US20070135208A1 - Networked video game wagering with player-initiated verification of wager outcomes - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of a wagering system are provided. The wagering system may include a server configured for processing at least one wager on a video game to be played by players on a multiplayer gaming network, and at least one database operatively associated with the server, the database being configured for storing information related to the video game wager. The server may be configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network and may include a confirmation system configured to receive confirmation of the outcome of the video game wager from the players.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention generally relates to processing wagers in association with networked video game play.
BACKGROUND
• The technological landscape for online multiplayer video gaming is rapidly evolving into exciting new areas. Online video game play through multiplayer gaming networks provides an entertaining experience by offering players the opportunity to play against multiple live opponents, rather than merely against a computer-controlled opponent, in a virtual video game world. There are presently many multiplayer gaming networks available that allow players to compete in video games against each other, and at least some of these networks have the capability to permit interaction among players on a global scale.
• In view of this emerging technological landscape, what are needed are more effective ways to further enhance the excitement and entertainment value of the online video gaming experience, especially with regard to video games played on multiplayer gaming networks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• The utility of the embodiments of the invention will be readily appreciated and understood from consideration of the following description of the embodiments of the invention when viewed in connection with the accompanying drawings.
• FIG. 1 includes a system architecture diagram illustrating various exemplary aspects of a wagering system configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 2A includes a process flow diagram illustrating certain aspects of wagering processes that may be conducted in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
• FIG. 2B includes a process flow diagram illustrating certain aspects of wagering processes that may be conducted in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and,
• FIGS. 3 through 25 illustrate examples of screen displays that may be provided in accordance with wagering system embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION
• As applied herein, a “wager” or “wagering” involves players staking something of value (e.g., money) for an opportunity to win something of value (e.g., a prize) subject to the outcome of an event (e.g., a video game contest between players), wherein the outcome of the event is predominantly determined by the skill of the players involved in the event and not a chance occurrence. In comparison, a “bet” or “gambling” involves staking something of value (e.g., money) for a chance to win something of value (e.g., a prize) subject predominantly to the outcome of an event (e.g., a lottery drawing) which is predominantly a chance occurrence.
• A “multiplayer gaming network” or “gaming network” includes any networked medium that permits players to engage in a video game, computer system game, or any other electronic gaming activity between/among the players. One example of a “multiplayer gaming network” suitable for use with various embodiments of the present invention is the “Xbox Live” gaming network operatively associated with the “Xbox” gaming system (Microsoft Corporation).
• A “video game” includes any electronically executed game that can be played over a multiplayer gaming network in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Examples of video games include, without limitation, console-based games such as those played on the “Xbox” gaming system, personal computer (“PC”) games, and a variety of other types of electronic games.
• A “game console” includes any device or apparatus that can be configured for playing one or more video games on a multiplayer gaming network. Examples of “game consoles” may include, without limitation, video gaming system consoles, computer systems, personal data assistants (PDAs), wireless telephones, or any other device that can be configured for use as a game console in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention described herein. In another example, cable controllers configured for access to cable network media may include interactive features that users can employ as game consoles, for example, to practice various aspects of the invention described herein.
• The term “communication media” includes any medium capable of receiving data communications in accordance with various embodiments of the invention such as, without limitation, network connections (e.g., an intranet, extranet, or the Internet), wireless data networks, wire line data networks, satellite networks, or cable network connections.
• Unless otherwise noted or readily evident from the context as applied herein, the term “player” refers to players participating on a multiplayer gaming network who may also be “users” of a wagering system provided in accordance with the present invention. The terms “player” and “user” sometimes may be used interchangeably herein.
• With reference toFIG. 1, general aspects of an exemplary wagering system architecture that may be provided in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Awagering system102 includes aserver102A configured to receive and process wagers that can be placed and settled in association with networked video game match play. Theserver102A may be a web server, for example, and may be operatively associated with one ormore wager databases102B or other like storage media configured for storing a variety of wagering related information. Theserver102A may host one ormore web sites102C including various pages or screen displays that facilitate collection, analysis and processing of wagering information and/or other data communicated to/from thewagering system102. For example, information may be communicated to thewagering system102 fromvarious players112,114,116 usingmultiple game consoles106,108,110 (respectively), to play video games on amultiplayer gaming network104. In various embodiments, theplayers112,114,116 may also be users with respect to accessing and using various features of thewagering system102.
