U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,132

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to a video gaming platform and user interface for video gaming applications with variable video gaming capabilities, for play by users (players or gamers), either via social networks, or on third party servers. The specification describes examples of the video gaming platform and user interfaces that facilitate a unique user experience and methods involved in the platform and user interface and for operating them to facilitate play by remotely located players or gamers. These video gaming applications referenced or described here may either be hosted by an online community, for example, one or more social networks, or alternatively, by third party servers that are wholly or partially dedicated to gaming applications.

In some embodiments, the flexible architecture provides a continuous visual experience for players across different platforms (platform agnostic) and engages them at different levels. Each of the players may have a unique and different visual experience, depending upon the gaming platform a player uses. This flexible architecture facilitates access to video gaming applications in various ways, including 1) via social networks or sites, for example, accessed via personal computers (desktops or laptops); 2) via wall posts or via an online social networking service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts; 3) via mobile devices (iOS, Android, or Windows-based smart phones); and 4) via game consoles (for example, PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii).

Video gaming applications may be purchased via platform application stores. These applications are supported by Android (Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers—it is developed by the Open Handset Alliance), iOS (a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc.) platforms, and phone operating windows. The user interface of iOS is based on the concept of direct manipulation, using multi-touch gestures. Interface control elements consist of sliders, switches, and buttons. The response to user input is immediate and provides a fluid interface.

Video gaming applications may be hosted or accessed via social networks, other third party services or on third party servers, stand-alone platforms, tablets, smartphones, or the like. Multiple players (hundreds, thousands, if not millions) may access gaming one or more applications via any or all of these ways. In addition, the flexible architecture provides a scalable infrastructure with cross-platform pollination technology (achievements and rewards are transferred between platforms for particular players) and secure data collection. Video gaming applications may be based on universal themes that appeal to a broad range of demographics and provides a continuous flow of data analytics. They offer opportunities for configuring advertisements and promotions to accomplish strategic goals.

In yet other embodiments, which may include any or all of the aspects described above, the architecture permits mobile play, extending the gaming arena or world to different platforms, so achievements in a particular game may be earned and shared more easily across platforms. In addition, a player may earn location-based rewards.

Moreover, the system provides rewards at check-in, to coax players by providing greater incentives. The architecture permits for concurrent “solo” play by a player or gamer and collaborative and competitive play between multiple players. User interfaces are configured to provide different experiences for different players, including a three-dimensional user experience. In some embodiments, the video gaming applications include story-driven quests and game play, giving players more than just tasks and chores. By way of example, an aviation gaming application, may utilize a collection of 250 aircrafts and include transactions relating to the aircrafts and its environment, permitting players to create an environment in which the aircrafts operate, etc. In this particular application, players may create and manage their experience (for example, by creating an aviation empire), enjoy the thrill of history (aviation's past), and travel the globe and fly through an open network of friendly and rival airports.

The system provides features for player control of the virtual arena including control of “play” times, “gifts” and “rewards,” “collect” and “decorate,” monitor “play” (for example, acceleration progress), generate user content, etc.

The video gaming applications may be free, when accessed via social-network platforms, in which instances revenue is generated via market place for products used during the game, direct advertising, etc. The flexible architecture permits for easy access through a particular player's social network, allowing other players to discover a particular game and permit conversion as necessary. Linking or connecting platforms creates a more interesting and viable gaming world.

The architecture accords variable status to players who can opt for different levels of play. A “core” game play status enables players to be leaders and play the entire game. A leader has control of all aspects of a particular gaming application. A “casual” or “follower” game play status enables players to play from a different perspective, providing access to only a portion of the entire game. A “spectator” or “bystander” game play enables players to play from a reactive perspective. Players are accorded this status when they initiate play via a social network wall posting, a response to a social networking service facilitating exchange of text or via any other key word response, which has direct impact on game play. Players with this status can request permission to visit game play arenas of other players. This request may be in response to advertising or promotion displays.

