{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852588","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9852588","title":"Gaming system with suspense feature","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-11-13T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G07F","G07F","G07F","G07F"],"num_claims":6,"abstract":"A method of operating a gaming apparatus having a display means and a user interface in communication with a game control means. The method includes determining a selection of an outcome from at least two possible outcomes and subsequently revealing an award. An event having an event outcome is generated. Whether the award is awarded is represented as dependent on the basis of a comparison or interplay between the selected outcome and the event outcome."},"analysis":{"summary":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** (US-9852588) introduces a transformative method for operating gaming apparatuses, fundamentally altering how game outcomes and awards are revealed to players. Its core innovation lies in injecting dynamic suspense into the revelation process, moving beyond immediate, predictable outcomes to create a more engaging and emotionally resonant experience.\n\nThe primary problem this patent addresses is the potential for player disengagement due to the static and often instantaneous nature of traditional game outcome revelations. While efficient, such systems often fail to leverage the psychological power of anticipation, leading to a diminished sense of thrill and achievement. This technology aims to combat player fatigue and enhance the perceived value of game interactions.\n\nTechnically, the approach involves a gaming apparatus with a display and user interface communicating with a game control means. The method determines a player's initial selection of an outcome from at least two possibilities. Crucially, before the award associated with this outcome is disclosed, an independent 'event' is generated, which itself has an 'event outcome'. The final determination of whether the award is granted is then represented as being dependent on the comparison or interplay between the player's selected outcome and this dynamically generated event outcome. This layered mechanism ensures a unique and suspenseful reveal every time.\n\nFrom a business perspective, this innovation offers significant value. It can dramatically boost player engagement and retention by making every game outcome a thrilling, memorable event. This leads to increased replayability and a stronger emotional connection between players and the game. For developers and publishers, it provides a powerful competitive advantage, enabling them to differentiate their offerings in a crowded market and potentially enhance monetization through deeper player investment. The market opportunity lies in applying this system across various gaming genres, from casino-style games to RPGs and mobile entertainment, where heightened emotional stakes translate directly into user loyalty and revenue.","layman_explanation":"### What Problem Does This Solve?\n\nImagine you're playing a game where you're trying to win a prize. In most games, you make your move or choice, and instantly, the game tells you if you've won or lost. While this is straightforward, it often lacks a certain 'oomph' – that heart-pounding anticipation that makes victories sweeter and near-misses more dramatic. Over time, this predictability can make games feel routine, leading players to lose interest and seek out new, more exciting experiences. Businesses in the gaming sector, from casino operators to mobile game developers, are constantly battling player churn and searching for innovative ways to keep their audiences captivated.\n\n### How Does It Work?\n\nThe **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** introduces a clever twist to this traditional model. Think of it like this: you make your initial selection in the game – perhaps you're picking a lucky number, spinning a wheel, or choosing a path. Instead of immediately revealing your fate, the system then introduces a 'suspense event.' This event is like a mini-drama that unfolds, completely independent of your initial choice. It could be a visual animation, a series of quick challenges, or even a digital 'dice roll' that generates its own unique outcome.\n\nCrucially, the final decision on whether you receive an award isn't based solely on your original selection. It's determined by how your selection *interacts* or *compares* with the outcome of this suspense event. For example, your chosen path might be 'good,' but if the suspense event reveals a 'bad' twist, the final result could be less favorable, or vice-versa. This two-stage process transforms a simple outcome into a dynamic, engaging narrative, making the wait for the result as exciting as the result itself. It's like watching a movie where you know the ending is coming, but the journey to get there is full of unexpected twists and turns.\n\n### Why Does This Matter?\n\nThis patented approach offers significant business advantages. Firstly, it dramatically boosts player engagement and retention. When every outcome is a suspenseful event, players become more emotionally invested, leading to longer play sessions and increased loyalty. This translates directly into higher lifetime value per player, a critical metric for any gaming business. Secondly, it provides a powerful differentiator in a highly competitive market. Games utilizing this technology can offer a unique, more thrilling experience that sets them apart from rivals, attracting new users and building stronger brand recognition. For investors, this means a technology that can drive sustainable growth and profitability in the lucrative interactive entertainment sector. The heightened emotional stakes can also lead to increased monetization opportunities, as players are more inclined to spend on experiences that deliver such intense satisfaction.\n\n### What's Next?