1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 1111111111 11111 1111111111 11111 1111111111 11111 1111111111 11111111
`c19) United States
`
`
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`c10) Pub. No.:
`(43) Pub. Date: Dec. 8, 2011
`Englman et al.
`
`US 20110300926Al
`
`(54)PRESENTING GROUP WAGERING GAMES
`
`AND AWARDS
`
`
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60)Provisional application No. 61/154,604, filed on Feb.
`
`
`
`
`23, 2009.
`
`(75)Inventors:
`Allon G. Englman, Chicago, IL
`
`
`
`(US); Damon E. Gura, Chicago, IL
`(51)Int. Cl.
`
`(US); Joel R. Jaffe, Glenview, IL
`(2006.01)
`A63F 9124
`
`(US); Michael W. Mastropietro,
`
`0� vs.a .......................................................... 4�m
`
`
`
`Chicago, IL (US); Jamie W. Vann,
`(57)
`
`
`Chicago, IL (US); James Palermo,
`
`Chicago, IL (US)
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A wagering game system and its operations are described
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`herein. In embodiments, the operations can include monitor­
`
`
`
`
`ing wagering game play for a player account that is registered
`(73)Assignee:
`
`
`W MS Gaming, Inc., Waukegan, IL
`
`
`to play a group scavenger hunt game. The group scavenger
`(US)
`
`
`
`hunt game may include various collectable items that group
`
`
`
`members collect to win the group scavenger hunt game. The
`
`
`
`operations can further include determining that wagering
`
`
`
`
`game events occur during the wagering game play, where the
`
`
`
`
`
`occurrences of the wagering game events are prerequisites for
`
`
`
`
`obtaining the collectable items. The operations can further
`
`
`
`include indicating on a group progress report ( e.g., a website)
`
`
`that one of the collectable items was obtained. In some
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`
`
`
`
`embodiments, the operations can also include awarding the
`PCT /US2010/024957
`
`
`
`
`
`
`player account for obtaining the item, providing trophies, or
`
`
`
`
`other virtual assets, for winning the group scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`
`game, providing benefits for holding the trophies, etc.
`
`(21)Appl. No.:
`
`13/202,518
`
`(22)PCT Filed:
`Feb.22, 2010
`
`§371 (c)(l),
`
`(2), ( 4) Date:
`Aug. 19, 2011
`
`101
`@@ ADDRESS
`1 03 1 02 �,/ LOGGED IN: It POKER ACE I
`
`181
`
`105
`
`FRODO'S TREE
`
`GJ[Q)�
`...
`
`I
`GAME PROGRESS
`
`=
`
`= KITCHEN
`LIVING ROOM
`
`ENTRYWAY
`
`!
`
`=
`
`GROUP STATS
`
`
`
`ITEM 1: FRODO'S FIREPLACE TOOLS
`
`DATE COLLECTED: 4/11/2011
`113
`BY: POKER ACE
`
`• I SEE STATISTICS FOR POKER ACE I
`• ! SEND MESSAGE � 114
`•! BECOME FRIENDS� 115
`
`WIN ACTIVITY: BACK TO BACK 3 OF A KIND
`• ! SEE REPLAY OF WIN fJ" 116
`
`'z
`
`100" 122 l
`
`IT]
`
`1. POKERACE
`
`-COLLECTED 4
`ITEMS
`2. GAME FOOL
`
`-COLLECTED 3
`ITEMS
`3. JACKATTACK
`
`-COLLECTED 2
`ITEMS
`.,
`YOUR I"+ ♦ 11� .. POKER ACE
`HAND: ••. LI ....