Players (with any status described above) may access game play via mobile devices, at any location, and receive location-based rewards. They may access a virtual game arena, their own or that of other players, via several platforms and take up play where they left off. They may link up friends for collaborative play. Players may also participate in standalone game play, via tablets, mobile devices, console-based game play, target-based game play or the like. In addition, the system permits cross-pollination game play, sending game objects from one game world or arena to another.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are indicated in order to provide a thorough understanding of the technology described. This technology may be practiced without these specific details. In the instances illustrated, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the technology. For example, the present technology is described with some implementations illustrated below with reference to user interfaces and particular hardware. However, the present technology applies to any type of computing device that can receive data and commands, and any devices providing services. Moreover, the present technology is described below primarily in the context of providing video game architecture; however, the present technology applies to any type of situation and may be used for other applications beyond video games. In particular, this technology may be used in other contexts besides video games.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means simply that one or more particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the one or more embodiments is included in at least one or more embodiments that are described. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment or instance” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or instance.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory of either one or more computing devices. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used to most effectively convey the substance of the technology. An algorithm as indicated here, and generally, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it should be appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices.

The present technology also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described here. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may include a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. For example, a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, for example, but not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, flash memories including USB keys with non-volatile memory or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus.

This technology may take the form of an entirely hardware implementation, an entirely software implementation, or an implementation including both hardware and software components. In some instances, this technology is implemented in software, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

Furthermore, this technology may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any apparatus that can include, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing program code includes at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulk storage, and cache memories, which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code may be retrieved from bulk storage during execution.

Input/output or I/O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) may be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers.

Communication units including network adapters may also be coupled to the systems to enable them to couple to other data processing systems, remote printers, or storage devices, through either intervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just a few examples of the currently available types of network adapters.

Finally, the algorithms and displays presented in this application are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings here, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these systems is outlined in the description below. In addition, the present technology is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It should be understood that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the technology as described here.

Example Architecture Overview

FIG. 1is a high-level block diagram illustrating some embodiments of systems for providing gaming applications, either via social networks, an online live gaming server, or on third party servers. The system100illustrated inFIG. 1provides gaming platforms106aor106bso that participants (players or gamers) may access one or more gaming applications, initiate a play on one device or gaming platform and continue play at another device or gaming platform, making transitions between devices or platforms essentially seamless and enabling a continuous playing experience.

The system100includes one or more social network servers102athrough102nthat may be accessed via user devices115a,115bthrough115n, which are used by users125a,125b, through125n, to connect to any one of the social network servers102athrough102n. The user devices115athrough115nmay be a desktop computer, a game system or a mobile phone. These entities (user devices115a-115nand social network servers102a-102n) are communicatively coupled via one or more networks105a,105b, and105n. Although only three user devices or platforms115a,115bthrough115nare illustrated, any numbers of user devices or platforms115nmay be used by any number of users (players, gamers, or the like)125n. Moreover, those skilled in the art should recognize that while the present disclosure is described below primarily in the context of providing gaming applications, the present disclosure may be applicable to other types of applications, for entertainment or otherwise. As some examples, gaming applications may include operations for creating plays, participating in plays, etc.

The user devices115athrough115ninFIG. 1are illustrated by way of example. AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates only three devices, the present disclosure applies to any system architecture having one or more user devices115athrough115n(with user-interface applications117athrough117n), therefore, any number of user devices115n(hundreds, thousands, even millions or more) may be used.

Furthermore, while only three networks105a,105b, and105nare illustrated as coupled to the user devices115a,115bthrough115n, the social network servers102a-102n, the profile server130, the web server132, the online live gaming server140, the cross-platform server142, and one or more third party servers134athrough134n, in practice, any number of networks105nmay be connected, either directly or indirectly, to these entities. In addition, although only two third party servers134athrough134nare shown, the system architecture100may include one or more third party servers134n, each with a gaming platform106bthrough106n, operating one or more gaming applications that are similar or different.

In some embodiments, the social network server102ais coupled to the network105a, via a signal line110. The social network server102aincludes a social network application104, which comprises the software routines and instructions to operate the social network server102aand its functions and operations. Although only one social network server102ais described here, persons of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that multiple servers may be present, as illustrated by social network servers102n, each with functionality similar to social network server102aor different.