\n\nThe potential applications of this innovation extend far beyond traditional casino games. Imagine it in mobile puzzle games, adventure RPGs, or even interactive educational platforms, making learning outcomes more exciting. As gaming continues to blend with other forms of entertainment, the ability to weave compelling narratives into every interaction will be key. Early adopters of the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** could define the next generation of player-centric experiences, potentially setting new industry standards for engagement and emotional design. This innovation is poised to influence how we design and experience digital interactions for years to come, promising a future where every outcome is an event in itself.","technical_analysis":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** patent (US-9852588) outlines a sophisticated method for augmenting player engagement within a gaming apparatus through the dynamic introduction and resolution of suspense during outcome revelation. This technical deep dive examines the architectural components, algorithmic flow, and potential implementation considerations for this innovative system.\n\n**Technical Architecture:**\nAt its foundation, the system comprises three primary components: a **display means**, a **user interface**, and a **game control means**. The display means (e.g., LCD, OLED screen) is responsible for presenting game visuals, user prompts, and the critical outcome revelation sequence. The user interface (e.g., touch screen, buttons, joystick) captures player input, specifically their selection of an outcome. The game control means serves as the central processing unit, orchestrating the entire patented method. This typically involves a processor, memory, and various input/output interfaces, capable of executing game logic, generating random events, and managing the display and user input.\n\n**Implementation Details and Algorithm Specifics:**\n1.  **Outcome Selection Determination:** The process begins with the `game control means` determining a player's selection. This could be a discrete choice (e.g., selecting a specific number in roulette, choosing a character's ability) or an action that implicitly designates a desired result (e.g., pulling a lever on a slot machine, opening a loot box). The `game control means` registers this `selected_outcome` from a predefined set of `possible_outcomes`.\n2.  **Award Pre-configuration:** Each `possible_outcome` likely has an associated `potential_award`. The system implicitly understands which award is on the line, but its granting is conditional.\n3.  **Event Generation:** This is where the suspense is introduced. The `game control means` generates an `event`. This event is distinct and independent from the initial `selected_outcome`. The nature of the event can be highly flexible: it could be a simple pseudo-random number generation, a complex physics simulation, a mini-game, or a visual animation sequence. The key is that this event produces an `event_outcome`.\n    *   **Algorithm for Event Generation:** This typically involves a cryptographically secure pseudo-random number generator (CSPRNG) seeded to ensure unpredictability and fairness. The `event_outcome` could be a numerical value, a specific symbol, or a boolean state.\n4.  **Comparison or Interplay Logic:** The core algorithmic engine of the patent resides here. The `game control means` executes a comparison or interplay function between the `selected_outcome` and the `event_outcome`. This function determines the final status of the `potential_award`.\n    *   **Algorithm for Comparison:** This could range from simple boolean logic (e.g., `if (selected_outcome == event_outcome) then award;`) to more complex conditional statements, lookup tables, or even probabilistic models where the `event_outcome` modulates the likelihood of the `selected_outcome` resulting in an award. For instance, `award_probability = base_probability * modifier_from_event_outcome`.\n5.  **Award Revelation Representation:** Finally, the `game control means` instructs the `display means` to visually represent whether the `potential_award` is actually granted based on the outcome of the comparison/interplay. This representation is crucial for building and resolving suspense. It might involve a multi-stage animation, sound effects, or a dramatic visual reveal.\n\n**Integration Patterns and Performance Characteristics:**\nFor integration into existing game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine), the system would likely be implemented as a modular component or plugin. This module would expose APIs for:\n    *   Registering player `selected_outcomes` and their `potential_awards`.\n    *   Triggering `event_generation` with customizable parameters for event type and complexity.\n    *   Configuring the `comparison_logic` for different game scenarios.\n    *   Interfacing with the game's UI/UX system for `award_revelation` animations.\n\nPerformance is critical. Latency in `event_generation` or `comparison_logic` would break immersion. Therefore, these processes must be optimized for real-time execution. The use of pre-computed tables for complex comparison logic or highly optimized random number generation algorithms would be essential. Network latency considerations are also vital for multiplayer or online gaming environments, potentially requiring server-side processing of `event_generation` and `comparison` to maintain integrity and fairness across clients. This system introduces an innovative layer of interaction that can be technically robust and highly engaging.","business_analysis":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** patent (US-9852588) presents a significant business opportunity by addressing a core challenge in the interactive entertainment industry: sustained player engagement and monetization. This innovation moves beyond traditional, often predictable, reward mechanisms to create a more compelling and psychologically resonant experience. Its commercial applications and market implications are substantial.