Computer implemented systems and methods for cross-platform spoiler blocking are provided herein. An example method includes ascertaining by a data platform data potentially available to a user of a service having a media object; identifying by the data platform at least one object revealed by the media object, the at least one object being associated with an application; receiving by the data platform metadata associated with the at least one object, the metadata indicative of whether the at least one object should be hidden from the user; determining by the data platform, based on the metadata, the at least one object is a potential spoiler; and blocking by the data platform, the user from interacting with the media object through the service.

A sliding loop game with move constraints includes a playing field formed by intersecting strings and loops. Each loop is a self-connected chain of sites. Each string consists of a chain of sites. Both ends of a string are virtually connected in a loop via invisible connecting sites. Each site is occupied by a game object specifically marked by a color, pattern, character or characters, number, image, or any other identifying marks. Game objects in a loop or a string are moveable as a whole group along the respective sites in the loop or string. If the game object at the end-site of a string leaves the string, it reappears in the end-side at the other end of the string. Movement constraints are applied to the game objects by using master game objects. Hints on target positions of game objects and allowed movements directions are indicated on the playing field.

An item can be provided to a user by a lottery and the item odds can be changed in accordance with a prescribed condition. A control method, performed by a server device connected via a communication line to a terminal device operated by a user, can be initiated by selecting a lottery mode from among a plurality of lottery modes. Following the selection of the lottery mode, the system may hold a drawing from among a plurality of types of items on the basis of the selected lottery mode, and, following the holding of the drawing, may ensure that the won item is provided to the user via the terminal device.

A game control method, game server, and program can increase variations on methods for acquiring items, increase the predictability of acquisition of an item with a high rarity value or the like, and heighten interest in the game. Included are the steps of presenting a communication terminal, connected over a communication line, with acquirable item information that, for each item type, includes a total count and an acquisition count or a non-acquisition count of items when receiving, from the communication terminal, a request to present information related to items acquirable by the communication terminal, determining an item to provide to the communication terminal when receiving an item acquisition request from the communication terminal, and changing the acquirable item information when receiving a reset request from the communication terminal.

Techniques are disclosed for unlocking in-game content for a video game application. In one embodiment, the video game application may be operated by a user that is concurrently viewing media content. The video game application captures an audio signal from the concurrently-playing media content, performs content recognition on the captured audio signal, and determines whether to unlock one or more portions of in-game content based on the identified media content.

An approach to facilitate providing an event space associated with a primary virtual space is provided. An event space is provided to users of a primary virtual space, wherein the event space comprises one or more event objectives. Users of the primary virtual space having primary user accounts have associated event space accounts indicating event user parameters, event game parameters, and event inventory information for the first user. The user may be provided with event virtual items for purchase wherein the event virtual items are used in the event space during the event period. In response to a determination of the progress of the user associated with one or more event objectives an event award is determined for distribution to the user, wherein the event award may be used within the primary virtual space.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program product for causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game is provided. The functions include: an experience value giving function configured to give an experience value to an object on the basis of a result of an event that occurs in accordance with progress of the video game; a managing function configured to manage a level of the object on the basis of the given experience value; and a privilege giving function configured to give a privilege to the object on the basis of an experience value that has been given and exceeds a value required to reach an upper limit of the level.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to altering a probability of fulfilling a game objective in a game space. The game objective may be associated with a set of potential reward items, the set of potential reward items including a first item. Probabilities of the first item from the set of potential reward items being provided to individual users as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rates of usage of the game space by the user. The probability of the first user being provided with the first item as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rate of usage of the game space by the first user.

When a viewer executes a predetermined present operation, an item is selected from items that are possessed by the viewer, and is given to a player who is selected as a destination. Alternatively, an item that is purchased by the viewer is given to a player who is selected as a destination. When the player uses the presented item, a reward is given to the viewer who provided the present. This can make watching of gameplay images to be more attractive. Further, this allows the viewer to provide assistance more than cheering up to the player who performs the gameplay, and allows the viewer to feel a certain sense of unity with the player.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a Virtual World). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a virtual region. A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.