System and method for providing loyalty-based virtual objects across various media including gaming devices

摘要

Gaming systems and methods are set forth designed to promote user loyalty with an enterprise. The user obtains a virtual object such as a virtual dog and earns the ability to acquire accessories or upgrades for their virtual dog through interaction with the enterprise. Certain accessories or upgrades may only be acquired or restored at a physical, brick and mortar venue for the enterprise to encourage the user to visit the venue. Acquisition of attributes such as accessories and upgrades may provide a basis for tournaments and prizes. The virtual object may be accessed and displayed at terminals at the venue or at remote devices. Acquisition of virtual objects may be used to qualify the user for a feature such as a progressive jackpot game.

主权项

1. An improved system for an enterprise of the type having at least one physical venue including at least one commercial transaction terminal accessing a video display, a host server for tracking a user's interaction with said terminals, a communication network and a data structure storing a data file for each user, said improvement comprising:
a data resource storing data corresponding to at least one (i) graphical virtual object, and (ii) graphic display packages associated with said object, one or more of said data resource and user's file storing data associating a virtual object with a user; apparatus to enable a user to remotely access the data in their associated file via a portable device and view their virtual object data at said remote interface device display; software controlling a feature server in communication with said one or more of said data resource and user's file, one of said feature server and host server configured to display said virtual object at a user terminal display; one or more of said host and feature server configured to store data representing virtual currency awarded to the user; and said feature server configured to enable said user to redeem virtual currency to alter the data corresponding to the user's virtual object by at least one acquisition a virtual object, acquisition an attribute assigned to a virtual object and acquisition a virtual accessory for a virtual object.