System and method of an interactive multiple participant game

Abstract

A plurality of linked gaming machines are disclosed that enhance the community participation and enjoyment of a game on multiple gaming machines. Players participate in an interactive game, either simultaneously, alternatively or in a systematic sequence, as a group or community. The participating players compete in the game such that the actions and results of each player affect the other players in the community. The interactive game combines skill and luck to improve play of the game. The interactive game could be a bonus game which players need to qualify in order to participate. If a player does not qualify, a wager can be placed to participate in the game. Players with different wagers can participate in the same game and players can wager on the outcomes of other players.

1 . A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising: 
 a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a bonus game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a wager input mechanism;    a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game with at least two participants;    a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play, said input affecting said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion; and    calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.    
   
   
       2 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said base game is a mechanical reel slot machine.  
   
   
       3 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said base game is a video slot machine.  
   
   
       4 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said base game is a video poker machine.  
   
   
       5 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said base game is a horse race.  
   
   
       6 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game, and each player participant is a different human being.  
   
   
       7 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.  
   
   
       8 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.  
   
   
       9 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.  
   
   
       10 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.  
   
   
       11 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein each said player qualifies to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       12 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 11  wherein each said player qualification occurs at different times to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       13 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 11  wherein said bonus game commences subsequent to at least one player qualifying to participate.  
   
   
       14 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said bonus game commences at random.  
   
   
       15 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.  
   
   
       16 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 10  wherein said bonus game payout is directly related to said wager input of each said participating player.  
   
   
       17 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 16  wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.  
   
   
       18 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game conclusion before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       19 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.  
   
   
       20 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 19  wherein said bonus game conclusion yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       21 . A method for operating a community bonus game, comprising the steps of: 
 entering a wager;    providing a plurality of gaming machines and a central computer;    electronically linking said gaming machines and said central computer;    playing a base game, wherein said base game provides participation in a community bonus game;    initiating said community bonus game under a predefined circumstance;    executing said community bonus game with said plurality of gaming machines participating interactively in said community bonus game wherein interactivity of each participant can independently affect an outcome in said community bonus game; and    presenting an award based at least in part on said outcome in said community bonus game.    
   
   
       22 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein participating interactively is simultaneous play by each said participant of said community bonus game.  
   
   
       23 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein participating interactivity is alternate play by each said participating player of said community bonus game.  
   
   
       24 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein participating interactivity requires skill.  
   
   
       25 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein participating interactivity affects a different result from said outcome for each participant in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       26 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 25  wherein said award includes a bonus game pot to be redistributed based on the amount of the wagers of said participants and said outcome in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       27 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein awarding participation in said community bonus game occurs at different times during said base game.  
   
   
       28 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein initiating said community bonus game occurs subsequent to at least one awarded participation in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       29 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein initiating said community bonus game occurs upon a random event.  
   
   
       30 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein an additional wager is entered for participation in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       31 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein an additional wager may be entered by a participant in said bonus game which is then used in determining an award for said participant making said additional wager.  
   
   
       32 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein said award is different for each said participant.  
   
   
       33 . A method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines, comprising the steps of: 
 entering a wager by a participating player;    providing a set of a plurality of game elements for a game, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least first and second players;    alternately playing said interactive game by said at least two players;    said first player and said second player selecting from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements;    calculating an award based on said game element letters revealed in said set of game elements; and    presenting said award to said at least one player.    
   
   
       34 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein said players receiving a point for each game element revealed.  
   
   
       35 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein said letters for selection are each in said at least one word hidden from view.  
   
   
       36 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein said letters of game elements present in said at least one word hidden from view are worth a predetermined value.  
   
   
       37 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  further comprising solving said set of game elements to a conclusion by revealing said at least one word.  
   
   
       38 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 37  wherein solving said at least one word occurs prior to all said game element letters being revealed.  
   
   
       39 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  further comprising spinning a wheel construct populated with a plurality of predetermined award indicia to a point where said wheel construct stops upon an award indicium.  
   
   
       40 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein said award is calculated by multiplying a total value received by a player for each game element letter revealed by said player with said award indicium for a payout.  
   
   
       41 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  further comprising providing said players with a choice of only letters in said at least one word.  
   
   
       42 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  further comprising the ability for a player to enter an additional wager during play of said game.  
   
   
       43 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein one of said players is a computer.  
   
   
       44 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 33  wherein each player who is a human being receives a payout.  
   
   
       45 . A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations comprising: 
 a wager registration for each player;    at least a first player and a second player participating on separate gaming stations;    an interactive game including a plurality of scoring conditions;    a mechanism for registering each player's input in the course of play of said game;    said first player and said second player playing said interactive game to compete for an award, wherein an allocation of said scoring conditions to a respective player can be affected by another player's input; and    said award, at a game conclusion based at least in part upon said allocation.    
   
   
       46 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations of  claim 45  wherein said scoring conditions remaining available change as each player's input is registered in said course of play of said game.  
   
   
       47 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein one of said first player and said second player may be a computer.  
   
   
       48 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said interactive game includes simultaneous play by said first player and said second player.  
   
   
       49 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said interactive game includes alternate play by said first player and said second player.  
   
   
       50 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said interactive game includes a successful player input which can result in continued play by said successful player until an unsuccessful player input by said successful player, which turns play over to another player.  
   
   
       51 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said play by each said player requires skill that affects said award presented to each said players at said game conclusion.  
   
   
       52 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said system further includes a base game which is independent of said interactive game, and said interactive game is a bonus game to said base game.  
   
