KR102718831B1 - Fraud Detection in Electronic Subscription Payments - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media for detecting fraud in interactive media systems, such as computer-based games, are provided. In some implementations, fraud in online subscription payments can be detected. The fraud detection can be used to adjust virtual currency revenue dividend payments to developers associated with the computer-based game.

Description

Fraud Detection in Electronic Subscription Payments

Embodiments relate generally to interactive media systems, and more particularly, but not limited to, methods, systems and computer-readable media for fraud detection in electronic subscription payments within interactive media systems.

Some interactive media systems, such as online gaming, provide the opportunity for users to purchase items within the online game or to purchase subscriptions to the gaming platform. The gaming platform may provide user accounts to allow players to play online games and to allow developers to offer games on the gaming platform.

Some implementations may include a computer-implemented method. The method may include accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, and the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period, and determining a percentage of game play duration for each of the one or more games during the first period. The method also includes calculating, for each of the one or more games, an initial payout for the first period based at least in part on the percentage of game play duration, summing the initial payout for each of the one or more games into an aggregate payout over a second period, wherein the second period is greater than the first period, and receiving a fraud detection signal associated with the user account. The method further includes adjusting the aggregate payout for each of the one or more games having a fraud indication in the fraud detection signal, wherein the adjusting step is performed after a third period, and transmitting an electronic payment to a developer account corresponding to each of the one or more games, wherein the electronic payment is based on the aggregate payout for each individual game of the one or more games.

In some implementations, the first period is 24 hours, the second period is greater than the first period, and the third period is greater than the second period. In some implementations, the accessing step comprises accessing a log for a user session of a user account that is a subscriber account of the gaming platform. In some implementations, the calculating the initial payout comprises multiplying the total revenue amount by one or more of a first factor, a second factor, and a third factor, wherein the first factor is a percentage of game play during the first period, the second factor is a commission factor, and the third factor is a holdback percentage.

In some implementations, the step of receiving a fraud detection signal comprises receiving a fraud detection signal from a payment provider system having fraud visibility. In some implementations, the step of adjusting the aggregate payout comprises reducing the aggregate payout based on revenues received from a payment provider that does not have fraud visibility.

In some implementations, the step of transmitting the electronic payment comprises the step of transmitting the virtual currency payment. The method may also comprise the step of combining aggregate payout amounts for each of the one or more games from multiple user accounts of the gaming platform. The method may further comprise the step of generating an earnings preview graph for each of the one or more games, wherein the earnings preview graph represents earnings accumulated by each game over a second time period, and causing the earnings preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with a developer of each game.

The method may further include the steps of performing fraud detection for each game based on analyzing gameplay by user accounts in the game and comparing the gameplay to a baseline. The method may also include the steps of clustering gameplay activity and determining whether the gameplay activity is within a threshold distance from a cluster of actual activity.

Some implementations may include a device for performing fraud detection in an electronic payment, the device may include one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors having stored instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the device to perform operations. The operations may include accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, and the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period; and determining a percentage of the game play duration for each of the one or more games during the first period.

The operations may also include, for each of the one or more games, calculating an initial payout for the first period based at least in part on a percentage of a gameplay duration and summing the initial payout for each of the one or more games into an aggregate payout over a second period, wherein the second period is greater than the first period. The operations may further include receiving a fraud detection signal associated with the user account and adjusting the aggregate payout for each of the one or more games having a fraud indication in the fraud detection signal, wherein the adjusting is performed after a third period. The operations may also include transmitting an electronic payment to a developer account corresponding to each of the one or more games, the electronic payment being based on the aggregate payout for each individual game of the one or more games.

In some implementations, the first period is 24 hours, the second period is greater than the first period, and the third period is greater than the second period. In some implementations, accessing includes accessing a log for a user session of a user account that is a subscriber account of the gaming platform.

In some implementations, calculating the initial payout comprises multiplying the total revenue amount by one or more of a first factor, a second factor, and a third factor, wherein the first factor is a percentage of game play during the first period, the second factor is a commission factor, and the third factor is a holdback percentage. In some implementations, receiving the fraud detection signal comprises receiving a fraud detection signal from a payment provider system having fraud visibility, and wherein adjusting the aggregate payout comprises reducing the aggregate payout based on revenue received from a payment provider that does not have fraud visibility.

The operation may also include combining aggregate payouts for each of the one or more games from multiple user accounts of the gaming platform and generating a respective revenue preview graph for each of the one or more games, wherein the revenue preview graph represents revenue accumulated by each game over the second time period. The operation may further include causing the revenue preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with a developer of each game.

Some implementations may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, in response to execution by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform an action. The action may include accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, and wherein the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a duration of play for each of the one or more games during a first period. The action may also include determining a percentage of the gameplay duration for each of the one or more games during the first period, and calculating, for each of the one or more games, an initial payout for the first period based at least in part on the percentage of the gameplay duration.

The operations may further include aggregating the initial payout for each of the one or more games into an aggregate payout over a second period, wherein the second period is greater than the first period, and receiving a fraud detection signal associated with the user account. The operations may further include adjusting the aggregate payout for each of the one or more games having a fraud indication in the fraud detection signal, wherein the adjusting is performed after a third period, and transmitting an electronic payment to a developer account corresponding to each of the one or more games, wherein the electronic payment is based on the aggregate payout for each individual game of the one or more games.

The operation may also include combining aggregate payouts for each of the one or more games from multiple user accounts of the gaming platform and generating a respective revenue preview graph for each of the one or more games, wherein the revenue preview graph represents revenue accumulated by each game over the second time period. The operation may further include causing the revenue preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with a developer of each game.

The operations may also include performing fraud detection for each game based on analyzing gameplay by user accounts in the game and comparing the gameplay to a baseline. The operations may further include clustering gameplay activity and determining whether the gameplay activity is within a threshold distance from a cluster of actual activity.

Some implementations may include a computer implemented method. The method may include detecting whether a user session associated with a user account is initiated on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for a particular game hosted on the gaming platform, and determining whether the user account is associated with a subscription to the gaming platform. The method may also include, in response to determining that the user account is associated with a subscription, providing an exclusive game item for the particular game in the user session.

In some implementations, a user session may be associated with an avatar, and the exclusive game items may include a particular avatar or items worn by the avatar. In some implementations, the exclusive game items may be selected from a set of exclusive game items for a particular game, and the exclusive game items may be usable within gameplay of the particular game. In some implementations, the set of exclusive items may include a subset of game items for the particular game that are associated with a subscription item indicator, and at least one of the set of exclusive items is not available to user accounts that are not associated with a subscription to the gaming platform.

In some implementations, determining that a user account is associated with a subscription may include accessing a database to retrieve a subscription record associated with the user account and determining that an initiation time of the user session matches a subscription period in the subscription record.

