, a result of a winning combination can include: winning in-game coins  203 , winning a bonus game offering  204 , or winning a risk game  205 . The number of in-game coins that is won is calculated based on a pay table and at block  206  the winnings are applied to the gamer&#39;s total in-game coins that are available for game play. 
         [0031]    If there is no winning combination, then at block  207 , it is determined if the gamer has enough in-game coins left in order to place a new bet to continue playing the game. If it is determined that the gamer has enough remaining in-game coins to place a new bet, then the gamer can place another bet and spin the reel again as described with respect to block  201 . If it is determined that the gamer does not have any remaining in-game coins, then the game ends at block  208  unless the gamer can purchase more in-game coins or otherwise obtain more in-game coins as previously described. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrate sample start-up reels showing selection and setting of bets, according to certain embodiments. The gamer can manually select the number of lines and the amount of coins she/he would like to bet for each line.  FIG. 3  shows a sample play with one line on the reel selected  301  and three lines on the reel selected  302 .  FIG. 4  shows a sample play with ten lines on the reel selected  401  and twenty five lines on the reel selected  402 . The gamer also has the option of selecting the maximum bet option (see “Max Bet”  303 ,  304  of  FIGS. 3 and 403 ,  404  of  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates a sample pay table, according to certain embodiments. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows symbols  501 - 511 . Each symbol is associated with a corresponding set of payouts  501   b - 511   b , such as payouts for 2 in-a-row, 3 in-a-row, 4 in-a-row, and 5 in-a-row matching symbols. For example, the payout for 3 in-a-row matching symbols is more than the payout for 2 in-a-row matching symbols. According to certain embodiments, symbol  501  is a “wild” symbol. The wild symbol can substitute for any symbol except for the “Scatter” symbol  502 . According to certain embodiments, three or more Scatter symbols on a line on the reel activate a bonus game. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for a scratch game, according to certain embodiments. The scratch game is a type of “daily bonus” game that is part of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments. At block  601  in  FIG. 6 , it is determined if the lifetime of the current 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is less than 8 days. If the lifetime is less than 8 days, then the current matrix is loaded at block  602 . If the lifetime is greater than 8 days, then at block  603 , a new 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is generated. According to certain embodiments, each week a new 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is generated whether or not the cells of the current 3×3 matrix have been scratched opened. 
         [0036]    At block  604 , the 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is displayed to the gamer. At block  605 , it is determined if the gamer has the opportunity to scratch a cell. According to certain embodiments, the gamer has the opportunity to scratch only one cell in the matrix once each weekday and two cells on each of Saturday and Sunday. If it is determined that the gamer has no opportunity to scratch a cell, then the scratch game ends at block  612 . If it is determined that the gamer has the opportunity to scratch a cell, then at block  606 , it is determined if the day is a Saturday or a Sunday. If it is determined that the day is a Saturday or a Sunday, then at block  607 , the gamer is allowed to scratch a cell. Then at block  608  it is determined if today the gamer has scratched less than 2 cells. If it is determined that today the gamer has scratched less than 2 cells, then the gamer is allowed to scratch another cell (block  607 ). If it is determined that today the gamer has scratched at least 2 cells, then at block  610  it is determined if there are at least 3 scratched open cells with identical symbols. If there are at least 3 scratched open cells with identical symbols, then at block  611 , a bonus amount of in-games coins are credited to the gamer, after which the game ends at block  612 . If there are no 3 scratched open cells with identical symbols, then the game ends at block  612 . If at block  606 , it is determined that the day is not a Saturday or a Sunday, then at block  609  the gamer is allowed to scratch a cell. Control then passes to block  610  which is described above. 