• In general, thewagering system102 functions to allow theplayers112,114,116 to select from among a diverse set of video games that can be played for wagers; to permit theplayers112,114,116 to store wagers; to accept the wager of an opponent with whom they would like to compete; to remove or modify unaccepted wagers; as well as to perform various other functions. Thewagering system102 may not be configured to facilitate actual video game play between/among theplayers112,114,116. Rather, the software that permits communication and interaction between/among thegame consoles106,108,110 during video game play can be executed by themultiplayer gaming network104. Thewagering system102 may thus be configured to operate independently of themultiplayer gaming network104; and, thegame consoles106,108,110 may interact with each other on themultiplayer gaming network104 to conduct video game play. Thedotted line118 is intended to represent an association, without a direct connection or communication, between the independently operative functions of thewagering system102 and themultiplayer gaming network104.
• As described hereinafter in more detail, thewagering system102 provides a variety of functions: to permitplayers112,114,116 to register and maintainwager accounts102D; to store details ofplayer112,114,116 profiles; to store payment information; to facilitate competition withother players112,114,116 who also wish to wager in a variety of video games; to confirm outcomes of video game matches with aconfirmation system102E; to apply ratings to users with aratings system102F to reflect the conduct of users in their interactions with thewagering system102 and other users; to transfer an amount indicative of the wager at the conclusion of a head-to-head video game match, for example; to store outcomes of played video games, including acompetency structure102G that tracks and maintains the skill levels ofplayers112,114,116 with respect to various video games; to settle disputes betweenplayers112,114,116 associated with wager outcomes by employing adispute settlement system102H; and/or other functions.
• As shown inFIG. 1, one ormore communication media120 may be provided to enable communications between one or more of thegame consoles106,108,110 and thewagering system102. Also one ormore access devices122 may be employed by theplayers112,114,116 or other users to communicate with thewagering system102, for example, through one or more of thecommunication media120. Examples ofaccess devices122 include, without limitation, computer systems, personal data assistants (PDA's), telephones (of wireless or wireline variety), and/or any other access device suitable for accessing the functions of thewagering system102.
• Prior to entering into video game match play for wagers, players may be required to register as users with thewagering system102. Players may register in a variety of manners. For instance, avisitor home page302 may include aregistration link304 to direct new users to aregistration page502 where they may register, and aconventional login area306 wherein a member can enter his or her username and password to access his or her account information with thewagering system102. Otherwise, visitors or members who have not yet logged into their accounts may be prompted to register or log into their accounts, if they attempt to engage in wagering activity within one ormore web sites102C of thewagering system102. The player may be presented with aprompt404 as shown in thescreen display402 ofFIG. 4 that permits entry of login information (e.g., username and password information) to access thewagering system102, and/or permits a user to access theregistration page502. In this manner, it can be seen that visitors, as well as members who have not yet logged in, are able to view the same wagering activity on theweb site102C as members who had logged into their account, although they may not be able to wager themselves until they login or register.
• In order to register atstep202 and gain access to thewagering system102, new users may be presented with theregistration page502 shown in the screen display ofFIG. 5. On theregistration page502, new users may enter various name and contact information, as well as a multiplayergaming network identification504 that the user employs when playing video games on themultiplayer gaming network104. New users may also enter desiredusername506 andpassword508 information to permit account access on thewagering system102. Data collected on theregistration page502 may be stored in thewager database102B of thewagering system102.
• In association with registration, new users may be directed to a “deposit options”page602, as illustrated by the screen display ofFIG. 6, to select or edit deposit options atstep204. The “deposit options”page602 permits the user to select apayment method604 for establishing awager account102D with thewagering system102. Users may be able to deposit funds in a service account using a credit card, bank transfer, or through a variety of payment processors124 (examples of which are listed in thepayment method604 section) that provide payment processing services to thewagering system102. Thepayment processors124 can facilitate the transfer of funds to/from thewager account102D of the user. To load credit into awager account102D, for example, a user may transfer money into thewagering system102 by using one or more accounts managed for the user by thepayment processor124 and/or by using a credit card or bank transfer. Once established, thewager account102D may be employed by thewagering system102 to credit or debit wager amounts for the user in connection with wagering to be settled following video game play (i.e., wins or losses) on themultiplayer gaming network104, for example.
