METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED GAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of this application relate to a user device and a server for use in playing a computer implemented game.

Some embodiments may relate to engaging users or players in a computer game executable in an online environment.

Some embodiments relate to controlling a user interface responsive to user engagement with displayed elements on the interface of a computer device.

The embodiments may have particular, but not exclusive application in the field of computer implemented applications including for example games, in an online or offline environment, and computing devices therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field of computer-implemented games, there are many technical challenges facing the designer of such games when considering how, for example, the user interface is to be controlled in the context of computer devices available to play the game.

One technical challenge can involve allowing a game to be fun and compelling even when there is limited display resource available, such as when a game is being played on a smartphone, tablet, or other minicomputer. Another significant challenge is that of user engagement. Engagement involves designing gameplay to be engaging and rewarding to players. This typically requires games to be easily understood at their simplest or introductory levels, providing rewarding gameplay with quite simple game mechanics, but becoming progressively more challenging so that players are not bored, but remain engaged and develop rewarding skills. Effective engagement requires various forms of feedback to reinforce player sense of success and accomplishment.

A technical challenge is to create a computer device and method which can support continuous user engagement and provide an engaging user experience.

Another technical challenge is how to retain casual game play where a user is able to play a game as and when they like while at the same time providing a sense of interaction.

Another technical challenge is how to introduce strategic game play in a casual game play environment.

A common genre of casual games is so-called match games. This is a type of tile-matching game where the player manipulates tiles or game objects according to a matching criterion.

A match-three game is a type of casual puzzle game where the player is required to find patterns on a seemingly chaotic board. The player then has to match three or more of the same type of game element on the game board and those matched elements will then disappear.

An existing type of match-three game is a so-called “switcher” game. In a switcher game, the player switches the place of two adjacent game elements on the game board so that one or both of them create a chain of at least three adjacent game elements of the same type. Those matched game elements will then disappear. The game board is then repopulated with game elements. One such known match three-type switcher game is known by the trademark Candy Crush Saga.

Another known type of game is “linker game”, where a sequence of game elements sharing a matching characteristic are linked and removed from the game board.

Another example is the so called ‘clicker’ games where the player can click on a group of adjacent game elements of a certain type and those game element will then be removed. Some clicker games only require two adjacent elements to remove those elements if clicked by the user. Others may require more than two. To play the game, the user will, via a user interface, click on any group of two or more touching blocks satisfying a criteria. The criteria may be that the blocks share a matching characteristic. New blocks may or may not appear on the game board. The remaining game element blocks may drop down to fill gaps on the game board.

This patent specification describes not only various ideas and functions, but also their creative expression. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document therefore contains material to which a claim for copyright is made and notice is hereby given: Copyright King.com Limited 2022 (pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 401). A claim to copyright protection is made to all screen shots, icons, look and feel and all other protectable expression associated with the games illustrated and described in this patent specification.

The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all other copyright rights whatsoever. No express or implied license under any copyright whatsoever is therefore granted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect, there is provided a computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor wherein: the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display on a first screen a first user interactive area associated with a first task, information associated with a progress in completing a plurality of tasks, and a narrative associated with the first task; in response to user input received via the user interface interacting with the first user interactive area, the at least one processor is configured to update the information associated with the progress in completing the plurality of tasks to include completion of the first task and to determine if all the plurality of tasks have been completed; and the at least one processor is configured, when it is determined that all the plurality of tasks have been completed to cause a reward to be provided.

The narrative associated with the first task may comprise a dialog between two or more characters associated with the computer implemented game.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display on the first screen the two or more characters along with the dialog.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display on the first screen the dialog between the two or more characters in the form of speech bubbles.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display information about the first task, the information about the first task indicating that the first task is a response to the dialog.

The at least one processor may be configured to provide one or more levels of the computer implemented game, and in response to playing of one or more levels of the computer implemented game provide one or more task contributions, the at least one processor requiring one or more task contributions in order for a task to be completed.

The at least one processor may be configured to provide one or more task contributions in response to completion of a respective level of the computer implemented game.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine if a plurality of sets of tasks have been completed, and in response to the completion of the plurality of sets of tasks to provide a reward.

The reward provided for completing the plurality of sets of tasks may have a greater in game value than the reward provided for completing the plurality of tasks.

The at least one processor may be configured, in response to the completion of the plurality of sets of tasks, to update an in game background.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine if a plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks have been completed and in response to the completion of the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks being completed to provide a reward.

The reward provided for completing the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks may have a greater in game value than the reward provided for completing the plurality of sets of tasks.

The at least one processor is configured, in response to the completion of the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks, to update an in game background.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display a second screen, said second screen comprising a second user interactive area, and in response to user input received via the user interface interacting with the second user interactive area, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the first screen to be displayed by the display.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display information associated with second user interactive area indicating the progress in completing the plurality of tasks.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display as a background in the first screen an upgradable image, the upgradable image being upgradable by one or more of the rewards.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; the at least one processor may be configured, in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, cause one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display, the items being to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen; the at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and the at least one processor may be configured in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image to provide a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; the at least one processor may be configured, in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, cause one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects; the at least one processor may be configured to determine a first contribution associated with the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen; the at least one processor may be configured to determine if the respective level has been completed and to determine a second contribution; and the at least one processor may be configured to determine if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so to provide one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer method providing a computer implemented game, the method being provided by a computer device configured to provide the computer implemented game and comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor, the method comprising: causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display on a first screen a first user interactive area associated with a first task, information associated with a progress in completing a plurality of tasks, and a narrative associated with the first task; in response to user input received via the user interface interacting with the first user interactive area, updating, by the at least one processor, the information associated with the progress in completing the plurality of tasks to include completion of the first task and determining if all the plurality of tasks have been completed; and causing, by the at least one processor, a reward to be provided when it is determined that all the plurality of tasks have been completed.

The narrative associated with the first task may comprise a dialog between two or more characters associated with the computer implemented game.

The method may comprise causing the display to display on the first screen the two or more characters along with the dialog.

The method may comprise causing the display to display on the first screen the dialog between the two or more characters in the form of speech bubbles.

The method may comprise causing the display to display information about the first task, the information about the first task indicating that the first task is a response to the dialog.

The method may comprise providing one or more levels of the computer implemented game, and in response to playing of one or more levels of the computer implemented game provide one or more task contributions, one or more task contributions being required in order for a task to be completed.

The method may comprise providing one or more task contributions in response to completion of a respective level of the computer implemented game.

The method may comprise determining if a plurality of sets of tasks have been completed, and in response to the completion of the plurality of sets of tasks to provide a reward.

The reward provided for completing the plurality of sets of tasks may have a greater in game value than the reward provided for completing the plurality of tasks.

The method may comprise, in response to the completion of the plurality of sets of tasks, updating an in game background.

The method may comprise determining if a plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks have been completed and in response to the completion of the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks being completed to provide a reward.

The reward provided for completing the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks may have a greater in game value than the reward provided for completing the plurality of sets of tasks.

The method may comprise, in response to the completion of the plurality of the plurality of sets of tasks, updating an in game background.

The method may comprise causing the display to display a second screen, said second screen comprising a second user interactive area, and in response to user input received via the user interface interacting with the second user interactive area, the method may comprise causing the first screen to be displayed by the display.

The method may comprise causing the display to display information associated with second user interactive area indicating the progress in completing the plurality of tasks.

The method may comprise causing the display to display as a background in the first screen an upgradable image, the upgradable image being upgradable by one or more of the rewards.

The method may comprise: causing the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, causing one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display, the items being to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen; causing the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image to provide a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The method may comprise: causing the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, causing one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects; determining a first contribution associated with the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen; determining if the respective level has been completed and determining a second contribution; and determining if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so to provide one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented game, the at least one processor being configured to: cause the display to display on a first screen a first user interactive area associated with a first task, information associated with a progress in completing a plurality of tasks, and a narrative associated with the first task; in response to user input received via the user interface interacting with the first user interactive area, update the information associated with the progress in completing the plurality of tasks to include completion of the first task and determine if all the plurality of tasks have been completed; and cause a reward to be provided when it is determined that all the plurality of tasks have been completed.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising: a display configured to display game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; a user interface configured to detect user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; and at least one processor configured to update the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied, and to cause the display to display the updated respective first game element, wherein when the first game element is in an nth state, the next state is a first state.

The criteria may be that a move is made.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine if the first game element is in a first particular one of the n states and in response to cause a further game element to be provided on a first position on the game board.

The further game element may be provided over a game element at the first position of the game board.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine that a further game element removal criteria is satisfied and in response to cause the further game element to be removed from the game board.

When the further game element is removed, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the game element at the first position of the game board to be displayed by the display at the position on the gameboard.

The particular one of the n states may be the nth state.

The further game element may be of a third type, different to the first and second game types.

