U.S. Pat. No. 11,992,772

In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure.

Video games, such as sports video games, first person shooter games, or other online games, often include a multiplayer mode allowing multiple players to connect online to interact with one another in the video game. Players may select a game mode they would like to play, and the video game may find other players looking to play the same game mode. The game will attempt to match players accordingly. However, various criteria may be utilized to match players depending on what each player desires to experience. For example, some players may prioritize having fun rather than competition.

Conventional methods of player matchmaking includes skill-based matchmaking where players are matched solely on a skill level of each player. As a result, higher ranked players are matched with each other, and lower ranked players are matched with each other as well. Although this is beneficial for maximizing competition among players, the desire to play a competitive match may not be shared among all players. Some players may desire having an enjoyable social gaming experience that is not necessarily competitive. If the players are not having an enjoyable experience, then the players may drop out of matches, and eventually may quit playing the game altogether.

Aspects of the present disclosure address these issues by providing for systems and methods for contextual matchmaking. In an aspect, contextually aware, active social matchmaking leverages player information to typify player affinities and tendencies, then matches them with other players who have complimentary traits for a fun experience, based on administrator rules tuned by machine learning models. It reinforces player enjoyment experience with dynamically generated per-game objectives driven by these matchmaking traits. Finally, it evaluates the player enjoyment of the match and uses these results to tune both matchmaking and in-game objectives generation.

The disclosed system addresses a problem in traditional video game player matchmaking tied to computer technology, namely, the technical problem of matching players based on their desired gaming experience. The disclosed system solves this technical problem by providing a solution also rooted in computer technology, namely, by providing for contextually aware active social matchmaking.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary system100for contextual matchmaking, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The system may include a database102, a matchmaking engine104, an objective generation engine106, a video game108, and an outcome evaluator110.

The database102may include player information112such as player statistics, player tendencies, and player preferences. Player statistics may include information regarding player performance in a game. For example, in a sports game, such as football, the player statistics may include how many touchdowns were thrown, total yardage gained, win-loss record, points allowed, etc. In an implementation, the player statistics may include a gamer score (e.g., a Glicko rating) that measures a player's adeptness at the game.

According to an aspect, player tendencies may include information regarding a player's inclination towards certain game features. For example, in a sports game, the player tendencies may include favorite game mode, favorite team, favorite type of player, etc. According to aspects, player tendencies may be derived from player statistics.

According to an aspect, player preferences may include explicit video game preferences selected by the player. In an implementation, the player information112may include information for all games each player has played. As a result, each player may be matched accordingly with other players based on performance for specific games.

According to an aspect, the matchmaking engine104may receive (e.g., query) the player information112from the database102to generate player archetypes. For example, the matchmaking engine104may take player statistics, tendencies, and preferences (e.g., yards run, completion percentage, wins, favorite teams, etc.) to generate multiple weighted player archetypes. For example, for a football game, player archetypes may include offensive-minded, great quarterback (QB), poor-at-defense, etc. As will be described in more detail below, the player archetypes may be used to generate scenarios that would be enjoyable for each player. Based on a combination of the player archetypes and scenarios, a matching algorithm may be utilized to calculate a matchmaker score. For example, the players may be matched by the matchmaking engine104based on the matchmaker score.

In an implementation, the player archetypes may be initially generated based on administrator rules. For example, a player having player information112that shows strength in offense may be associated with a player archetype for being offensive-minded.

Once the matchmaking engine104has created a match between players, the corresponding player archetypes for each player may be utilized by the objective generation engine106to generate in-game objectives for each match. For example, the matchmaking engine104may determine that an ideal match for an offensive minded player would be a defensive minded player. Once the offensive minded player is matched with a defensive minded player, the objective generation engine106may generate in-game objectives for each player. As will be described in more detail below, the in-game objectives may be generated based on each player's strengths. For example, the offensive minded player may have in-game objectives that are offense based (e.g., total yards gained, touchdowns scored, beating a point spread, etc.), and the defensive minded player may have in-game objectives that are defense based (e.g., limiting total yards, QB sacks, beating a point spread, etc.).

