Methods and apparatus for gaming

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for gaming according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a multiplayer game. The game system may identify a winning player for the multiplayer game and notify the winning player of a win condition. The game system may receive a video stream of the winning player's reaction, and substantially concurrently display the video stream to one or more other players of the game.

1 . A computer-implemented method of conducting an online multiplayer game, the method comprising:
 identifying, by a computer, a winning player playing the online multiplayer game at a first remote location;   notifying, by the computer, the winning player of a win condition;   receiving a video stream of a reaction of the winning player to the win condition notification; and   displaying, at a second remote location the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game substantially concurrently with receiving the video stream.   
     
     
         2 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 storing the video stream in a long-term memory; and   displaying the video stream to a prospective player.   
     
     
         3 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , wherein the video stream is received from a webcam at the first remote location and displayed on a display screen at the second remote location. 
     
     
         4 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , wherein receiving the video stream begins after identifying the winning player and prior to notifying the winning player of the win condition. 
     
     
         5 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , wherein displaying the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game comprises displaying the video stream to all players playing the online multiplayer game. 
     
     
         6 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , wherein the winning player comprises a plurality of winning players. 
     
     
         7 . A computer-implemented method according to  claim 1 , wherein the online multiplayer game is bingo. 
     
     
         8 . A non-transitory medium storing instructions executable by a machine, wherein the instructions cause the machine to execute a method of conducting an online multiplayer game, the method comprising:
 identifying a winning player playing the online multiplayer game at a first remote location;   notifying the winning player of a win condition;   receiving a video stream of a reaction of the winning player to the win condition notification; and   displaying, at a second remote location the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game substantially concurrently with receiving the video stream.   
     
     
         9 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , further comprising:
 storing the video stream in a long-term memory; and   displaying the video stream to a prospective player.   
     
     
         10 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , wherein the video stream is received from a webcam at the first remote location and displayed on a display screen at the second remote location. 
     
     
         11 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , wherein receiving the video stream begins after identifying the winning player and prior to notifying the winning player of the win condition. 
     
     
         12 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , wherein displaying the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game comprises displaying the video stream to all players playing the online multiplayer game. 
     
     
         13 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , wherein the winning player comprises a plurality of winning players. 
     
     
         14 . A non-transitory medium according to  claim 8 , wherein the online multiplayer game is bingo. 
     
     
         15 . A computer system for conducting an online multiplayer game, comprising:
 a memory; and   a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is adapted to:
 identify a winning player playing the online multiplayer game at a first remote location; 
 notify the winning player of a win condition; 
 receive a video stream of a reaction of the winning player to the win condition notification; and 
 display, at a second remote location, the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game substantially concurrently with receiving the video stream. 
   
     
     
         16 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein the processor is further adapted to:
 store the video stream in a long-term memory; and   display the video stream to a prospective player.   
     
     
         17 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein the video stream is received from a webcam at the first remote location and displayed on a display screen at the second remote location. 
     
     
         18 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein the processor is adapted to begin receiving the video stream after identifying the winning player and prior to notifying the winning player of the win condition. 
     
     
         19 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein displaying the video stream to a second player playing the online multiplayer game comprises displaying the video stream to all players playing the online multiplayer game. 
     
     
         20 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein the winning player comprises a plurality of winning players. 
     
     
         21 . A computer system according to  claim 15 , wherein the online multiplayer game is bingo.