The term “social network” as used here encompasses its plain and ordinary meaning including, but not limited to, any type of social structure where the users are connected by a common feature or link. The common feature includes relationships/connections, e.g., friendship, family, work, a similar interest, etc. The common features are provided by one or more social networking systems, such as those included in the system architecture100, including explicitly-defined relationships and relationships implied by social connections with other online users, where the relationships form a social graph108.

The term “social graph” as used here encompasses its plain and ordinary meaning including, but not limited to, a set of online relationships between users (players and non-players), such as provided by one or more social networking systems, operating on social network servers102athrough102n, including explicitly-defined relationships and relationships implied by social connections with other online users, where the relationships form a social graph. In some examples, the social graph108may reflect a mapping of these users and how they are related.

It should be understood that social network server102aand the social network software/application104are representative of a single social network. Each of the plurality of social networks102athrough102nis coupled to any one of the networks105a,105b, and105n, each having its own server, application, and social graph. For example, a first social network system operated or hosted on a social network server may be directed to business networking, a second directed to or centered on academics, a third directed to local business, a fourth directed to dating or gaming, and yet others directed to other general interests or perhaps a specific focus. Yet, each may provide access to a gaming platform106afor operating or providing access to video gaming applications.

A profile server130is illustrated as a stand-alone server inFIG. 1. In other embodiments of the system architecture100, all or part of the profile server130may be part of the social network server102a. The profile server130is directly connected to the network105a, via a line131. The profile server130stores profiles for all the users that belong to a social network. A third party server134ais connected to the network105b, via a signal line135. A web server132is connected, via a line133, to the network105n. The web server132delivers access to content, via the internet, for example, by hosted websites or the like. Users may use the web browsers on their electronic devices or gaming platforms to browse for gaming applications and access websites hosting gaming applications.

An online live gaming server140is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service connected to the network105athrough105nvia signal line141for providing users (i.e., players) with online gaming capabilities. This allows users to interact (e.g., play games) with multiple players (hundreds, thousands, if not millions) via the online live gaming server140(e.g., Xbox Live, Playstation Network, etc.).

A cross-platform server142is an online server connected to the network105athrough105nvia signal line143that receives information from one or more clients (e.g., mobile device, social network, gaming server, etc.) and translates the data such that it becomes usable by the gaming platform106athrough106n. The cross-platform server142also translates information from the gaming platform106athrough106nsuch that it becomes usable by the one or more clients (e.g., mobile device, social network, gaming server, etc.).

The user devices or player gaming platforms115athrough115ncan be a computing device, for example, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile telephone (iOS, Android, or windows-based phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile email device, a portable game player, a game console (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii or the like) a portable music player, a television with one or more processors embedded in the television or coupled to it, or any other electronic device capable of accessing a network and participating in a gaming application.

The network105a,105b, or105n, is of conventional type, wired or wireless, and may have any number of configurations, such as a star configuration, token ring configuration, or other configurations known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the network105may comprise a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN, e.g., the Internet), and/or any other interconnected data path across which one or more devices may communicate.

In another embodiment, the network105a,105b, or105nmay be a peer-to-peer network. The network105a,105b, or105nmay also be coupled to or include portions of one or more telecommunications networks for sending data in a variety of different communication protocols.

In yet another embodiment, the network105a,105b, or105n, includes Bluetooth communication networks or a cellular communications network for sending and receiving data such as via short messaging service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), direct data connection, WAP, email, etc.

In some embodiments, the social network server102a, the profile server130, the web server132, online live gaming server140, cross-platform server142, and the third party servers134athrough134nare hardware servers including a processor, memory, and network communication capabilities. One or more of the users (players or gamers)125athrough125naccess any of the social network servers102athrough102n, or the third party servers134athrough134n, via browsers in their user devices or gaming platforms and via the web server132. The user devices115athrough115nhave user interface applications117a,117b, through117n, that manage access by particular players to select gaming applications or their choice.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating some embodiments of the social network server102(a through n) or third party server134(a through n). InFIG. 2, like reference numerals have been used to reference like components with the same or similar functionality that has been described above with reference toFIG. 1. Since those components have been described above that description is not repeated here. The social network server102agenerally comprises one or more processors, although only one processor235is illustrated inFIG. 2. The processor is coupled via a bus220to memory237and database storage233, which stores user account data252, game options data254, user rewards/points256, user play/save data258, game options/preferences260, promotion data262and advertising data264.