• Once a registered account is accessed by a previously registered user or a new user atstep206, amember home page702 as seen in the screen display ofFIG. 7 may be displayed by thewagering system102. Themember home page702, like thevisitor home page302, includes, for example,links704 to the most popular wager pages,links706 to “featured wager pages” that the service may want to highlight, as well aslinks708 to various pages that display player rankings based on competition for a wager in a particular game and/or overall competition on thewagering system102.
• Various screen displays presented by theweb sites102C, such as themember home page702, may include atoolbar710 of links positioned horizontally across the screen display as shown. The links in thetoolbar710 may include a “home page”link710A to access themember home page702, a “terms and conditions”link710B to display terms and conditions of using thewagering system102, and an “instructions”link710C to access written instructions and/or, for example, a visual demonstration, explaining how the service operates. Various screen displays presented by theweb site102C may also include atoolbar712 of links positioned vertically across the screen display, as shown on themember home page702, for example. Thetoolbar712 may include links for a variety of video games on which a user may place a wager and play against another player on themultiplayer gaming network104. The video game links on thetoolbar712 may be separated into distinct sections according to a number of factors including themultiplayer gaming network104 associated with the video game and the type of video game (e.g., sports, fighting, shooter, etc.). For instance, there could be a section devoted to “Xbox” sports games or “Playstation” (Sony Corporation) fighting games. In addition, thetoolbar712 may be configured to display only those links to video games which are compatible for play with theparticular game console106,108,110 of the user (e.g., links for “Playstation” games only). Lastly, each video game link may allow users to access a pull-down menu806 of sub-links related to agame804, as shown in thescreen display802 ofFIG. 8, for example. This allows a user to access wager pages for different game modes, as well as pages displayinguser rankings904 related to wagering on a game, as shown in thescreen display902 ofFIG. 9, for example.
• Various screen displays presented by thewagering system102 may also include a vertically positionedtoolbar714 of links as shown, for example, on themember home page702 as shown in the screen display ofFIG. 7. The links on thetoolbar714 may allow users to access functions and processes relevant to the management of thewager account102D.
• For example, a “confirm outcome”link714A may allow users to access a page on which they can confirm the outcome of wagers, which were entered into using thewagering system102 and competed for on themultiplayer gaming network104. An example of a “confirm outcome”page1002 is shown in the screen display ofFIG. 10. In addition, an “account statement”link714B may allow access to pages that displaywager account102D statements and allow users to modify contact/password information, as well as to register with thewagering system102 for other multiplayer networks, for example, on which they compete. An example of an “account statement”page1102 is seen in the screen display ofFIG. 11. A “deposit money”link714C provides navigation to the “deposit options”page602 to permit users to add credit to their wager accounts102D. A “withdraw money”link714D can direct users to a function or page that facilitates withdrawal of an amount of the credit balance in thewager account102D not otherwise needed to cover an outstanding wager, or the largest of multiple outstanding wagers, stored with thewagering system102. An example of a “withdrawal options”page1202 is illustrated in the screen display ofFIG. 12. A “betting history”link714E can direct users to a “betting history” page1302 (an example of which is presented in the screen display ofFIG. 13), which displays historical data for wager amounts stored by the user for various video games. A “player profile”link714F may direct users to a function or page that summarizes a user's skill levels competing in games and/or game modes for a wager; records play for each game and/or game modes for a wager; and/or, records profit and loss information associated with playing games and/or game modes for a wager. An example of a “player profile”page1402 is shown in the screen display ofFIG. 14.
• Also, on thetoolbar714, users may be presented with a “Stored Wagers”section714G that includes a list of outstanding, stored wagers for the user on thedatabase102B of thewagering system102. For each wager, abutton714H,714I or other function can be provided that allows for the removal of the wagers from thedatabase102B. It can be appreciated that the number of wagers in the “Stored Wagers”section714G varies depending on the number of wagers stored by the user. If a user does not have any wagers stored, then a “None” designation may be presented in the “Stored Wagers”section714G.
