Multiplayer Board Game Apparatus

The present disclosure relates to board-based games, and more particularly relates to a multiplayer co-op board game apparatus configured with a plurality of levels requiring strategic planning to diffuse an entity of the co-op board game.

In recent years, social interaction among a certain group of individuals (such as young teens and adults) has significantly declined due to various societal and technological factors. One cause for such behavioral aspects might be that the widespread adoption of digital communication, social media, and virtual entertainment has reduced face-to-face interactions. In other words, the lack of a platform for purposeful interactions results in missed opportunities for personal connections, volunteering, and active community involvement, hindering the overall growth and connectedness of the community. This decline in direct interaction has led to weaker social skills, reduced emotional intelligence, and increased feelings of loneliness and social isolation among young individuals. Addressing this issue requires encouraging offline social activities and promoting interactive experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.

One such solution to address the aforementioned problems is board games. The board games offer engaging, interactive, and immersive experiences that foster communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This fosters deeper connections and helps improve social bonding, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Some examples of the board games include a game board, playing pieces, dice, cards, or other interactive components, with predefined rules governing player actions and objectives. Over time, the board games have evolved from simple roll-and-move mechanics to complex strategy-based and cooperative gameplay systems, incorporating modular boards, and customizable components. Despite these advancements, the traditional board games often have limitations in replay ability and adaptability to different player skill levels.

There is a need for a multiplayer co-op board game apparatus configured with a plurality of levels requiring strategic planning to bridge connections between the young individuals to overcome the aforementioned limitations, in addition to providing other technical advantages.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for providing a game system and a gameplay method.

In an embodiment, the game system is disclosed. The game system includes a multiplayer board game apparatus and a plurality of card decks. The multiplayer board game apparatus includes a plurality of card-holding members, and each card deck of the plurality of card decks includes a predefined number of cards of a respective card category. Each card of the plurality of card decks is dimensioned to be removably received in a corresponding one of the card-holding members. The card-holding members include physically defined card-receiving slots on the multiplayer board game apparatus. Further, the game system includes a first printed instruction set including a set of predefined gameplay rules for arranging at least one card from at least one of the card deck of the plurality of card decks on the multiplayer board game apparatus. The game system further includes a plurality of second printed instruction sets, including decision instructions for determining a game action to be performed to defuse a simulated entity within a predefined time period based on at least one attribute of the at least one arranged card. The decision instructions are keyed to the plurality of card-holding members by category. Furthermore, the game system includes a timer configured to measure a predefined time period to trigger a time-based termination condition for the predefined time period.

In another embodiment, a gameplay method is disclosed. The gameplay method performed by at least two users, including a first user and a second user, includes starting, by the first user, a timer to regulate flow of gameplay. Further, the first user chooses at least one card from at least one card deck of a plurality of card decks corresponding to a respective card category of a plurality of card categories based at least on a level associated with the gameplay. Each card deck of the plurality of card decks includes a predefined number of cards corresponding to a respective card category. Further, the first user arranges the at least one card comprising visual identifiers corresponding to the respective card category onto a plurality of card-holding members comprising corresponding imprint of one or more imprints in a multiplayer board game apparatus. Furthermore, the first user provides at least one cues corresponding to the at least one attribute associated with the at least one arranged card to the second user. Based on the at least one of the verbal cues or the written cues of the at least one arranged card, the second user selects at least one second printed instruction set corresponding to the gameplay from a plurality of second printed instruction sets based at least on the level associated with the gameplay. Further, the second user compares the at least one attribute associated with the at least one arranged card with corresponding descriptions provided in the decision instructions associated with the at least one second printed instruction set and determines a game action to be performed to defuse a simulated entity within a predefined time period based on the comparison. Further, the second user instructs the first user on the game action.

The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features.

Conditional language such as, among others, “can”, “could”, “might” or “may” unless specifically stated otherwise, are otherwise understood within the context as used in general to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments, or members of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C. The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to” etc.).

1 FIG. 16 FIG. Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to multiplayer board game apparatus. The various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference toto.