`COMMUNITY! 1 ... I r.11 \ • 1 � M
`HAND: H � � • ' L!.1J �
`CREDITS
`� BET
`119
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 1
`
`

`

`GROUP STATS
`
`ATTIC
`BEDROOM
`KITCHEN
`LIVING ROOM
`ENTRYWAY
`GARDEN
`106
`1.POKERACE
`-COLLECTED 4
`
`ITEMS
`2.GAME FOOL
`
`-COLLECTED 3
`ITEMS
`3.JACK ATTACK
`
`-COLLECTED 2
`ITEMS
`
`
`
`ITEM 1: FRODO'S FIREPLACE TOOLS
`
`DATE COLLECTED: 4/11/2011 113
`
`BY: POKER ACE
`
`• I SEE STATISTICS FOR POKER ACE I
`• I SEND MESSAGE I I 114
`. I BECOME FRIENDS Ir 115
`
`WIN ACTIVITY: BACK TO BACK 3 OF A KIND
`• lsEEREPLAYOFWINfJ 115
`100 ._ 122
`
`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 1 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`1 01
`103 102 LOGGED IN: I t POKER ACE
`LEVEL: LIVING ROOM I I ITEMS COLLECTED: 3/4
`
`:_ ______ !J 117
`r-------,
`-��-108
`�
`
`j
`
`FRODO'S TREE
`
`181
`
`�I
`
`105
`
`GAME PROGRESS
`
`.,
`
`YOUR
`I POKERACE
`HAND:
`COMMUNITYI�
`HAND: fr'l''i' •• •• t• •
`£
`17
`"v
`9
`�
`.. ,I �· 1··1 l\·I �
`CREDITS
`� BET
`[TI 119
`
`FIG. 1
`
`180
`WEB
`SERVER
`WAGERING
`GAME
`.__ s_E_R_V_E_R___,. r~ 1 50 160
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 2
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 2 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`200 "
`
`250
`
`WAGERING GAME SERVER
`251
`252
`
`-,
`
`CONTENT
`CONTROLLER
`
`CONTENT
`STORE
`
`253
`')
`
`254
`
`-,
`
`ACCOUNT
`MANAGER
`
`COMMUNICATION
`UNIT
`
`255
`{.
`
`256
`
`"-,
`
`ACCOUNT SERVER
`271
`l,l
`
`ACCOUNT
`CONTROLLER
`
`270
`
`I2
`
`72
`l_�J
`
`ACCOUNT
`STORE
`
`290
`
`EVENT
`CONTROLLER
`
`ITEM
`CONTROLLER
`
`WEB SERVER
`
`257
`
`'�
`
`AWARD
`CONTROLLER
`
`-
`
`280
`L.
`
`COMMUNITY SERVER
`
`CLIENT 261
`
`262
`
`CONTENT
`CONTROLLER
`
`CONTENT STORE
`
`263
`
`264
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`WAGERING GAME
`MODULE
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 3
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 3 of 10
`
`Patent Application
`Publication
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`300 "'
`
`(BEGIN
`i
`
`
`302 Fl/
`
`REGISTER A PLAYER ACCOUNT AS A GROUP MEMBER TO
`
`COMPETE IN A GROUP SCAVENGER HUNT GAME
`
`
`304 -L/
`WAGERING GAME DURING A WAGERING GAME SESSION
`
`DETERMINE THAT THE PLAYER ACCOUNT IS PLAYING A
`
`l
`
`l
`
`DETERMINE A SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM IN THE GROUP
`
`306 /-\/ SCAVENGER HUNT GAME THAT HAS NOT BEEN OBTAINED
`
`
`
`DETERMINE A WAGERING GAME EVENT ASSOCIATED
`
`/-,v/
`308
`
`WITH THE SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM
`
`l
`
`l
`
`MONITOR WAGERING GAME PLAY BY THE PLAYER
`310-I ACCOUNT FOR A WAGERING GAME PLAYED DURING A
`
`WAGERING GAME SESSION AND DETERMINE THAT THE
`
`EVENT OCCURS DURING THE WAGERING GAME PLAY
`
`i
`
`312
`PROGRESS REPORT THAT THE ITEM WAS OBTAINED
`�L
`
`
`
`INDICATE ON AN ONLINE GROUP SCAVENGER HUNT
`
`--1 PROVIDE AN AWARD ASSOCIATED
`WITH THE ITEM TO THE
`314
`'--
`PLAYER ACCOUNT
`
`l
`
`END )
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 4
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 4 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`103
`
`410
`
`' -----------------I
`
`MISSING ITEM: FRODO'S PAINTING
`
`'
`'
`117 : -------------,
`'
`'
`··--
`REQUIRED ACTIVITY: POCKET ACES 5 TIMES
`i
`
`CURRENT COLLECTION COUNT
`1. POKERACE
`5/17/10
`2. JACK ATTACK
`6/3/10
`10/21/10
`3.POKERACE
`4.POKERACE
`11/15/10
`5. _ _ _ _ _
`AWARD: 50 LOYAL TY POINTS
`-LAST TO COLLECT RECEIVES ENTIRE AWARD
`
`I
`I
`I
`I
`
`491 /I
`
`
`
`GAME CONFIGURATION SETTINGS
`
`SCAVENGER HUNT GAME: I FRODO'S TREE IT I
`ITEM: I FRODO'S PAINTING IT I
`EVENT:
`I POCKET ACES I T I #OF
`OCCURANCES
`TYPE:
`I MUL Tl-COLLECT IT I �
`AWARD: SI ILoYALTYPOINTslTI
`AWARD DISTRIBUTION:
`I LAST TO COLLECT I T I
`SPLIT EVENLY W/ GROUP
`SPLIT EVENLY W/ COLLECTORS
`SPLIT PROPORTIONALLY
`FUNDED BY:
`
`SPONSOR
`
`400
`
`437
`
`422
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`WAGERING
`GAME
`SERVER
`
`450
`
`490
`
`CONFIGURATION
`SERVER
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 5
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 5 of 10
`
`Patent Application
`Publication
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`BEGIN
`
`,,,
`
`5021
`
`/
`
`DETERMINE A PLAYER ACCOUNT IN A GROUP
`
`SCAVENGER HUNT GAME
`
`504·� DETERMINE A SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM IN THE GROUP
`SCAVENGER HUNT GAME
`
`-/
`
`DETERMINE A WAGERING GAME EVENT ASSOCIATED
`
`"
`
`WITH THE SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM
`
`506 /'
`
`,,...
