System, Method and Apparatus for Scaled Multiplayer Games

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for delivering a massively multiplayer version of a limited-player game such as poker, with a limited deck. A communication and data servers system generates a set of common cards randomly for all players to share, and for each player a set of hole cards drawn from the remaining cards in the deck, but with replacement. The computer communicates the common cards and allocates winning to the player or players with the highest ranking hands. Extension of the method, system and apparatus to repeat the game until a predetermined number of winners are selected. Extension of the method, system and apparatus for use to pre-select players for a multi-phase tournament. Extension of the method, system and apparatus to provide a shared multi-player gaming experience for supporters in venues such as a concert hall or sporting event.

1 . A method for delivering a massively multiplayer modification of a limited-player game having a set of rules using a data server and communication system having the capability to generate random samples from a limited source of game tokens; to securely and independently communicate game information with the players; and to broadcast information to the players, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) generating a sequence of common game tokens at random from said limited source of game tokens in accordance with said set of rules;   (b) generating for each said player a sequence of player game tokens at random from said limited source of game tokens, excluding said common game tokens generated, in accordance with said set of rules;   (c) communicating securely said player game tokens to each player, respectively, in accordance with said set of rules;   (d) communicating the common sequence of game tokens and receive communication of player investments to a prize pool from each player in reaction thereto, in accordance with said set of rules;   (e) determining said modified limited-player game results and allocating said prize pool in accordance with said set of rules; and   (f) broadcasting said modified limited-player game results and said allocation of said prize pool to each player.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , where said limited-player game is a form of Texas Hold'em Poker where the tokens are the cards from a standard 52-card deck, said limited-player game is modified to permit players to have hole cards drawn from non-common cards, replacing said hole cards after each said player has drawn them. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , where said rules of said limited-player game distinguish “round winners” and “round losers,” and the steps (a) through (e) are repeated for the “round winners,” removing said “round losers” from the game, until a predetermined number of game winners are determined. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , having an initial step of players paying an entry fee for one or more of a predetermined number of qualifying games, said entry fees comprising an overall prize pool; applying the method of  claim 3  for determining a winner for each of said predetermined number of qualifying games, respectively; delivering a final limited-player game to the winners of each said qualifying game to determine overall final results and allocating said overall prize pool; and broadcasting said final limited-player game results and said allocation of said overall prize pool. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for delivering a massively multiplayer modification of a limited-player game having a set of rules, including a communication system and data server system having capability to generate random samples from a limited source of game tokens; to securely and independently communicate game information with said players; and to broadcast information to the players, said apparatus communication system and data server system programmed to interoperate for performing the steps of:
 (a) generating a sequence of common game tokens at random from said limited source of game tokens in accordance with said set of rules;   (b) generating for each said player a sequence of player game tokens at random from said limited source of game tokens, excluding said common game tokens generated, in accordance with said set of rules;   (c) communicating securely said player game tokens to each player, respectively, in accordance with said set of rules;   (d) communicating the common sequence of game tokens and receive communication of player investments to a prize pool from each player in reaction thereto, in accordance with said set of rules;   (e) determining said modified limited-player game results and allocating said prize pool in accordance with said set of rules; and   (f) broadcasting said modified limited-player game results and said allocation of said prize pool to each player.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , where said limited-player game is a form of Texas Hold'em Poker where the tokens are the cards from a standard 52-card deck, said limited-player game is modified to permit players to have hole cards drawn from non-common cards, replacing said hole cards after each said player has drawn them. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , where said rules of said limited-player game distinguish “round winners” and “round losers,” and the steps (a) through (e) are repeated for the “round winners,” removing said “round losers” from the game, until a predetermined number of game winners are determined. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further configured for said communication system and data server system programmed to interoperate and further perform the steps of: initially receiving communication from players to pay an entry fee for one or more of a predetermined number of qualifying games, said entry fees comprising an overall prize pool; applying the method of  claim 7  for determining a winner for each of said predetermined number of qualifying games, respectively; delivering a final limited-player game to the winners of each said qualifying game to determine overall final results and allocating said overall prize pool; and broadcasting said final limited-player game results and said allocation of said overall prize pool. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for conducting a shared multi-player gaming experience using a data server and communication system having capability to generate random samples from a limited source of game tokens; to securely and independently communicate game information with the players; and to broadcast information to the players, said apparatus communication system and data server system programmed to interoperate for performing the steps of:
 (a) generating for each said player a sequence of player tokens at random from said limited source of game tokens;   (b) generating for each said player a sequence of player tokens from said player's said sequence of player tokens;   (c) receiving secure communications from each said player relating said player's contribution to each of one or more selected prize pools;   (d) determining said shared multi-player game results for each said selected prize pool for each said player in accordance with the rules for said multi-player gaming experience;   (e) communicating a representation of said multi-player game results to each said player in accordance with a skin chosen by each said player; and   (f) broadcasting said shared multi-player game results to said players;   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus in  claim 9 , where said rules of said multi-player gaming experience distinguish “round winners” from “round losers,” and the steps (a) through (e) are repeated for “round winners,” removing said “round losers” from the game, until a predetermined number of game winners are determined.