1 FIG. 100 illustrates an exemplary representation of a multiplayer board game apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

100 100 100 100 100 100 In an embodiment, the multiplayer board game apparatusis a board game type gaming apparatus that allows players to co-operatively play a game. The game is an entity defuser simulator such as a bomb defuser simulator. The multiplayer board game apparatuscan be manufactured using different materials. In various examples, the multiplayer board game apparatuscan be manufactured using wood, metal, plastic, enamel, and so on. The multiplayer board game apparatusincludes card-holding members that include physically defined card-receiving slots on the multiplayer board game apparatus. The card-receiving slots can either be printed or carved on the surface of the multiplayer board game apparatus. Each card-receiving slot of the card-receiving slots includes one or more imprints corresponding to visual identifiers associated with the plurality of card decks corresponding to the plurality of card categories, such that it identifies a particular card category. Each card-holding member is configured to accommodate at least one card corresponding to a respective card category. The multiplayer board game apparatusfurther includes a plurality of card decks corresponding to a plurality of card categories. Each card deck includes a predefined number of cards corresponding to the respective card category. In various examples, different manufacturing processes and materials may be used for manufacturing the plurality of cards. For instance, the plurality of cards may be manufactured using a paper material or a plastic material.

2 FIG. 9 FIG. In an embodiment, the plurality of card categories includes at least a wire card category, a hazard card category, a battery card category, a serial number card category, a tool card category, a star card category, a word card category, a location card category, and a parallel wire card category. It is noted that different card categories may have their corresponding visual identifiers, that include visuals or graphics printed on the corresponding cards. Exemplary illustrations of the plurality of card categories have been provided with reference totolater in the present disclosure. Each card deck of the plurality of card decks includes the predefined number of cards, each differentiated based on at least one attribute. The at least one attribute includes at least one of wire color, hazard type, battery type, serial number, tool type, star number, word, location, and parallel wire color.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the wire card category may include a predefined number of cards with distinct wire colors. For example, the card deck corresponding to the wire card category may include six cards, including a red wire card, a purple wire card, a white wire card, a yellow wire card, a green wire card, and a black wire card. It is noted that different color combinations may also be used for making the wire cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the hazard card category may include a predefined number of cards with distinct hazard types. For example, the card deck corresponding to the hazard card category may include six cards, a fire hazard card, a gas hazard card, an electric hazard card, a nuclear hazard card, a combustion hazard card, and a no hazard card. It is noted that different hazard types may also be used for making the hazard cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the battery card category may include a predefined number of cards with distinct hazard types. For example, the card deck corresponding to distinct battery types. For example, the card deck corresponding to the battery card category may include six cards, including a single battery card, a double battery card, a triple battery card, a quadruple battery card, a broken battery card, and a half battery card. It is noted that different battery types may also be used for making the battery cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the serial number card category may include cards with different serial numbers. In a scenario, the card deck corresponding to the serial number category may include a 0015 card, a 6042 card, a 3331 card, a 9347 card, a 3424 card, and a 0998 card. It is noted that different serial number or number combinations may also be used for making the serial number cards as well.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the tool card category may include cards with distinct tool types, for example, a saw card, a wrench card, an axe card, a scissors card, a pliers card, and a screwdriver card. It is noted that different tool types may also be used for making the tool cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the star card category may include the predefined number of cards with varying star numbers. In an example scenario, the card deck may include a 1 star card, a 1.5 card, a 2 star card, a 3 star card, a 4 star card, and a no star card. It is noted that different star numbers may also be used for making the star cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the word card category may include the predefined number with distinct words. For example, a time card, a fail card, a fool card, a stab card, a love card, and a blow card. It is noted that different words may also be used for making the words cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the location card category may include a predefined number of cards, each with different locations. Examples of cards associated with the card deck corresponding to the location card category may include, a desk card, a chair card, a computer card, a boardroom card, a balcony card, and a green card. It is noted that different locations may also be used for making the location cards.

In a non-limiting implementation, the card deck corresponding to the parallel wire card category may include the predefined number of cards with different parallel wire colors. For example, a red parallel wire card, a blue parallel wire card, a white parallel wire card, a yellow parallel wire card, a green parallel wire card, and a black parallel wire card. It is noted that different parallel wire colors may also be used for making the parallel wire cards.