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size:**\nThe global gaming market is vast and continually expanding, projected to exceed $300 billion in the coming years. Within this, segments like mobile gaming, online casino, and casual games thrive on short-session engagement and strong reward loops. These segments, in particular, stand to gain immensely from the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**. The patent's ability to enhance player retention and increase the perceived value of in-game rewards directly translates to higher lifetime value (LTV) per player, a critical metric for profitability. Even niche markets within gaming, such as arcade or physical slot machines, could see a revitalization through this approach.\n\n**Competitive Advantages:**\nImplementing this patented technology offers a distinct competitive edge. In a market saturated with similar game mechanics, the ability to introduce a novel layer of suspense and dynamic outcome revelation can differentiate a product significantly. This innovation creates a unique selling proposition (USP) that competitors cannot easily replicate without infringing on the patent. It allows game developers to market 'unforgettable experiences' rather than just 'prizes', fostering a deeper emotional connection with their player base. This differentiation can lead to higher market share, stronger brand loyalty, and improved word-of-mouth marketing.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nIncreased engagement and retention directly impact revenue through various business models:\n1.  **In-App Purchases (IAP) / Microtransactions:** Players who are more engaged and find the reward process thrilling are more likely to spend on virtual currency, cosmetic items, or boosters within the game.\n2.  **Subscription Models:** Enhanced engagement justifies subscription fees, as players perceive greater value in the ongoing experience.\n3.  **Advertising Revenue:** Longer session times and higher retention rates translate to more ad impressions for ad-supported free-to-play games.\n4.  **Casino & Gambling:** For regulated gambling, this feature could attract new players and increase betting volume by making each wager and outcome reveal more exciting. The psychological impact of suspense can lead to longer play sessions and increased wagers.\n\n**Strategic Positioning:**\nCompanies that adopt this innovation early can strategically position themselves as leaders in player experience design. This could attract top talent in game development and design, further cementing their market position. Licensing the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** to other studios could also be a viable business model, generating significant royalties. Furthermore, this patent aligns with broader industry trends towards more personalized, narrative-driven, and emotionally intelligent game design, ensuring its relevance for years to come.\n\n**ROI Projections:**\nWhile specific ROI will depend on implementation and market execution, the core value proposition — increased player engagement and retention — is directly linked to higher LTV. Even a modest increase in LTV, coupled with improved user acquisition efficiency due to a more compelling product, can yield substantial returns. Investment in integrating this technology could see rapid payback through enhanced monetization, reduced churn, and a stronger competitive stance in the dynamic interactive entertainment market. The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** is not merely a technical novelty but a powerful business accelerator.","faqs":[{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** (US-9852588) is a patented innovation in the field of interactive entertainment. At its core, it describes a novel method for operating a gaming apparatus designed to significantly enhance player engagement by introducing a dynamic element of suspense into the revelation of game outcomes and awards. Unlike traditional systems that often reveal results instantly or through pre-determined animations, this technology creates a multi-stage process that keeps players on the edge of their seats.\n\nThis invention recognizes that while winning is enjoyable, the anticipation leading up to a win or loss can be equally, if not more, engaging. By transforming a simple outcome into a dramatic event, the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** aims to deepen the player's emotional connection to the game, making every interaction more memorable and thrilling.\n\nIt's essentially a sophisticated approach to game design that leverages psychological principles to maximize the 'thrill factor,' ensuring that the journey to an outcome is as exciting as the outcome itself. This creates a richer, more immersive experience for players across various gaming genres and platforms.","question":"What is the Gaming System with Suspense Feature?"},{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** operates through a cleverly orchestrated three-step process designed to build and resolve tension. Firstly, a player interacts with the gaming apparatus (which includes a display and user interface) to make a 'selection of an outcome' from at least two possible choices. This could be anything from picking a number, spinning a wheel, or making a strategic move in a game.\n\nSecondly, and this is the crucial innovation, an independent 'event' is generated by the game control means. This event itself has an 'event outcome.' The nature of this event can vary widely – it might be a visual animation, a mini-game, a randomized sequence, or an environmental factor – all designed to create a period of anticipation and uncertainty. This event is not merely cosmetic; its outcome is a critical component of the final result.\n\nFinally, the system determines whether the initial award associated with the player's selected outcome is granted based on a 'comparison or interplay' between the player's selected outcome and the outcome of the generated event. This means the final result is not predetermined at the moment of the player's initial action but emerges dynamically from the interaction of these two elements, culminating in a suspenseful reveal. This dynamic interaction is what sets the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** apart from conventional game mechanics, creating a truly engaging experience.","question":"How does the Gaming System with Suspense Feature work?"