`
`508
`
`
`
`DETERMINE ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL EVENTS
`
`ACHIEVED BY THE PLAYER ACCOUNT THAT ARE
`
`
`
`EQUIVALENT IN VALUE TO THE SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM
`
`,
`.
`
`"
`
`510 ,j
`
`
`
`INDICATE THE ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL EVENTS ON
`
`
`
`THE SCAVENGER HUNT PROGRESS REPORT IN PLACE OF
`
`THE SCAVENGER HUNT ITEM
`
`(END )
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 6
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 6 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`(BEGIN
`t
`DETERMINE A PLAYER ACCOUNT THAT IS PLAYING A
`
`WAGERING GAME
`
`l
`
`DETERMINE THAT THE PLAYER ACCOUNT HOLDS A
`
`POSSESSION RIGHT IN A GROUP VIRTUAL ASSET THE
`PLAYER ACCOUNT EARNED FROM WINNING A GROUP
`GAME
`
`l
`
`DETERMINE A BENEFIT ASSOCIATED WITH HOLDING THE
`
`
`POSSESSION RIGHT, WHERE THE BENEFIT INCLUDES A
`606 /1/ PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT VALUE THAT CAN BE
`
`UTILIZED, DURING THE WAGERING GAME, TO IMPROVE
`
`PERFORMANCE OF A GAME FUNCTION
`
`l
`
`DETERMINE A PROGRAMMATIC GAME ELEMENT
`
`ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAME FUNCTION
`
`1
`
`UTILIZE THE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT VALUE IN
`
`
`/ ASSOCIATION WITH THE PROGRAMMATIC GAME ELEMENT
`
`612 /j
`
`IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE GAME FUNCTION
`
`BASED ON THE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT VALUE
`
`l
`
`(END
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 7
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 7 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`707
`
`e POKER ACE'S ACCOUNT
`703 -,_JII NAME: ROGER ALLEN I EDIT PROFILE L1 705
`704
`II
`
`771
`
`702
`
`740
`SELECTED
`TROPHY
`
`□
`
`MY TROPHIES
`J741
`1.ONE RING
`2.LOST ARK
`3.ROSE BUD
`
`TEAM ACE
`SEE PAST
`CURRENT TROPHY HOLDERS:
`POKER ACE
`TROPHY
`GAME FOOL
`HOLDERS
`JACK ATTACK
`719 ,�.;
`
`710
`
`708
`
`I
`STATISTICS
`FINAL AWARD WON $2500
`FINAL AWARD
`% OF ITEMS
`
`GROUP STATS: DISTRIBUTION COLLECTED
`POKER ACE
`$1150
`46%
`GAME FOOL
`30%
`$750
`JACK ATTACK
`26%
`$650
`
`
`INDIVIDUAL STATS: I ITEMS WON 11 AWARDS 11 REPLAYS I
`SPONSOR STATS: I SEE SPONSORS I
`TIME TO COMPLETE: 8 MONTHS 2 DAYS
`
`TROPHY BENEFITS: 1% CHANCE ENHANCER FOR
`
`
`STARTREK ENTERPRISE SCAVENGER
`ITEMS
`
`MY CURRENT
`GAMES
`742
`1.STARTREK
`ENTERPRISE
`_743
`MY TEAM. 746
`TROPHY HOLDER CONTEST: I 7 30
`I TEAM ACE I/ 7,44
`
`REQUIRED ACTIVITY: TH TEAM TO HOLD TROPHY
`
`AWARD: ENTRY INTO VEGAS VACATION DRAWING
`
`CURRENT: TEAM ACE = 3RD HOLDER
`
`TROPHY EXCHANGE
`
`5
`
`ME
`
`...
`GAME FOOL
`El
`...
`JACK ATTACK
`�
`...