The further game element may have a position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The number of states may be three.

The first game element may have a position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The first game element may not be engageable by a user to make a move.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine that a respective first game element is in a second particular one of the n states, to determine that there has been an interaction with that respective first game element when the respective first game element is in the second particular one of the n states, and in response to the determination that there has been an interaction with that respective first game element to cause the respective first game element to be removed from the game board, the first game elements only being removable when in the second particular one of the n states.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer method providing a computer implemented game, the method being provided by a computer device configured to provide the computer implemented game and comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor, the method comprising: displaying, by the display, game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; detecting, via the user interface, user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; updating the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied; and causing the display to display the updated respective first game element, wherein when the first game element is in an nth state, the next state is a first state.

The criteria may be that a move is made.

The method may comprise determining if the first game element is in a first particular one of the n states and, in response, causing a further game element to be provided on a first position on the game board.

The further game element may be provided over a game element at the first position of the game board.

The method may comprise determining that a further game element removal criteria is satisfied and, in response, causing the further game element to be removed from the game board.

When the further game element is removed, the method may comprise causing the game element at the first position of the game board to be displayed by the display at the position on the gameboard.

The particular one of the n states may be the nth state.

The further game element may be of a third type, different to the first and second game types.

The further game element may have a position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The number of states may be three.

The first game element may have a position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The first game element may not be engageable by a user to make a move.

The method may comprise determining that a respective first game element is in a second particular one of the n states, determining that there has been an interaction with that respective first game element when the respective first game element is in the second particular one of the n states, and in response to the determination that there has been an interaction with that respective first game element causing the respective first game element to be removed from the game board, the first game elements only being removable when in the second particular one of the n states.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented game, the at least one processor being configured to: display, by the display, game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; detect, via the user interface, user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; update the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied; and cause the display to display the updated respective first game element, wherein when the first game element is in an nth state, the next state is a first state.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising: a display configured to display game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising a group of a plurality of first game elements of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; a user interface configured to detect user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; and at least one processor configured to update the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied, to determine if all of first game elements of the group have a same particular one of the states, and when all of the first game elements of the group have the same particular one of the states, cause all of the first game elements of the group to be removed from the game board.

The criteria may be that there is an interaction with a respective first game element.

The game elements may comprise one or more booster game elements, the at least one processor being configured to determine that one or more booster game elements has been triggered to interact with a respective first game element and in response to change the state of the respective first game element.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine that second game elements having at least one common matching characteristic satisfy a match condition, at least one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is adjacent to a respective first game element, and in response to change the state of the respective first game element.

The number of states may be two.

The first game elements may have a respective position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The first game elements may not be engageable by a user to make a move.

The first game elements may provide one or additional effects when removed from the game board.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause removal from the game board of one or more game elements located adjacent to a respective first game element being removed from the game board.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause removal from the game board of each game element located adjacent to a respective first game element being removed from the game board.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer method providing a computer implemented game, the method being provided by a computer device configured to provide the computer implemented game and comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor, the method comprising: displaying on the display game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising a group of a plurality of first game elements of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; detecting user input, via the user interface, when a user engages with a game element in a move; updating the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied; determining if all of first game elements of the group have a same particular one of the states; and when all of the first game elements of the group have the same particular one of the states, causing all of the first game elements of the group to be removed from the game board.

The criteria may be that there is an interaction with a respective first game element.

The method may comprise determining that second game elements having at least one common matching characteristic satisfy a match condition, at least one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is adjacent to a respective first game element, and in response to change the state of the respective first game element.

The number of states may be two.

The first game elements may have a respective position which is fixed with respect to the game board.

The first game elements may not be engageable by a user to make a move.

The first game elements may provide one or additional effects when removed from the game board.

The method may comprise causing removal from the game board of one or more game elements located adjacent to a respective first game element being removed from the game board.

The method may comprise causing removal from the game board of each game element located adjacent to a respective first game element being removed from the game board.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented game, the at least one processor being configured to: display on the display game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising a group of a plurality of first game elements of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type, a respective first game element having n states where n is two or more, each state of the respective first game element being associated with a different visual appearance; detect user input, via the user interface, when a user engages with a game element in a move; update the state of a respective first game element to a next one of the states responsive to a criteria being satisfied; determine if all of first game elements of the group have a same particular one of the states; and when all of the first game elements of the group have the same particular one of the states, cause all of the first game elements of the group to be removed from the game board.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising: a display configured to display game elements in a game board of a computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type; a user interface configured to detect user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; and at least one processor configured at least one processor configured to determine that second game elements having at least one common matching characteristic satisfy a match condition, that one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is adjacent to a first game element, and in response to move that first game element to a different location on the gameboard.

The at least one processor may be configured to move the first game element to an adjacent location on the game board.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the first game element to swap position with the game element at the different location on the game board.

The first game element may have a plurality of layers.

The game elements may further comprise one or more booster game elements, the at least one processor being configured to determine that one or more booster game elements has been triggered to interact with a respective first game element and in response to cause a layer of the first game element to be removed.

The at least one processor may be configured when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is above the first game element to cause the game element to move in a downward direction.

The at least one processor may be configured when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is below the first game element to cause the game element to move in an upward direction.

The at least one processor may be configured when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is to a right of the first game element to cause the game element to move in a left direction.

The at least one processor may be configured when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is to a left of the first game element to cause the game element to move in a right direction.

The at least one processor may be configured when the first game element adjacent an edge of the game board to select a position to which the first game element can move.

The number of layers may be three.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine if a static game element is located in a candidate different location for the first game element and when there is a static game element in the candidate location, cause the first game element to be moved to a to a different location on the gameboard.

The interaction may remove a layer of the static game element.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine if a static game element is located in a candidate different location for the first game element and when there is a static game element in the candidate location, cause the static game element to be removed from the game board.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer method providing a computer implemented game, the method being provided by a computer device configured to provide the computer implemented game and comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor, the method comprising: displaying by the display game elements in a game board of the computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type; detecting user input, via the user interface, when a user engages with a game element in a move; determining that second game elements having at least one common matching characteristic satisfy a match condition and that one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is adjacent to a first game element; and in response moving that first game element to a different location on the gameboard.

The method may comprise moving the first game element to an adjacent location on the game board.

The method may comprise causing the first game element to swap position with the game element at the different location on the game board.

The first game element may have a plurality of layers.

The method may comprise, when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is above the first game element, causing the game element to move in a downward direction.

The method may comprise, when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is below the first game element, causing the game element to move in an upward direction.

The method may comprise, when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is to a right of the first game element, causing the game element to move in a left direction.

The method may comprise, when the one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is to a left of the first game element, causing the game element to move in a right direction.

The method may comprise, when the first game element adjacent an edge of the game board, selecting a position to which the first game element can move.

The number of layers may be three.

The method may comprise determining if a static game element is located in a candidate different location for the first game element and when there is a static game element in the candidate location, causing the first game element to be moved to a to a different location on the gameboard.

The interaction may remove a layer of the static game element.

The method may comprise determining if a static game element is located in a candidate different location for the first game element and when there is a static game element in the candidate location, cause the static game element to be removed from the game board.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented game, the at least one processor being configured to: display by the display game elements in a game board of the computer implemented game, the game board comprising a plurality of tiles, the game elements comprising at least one first game element of a first type and at least one second game element of a second type; detect user input, via the user interface, when a user engages with a game element in a move; determine that second game elements having at least one common matching characteristic satisfy a match condition and that one of the second game elements satisfying the match condition is adjacent to a first game element; and in response move that first game element to a different location on the gameboard.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor wherein: the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; the at least one processor is configured, in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, cause one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects; the at least one processor is configured to determine a first contribution associated the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen; the at least one processor is configured to determine if the respective level has been completed and to determine a second contribution; and the at least one processor is configured to determine if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so to provide one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item.

The one or more items may be provided by a respective recipe and the one or more game objects may comprise one or more ingredients.

The at least one processor may be configured to use said one or more inventory items, selected by user input received via the user interface, to upgrade or unlock a recipe associated with a respective item to provide an unlocked or upgraded item which is provided in another level of the computer implemented game.

The at least one processor may be configured to: cause the display to display for the respective level of the computer implemented game the upgradable image in the second area of the game play screen; cause the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image to provide a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display a current appearance of the upgradable image on the image upgrade screen.

The upgradable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of a food truck.

The upgradeable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of an interior of a food truck.

The at least one processor may be configured to provide one or more options in the image upgrade screen for upgrading the interior of the food truck and one or more options for upgrading an exterior of the food truck.

One or more of the items may be associated with a plurality of levels, the level of a respective item determining a number of points provided by the respective item.

A respective option for upgrading the upgradeable image may be associated with a respective number of points, and the at least one processor may be configured to cause the respective number of points to be used when the respective option is selected.