In some embodiments, the database storage233is a database organized by the hosting server and the user. For each user or player, the data storage233stores data on the user and user game plays, etc. For example, this data may include related social network activity such as posts, shares, invitations, status changes, etc., associated with each user engaged in a video gaming application.

A user or player125a, via a user or gaming device115a, communicates a request to initiate a gaming application or reacts to a keyword via communication unit239. The “set up” for a video gaming application is managed by the gaming platform106a. It should be recognized that the gaming platform106a(illustrated in the social network server102a) and106b(illustrated in the third party server134a) are shown separately, but include similar functionality, at least for purposes of operating the gaming applications. A user or player display25coupled to the user device115athroughn, is configured to provide the video source of the gaming application in one of many formats, high definition graphics, three dimensional formats, etc.

Referring now toFIG. 3, like reference numerals have been used to reference like components with the same or similar functionality that has been described above with reference toFIG. 1. Since those components have been described above, that description is not repeated here. The gaming platform106(a orb) includes various modules that are programmed to perform the functionalities described here. These modules may be variously distributed or may be in a single unit. The gaming platform106includes a user interface module301, a permissions module303, a user/player account module305, a user/player status module307, a promotion/rewards module309, a game initiation/operation module311, and a social network module313. Each of these modules is coupled to a software communication mechanism320to communicate the other modules. Examples of a software communications mechanism320may be an object bus (such as COBRA), direct socket communication (such as TCP/IP sockets) among software modules, remote procedure calls, UDP broadcasts and receipts, HTTP connections, function or procedure calls, etc. Further, any or all of the communication could be secure (SSH, HTTPS, etc.). The software communication can be implemented on any underlying hardware, such as a network, the Internet, a bus220ofFIG. 2, or a combination thereof, etc.

By way of example, a particular user125acommunicates via a user device115a, to either initiate or react to a game play. The user interface module301facilitates a connection of the user device115awith the social network server102a, in the event the player wishes to engage or participate in a gaming application via the social network server102a. The permission module303ensures that the user device is compliant with protocols and any privacy concerns. Once a video gaming application has been set up, the user/player account module305makes a note of the user to determine if the user has an existing account or must create one. The user/player status module307considers the status of the various users (“leader,” “follower,” or “spectator”). A promotion/rewards module309operates the necessary promotions permitting players to earn rewards accorded by the promotions. The game initiation/operation module311initiates play and the social network module313tracks the applications engaged by a particular player and updates the player's social profile accordingly.

Example Methods

FIG. 4illustrates an example method for aviation game play. It should be understood that the order of the operations inFIG. 4is merely by way of example and may be performed in different orders than those that are illustrated and some operations may be excluded, and different combinations of the operations may be performed. In the example method illustrated, one or more operations may include signing in/logging in to a select game (for example, an aviation game), as illustrated by block402. The method400then proceeds to the next block404and may include one or more operations to perform an action within the game (for example, displayed as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional display). The method400then proceeds to the next block406and may include one or more operations to post a description of the action in a social network feed. The method400then proceeds to the next block408and may include one or more operations to receive one or more rewards based on events from the social network feed and/or player interactions.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a graphical representation of a flight route that may be created in this gaming application (aviation game). Multiple players (Gamers1through6) may engage in this game, as illustrated by reference numeral1610inFIG. 6. Each of these gamers may be at remote locations and may access this game operated on a third party server. An action by gamer1impacting another gamer is indicated to any of the other gamers impacted, requiring acceptance or denial by the gamer impacted. The impacted gamer may “accept” the action, indicated by reference numeral620or may “decline” the action, indicated by reference numeral630.