100 100 100 Each card-receiving slot on the multiplayer board game apparatusis designed to accommodate a particular card corresponding to the respective card category, such that the said card can be placed on top of the corresponding card-receiving slot of card receiving slots. In a scenario where the card-receiving slots are carved into the multiplayer board game apparatus, the said card-receiving slot is configured to accommodate the card of the corresponding card category within itself. In this scenario, the card-receiving slot may be provided with additional carved portions enabling easy access to the cards for their placement or removal from the multiplayer board game apparatus.

10 FIG. 16 FIG. The game (hereinafter, the terms “game” and “gameplay” are used interchangeably) can be played by at least two players (the terms “players” and “users” are used interchangeably), a first user and a second user, or two teams of players. For the sake of simplicity, the present disclosure considers the example of two players for describing the gameplay and game mechanics. However, it is noted that the role of each player can be played by a player team as well. Further, for playing the game, the players must follow decision instructions that include predefined rules and a set of flowcharts provided in a plurality of second printed instruction sets. The flowcharts associated with the decision instructions have been described later with reference toto.

100 In an embodiment, the multiplayer board game apparatusincludes a timer configured to measure a predefined time period, as defined by users (the first user and/or the second user) or as provided in the decision instructions associated with the plurality of second printed instruction sets. Herein, the term ‘timer’ refers to an electronic, mechanical, or software-based component configured to measure, track, or regulate a predefined duration of time. The timer may be implemented using hardware circuits, software algorithms, or a combination thereof and can operate in various modes, including countdown, count-up, or interval-based tracking. In the present context, the timer is configured to limit the predefined time period of the gameplay and regulate progression between different levels of the game. The goal of the timer is to enforce time-based decision-making constraints on the players. The allowed duration of each difficulty level of the game may be predefined or may be set by players themselves. If the players have not completed a level of the game with a corresponding difficulty level within the designated time for that difficulty level, the players lose the game. Otherwise, they will win the game.

To initiate the game, any player of the two players (or two player teams) can shuffle the plurality of card decks of cards and distribute one card of each card deck. Herein, the decision to use the cards corresponding to particular card deck is based on a difficulty level at which the players are playing the game. As may be understood, the game mechanics are configured using predefined rules. Herein, the predefined rules state that the player is allowed to play using predefined card categories at different difficulty levels. The game is divided into six difficulty levels.

During the first three levels, i.e., a first level, a second level, and a third level, the players are allowed to play using the cards corresponding to the wire card category, the tool card category, the serial number card category, the battery card category, and the hazard card category. Then, for the next three levels, i.e., a fourth level, a fifth level, and a sixth level, the players are allowed to play using the cards corresponding to the wire card category, the tool card category, the serial number card category, the battery card category, the hazard card category, the star card category, the word card category, the location card category, and the parallel wire card category.

100 100 To that end, during the first three levels, the card decks corresponding to the tool card category, the serial number card category, the battery card category, and the hazard card category are shuffled and at least one card of each of these card decks is placed on the multiplayer board game apparatus. The order of wire card category is predefined for each difficulty level. In other words, a predefined number of cards of the wire card category are placed on the wire slot on the multiplayer board game apparatusfor the selected difficulty level.

For the first level, a red wire card along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, and a hazard card are used.

For the second level, a red wire card and a purple wire card, along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, and a hazard card are used.

For the third level, a red wire card, a purple wire card, and a white wire card, along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, and a hazard card, are used.

100 Further, for the next three levels, the remaining cards are shuffled and placed on the multiplayer board game apparatusbased on the predefined rules and game mechanics.

For the fourth level, a red wire card, a purple wire card, a white wire card, and a yellow wire card along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, a hazard card, a star card, a location card, a word card, and a parallel wire card are used.

For the fifth level, a red wire card, a purple wire card, a white wire card, a yellow wire card, and a green wire card along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, a hazard card, a star card, a location card, a word card, and a parallel wire card are used.

For the sixth level, a red wire card, a purple wire card, a white wire card, a yellow wire card, a green wire card, and a black wire card along with a tool card, a serial number card (with odd or even last digit), a battery card, a hazard card, a star card, a location card, a word card, and a parallel wire card are used.