In some implementations, the game platform may include a chat user interface. The method may also include, in response to a determination that the user account is associated with a subscription, providing a visual appearance for the user account that indicates that the user account is associated with a subscription. In some implementations, the subscription may include a game-specific subscription for a particular game, and exclusive game items are not available to other user accounts that are not associated with the game-specific subscription.

In some implementations, a subscription may include a platform-wide subscription to the game platform, and exclusive game items may not be available to other user accounts not associated with the game-specific subscription.

Some implementations may include a computer-readable medium having software instructions that cause a system or processor implementing the method to perform the method.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example system architecture for an online game according to some implementations.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an example system architecture for online gaming illustrating subscriber content characteristics according to some implementations.
Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for providing subscriber content according to some implementations.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fraud detection environment according to some implementations.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for fraud detection in electronic subscription payments according to some implementations.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device according to some implementations.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components unless the context dictates otherwise. The exemplary embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The aspects of the present disclosure generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings may be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

Interactive media applications or systems, such as online gaming platforms (which may include "user generated content platforms" or "user generated content systems"), may provide various ways for users to interact with each other. For example, users of an online gaming platform may work together toward a common goal, share various virtual gaming items, send electronic messages to each other, etc. Users of an online gaming platform may use characters to play games.

Online gaming platforms may also allow users of the platform to create and animate new characters and avatars. For example, users of an online gaming platform may be allowed to create, design, and customize new characters.

Figure 1: System architecture

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system architecture (100) according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The system architecture (100) (also referred to herein as the “system”) includes an online gaming platform (102), a first client device (110) (generally referred to herein as the “client device(s) (110)”), and at least one second client device (116), all coupled via a network (122). The online gaming platform (102) may include, among other things, a game engine (104), one or more games (105), a graphics module (106), a subscription application (107), and a data store (108). The client device (110) may include a game application (112) and a user interface (114) (e.g., an audio/video input/output device). The client device (116) may include a game application (118) and a user interface (120) (e.g., an audio/video input/output device). The audio/video input/output device may include one or more of a microphone, a speaker, a headphone, a display device, and the like.

The system architecture (100) is provided for illustrative purposes rather than limitation. In some implementations, the system architecture (100) may include the same, fewer, more, or different elements configured in the same or different manner as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In some implementations, the network (122) may include a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), a wired network (e.g., an Ethernet network), a wireless network (e.g., an 802.11 network, a Wi-Fi® network, or a wireless LAN (WLAN)), a cellular network (e.g., a long term evolution (LTE) network), a router, a hub, a switch, a server computer, or a combination thereof.

In some implementations, the data store (108) may be a non-transitory computer-readable memory (e.g., random access memory), a cache, a drive (e.g., a hard drive), a flash drive, a database system, or any other type of component or device capable of storing data. The data store (108) may also include multiple storage components (e.g., multiple drives or multiple databases), which may span multiple computing devices (e.g., multiple server computers).

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may include a server having one or more computing devices (e.g., a cloud computing system, a rackmount server, a server computer, a cluster of physical servers, etc.). In some implementations, the server may be included in the online gaming platform (102), may be a standalone system, or may be part of another system or platform.

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may include one or more computing devices (e.g., rackmount servers, router computers, server computers, personal computers, mainframe computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, desktop computers, etc.), data storage (e.g., hard disks, memory, databases), networks, software components, and/or hardware components that may be used to perform operations on the online gaming platform (102) and provide users with access to the online gaming platform (102). The online gaming platform (102) may also include a website (e.g., a webpage) or application backend software that may be used to provide users with access to content provided by the online gaming platform (102). For example, a user may access the online gaming platform (102) using a gaming application (112) on a client device (110).

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may include a type of social network that provides connectivity between users or a type of user-generated content system that allows users (e.g., end users or consumers) to communicate with other users on the online gaming platform (102), where the communication may include voice chat (e.g., synchronous and/or asynchronous voice communication), video chat (e.g., synchronous and/or asynchronous video communication), or text chat (e.g., synchronous and/or asynchronous text-based communication). In some implementations of the present disclosure, a "user" may be represented as a single individual. However, other implementations of the present disclosure include where a "user" (e.g., user-generated) is a set of users or an entity controlled by an automated source. For example, a set of individual users associated in a community or group in a user-generated content system may be considered a "user."

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may be a virtual gaming platform. For example, the gaming platform may provide single-player or multi-player games to a community of users who may access or interact with the games using client devices (110) over a network (122). In some implementations, the games (also referred to herein as “video games,” “online games,” or “virtual games”) may be, for example, two-dimensional (2D) games, three-dimensional (3D) games (e.g., 3D user-generated games), virtual reality (VR) games, or augmented reality (AR) games. In some implementations, users may participate in gameplay with other users. In some implementations, the games may be played in real time with other users of the game.

In some implementations, gameplay may refer to interactions of one or more players using a client device (e.g., 110 and/or 116) within a game (e.g., 105) or display of the interactions on a display or other user interface (e.g., 114/120) of the client device (110 or 116).

In some implementations, the game (105) may comprise an electronic file that may be executed or loaded using software, firmware, or hardware configured to present game content (e.g., a digital media item) to an entity. In some implementations, the game application (112) may be executed and the game (105) may be rendered in connection with the game engine (104). In some implementations, the games (105) may have a common set of rules or a common goal, and the environments of the games (105) share a common set of rules or a common goal. In some implementations, different games may have different rules or goals.

In some implementations, a game may have one or more environments (also referred to herein as "gaming environments" or "virtual environments") to which multiple environments may be linked. An example of an environment may be a three-dimensional (3D) environment. One or more environments of a game application (105) may be collectively referred to herein as a "world" or "gaming world" or "virtual world" or "universe." An example of a world may be a 3D world of a game (105). For example, a user may build a virtual environment that is linked to other virtual environments created by other users. A character in a virtual game may be able to cross virtual boundaries into adjacent virtual environments.

It may be noted that a 3D environment or 3D world uses graphics that provide a three-dimensional representation of the geometry data representing the game content (or at least that the current game content is represented as 3D content, regardless of whether a 3D representation of the geometry data is used). A 2D environment or 2D world uses graphics that provide a two-dimensional representation of the geometry data representing the game content.

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may host one or more games (105) and may allow users to interact with the games (105) using a game application (112) on a client device (110). Users of the online gaming platform (102) may play, create, interact with, or build games (105), communicate with other users, and/or create and build objects (e.g., also referred to herein as “item(s)” or “game objects” or “virtual game item(s)) of the games (105). For example, in creating user-created virtual items, a user may create, among other things, a character, animations for the character, decorations for the character, one or more virtual environments for the interactive game, or build structures used in the game (105).

