Programmable Randomness for Skill-Based Wagering Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional slot machines are unappealing to younger gamers, leading to decreased revenue for casino operators, and hybrid arcade/wager-based games face regulatory hurdles due to complex backend solutions requiring lengthy and costly reviews.

Innovation Solution

Designing hybrid arcade-style, wager-based games that comply with existing regulatory standards, such as GLI standards, using a combination of new visual representations and interaction methods, including various human interface devices, to create an immersive experience while avoiding additional regulatory approvals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional slot machines are used, then regulatory compliance is straightforward, but appeal to younger gamers decreases leading to revenue loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappeal to younger gamersVSAvoidrevenue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic randomness adjustment where the game system can modify random number generation parameters in real-time based on player skill level and game state. This allows the same game platform to adapt between traditional fixed-RTP slot machine mode and dynamic skill-based wagering mode, appealing to younger gamers while maintaining regulatory compliance through programmatically-variable-randomness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the randomness parameter from fixed to programmatically-variable, allowing the random number generator to adjust its behavior based on skill-based inputs. This parameter change enables hybrid arcade/wager-based gameplay that attracts younger players while maintaining compliance with gaming regulations through controlled variability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid arcade/wager-based games are designed with complex backend solutions, then new visual representations and interaction methods can be implemented, but regulatory review becomes lengthy and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual representations and interaction methodsVSAvoidregulatory review time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal game platform that can operate in multiple modes (traditional slot machine mode and skill-based wagering mode) using the same backend infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the system to implement diverse visual representations and interaction methods while relying on established regulatory frameworks, avoiding lengthy approval processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a programmatically-variable-randomness intermediary layer that mediates between skill-based player inputs and traditional wagering outcomes. This intermediary mechanism allows hybrid game design with rich visual representations while maintaining compliance through a recognized randomness framework, reducing regulatory review time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid arcade/wager-based games are designed with complex backend solutions, then new visual representations and interaction methods can be implemented, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual representations and interaction methodsVSAvoidimplementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system reuses the proven randomness generation and regulatory compliance framework from traditional slot machines, copying the trusted backend infrastructure. This allows implementation of innovative visual representations and interaction methods without incurring the full cost of creating entirely new regulatory-approved systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11037411B2Methods, devices and systems for skill-based wagering games with programmatically-variable-randomness

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 EMPIRE TECHNOLOGICAL GROUP LTD

AI summary

A game, configured for execution in a regulated gaming machine, may require skillful actions by a player to achieve an objective of the game. The game may be further configured such that outcomes are partially determined by randomness and partially determined by inputs to the regulated gaming machine from the player. A computer-implemented method may comprise, iteratively, during game play of the game: receiving inputs from the player via a player interface; generating a skillful action within the game based upon the received player inputs, and generating an outcome of the skillful action that is partially determined by randomness and partially determined by the generated skillful action based upon the player inputs. A reward may be selectively provided to the player according to the generated outcome and according to a predetermined target Return to Player (RTP) percentage for the game. The degree to which the randomness affects the generated outcome and the degree to which the skillful action based upon inputs from the player affect the generated outcome may then be changed such that a later-generated outcome is differently affected by the randomness and by inputs from the player than a prior-generated outcome.