The at least one processor may be configured to use one or more of the inventory items to cause the item to be upgraded to a next level of the respective item.

The game board may provide a match 3 game.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: causing, by at least one processor, a display to display for a respective level of a computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via a user interface with the game board to play the respective level; in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, causing, by the at least one processor, one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects; determining, by the at least one processor, a first contribution associated the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen; determining, by the at least one processor, if the respective level has been completed and to determining a second contribution; and determining, by the at least one processor, if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so providing, by the at least one processor, one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item.

The one or more items may be provided by a respective recipe and the one or more game objects comprise one or more ingredients.

The method may comprise using, by the at least one processor, said one or more inventory items, selected by user input received via the user interface, to upgrade or unlock a recipe associated with a respective item to provide an unlocked or upgraded item which is provided in another level of the computer implemented game.

The method may comprise: causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display for the respective level of the computer implemented game the upgradable image in the second area of the game play screen; causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image, providing, by the at least one processor, a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display a current appearance of the upgradable image on the image upgrade screen.

The upgradable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of a food truck.

The upgradeable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of an interior of a food truck.

The method may comprise providing, by the at least one processor, one or more options in the image upgrade screen for upgrading the interior of the food truck and one or more options for upgrading an exterior of the food truck.

One or more of the items may be associated with a plurality of levels, the level of a respective item determining a number of points provided by the respective item.

A respective option for upgrading the upgradeable image may be associated with a respective number of points, wherein the method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor, the respective number of points to be used when the respective option is selected.

The method may comprise using, by the at least one processor, one or more of the inventory items to cause the item to be upgraded to a next level of the respective item.

The game board may provide a match 3 game.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to: cause a display to display for a respective level of a computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, cause one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects; determine a first contribution associated the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen; determine if the respective level has been completed and to determine a second contribution; and determine if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so to provide one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item.

The one or more items may be provided by a respective recipe and the one or more game objects comprise one or more ingredients.

The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to use said one or more inventory items, selected by user input received via the user interface, to upgrade or unlock a recipe associated with a respective item to provide an unlocked or upgraded item which is provided in another level of the computer implemented game.

The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to: cause the display to display for the respective level of the computer implemented game the upgradable image in the second area of the game play screen; cause the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image, provide a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to cause the display to display a current appearance of the upgradable image on the image upgrade screen.

The upgradable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of a food truck.

The upgradeable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of an interior of a food truck.

The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to provide one or more options in the image upgrade screen for upgrading the interior of the food truck and one or more options for upgrading an exterior of the food truck.

One or more of the items may be associated with a plurality of levels, the level of a respective item determining a number of points provided by the respective item.

A respective option for upgrading the upgradeable image may be associated with a respective number of points, wherein The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to cause the respective number of points to be used when the respective option is selected.

The instructions, when implemented by the at least one processor, may cause the computer device to be configured to use one or more of the inventory items to cause the item to be upgraded to a next level of the respective item.

The game board may provide a match 3 game.

A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the method(s) may also be provided. The computer program may be stored and/or otherwise embodied by means of a carrier medium.

According to another aspect computer device configured to provide a computer implemented game, the computer device comprising a display, a user interface, at least one memory, and at least one processor wherein: the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; the at least one processor is configured, in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, cause one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display, the items being to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen; the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and the at least one processor is configured in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image to provide a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The at least one upgrade option associated with the upgradeable image may provide a booster triggering option in a respective level of the computer implemented game.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the at least one booster triggering option to be triggered in response to one or more criteria being satisfied by gameplay associated with the gameboard.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause one or more boosters to be provided on the game board in response to determining that the one or more criteria have been satisfied.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display a current appearance of the upgradable image on the image upgrade screen.

The upgradable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of a food truck.

The upgradeable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of an interior of a food truck.

The at least one processor may be configured to provide one or more points in response to each of the one or more items being provided in the second area of the display.

One or more of the items may be associated with a recipe.

One or more of the items may be associated with a plurality of levels, the level of a respective item determining a number of points provided by the respective item.

The at least one processor may be configured, in response to the providing of the item, to cause the associated number of points for the respective item to be used to progress to or towards a next level of the respective item.

The at least one processor may be configured when a respective item has reached a maximum level to cause one or more levels associated with the upgradable image to become available.

A respective option for upgrading the upgradeable image may be associated with a respective number of points, the at least one processor being configured to cause the respective number of points to be used when the respective option is selected.

The upgradable image may comprise a plurality of levels.

The at least one processor may be configured such that one or more different ones of the items can only be provided when the upgradable image has reached a respective level.

The at least one processor may be configured to select one of a plurality of different upgradable images to be displayed in the second area of the game play screen, different ones of the upgradable images being associated with different items.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display in the second area, one or more components related to the items to be provided.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine by the at least one processor that a first game object is collected in response to determining that a move made by a user via the user interface causes a match to be made on the game board adjacent a respective first game object.

The at least one processor may be configured to determine that a first game object is collected in response to determining that a move made by a user via the user interface causes a booster game element to be triggered, the triggering of the booster element causing the first game object to be collected.

According to another aspect there is a method provided by a computer device, the computer device having at least one processor, at least one memory, a display, and a user interface, the method comprising: causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; causing, by the at least one processor in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display, the items being to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen; causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image, providing by the at least one processor a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

The at least one upgrade option associated with the upgradeable image may be configured to provide a booster triggering option in a respective level of the computer implemented game.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor, the at least one booster triggering option to be triggered in response to one or more criteria being satisfied by gameplay associated with the gameboard.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor, one or more boosters to be provided on the game board in response to determining that the one or more criteria have been satisfied.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display a current appearance of the upgradable image on the image upgrade screen.

The upgradable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of a food truck.

The upgradeable image displayed in the second area of the game play screen may be of an interior of a food truck.

The method may comprise providing, by the at least one processor, one or more points in response to each of the one or more items being provided in the second area of the display.

One or more of the items may be associated with a recipe.

One or more of the items may be associated with a plurality of levels, the level of a respective item determining a number of points provided by the respective item.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor in response to the providing of the respective item, to cause the associated number of points for the respective item to be used to progress to or towards a next level of the respective item.

The method may comprise causing, by the at least one processor when a respective item has reached a maximum level, one or more levels associated with the upgradable image to become available.

A respective option for upgrading the upgradeable image may be associated with a respective number of points, the method comprising causing, by the at least one processor, the respective number of points to be used when the respective option is selected.

The upgradable image may comprise a plurality of levels.

The method may comprise providing, by the at least one processor, one or more different ones of the items only when the upgradable image has reached a respective level.

The method may comprise selecting, by the at least one processor, one of a plurality of different upgradable images to be displayed in the second area of the game play screen, different ones of the upgradable images being associated with different items.

The at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display in the second area, one or more components related to the items to be provided.

The method may comprise determining, by the at least one processor, that a first game object is collected in response to determining that a move made by a user via the user interface causes a match to be made on the game board adjacent a respective first game obj ect.

The method may comprise determining, by the at least one processor, that a first game object is collected in response to determining that a move made by a user via the user interface causes a booster game object to be triggered, the triggering of the booster object causing the first game object to be collected.

According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer program product comprising instructions which, when implemented by the at least one processor, cause a computer device to be configured to provide a computer implemented game, the at least one processor being configured to: cause a display of the computer device to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level; cause, in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display, the items being to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen; cause the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen, the image upgrade screen having one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image; and in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image, providing a first upgraded image, wherein when a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

A computer program comprising program code means adapted to perform the method(s) may also be provided. The computer program may be stored and/or otherwise embodied by means of a carrier medium.

In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To understand some embodiments, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first example embodiment of a game board;

FIG. 2 shows an example user device in which some embodiments may be provided;

FIG. 3 shows an example system in which some embodiments may be provided;

FIG. 4 shows a view of the functional components of the game;

FIGS. 5a to c show examples of screens which are displayed while a user plays a level of a computer implemented game of some embodiments;

FIG. 6 which shows an example of a screen which allows a game level option to be selected;

FIG. 7 shows an example screen displayed when the game level option of FIG. 6 is selected;

FIG. 8 shows an example screen displayed when a food truck upgrade option of FIG. 6 is selected;

FIGS. 9a and 9b shows example screens displayed when the recipe menu option of FIG. 6 is selected;

FIG. 10a shows an example of a food truck prior to and after upgrading;

FIGS. 10b and 10c show some further example screens displayed when a food truck upgrade option is selected;

FIG. 10d shows a kitchen of the food truck after the upgrade options of FIG. 10c have been selected and applied;

FIG. 11 shows an upgrade option of the food truck applied during playing of a level;

FIG. 12 shows an example screen which is displayed when the food truck option of FIG. 6 is selected;

FIG. 13a shows a general flow of some embodiments;

FIG. 13b shows a method of some embodiments;

FIG. 14 shows another method of some embodiments;

FIG. 15 shows another method of some embodiments;

FIG. 16a to FIG. 16c show the unlocking of a recipe blueprint in some embodiments;

FIG. 17 shows an example screen which is displayed showing a chest of ingredients to be unlocked; and

FIG. 18 shows another method of some embodiments.