In some implementations, users may buy, sell, or trade game virtual game objects, such as platform currency (e.g., virtual currency), with other users of the online gaming platform (102). In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may transmit game content to a game application (e.g., 112). In some implementations, game content (also referred to herein as “content”) may refer to any data or software instructions (e.g., game objects, games, user information, videos, images, instructions, media items, etc.) associated with the online gaming platform (102) or the game application. In some implementations, game objects (also referred to herein as “item(s)” or “object(s)” or “virtual game item(s)”) may refer to objects used, created, shared, or otherwise depicted in a game application (105) of the online gaming platform (102) or a game application (112 or 118) of a client device (110/116). For example, a game object may include a part, a model, a character or components thereof (such as a face, arms, lips, etc.), a tool, a weapon, clothing, a building, a vehicle, currency, flora, fauna, components of the foregoing (such as windows of a building), etc.

It may be noted that the online gaming platform (102) hosting the game (105) is provided for illustrative purposes rather than limitation. In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may host one or more media items, which may include communication messages from one user to one or more other users. The media items may include, but are not limited to, digital videos, digital movies, digital photographs, digital music, audio content, melodies, website content, social media updates, e-books, e-magazines, digital newspapers, digital audio books, e-journals, web blogs, electronic comic books, software applications, and the like. In some implementations, the media items may be electronic files that may be executed or loaded using software, firmware, or hardware configured to present digital media items to an entity.

In some implementations, the game (105) may be associated with a particular user or group of users (e.g., a private game) or made widely available to users of the online gaming platform (102) (e.g., a public game). In some implementations where the online gaming platform (102) associates one or more games (105) with a particular user or group of users, the online gaming platform (102) may use user account information (e.g., user account identifiers such as a user name and password) to associate the particular user(s) with the game (105).

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) or client device (110/116) may include a game engine (104) or a game application (112/118). In some implementations, the game engine (104) may be used for developing or executing a game (105). For example, the game engine (104) may include, among other features, a rendering engine (“renderer”) for 2D, 3D, VR, or AR graphics, a physics engine, a collision detection engine (and collision response), a sound engine, scripting functionality, an animation engine, an artificial intelligence engine, networking functionality, streaming functionality, memory management functionality, threading functionality, scene graph functionality, or video support for cinematics. Components of the game engine (104) may generate commands that assist in computing and rendering the game (e.g., rendering commands, collision commands, animation commands, physics commands, etc.). In some implementations, the game application (112/118) of the client device (110/116) may operate independently, in cooperation with the game engine (104) of the online game platform (102), or a combination of the two.

In some implementations, both the online gaming platform (102) and the client devices (110/116) may execute a game engine (104, 112, 118, respectively). The online gaming platform (102) using the game engine (104) may perform some or all of the game engine functions (e.g., generating physics commands, animation commands, rendering commands, etc.), or may offload some or all of the game engine functions to the game engine (104) of the client device (110). In some implementations, each game (105) may have a different ratio between the game engine functions performed on the online gaming platform (102) and the game engine functions performed on the client devices (110 and 116). For example, the game engine (104) of the online gaming platform (102) may be used to generate physics commands when there is a collision between at least two game objects, while additional game engine functions (e.g., generating rendering commands) may be offloaded to the client device (110). In some implementations, the ratio of game engine functions performed on the online gaming platform (102) and the client device (110) may change (e.g., dynamically) based on gameplay conditions. For example, if the number of users engaging in gameplay of a particular game (105) exceeds a threshold number, the online gaming platform (102) may perform one or more game engine functions previously performed by the client device (110 or 116).

For example, a user may play a game (105) on a client device (110, 116) and transmit control commands (e.g., user inputs such as right, left, up, down, user selection, or character position and speed information) to the online game platform (102). After receiving the control commands from the client devices (110, 116), the online game platform (102) may transmit gameplay commands (e.g., commands such as position and speed information of characters participating in group gameplay, rendering commands, collision commands, etc.) to the client devices (110, 116) based on the control commands. For example, the online game platform (102) may perform one or more logical operations (e.g., using the game engine (104)) on the control commands to generate gameplay commands for the client devices (110, 116). In other cases, the online gaming platform (102) may transmit one or more of the control commands from one client device (110) to another client device (e.g., 116) participating in the game (105). The client devices (110 and 116) may use the gameplay commands and render the gameplay for display on the displays of the client devices (110 and 116).

In some implementations, control commands may refer to commands that represent in-game activities of a user's character. For example, control commands may include user inputs for controlling in-game activities, such as right, left, up, down, user selection, gyroscope position and orientation data, force sensor data, etc. Control commands may include character position and velocity information. In some implementations, control commands are transmitted directly to the online gaming platform (102). In other implementations, control commands may be transmitted from a client device (110) to another client device (e.g., 116), where the other client device generates gameplay commands using a local game engine (104). Control commands may include commands for playing voice communication messages or other sounds from another user on an audio device, such as a speaker, headphones, etc.

In some implementations, gameplay commands may refer to commands that allow the client device (110) (or 116) to render gameplay of a game, such as a multiplayer game. Gameplay commands may include one or more of user input (e.g., control commands), character position and velocity information, or commands (e.g., physics commands, animation commands, rendering commands, collision commands, etc.).

In some implementations, a character (or game object in general) is constructed from components, one or more of which may be selected by the user, and which are automatically combined together to assist the user in editing. One or more characters (also referred to herein as "avatars" or "models") may be associated with the user, where the user may control the characters to facilitate user interaction with the game (105). In some implementations, the characters may include components such as body parts (e.g., hair, arms, legs, etc., which may be animated) and accessories (e.g., t-shirts, glasses, decorative images, tools, etc.). In some implementations, the customizable body parts of a character include, among others, a head type, a body part type (arms, legs, torso, and hands), a face type, a hair type, and a skin type. In some implementations, the customizable accessories include clothing (e.g., shirts, pants, hats, shoes, glasses, etc.), weapons, or other tools. In some implementations, the user may also control the scale of the character (e.g., height, width, or depth) or the scale of components of the character. In some implementations, the user may control the proportions of the character (e.g., blocky, anatomical, etc.). It may be noted that in some implementations, the character may not include a character game object (e.g., body parts, etc.), but the user may control the character (without the character game object) to facilitate user interaction with the game (e.g., a puzzle game without a rendered character game object, but where the user still controls the character to control in-game activities).