• Atstep208, the user may select a video game for which the user wants to review, store or accept a wager. Selecting the one-on-one football link (e.g. “1-on-1”) on the pull-down menu806, for example, directs the user to thewager page1502 as shown in the screen display ofFIG. 15. In general, thewager page1502 may be substantially representative of the characteristics of all wager pages that may be provided for different video games in accordance with embodiments of the invention. As shown, thewager page1502 includes a list ofwagers1504 that theplayers112,114,116 have stored on thewagering system102 for a particular video game. Thelist1504 may include theusername1506 of eachplayer112,114,116 who stored a wager; theuser rating1508 of eachplayer112,114,116; theskill level1510 of eachplayer112,114,116; and/or, awager amount1512 associated with each wager. On thewager page1502, the user may accept a particular stored wager with the intent of playing the video game for thewager amount1512. In addition, thewager page1502 may include a “store wager”option1514 that allows users to add wagers to the list ofwagers1504 by inputting wager amounts1512. In various embodiments, thewagering system102 may refuse to accept wager amounts less than a predetermined minimum level or greater than a predetermined maximum level. Once the “store wager”option1514 is selected, a “wager form”1602 shown in the screen display ofFIG. 16 may be presented to the user with awager amount field1604 that permits entry of thewager amount1512. If the user attempts to store awager amount1512 greater than the credit amount available in the user'swagering system102wager account102D, anotification1704 as shown in thescreen display1702 ofFIG. 17 may be presented to the user.
• In addition, thewager page1502 may be configured to permit users to sort the list of storedwagers1504 according towager amount1512 orskill level1510, for example. Thewager page1502 may also be provided with a conventional search functionality that permits users to search thelist1504 for aspecific wager amount1512, aspecific skill level1510, and/or theusername1506 of aparticular player112,114,116. In a normal mode of operation, the list of storedwagers1504 can be ordered according to when the wagers were initially stored, such that the first wager on thelist1504 may be the most recent or the oldest stored wager on thelist1504.
• In various embodiments, acredit balance714J of thewager account102D of a user can be displayed on thetoolbar714, for example, of various pages of thewagering system102. In addition, users may be permitted to view a breakdown of gross transactions that have impacted the credit balance by navigating to the “account statement”page1102, using the associatedlink714B on thetoolbar714. The “account statement”page1102 can be configured to display transactions including total amounts deposited to thewagering system102, total amounts withdrawn, total fees taken from winning wagers, and/or amounts won or lost by the user.
• With general reference toFIGS. 1 through 2B, in operation of thewagering system102, if aplayer112,114,116 cannot find a compatible wager stored on thewagering system102 to select atstep254, theplayer112,114,116 can store a wager atstep256, and log into themultiplayer gaming network104 to await another player's112,114,116 acceptance of the stored wager. Users may also be permitted to store multiple wagers on thewagering system102 for a particular video game or multiple video games to promote an increased probability that anopponent player112,114,116 will be available to play for one of the multiple wagers. With respect to multiple wagers, thewagering system102 can be configured to verify that theplayer112,114,116 has enough credit in thewager account102D to cover the largest of the multiple stored wagers.Players112,114,116 who stored wagers may be automatically notified atstep258 by e-mail, instant messenger, or another communication method, if anotherplayer112,114,116 has selected their wager. It can be seen thatplayers112,114,116 who had previously stored wagers on thewagering system102 can await notification of wager acceptance while working on a computer system or other access device122 (wireless phone, PDA, notebook, etc.), in addition to thegaming console106,108,110.
• If the user stores a wager substantially compatible with a wager previously stored by another player, and if thewagering system102 determines through application of itscompetency structure102G that the skill levels associated with theplayers112,114,116 who made the wagers are compatible, then theplayers112,114,116 associated with the wagers may then be directed to compete in networked match play immediately atstep260. Thewagering system102 may be configured to define compatible wager amounts as substantially the same amounts or within a certain acceptable range of deviation between the amounts. Thecompetency structure102G of thewagering system102 may not permitplayers112,114,116 of comparatively higher skill levels to accept wagers fromplayers112,114,116 at comparatively lower skill levels, but the converse may be permitted (i.e., lowerskill level players112,114,116 can be permitted to accept wagers stored by higherskill level players112,114,116). Also, thecompetency structure102G of thewagering system102 may be configured to not permit aplayer112,114,116 having a first skill level to play against aplayer112,114,116 at a second skill level, wherein the absolute magnitude or percentage difference between the first and second skill levels exceeds a predetermined maximum level. If thewagering system102 matches compatible wagers, or if a user accepts a stored wager on thewager page1502, for example, then the user can be presented with aconfirmation page1802 as shown in the screen display ofFIG. 18. Theconfirmation page1802 prompts the user to accept or decline the video game match wager subject to the terms and conditions displayed on theconfirmation page1802. On the other hand, if a user stores a wager, then the user can be presented with theconfirmation page1902 as shown in the screen display ofFIG. 19. These confirmation pages may display a reference number attributed to the accepted or stored wager by thewagering system102.
• If a user accepts another user's stored wager, then that particular stored wager can be removed from thewager page1502 by thewagering system102. If a user had multiple stored wagers on thewager page1502, or onmultiple wager pages1502, and the user enters into competition for one of the wagers, then all of the wagers can be removed from thatwager page1502, and/or all of the wager pages1502.
