System and method for instant ticket-based entertainment game

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods for playing an instant ticket-based entertainment game combining elements of chance and player skill. In an embodiment of the present invention, a game player receives an electronic scratch-off instant ticket from a central server over a communications network (e.g., a mobile phone network). The instant ticket may provide an instant prize and may also provide entry into an interactive multiplayer bonus game (e.g., a car racing game) by awarding the game player with at least one game attribute (e.g., car type, time in which to complete race) to be used during play of the bonus game. Scores are reported to the game server upon completion of the game and winners are determined by the game server based on game player rankings at various checkpoints throughout the bonus game. Another embodiment of the present invention may include a mystery promotion prize feature.

Description

[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 404,402, filed on Apr. 13, 2006, entitled “System and Method for Entertainment Game,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to communication systems and methods for implementing mobile, PC and console entertainment games with instant ticket capabilities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Communication between people has been a main social event ever since the invention of the telephone reduced the spatial limits of communication—further reduced by the subsequent introduction of the Internet. Whereas communication via telephone generally continues to be delimited to a person-to-person contact or between limited numbers of participants in a conference call, Internet and related networks use platforms for more open communication between larger groups of people, sometimes between a virtually unlimited number of partici...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention combines elements of chance, competition against other players and individual skill in an instant ticket game that is exciting, fun and simple to play. Players are entertained by learning to improve their skill levels and thereby increase their odds of winning. The aspects of the present invention allow players to connect to a community and freely meet opponents thus permitting play from a mobile phone even for those who are on the move.

Problems solved by technology

For example, the need to think several moves ahead in a strategy game like chess presents mental challenges while the ticket winning distribution in an instant ticket cash competition provides statistical challenges.

However, there are currently no adequate technological solutions available for enabling an effective combination of entertainment games and lottery / chance or betting games for a multitude of channels including PC, mobile and console devices.

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