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.

We claim: 
     
         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.