• To select a wager atstep254, users may be required to have loaded enough credit into thewager account102D to cover the wager amount; and, to have challenged another user of a compatible skill level. If a user attempts to select a wager without meeting these criteria, among possibly others, then thewagering system102 may present the user with anotification2004 shown in thescreen display2002 ofFIG. 20 for attempting to compete with another player having an incompatible skill level; and/or anotification2104 shown in thescreen display2102 ofFIG. 21 for attempting to accept a wager of an amount greater than the credit balance of thewager account102D of the user. In this event, thewagering system102 may be configured to automatically direct the user as to how to transfer additional funds into the user'swager account102D.
• If users have met the necessary criteria and have stored a wager, then they may receive a prompt2204 shown in thescreen display2202 ofFIG. 22, notifying them to prepare theirgame console106,108,110 and await a challenger to compete in the designated video game on themultiplayer gaming network104. If users have met the necessary criteria and have accepted a stored wager, then they may receive a prompt2304 as shown on thescreen display2302 ofFIG. 23, advising them to prepare thegame console106,108,110 for game play, in the designated video game, on themultiplayer gaming network104, and telling them the network identification of their competitors, so that they can locate them on thenetwork104 for game play.
• After the user who accepted the wager locates the user who stored the wager on the multiplayervideo game network104, they may compete for the wager atstep260, in the same manner as if they were engaging in non-wagered competition on thenetwork104 and independently of the operation of thewagering system102.
• Atstep262, using theconfirmation system102E, the competitors may confirm the outcome of their wager in various embodiments of theconfirmation system102E. For example, the users may confirm the outcome through a link in an email sent by thewagering system102 to both competitors after one of them accepted the stored wager of the other. This link may take them to the “confirm outcome”page1002 as is seen in the screen display ofFIG. 10 associated with theirwager account102D. Thispage1002 may display anywagers1004,1006 that they may have stored, which another user had accepted, or they may have accepted themselves. Furthermore, thepage1002 may allow them to confirm the outcome of the wager orwagers1004,1006 through associated buttons and/or other functions (e.g. “win,” “loss,” or “did not play”). In general, users may confirm the outcome of a wager in a variety of ways. For example, in certain embodiments users may confirm wager outcomes by using a wireless telephone to communicate a text message to theconfirmation system102E, or by using another interactive feature.
• Atstep264, if bothplayers112,114,116 confirmed the same outcome of their wager, using the designatedconfirmation system102E, then thewagering system102 may award a prize to the winningplayer112,114,116 atstep266 by transferring a credit equivalent to the funds staked in the wager from thewager account102D of the losingplayer112,114,116 to thewager account102D of the winningplayer112,114,116. The wager amount may be reduced by a transaction fee charged by thewagering system102. In this manner, no funds need to be transferred directly between users of thewagering system102; theserver102A merely updates the wager accounts102D to reflect the results of wagers won or lost by theplayers112,114,116.
• In contrast, if neitherplayer112,114,116 confirms the outcome, if only oneplayer112,114,116 confirms the outcome, or if theplayers112,114,116 confirm different outcomes, atstep264, then no prize may be immediately transferred between wager accounts102D. In this event, atstep270, thedispute settlement system102H may be invoked to help to determine or settle the outcome of a video game wager. If one or both of theplayers112,114,116 did not confirm the outcome, then thenon-confirming player112,114,116, orplayers112,114,116, may be sent another email, reminding them to confirm the wager outcome and of the possible consequential adjustment to their user ratings if they do not confirm.
• Otherwise, if the twoplayers112,114,116 confirm different outcomes atstep264, then theplayers112,114,116 may receive each other's email addresses from thedispute settlement system102H atstep270, in order to jointly resolve the discrepancy in reported outcomes. Also, theplayers112,114,116 may be notified by thewagering system102 of possible consequential adjustment to their user ratings, if they do not confirm matching outcomes. Through a link in this email communication, for example, theplayers112,114,116 may be provided with a chance to re-confirm the outcome of the wager.
• If the dispute can be satisfactorily resolved atstep272, then the credit transfer ofstep266 can occur. If the dispute cannot be resolved atstep272, however, one or bothplayers112,114,116 may have their user ratings adjusted by theratings system102F, atstep268, as follows. If, after invoking thedispute settlement system102H, neitherplayer112,114,116 confirms the outcome, then bothplayers112,114,116 user ratings may be adjusted by theratings system102F. If only oneplayer112,114,116 confirms the outcome, then only the other player's112,114,116 user rating may be adjusted by theratings system102F. In certain embodiments, if theplayers112,114,116 do not confirm the same outcome, then bothplayers112,114,116 user ratings may be adjusted by theratings system102F.
• Users of thewagering system102 may have user ratings displayed next to their stored wagers, based on the aforementioned rating factors. For instance, new users could start with an initial, predetermined percentage user rating that can be adjusted in accordance with subsequent actions of the users in view of the rating factors. While users may have multiple skill levels for different video games and game modes, the users may be provided with a single user rating, which would be impacted by the manner in which they utilized thewagering system102 with respect to wagered video game play. Over time, it can be seen that theuser ratings system102F can become a self-regulating device to penalize users who do not accurately, or who never, confirm the outcome of their wagers. It can be seen that the time aplayer112,114,116 with a lower user rating may wait for a video game opponent to select his or her wager generally would be greater than the time that aplayer112,114,116 with a higher user rating would have to wait. Moreover, a user may not be allowed to accept other users' wagers, if his or her user rating fell below a specified, threshold level. Application of theuser rating system102F thus reduces the possibility that a user would misuse or ignore theconfirmation system102E.