As one example of a select game, an aviation video gaming application is described here inFIG. 7throughFIG. 23.FIG. 7illustrates some embodiments of a user interface700for displaying an in-game message related to another player's activity. A player may receive an in-game notification (indicated by reference numeral710) describing certain activities relating to the player. For example the in-game notification (indicated by reference numeral710) states that friends have visited the player's airport and allows the player to view the description (by pressing the button720) of what the friends' did while at the player's airport.

FIG. 8illustrates some embodiments of a user interface800for displaying an in-game message related to awarding items. A player may receive an in-game notification (indicated by reference numeral810) describing an in-game item that was given to the player by a friend to assist the player in completing a quest (i.e., challenge). The in-game notification (indicated by reference numeral810) may also allow the user (via the share button820) to share this information and/or the in-game item with one or more additional players. The in-game notification (indicated by reference numeral810) may also allow the user (via the close button820) to hide the in-game notification.

FIG. 9illustrates some embodiments900of example in-game messages related to another player's activity. For example, a player may give experience points to another player, as indicated by the in game notification910. A player may sabotage another player's flight by damaging the airplane, as indicated by the in game notification920. A player may sabotage another player's airport by damaging a construction site, as indicated by the in game notification930. A player may improve another player's travel time by giving them clear skies, as indicated by the in game notification940. A player may have their airport shut down due to in-game weather conditions, as indicated by the in game notification950. A player may have their airport shut down due to a particular event, for example, the president visiting a player's airport, as indicated by the in game notification960.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of the user interface display1000to a user in the event a video gaming application is hosted or accessed by a social network. A user may accept a request via posting a comment (#accept in this example) to the social network post. User posts are indicated by1010, user activities or operations during play are indicated by1020, and user acceptances (indicated by reference numeral1040) and approvals are indicated by reference numeral1030.

FIG. 11illustrates an example of a user interface1100for unlocking game play content within the game. A user may unlock in-game content by posting a comment on a player's social network post. A friend's activities and status during a game are indicated by1120, and promotion approvals are indicated by1130. Approvals may be by the user's friends1140and1150.

FIG. 12Aillustrates an example of a user interface1200within a social network with a player notification about one player's promotion within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1204indicates that the player has been promoted within the game. The notification1210indicates that for the approval1212from a player, the commenter and the poster receive three points within the game. The notification1220indicates that for the comment1222, the commenter and the poster receive five points within the game.

FIG. 12Billustrates an example of a user interface1250within a social network with a player notification about one player's promotion within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1254indicates that the player has been promoted within the game. The notification1260indicates that for the approval1262, the player (i.e., poster) receives three points within the game. The notification1270indicates that for the comment1272from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives one point within the game.

FIG. 13Aillustrates an example of a user interface1300within a social network with a player notification about one player traveling to another player's area within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1302indicates that the player is traveling to another player's airport. The notification1310indicates that for the approval, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1312indicates that for the comment “#divert” from a player, the airplane is sent to the commenter's airport. The notification1314indicates that for the comment “#roger” from a player, the airplane receives two passengers. The notification1316indicates that for the comment “#clear skies” from a player, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1318indicates that for the comment “#turbulence” from a player, the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1320indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a thunderstorm item (in-game item). The notification1322indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a snowstorm item (in-game item).

FIG. 13Billustrates an example of a user interface1350within a social network with a player notification about one player traveling to another player's area within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1352indicates that the player is traveling to another player's airport. The notification1360indicates that for the approval, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1362indicates that for the comment “#divert” from a non-player, the airplane is sent to the closest friend's airport. The notification1364indicates that for the comment “#roger” from a non-player, the airplane receives one passenger. The notification1366indicates that for the comment “#clear skies” from a non-player, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1368indicates that for the comment “#turbulence” from a non-player, the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1370indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a non-player, the player's airport is hit by a thunderstorm. The notification1372indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a non-player, the player's airport is hit by a snowstorm.

FIG. 14Aillustrates an example of a user interface1400within a social network with a player notification about one player visiting another player's area within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1402indicates that the player is visiting another player's airport. The notification1410indicates that for the approval, one energy point is given to both players. The notification1412indicates that for the comment “#thanks” from a player, five energy points are given to both players. The notification1414indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a thunderstorm item (in-game item). The notification1416indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a snowstorm item (in-game item).