`ADD f-.r- 745
`(: I
`747
`
`700 "-
`
`722
`
`737
`
`770
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 8
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 8 of 10
`Publication
`Patent Application
`
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`8 o0
`
`802
`
`s
`
`PROCESSOR(S)
`
`18
`
`30
`( ~
`
`MEMORY UNIT
`
`WAGERING
`GAME
`MODULE
`
`,,
`
`837
`
`'�
`
`822
`["<
`
`824
`~
`
`804
`
`T, CONTROLLER
`�
`
`GRAPHICS
`
`,,
`I"
`806
`
`,.
`DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`808 /'L, IDE/ATA DRIVE(S)
`
`� ,. �
`
`810 /'L/ USB PORT(S) ::
`�
`
`812 "7
`
`KEYBOARD '".'.
`
`
`814
`
`"'1/ SELECTION DEVICE ,�
`
`INPUT/OUTPUT
`
`CONTROLLER HUB
`(ICH)
`
`�
`�
`
`816 ,'1/ FIREWIRE
`PORT(S)
`
`1
`J
`
`�
`
`A
`
`818 /' 1_/ CD-ROM DRIVE
`
`820 IJ
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE ,�
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 9
`
`

`

`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 9 of 10
`
`Patent Application
`Publication
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`900 ·�
`
`906
`
`�)
`
`908 PAYOUT
`MECHANISM
`PRIMARY
`910 DISPLAY
`912 /l• SECONDARY
`DISPLAY
`
`1/0
`BUS
`
`916 �IJ
`
`914 VALUE INPUT
`DEVICE
`PLAYER INPUT
`DEVICE
`918 INFORMATION
`READER
`930
`/I STORAGE UNIT �
`
`922
`
`LOCATION UNIT 938
`924
`EXTERNAL
`SYSTEM
`INTERFACE
`
`CPU
`
`926
`928
`MAIN MEMORY
`WAGERING
`GAME UNIT .S' 932
`
`937
`WAGERING GAME r
`MODULE
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 10
`
`

`

`
`
`Dec. 8, 2011 Sheet 10 of 10
`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`1004
`
`1024
`1006
`
`1000 �
`
`1016
`
`1014 ---
`
`1008
`
`1010
`
`/
`1020
`
`1012
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 11
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`Dec. 8, 2011
`
`1
`
`PRESENTING GROUP WAGERING GAMES
`
`AND AWARDS
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`LIMITED COPYRIGH T WAIVER
`
`that the wagering game event occurs during the wagering
`
`
`
`
`
`game play; awarding the scavenger hunt collectable item as a
`
`
`
`group achievement for the group scavenger hunt game; and
`
`
`
`indicating the scavenger hunt collectable item on an online
`group-scavenger-hunt progress report.
`
`
`[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
`
`
`
`scavenger indicating the [0006] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/154,604 filed Feb. 23,
`
`hunt collectable item on the online group-scavenger-hunt
`2009.
`
`
`
`
`progress report further comprises identifying the player
`
`
`
`
`account that obtained the scavenger hunt collectable item.
`
`
`[0007] In some embodiments, the online group-scavenger­
`of this patent document [0002] A portion of the disclosure
`
`
`
`
`
`hunt progress report is a themed website that presents a plu­
`
`
`
`
`contains material which is subject to copyright protection.
`
`
`
`
`rality of collectable game goal items in a progressing order.
`
`
`
`The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile repro­
`
`[0008] In some embodiments, the method further com­
`
`
`
`
`duction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
`
`
`
`
`prises providing an award associated with the scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`
`Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but oth­
`
`
`
`collectable item to the player account; and indicating the
`
`
`
`
`erwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright
`
`
`award on the online group-scavenger-hunt progress report.
`
`2010, WMS Gaming, Inc.
`
`[0009] In some embodiments, the method further com­
`
`
`
`
`prises determining that the scavenger hunt collectable item is
`
`
`
`a final collectable item of a plurality of collectable items
`
`
`associated with an objective of the group scavenger hunt
`
`
`[0003] Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate
`
`
`
`
`game; and awarding one or more possession rights in a virtual
`
`
`
`
`generally to wagering game systems and networks that, more
`
`
`
`
`
`
`trophy to one or more of the player account and one or more
`
`
`
`particularly, present group wagering games and awards.
`
`
`additional group member player accounts.
`
`[0010] In some embodiments, the method further com­
`
`
`
`
`prises placing an instance of the virtual trophy in a display
`such as slot machines, [0004] Wagering game machines,
`
`
`
`
`
`associated with the player account; and assign ing one or more
`
`
`video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of
`
`
`
`
`
`wagering game benefits to the one or more possession rights.
