System for online debate with entertainment and complex problem-solving purpose

Abstract

A computer-implemented method, apparatus and system for facilitating problem-solving of a client entity's real-life problem via an interactive game apparatus for game play by human users in a distributed computing environment, the game apparatus comprising a database of topics for selection by users for online chat or debate in real time, the client entity providing at least one topic in the database of topics, the topic provided by the client entity comprising a metaphorical relationship with the client entity's problem, the database of topics further comprising at least one comment originated by a user during a chat or debate and challenged by another user in real time, data from game play compiled for use by the client.

1 . A computer-implemented system comprising an interactive game apparatus for game play by human users, the system comprising at least one client entity, the client entity having a real life problem and desiring to gather information relating to the problem via data compiled from the game play,
 the game apparatus comprising software processes defining an Interface, a Topic Module, a Commentary Module, and a Debate Module, the Interface for allowing users to interact with the Topic Module, the Commentary Module, and the Debate Module, the Interface further comprising a server for compilation and storage of data from game play,   the Topic Module comprising a database of topics for online chat or debate in real time by users, the client entity providing at least one topic for the Topic Module, the topic provided by the client entity comprising a metaphorical relationship with the client entity's problem,   users selecting a topic from the Topic Module for chat or debate, inputting comments in the Commentary Module relating to the selected topic, the comments viewable in real time by other users, and optionally challenging a comment originated by another user, the originator of the challenged comment optionally accepting or declining the challenge, and   the client entity accessing and reviewing the data from game play via the Interface.   
   
   
       2 . The system per  claim 1  further comprising a Wagering Module comprising software processes whereby users observing a debate in real time may input wagers on a user engaged in the debate. 
   
   
       3 . The system per  claim 1  further providing that when the originator of a challenged comment declines a challenge that is of type Put Up or Shut Up, the originator is automatically excluded from active play in the system for a period of time. 
   
   
       4 . The system per  claim 1  where the Topics Module comprises at least one comment originated by a user during a chat or debate and challenged by at least one other user. 
   
   
       5 . A method of problem-solving relating to a client's real-life problem comprising the steps of:
 providing a representation of the client's problem which incorporates a metaphor,   providing a system for online debate in real time on a topic selected by human users from a defined database of topics,   populating the database of topics with at least one topic provided by the client, the topic comprising a representation of the client's problem incorporating a metaphor, users not directly cognizant of the existence of the client or the metaphor,   updating the database of topics to include comments originated by users and challenged by other users observing a debate in real time,   incentivizing users to select a topic provided by the client from the database of topics, and   compiling data from game play.   
   
   
       6 . A computer-implemented game apparatus for game play by human users and for use by a client entity having a real life problem, the client entity desiring to gather information for a possible solution to the problem via data compiled from game play, the apparatus comprising software processes defining an Interface, a Topic Module, a Commentary Module, and a Debate Module, the Interface for allowing users to interact with the Topic Module, the Commentary Module and the Debate Module, the Interface further comprising a server for compilation and storage of data from game play, the Topic Module comprising a database of topics for online chat or debate in real time by users, the client entity providing at least one topic for the Topic Module, the topic provided by the client entity comprising a metaphorical relationship with the client entity's problem, users selecting a topic from the Topic Module for chat or debate, inputting comments in the Commentary Module relating to the selected topic, the comments viewable in real time by other users, and optionally challenging a comment originated by another user, the originator of the challenged comment optionally accepting or declining the challenge, the client entity accessing and reviewing the data from game play via the Interface. 
   
   
       6 . The system per  claim 1  where players are incentivized to select a particular topic for debate from the Topic Module. 
   
   
       7 . The system per  claim 1  where the game apparatus is provided as a Web-hosted site. 
   
   
       8 . The system per  claim 1  where the game apparatus is provided as a software application licensed to the client. 
   
   
       9 . The system per  claim 1  wherein the Topic Module comprises a database of topics comprising comments originated by a user during online chat or debate and challenged by a second user. 
   
   
       10 . The system per  claim 1  where the problem relates to a market research objective of the client. 
   
   
       11 . A system per  claim 1  where users are targeted and invited to play the game based on the users' attributes. 
   
   
       12 . A computer-implemented system for facilitating problem-solving of a client entity's real-life problem via an interactive game apparatus for game play by human users in a distributed computing environment, the game apparatus comprising a database of topics for selection by users for online chat or debate in real time, the client entity providing at least one topic in the database of topics, the topic provided by the client entity comprising a metaphorical relationship with the client entity's problem. 
   
   
       13 . The system per  claim 12  wherein the database of topics further comprises at least one comment originated by a user during a chat or debate and challenged by another user in real time, data from game play compiled for use by the client.