In some implementations, a component, such as a body part, may be a basic geometric shape, such as a block, a cylinder, a sphere, or some other basic shape, such as a wedge, a torus, a tube, a channel, or the like. In some implementations, the creator module may make the user's character public so that other users of the online game platform (102) can view or use it. In some implementations, creating, modifying, and customizing the character, other game object, game (105), or game environment may be performed by the user using a user interface (e.g., a developer interface), with or without scripting (or with or without an application programming interface (API)). It may be noted that the character is described as having a humanoid form for purposes of example and not limitation. It may further be noted that the character may have any form, such as a vehicle, an animal, an inanimate object, or other creative form.

In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) may store user-created characters in a data store (108). In some implementations, the online gaming platform (102) maintains a character catalog and a game catalog that may be presented to the user. In some implementations, the game catalog includes images of games stored on the online gaming platform (102). Additionally, the user may select a character (e.g., a character created by the user or another user) from the character catalog to participate in a selected game. The character catalog includes images of characters stored on the online gaming platform (102). In some implementations, one or more of the characters in the character catalog may be created or customized by the user. In some implementations, the selected character may have a character set that defines one or more of the components of the character.

In some implementations, a user's character may include a composition of components, wherein the composition and appearance of the components, and more generally the appearance of the character, may be defined by a character configuration. In some implementations, the character configuration of the user's character may be at least partially selected by the user. In other implementations, the user may select a character having a default character configuration or a character configuration selected by another user. For example, the user may select a default character from a catalog of characters having predefined character configurations, and the user may further customize the default character by changing some of the character configurations (e.g., adding a shirt with a customized logo). The character configuration may be associated with a particular character by the online game platform (102).

In some implementations, the client device(s) (110 or 116) may each include a computing device, such as a personal computer (PC), a mobile device (e.g., a laptop, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a netbook computer), a networked television, a gaming console, and the like. In some implementations, the client devices (110 or 116) may also be referred to as a "user device." In some implementations, more than one client device (110 or 116) may be connected to the online gaming platform (102) at any given moment. It may be noted that the number of client devices (110 or 116) is provided by way of example rather than limitation. In some implementations, any number of client devices (110 or 116) may be used.

In some implementations, each client device (110 or 116) may include an instance of a game application (112 or 118). In one implementation, the game application (112 or 118) may permit a user to use and interact with the online game platform (102), such as controlling a virtual character in a virtual game hosted by the online game platform (102), or viewing or uploading content such as games (105), images, video items, web pages, documents, and the like. In one example, the game application may be a web application (e.g., an application that operates in conjunction with a web browser) that may access, retrieve, present, or navigate content provided by a web server (e.g., virtual characters in a virtual environment, etc.). In another example, the game application may be a native application (e.g., a mobile application, an app, or a gaming program) that is installed and runs locally on the client device (110 or 116) and allows a user to interact with the online game platform (102). The game application may render, display, or present content (e.g., a web page, a media viewer) to the user. In an implementation, the game application may also include an embedded media player (e.g., a Flash® player) embedded in the web page.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the game application may be an online game platform application that allows a user to interact with the online game platform (102) (e.g., play a game (105) hosted by the online game platform (102)) as well as build, create, edit, and upload content to the online game platform (102). As such, the game application may be provided to a client device (110 or 116) by the online game platform (102). In another example, the game application may be an application that is downloaded from a server.

In some implementations, a user may log into the online gaming platform (102) via a gaming application. The user may access a user account by providing user account information (e.g., a user name and password), where the user account is associated with one or more characters that may participate in one or more games (105) of the online gaming platform (102).

In general, the functionality described in one implementation as being performed by the online gaming platform (102) may also be performed by the client device(s) (110 or 116) or the server in other implementations, as appropriate. Additionally, the functionality attributed to a particular component may be performed by different or multiple components operating together. The online gaming platform (102) may also be accessed as a service provided to other systems or devices via an appropriate application programming interface (API), and is therefore not limited to use on a website.

The online gaming platform (102) includes a graphics module (106). In some implementations, the graphics module (106) may be a system, application, or module that allows the online gaming platform (102) to provide graphics and animation capabilities.

The online gaming platform (102) includes a subscription application (107). In some implementations, the subscription application (107) may perform one or more of the operations described below in connection with the flowcharts illustrated in FIG. 3 or 5.

Figure 2: Interactive media system with subscriber content

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interactive media system of FIG. 1 illustrating details of subscriber content. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates details of subscriber-only content within an online gaming platform (102). In particular, the data store (108) includes subscriber items (202) that may include items that are available only to user accounts with an active subscription. Subscriber items may include one or more of catalog items that are free to subscribers but cost money to non-subscribers, catalog items that are exclusively available to subscribers, or in-game features that are exclusively available to subscribers, including but not limited to, game areas, vehicles, weapons, or other items, features such as avatars that appear differently in-game when a user runs, such as streams and trails, or exclusive access to a game (e.g., only premium subscribers may play such a game).

For example, a user account may be registered as a subscriber to the platform by making a payment to the online gaming platform (102), such as a recurring monthly payment, an annual payment, etc. In some implementations, the subscription may be platform-wide, such as allowing the user access to subscriber items (202) that may be used by the user in any game (105) provided by the platform. For example, such subscriber items may include, for example, avatar types; clothing; weapons, accessories, and other items; icons or other indicators of subscriber status, etc. For example, in such implementations, each developer that provides a game (105) on the online gaming platform (102) may implement program code that allows the user to access subscriber items via an application programming interface (API) provided by the online gaming platform (102). In some implementations, a subset of the games (105) may be aware of an active subscriber status and may provide access to subscriber items. In some implementations, subscriber items (202) may include items related to in-game chat. For example, an online gaming platform (102) may provide a chat function that allows players within the game to engage in messaging conversations with each other. Subscriber items for in-game chat may include chat content items such as chat avatars or icons, stickers, and emoticons.

In addition to platform-wide items, one or more developers of the game (105) may be aware of active subscriber status and may provide game-specific items to active subscribers when the subscriber plays the game. For example, if the game is about running a virtual pizza shop, such items may include exclusive pizza ingredients that are not available to non-subscribers playing the game. In another example, if the game is about piloting an airplane through a virtual environment, such items may include environments that are only available to subscribers, types of airplanes that are only available to subscribers, etc. Additionally, while the foregoing refers to subscribers and non-subscribers, in some implementations, multiple subscription tiers may be provided with corresponding access to subscriber items (202).

Subscriptions may be made available by the online gaming platform (102) for various periods of time, such as daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc. A user of the gaming platform (102) may purchase a subscription by making payment to the gaming platform (102) using the gaming platform's (102) currency. For example, the gaming platform may implement a virtual currency that allows a user to buy or sell items (e.g., clothing, accessories, weapons, etc.) and purchase a subscription. A user may be able to convert between the gaming platform's (102) virtual currency and real currency (e.g., U.S. dollars or other currency) through the gaming platform (102). In some implementations, the game developer may choose the price of individual game items that may be bought and sold, while the gaming platform (102) may determine the price of a subscription, such as a subscription for the platform as a whole (with one or more tiers). In some implementations, the game platform (102) may provide a portion of subscription revenue to one or more game developers associated with each game (105), for example, using techniques described herein with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 .