FIG. 14Billustrates an example of a user interface1450within a social network with a player notification about one player visiting another player's area within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1452indicates that the player is visiting another player's airport. The notification1460indicates that for the approval, one energy point is given to the player (i.e., poster). The notification1462indicates that for the comment “#thanks” from a non-player, two energy points are given to the player (i.e., poster). The notification1464indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a thunderstorm. The notification1466indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a snowstorm.

FIG. 15Aillustrates an example of a user interface1500within a social network with a player notification about one player sending a game-play item within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1502indicates that the player has sent an airplane to an in-game airport (in this example John Wayne Airport). The notification1510indicates that for the approval, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1512indicates that for the comment “#bird attack” from a player, the airplane is damaged and the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1514indicates that for the comment “#turbulence” from a player, the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1516indicates that for the comment “#clear skies” from a player, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1518indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a thunderstorm item (in-game item). The notification1520indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a snowstorm item (in-game item).

FIG. 15Billustrates an example of a user interface1550within a social network with a player notification about one player sending a game-play item within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1552indicates that the player has sent an airplane to an in-game airport (in this example John Wayne Airport). The notification1560indicates that for the approval, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1562indicates that for the comment “#bird attack” from a non-player, the airplane is damaged and the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1564indicates that for the comment “#turbulence” from a non-player, the flight time is increased by 5%. The notification1566indicates that for the comment “#clear skies” from a non-player, the flight time is decreased by 5%. The notification1568indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a thunderstorm. The notification1570indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a snowstorm.

FIG. 16Aillustrates an example of a user interface1600within a social network with a player notification about one player purchasing a game-play item within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1602indicates that the player has purchased an in-game airplane. The notification1610indicates that for the approval, the commenter gains 10 coins. The notification1612indicates that for the comment “#maiden voyage” from a player, the commenter and the poster gain one “1 hour boost item”. The notification1614indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a thunderstorm item (in-game item). The notification1616indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a snowstorm item (in-game item).

FIG. 16Billustrates an example of a user interface1650within a social network with a player notification about one player purchasing a game-play item within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1652indicates that the player has purchased an in-game airplane. The notification1660indicates that for the approval, no award is given. The notification1662indicates that for the comment “#maiden voyage” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives one experience point. The notification1664indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a thunderstorm. The notification1666indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a snowstorm.

FIG. 17Aillustrates an example of a user interface1700within a social network with a player notification about one player purchasing a game-play area within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1702indicates that the player has purchased a small terminal. The notification1710indicates that for the approval, the building time is decreased. The notification1712indicates that for the comment “#let me help” from a player, the building time is decreased by 5%. The notification1714indicates that for the comment “#congrats” from a player, the commenter is given 10 coins. The notification1716indicates that for the comment “#vandalize” from a player, the building time is increased by 5%. The notification1718indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a thunderstorm item (in-game item). The notification1720indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a player, the commenter receives a snowstorm item (in-game item).

FIG. 17Billustrates an example of a user interface1750within a social network with a player notification about one player purchasing a game-play area within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1752indicates that the player has purchased a small terminal. The notification1760indicates that for the approval, the building time is decreased. The notification1762indicates that for the comment “#let me help” from a non-player, the building time is decreased by 5%. The notification1764indicates that for the comment “#congrats” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) is given 5 coins. The notification1766indicates that for the comment “#vandalize” from a non-player, the building is damaged and the building time is increased by 5%. The notification1768indicates that for the comment “#thunderstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a thunderstorm. The notification1770indicates that for the comment “#snowstorm” from a non-player, the player's (i.e., poster) airport is hit by a snowstorm.

FIG. 18Aillustrates an example of a user interface1800within a social network with a player notification about one player building a game-play item within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1802indicates that the player is trying to finish building a hangar. The notification1810indicates that for the approval, the poster and commenter receive three energy points. The notification1812indicates that for the comment “#fuel drums” from a player, the poster receives an in-game item.

FIG. 18Billustrates an example of a user interface1850within a social network with a player notification about one player building a game-play item within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. The notification1860indicates that for the approval, the player (i.e., poster) receives three energy points. The notification1862indicates that for the comment “#fuel drums” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives an in-game item.