         [0037]    The dice game is another type of “daily bonus” game that is part of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments. For example, a “treasure map” is displayed and the gamer rolls a dice to move forward on a path (e.g., stepping stones) on the treasure map. Depending on where the dice lands, the gamer can win any of 5 types of point (bonuses). According to certain embodiments, the 5 types of points are: 1) Simple points—a bonus amount of in-game coins are credited to the gamer according to the established rules of the game; 2) Gift booster—a bonus amount of in-game coins and a booster are credited to the gamer according to the established rules of the game; 3) Gamer&#39;s win multiplier—the gamer wins a multiplier for her/his points which he/she has won; 4) Additional move—the gamer wins the opportunity to roll the dice to move one additional step; 5) Multiple moves—the gamer wins the opportunity to move several additional steps. According to certain embodiments, if the gamer advances through the whole path (all the steps on the path) of the treasure map, then a bonus amount of in-game coins and three booster are credited to the gamer for game playing. According to certain embodiments, the gamer is given the opportunity to advance one step for free per day (allowed to roll the dice once for free per day). The gamer can also purchase additional opportunities to roll the dice in order to advance on the treasure map. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for the dice game, according to certain embodiments. At block  701 , the rolling dice game is launched. At block  702  it is determined if the gamer has an opportunity to roll the dice (to advance a step on the map). If it is determined that the gamer does not have an opportunity to roll the dice, then at block  704 , it is determined if the gamer wishes to purchase an opportunity to roll the dice. If the gamer does not wish to purchase an opportunity to roll the dice, then the rolling dice game ends at block  705 . If at block  702  it is determined that the gamer has an opportunity to roll the dice (or the gamer has purchased an opportunity to roll the dice at block  704 ), then the gamer can roll the dice at block  703 . At block  706  the gamer advances a predetermined number of winning steps in the map. At block  707 , the gamer is credited with the winnings depending on the type of points the gamer has won. 
         [0039]    If at block  708 , it is determined that the gamer has won “simple points”, then a bonus amount of in-game coins are credited to the gamer according to the established rules of the game at block  713 . 
         [0040]    If at block  709 , it is determined that the gamer has won a “gift booster”, then a bonus amount of in-game coins and a booster are credited to the gamer according to the established rules of the game at block  714 . 
         [0041]    If at block  710 , it is determined that the gamer has won a “daily bonus multiplier”, then the gamer wins a multiplier for her/his points at block  715 . 
         [0042]    If at block  711 , it is determined that the gamer has won an “additional move”, then the gamer wins the opportunity to roll the dice to move one additional step on the map at block  716 . 
         [0043]    If at block  712 , it is determined that the gamer has won “multiple moves”, then the gamer wins the opportunity to move several additional steps on the map at block  717 . At block  718 , it is determined if the points based on advancement on the map is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of points. If the points is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of points, then at block  719 , the gamer&#39;s level and final reward is increased by a predetermined amount and control returns block  702 . If the points is not greater than or equal to a predetermined number of points, then control returns to block  702 . 
         [0044]    According to certain embodiments, if the gamer achieves a “bigwin” winning combination, then the gamer is offered an opportunity to accept or refuse a “risk game.” If the gamer refuses the offer to play the risk game, then the bigwin points (in-game coins) are credited to the gamer. In the risk game, the gamer has to guess a number. If the gamer guesses a number that is bigger than the game&#39;s number, then the gamer wins and the game points (in-game coins) in the main slots journey game is doubled. If the gamer wins, the gamer is offered another opportunity to double his/her winnings. If the gamer refuses this new offer, then the points (in-game coins) are credited to the gamer. If the gamer accepts this new offer, then a new game number is generated and the gamer has to again guess a number that is greater than the newly generated number in order to win. If the gamer fails to guess an appropriate number then no game points are credited to the gamer and the gamer is returned to the main slots journey game. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a scheme for the risk game, according to certain embodiments. In  FIG. 8  at block  801 , it is determined if the gamer has won a “bigwin”. If it is determined that the gamer has not won a bigwin, then there is no risk game offer. If it is determined that the gamer has won a bigwin, then at block  802 , it is determined if the gamer accepts the offer to play the risk game. If the gamer does not accept the offer to play the risk game then at block  804  the bigwin points that the gamer won are credited to the gamer. If the gamer accepts the offer to play the risk game then at block  803 , a game number is generated. At block  805 , the gamer guesses a number. At block  806 , it is determined if the number guessed by the gamer is greater than the game number. If the number guessed by the gamer is not greater than the game number, then no points are credited to the gamer and the gamer is returned to the main slots journey game. If the number guessed by the gamer is greater than the game number, then the gamer&#39;s bigwin points are doubled at block  807  and control is passed back to block  802 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  illustrates some sample bonus games, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 9  shows sample bonus games  901 ,  902  and  903 . According to certain embodiments, the gamer wins a bonus game when a winning combination of 3 or more “scatter” icons appear on the reel in the slots journey game. In a given bonus game, the gamer is presented with an array of elements on a panel and each element is associated with a predetermine number of points. When the gamer opens an element, the gamer wins the points that are associated with that particular element. According to certain embodiments, the number of opportunities to open the elements on the panel depends on each bonus game&#39;s betting amount. 