In some implementations, subscriber items may be restricted to the user account to which they were granted and may not be saleable or tradeable, while other items in the game (which are not subscriber items or made available via subscriptions) may remain saleable or tradeable.

In some implementations, the subscriber items (202) may be provided by the online gaming platform (102). In some implementations, the subscriber items (202) may be provided by an individual game developer associated with one or more of the games (105).

FIG. 2 also illustrates details of a user interface (114) displayed by the client device (110). The subscriber user interface details include subscriber content such as a subscriber badge (204) and one or more subscriber-only game features (206). The subscriber badge (204) may include a graphical indicium displayed on a user interface of the gaming platform that indicates the subscriber status of a user account. The subscriber badge (204) may be displayed in various locations within the online gaming platform, such as in a chat interface, on leaderboards, etc. The subscriber-only game features (206) may include features that a game developer (e.g., a third party user generated content developer) has designated to be only available to users who have a user account associated with an active subscription.

Figure 3: Method for providing subscriber content

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method (300) (e.g., a computer-implemented method) for providing subscriber-only content to a client, according to some implementations.

In some implementations, the method (300) may be implemented on, for example, one or more of a server device or a client device or other devices, or a combination of devices. In some implementations, part or all of the method (300) may be implemented on one or more of the devices (102 or 110/116) illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or on both the server device(s) and the client device(s). In the illustrated example, the implementation system includes one or more digital hardware processors or processing circuits (“processors”), and one or more storage devices. The method (300) may be performed by a subscription application (e.g., 107) running on a server or platform system (e.g., 102). In some implementations, different components of the one or more devices or facilities may perform different blocks or different portions of the method (300).

In some implementations, the method (300) or portions of the method may be automatically initiated by the device. For example, the method (or portions thereof) may be performed or executed periodically based on the occurrence of one or more specific events or conditions. For example, such events or conditions may include a client device associated with a subscriber account running a video game, a predetermined period of time that has expired since the last execution of the method (300), and/or one or more other events or conditions that may be specified in the settings of the device implementing the method (300). In some implementations, such conditions may be pre-specified by the user in the user's stored custom preferences (accessible by the device or method with the user's consent). In some examples, the device (server or client) may perform the method (300) with access to one or more applications. In another example, the server device may transmit data to the client over a network, and the client may perform the method (300) in whole or in part. The method (300) may also be performed using a combination of processing for a server device, one or more client devices, and/or a combination of the above.

Processing begins at 302 where initiation of a user session associated with a user account on the gaming platform is detected. For example, the user session may comprise a user session for a particular game hosted on the gaming platform. Initiation of a user session may comprise a user logging into the gaming platform and initiating game play in the particular game. Processing continues at 304.

At 304, the user account is determined to be associated with a subscription of the gaming platform. For example, if the user account includes a subscription of the gaming platform, the record associated with the user account may include an indication that the user account is associated with a subscription. When the user starts a new subscription, the record associated with the user account may be updated to reflect the new subscription. When the subscription ends or is terminated, the record associated with the user account may be updated to reflect the termination or expiration of the subscription. In some implementations, determining that the user account is associated with a subscription may include accessing a database to retrieve a subscription record associated with the user account and determining whether the start time of the user session matches a subscription period in the subscription record. Processing continues to 306.

At 306, exclusive subscriber content may be provided to a user account based on an active subscription status. For example, exclusive game items for a particular game (e.g., one or more of the subscriber items (202)) may be provided to the user session. In another example, the user account may be provided with an indicator visible on the game platform user interface to indicate subscriber status (e.g., a subscriber badge (204)). In yet another example, one or more subscriber-only game features (e.g., 206) may be enabled based on the subscription status of the user account.

In some implementations, a user session may be associated with an avatar, and the exclusive game items may include a particular avatar, or items worn by the avatar. In some implementations, the exclusive game items may be selected from a set of exclusive game items for a particular game, and the exclusive game items may be usable within gameplay of the particular game. In some implementations, the set of exclusive items may include a subset of game items for the particular game that are associated with a subscription item identifier, and at least one of the set of exclusive items is unavailable to user accounts that are not associated with a subscription to the gaming platform.

In some implementations, the gaming platform may include a chat feature having a chat user interface. In some implementations, a subset of the game (105) may be aware of an active subscriber status and may provide access to subscriber items. In some implementations, subscriber items may include items related to in-game chat. For example, the online gaming platform (102) may provide a chat feature that allows players within the game to engage in messaging conversations with each other. Subscriber items for in-game chat may include chat content items such as chat avatars or icons, stickers, emoticons, and the like.

The method may also include, in response to a determination that the user account is associated with a subscription, providing a visual appearance for the user account that indicates that the user account is associated with a subscription. In some implementations, the subscription may include a game-specific subscription for a particular game, and exclusive game items are not available to other user accounts that are not associated with the game-specific subscription.

In some implementations, a subscription may include a platform-wide subscription to the game platform, and exclusive game items are not available to other user accounts that are not associated with the platform-wide subscription.

Figure 4: System for allocating electronic subscription payments

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an online gaming platform (102) and associated systems and components for allocating electronic subscription payments to game developers. Within the online gaming platform (102), a game engine (104) may maintain logs of games played, user accounts playing the games, and/or the percentage of time each user spent on each game. The game engine may also include a game play fraud detection application (406) that may detect fraudulent game play (e.g., use of software bots to automate gameplay, exploit software bugs, use of cheat codes, etc.) and provide a fraud signal to the subscription application. The fraud signal may include an indication of the presence or absence of fraudulent game play by one or more user accounts in one or more games.

The subscription application (107) may also receive subscription payment information from one or more payment providers (402) that have fraud visibility and one or more payment providers (404) that do not have fraud visibility information. Information from 402 and 404 may be included in a fraud signal received by the subscription application (107).

The subscription application (107) may use the fraud signal information to detect fraud and adjust any payment (e.g., subscription revenue share with a third party game developer) based on the detected fraud. Once adjusted for fraud, the subscription revenue share payment may be electronically transmitted or transmitted to a payment system, such as the virtual payment system (408). Additional details regarding fraud detection and electronic subscription payment revenue share payment adjustments are described below with respect to FIG. 5 .

Figure 5: An exemplary method for detecting fraud and reconciling payments.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method (500) (e.g., a computer implemented method) for performing fraud detection and reconciliation of electronic subscription payments, according to some implementations.