100 In other words, playing cards of each card deck are shuffled separately and one card from selected card deck is placed in their respective card-receiving slot on the multiplayer board game apparatusfor the selected difficulty level.

100 100 During the gameplay, a first player (or a first player team) can examine the cards on the multiplayer board game apparatusfor the selected difficulty level. It is noted that the second player (or the second player team) is not allowed to look at the multiplayer board game apparatusduring the duration of the game. The role of the first player is to provide verbal or written cues to the second player.

The second player (or the second player team) is responsible for using at least one second printed instruction set pertaining to the level associated with the gameplay from the plurality of second printed instruction sets to make decisions regarding the game. It is noted that the first player is not allowed to look at the decision instructions during the duration of the game.

100 100 100 100 In particular, the second player can determine the at least one second printed instruction set that corresponds to the level to play the game based on the difficulty level of said game. Further, the second player can ask questions from the first player to understand the situation of the multiplayer board game apparatusto determine which second printed instruction set to use. More specifically, as the second player has no idea regarding the placement of different cards of different card categories on the multiplayer board game apparatus, he/she may inquire details of the same from the first player. The first player can respond to the questions of the second player by providing at least one cues such as visual cues or written cues, describing the at least one attribute associated with arranged cards (the cards arranged on the multiplayer board game apparatus) to the second player. The goal of the game is for both the players to cooperate together to disarm or diffuse the entity, i.e., the bomb. To achieve this, the second user has to make a decision whether to cut the wire on the multiplayer board game apparatus.

100 100 100 100 100 In practical implementation, the second player has to understand the situation of the multiplayer board game apparatusfrom responses (at least one cues corresponding to the arranged cards) of the first player and then, refer to the at least one second printed instruction set to make a decision to perform a game action to defuse the simulated entity. The game action includes at least one of a connection retain action or a disconnect action performed by placing the at least one card corresponding to the wire card category on respective locations indicating connection retain action or the disconnect action on the multiplayer board game apparatusbased at least on the decision instructions provided in the second printed instruction set. In an embodiment, the multiplayer board game apparatusmay be engraved with visual identifiers indicating connection retain action and disconnect action. For example, the multiplayer board game apparatusmay be associated with “CUT” and “NO CUT” visual identifiers, denoting the disconnect action and the connection retention action. Once a decision or the game action has been determined, the second player has to instruct the first player to perform the connection retain action, in other words, cut the wire or not i.e., disconnect action. In other words, a decision has to be made for each card corresponding to the wire card category on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus. It is noted that each card corresponding to the wire card category corresponds to a different wire color, different decisions have to be made for each corresponding card.

100 Both the players have to collectively make the decision to cut the wire (i.e., for card corresponding to the wire card category of each color on the multiplayer board game apparatus) before the time on the timer runs out or elapses. If the time runs out before completing the level, the game ends, and the players lose. In this situation, the players may restart the game again by shuffling the plurality of card decks of cards and performing the steps described earlier again. On the other hand, if the correct decision is made before the time runs out i.e., within the predefined time period, the players win the ongoing level. To win the game, the players have to successfully complete all six difficulty levels by making the correct game actions before the timer runs out. If the timer runs out before completing a level, the game ends, and the players lose.

Step 1—Start the Timer. 100 Step 2—Player 1 examines the arranged cards on the multiplayer board game apparatusfor current level. The player 1 is not allowed to look at the flowchart associated with the at least one second printed instruction set suitable for the current level of the game. Step 3—Player 2 uses the decision instructions from the flowchart to make decisions about diffusing the entity (such as cutting or not cutting each wire). The payer 2 is not allowed to view the board. Step 4—Player 2 asks Player 1 questions about the bomb components, and based on their answer and the flowchart, Player 2 tells Player 1 whether to disconnect the wire or not. Step 5—Player 1 moves the wires to the “Cut” or “Not Cut” section based on Player 2's decisions, and Step 6—If the players 1 and 2 decide on all wires, in other words, placement of the cards corresponding to the wire card category and/or the parallel wire card category before the timer runs out, they are allowed to proceed to the next level. If players 1 and 2 are required to successfully complete all six levels by making correct wire-cutting decisions before the timer runs out to win the game. If the timer runs out before completing a level, the game ends, and the players 1 and 2 lose, restarting the level with different cards. For description purposes, the gameplay is explained with reference to ‘Player 1’ and ‘Player 2’. The gameplay is listed below:

