Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video game allow for mobile communication devices to receive updated content for video games that operate on the devices. The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service provider. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive updated content. After the updated content is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. The user of the mobile communication device may be provided with one or more options that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display updated content. In addition, the server may track what content has already been received by the mobile communication device.

There is a system and method for gamification of real-life events over a computerized network. The system includes an observer module configured to generate real-life data in response to observation of a real-life event. The system includes an interface engine module configured to operate an ongoing computerized game that includes game objects. The system includes an implementation module configured to receive an implementation instruction and automatically effect a real-world occurrence associated with the implementation instruction. The system includes a control module, including a processor, configured to convert real-life data from the observer module into a game object, provide the created game object to the interface engine module for injection into an ongoing computer game, and convert a player interaction into an implementation instruction and provide the same to the implementation module. The system includes a player module configured to permit a player to play the ongoing game.

An interactive gaming toy is provided for playing a game having both physical and virtual gameplay elements. The gaming toy comprises a physical toy, such as a toy wand, doll or action figure, having an RFID tag pre-programmed with a unique identifier that identifies the toy within an associated computer-animated game. The RFID tag stores information describing certain attributes or abilities of a corresponding virtual character or object in the computer-animated game. Additional information may be stored on the RFID tag as the corresponding virtual character evolves or changes over time based on player performance and/or gameplay progression. The interactive gaming toy thus allows developed character attributes and the like to be stored and easily transported to other games and compatible gaming platforms. One or more optional auxiliary components may be attached to the gaming toy to selectively create a modified gaming toy having additional desired functionality and/or aesthetics.

Various application-centric user interface techniques are described. A user can easily launch, add, or update applications. An application-centric activity center can be presented as part of a user interface for an operating system shell. A file defining metadata for an application can be defined. The techniques can be applied to game-related software.

Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge.

A number of licenses for play of a video game may be modified or adjusted based on in-game activities of the video game. The in-game activities may be activities of game characters controlled by game players.

There is a system and method for gamification of real-life events over a computerized network. The system includes an observer module configured to generate real-life data in response to observation of a real-life event. The system includes an interface engine module configured to operate an ongoing computerized game that includes game objects. The system includes an implementation module configured to receive an implementation instruction and automatically effect a real-world occurrence associated with the implementation instruction. The system includes a control module, including a processor, configured to convert real-life data from the observer module into a game object, provide the created game object to the interface engine module for injection into an ongoing computer game, and convert a player interaction into an implementation instruction and provide the same to the implementation module. The system includes a player module configured to permit a player to play the ongoing game.

In a fee collection system a game machine as a charge collective apparatus is provided with a reader terminal for obtaining predetermined identification information from a card, and a reader control unit for outputting to a control board a signal equivalent to an output signal of a coin selector, wherein when a card ID is transmitted from the reader control unit, a management PC refers to charge setting data, determines the consumption amount of electronic money, and requests an account management server to process withdrawal of the consumption amount from an account of electronic money corresponding to the card ID. The management PC notifies the reader control unit the processing result transmitted from the account management server, and outputs to the control board a signal equivalent to the output signal of the coin selector when the withdrawal is successful.

Systems and method for providing a single sign in a gaming console that associates online activity that is out-of-game/cross game, and/or online activity that is in-game, and/or activity that is offline and in-game with that account. While online, a service tracks activity of gamers and provides usage statistics in a profile. While offline, the game console tracks the player's activity via a mechanism to collect detailed information about a specific player's in-game statistics and accomplishments. The offline activity is cached and uploaded when the console connects to the online service. Players can accumulate achievements offline that are credited towards online activities.

A method, a system, and an article are provided for determining a value for a cohort of users of a client application. An example method includes: obtaining data for a plurality of users of a client application; developing, using the data, a first predictive model to predict a likelihood that a user of the client application will become a payer; developing, using the data, a second predictive model to predict an amount of revenue generated in the client application by the payer; providing the client application to a plurality of new users; using the first predictive model and the second predictive model to predict an amount of revenue generated by a cohort of the new users; and adjusting, based on the predicted revenue for the cohort, a method of acquiring additional users of the client application.