`
`
`the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popu­
`
`
`
`wager­[0011] In some embodiments, determining that the
`
`
`
`
`larity of such machines depends on the likelihood ( or per­
`
`
`ing game event occurs during the wagering game play com­
`
`
`
`ceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the
`
`
`prises determining that the group scavenger hunt game
`
`
`
`
`intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other
`
`
`
`requires the wagering game event be repeated a multiple
`
`
`available gaming options. Where the available gaming
`
`
`
`number of times by one or more of the player account and any
`
`
`
`options include a number of competing wagering game
`
`
`other group member before indicating that the scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`
`machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is
`
`collectable item was obtained.
`
`
`
`
`roughly the same ( or believed to be the same), players are
`the scavenger [0012] In some embodiments, indicating
`
`
`
`
`
`likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting
`
`
`hunt collectable item on the online group-scavenger-hunt
`
`
`
`machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ
`
`
`
`
`
`
`progress report comprises, providing to the player account a
`
`
`
`the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and
`
`
`
`representative item object associated with the group scaven­
`
`
`
`
`
`enhancements available because such machines attract fre­
`
`
`
`ger hunt collectable item, and providing controls for the
`
`
`
`quent play and hence increase profitability to the operator.
`
`
`player account to place the representative item within the
`
`
`
`Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game
`
`
`
`online group-scavenger-hunt progress report.
`
`
`
`
`machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games
`
`
`one or more machine-read­[0013] In some embodiments,
`
`
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`and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.
`
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`
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`able media having instructions stored thereon, which when
`
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`Further, wagering games are expanding in popularity. Many
`
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`
`
`executed by a set of one or more processors causes the set of
`
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`
`wagering game enthusiasts are demanding greater access to
`
`one or more processors to perform operations comprises
`
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`
`wagering games and content related to wagering games. As a
`
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`determining a player account that is playing a wagering game;
`
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`
`
`result, some wagering game companies have created online
`
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`
`determining that the player account holds a possession right
`
`
`
`wagering game websites that provide a way for wagering
`
`
`
`
`in a virtual trophy the player account earned from winning a
`
`
`game enthusiasts to play wagering games while connected to
`
`
`group game; determining a benefit associated with holding
`
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`
`the Internet ( e.g., via a web-browser). Therefore, there is also
`
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`
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`the possession right, wherein the benefit includes a perfor­
`
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`
`a continuing need for online game providers to continuously
`
`
`mance enhancement value that can be utilized, during the
`
`
`
`develop new games and gaming enhancements that will
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`wagering game, to improve performance of a game function;
`
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`attract frequent play, increase online gaming revenue, etc.
`
`
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`determining a programmatic game element associated with
`
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`
`the game function; utilizing the performance enhancement
`
`
`value in association with the programmatic game element;
`
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`and improving the performance of the game function based
`
`
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`regis­a method comprises [0005] In some embodiments,
`
`
`on the performance enhancement value.
`
`
`
`
`tering a player account as a group member to compete in a
`
`
`group scavenger hunt game; determining that the player
`
`
`
`improving said operation of [0014] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`
`
`account is playing a wagering game during a wagering game
`
`
`the performance of the game function based on the perfor­
`
`
`
`
`session; determining a scavenger hunt collectable item in the
`
`
`mance enhancement value further comprises one or more of
`
`
`group scavenger hunt game that has not been obtained; deter­
`
`
`
`improving a chance that a favorable wagering game event
`
`
`mining a wagering game event associated with the scavenger
`
`
`
`occurs in the wagering game, providing a score multiplier
`
`
`
`hunt collectable item; monitoring wagering game play by the
`
`
`
`
`enhancer in a bonus game, providing a bet enhancer, increas­
`
`
`player account for one or more wagering games; determining
`
`
`
`ing skill-based performance, and providing a payout.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 12
`
`

`

`
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`US 2011/0300926 Al
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`Dec. 8, 2011
`
`2
`
`[0015] In some embodiments, the operations further com­
`
`
`second value for the one or more obtained first scavenger
`
`
`
`
`
`prise determining a time period associated with holding the
`
`
`items, and substitute the one or more unobtained scavenger
`
`
`possession right; determining that the time period has
`
`
`hunt items with the one or more obtained first scavenger
`
`
`
`expired; and deactivating the possession right.
`items.
`
`
`[0016] In some embodiments, the operations further com­
`[0023] In some embodiments, the group scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`prise receiving a request to transfer the possession right to an
`
`
`one or more item controller is further configu red to determine
`
`
`
`
`additional player account for a form of compensation; receiv­
`
`
`
`wagering game events associated with the unobtained scav­
`
`
`
`ing an indication that the form of compensation was provided
`
`
`enger hunt items, and indicate on a group-scavenger-hunt
`
`
`
`
`to the player account; and transferring the possession right to
`
`
`
`
`progress report that the one or more wagering game events
`
`
`the additional player account.