100 As may be appreciated, the proposed multiplayer board game apparatus provides a role and decision-based game mechanics and provides various technical advantages over traditional board games. The multiplayer board game apparatusincorporates a decision making process using flowcharts which encourages players to engage in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and provides them with problem solving skills. Further, due to the complex nature of the flowcharts, the game promotes enhanced communication between the players which in turn promotes team work, coordination, and improved communication skills among the players. Further, due to the presence of different cards of various categories, the game allows for randomized and non-repetitive gameplay, which ensures prolonged interest within the players.

Additionally, due to the presence of the timer, the game is capable of simulating real-world time-sensitive operations, thus helping in the development of time management skills of the players.

2 FIG. 200 illustrates a representationof playing cards of a wire card category and a parallel wire card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

202 202 202 The wire card(the cards corresponding to the wire card category) can be produced in various color schemes. In various instances, the wire cardmay be a red wire card, a purple wire card, a white wire card, a yellow wire card, a green wire card, and a black wire card. In is noted that the wire cardcan be implemented using different colors as well.

204 204 204 The cards corresponding to the parallel wire card category, also referred to as parallel wire carddepicts two wires running in parallel with each other and can be produced in various color schemes. In various instances, the parallel wire cardmay be a red parallel wire card, a purple parallel wire card, a white parallel wire card, a yellow parallel wire card, a green parallel wire card, and a black parallel wire card. It is noted that the parallel wire cardcan be implemented using different colors as well. As may be understood, the provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different hazards as well.

3 FIG. 300 illustrates a representationof the cards corresponding to the hazard card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

302 304 306 308 310 312 In an embodiment, the hazard card category represents various hazard types. In a non-limiting scenario, the hazard card category may include a fire hazard card, a gas hazard card, an electric hazard card, a nuclear hazard card, a combustion hazard card, and a no hazard card. It is noted that different hazard types may also be used for making the hazard cards, and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different hazards as well.

4 FIG. illustrates a representation of playing cards of a battery category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

402 404 406 408 410 412 In an embodiment, the battery card category represents various battery types. In a non-limiting scenario, the battery card category may include a single battery card, a double battery card, a triple battery card, a quadruple battery card, a broken battery card, and a half battery card. It is noted that different battery types may also be used for making the battery cards. It is noted that different battery types may also be used for making the battery cards and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different batteries as well.

5 FIG. illustrates a representation of the cards of the serial number card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

502 504 506 508 510 512 In an embodiment, the serial number card category represents various serial numbers. In an instance, the serial numbers on the cards may be odd or even numbers. In a non-limiting scenario, the serial number card category may include a 0015 card, a 6042 card, a 3331 card, a 9347 card, a 3424 card, and a 0998 card. It is noted that different serial number or number combinations may also be used for making the serial number cards as well and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different serial numbers as well.

6 FIG. illustrates a representation of the cards of a tool card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

602 604 606 608 610 612 In an embodiment, the tool card category represents various tool types. In a non-limiting scenario, the tool card category may include a saw card, a wrench card, an axe card, a scissors card, a pliers card, and a screwdriver card. It is noted that different tool types may also be used for making the tool cards and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different tools as well.

7 FIG. illustrates a representation of the cards of a star card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

702 704 706 708 710 712 In an embodiment, the star card category represents various star types. In a non-limiting scenario, the star card category may include a 1 star card, a 1.5 card, a 2 star card, a 3 star card, a 4 star card, and a no star card. It is noted that different star types may also be used for making the star cards and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different stars as well.

8 FIG. illustrates a representation of cards of the word card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

802 804 806 808 810 812 In an embodiment, the word card category represents various word types. In a non-limiting scenario, the word card category may include a time card, a fail card, a fool card, a stab card, a love card, and a blow card. It is noted that different words may also be used for making the words cards. It is noted that different word types may also be used for making the word cards and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different words as well.