The game108may then be played based on the created match between the players, which includes the in-game objectives for each player. Upon completion of the game108, an outcome of the game108may be evaluated by the outcome evaluator110. For example, the outcome evaluator110may evaluate whether each player enjoyed the match. The outcome evaluator110may consider several factors, including, but not limited to, whether the match was close (e.g., based on a game completion score, final score, etc.), whether the in-game objectives were completed, whether a player voluntarily left the match prior to its completion, and/or a survey (e.g., player may be asked whether they had fun/enjoyed the game108). For example, whether a player over-achieved or under-achieved on the in-game objectives may be an indicator that the in-game objectives themselves were driving an undesirable or desirable result. Additionally, if a player left the match prior to completion, a state of the match, including matchmaking parameters (e.g., player archetypes) and in-game objectives may be noted in order to make a better match next time. Finally, a player's response to a survey may provide direct evidence of whether the match was a success. It may also be determined whether similar matches elicited similar results, and whether or not it would be desirable to repeat those matchmaking parameters.

According to aspects, the outcome evaluator110may dynamically update the matchmaking engine104and the objective generation engine106based on the results of each match. Additionally, the player information112in the database102may be updated each time based on the results of the match. For example, if the match was not close, then the matchmaking engine104may be updated to provide a more challenging match for the winner and a less challenging match for the loser, assuming that each player would have had more fun if the game108were more evenly matched.

According to aspects, the outcome evaluator110may provide actionable reports for the creation and tuning of further administrator-driven archetypes and objective rules. As a long-term goal, the objective evaluator110will compare similar rules/objectives and dynamically generate its own objectives, flag emerging patterns in gameplay to the administrator for intervention either dynamically or via updated administrator rules.

In an implementation, the outcome evaluator110may provide a machine-learning algorithm with information to tune the matchmaking engine104and objective generation engine106.

FIG.2illustrates a chart200of exemplary player archetypes202, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. For example, in a football game, the player archetypes202may include “Offensive-Minded”, “Great QB”, “Great WR”, “Poor-At-Defense.” It is understood that various other player archetypes for various other games may be generated.

According to aspects, each player may have multiple archetypes202, and each archetype202may include a weight204. For example, the weight204may be assigned to each archetype202based on an assessment206. In an implementation, the weight204may be determined based on assessing206the player information112. For example, if the player is above average in points scored per game and above average in average yards gained206, then the offensive statistics favor the archetype202for “Offensive-Minded” with a weight204of 100%. If the player has statistics that indicate a majority of points come from passing and a higher than average QB rating, then the player may be assigned the archetype202for “Great QB” with a weight204of 80%. Accordingly, the player may be assigned multiple archetypes202, each with its own weight204based on an assessment206.

In an implementation, each archetype202may include a premier scenario. For example, the “Offensive-Minded” archetype202may have a premier scenario that is against a “Defensive-Minded” archetype202(e.g., best offense vs. best defense).

According to aspects, an administrator may set rules that determine how much to weigh204each archetype202. For example, a threshold may be met or exceeded to determine if the weight will be 100%. The threshold may be based on the player information112, as described above. Similarly, other thresholds may be defined to determine other weights (e.g., below 100%). The optimal weight can be determined when a corresponding threshold is met or exceeded. For example, the weight204may be an indicator of how likely a player has achieved dominance as a particular archetype202. In an implementation, a machine-learning algorithm may be utilized to update the thresholds based on feedback from the outcome evaluator110.

According to aspects, the archetypes202may be adjusted based on a desired player experience. For example, the archetypes202may be adjusted based on maximizing challenge, fun, being social, based on a certain type of game, etc.

FIG.3illustrates a chart300of exemplary scenarios302, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. As described above, each of the archetypes202may include desired scenarios (e.g., offensive-minded vs. defensive-minded, great QB paired with great WR, teaming up poor-at-defense with great-at-defense), which may include a premier scenario308. For example, the chart300may be for the “Offensive-Minded” archetype202ofFIG.2. The premier scenario308for the “Offensive-Minded” archetype202would be against a defensive minded player. Additional desired scenarios302include having a wide receiver (WR) against a shutdown cornerback (CB), and a running back (RB) against a strong defensive line.

As illustrated, each scenario302may include a score304based on how enjoyable each scenario302would be for that particular archetype202. According to aspects, the score304may be determined based on administrator rules. Each scenario302may also include a definition306. For example, each definition306may provide context for each scenario302. The scenarios302, definitions306, and scores304may be updated based on results of each match. In an implementation, the premier scenario308may be the scenario302with the highest score304.