In some implementations, the method (500) may be implemented on, for example, a server device or a client device, or one or more of the other devices or a combination of devices. In some implementations, part or all of the method (500) may be implemented on one or more of the devices (102 or 110/116) illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or on both the server device(s) and the client device(s). In the illustrated example, the implementation system includes one or more digital hardware processors or processing circuits (“processors”), and one or more storage devices. The method (500) may be performed by a subscription application (e.g., 107) running on a server or platform system (e.g., 102). In some implementations, different components of the one or more devices or facilities may perform different blocks or different portions of the method (500).

In some implementations, the method (500) or portions of the method may be automatically initiated by the device. For example, the method (or portions thereof) may be performed or executed periodically based on the occurrence of one or more specific events or conditions. For example, such events or conditions may include a client device associated with a subscriber account running a video game, a predetermined period of time that has expired since the last execution of the method (500), and/or one or more other events or conditions that may be specified in the settings of the device implementing the method (500). In some implementations, such conditions may be pre-specified by the user in the user's stored custom preferences (accessible by the device or method with the user's consent). In some examples, the device (server or client) may perform the method (500) with access to one or more applications. In another example, the server device may transmit data to the client over a network, and the client may perform the method (500) in whole or in part. The method (500) may also be performed using a combination of processing for a server device, one or more client devices, and/or a combination of the above.

Processing begins at 502 where an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on the gaming platform is accessed. For example, the accessing may include accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on the gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, and the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period of time. In some implementations, the first period of time may include, for example, a 24 hour period corresponding to a calendar day. In some implementations, the accessing includes accessing a log for a user session of a user account that is a subscriber account on the gaming platform. Processing continues at 504.

In 504, a ratio of the duration of gameplay for each of the one or more games during a first period is determined. For example, if a given user account plays four games over four hours during a first period (e.g., 24 hours), a ratio of four hours corresponding to each of the four games is determined. In some implementations, a minimum threshold duration of gameplay, e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes per game, is utilized to determine the ratio. For example, games played for less than the minimum threshold duration may be treated as not played (zero duration) when determining the ratio. In some implementations, the ratios may be simple ratios, e.g., if each game is played for 1 hour, the ratio may be 25% for each game; if a first game is played for 2 hours, a second game is played for 1 hour, and a third and fourth game are each played for 30 minutes, the ratios may be 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 12.5% for the first, second, third, and fourth games, respectively. In some implementations, a floor and/or cap may be utilized when determining the rate. For example, if a game is less than the floor, e.g., 5% of the time, the game may be excluded from the calculation when determining the rate. In another example, if a game is more than 6 hours, e.g., 25% of the total time in a 24 hour period, a cap of 25% may be applied. Processing continues with 506.

At 506, an initial payout for the first period is calculated. For example, the calculation may include calculating an initial payout for each of the one or more games based at least in part on a percentage of the duration of game play for each game. In some implementations, calculating the initial payout includes multiplying the total revenue amount by one or more of a first factor, a second factor, and a third factor, wherein the first factor is a percentage of game play during the first period, the second factor is a commission factor, and the third factor is a holdback percentage. The total revenue amount may be subscription revenue allocated to the first period. For example, if the subscription revenue is 30 units of virtual currency for a 30-day subscription, each 24-hour period (day) may be allocated a total revenue amount of 1 unit of virtual currency. In another example, the subscription revenue may be the same per user based on the subscription package in use (e.g., $5, $10, or $20 per month). A percentage of the subscriber value may be determined and applied to the payout. For example, if a user plays 30 minutes of Game A and 30 minutes of Game B over a 28-day period, both games (or the developers of both games) will each receive 50% of the payout. Processing continues with 508.

At 508, the initial payouts for each of the one or more games are aggregated into a total payout over a second period. The second period may be longer than the first period. For example, the second period may comprise a period of 30 days. In some implementations, the total payouts for each of the one or more games may be aggregated from multiple user accounts of the gaming platform. Processing continues at 510.

At 510, a revenue preview graph (or other user interface) is optionally generated. For example, the revenue preview graph may represent cumulative revenue by each game over a second time period. The revenue preview graph may be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with the developer of each game. For example, the revenue preview graph may represent the total revenue of the game developer subscribing users of the game platform (either on a per-game basis or across multiple games offered by the game developer on the game platform) as a graph with time (e.g., day of month) on the X-axis and revenue (e.g., virtual currency or real currency) on the Y-axis. In some implementations, the revenue preview graph may represent estimated future revenue, such as based on past revenue from the developer's games, based on overall gameplay patterns of the game platform, based on changes in the number of subscribing users of the game platform (e.g., over the previous month or other time period of the game platform), etc. For example, if a game platform's subscribers doubled from the past period to the current period and the game developer spends a similar amount of time in the game, the revenue forecast could be shown to be double that of the previous month. Processing continues with 512.

At 512, a fraud detection signal is received. The fraud detection signal may include a payment fraud detection signal having an indication of whether the payment provider provides fraud visibility. The payment fraud detection signal may be used to adjust the amount of the electronic subscription revenue dividend payment. Payments from a payment provider with fraud visibility may be considered more trustworthy (or at least more verifiable) and subject to less adjustment. Payments from a provider that does not provide fraud visibility may be considered less trustworthy and subject to more adjustments or reductions than payments from a provider that does provide fraud visibility information. Some payment providers do not provide fraud visibility. In some implementations, payments from a provider that does not include fraud visibility may not be included in payments to the developer. In some implementations, the model may be able to predict time and payment amounts to a user even if fraud visibility is not provided by the payment provider.

The fraud detection signal may also include an indication of gameplay fraud. In some implementations, the system may determine that a user is actually a bot programmed to play a particular game. The payout system may be arranged in a way that makes this type of botting economically infeasible. The gameplay fraud signal may be used to adjust a percentage of the gameplay duration. For example, for any period of time during which gameplay fraud is determined to exist based on the gameplay fraud detection signal, that period may be deducted from the total gameplay duration for the given game prior to calculating the percentage. An adjustment based on an indication of gameplay fraud may in turn result in a change in the electronic subscription revenue dividend payment.

In some implementations, fraud detection for each game is performed based on analyzing gameplay by user accounts in the game and comparing the gameplay to a baseline. In some implementations, gameplay activity can be clustered (e.g., into clusters of true activity and clusters of fraudulent activity) and the system can determine whether gameplay activity is within a threshold distance from a cluster of true activity. In some implementations, fraudulent activity is determined by analyzing the distribution of game engagement by user and programmatically finding outliers, and can be distinguished from true activity. The system can also be configured to programmatically look for repetitive behaviors or signals (e.g., moving every 5 seconds) that indicate that engagement is programmatic. Processing continues at 514.