9 FIG. illustrates a representation of the cards of the location card category, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

902 904 906 908 910 912 In an embodiment, the location card category represents various location types. In a non-limiting scenario, the location card category may include a desk card, a chair card, a computer card, a boardroom card, a balcony card, and a green card. It is noted that different locations may also be used for making the location cards. It is noted that different location types may also be used for making the word cards and provided illustrations have been used for the sake of explanation only. To that end, different graphics may be used to represent different locations as well.

10 FIG. 1000 is an exemplary flowchartfor playing a first level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

1002 100 At step, the red wire card is placed on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1004 1006 100 1008 100 At step, if the number of batteries illustrated on the battery card is less than three, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire (i.e., move the red wire card to the cut slot on the multiplayer board game apparatus). Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step. In particular, the second player may ask the first player to tell him/her the number of batteries from the battery card placed on the multiplayer board game apparatus. Based on the response from the first player, the second player gives him/her further instructions.

1008 1006 1010 At step, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is one of the fire, electric, or nuclear type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1010 1006 1012 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is of the saw type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1012 1006 1014 100 At step, the second player asks the first player if the last digit of the serial number is an odd number. If no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player instructs the first player to not cut the wire (i.e., move the red wire card to the no cut slot on the multiplayer board game apparatus).

11 FIG.A 11 FIG.B 1100 1100 and, collectively, provide exemplary flowchartsA andB for playing a second level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 FIG. 11 FIG.A 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1102 1104 1106 1108 1110 1112 1114 It is noted that steps of the first level have to be performed again for the second level along with additional steps. In particular, steps ofhave to be performed again and these steps are shown with reference to. To that end, steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, and. Therefore, these steps are not described again herein for the sake of brevity.

1120 100 At step, the purple wire card is placed on the wire slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1122 1124 1126 At step, the second player asks the first player if the battery card is of the half battery type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1126 1124 1128 At step, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is nuclear type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1128 1124 1130 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is one of a wrench or screwdriver type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1130 1124 1132 At step, the second player asks the first player if the last digit of the serial number card is an even number. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to stepand the second player instructs the first player to not cut the wire.

12 FIG.A 12 FIG.B 12 FIG.C 1200 1200 1200 ,, and, collectively, provide exemplary flowchartsA,B, andC for playing a third level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 FIG. 11 FIG.A 11 FIG.B 12 FIG.A 12 FIG.B 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1202 1204 1206 1208 1210 1212 1214 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1220 1222 1224 1226 1228 1230 1232 It is noted that steps of the first level and the second level have to be performed again for the third level along with additional steps. In particular, steps of(or) andhave to be performed again and these steps are shown with reference toand, respectively. To that end, steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, andand steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, and. Therefore, these steps are described again herein for the sake of brevity.

1250 100 At step, the white wire card is placed on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1252 1254 1256 At step, the second player asks the first player if the battery card has an odd number of batteries on it. If no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step.

1256 1254 1258 At step, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is yellow. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1258 1254 1260 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is one of a scissors or pliers type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1260 1254 1262 At step, the second player asks the first player if the sum of the serial numbers from the serial number card is an odd number. If no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to stepand the second player instructs the first player to not cut the wire.

13 FIG.A 13 FIG.B 13 FIG.C 13 FIG.D 1300 1300 1300 1300 ,,, and, collectively, provide exemplary flowchartsA,B,C, andD for playing a fourth level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 FIG. 11 FIG.A 12 FIG.A 11 FIG.B 12 FIG.B 12 FIG.C 13 FIG.A 13 FIG.B 13 FIG.C 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1302 1304 1306 1308 1312 1314 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 It is noted that steps of the first level, the second level, and the third level have to be performed again for the fourth level along with additional steps. In particular, steps of(oror),(or), andhave to be performed again and these steps are shown with reference to,, and, respectively. To that end, steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,, 1310,, andand steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, and, and steps,,,,,,are identical to steps,,,,,,. Therefore, these steps are described again herein for the sake of brevity.