FIGS. 19a to 19d shows example screens showing tasks of some embodiments;

FIG. 19e shows another method of some embodiments;

FIGS. 20a to 20c show gameboards with a blocker of some embodiments;

FIG. 20d shows the different states of the blocker of FIGS. 20a to c;

FIGS. 21a and 21b show gameboards illustrating the removal of the blocker of FIGS. 20a to d;

FIG. 22 shows another method of some embodiments;

FIG. 23a shows a gameboard with another blocker of some embodiments;

FIG. 23b and c shows the different states of the blocker of FIG. 23a;

FIG. 23d shows another method of some embodiments;

FIGS. 24a to 24d show gameboards with another blocker of some embodiments;

FIG. 25 shows another method of some embodiments; and

FIG. 26 shows a data structure used in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The terms user and player are used interchangeably throughout this document and no specific meaning is intended using one or the other unless the context suggests otherwise.

In the following description of various implementations of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various implementations in which the invention may be utilized. It is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A person skilled in the art will realise that the different approaches to implementing the game is not exhaustive, what is described herein are certain preferred embodiments. It is possible to implement embodiments in a number of variations.

One example of a game with which embodiments may be used is a ‘match-3 game’ where the player is required to find patterns on a seemingly chaotic board. The player then has to match three or more of the same type of game element on the game board and those matched elements will then disappear. In some games the user has to match more than 3 game elements.

FIG. 1 shows a display of a match 3 switcher game. FIG. 1 illustrates a game board 102 with a plurality of game elements 120. The game elements are each of six different shapes and colours. Of course, in other embodiments, there may be more or less than six different game elements. Each game element type may be defined by one or more of particular matching characteristics, for example a particular shape and colour combination. Each game element is supported by a tile 122. The tiles may not be readily visible to a player of the game - the game elements are the main focus for a player. However, the tiles govern characteristics of the game elements which are visible to a player.

In a match 3 switcher game, the aim of the game is to swap game of the same type with each other to make moves on the game board. To gain points the player has to make moves that create matches of at least three of the same game element. In doing so, the matched game elements are removed. As a result, game elements fall into place from the top of the game board in order to fill any spaces created. Assume in FIG. 1 that game element 120c is moved one place to the right to form a three-line match with game elements 120a and 120b. This has the effect of removing game elements 120a, 120b and 120c, creating a visual effect (for example an animation) on the screen to indicate the removal of the game elements. The two game elements which were directly above game elements 120a will now fall downwards into the spaces created by the removal of game elements 120a, 120b and 120c. The game elements on the newly created tiles which fall downwards into the game board are generated at random. The user then has a new game board on which to play a subsequent move.

Game elements may drop down from the top of the game board. In an alternative version the physics can vary so that the speed and/or direction of replacement game elements can alter. For example, the game board may be filled from below and/or from the sides. It should be appreciated that any suitable mechanism may be used to replace game elements which are removed from the game board as a result of a match being made.

Other examples of a casual social game are the so called ‘clicker’ games where the player can click on a group of adjacent game elements of a certain type and those will then be removed. Some clicker games only require two adjacent objects to remove those elements if clicked by the user. Others may require more than two.

Another type of match game are the so called ‘shooter’ games where the player launches for example a ball or bubble on to the game board trying to aim at groups of similar game elements already on the game board. If the launched ball hits or forms a group of more than 3 similar game elements then that group of game elements are removed from the game board.

Other embodiments may be used with any other suitable type of games. The previously described games are by way of example only.

In some embodiments, the game may be provided with different levels. Each level may have a specific goal. This will be discussed in more detail later.

A schematic view of a user device 1 which may be configured to provide one or more embodiments is shown in FIG. 2. The user device may be configured to provide a computer implemented game. All of the blocks shown are implemented by suitable circuitry. The blocks may be implemented in hardware and/or software. The user device may have a control part 10. The control part may be implemented by one or more processors 15 and one or more memories 20.

The control part 10 is shown as having a graphics controller 25 and a sound controller 30. It should be appreciated that one or other or both of the graphics controller 25 and sound controller 30 may comprise one or more processor and/or be provided by the one or more processors 15. The graphics and sound controllers may comprise memory and/or may operate in conjunction with the one or more memories 20.

The graphics controller 25 is configured to provide a video output 35. The sound controller 30 is configured to provide an audio output 40. The video output 35 is provided to a display 55. The audio out 40 is provided to an audio device 60 such as a speaker and or earphone(s).

A counter 21 may be provided. The counter may be a hardware function, a software function, or a combination thereof. The counter may be provided by the at least one processor, in some embodiments. The counter may provide a count up function and/or a countdown function. The counter may be used to keep track of remaining moves and/or used up moves. The counter may be used to keep track of a number of items which have been collected or are to be collected.

The control part 10 has an interface 45 allowing the device to be able to communicate with a network such as the Internet or other communication infrastructure.

The device 1 has an input device or user interface 65. The input device can take any suitable format and can be one or more of a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, joystick, or game controller. It should be appreciated that the display 55 may in some embodiments also provide the input device 65 by way of an integrated touch screen for example.

The blocks of the control part 10 are configured to communicate with each other by an interconnect such as a bus or any other suitable interconnect and/or by point-to-point communication.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, at least in part.

The user device 1 is shown by way of example only. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the parts may be omitted. Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may comprise one or more other parts. Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts may be combined.

The user device may be a so-called smart phone or tablet. In some embodiments, the user device may be relatively small with a relatively small touch screen or display.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a system 200 according to an embodiment. The system 200 comprises a server 220 which may store or be in communication with database 250 which may, in some embodiments, store game player’s details, profiles, statistics etc. In practice, one or more databases 250 may be provided. In practice, one or more servers 220 may be provided. Where one or more server is provided, the database(s) 250 may be provided in one database 250 across two or more servers.

The server 220 may communicate via, for instance, the internet 210 to one or more client or user devices 1, shown in FIG. 3 by way of example as user devices 1a, 1b and 1c. The server 220 may have connections to a social network 230, for example, Facebook™. The connections may be via the network or via a direct connection. The social network 230 may also be connected to a database 270 storing social user interaction details, for instance, user to user interaction maps, friend lists, location history etc. In practice, one or more databases 270 may be provided. The connection to the database 270 of the social network 230 may result in a local copy of part of the database 270 being made on the user device 1.

It should be recognised by those skilled in the art that the databases herein referred to may comprise external or remote storage, such as that described as being in a “cloud”.

It should be appreciated that embodiments may be deployed in different system architectures. For example, the computer game may be implemented as a computer game that is stored in the memory of the user device and is run on the processor of the user device. However, the server may handle some elements of the game in some embodiments. By way of example only, a Java game applet may be provided to the user device and the locally running Java applet will generate, for example, the graphics, sounds, and user interaction for the game play on the user device. Some data may be fed back to the server to allow interaction with other user devices. The data which is fed back may also allow scoring and/or cross platform synchronization.

In some embodiments, the game may be implemented as a computer program that is stored in a memory of the system, for example the server, and which runs on a processor of the game server. Data streams or updates are supplied to the user device to allow the user device to render and display graphics and sounds in a browser of the user device. Such an approach is sometimes referred to as a web services approach. It should be appreciated, however, that such an approach does not necessarily require the use of the Internet.

The game may be played in an offline mode on a handheld device using locally stored information on the handheld device. The device may store all or some of the levels that are available as applicable to the particular game and its objectives. Some of the features may be locally executed on the device.

Some embodiments may be provided in the context of so-called saga or similar games. These are games which have one or more levels. In some games, a user may be required to complete a certain level before the user is able to progress to a next level. In some embodiments, the user may be able to go back and play any previous level. A game may have a number of different levels. Different levels may have different requirements to be met. For example, some levels may have one or more specific goals. Some examples of goals will be described in more detail later.

In some embodiments, the game can be implemented so that a player progresses through multiple levels. The different levels may have different levels of difficulty in some embodiments. For example, the trend may be for the levels to become increasingly difficult. However, in some embodiments, the difficulty of individual levels may vary within the progression from easier to harder to easier and so on.

In some embodiments, the player moves between levels and completes the levels one by one by playing the associated game. When the player reaches the goal or objective of a level, the next level is unlocked and the player can play that level in the game.

The levels can be divided into groups. The number of groups and levels can vary depending on the implementation. The levels may be numbered consecutively throughout the game or they can be numbered within a group, it is also understood that other ways of identifying the levels can be provided.