According to aspects, the matchmaking engine104may calculate a matchmaking score based on a matchmaking algorithm in order to generate matches. For example, the scores304and archetype weights204may be utilized to calculate a matchmaking score that maximizes player enjoyment for a particular archetype202.

According to an aspect, the matchmaking algorithm may be defined as:
Archetype Weight×Score=Matchmaking Score  (1)

In an implementation, matchmaking scores may be calculated for each weight204and each score304. A match would then be made when a defined matchmaking score is reached. A match may also be made based on a highest available matchmaking score, such as when a maximum acceptable matchmaking time has been reached.

According to aspects, both archetype weights204and scenario scores304may be exposed to machine learning to further optimize matches.

FIG.4illustrates a chart400of exemplary in-game objectives402, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. For example, once a match has been determined, the weighted parameters (e.g., archetype202, weight204, scenario302, score304) that made that match will be passed to the objective generation engine106. The objective generation engine106will generate per-game, dynamic objectives402(e.g., keys to the match) based on a desired player experience (e.g., maximizing fun, player enjoyment, challenge, competition, etc.). For instance, for a match made to pair an “offensive-minded player” with a “defensive-minded player” players would see objectives such as those illustrated inFIG.4.

Specifically, each of the players would receive multiple objectives402based on their archetypes202. For example, the offensive-minded player would have offensive in-game objectives404, such as gaining 400 yards of total offense, throwing for four touchdowns, and beating the point spread of −14. Similarly, the defensive-minded player would have defensive in-game objective406, such as limiting the other player to less than 200 yards of offense, sacking the QB five times, and beating the point spread of +14.

The in-game objectives402add enjoyment to each player because they leverage the strengths of each player. This also would potentially lead to players finishing the match to completion in order to achieve each of the in-game objectives402. In-game bonuses, rewards, and/or achievements may be unlocked upon accomplishing the in-game objectives402.

According to aspects, the in-game objectives402may be optimized through machine-learning. For example, the type of objective (e.g., offensive, defensive, etc.), and internal goals of the objective (e.g., maintaining player involvement, maximizing player enjoyment, etc.) may be exposed to machine learning for further optimization of player experience. In an implementation, machine-learning may be utilized to analyze each match, including outcomes and parameters, to generate improved matches through more accurate archetypes, scenarios, and in-game objectives for each player.

FIG.5illustrates a system500configured for contextual matchmaking, in accordance with one or more implementations. In some implementations, system500may include one or more computing platforms502. Computing platform(s)502may be configured to communicate with one or more remote platforms504according to a client/server architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture, and/or other architectures. Remote platform(s)504may be configured to communicate with other remote platforms via computing platform(s)502and/or according to a client/server architecture, a peer-to-peer architecture, and/or other architectures. Users may access system500via remote platform(s)504.

Computing platform(s)502may be configured by machine-readable instructions506. Machine-readable instructions506may include one or more instruction modules. The instruction modules may include computer program modules. The instruction modules may include one or more of player information receiving module508, player generating module510, player match module512, objective generating module514, player archetype generating module516, scenario generating module518, outcome evaluation module520, player information update module522, and/or other instruction modules.

Player information receiving module508may be configured to receive player information for a plurality of players. By way of non-limiting example, the player information for each player may include at least one of player statistics, player tendencies, and player preferences.

Player generating module510may be configured to generate player archetypes for each of the plurality of players based on the player information. Each of the player archetypes may include at least one premier scenario.

Player match module512may be configured to match the players based on the player archetypes.

Objective generating module514may be configured to generate in-game objectives based on the player archetypes. The in-game objectives may be generated based on player strengths.

Player archetype generating module516may be configured to generate a plurality of player archetypes for each of the plurality of players. The players may be matched based on results of a matching algorithm. Each of the plurality of player archetypes may include a weight. The player archetypes may be generated based on player strengths.

Scenario generating module518may be configured to generate a plurality of desired scenarios. Each of the plurality of desired scenarios may include a scenario score.

Outcome evaluation module520may be configured to evaluate an outcome of a match between the players.

Player information update module522may be configured to update the player information for each of the players based on the outcome of the match.