1370 100 At step, the yellow wire card is placed on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1372 1374 1376 At step, the second player asks the first player if the battery card is of the broken battery type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1376 1374 1378 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is one of a saw or wrench. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1378 1374 1380 At step, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is of the gas type. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, If no, the flow moves to step.

1380 1374 1382 At step, the second player asks the first player if the last digit of the serial number card is a prime number. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1382 1374 1384 At step, the second player asks the first player if the alphanumeric code of the word from the word card is greater than 50. If no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step.

1384 1374 1386 At step, the second player asks the first player if the parallel wire card is a red parallel wire card. If no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step.

1386 1374 1388 At step, the second player asks the first player if the location on the location card is of the boardroom. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step.

1388 1374 1390 At step, the second player asks the first player if the star number from the star card is less than 2. If no, the flow moves to step, and the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step, and the second player instructs the first player to not to cut the wire.

14 FIG.A 14 FIG.B 14 FIG.C 14 FIG.D 14 FIG.E ,,,, and, collectively, provides exemplary flowcharts for playing a fifth level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 FIG. 11 FIG.A 12 FIG.A 11 FIG.B 12 FIG.B 12 FIG.C 13 FIG.C 13 FIG.D 14 FIG.A 14 FIG.B 14 FIG.C 14 FIG.D 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1302 1304 1306 1308 1310 1312 1314 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1320 1322 1324 1326 1328 1330 1332 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1350 1352 1354 1356 1358 1360 1362 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1470 1472 1474 1476 1478 1480 1482 1484 1486 1488 1490 It is noted that steps of the first level, the second level, the third level, and the fourth level have to be performed again for the fourth level, along with additional steps. In particular, steps of(oror),(or),(or), andhas to be performed again, and these steps are shown with reference to,,, and, respectively. To that end, steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, andand steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, and, and steps,,,,,,are identical to steps,,,,,,. Further, steps,,,,,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,,,,,, and. Therefore, these steps are described again herein for the sake of brevity.

1500 100 At step, the green wire card is placed on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1502 1514 1514 At step, the second player asks the first player if the number of batteries on the battery card equals to 2. If yes, the flow moves to stepor if no, the flow moves to step.

1504 1506 1514 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is of the axe type. If no, the flow moves to step. Otherwise, if yes the flow moves to step.

1506 1508 1514 At, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is of the combustion type. If yes, the flow moves to step, otherwise if no, the flow moves to step.

1508 1514 1510 At step, the second player asks the first player if alphanumeric code of the word card is an odd number. If yes, the flow moves to step, otherwise if no, the flow moves to step.

1510 1512 1514 At step, the second player asks the first player if the location card is one of the greenhouse card, the desk card, or the chair card. If yes, the flow moves to step, and the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1514 1520 1516 At step, the second player asks the first player if the last digital of the serial number from the serial number card is an odd number. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to not cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1516 1518 At step, the second player asks the first player if the parallel wire card is a yellow parallel wire card. If yes, the flow moves to step. Otherwise, if no,

1518 1520 1512 At step, the second player asks the first player if the star card has a star rating that equals to a whole number. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to not cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire.

15 FIG.A 15 FIG.B 15 FIG.C 15 FIG.D 15 FIG.E 15 FIG.F ,,,,, and, collectively, provide exemplary flowcharts for playing a sixth level of the game, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