   
       53 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 45  wherein said interactive game has a game matrix with initially hidden letters comprising one or more words, a player selecting a letter which if matched in said matrix reveals said matched letter.  
   
   
       54 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 53  wherein a value is awarded a player for each successfully matched letter.  
   
   
       55 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 54  wherein said award for a player is determined at least in part by a total of that player's awarded value.  
   
   
       56 . A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising: 
 a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a bonus game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a wager input mechanism;    a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game by at least two human participants;    a player interface mechanism providing input from each human participant in said interactive play, said input affecting said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion; and    calculating a payout, if any, for each said human participant.    
   
   
       57 . A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising: 
 a wager input mechanism;    a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a bonus game interactively playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a qualification by at least two players to play said bonus game, wherein each said player qualification may occur at different times to participate in said interactive play of said bonus game and said bonus game only commences when at least one said qualification has occurred;    a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game by said at least two qualified players;    a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play; and    calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.    
   
   
       58 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said input from each player participating in said interactive play affects said interactive play of said bonus game for all said participating players to a bonus game conclusion.  
   
   
       59 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game, and each player participant is a different human being.  
   
   
       60 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.  
   
   
       61 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.  
   
   
       62 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.  
   
   
       63 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 62  wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.  
   
   
       64 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.  
   
   
       65 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.  
   
   
       66 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 58  wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game conclusion before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       67 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.  
   
   
       68 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 58  wherein said bonus game conclusion yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       69 . A method for operating a community bonus game, comprising the steps of: 
 entering a wager;    providing a plurality of gaming machines and a central computer;    electronically linking said gaming machines and said central computer;    playing a base game, wherein said base game provides participation in a community bonus game;    executing said community bonus game with said plurality of gaming machines participating interactively in said community bonus game to an outcome; and    presenting an award based at least in part on said outcome in said community bonus game, said award includes a bonus game pot to be redistributed based on the amount of the wagers and said outcome in said community bonus game.    
   
   
       70 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said participating interactively affects said outcome of said community bonus game for all said participating players.  
   
   
       71 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein participating interactivity affects a different result from said outcome for each said participating players in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       72 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said participating interactively is simultaneous play by each said participant of said community bonus game.  
   
   
       73 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said participating interactivity is alternate play by each said participating player of said community bonus game.  
   
   
       74 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said participating interactivity requires skill.  
   
   
       75 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein providing participation in said community bonus game occurs at different times during said base game.  
   
   
       76 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein executing said community bonus game occurs subsequent to at least one awarded participation in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       77 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein executing said community bonus game occurs upon a random event.  
   
   
       78 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein an additional wager is entered for participation in said community bonus game.  
   
   
       79 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein an additional wager may be entered by a participant in said bonus game which is then used in determining said award for said participant making said additional wager.  
   
   
       80 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said award is different for each said participant.  
   
   
       81 . A system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines comprising: 
 a wager input mechanism;    a base game playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a bonus game interactively playable on each said linked gaming machine;    a controller for operatively engaging at least one of said linked gaming machines to interactively play said bonus game with at least two players;    a player interface mechanism providing input from each player participating in said interactive play, wherein said input by each said participating player requires skill that affects said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game; and    calculating a payout, if any, for each said participating player.    
   
   
       82 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said interactive play is simultaneous play by each said participating player of said bonus game.  
   
   
       83 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said interactive play is alternate play by each said participating player of said bonus game.  
   
   
       84 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said input by each said participating player affects said payout, if any, for each said participating player.  
   
   
       85 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said payout includes a bonus game payout which is redistributed based on said interactive play of all said participating players of said bonus game.  
   
   
       86 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein a non-participating player on a linked gaming machine can provide an additional wager input related to the possible outcome of said interactive play of said bonus game, with calculation of a further bonus game payout, if any, for such non-participating player.  
   
   
       87 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said bonus game payout is different for each said participating player.  
   
   
       88 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein each said participating player can input an additional wager on said bonus game before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       89 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein each said participating player is a different person with a separate player interface mechanism.  
   
   
       90 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said bonus game yields a different result for each said participating player, and each participating player can wager on said bonus game result of another of said participating players before play of said bonus game.  
   
   
       91 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 39  wherein said wheel construct is generated electronically on a display.  
   
   
       92 . The method for operating an interactive game on a plurality of linked gaming machines of  claim 39  wherein said wheel construct is a mechanical device which physically spins on an axis.  
   
   
       93 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 1  wherein said bonus game has a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two participants, and said participants select from a set of letters known to said participants before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       94 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 21  wherein said participating interactivity of said community bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view, and a selection from a set of letters, wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       95 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming stations of  claim 45  wherein said interactive game provides a set of a plurality of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least first and second players, and said first player and said second player selecting from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       96 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 56  wherein said interactive play of said bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two human participants, and said human participants selecting from a set of letters known to said human participants before participant selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       97 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 57  wherein said bonus game has a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two qualified players, and said players select from a set of letters known to said players before selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       98 . The method for operating a community bonus game of  claim 69  wherein said community bonus game includes a set of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view, and a selection from a set of letters, wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.  
   
   
       99 . The system for operating a plurality of electronically linked gaming machines of  claim 81  wherein said interactive game provides a set of a plurality of game elements, wherein said set of game elements yield letters comprising at least one word hidden from view of at least two players, and said players select from a set of letters known to said players before player selection thereof, and wherein selected letter may be revealed in said set of game elements.