In some implementations, each player archetype may include an archetype weight and each premier scenario includes a scenario score.

In some implementations, computing platform(s)502, remote platform(s)504, and/or external resources524may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via a network such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which computing platform(s)502, remote platform(s)504, and/or external resources524may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

A given remote platform504may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given remote platform504to interface with system500and/or external resources524, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to remote platform(s)504. By way of non-limiting example, a given remote platform504and/or a given computing platform502may include one or more of a server, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a tablet computing platform, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.

External resources524may include sources of information outside of system500, external entities participating with system500, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources524may be provided by resources included in system500.

Computing platform(s)502may include electronic storage526, one or more processors528, and/or other components. Computing platform(s)502may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of computing platform(s)502inFIG.5is not intended to be limiting. Computing platform(s)502may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to computing platform(s)502. For example, computing platform(s)502may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as computing platform(s)502.

Electronic storage526may comprise non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage526may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with computing platform(s)502and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to computing platform(s)502via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage526may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage526may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage526may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s)528, information received from computing platform(s)502, information received from remote platform(s)504, and/or other information that enables computing platform(s)502to function as described herein.

Processor(s)528may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in computing platform(s)502. As such, processor(s)528may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s)528is shown inFIG.5as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)528may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)528may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. Processor(s)528may be configured to execute modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522, and/or other modules. Processor(s)528may be configured to execute modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s)528. As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any component or set of components that perform the functionality attributed to the module. This may include one or more physical processors during execution of processor readable instructions, the processor readable instructions, circuitry, hardware, storage media, or any other components.

It should be appreciated that although modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522are illustrated inFIG.5as being implemented within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)528includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522may be implemented remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522. As another example, processor(s)528may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules508,510,512,514,516,518,520, and/or522.

The techniques described herein may be implemented as method(s) that are performed by physical computing device(s); as one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing instructions which, when executed by computing device(s), cause performance of the method(s); or, as physical computing device(s) that are specially configured with a combination of hardware and software that causes performance of the method(s).

FIG.6illustrates an example flow diagram (e.g., process600) for contextual matchmaking, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. For explanatory purposes, the example process600is described herein with reference toFIGS.1-4. Further for explanatory purposes, the steps of the example process600are described herein as occurring in serial, or linearly. However, multiple instances of the example process600may occur in parallel. For purposes of explanation of the subject technology, the process600will be discussed in reference toFIGS.1-4.

At step602, player information for multiple players is received. The player information for each player may include at least one of player statistics, player tendencies, and player preferences.

At step604player archetypes are generated for each of the multiple players based on the player information. Each of the player archetypes may include at least one premier scenario.

At step606, the players are matched based on the player archetypes. At step608, in-game objectives are generated based on the player archetypes.

For example, as described above in relation toFIGS.1-4, at step602, player information112for a plurality of players is received from a database102. The player information112for each player may include at least one of player statistics, player tendencies, and player preferences. At step604player archetypes202are generated for each of the players based on the player information112. Each of the player archetypes202may include at least one premier scenario308. At step606, the players are matched through the matchmaking engine104based on the player archetypes202. At step608, in-game objectives402are generated through the objective generation engine106based on the player archetypes202.

According to an aspect, the player archetypes are generated based on player strengths. According to an aspect, players are matched based on results of a matching algorithm.

According to an aspect, each player archetype may include an archetype weight and each premier scenario may include a scenario score. According to an aspect, the in-game objectives are generated based on player strengths.

According to an aspect the process600may further include generating a plurality of player archetypes for each of the plurality of players, each of the plurality of player archetypes comprising a weight, and generating a plurality of desired scenarios, each of the plurality of desired scenarios comprising a scenario score.

According to an aspect the process600may further include evaluating an outcome of a match between the players, and updating the player information for each of the players based on the outcome of the match.

According to aspects, the in-game objectives may be optimized through machine-learning. For example, the type of objective (e.g., offensive, defensive, etc.), and internal goals of the objective (e.g., maintaining player involvement, maximizing player enjoyment, etc.) may be exposed to machine learning for further optimization of player experience. In an implementation, machine-learning may be utilized to analyze each match, including outcomes and parameters, to generate improved matches through more accurate archetypes, scenarios, and in-game objectives for each player.

