Multi-Stage Future Events Outcome Prediction Game

Abstract

Apparatus and method for the playing of a multi-stage multi-player future event outcome prediction game. The prediction game involves the prediction or forecasting or guessing of the actual outcomes of a series of pre-defined sequentially occurring future events. The objective of the players participating in the prediction game is to predict correctly, progressively, sequentially and continuously the actual outcome of the entire set of pre-defined future events included in a game unit.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority and the benefit under 119(e) from U.S. Provisional application No. 60 / 765,161 filed on Feb. 6, 2006 and U.S. provisional application 60 / 869,954 filed 14 Dec. 2006, both including inventor Sweary, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The application is also related to a PCT application filed on even date with this application, by same applicants in the IL receiving office, attorney docket 34851, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to Apparatus and method for a multi-stage multi-player event outcome prediction game, and more particularly to Apparatus and method for a game that provides a framework in which a plurality of participants can express competitive interests through the prediction of the outcomes of a series of sequentially occurring future events.[0004]2. Discussion of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]In an exemplary embodiment of the invention a player may obtain life savers for the game. In this application, the term “life saver” is used to define an option to help a player to overcome problems or to improve his position in the game. Optionally, a life saver enables a player to skip a prediction event, before or after the outcome of the event. Alternatively or additionally, a life saver enables a player to correctly predict the outcome of a prediction event. Alternatively or additionally, a life saver enables a player to amend predicted outcomes from the player's list of predicted outcomes. Alternatively or additionally, a life saver allows a player to reduce the quality of prediction required.

[0029]An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a prediction game wherein a player can be interactive during the game. The interactivity of a player in the game may provide one or more potential advantages. The interest of the player in the game increases which can increase of the popularity of the game. In addition, when a player is interactive in the game the player may be better exposed to commercializing.

[0040]Optionally, potential players are allowed to organize players' groups. Players could improve their chances of winning the game unit or could enhance their pleasure from the playing in the game by participating in one or more organized players' groups. Players' groups could be organized in a number of different ways. For example, a players' group could be established by a specific player referred to as an affiliate game controller. A player's group could be “public” such that is open for entry to any potential player who wishes to join or could be “private” such that is will include only selectively invited members are allowed to join. A “private” players' group will be referred to as an affiliate players' group. Such a group could be organized on the basis of friendships, companionships, common interests, and common objectives and could provide social activity-specific pleasure for participants. The affiliate players' group could utilize its own game unit that could include private events and associated questions that could be significant to or be understood by only the members of the “private” group. In the “public” version of a players' group a group of players will be persuaded by the affiliate game controller to submit identical answers for a specific game unit. Another type of “public” players' group could be established on the basis of profit where the players organize themselves into players' groups in order to enhance their chances of winning. The initial bonus points introduced will affect their share or their percentage of the potential prize.

[0041]Players could enhance their standing in the game by suggesting specific events to be included in the game and by composing event outcome-related questions open to other players.

Problems solved by technology

The greater the number of external variables on which the outcome of a future event depends the more difficult is to perform a comprehensive prediction-related calculation in which all the variables all taken into consideration and consequently the more problematic to produce a correct prediction.

For example, it is notoriously difficult to forecast the weather in the long range, the occurrence of earthquakes, the results of sporting events, (horse racing, soccer, baseball, basketball) the financial and economic trends, indices and events (stock market movements, exchange rates fluctuations, and the like), the outbreak of diseases, and the outcomes of games of chance.

Regarding games of chance the difficulty is exacerbated by the outcome being influenced by the use of randomizing devices.

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