System and Method of an Interactive Multiple Participant Game

• US 20100035674A1
• Filed: 10/16/2009
• Published: 02/11/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Case Venture Management, LLC
• Original Assignee: Case Venture Management, LLC
• Inventors: Slomiany, Scott D., Katz, Steven Jay, Brown, Duncan F., DeMar, Lawrence E.
• Granted Patent: US 8,187,068 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/9
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3276 wherein the players compete, e.g. tournament
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3288 Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3293 Card games, e.g. poker, canasta, black jack
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3295 Games involving skill, e.g. dexterity, memory, thinking
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/34 depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines

Abstract

A plurality of linked gaming machines are disclosed that enhance the community participation and enjoyment of a game on multiple gaming machines. Players participate in an interactive game, either simultaneously, alternatively or in a systematic sequence, as a group or community. The participating players compete in the game such that the actions and results of each player affect the other players in the community. The interactive game combines skill and luck to improve play of the game. The interactive game could be a bonus game which players need to qualify in order to participate. If a player does not qualify, a wager can be placed to participate in the game. Players with different wagers can participate in the same game and players can wager on the outcomes of other players.

Claims

1. A method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines, comprising the steps of:

entering a wager by a participating player;

providing a set of a plurality of game elements for a game, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least first and second players;

alternately playing said interactive game by said at least two players;

said first player and said second player selecting from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements;

calculating an award based on said game element letters revealed in said set of game elements; and

presenting said award to said at least one player.

2. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said players receiving a point for each game element revealed.

3. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said letters for selection are each in said at least one word hidden from view.

4. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said letters of game elements present in said at least one word hidden from view are worth a predetermined value.

5. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 further comprising solving said set of game elements to a conclusion by revealing said at least one word.

6. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 5 wherein solving said at least one word occurs prior to all said game element letters being revealed.

7. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 further comprising spinning a wheel construct populated with a plurality of predetermined award indicia to a point where said wheel construct stops upon an award indicium.

8. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 7 wherein said wheel construct is generated electronically on a display.

9. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 7 wherein said wheel construct is a mechanical device which physically spins on an axis.

10. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein said award is calculated by multiplying a total value received by a player for each game element letter revealed by said player with said award indicium for a payout.

11. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 further comprising providing said players with a choice of only letters in said at least one word.

12. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 further comprising the ability for a player to enter an additional wager during play of said game.

13. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein one of said players is a computer.

14. The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of claim 1 wherein each player who is a human being receives a payout.