One way of unlocking new groups is to complete the last level on the latest group. The user may in some embodiments be provided with challenges to unlock the next group.

In some embodiments, the user can play any of the unlocked levels, so the user can go back and replay already completed levels to get a better score or beat friends’ high scores.

Reference is made to FIG. 6 which shows a screen 600 which the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display. This screen 600 has a first user selectable area 602 or button. When this user selectable area is selected by the user via the user interface, this causes the at least one processor to cause the display to display one or more screens which allow the user to play the selected level. The screen such as displayed in FIG. 6 may provide information about which level can be selected by the user to play. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the information is provided on the first user selectable area 602. In this example the level is level 21.

When the user selects the first selectable area 602, the at least processor is configured to cause the display to display the screen shown in FIG. 7. This screen will be discussed in more detail later.

Some embodiments are provided in the context of a food truck. The screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has a food truck upgrade option 606 which is selectable by user input received via the user interface. When this food truck upgrade option is selected by user input received via the user interface, the at least one processor is configured to cause the screen shown in FIG. 8 to be displayed. This screen is discussed in more detail later.

The screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has a recipe menu option 608 which is selectable by user input received via the user interface. When this option is selected by the user input, at least one processor is configured to cause screens such as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b to be displayed. This is discussed in more detail later.

The screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 has a food truck option 610 which is selectable by user input received via the user interface. When this option is selected by the user input, the at least one processor is configured to cause a screen such as shown in FIG. 12 to be displayed. This is discussed in more detail later.

Thus, when the user selects via the user interface the first selectable area 602, the at least processor is configured to cause the display to display the screen shown in FIG. 7. The at least one processor is configured to cause the screen to display information 700 about one or more items which are to be made, crafted or otherwise provided when playing the level. In the example of FIG. 7, burgers are to be made. Information may also be displayed as to the type of item to be made. This information may be provided by a visual indication of the item and/or with text information. For example, the burger may be a cheeseburger.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display information 702 about the number of items which are to be made in order to complete the level. In the example of FIG. 7, 2 burgers are to be made.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display an indication of a particular type of game object 704 which is be collected when playing the game in order to make the required number of items (two burgers in this example). In this example the game object is visualised as a grocery bag. In some embodiments, more than one particular type of game object may need to be collected.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the screen to display an indication 706 of the number of the particular type of game objects 704 which need to be collected when playing the level to cause the required number of items to be provided or made. Where more than one particular type of game object is to be collected, the number of each of those objects which need to be collected is displayed. The some or different numbers of the different particular type of game objects may need to be collected.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display a user selectable area 708 or button. When the user selects via the user interface the user selectable area 708, the at least processor is configured to cause the display to display the screen shown in FIG. 5a. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the screen shown in FIG. 7 may be omitted and selection of the first selectable area 602 of FIG. 6 may result in the screen such as shown in FIG. 5a being directly displayed.

Thus, when a level is selected by user input received from the user via the user interface, the at least one processor is configured to cause a game area 500 to be displayed. FIGS. 5a to 5c show an example game area 500 which is displayed on the display at various stages during the playing of a level. The game area 500 has a first game area 502 and a second game area 504. The first game area 502 comprises a gameboard. In some embodiments, this game board may provide a game area for playing a match game of any of the types previously described. The example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c is a match 3 switcher gameboard.

Matches made in the first game area 502 may allow objectives in the second game area 504 to be achieved. This will be described in more detail later.

The first game area 502 may be displayed below the second game area 504, above the second game area 504, to the left of the second game area 504 or to the right of the second game area 504. In some embodiments, the first game area may be at least partially provided in the second game area. In the example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c, the first game area is displayed below the second game area.

As mentioned previously, some embodiments are provided in the context of a food truck. The second game area may thus be visualised as a food truck, as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c. In the example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c, the truck is a burger truck. Matches made in the first game area enable food items to be prepared and sold in the second game area. The second game area may be visualised as the interior of a food truck in some embodiments. The second game area may include the visualization of one or more characters 506 who prepare the food items and/or one or more customers 508. The animation of the one or more characters and/or the one or more customers may be controlled responsive to game play on the game board.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c, the aim is to collect the required number of the particular type of game object 704 in the first game area.

This game object may in some embodiments be visualised as a grocery bag or other suitable container. In some embodiments, the one or more ingredients which are in the grocery bag or other suitable container may not be visible while in the grocery bag or other suitable container. When the game object is collected, the one or more ingredients in the grocery bag or other suitable container may be visualised.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the screen displayed in FIGS. 5a to 5c to indicate a total number of the particular game objects which need to be collected and the number of the particular game objects which have been collected so far. Thus, as referenced 512, 10 of these game objects need to be collected and in FIG. 5a 0 of the game objects have been collected, in FIG. 5b, 2 of the game objects have been collected and in FIG. 5c, 5 of the game objects have been collected. The counter function may keep track of the number of game objects which are to be collected and/or the number of game objects which have been collected.

The game objects may be collected using any suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, the game object may be collected by making one or more matches at a location adjacent the game object to be collected. Alternatively or additionally, the game object may be collected by making a match including one or more of the game objects to be collected. Alternatively or additionally, the game object may be collected by the activation one or more so-called booster game objects.

A booster game object is one which provides an effect on the game board when triggered. For example, a booster game object may remove a row or column of game elements, remove one or more blocking game elements, remove one or more game elements, and change one or more game elements from one type of game element to another type of game element. It should be appreciated that these are some examples of booster game objects. Alternative or additional examples of booster game objects may be used in some embodiments.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c, the food truck is a burger truck and is selling burgers. When a game object is collected, one or more components or ingredients for the item or burger are visualised as moving from the first game area to the second game area. For example, as shown in FIG. 5b, a required game object has been collected and the burger patty 518 and a slice of cheese 520 are shown in the second game areas. In some embodiments, the grocery bag is shown as moving to the second game area and on reaching the second game area, the ingredients are shown. In other embodiments, the ingredients are shown in the first game area when the grocery bag has been collected and are then shown moving to the second game area. The ingredients are then shown being assembled into the burger. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the one or more components or ingredients provided by one collected game object or grocery bag may not be sufficient to make a burger completely. Two or more of the grocery bags or game objects need to be collected to complete an item. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, there may be one or more items which can be made using the ingredients or components provided by a single collected game object. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the chef character to be animated to receive the one or more ingredients or components and start to make the recipe or item. In the case of a burger, for example, one or more burgers may start to be assembled.

Once an item or burger has been completed, using the ingredients or components provided by the one or more collected game objects, a complete burger item can be sold to a customer. As shown in FIG. 5c, a completed burger 522 is shown as being passed from the chef 506 to one of the customers 508. In this way, a player is provided with an experience which appears social.

In some embodiments, each time a burger or item is completed and sold to a customer, points and/or in game currency is earned. This is described in more detail later. It should be appreciated that the term points may encompass in game currency as well as any other type of points.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c, one or more ingredients are provided in a grocery bag or other suitable container. Alternatively or additionally, the game object to be collected may be visualised as one or more food ingredients. In some embodiments, one or more ingredients or one or more containers containing one or more ingredients may be covered by blockers. One or more of the blockers may be such that the one or more ingredients or one or more containers are not visible below the blockers. This may mean that the exact position of the ingredients in the grid may not be clear until one or more blockers are removed. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the blockers may be such that the one or more ingredients or one or more containers are visible below the blockers. The blockers may be removed by game play. When the blocker is removed the underlying ingredient or container containing one or more ingredients may be collected.

Alternatively or additionally, the ingredients or containers having the ingredients may need to be moved up the game board, by game play. When the ingredients/containers reach the top of the game board, those ingredients are collected.

The at least one processor is configured to cause the screen which is displayed on the display and as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c to indicate the level being played as referenced 514. In the example of FIGS. 5a to 5c, level 21 is being played. The at least one processor is configured to cause the screen which is displayed on the display and as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c to indicate a number of moves remaining as referenced 516. In the example of FIG. 5a, there are 22 moves remaining, in FIG. 5b, there are 15 moves remaining and in FIG. 5c there are 2 moves remaining. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the display to display the number of moves which have been used up. The counter function may keep track of the number of moves remaining and/or the number of moves used up.

Some embodiments provide one or more levels. In some embodiments, there may be sets of levels. In some embodiments, a set of levels may be associated with a particular type of food truck. For example, the food truck may be a burger truck such as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c.

Examples of food trucks may comprise one or more of the following food trucks: taco truck, pizza truck, sushi truck, bakery truck, pasta truck, BBQ truck, stir fry truck, smoothie truck, kebab tuck, paella truck, dim sum truck, ramen truck and seafood. Each food truck may be associated with one or more food items which are made from ingredients provided by collecting one or more collectable game objects. Different food trucks may make different items.