`were accomplished.
`[0017] In some embodiments, a system comprises a wager­
`
`
`hunt the group scavenger [0024] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ing game server comprises an event controller configured to
`
`
`
`one or more item controller is further configu red to determine
`
`
`
`
`determine one or more events to assign to items in a group
`
`
`
`
`
`first wagering game events associated with the obtained scav­
`
`
`
`scavenger hunt game, and track completion of the one or more
`
`
`
`enger hunt items, determine one or more first odds for obtain­
`
`
`events by group members registered for the group scavenger
`
`
`
`
`ing the one or more first wagering game events, determine one
`
`hunt game. The system can also include an item controller
`
`
`
`or more second wagering game events associated with the
`
`
`
`configured to determine one or more representative item
`
`
`
`
`unobtained scavenger hunt items, determine one or more
`
`
`
`
`objects in the group scavenger hunt game that is associated
`
`
`second odds for obtaining the one or more second wagering
`
`
`
`
`with completed events, associate the one or more representa­
`
`
`
`
`game events, determine that the one or more first odds and the
`
`
`
`tive item objects with one or more player accounts that
`
`one or more second odds are equivalent, and present the one
`
`
`
`
`accomplished the completed events, and present the one or
`
`
`
`or more unobtained scavenger hunt items to the player
`
`
`
`more representative item objects on an online group-scaven­
`
`
`account to select one or more as substitutes for one or more of
`
`
`
`ger-hunt progress report. The system can also include and an
`
`
`the one or more obtained scavenger hunt items.
`
`
`
`award controller configured to provide one or more awards to
`
`
`[0025] In some embodiments, the group scavenger hunt
`the one or more player accounts that accomplished the com­
`
`
`
`item controller is configured to determine one or more of odds
`
`
`
`
`pleted events. The system can also include a client device
`
`
`
`for obtaining an event, values of awards associated with an
`
`
`
`configured to access the one or more player accounts, and
`
`
`
`
`event, and one or more payments made by the player account.
`
`
`
`control one or more of the one or more representative item
`
`[0026] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises
`
`
`objects and the one or more awards.
`
`
`
`means for determining that a player account is playing a
`
`
`
`is fur­the award controller [0018] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`
`wagering game during a wagering game session, wherein the
`
`
`ther configu red to distribute the one or more awards accord­
`
`
`
`player account is registered as one of a plurality of group
`
`
`
`ing to factors including one or more of a number of times an
`
`
`
`members of a group scavenger hunt game; means for deter­
`
`
`event is accomplished, a percentage of events accomplished
`
`
`
`
`mining a scavenger hunt item in the group scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`
`by the group members, a number of group members, and
`
`
`
`game that has not been obtained; means for determining a
`
`milestones achieved by the group members.
`
`
`
`
`
`wagering game event associated with the scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`is fur­the award controller [0019] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`
`item; means for monitoring wagering game play by the player
`
`
`
`ther configured to provide awards that escalate in value as
`
`
`
`account for one or more wagering games played by one or
`
`
`more of the items are obtained for the group scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`more of the player account and the plurality of group mem­
`game.
`
`
`
`
`bers; means for determining that to obtain the scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`is further [0020] In some embodiments, the item controller
`
`
`
`
`item, the group scavenger hunt game requires the wagering
`
`
`
`configured to transfer the one or more representative item
`
`
`game event to be repeated a multiple number of times by any
`
`
`
`objects to an additional group-scavenger-hunt progress
`
`
`
`
`one or more of the player account and the plurality of group
`
`
`
`
`report, determine one or more additional representative item
`
`
`
`
`members; means for determining that the wagering game
`
`
`objects on the additional group-scavenger-hunt progress
`
`event occurs during the wagering game play; and means for
`
`
`report that are equivalent in value to the one or more repre­
`
`
`
`indicating an occurrence of the wagering game event on a
`
`
`
`
`sentative item objects, and indicate on the additional group­
`
`
`
`group scavenger hunt webpage in association with the scav­
`
`
`
`
`scavenger-hunt progress report that the one or more addi­
`
`
`enger hunt item on the group scavenger hunt webpage.
`
`
`
`tional representative item objects were obtained.