• Following the credit transfer atstep266, thewagering system102 may be configured to process the outcome of the concluded match, atstep274, to alter acompetency structure102G maintained by thewagering system102 for theplayers112,114,116. Thecompetency structure102G may be created and configured as follows. Each user of thewagering system102 can be given skill levels in a particular video game based on a combination of factors, including the amount of money won or lost, as well as a win-loss record or other score achieved, by playing the video game against other users for wagers. For example, users might be given a skill level between one and ten, one representing an extremely poor player and ten representing an exceptional player. In this example, the skill level in a given video game would increase, if a win-loss record or a wagered amount won by the user improved, according to established algorithms. The users may access their skill levels, as well as win-loss records or other scores achieved on theplayer profile page1302 as shown in the screen display ofFIG. 13, by clicking on the “Player Profile”link714F on thevertical toolbar714 included on each member page. If a user had not yet played a particular video game for a wager, then an initial, mid-range skill level could be given to the user, for example. Thewagering system102 may be configured to not set the initial skill level to the lowest possible skill level, because the user might be relatively experienced playing the video game but has not yet played the game for a wager using thewagering system102. Based on the functioning of thecompetency structure102G, thewagering system102 can be configured to permitplayers112,114,116 of lower skill levels to challengeother players112,114,116 with substantially the same or better skill levels, but the converse may not be permitted by thewagering system102.
• Embodiments of the invention may also include a myriad of manifestations of team game play, from two-on-two competitions to games wheremultiple players112,114,116 compete on the same team against a similar number of opponents on an opposing team. Additional links may be added to the pull-down menu806, for example, for different modes of team play, and the service may create distinct lists of wagers for each type of game and game mode. For instance, there could be separate links to different lists of wagers for one-on-one competitions, as compared to two-on-two competitions. For each team game playing modality, a similar mode of operation to what has been described previously herein would permit wagering on match play. To permitmultiple players112,114,116 to compete together for a wager, for example, oneplayer112,114,116 may access the page of theweb site102C that displayed the list of stored wagers for the game and game-playing mode that his or her team wished to play. An example of awager page2402 for team game play is illustrated in the screen display ofFIG. 24. If the user decides to accept or store a wager, identities of the user's teammates can be entered into thewagering system102. In this case, a “wager-form”2502 may appear as is seen in the screen display ofFIG. 25. Each teammate may need to confirm storage or acceptance of the team wager, such as by indicating confirmation on aweb site102C, for example, or by accessing a link in an email communicated by thewagering system102. If all team members indicate their willingness to compete for the wager, then those users who accept the wager will receive the network identifications of the opposing team members. Team video game play may then commence when the team that accepted a wager locates the team that stored the wager on the network. After the competition concludes, each member of either team or a single representative player elected by each team, may confirm the outcome of the wager, substantially in accordance with the process described above. The wager, deducted by the transaction fee, may then be distributed evenly from each member of the losing team's wager accounts102D to each member of the winning team's wager accounts102D.
• In various embodiments, thecompetency structure102G may be altered to raise or lower the skill level of each of theplayers112,114,116 on either team, with respect to the game and the game mode. For this reason, a user could have multiple skill levels in the same game for disparate game modes. Although oneplayer112,114,116 may accept or store a wager, all members of the team may be required to be registered users of thewagering system102 and have enough credit in their respective wager accounts102D to cover a pro rata portion of the total team wager to allow the wager to be stored or accepted pursuant to team play.
• The examples presented herein are intended to illustrate potential and specific implementations of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the examples are intended primarily for purposes of illustration of the invention for those skilled in the art. No particular aspect or aspects of the examples are necessarily intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For instance, screen displays included herein are examples provided merely for convenience of disclosure for those skilled in the art.
• It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements. For example, certain operating system details and modules of network platforms are not described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that these and other elements may be desirable in a typical computer system or database system. However, because such elements are well known in the art and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein.