In some embodiments, when the food truck option 610 of FIG. 6 is selected, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display the screen shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, one food truck 1200 is currently available. In this example, the food truck 1200 is the burger truck. Two food trucks 1202 and 1204 are shown as currently unavailable. In this example, one of the food trucks 1202 is a pizza food truck and the other food truck 1204 is a sushi food truck. The list of food trucks may be scrollable. As shown in FIG. 12, a food truck which is available is shown with a different visual appearance to one which is not available. For example, a food truck which is unavailable may be displayed with a greyed-out appearance. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to cause an available food truck to be selected in response to user input via the user interface. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be configured to prevent an unavailable food truck from being selected by the user until it is unlocked.

As discussed previously, in some embodiments, one or more options may be provided to upgrade the food truck. When the food truck upgrade option 606 is selected by user input received via the user interface, the at least one processor causes the screen shown in FIG. 8 to be displayed on the display. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the screen shows a list of a number of options to upgrade the food truck. The first option 800 is to update the fryer, the second option 802 is to add a plant, a third option 804 is to decorate the food truck, a fourth option 806 is to add hot sauce, and a fifth option 808 is to upgrade a knife. Each option is associated with a user selectable area 810. The user selectable area may provide information as to the amount of in game currency or points required for the respective upgrade option. (This is earned as previously described). When a respective upgrade option is selected by user input received via the user interface, the at least one processor is configured to cause the food truck to be upgraded. This will require the associated amount of in game currency or points to be used up. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the associated number of points or in game currency to be decremented from a total amount of points or in game currency which has been accumulated by the user. In some embodiments, the counter function may be used to keep track of the number of points or in game currency which the user has.

It should be appreciated that the options shown in FIG. 8 are by way of example and one or more other upgrade options may alternatively or additionally be provided.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display the current interior 816 or kitchen of the truck.

In some embodiments, the options which are available to a user may depend on the level which the user has reached in the game. For example, as the user completes more levels, more options may be available to a user. One or more options may be associated with one or more specific levels. Alternatively or additionally, the upgrades may be divided into progressive sets of upgrades. All the upgrades in one set of upgrades may need to be completed before the user is offered one or more of the upgrades of the next set of upgrades.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to control the display such that only those options which are currently selectable by the user are displayed on the display. In other embodiments, those upgrade options which are unavailable to the user may be displayed but are locked. In other words, a locked option is not selectable by the user.

In some embodiments, there may be one or more options which are not yet available to the user. This may be due to the player having insufficient in game currency or points and/or may be an option which requires one or more other upgrades to be first completed. The options which are unavailable options are either not displayed or are displayed but are locked. A locked option is not selected by user input received via the user interface.

In some embodiments a food truck may have a basic appearance initially and can be upgraded as various options to upgrade the truck are selected. In the following references to upgrades to the truck are upgrades to the image of the truck. The image of the truck may be regarded as an upgradable image. This may be dependent on the level of the game or may be independent of the level of the game. As the food truck is upgraded, different parts of the truck may be upgraded. FIG. 10a shows one example of a truck 1000 (on the left) which has yet to be upgraded and the same truck (on the right) which has had several upgrades.

The upgrades may improve the exterior appearance of the truck. For example, the upgraded truck is provided with a blackboard 1002, a logo 1004, a light 1006, a canopy 1008, a burger sign 1010 on top of the truck and a drinks cooler 1012. It should be appreciated that these are by way of example only and other embodiments may alternatively or additionally have one or more alternative and/or additional upgrade options which can be applied to the exterior of the truck.

The upgrades may alternatively or additionally improve the appearance of the kitchen or interior of the food truck. As can be seen from FIGS. 5a to 5c, the kitchen of the food truck is displayed in the second game area. In some embodiments, any upgrade which is made to the kitchen of the food truck will be displayed in the second game area. Accordingly, as can be seen from FIG. 5a, there is a plant 524 which is provided in the kitchen of the food truck as a result of the add a plant option being selected. Thus, the upgrades which are made to the kitchen of truck via the truck upgrade screen are reflected in the image of the kitchen of the truck displayed in the second game area such as shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c.

Reference is made to FIGS. 10b to 10d which shows another example where the appearance of the kitchen of the food truck changes as a series of upgrades are performed. The appearance of the kitchen shown in FIG. 10b may be the appearance of the kitchen without any upgrades and is displayed in conjunction with the various upgrade options. It should be emphasised that the appearance of the kitchen shown in FIGS. 10b to d is also used when playing a level such as shown in relation to FIGS. 5a to 5c.

Referring first to FIG. 10b, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display the following options which are selectable by the user:

Remove junk 1020–- as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10b with FIG. 10c, this clears junk 1030 from the kitchen when selected;

Fix cables and pipes 1022 - as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10b with FIG. 10c, this fixes the cables and pipes 1032 in the kitchen when selected;

Fix window 1024 - as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10b with FIG. 10c, this fixes the window 1036 in the kitchen when selected; and

Buy fryer 1026- as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10b with FIG. 10c, this installs a fryer 1050 in the kitchen when selected.

The appearance of the kitchen shown in FIG. 10c may be the appearance of the kitchen after the upgrades of FIG. 10b have all been selected and applied. Again, the appearance of the kitchen is shown in conjunction with the various upgrade options.

Referring to FIG. 10c, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display the following options which are selectable by the user:

Buy fridge 1040- as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10c with FIG. 10d, this installs a fridge 1060 in the kitchen when selected;

Tools 1042–- as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10c with FIG. 10d, this puts up utensils 1062 in the kitchen when selected;

Lamps and Fan 1044 - as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10c with FIG. 10d, this sets up lights and fan 1064 in the kitchen when selected;

Paper boxes 1046 - as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10c with FIG. 10d, this stocks takeout boxes 1066 in the kitchen when selected;

Dishwasher 1048 - as can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10c with FIG. 10d, this installs a dishwasher 1068 in the kitchen when selected.

FIG. 10d shows just the appearance of the kitchen after the upgrades of FIG. 10c have been selected and applied. This image of the kitchen shown in FIG. 10d will be used when the game level is next played and/or when a truck upgrade menu is next selected.

It should be appreciated that when an option is selected by the user, this will use up a given amount of in game currency or points. If the user does not have sufficient in game currency or points, the user will not be able to select that option. In the examples shown in FIGS. 10b to 10e, each of the upgrade options is associated with the same amount of in game currency or points. Alternatively or additionally some options may be associated with different amounts of in game currency or points.

In the above, all the upgrade options have been selected. Of course, the user may select one, some, all or even none of the options from the truck upgrade menu.

In some embodiments, when the upgrade options have been selected and completed, the at least one processor is configured to cause a screen such as shown in FIG. 6 to be displayed on the display. The at least one processor may be configured to cause the screen of FIG. 6 to be displayed with an image of the truck prior to the selected upgrades. The at least one processor is then configured to cause the screen of FIG. 6 to be updated to show an image of the truck after the selected upgrades have been applied.

Alternatively, the at least one processor may be configured to cause the screen of FIG. 6 just to show the image of the food truck after the upgrades have been applied.

It should be appreciated that the visualisation of the second area as a food truck is by way of example only and other embodiment may be visualised in any other suitable setting such as a room, a building, an outside setting, a vehicle, a spaceship, a bus, a ship, a restaurant and or the like.

The second area can be regarded as an item producing area and can be visualised in any suitable way. Likewise, the item to be produced may be visualised in any suitable way.

As shown in FIG. 8, one of the options for an upgrade is a “hot sauce” option. The “hot sauce” option in a way in which a booster option is visualised but in other embodiments, this option may be visualised in any other suitable way. This provides a way in which a booster can be earned via game play on the game board and provided on the game board.

Thus, when the at least one processor causes the display to display the list of upgrade options, the hot sauce may be one of the displayed options. The hot sauce 1100 is shown in FIG. 11 and is provided in the kitchen of the truck. The hot sauce 1100 is activated by collecting one or more specific types of game element 1104 during game play. For example, game elements of a particular colour or shape may be collected. A game element is collected by removing it from the game board. The game element may be removed by being part of match or as a result of a booster being triggered. In some embodiments, n game elements may need to be collected in order to trigger the hot sauce of the kitchen.

In some embodiments, the at least one processer is configured to cause the display to provide information as to the type of game elements which need to be collected. This may be by displaying the hot sauce in the same colour as the game elements which are to be collected or otherwise conveyed. In some embodiments, the at least one processer is configured to cause the display to provide information to indicate the progress made by the user in collecting the game elements required to trigger the booster. In the example shown in FIG. 11, this is conveyed by means of a progress bar 1102. The counter function may be used to keep track of the number of required game elements which have been collected and/or the number of required game elements to be collected.

In some embodiments, when the hot sauce is triggered, one or more booster game objects 1106 are added to the game board in the first area.

