Social Game Loyalty System for Non-Random Prize Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social networking games face legal restrictions on awarding valuable prizes due to gambling laws, limiting the ability to provide non-random prize awards to players.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where players earn and use loyalty points to access non-random prize awards, such as sweepstakes entries or direct prizes, without violating gambling laws by using a combination of credits and loyalty points earned through various activities and interactions on the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If social networking games award valuable prizes to players, then player engagement and value are enhanced, but legal restrictions under gambling laws prevent non-random prize awards
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the prize award mechanism into two distinct components: a random component (gambling element) and a non-random component (loyalty reward element). By separating these functions, the system can offer valuable prizes through the loyalty program without triggering gambling laws, while still maintaining player engagement through the dual-system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces loyalty points as an intermediary currency that mediates between player activity and prize awards. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to award valuable prizes based on non-random criteria (loyalty accumulation) rather than direct gambling outcomes, thereby circumventing legal restrictions while maintaining the ability to provide meaningful rewards.
2Reliability
If social networking games use random prize awards, then legal restrictions under gambling laws are avoided, but player engagement and perceived value are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments player motivation into two pathways: random reward pathways (maintaining legal compliance) and non-random loyalty reward pathways (enhancing engagement). This segmentation allows the game to simultaneously maintain legal compliance through the random component while boosting player engagement through the predictable, earnable loyalty rewards.
Solution Approach 2:
The loyalty point system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a compliance mechanism to avoid gambling classification, an engagement driver through predictable rewards, and a retention tool through accumulated value. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between legal compliance and player engagement.
3Productivity
If social networking games award valuable prizes in a non-random manner, then player value and engagement are enhanced, but the system may be classified as gambling under current laws
Solution Approach 1:
Loyalty points serve as a protective intermediary that transforms the nature of prize awards from gambling-like transactions to reward program transactions. By introducing this intermediary layer, the system can award valuable prizes in a non-random manner based on loyalty metrics rather than chance, thereby enhancing player value while mitigating legal risk through reclassification of the transaction type.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a social networking game that provides players additional incentives and advantages based on the value of that player to a site hosting the games. For example, a player who refers more friends to play on the site will receive better chances of winning valuable prizes in the games. The value of a player's referred friends can also be taken into consideration when determining that player's value.