• Any element expressed herein as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function including, for example, a combination of elements that perform that function. Furthermore the invention, as defined by such means-plus-function claims, resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in a manner as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, any means that can provide such functionalities may be considered equivalents to the means shown herein.
• In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the embodiments as described hereinabove may be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware. The software code or specialized control hardware used to implement some of the present embodiments is not limiting of the present invention. For example, the embodiments described hereinabove may be implemented in computer software using any suitable computer software language type such as, for example, C or C++ using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. Such software may be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media such as, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. Thus, the operation and behavior of the embodiments are described without specific reference to the actual software code or specialized hardware components. The absence of such specific references is feasible because it is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments of the present invention based on the description herein with only a reasonable effort and without undue experimentation.
• Moreover, the processes associated with the present embodiments may be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers. Software that may cause programmable equipment to execute the processes may be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system (non-volatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, some of the processes may be programmed when the computer system is manufactured or via a computer-readable medium. Such a medium may include any of the forms listed above with respect to storage devices and may further include, for example, a carrier wave modulated, or otherwise manipulated, to convey instructions that may be read, demodulated/decoded and executed by a computer.
• It can also be appreciated that certain process aspects described herein may be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media that direct a computer system to perform process steps. A computer-readable medium may include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs of both read-only and read/write varieties, optical disk drives, and hard disk drives. A computer-readable medium may also include memory storage that may be physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent and/or semi-temporary. A computer-readable medium may further involve one or more data signals transmitted on one or more carrier waves.
• A “computer” or “computer system” through which a user may access thewagering system102 may be, for example, a wireless or wire line variety of a microcomputer, minicomputer, server, mainframe, laptop, personal data assistant (PDA), wireless e-mail device (e.g., “BlackBerry” trade-designated devices), cellular phone, pager, processor, fax machine, scanner, or any other programmable device configured to transmit and receive data over a network. Moreover, it can be seen that the game consoles106,108,110 themselves may take on the functionality of a “computer” or “computer system” with respect to allowing users to directly access and/or manipulate online content. Specifically,players112,114,116 may be able to utilize thewagering system102 using theirconsoles106,108,110, respectively, in a similar manner as if they were accessing it through a personal computer. Likewise, it can also be seen that cable boxes may take on the functionality of a “computer” or “computer system” with respect to allowing users to access and/or manipulate online content. Specifically,players112,114,116 may be able to utilize thewagering system102 through their cable boxes, using buttons on their remote control to manipulate wagering functions, in a similar manner as if they were accessing thewagering system102 through a personal computer. With respect to accessing thewagering system102 throughgame consoles106,108,110 and cable boxes, it can be seen that thewagering system102 may be customized for accessibility solely by one or both of these types of devices, so that its features could be more easily manipulated by a console controller and/or a cable remote control.
• Computer devices disclosed herein may include memory for storing certain software applications used in obtaining, processing and communicating data. It can be appreciated that such memory may be internal or external to the disclosed embodiments. The memory may also include any means for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), and other computer-readable media.
• In various embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative to practice embodiments of the present invention, such substitution is within the scope of the present invention. Any of the servers described herein, for example, may be replaced by a “server farm” or other grouping of networked servers that are located and configured for cooperative functions. It can be appreciated that a server farm may serve to distribute workload between/among individual components of the farm and may expedite computing processes by harnessing the collective and cooperative power of multiple servers. Such server farms may employ load-balancing software that accomplishes tasks such as, for example, tracking demand for processing power from different machines, prioritizing and scheduling tasks based on network demand, and/or providing backup contingency in the event of component failure or reduction in operability.
• While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. A wagering system comprising:

