SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLABORATIVE SHOPPING THROUGH SOCIAL GAMING

• US 20130296046A1
• Filed: 03/29/2013
• Published: 11/07/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ustringer LLC
• Original Assignee: Ustringer LLC
• Inventors: Mianji, Marty
• Application Number:
  US13/854,046
• Publication Number:
  US 20130296046A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/31
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/87 Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/57 details of game services offered to the player

Abstract

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for collaborative shopping through social gaming. In some embodiments, a shopping mechanism is provided that allows for interactive targeted or browse-type shopping with other shoppers and experts through online social gaming.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method comprising:

receiving a request from a first player in an interactive social game for an in-game asset;

presenting a plurality of in-game asset options to the first player, of which each in-game asset option may be viewable by one or more second players and by one or more Special Players who can communicate with the first player;

receiving an in-game asset selection from the first player; and

delivering a graphical expression of said in-game asset selection to the first player.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said in-game asset options are virtual representations of real world goods and services.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said in-game asset options have associated selection costs.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said in-game asset selection may have utility in one or more in-game activities.

5. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing a computer program for execution by at least one processor, the computer program comprising sets of instructions for:

receiving identification of a request from a first player in an interactive social game for an in-game asset;

presenting a plurality of in-game asset options to the first player, of which each in-game asset option may be viewable by one or more second players and by one or more Special Players who can communicate with the first player;

receiving identification of an in-game asset selection from the first player; and

delivering a graphical expression of said in-game asset selection to the first player.

6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 5, wherein said in-game asset options are virtual representations of real world goods and services.

7. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 5, wherein said in-game asset options have associated selection costs.

8. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 5, wherein said in-game asset selection may have utility in one or more in-game activities.

9. A computer-implemented method comprising:

presenting a plurality of in-game activity options to the first player in an interactive social game;

receiving an in-game activity selection from the first player;

identifying one or more second player selections of said in-game activity;

identifying a reward for completion of said in-game activity;

initiating said in-game activity;

receiving an indication that said in-game activity is complete; and

delivering said reward upon completion of said in-game activity.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein in-game activity options include computer generated events based on a player'"'"'s character state, and player generated events.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein a player'"'"'s character state is determined by type and number of in-game assets owned by a player.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein identifying one or more second player selections of said in-game activity terminates upon initiation of said in-game activity.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 9, wherein said reward includes at least one of a virtual currency, an in-game asset, real currency, or real goods and services.

14. A non-transitory machine-readable medium storing a computer program for execution by at least one processor, the computer program comprising sets of instructions for:

presenting a plurality of in-game activity options to the first player in an interactive social game;

receiving identification of an in-game activity selection from the first player;

identifying one or more second player selections of said in-game activity;

identifying a reward for completion of said in-game activity;

initiating said in-game activity;

receiving identification of an indication that said in-game activity is complete; and

delivering said reward upon completion of said in-game activity.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein in-game activity options include computer generated events based on a player'"'"'s character state, and player generated events.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein a player'"'"'s character state is determined by type and number of in-game assets owned by a player.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein identifying one or more second player selections of said in-game activity terminates upon initiation of said in-game activity.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein said reward includes at least one of a virtual currency, an in-game asset, real currency, or real goods and services.