},{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** addresses a pervasive challenge in the interactive entertainment industry: player engagement fatigue and diminishing emotional impact from predictable game outcomes. In many traditional gaming systems, the results of player actions or reward mechanisms are often revealed instantly or through superficial, pre-determined animations. While efficient, this approach frequently fails to harness the powerful psychological effect of suspense and anticipation.\n\nThis predictability can lead to players feeling less emotionally invested over time, reducing their overall enjoyment and leading to higher rates of churn. The invention aims to combat this by transforming what would otherwise be a mundane or routine outcome revelation into a thrilling, memorable event. By creating genuine uncertainty and a dynamic interplay of factors before the final result is known, the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** rejuvenates the player experience, making every interaction more exciting and impactful. It solves the problem of 'flat' outcomes by injecting dramatic tension, ensuring players remain deeply engrossed and eager for what comes next in their gaming journey.","question":"What problem does the Gaming System with Suspense Feature solve?"},{"answer":"The patent data provided for US-9852588, the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**, does not list specific inventors or an assignee. This means that while the invention itself is clearly defined and protected by the patent, the public record provided does not disclose the individuals or the company credited with its creation.\n\nTypically, patents are filed by inventors directly or assigned to a company (the assignee) for whom the inventors work. The absence of this information in the provided abstract and claims might be due to the specific data available or how it was extracted.\n\nRegardless of the named inventor(s) or assignee, the innovation described in the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** patent remains a significant contribution to game design and player engagement, offering a novel approach to interactive entertainment mechanics. Further research into the full patent document (US-9852588) might reveal these details if they are present in other sections of the filing.","question":"Who invented the Gaming System with Suspense Feature?"},{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** offers several compelling benefits for both players and game developers. For players, the primary advantage is a significantly enhanced and more emotionally engaging gaming experience. By introducing genuine suspense and dynamic outcomes, it makes every moment leading up to a result thrilling and memorable, increasing satisfaction and the perceived value of awards.\n\nFor game developers and publishers, the benefits are equally significant. Firstly, it leads to dramatically improved player engagement and retention. When games are more exciting and emotionally resonant, players are more likely to spend longer sessions playing and to return to the game repeatedly, combating player churn. Secondly, this innovation provides a powerful competitive advantage in a crowded market. Games that implement the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** can offer a unique selling proposition, differentiating themselves from competitors and attracting new users seeking novel experiences. Lastly, increased engagement often translates directly into higher monetization opportunities, whether through in-app purchases, subscriptions, or increased betting volumes in casino contexts. This patented system is a strategic tool for creating more captivating, successful, and profitable interactive entertainment.","question":"What are the key benefits of the Gaming System with Suspense Feature?"},{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** fundamentally differentiates itself from prior art by moving beyond static or superficially delayed outcome revelations. Traditional game systems typically fall into two categories: instant outcomes (e.g., slot reels stop, result shown) or pre-determined outcomes with thematic animations (e.g., a character performs a long animation, but the success/failure was decided beforehand).\n\nThe key distinction of this patent lies in its introduction of a *dynamic, independent event* that occurs *after* the player's initial selection but *before* the final award is determined. In prior art, the outcome is either known immediately or decided upfront, and any suspense is merely visual window dressing. With the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**, the final award genuinely depends on the 'comparison or interplay' between the player's selected outcome and the outcome of this dynamically generated event. This means the result is not fixed until the suspenseful event has concluded and its interaction with the player's choice has been calculated.\n\nThis innovative decoupling of initial action from final outcome, combined with the active role of a dynamic event, creates authentic suspense and a truly unique player experience that significantly surpasses the engagement levels offered by conventional methods. It transforms passive waiting into active anticipation, making the outcome genuinely uncertain until the very end.","question":"How is the Gaming System with Suspense Feature different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** has the potential to impact a wide array of industries that rely on interactive experiences and outcome revelations. Its primary target is, of course, the **digital gaming industry**, encompassing everything from mobile and casual games to console titles and PC gaming. It can revitalize genres like RPGs (for loot drops, critical hits), adventure games (for quest outcomes), and puzzle games (for bonus rounds).\n\nBeyond traditional video games, the **online casino and gambling sector** stands to benefit immensely. Imagine slot machines, roulette, or card games where each wager's outcome is revealed through a thrilling, multi-stage suspense sequence, significantly boosting player excitement and engagement. This could redefine the appeal of virtual betting platforms.