         [0047]    According to certain embodiments, at each hour, the gamer can collect a predetermined amount of bonus in-game coins (points) for game play. The clock restarts for the hour countdown from the moment when the gamer collected the previous hourly bonus. The amount of hourly bonus depends on the number of levels (worlds, locations) to which the gamer has advanced in the slots journey game. According to certain embodiments, uncollected hourly bonuses are not accumulated and are not carried forward to the next day. 
         [0048]    According to certain embodiments, the gamer can obtain bonuses from each of the gamer&#39;s friends that have installed the slots journey game or that have registered to play the game on a social media site. The gamer receives an opportunity to make three start-ups of the reel for each friend. The bonus from each friend are credited to the gamer. Uncollected bonuses are not accumulated and are not carried forward to the next day. According to certain embodiments, information on the gamer and the gamer&#39;s friends are collected from the gamer&#39;s profile at the social media site where the gamer is playing the slots game. Such information is stored at the server database associated with the game. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows a display of friends and bonuses, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 10  shows a slots journey game  1000  and a toolbar  1001  that displays the gamer&#39;s game level, the gamer&#39;s friends and corresponding bonuses. 
         [0050]      FIG. 11  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a general scheme for a mobile version of the slots journey game according to certain embodiments. This scheme is similar to that as described for the social media version except that there is no dice game in the mobile version. In  FIG. 11 , at block  1101 , the slots journey game is launched. The gamer has the option to select a “world” at block  1102 , or select the option of collecting bonuses at block  1103 . If the gamer selects to collect bonuses then the gamer is presented with a variety of ways to collect bonuses. Some non-limiting examples of collecting bonuses include: a scratch game  1102 , an hourly bonus  1105  and friend&#39;s bonuses  1106 . The scratch game, hourly bonus and friend&#39;s bonuses were previously described herein. If the gamer selects a “world”, then the gamer can start playing one of several locations and levels within the world. For example, the game starts at the first location and level if the gamer is just starting the game in that particular world or the gamer can resume at the location and level in which he/she was playing previously. 
         [0051]    At block  1108 , the gamer can select the amount of in-game coins to bet (a bet) and then spin the reels of the slots journey game. At block  1109 , it is determined if the reels have arrived at a winning combination. For example, a result of a winning combination can include: winning in-game coins  1110 , winning a bonus game offering  1111 , or winning a risk game  1112 . The number of in-game coins that is won is calculated based on a pay table that is described in greater detail herein. 
         [0052]    If there is no winning combination, then at block  1113 , it is determined if the gamer has enough in-game coins left in order to place a new bet to continue playing the game. If it is determined that the gamer has enough remaining in-game coins to place a new bet, then the gamer can place a bet and spin the reel again as described with respect to block  1108 . If it is determined that the gamer does not have enough remaining in-game coins, then at block  1114  it is determined if there are any bonuses available to the gamer. If it is determined there are bonuses available, then the gamer can collect bonuses as described with respect to block  1103 . If it is determined there are no bonuses available, then at block  1115 , the gamer can decide if she/he would like to purchase in-game coins. If the gamer purchases in-game coins, then it is determined if the gamer has enough in-game coins to place a bet to continue playing the game as described with respect to block  1113 . If the gamer does not purchase in-game coins, then the game ends at block  1116 . 
         [0053]    According to certain embodiments, the gamer can purchase in-game coins using a payment toolbar that appears in the game application. The gamer can purchase in-game coins using a credit card, electronic wallet, SMS payment, or some electronic payment service, etc. The gamer can also use the payment toolbar to purchase boosters and power-ups. 
         [0054]      FIG. 12  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a mobile version of the scratch game, according to certain embodiments. This scheme is similar to that as described for the social media version. At block  1201  in  FIG. 12 , it is determined if the lifetime of the current 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is less than 8 days. If the lifetime is less than 8 days, then the current matrix is loaded at block  1202 . If the lifetime is greater than 8 days, then at block  1203 , a new 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is generated. According to certain embodiments, each week a new 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is generated whether or not the cells of the current 3×3 matrix have been scratched opened. 