a server configured for processing at least one wager on a video game match to be played by players on a multiplayer gaming network;

at least one database operatively associated with the server, the database being configured for storing information related to the video game wager;

the server being configured to operate independently of the multiplayer gaming network; and,

the server including a confirmation system configured to receive a confirmation of the outcome of the video game wager from at least one of the players.

2. The wagering system ofclaim 1, wherein the server includes a web server.

3. The wagering system ofclaim 2, wherein the web server includes at least one web site having at least one page configured for receiving wagering information.

4. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to select from among a set of video games that can be played for wagers.

5. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to store a wager in association with at least one video game.

6. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages is configured to allow the players to accept a wager in association with at least one video game.

7. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the web site pages includes multiple video game links separated into multiple sections according to a factor selected from the group consisting of a multiplayer gaming network associated with the video game, a type of video game, and a gaming mode.

8. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one wager account stored in the database, the wager account being associated with a credit balance of at least one of the players.

9. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one player profile stored on the database.

10. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising the server being configured to transfer a wager amount based on the outcome of the played video game.

11. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising a competency structure operatively associated with the server, the competency structure being configured for maintaining at least one skill level of at least one of the players.

12. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising the database being configured to store multiple wagers for a particular video game or for multiple video games.

13. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising the database being configured to permit removal of an unaccepted, stored wager.

14. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising the server being configured to automatically communicate to players that they should compete upon determining compatibility of wagers.

15. The wagering system ofclaim 14, wherein determining compatibility includes comparing skill levels associated with the players.

16. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising a ratings system operatively associated with the server, the ratings system being configured to adjust a rating of at least one player.

17. The wagering system ofclaim 1, wherein the video game includes a video game that can be played by multiple players as a team.

18. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising the confirmation system being configured to award a prize to the winning player upon receiving the same confirmation of the wager outcome from both players.

19. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising a ratings system operatively associated with the server, the ratings system being configured for adjusting a rating of the players based on communication of the wager outcome using the confirmation system.

20. The wagering system ofclaim 19, further comprising the ratings system being configured to display at least one list of player rankings in association with ratings information stored in the ratings system.

21. The wagering system ofclaim 19, further comprising the ratings system being configured to not allow a player to accept a wager if a rating of the player falls below a threshold level.

22. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising a dispute settlement system operatively associated with the server, the dispute settlement system being configured to help to determine a wager outcome if the confirmation system receives confirmation of the wager outcome from neither player or only one player.

23. The wagering system ofclaim 1, further comprising a dispute settlement system operatively associated with the server, the dispute settlement system being configured for determining a wager outcome if the confirmation system receives a different confirmation of the wager outcome from each player.

24. The wagering system ofclaim 1, wherein the server is accessible through a game console.

25. The wagering system ofclaim 1, wherein the server is accessible through a cable network connection.

26. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the websites is accessible through a game console.

27. The wagering system ofclaim 3, wherein at least one of the websites is accessible through a cable network connection.

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