In some embodiments, the hot sauce can be triggered more than once in a game. Once the hot sauce is triggered, provided that the player collects another n game elements, the hot sauce can be triggered again.

In some embodiments, one or more upgrades may be made to the hot sauce. An upgraded hot sauce may be triggered after a fewer number of game elements are collected and/or may provide a more powerful booster and/or may provide more boosters.

In some embodiments, the upgrades may allow the user to collect one or more additional hot sauces. Each hot sauce may be associated with a different booster. Each hot sauce may be associated with different types of game elements.

As mentioned earlier, when the recipe menu option 608 is selected, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display the screens shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. As the food truck is a burger truck, in this example the recipes are for burgers. In the example shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the menu is a scrollable menu with FIG. 9a showing one part of the menu and FIG. 9b showing a different part of the menu.

Every food truck may start with one or more basic recipes. When playing a level, the game logic (customers) may pick a combination of these recipes (type and amount) to be cooked during the playing of the level. In other embodiments, the customers may be provided by other players. In the example, reference is made to a recipe which list the ingredients (type and/or quantity which are required to provide a food item.

Other embodiments may have a defined set of any suitable game objects (type and/or quantity of game objects) which are required to provide an item.

For every time a recipe is cooked (that is an item is provided), the player receives a base points value. These points can be regarded as providing an in-game currency. These points may be received even if the level is lost. As the player repeats the recipe, the points provided by completing that recipe increases up to a maximum number of points for that recipe. These are the same points or in game currency which are used to provide the truck upgrades, in some embodiments.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, for each recipe 900 which is currently selectable by the at least one processor, information 902 is provided as to the subject of the recipe. For example, the recipe may be for a cheeseburger or a vegan black bean burger. A visual representation 904 of the subject of the recipe is displayed. Information 906 is provided as to the current points associated with the recipe. If the item associated with the recipe is completed by the player while playing the level, the indicated number of points is acquired by the player.

Information is provided about the progress the player is making to master the recipe (and hence maximise the number of points or in game currency received for making the item associated with the recipe). Each time the player completes the recipe, progress is made towards mastering the recipe. In the example shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, this information 9010 is provided by an indication of an achieved number of stars. For example, when a player has mastered a recipe, they will receive a maximum number of stars. In this example, the maximum number of stars is 5.

In some embodiments, a progress bar 912 or the like is shown in order to show the progress that the player is making towards getting the next star. As the player gets more stars, the player will receive more points each time the item is made.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9a, the player has mastered the cheeseburger by preparing it a required number of times and now receives 6 points when the cheeseburger is provided during the playing of a level. The cheeseburger is associated with 5 stars.

In contrast the crispy chicken burger has not yet been mastered, having one star. The chicken burger now provides 2 points when the chicken burger is provided during the playing of a level.

In some embodiments, an aim is to reveal recipes in a cookbook. A recipe is fully revealed when the recipe has been mastered. In some embodiments, each time the user obtains a star, another part of the recipe is revealed.

As shown in FIG. 9b, there may be one or more recipes 918 which are yet to be unlocked. The at least one processor is configured to cause a locked recipe to be displayed in such a way as to indicate to the user that the recipe is locked. The player may need to upgrade the truck to a given level and/or reach a given game level in order to unlock a particular recipe. In some embodiments, when a truck is levelled up, this causes one or more recipes to be unlocked.

In some embodiments, completing game levels earns in-game currency and also earns recipe points which contributes to the mastering of a recipe such as described in relation to FIGS. 9a and 9b. When enough recipe points have been earned, the star rating of the recipe can be upgraded up until the maximum star rating. The in-game currency can be used to upgrade the food truck. When the food truck is upgraded to a next truck level, a set of one or more recipes in unlocked.

The recipes are made up of ingredients. In some embodiments, there may be a wide range of different ingredient types. A recipe will require specific ingredient types and a specific amount of each ingredient type.

Some ingredients may be used by two or more different food trucks providing different cuisine types. For example, onions and tomatoes may be used by more than one food truck. Other ingredients may be used by only one or relatively few different food trucks providing different cuisine types. For example, ginger may be used by only one or relatively few different food trucks.

Each ingredient may be associated with a value. This value may translate to the ingredient’s rarity in the computer implemented game. In some embodiments, there may be three different values - which may translate to a basic ingredient, a premium ingredient and a gourmet ingredient respectively. Basic ingredients would be the most common ingredients and gourmet ingredients the least common ingredients. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, there may be more or less than three different values.

It should be appreciated that within some food trucks, certain ingredients are more common than others. For example, in a pizza truck, tomatoes would be more common than.

Recipes may be divided into tiers depending on the rarity of its ingredients.

In some embodiments, the value of a recipe may depend on the associated value of the ingredients used in that recipe.

Reference is made to FIG. 15 which shows the schematic flow of some embodiments.

As referenced A1, the player plays the computer implemented game by providing input via the user interface.

As referenced A2, as a result of playing the game, the at least one processor is configured to cause the computer implemented game to provide ingredients or items.

As referenced A3, the player is able to provide user input via the user interface which causes the at least one processor to use the ingredients or items earned to craft new recipes and/or to upgrade current recipes.

In some embodiments, recipe blueprints are provided. These recipe blueprints are predefined recipes that players need to craft to get a new recipe in their menu.

In some embodiments, the recipe blueprints/recipes are provided in a cookbook, which serves as the player’s recipe collection view

In some embodiments, each blueprint/recipe has its own page in the cookbook. The player input via the user interface is used by the at least one processor to craft and upgrade the recipes using ingredients which the player has acquired in the computer implemented game. For example, when the player has acquired the required number and type of ingredients to craft or upgrade a recipe, the player input may be to select an option to craft or upgrade the recipe. Additionally or alternatively, the player input may be to select a certain number of ingredients to “spend” towards completing the recipe, and once the required number of each ingredient has been spent, the recipe is crafted or upgraded.

Each recipe is associated with a value. The value of the recipe may be based on the number of ingredients and/or the respective value of each ingredient.

When a new blueprint is unlocked, any new ingredients are also unlocked with it. Those ingredients may be rewarded through game play such as described previously.

Reference is made to FIG. 16a which schematically shows an image 1600 which the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to show. This image is a blueprint that has just been unlocked. A blueprint may have a given number of ingredients 1602 which are known. In some embodiments, a blueprint may have three to five ingredients. When the at least one processor has just unlocked a blueprint, the visualisation and/or the name of the recipe may be unknown, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the visualisation and/or name of the recipe may be shown.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to show the value 1604 of the recipe. In this example, the recipe has a value of $5. As can be seen from FIG. 16a, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display each of the ingredients 1602 required in order to unlock the recipe as well as the quantity of those ingredients in order to unlock the recipe. In the example shown in FIG. 16a, five fish, five potatoes, five tomatoes, five loaves of bread, and five chilies are required in order to unlock the recipe. In some examples, the user may provide user input via the user interface to select or spend a certain number of ingredients from the inventory towards completing the recipe. In such cases, the number of each of those ingredients which have been “spent” may also be shown. As FIG. 16a shows in the displayed blueprint which has just been unlocked, that none of the required ingredients have been collected. In the state of the blueprint in FIG. 16a, the player is able to play the computer implemented game to start earning ingredients to unlock the recipe, but the recipe is not yet available to be used in the computer implemented game. The earning of ingredients will be discussed below in relation to FIG. 17.

Reference is made to FIG. 16b which shows the image 1606 which the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display. The image schematically shows the blueprint of FIG. 16a which is in progress. As can be seen from the displayed image of FIG. 16b, sufficient potatoes are available in an ingredient inventory as indicated by 5/5. This means that the player has five potatoes in his ingredient inventory of the computer implemented game. If the player chooses to “spend” the potatoes in the inventory, then a tick 1608 or other visual indication is provided. As is shown in relation to the loaves of bread and fish, the player has five loaves of bread in his inventory which have been applied to this recipe and five fishes in his inventory which also been applied to this recipe. These items are shown with a tick or other visual indication. For those ingredients which are still be collected, the number of those ingredients available in the inventory are shown. It can be seen that three tomatoes are available in the inventory and no chillies are available with the inventory. It should be noted that those ingredients for which there are sufficient items in the inventory but have not been applied to the recipe are displayed in a visually distinct manner from those ingredients where there are insufficient quantities of that particular ingredient in the inventory.

Reference is made to FIG. 16c which shows the image 1610 which the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display. The image is of the blueprint of FIG. 16a which is now a recipe which can in turn be upgraded. Once the recipe has been crafted, that is all of the required number of ingredients are available in the inventory and have been spent or applied to the blueprint, the recipe is completed. Alternatively, when all of the required number of ingredients are available in the inventory, the user may provide user input via the user interface to select a crafting option to use the required number of ingredients from the inventory to craft or complete the recipe. That recipe can then be cooked during game play. It should be noted that once the recipe has been completed information 1612 about the recipe displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 16c, an image of a sandwich is shown and the name of the sandwich also displayed.