`
`[0027] In some embodiments, the means for indicating the
`
`
`[0021] In some embodiments, the item controller is further
`
`
`
`
`occurrence of the wagering game event comprises, means for
`
`
`
`configured to calculate a first value for the one or more rep­
`
`
`
`
`indicating the occurrence on a counter associated with the
`
`
`
`
`resentative item objects in the group scavenger hunt game,
`
`
`
`
`scavenger hunt item, wherein the counter includes informa­
`
`
`compare the first value to a second value for the one or more
`
`
`
`tion about the player account that accomplished the wagering
`
`
`
`
`additional representative item objects in an additional group
`game event.
`
`
`
`scavenger hunt game, and determine that the first value and
`an apparatus further com­[0028] In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`the second value are equivalent.
`
`
`
`prises means for determining that the occurrence of the
`[0022] In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`wagering game event is a final occurrence required to obtain
`
`
`
`group scavenger hunt item controller configured to determine
`
`
`
`the group scavenger hunt item; means for awarding the scav­
`
`a player account that is registered as a group member for one
`enger hunt item as a group achievement for the group scav­
`
`
`
`
`or more group scavenger hunt games, determine a request to
`
`enger hunt game; and means for indicating the scavenger hunt
`
`
`
`substitute one or more unobtained scavenger hunt items from
`
`
`item on the group scavenger hunt website.
`
`
`
`the one or more group scavenger hunt games with one or more
`
`
`obtained first scavenger items from the one or more group
`
`
`
`com­[0029] In some embodiments, the apparatus further
`
`
`
`scavenger hunt games, determine that a first value for the one
`
`
`
`prises means for providing at least some portion of an award
`
`
`
`
`or more unobtained scavenger hunt items is equivalent to a
`
`
`
`
`associated with the scavenger hunt item to the player account
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 13
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`Dec. 8, 2011
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`based on a number of times that the wagering game event
`substituting, or exchanging, items of equivalent values in
`
`
`
`
`occurred to the player account.
`
`
`
`
`
`different scenarios. Some embodiments describe examples of
`
`
`
`
`
`controlling possession rights and benefits associated with
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
`
`
`trophies for group wagering games, and so forth.
`[0030] Embodiments are illustrated in the Figu res of the
`
`
`
`[0044] In some embodiments herein a user may be referred
`
`
`
`accompanying drawings in which:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to as a player (i.e., of wagering games), and a player may be
`
`[0031] FIG. 1 is an illustration of presenting a group scav­
`
`
`
`
`referred to interchangeably as a player account. Account­
`
`
`enger hunt game webpage, according to some embodiments;
`
`
`
`
`based wagering systems utilize player accounts when trans­
`
`
`[0032] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a wagering game system
`
`
`
`
`
`
`acting and performing activities, at the computer level, that
`
`
`embodiments; architecture to some 200, according
`
`
`
`
`
`
`are initiated by players. Therefore, a "player account" repre­
`
`
`determin­[0033] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram 300 illustrating
`
`
`
`sents the player at a computerized level. The player account
`
`
`
`
`ing wagering game events and assigning associated items for
`
`
`can perform actions via computerized instructions. For
`
`
`
`a group scavenger hunt game, according to some embodi­
`
`
`
`example, in some embodiments, a player account may be
`ments;
`
`
`
`
`referred to as controlling (e.g., obtaining, referencing,
`
`
`[0034] FIG. 4 is an illustration of items, configu ring events,
`
`
`
`exchanging, etc.) an item, or accomplishing an event.
`
`
`and awards associated with a group scavenger hunt game,
`
`
`
`
`Although a player, or person, may be activating a game con­
`
`
`according to some embodiments;
`
`
`
`trol or device to control the item or accomplish the event, the
`
`[0035] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram substituting 500 illustrating
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`player account, at the computer level, can be associated with
`
`
`
`items of equivalent values in a group scavenger hunt game,
`
`
`
`
`the player, and therefore any actions associated with the
`
`
`according to some embodiments;
`
`
`
`player can also be associated with the player account. There­
`
`
`[0036] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 illustrating controlling
`
`
`
`
`fore, for brevity, to avoid having to describe the interconnec­
`
`
`
`
`possession rights and benefits associated with trophies for
`
`
`
`
`tion between player and player account in every instance, a
`
`
`
`group wagering games, according to some embodiments;
`
`
`
`
`"player account" may be referred to herein in either context.
`
`
`[ 003 7] FIG. 7 is an illustration of presenting and controlling
`
`
`
`
`Further, in some embodiments herein, the word "gaming" is
`
`
`
`
`trophies, awards, benefits, and group dynamics in player
`
`used interchangeably with "gambling".