FIG. 19Aillustrates an example of a user interface1900within a social network with a player notification about one player performing a task within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1902indicates that the player is trying to finish a task, in this example, “favor for the mayor.” The notification1910indicates that for the approval, the poster and commenter receive five experience points. The notification1912indicates that for the comment “#lumber” from a player, the poster receives an in-game item.

FIG. 19Billustrates an example of a user interface1950within a social network with a player notification about one player performing a task within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post1952indicates that the player is trying to finish a task, in this example, “favor for the mayor.” The notification1960indicates that for the approval, the player (i.e., poster) receives five experience points. The notification1962indicates that for the comment “#lumber” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives an in-game item.

FIG. 20Aillustrates an example of a user interface2000within a social network with a player notification about one player finishing a task within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post2002indicates that the player has finished a task, in this example, “favor for the mayor.” The notification2010indicates that for the approval, the poster and commenter receive three experience points. The notification2012indicates that for the comment “#congrats” from a player, the poster and commenter receive five experience points.

FIG. 20Billustrates an example of a user interface2050within a social network with a player notification about one player finishing a task within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post2052indicates that the player has finished a task, in this example, “favor for the mayor.” The notification2060indicates that for the approval, the player (i.e., poster) receives three experience points. The notification2062indicates that for the comment “#congrats” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives one experience point.

FIG. 21Aillustrates an example of a user interface2100within a social network with a player notification about one player arriving at another player's area within the game and other player comments on the player notification. For example, the post2102indicates that the player has checked into a friend's airport. The notification2110indicates that for the approval, the poster and commenter receive two experience points. The notification2112indicates that for the comment “#safe flight” from a player, the poster and commenter receive one “+5 energy item.”

FIG. 21Billustrates an example of a user interface2150within a social network with a player notification about one player arriving at another player's area within the game and other non-player comments on the player notification. For example, the post2152indicates that the player has checked into a friend's airport. The notification2160indicates that for the approval, the player (i.e., poster) receives two experience points. The notification2162indicates that for the comment “#safe flight” from a non-player, the player (i.e., poster) receives one “+5 energy item.”

FIG. 22illustrates an example of a user interface2200including two examples of game states that affect game play. The first example2210is a thunderstorm game item that may be used at friend's airports to add rain, thunder, lightning to the airport, and to shut down the airport for an hour. For example, this item can only be used once every 12 hours and after the thunderstorm ends the player cannot be affected for 24 hours. The second example2220is a snowstorm game item that may be used at friend's airports to add snow to the airport, and to shut down the airport for an hour. For example, this item can only be used once every 12 hours and after the thunderstorm ends the player cannot be affected for 24 hours.

FIG. 23illustrates an example of a user interface2300including one example of a game state that affects game play. The example2310is of Air Force One (i.e., the president) visiting the player's airport. For example, this shuts down the player's airport for 8 hours, the player can interact with Air Force One via a nomination link for decreasing the time Air Force One is at the airport, and after Air Force One is sent off, the player cannot be sent the airplane again for 24 hours.

The comments and game actions they invoke which are described inFIGS. 5-23are used by way of example, one skilled in the art will recognize that other examples and configurations are possible.

The foregoing description of the implementations of the present technology has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the present technology be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims of this application. As should be understood by those familiar with the art, the present technology may be implemented in other specific forms, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Likewise, the particular naming and division of the modules, routines, features, attributes, methodologies, and other aspects are not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the present disclosure or its features may have different names, divisions and/or formats. Furthermore, as should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the modules, routines, features, attributes, methodologies and other aspects of the present technology can be implemented as software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of the three. Also, wherever a component, an example of which is a module, of the present technology is implemented as software, the component can be implemented as a standalone program, as part of a larger program, as a plurality of separate programs, as a statically or dynamically linked library, as a kernel loadable module, as a device driver, and/or in every and any other way known now or in the future to those of ordinary skill in the art of computer programming. Additionally, the present technology is in no way limited to implementation in any specific programming language, or for any specific operating system or environment. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present technology is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.