10 FIG. 11 FIG.A 12 FIG.A 13 FIG.A 14 FIG.A 11 FIG.B 12 FIG.B 13 FIG.B 14 FIG.B 12 FIG.C 13 FIG.C 14 FIG.C 13 FIG.D 14 FIG.D 14 FIG.E 15 FIG.A 15 FIG.B 15 FIG.C 15 FIG.D 15 FIG.E 1002 1004 1006 1008 1010 1012 1014 1602 1604 1606 1608 1610 1612 1614 1120 1122 1124 1126 1128 1130 1132 1620 1622 1624 1626 1628 1630 1632 1250 1252 1254 1256 1258 1260 1262 1650 1652 1654 1656 1658 1660 1662 1370 1372 1374 1376 1378 1380 1382 1384 1386 1388 1390 1670 1672 1464 1676 1678 1680 1682 1464 1686 1688 1690 1500 1502 1504 1506 1508 1510 1512 1514 1516 1518 1520 1660 1661 1662 1163 114 1665 1665 1667 1668 1669 1670 It is noted that steps of the first level, the second level, the third level, and the fourth level have to be performed again for the fourth level along with additional steps. In particular, steps of(or any of,,, or),(or any of,, or),(or any of, or),(or), andhave to be performed again and these steps are shown with reference to,,,, and, respectively. To that end, steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, andand steps,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,, and, and steps,,,,,,are identical to steps,,,,,,. Further, steps,,,,,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,,,,,, and. Furthermore, steps,,,,,,,,,, andare identical to steps,,,,,,,,,, and. Therefore, these steps are described again herein for the sake of brevity.

1680 100 At step, the black wire card is placed on the wire card-receiving slot of the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1681 1682 1687 At step, the second player asks the first player if the number of batteries on the battery card is less than 1. If yes, the flow moves to stepor if no, the flow moves to step.

1682 1683 1687 At step, the second player asks the first player if the tool card is a wrench card. If no, the flow moves to step. Otherwise, if yes, the flow moves to step.

1683 1684 1687 At, the second player asks the first player if the hazard card is of the combustion type. If yes, the flow moves to step, otherwise if no, the flow moves to step.

1684 1687 1685 At step, the second player asks the first player if alphanumeric code of the word card is greater than 75. If yes, the flow moves to step, otherwise if no, the flow moves to step.

1685 1686 1688 At step, the second player asks the first player if the location card is one of the chair card, the computer card, or the balcony card. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1687 1690 1688 At step, the second player asks the first player if the last digit of the serial number from the serial number card is a factor of 16. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to not cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to step.

1688 1689 At step, the second player asks the first player if the parallel wire card is of a black parallel wire card, a purple parallel wire card, or a white parallel wire card. If yes, the flow moves to step.

1689 1690 1686 At step, the second player asks the first player if the star card has a star rating that equals to 4. If yes, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to not cut the wire. Otherwise, if no, the flow moves to stepand the second player asks the first player to cut the wire.

16 FIG. 1700 1700 illustrates a flow chart that depicts gameplay method, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The gameplay methoddepicted in the flowchart may be performed by, for example, the first user or the second user.

1702 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes starting, by the first user, the timer to regulate the flow of the gameplay. Regulation of the flow of the gameplay includes tracking time for maintaining a consistent progression of the gameplay to defuse the simulated entity within the predefined time period.

1704 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes choosing, by the first user, at least one card from the at least one card deck of the plurality of card decks corresponding to the respective card category of the plurality of card categories based at least on the level associated with the gameplay. Each card deck of the plurality of card decks comprises the predefined number of cards corresponding to a respective card category.

1706 1700 100 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes arranging, by the first user, at least one card comprising visual identifiers corresponding to the respective card category onto the plurality of card-holding members, including corresponding imprints in the multiplayer board game apparatus.

1708 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes providing, by the first user, at least one cues to the second user. The at least one cues corresponds to the at least one attribute associated with the at least one arranged card (at least one card arranged on the multiplayer board game apparatus).

1710 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes selecting, by the second user, the second printed instruction set from a plurality of second printed instruction sets based at least on the level associated with the gameplay.

1712 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes comparing, by the second user, the at least one attribute associated with the at least one arranged card with the corresponding descriptions associated with the decision instructions associated with the at least one second instruction set corresponding to the gameplay.

1714 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes determining, by the second user, the game action to be performed to defuse the simulated entity within the predefined time period based on the comparison.

1716 1700 At operation, the gameplay methodincludes instructing, by the second user, the game action to be performed by the first user. Based on instructions provided by the second user, the first user performs the game action to defuse the simulated entity within the predefined time period.

It is noted that slight modifications may be made to the various conditions in the various flowcharts described herein to slightly modify the game mechanics and the same is considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Various embodiments of the disclosure, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps and/or operations in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations, which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it is noted that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions may be apparent and well within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.