FIG.7is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system700with which aspects of the subject technology can be implemented. In certain aspects, the computer system700may be implemented using hardware or a combination of software and hardware, either in a dedicated server, integrated into another entity, or distributed across multiple entities.

Computer system700(e.g., server and/or client) includes a bus708or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor702coupled with bus708for processing information. By way of example, the computer system700may be implemented with one or more processors702. Processor702may be a general-purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), a controller, a state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware components, or any other suitable entity that can perform calculations or other manipulations of information.

Computer system700can include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them stored in an included memory704, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or any other suitable storage device, coupled to bus708for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor702. The processor702and the memory704can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

The instructions may be stored in the memory704and implemented in one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, the computer system700, and according to any method well-known to those of skill in the art, including, but not limited to, computer languages such as data-oriented languages (e.g., SQL, dBase), system languages (e.g., C, Objective-C, C++, Assembly), architectural languages (e.g., Java, .NET), and application languages (e.g., PHP, Ruby, Perl, Python). Instructions may also be implemented in computer languages such as array languages, aspect-oriented languages, assembly languages, authoring languages, command line interface languages, compiled languages, concurrent languages, curly-bracket languages, dataflow languages, data-structured languages, declarative languages, esoteric languages, extension languages, fourth-generation languages, functional languages, interactive mode languages, interpreted languages, iterative languages, list-based languages, little languages, logic-based languages, machine languages, macro languages, metaprogramming languages, multiparadigm languages, numerical analysis, non-English-based languages, object-oriented class-based languages, object-oriented prototype-based languages, off-side rule languages, procedural languages, reflective languages, rule-based languages, scripting languages, stack-based languages, synchronous languages, syntax handling languages, visual languages, wirth languages, and xml-based languages. Memory704may also be used for storing temporary variable or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor702.

A computer program as discussed herein does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subprograms, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output.

Computer system700further includes a data storage device706such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, coupled to bus708for storing information and instructions. Computer system700may be coupled via input/output module710to various devices. The input/output module710can be any input/output module. Exemplary input/output modules710include data ports such as USB ports. The input/output module710is configured to connect to a communications module712. Exemplary communications modules712include networking interface cards, such as Ethernet cards and modems. In certain aspects, the input/output module710is configured to connect to a plurality of devices, such as an input device714and/or an output device716. Exemplary input devices714include a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which a user can provide input to the computer system700. Other kinds of input devices714can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well, such as a tactile input device, visual input device, audio input device, or brain-computer interface device. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, tactile, or brain wave input. Exemplary output devices716include display devices such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the above-described gaming systems can be implemented using a computer system700in response to processor702executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in memory704. Such instructions may be read into memory704from another machine-readable medium, such as data storage device706. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory704causes processor702to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in memory704. In alternative aspects, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement various aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Various aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. The communication network can include, for example, any one or more of a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, and the like. Further, the communication network can include, but is not limited to, for example, any one or more of the following network topologies, including a bus network, a star network, a ring network, a mesh network, a star-bus network, tree or hierarchical network, or the like. The communications modules can be, for example, modems or Ethernet cards.

Computer system700can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. Computer system700can be, for example, and without limitation, a desktop computer, laptop computer, or tablet computer. Computer system700can also be embedded in another device, for example, and without limitation, a mobile telephone, a PDA, a mobile audio player, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a video game console, and/or a television set top box.

The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium or media that participates in providing instructions to processor702for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as data storage device706. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as memory704. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus708. Common forms of machine-readable media include, for example, floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The machine-readable storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a composition of matter effecting a machine-readable propagated signal, or a combination of one or more of them.

As the user computing system700reads game data and provides a game, information may be read from the game data and stored in a memory device, such as the memory704. Additionally, data from the memory704servers accessed via a network the bus708, or the data storage706may be read and loaded into the memory704. Although data is described as being found in the memory704, it will be understood that data does not have to be stored in the memory704and may be stored in other memory accessible to the processor702or distributed among several media, such as the data storage706.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

To the extent that the terms “include”, “have”, or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more”. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of particular implementations of the subject matter. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

The subject matter of this specification has been described in terms of particular aspects, but other aspects can be implemented and are within the scope of the following claims. For example, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed to achieve desirable results. The actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the aspects described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Other variations are within the scope of the following claims.