At 514, the aggregate payout for each of the one or more games having a fraud indication in the fraud detection signal is adjusted. For example, the adjustment may be performed after a third period. The third period may be longer than the first or second periods. In some implementations, the payout is in virtual currency (e.g., robux). The adjustment may be made explicitly for a chargeback if the payment partner has indicated that it will actually refund the payment amount for a given user. As a result, the system may calculate the payout as zero for that user because the system operator has not paid any unpaid fees for that user's subscription. In some implementations, the third period may be about 56 days. Processing continues at 516.

At 516, an electronic payment is sent to a developer account corresponding to each of the one or more games, where the electronic payment is based on an adjusted aggregate payment amount for each individual game of the one or more games. In some implementations, the electronic payment may include a virtual currency payment. For example, the payment may be transferred at a specific time, such as the 25th day, after the end of a first period, such as a month. In some implementations, the payment may be made in virtual currency (e.g., robux). In other implementations, the payment may be made in real-world fiat money. In some implementations, the payment may occur daily or even continuously. Typically, there is a delay that allows the system to accommodate declined purchases.

Figure 6: Example computing device

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device (600) that may be used to implement one or more of the features described herein. The client devices (110 and 116) and/or the gaming platform (102) of FIG. 1 may be provided in the form of the computing device (600) of FIG. 6. In one example, the device (600) may implement a computing device (e.g., 102, 110, and/or 116 of FIG. 1) and may be used to perform suitable method implementations described herein. The computing device (600) may be any suitable computer system, server, or other electronic or hardware device. For example, the computing device (600) may be a mainframe computer, a desktop computer, a workstation, a portable computer, or an electronic device (such as a handheld device, a mobile device, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a television, a TV set-top box, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a media player, a gaming device, a wearable device, etc.). In some implementations, the device (600) includes a processor (602), memory (604), an input/output (I/O) interface (606), and an audio/video input/output device (614).

The processor (602) may be one or more processors and/or processing circuits for executing program code and controlling the basic operation of the device (600). A "processor" includes any suitable hardware and/or software system, mechanism, or component that processes data, signals, or other information. A processor may include a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessing unit, a system having dedicated circuitry to accomplish the function, or other system. The processing need not be limited to a particular geographical location or limited in time. For example, a processor may perform its functions in "real time," "offline," "batch mode," etc. Portions of the processing may be performed by different (or the same) processing systems, at different times, and in different locations. A computer may be any processor in communication with a memory.

Memory (604) is typically provided in the device (600) for access by the processor (602) and may be any suitable processor-readable storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc., that is suitable for storing instructions for execution by the processor and is located separately from, and/or integral with, the processor (602). Memory (604) may store software that is executed on the server device (600) by the processor (602), including an operating system (608), one or more applications (610), such as a subscription application, and application data (612). In some implementations, the applications (610) may include instructions that cause the processor (602) to perform any or all of the functions described herein, such as any or all of the methods of FIGS. 3 or 5 or any of the example implementations described herein.

Any of the software in memory (604) may alternatively be stored in any other suitable storage location or computer-readable medium. Additionally, memory (604) (and/or other associated storage device(s)) may store instructions and data used in the features described herein. Memory (604) and any other type of storage (such as magnetic disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, or other tangible media) may be considered “storage” or “storage devices.”

The I/O interface (606) may provide functionality to interface the server device (600) with other systems and devices. For example, network communication devices, storage devices (e.g., memory and/or data storage (108)), and input/output devices may communicate via the interface (606). In some implementations, the I/O interface may be connected to interface devices including input devices (e.g., a keyboard, pointing device, touchscreen, microphone, camera, scanner, etc.) and/or output devices (e.g., a display device, speaker device, printer, motor, etc.).

The audio/video input/output devices (614) may include an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, etc.) that can be used to receive audio messages as input, an audio output device (e.g., speakers, headphones, etc.), and/or a display device that can be used to provide graphical and visual output, such as the user interface of FIG. 2.

For convenience of illustration, FIG. 6 illustrates one block each of the processor (602), the memory (604), the I/O interface (606), and the software blocks (608 and 610). These blocks may represent one or more processors or processing circuits, an operating system, memory, an I/O interface, an application, and/or software modules. In other implementations, the device (600) may not have all of the components illustrated, and/or may have other elements that include other types of elements instead of or in addition to those illustrated herein. Although the online gaming platform (102) is described as performing the operations described herein, any suitable component or combination of components of the online gaming platform (102) or a similar system, or any suitable processor or processors associated with such a system, may perform the operations described.

A user (or client) device may also implement and/or utilize the features described herein. An exemplary user device may be a computer device including some similar components to the device (600), such as a processor(s) (602), a memory (604), and an I/O interface (606). An operating system, software, and applications suitable for the client device may be provided in the memory and utilized by the processor. The I/O interface for the client device may be coupled to network communication devices, as well as input and output devices, such as a microphone for capturing sound, a camera for capturing images or video, an audio speaker device for outputting sound, a display device for outputting images or video, or other output devices. For example, a display device within the audio/video input/output device (614) may be connected to (or included in) the device (600) to display images pre- and post-processing as described herein, wherein the display device may include any suitable display device, such as an LCD, LED or plasma display screen, CRT, television, monitor, touchscreen, 3D display screen, projector, or other visual display device. Some implementations may provide an audio output device, such as a voice output or synthesis of spoken text.

One or more of the methods described herein (e.g., one or more of the steps of method (300 or 500)) can be implemented by computer program instructions or code that can be executed on a computer. For example, the code can be implemented by one or more digital processors (e.g., a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and stored in a computer program product, including a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a storage medium), such as a magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or semiconductor storage medium including semiconductor or solid-state memory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a rigid magnetic disk, an optical disk, a solid-state memory drive, and the like. The program instructions can also be included in an electronic signal, provided, for example, in the form of software as a service (SaaS) delivered from a server (e.g., a distributed system and/or a cloud computing system). Alternatively, one or more of the methods may be implemented in hardware (e.g., logic gates), or a combination of hardware and software. Exemplary hardware may be a programmable processor (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (complex programmable logic device)), a general-purpose processor, a graphics processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. One or more of the methods may be performed as part or a component of an application running on a system, or as an application or software running together with other applications and an operating system.

One or more of the methods described herein may be implemented as standalone programs that run on any type of computing device, as programs that run in a web browser, as mobile applications (“apps”) that run on mobile computing devices (e.g., cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, wearable devices (e.g., wristwatches, arm bands, jewelry, hats, goggles, glasses, etc.), laptop computers, etc.). In one example, a client/server architecture may be used, such that the mobile computing device (as a client device) transmits user input data to a server device and receives final output data from the server for output (e.g., for display). In another example, all of the computations may be performed within the mobile app (and/or other apps) of the mobile computing device. In another example, the computations may be split between the mobile computing device and one or more server devices.