\n\nFurthermore, any industry utilizing **gamification** to drive user interaction could leverage this technology. This includes **loyalty programs** (making reward redemption more exciting), **educational software** (making learning outcomes or progress reveals more engaging), and even **interactive advertising** (transforming ad interactions into mini-games with suspenseful reveals). In essence, any digital platform seeking to deepen user engagement and make routine interactions more memorable can find value in the principles behind the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**.","question":"What industries will the Gaming System with Suspense Feature impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**, identified as US-9852588, was officially filed on **November 13, 2013**. The journey from filing to grant can often take several years, involving thorough examination by patent offices.\n\nThis particular innovation was subsequently published and granted on **December 26, 2017**. This publication date marks when the full details of the patent became publicly accessible, signifying its official recognition and protection by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).\n\nThe period between its filing in 2013 and its grant in 2017 highlights the time and rigorous process involved in securing intellectual property rights for complex technical innovations like the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature**. It underscores the novelty and inventiveness recognized by the patent examiners, cementing its place as a protected advancement in interactive entertainment technology.","question":"When was the Gaming System with Suspense Feature filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** are extensive and highly lucrative, primarily centered around enhancing player engagement and monetization in interactive entertainment. For **game developers and publishers**, this patent offers a unique selling proposition: the ability to create games that are inherently more captivating and emotionally resonant. This translates directly into higher player retention rates, increased session durations, and improved virality, all of which are critical for commercial success.\n\nIn the **online casino and gambling industry**, the technology can revolutionize the player experience, making each spin, hand, or bet outcome a thrilling event rather than a simple transaction. This can attract new demographics, increase average wager amounts, and boost overall platform revenue. For **mobile gaming**, where competition for attention is fierce, implementing this feature can significantly differentiate a game, leading to higher downloads, better reviews, and increased in-app purchases.\n\nBeyond traditional gaming, the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** can be applied to **gamified marketing campaigns**, loyalty programs, and interactive educational content. By making the reveal of rewards, progress, or learning outcomes more suspenseful, businesses can drive deeper user interaction, brand loyalty, and completion rates. Essentially, any digital product that benefits from sustained user attention and emotional investment can leverage this innovation to create more compelling commercial offerings and drive significant revenue growth.","question":"What are the commercial applications of the Gaming System with Suspense Feature?"},{"answer":"Looking ahead, the **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** is poised for exciting future developments that will further integrate and refine its core principles within interactive entertainment. One major area of evolution will likely be **adaptive suspense systems**. Future implementations could use AI and machine learning to analyze individual player behavior, emotional responses (perhaps even via biometrics), and preferences to dynamically adjust the type, duration, and intensity of the 'suspense event.' This would create a truly personalized and optimally thrilling experience for each player, ensuring maximum engagement without leading to frustration.\n\nAnother expected development is the integration with **emerging technologies** such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse. Imagine suspenseful outcomes unfolding in fully immersive 3D environments, where the 'event' could be a physically manifested challenge or a dynamic environmental change. This would elevate the emotional impact to unprecedented levels.\n\nFurthermore, we can anticipate the creation of **procedural suspense narratives**. Instead of pre-designed events, future systems could procedurally generate unique mini-narratives for each outcome reveal, ensuring that no two suspense experiences are exactly alike. This would dramatically increase replayability and the perceived depth of game worlds. The **Gaming System with Suspense Feature** will likely evolve into a foundational technology for emotionally intelligent game design, driving a new era of deeply immersive and personalized interactive experiences across all digital platforms.","question":"What are the future developments expected for the Gaming System with Suspense Feature?"}],"topics":["Gaming System with Suspense Feature","game innovation","player engagement","dynamic outcomes","gaming patent","landscape","interactive","entertainment"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Gaming System with Suspense Feature - Patent US-9852588","description":"Discover the Gaming System with Suspense Feature patent (US-9852588). Enhances player engagement by dynamically revealing awards through selected outcomes and generated events.","keywords":["Gaming System with Suspense Feature","game innovation","player engagement","dynamic outcomes","gaming patent","US-9852588","interactive entertainment","game design","suspense mechanics","gaming technology"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852588","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852588","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Gaming system with suspense feature\" (US-9852588). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852588","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9852588","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9852588","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T10:35:01.597Z"}