         [0055]    At block  1204 , the 3×3 matrix of “scratch” cells is displayed to the gamer. At block  1205 , it is determined if the gamer has the opportunity to scratch a cell. According to certain embodiments, the gamer has the opportunity to scratch only one cell in the matrix once each weekday and two cells on each of Saturday and Sunday. If it is determined that the gamer has no opportunity to scratch a cell, then the scratch game ends at block  1212 . If it is determined that the gamer has the opportunity to scratch a cell, then at block  1206 , it is determined if the day is Saturday or Sunday. If it is determined that the day is Saturday or Sunday, then at block  1207 , the gamer is allowed to scratch a cell. Then at block  1208  it is determined if today the gamer has scratched less than 2 cells. If it is determined that today the gamer has scratched less than 2 cells, then the gamer is allowed to scratch another cell (block  1207 ). If it is determined that today the gamer has scratched at least 2 cells, then at block  1210  it is determined if there are at least 3 scratched open cells with identical symbols. If there are at least 3 scratched open cells with identical symbols, then at block  1211 , a bonus amount of in-games coins are credited to the gamer, after which the game ends at block  1212 . If at block  1206 , it is determined that the day is not the Saturday or Sunday, then at block  1209  the gamer is allowed to scratch a cell. Control then passes to block  1210  which is described above. 
         [0056]    According to certain embodiments, the mobile version of the risk game is similar to the social media version of the risk game. 
         [0057]      FIG. 13  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates a mobile version of the bonus game, according to certain embodiments. In  FIG. 13 , at block  1301 , the bonus game is launched. At block  1302 , the game&#39;s bonuses are generated. At block  1303 , the gamer opens elements in the game. At block  1304 , the points of the opened elements are credited to the gamer. At block  1305 , it is determined if the gamer has used up all his opportunities for opening elements. If the gamer has not used up all his opportunities for opening elements, then control is passed back to block  1303 . However, if the gamer has used up all his opportunities for opening elements, then the bonus game ends at  1306 . 
         [0058]    According to certain embodiments, the mobile version of the hourly bonus is similar to the social media version of the hourly bonus. 
         [0059]    According to certain embodiments, the mobile version of the friend&#39;s bonus is similar to the social media version of the friend&#39;s bonus except that the winning combination of a spin is multiplied by the number of friends that made not less than one start-up of the reel since the time that the game was set. 
         [0060]      FIG. 14  shows a sample interface for collecting friend&#39;s bonus, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 14  show a display  1400  of the gamer&#39;s friends  1401  and corresponding bonuses. The gamer can add friends by activating  1402  and can collect all friends&#39; bonuses by activating option  1403 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 15  illustrates a game interface model, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 15  shows a game interface model  1500  that includes an hourly bonus feature  1501 , current amount of in-game coins  1502  that the gamer has, a reel area  1503 , power-ups &amp; boosters features  1504 , a bet setting area  1505 , a maximum bet feature  1506 , tool bar  1507  display of gamer&#39;s friends, an “invite friend” feature  1508 , a pay table feature  1509 , a table of achievements feature  1510 , a VIP club feature  1511 , a scratch game feature  1512 , a dice game feature  1513 , a game settings feature  1514  (e.g., sound control music, quality, image quality). 
         [0062]    According to certain embodiments, the table of achievements includes highlights of the gamer&#39; winnings at a given level of the game, such as 4 in-a-row, 5 in-a-row, boosters etc. The gamer may get in-game coins and boosters as a gift if the table of achievements is full, according to certain embodiments. 
         [0063]    According to certain embodiments, the gamer can purchase a VIP club membership. According to certain embodiments, a VIP club membership provides the gamer with benefits that include: 1) an hourly bonus+10%, 2) ability to obtain daily “friend&#39;s bonus” at one click, 3) extra feature (ability to get more bonuses), 4) a predetermined number of additional coins per month, and 5) a “big pack” of boosters per month. 
         [0064]    According to certain embodiments, the slots journey game includes various “worlds” that the gamer can access for playing the game. Each world includes a number of locations, and each location includes a number of levels, for example. When a gamer plays the game for the first time, the gamer can access only one world (for example, Egypt). 
         [0065]      FIG. 16  illustrates a sample  1600  of “worlds”, “locations” and “levels” features of the slots journey game, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 16  shows worlds  1601 , location  1602  within a world, levels  1603  within a location, and the slots game  1604  at a given level. 