Although the description has been described with respect to that particular implementation, that particular implementation is merely illustrative and not limiting. The concepts described in the example may be applied to other examples and implementations.

It is noted that the functional blocks, operations, features, methods, devices and systems described in the present disclosure may be integrated or split into different combinations of systems, devices and functional blocks, as would be known to those skilled in the art. Any suitable programming language and programming technique may be used to implement the routines of a particular implementation. Different programming techniques, for example, procedural or object-oriented, may be used. The routines may be executed on a single processing device or on multiple processors. Although the steps, operations or calculations may be presented in a particular order, the order may vary in different particular implementations. In some implementations, a number of steps or operations depicted herein as being sequential may be performed concurrently.

Claims (20)

As a computer implemented method,
A step of accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, each game of the one or more games being associated with an individual game developer, and wherein the electronic log comprises a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period;
A step of determining a ratio of game play duration for each of said one or more games during said first period;
For each of said one or more games, calculating an initial payout for said first period based at least in part on a percentage of said game play duration;
a step of summing said initial payout for each of said one or more games into a total payout over a second period, said second period being greater than said first period;
A step of receiving a fraud detection signal associated with said user account;
adjusting said aggregate payout for each of said one or more games having a fraud indication in said fraud detection signal, wherein said adjusting step is performed after a third period, said third period being greater than said second period; and
After the above adjusting step, a step of sending an electronic payment to the developer account of the individual game developer for each of the one or more games.
Including,
A computer-implemented method wherein said electronic payment is based on said aggregate payout for each individual game of said one or more games. In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method, wherein the first period is 24 hours. In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method, wherein said accessing step comprises accessing a log for said user session of said user account, which is a subscriber account of said gaming platform. In the first paragraph,
The step of calculating the initial payment comprises the step of multiplying the total revenue amount by at least one of the first factor, the second factor and the third factor,
A computer implemented method, wherein the first factor is a percentage of game play during the first period, the second factor is a commission factor, and the third factor is a holdback percentage. In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method, wherein the step of receiving the fraud detection signal comprises receiving the fraud detection signal from a payment provider system having fraud visibility. In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method wherein the step of adjusting the aggregate payout comprises the step of reducing the aggregate payout based on revenues received from payment providers that do not have fraud visibility. In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method, wherein the step of transmitting the electronic payment comprises the step of transmitting a virtual currency payment to the developer account. In the first paragraph,
A step of combining said aggregate payment for each of said one or more games from a plurality of user accounts of said gaming platform;
generating an earnings preview graph for each of said one or more games, said earnings preview graph representing earnings accumulated by each game over said second period; and
A step for causing the above revenue preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with the game developer of each of the above games.
A computer implemented method further comprising: In the first paragraph,
A computer-implemented method further comprising the steps of performing fraud detection for each game by analyzing gameplay by the user account in the game and determining whether the gameplay deviates from a baseline. In the first paragraph,
a step of clustering the gameplay activities of said user; and
A step of determining whether the above gameplay activity is within a threshold distance from an actual activity cluster.
A computer implemented method further comprising: As a device for performing fraud detection in electronic payments,
one or more processors; and
A memory coupled to said one or more processors, said memory having stored instructions that, when executed by said one or more processors, cause an operation to be performed.
, wherein the actions include:
Accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, each game of the one or more games being associated with an individual game developer, and wherein the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period;
Determining a percentage of game play duration for each of said one or more games during said first period;
For each of said one or more games, calculating an initial payout for said first period based at least in part on a percentage of said game play duration;
Summing said initial payout for each of said one or more games into a total payout over a second period, said second period being greater than said first period;
Receiving a fraud detection signal associated with said user account;
adjusting said aggregate payout for each of said one or more games having a fraud indication in said fraud detection signal, said adjusting being performed after a third period, said third period being greater than said second period; and
After making the above adjustments, sending an electronic payment to the developer account of said individual game developer for each of said one or more games.
Including,
A device wherein said electronic payment is based on said aggregate payout for each individual game of said one or more games. In Article 11,
A device wherein the first period is 24 hours. In Article 11,
A device wherein said accessing comprises accessing a log for said user session of said user account, which is a subscriber account of said gaming platform. In Article 11,
A device wherein calculating said initial payout comprises multiplying the total revenue amount by at least one of a first factor, a second factor and a third factor, wherein the first factor is a percentage of game play during the first period, the second factor is a commission factor, and the third factor is a holdback percentage. In Article 11,
Receiving said fraud detection signal comprises receiving said fraud detection signal from a payment provider system having fraud visibility;
The device wherein adjusting said aggregate payout comprises reducing said aggregate payout based on revenues received from payment providers that do not have fraud visibility. In Article 11,
The above actions are:
Combining said aggregate payouts for each of said one or more games from multiple user accounts of said gaming platform;
generating a revenue preview graph for each of said one or more games, said revenue preview graph representing revenue accumulated by each individual game over said second period; and
A device further comprising causing said revenue preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with the developer of each said game. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that, in response to execution by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform an action, the action comprising:
Accessing an electronic log of a user session associated with a user account on a gaming platform, wherein the user session is for one or more games hosted on the gaming platform, each game of the one or more games being associated with an individual game developer, and wherein the electronic log includes a list of the one or more games and a play duration for each of the one or more games during a first period;
Determining a percentage of game play duration for each of said one or more games during said first period;
For each of said one or more games, calculating an initial payout for said first period based at least in part on a percentage of said game play duration;
Summing said initial payout for each of said one or more games into a total payout over a second period, said second period being greater than said first period;
Receiving a fraud detection signal associated with said user account;
adjusting said aggregate payout for each of said one or more games having a fraud indication in said fraud detection signal, said adjusting being performed after a third period, said third period being greater than said second period, and
After making the above adjustments, sending an electronic payment to the developer account of said individual game developer for each of said one or more games.
Including,
A non-transitory computer-readable medium wherein said electronic payment is based on said aggregate payout for each individual game of said one or more games. In Article 17,
The above actions are:
Combining said aggregate payouts for each of said one or more games from multiple user accounts of said gaming platform;
generating a respective revenue preview graph for each of said one or more games, said revenue preview graph representing revenue accumulated by each individual game over said second period; and
A non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprising causing the above revenue preview graph to be displayed on a user interface on an electronic display of a game developer device associated with the developer of each of the above games. In Article 17,
The above actions are:
Performing fraud detection for each game based on analyzing gameplay by said user account in said game; and
Comparing the above gameplay to the baseline
A non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprising: In Article 17,
The above actions are:
Clustering gameplay activities; and
A non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprising determining whether the gameplay activity is within a threshold distance from a cluster of actual activities.