`
`
`accounts, according to some embodiments;
`an [0045] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates
`
`
`
`
`
`[0038] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a computer system 800,
`
`
`example of presenting a group scavenger hunt game
`
`
`according to some embodiments;
`
`
`
`webpage, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 1, a
`
`
`machine [0039] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a wagering game
`
`
`wagering game system ("system") a wagering 100 includes
`
`
`
`
`and embodiments; architecture to some 900, according
`
`
`
`
`client devices, game server 150 connected to one or more
`
`[0040] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a mobile wagering game
`
`
`
`such as a wagering game machine 160 or a computer 137, via
`machine 1000, according to some embodiments.
`
`
`
`
`game server a communications network 122. The wagering
`
`150 can also be connected to a web server 180 that hosts a
`
`
`website. The computer 137 can be situated anywhere ( e.g., at
`
`
`
`home, in a place of business, in a casino, etc.) and can be
`
`
`
`other network­utilized to present a web browser 101 (or any
`
`
`
`
`
`is divided into [0041] This description of the embodiments
`
`
`browsing capable application). The web server 180 can pro­
`
`
`
`
`five sections. The first section provides an introduction to
`
`
`
`in the form vide content that the web browser 101 can present
`
`
`
`
`
`embodiments. The second section describes example operat­
`
`of a webpage 181. The webpage 181 can include player
`
`
`
`
`ing environments while the third section describes example
`
`
`
`that is logged on account information account 102 for a player
`
`
`
`
`
`operations performed by some embodiments. The fourth sec­
`
`
`
`
`to a player network. The player network can be hosted by the
`
`
`
`tion describes additional example operating environments
`
`
`
`game server web server 180, the wagering 150, and/or other
`
`
`
`
`while the fifth section presents some general comments.
`
`
`
`
`servers not shown ( e.g., a community server, an account
`
`
`
`
`
`server, etc.). The player account information 102 can include
`
`
`
`
`identifiers, such as a player account's handle, avatar, etc. The
`
`
`[0042] This section provides an introduction to some
`webpage 181 can include an online group-scavenger-hunt
`
`embodiments.
`
`
`
`
`
`report progress report ("progress report") 103. The progress
`
`
`
`online game provid­[0043] Casinos, game manufacturers,
`
`
`which group members of 103 can be a themed presentation,
`
`
`
`
`ers, etc., are always interested in new and innovative ways to
`
`
`
`the group scavenger hunt game, and others, can visit via the
`
`
`make wagering games more interesting. A more interesting
`
`
`
`
`to show Internet. A purpose of the progress report 103 can be
`
`
`
`
`
`wagering game provides greater entertainment value and
`
`
`
`various items (e.g., fireplace tools 107, flute 108, and pipe
`
`
`
`leads to increased profits on wagering games. Presented
`
`109)that group members have collected for the group scav­
`
`
`
`herein are some embodiments of providing group games in a
`
`enger hunt game. The system 100 can present the items in a
`
`
`
`
`networked wagering game environment. One example is a
`
`
`specific order, en route to an overall prize, like a trophy. In
`
`
`group scavenger hunt game. In some embodiments, players
`
`
`some embodiments, the progress report 103 may also be
`
`
`
`can compete against each other to collect game items ( e.g.,
`
`
`
`
`
`referred to herein as a "trophy case" as it represents a visible
`
`
`
`scavenger hunt game collectable items, game goal items, etc.)
`
`
`
`
`platform for player accounts to see and admire the efforts of
`
`
`for the group scavenger hunt game by accomplishing wager­
`
`
`
`differentthe group. The progress report 103 can show many
`
`
`
`ing game events. The group scavenger hunt game provides
`
`
`items by having multiple containers/rooms/etc. For example,
`
`
`
`awards and trophies, which can provide various game ben­
`
`
`
`Frodo Baggins'the progress report 103 can be themed (e.g.,
`
`
`efits, rights, dynamic properties, etc. In some embodiments,
`
`
`
`Tree), and each themed room can shows different themed
`
`
`
`
`the group scavenger hunt game can include an online tracking
`
`
`items that fit the theme of the room ( e.g., the fireplace tools
`
`
`
`system, or progress report, of items that have been obtained
`
`
`107, the flute 108, and the pipe 109 are all items that may
`
`
`
`by group members. Some embodiments can provide ways of
`
`
`appear in Frodo's living room). The items may be collected,
`
`DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Introduction
`
`Supercell
`Exhibit 1004
`Page 14
`
`

`

`
`
`US 2011/0300926 Al
`
`Dec. 8, 2011
`
`4
`
`this section includes discus­More specifically, in any embodiments. or participates, or obt_ained, while a player plays,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`game system architectures. sion about wagering wagering wagenng game ( e.g., a poker game 119) or similar
`
`
`
`