         [0066]    According to certain embodiments, when a world is selected, a map of various locations associated with that world is displayed. When a location is selected, a map of the levels (steps) within the selected location is displayed. The gamer can advance to the next location upon completing all the levels of the preceding location. In order to advance to the next level, the gamer needs to score a predetermined number of points, according to certain embodiments. The number of points is based on the level that the gamer is playing. The gamer can access the next world only after the gamer has played all the locations of the preceding world. 
         [0067]    According to certain embodiments, the slots journey game includes a star rating system. One function of the star rating system is to hold the interest of gamers, especially those gamers that play the game for long periods at a time. For example, a gamer earns a star for successfully completing each world and its associated locations and levels. When the gamer completes the third world, she/he earns the third star. The gamer can earn a rating point when she/he completes each level in a given location. Gamers that earn a large number of rating points for a given world become “ratings leaders.” The ratings leaders are ranked based on their rating points and the ratings leaders are displayed on a leader board. According to certain embodiments, the rating leaders in each world are given an opportunity to raise their rate (+30, for example). 
         [0068]    According to certain embodiments, the game provides interest to a gamer by offering the gamer an opportunity to increase his/her chances of winning using power-ups. There are different types of power-ups that include: 1) restart all the reels except one reel that is selected by the gamer, 2) restart one reel that is selected by the gamer, and 3) change the position of the selected reel one position up or down. Boosters allow the gamer to multiply her/his winnings and thus provide an enhanced gamer experience. For example, booster can be ×2, ×3, ×4, ×5, ×10, ×20. 
         [0069]    According to certain embodiments, the game provides a “hold” feature for stopping a reel from spinning when the gamer clicks on the “hold” button. 
         [0070]    According to certain embodiments, the game includes several methods of monetization including: 1) sale of in-game coins for game play, and 2) sale of game items wherein the items can influence the game process. Such game items can include: 
         [0071]    1) A dice game whereby a gamer can purchase additional moves if the gamer would like to get more than the one daily free move. 
         [0072]    2) Friend&#39;s assistance whereby a gamer can earn another “star” by asking a friend for assistance in providing extra hours to the gamer in order to provide the gamer more time to complete the world. The gamer also has the option to purchase the friend&#39;s hours. 
         [0073]    3) Sale of bonuses such as VIP Club membership, boosters and power-ups as previously described herein. 
         [0074]    According certain embodiments, the game includes features to produce viral effects. Such features include inviting friends to play the game and sharing achievement information with friends. For example, the presence of friends in the game allows the gamer to speed up the levels of achievement, receive daily bonuses from the friends, increase the time available to complete a given task in the game, and send gifts to or receive gifts from friends. 
         [0075]      FIG. 17  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates the “invite friends” feature, according to certain embodiments. At block  1701 , the gamer can select the “invite friend” feature. At block  1702 , the game requests a list of the gamer&#39;s friends from the database. At block  1703 , the list of friends is displayed in the game. At block  1704 , the gamer can select friends to which an invitation can be sent to join the game. At block  1705 , invitations are sent to the selected friends. At block  1706  the selected friends can see and can accept the invitation in their Facebook top panel, for example. 
         [0076]      FIG. 18  is a high-level flow chart that illustrates the “share” feature, according to certain embodiments. According to certain embodiments, the gamer can post information of her/his game winnings and achievements (e.g. level of achievement, bigwin, and awards) on the gamer&#39;s wall. In  FIG. 18 , at block  1801 , an achievement event occurs. At block  1802 , the gamer is given the option to share information on the achievement. If the gamer selects the option to share the information, then at block  1803  the gamer can add a comment. At block  1804 , the comment is posted to the gamer&#39;s profile page. At block  1805 , the gamer is returned to the game. If at block  1802 , the gamer decides not to select the option to share the achievement information, then control passes to block  1805  whereby the gamer is returned to the game. 
         [0077]      FIG. 19  illustrates samples of the share application, according to certain embodiments.  FIG. 19  shows an achievement occurrence  1901  and a “share with friends” feature  1902 .  FIG. 19  also shows a gamer&#39;s profile page  1903 , gamer&#39;s wall  1904  and a share option  1905 . 
         [0078]    The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Category: g