Reward-based features for videogame observers

Abstract

Reward-based features for videogame observers are provided herein. Exemplary methods for providing reward-based features for videogame observers may include receiving, via a networked gaming system, a request from a videogame observer to provide a virtual reward to a player within the gaming environment, the videogame observer being a non-participant in a game occurring within the gaming environment; and providing, within the gaming environment, the virtual reward to the player.

1 . A method for providing reward-based features for videogame observers, the method comprising:
 receiving, via a network at a server of a networked gaming system, using a video game program running on the server of the networked gaming system, a request from a videogame observer to provide a virtual reward to a player within a gaming environment generated by the server using the video game program, the videogame observer being a non-participant in a game occurring within the gaming environment; and   providing, within the gaming environment, the virtual reward to the player.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the videogame observer comprises a spectator. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the virtual reward is displayable via a graphical user interface, the virtual reward comprising a visual representation. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , further comprising storing the virtual reward in a player record; and providing the visual representation upon the player receiving the virtual reward. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the virtual reward includes at least one of a virtual reward useable within the gaming environment and a physical reward redeemable by the player. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising displaying a virtual reward associated with the player to an additional player within the gaming environment when the additional player interacts with the player. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the virtual reward comprises a customized virtual reward that has been customized by the videogame observer. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the player is a highlighted player. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein providing, within the gaming environment, the virtual reward to the player further comprising storing the virtual reward within a playercard of a player. 
     
     
         10 . A system for providing reward-based features for videogame observers, the system comprising:
 at least one server that is selectively coupleable to an end user computing system, the at least one server comprising a processor configured to execute instructions that comprise:
 a videogame program that provides a gaming environment, the videogame program comprising:
 a videogame observer reward module that: 
 receives a request from a videogame observer to provide a virtual reward to a player within the gaming environment, the videogame observer being a spectator who is not an active participant in a game occurring within the gaming environment; and 
 provides, within the gaming environment, the virtual reward to the player. 
 
   
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the videogame observer comprises a broadcaster and the player is highlighted by the broadcaster. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the virtual reward is displayable via a graphical user interface, the virtual reward comprising a visual representation. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the virtual reward comprises a virtual badge. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the reward includes at least one of a virtual reward useable within the gaming environment and a physical reward redeemable by the player. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the videogame observer reward module further stores the virtual reward in a player record associated with the player, the player record being stored on a data store. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the videogame observer reward module further displays a virtual reward associated with the player to an additional player within the gaming environment when the additional player interacts with the player. 
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the virtual reward comprises a virtual reward that has been customized by the videogame observer. 
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the videogame observer reward module further displays an achievement tag above the player. 
     
     
         19 . The system according to  claim 12 , wherein the videogame observer reward module further stores the virtual reward within a playercard of a player. 
     
     
         20 . A method for providing reward-based features during a videogame broadcast, the method comprising:
 Generating, using a video game program executing on a server of a networked gaming system, a customized virtual reward for a broadcaster during the videogame broadcast over a network of the networked gaming system, the broadcaster being a non-participant in a game occurring within a gaming environment generated using the networked gaming system, the customized virtual reward comprising a reward selected by the broadcaster and a basis for providing the virtual reward to a player highlighted by the broadcaster, the basis being assigned by the broadcaster; and   providing the customized virtual reward proximate to the highlighted player.