However, the at least one processor may allow the recipe may be upgraded by investing in one or more of the ingredients. As can be seen from FIG. 16c, the number of each ingredient required to upgrade the recipe is shown. Upgrading the level of a recipe means that the value of the recipe increases in the computer implemented game. Accordingly, if that recipe is made during gameplay, the upgraded recipe will accumulate more in game currency. Once again, for upgrading of the recipe, the number of each ingredient required to upgrade the recipe is displayed along with indication of a number of those ingredients in the inventory. Where the inventory of the computer implemented game has enough of a particular ingredient, that ingredient is displayed in a visually distinct manner from those for which there are insufficient of that ingredient in the inventory. Again, once the items in the inventory have been applied, that item may be indicated with a tick or the like Alternatively, a player may upgrade the recipe once the required number of each ingredient is available in the inventory by selecting, via user input received via the user interface, an upgrade option.

In the example shown in FIG. 16c, the recipe can be upgraded four times with the current upgrade level indicated by the number of stars 1614.

When a recipe is upgraded to its maximum level, the player is no longer able to apply ingredients to that recipe. However, the recipe continued to be available for the player to use should they so wish.

Reference is made to FIG. 17 which shows an image displayed by the display. In some embodiments, completing a level of the computer implemented game may earn one or more points 1702. When the player has accumulated enough points or has sufficient in-game currency 1704, the at least one processor may be configured to release a bundle of one or more ingredients. In some embodiments, the points may be visualized as a star 1702. The ingredients may be provided in a chest 1700 or otherwise visualised. The chest may only be opened to reveal the ingredients within the chest when the player has acquired sufficient points or stars. Thus, in some embodiments, the at least one processor only indicates the ingredients which are to be provided after the player has acquired sufficient points to receive the bundle of ingredients. In other embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to provide some information about the bundle of one or more ingredients before the player has acquired sufficient points to obtain the bundle of one or more ingredients

In some embodiments, the player may need to complete successfully two or more levels of the computer implemented game in order to acquire sufficient points to open the chest. In some embodiments, the player may be unaware of the contents of the chest until the player has acquired sufficient points or stars to open the chest. In some embodiments, different numbers of points or stars may be required to open different chests. Content of the chest may reflect the scarcity of the ingredients. Thus, common ingredients will be found in the chests more frequently than less common ingredients. In some embodiments, there may be variation in the contents of a chest which is initially presented at a particular level by the at least one processor. This may the based on a pseudo random selection by the at least one processor and/or the at least one processor may take into account previous gameplay of the player. In some embodiments, the contents of the chest will depend on the food truck which the user has unlocked. In some embodiments, the contents of the chest will depend on the level or levels being played. For example, the chest may include a more valuable collection of ingredients if the player has to complete one or more harder levels. The ingredients are collected from the chest when it is opened and are added by the at least one processor to the player’s inventory of ingredients.

In this example, the ingredients may be provided in a chest. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the ingredients may be provided in a bundle, in a container, and/or any other suitable manner.

In some embodiments, the ingredients for the inventory may alternatively or additionally be obtained by purchasing those ingredients from an in-game store.

In some embodiments, the ingredients for the inventory may alternatively or additionally be obtained during play of the level. For example, the ingredients may be released as a result of one or more appropriate matches or the like.

In some embodiments, the ingredients may be considered to be a soft in game currency that can be used to craft and update recipes.

In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the in-game currency that is earned for completing a level and/or making recipes may be used by the player by providing user input via the user interface to either to upgrade the truck or to acquire ingredients.

In some embodiments, the player is able to choose by providing user input via the user interface which recipe an ingredient is to be used for. In other words, ingredients in the inventory are not locked to a particular recipe until they are applied.

The player may be able to provide user input via the user interface to choose which recipe is to be unlocked and which is to be upgraded. In other words, the player may have several recipes which are unlocked and are at various stages of completion and or upgrade.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to cause the display to display information about how many times a recipe has been crafted, how much money a recipe has earned for the player, and/or when the recipe was crafted.

Reference is made to FIG. 13a which schematically shows a high-level loop used by the at least one processor in some embodiments. Through game play, the user is able to discover new recipes and upgrade current recipes, as referenced 1300. In some embodiments, new recipes may unlock as the truck is upgraded. These recipes can be crafted by collecting the required ingredients. Once a recipe has been created, its value can be boosted by upgrading it using additional ingredients. Each cuisine has a unique set of recipes to collect and improve or upgrade. The further that the player progresses in a cookbook, the more valuable the recipes that can be created.

As referenced 1302, those recipes are cooked and served to customers during game play to earn in game currency. In particular, completing a level in which recipes are cooked and served to customers will allow the player to acquire in game currency as referenced 1304. The player is able to earn more in game currency from better or upgraded recipes. The in-game currency can be used to upgrade and customize the food truck, as referenced 1306. Upgrading the food truck may allow new recipes to become available. Players can unlock a range of different trucks. Each truck is tied do a specific cuisine, for example burger, sushi, pizza and/or the like. Each truck goes from a scrappy appearance to a fully decked out truck. Restoration of the truck may be divided into multiple aesthetic upgrades. As the truck is upgraded, different parts of the truck become customizable. In some embodiments, the higher the level of the truck the more unique it can be made.

Reference is made to FIG. 13b which shows a schematic flow of some embodiments.

As referenced S1, the at least one processor controls the user device to allow a user to play a level with one or more objectives. In the example of some embodiments, the objective may be to provide one or more items by completing one or more recipes. For example, the player may need to make n food items. In the example discussed in relation to FIG. 7, two burgers need to be made.

As referenced S2, the at least one processor is configured to determine that the player has completed one or more of the objectives associated with a game level. Thus, one or more of the items have been provided a result of game play.

As referenced S3, the at least one processor is configured to determine the completion of one or more game objectives and to determine the amount of in game currency or points earned. In the context of the example game previously discussed, each food item (e.g., burger) is sold to a customer to earn the in-game currency or points and each recipe is associated with a given number of points or in game currency.

As referenced S4, the at least one processor may be configured to allow the user to upgrade an upgradable image - that is to upgrade the truck image such as described previously. The at least one processor is configured to cause the respective amount of in game currency or points associated with one or more of the selected options to be used up. In this way, the user is able to upgrade the truck image such as previously described.

As referenced S5, the at least one processor may be configured to determine if the truck image has been upgraded to a next level.

As referenced S6, in response to determining that the truck image has been upgraded to the next level, the at least one processor may be configured to provide one or more new recipes and/or one or more new upgrade options for the truck image and/or one or more new trucks.

The following are performed after S2. There may be at least a partially overlap of one or more of steps S3 to S6 with one or more of steps S7 to S12.

As referenced S7, the at least one processor may be configured to determine if the recipe associated with the food item has been mastered or has the maximum number of stars.

As referenced S8, where the recipe is not yet mastered, the at least one processor is configured to add points earned from providing each item (e.g., for each burger) to the current points total for the recipe.

As referenced S9, the at least one processor may be configured to determine if the next level (star) of the recipe has been reached.

As referenced S10, if it is determined that the recipe has reached the next level, the at least one processor may be configured to determine if one or more new recipes and/or more new trucks are to be provided.

As referenced S11, if the at least one processor determines that one or more new recipes and/or one or more new trucks are to be provided, the one or new recipes and/or one or more new trucks are available in the computer implemented game.

In some embodiments, when a recipe is mastered, that may provide the player with one or more items which can be used to upgrade the truck image. For example, mastering a recipe could provide a fridge for the food truck.

In some embodiments, unlocking of recipes and/or the mastering of recipes may allow one or more truck image upgrade options to be made available. In some embodiments, unlocking of recipes and/or the mastering of recipes may allow one or more new food trucks to be made available.

In the above described embodiments, game objects are collected on a game board to provide components which are used to provide items in a second area of the game board which has an upgradable image. In the described embodiments, the game objects are visualized as grocery bags. In other embodiments, the game objects may be visualised in any other suitable way. In some embodiments, one or more of the game objects to be collected may be visualised as one or more of the components. In the described embodiments, the components are ingredients. In other embodiments, the components may be visualized differently. In some embodiments, the item to be made may be a food item. In other embodiments, the items may be visualised differently. In some embodiments, the items are provided in a second area of the display which is capable of being visually upgraded. The second area of the display is visualized in some embodiments as a food truck but in other embodiments, the second area may be visualised in any other suitable way. In some embodiments, the items may be directly or indirectly associated with different levels (e.g., different levels of mastering of a recipe).

Reference is made to FIGS. 19a to 19c which show a task arrangement of some embodiments. In these embodiments, completing a level in the game earns the player game currency. The game currency may be a star as previously described, points or may be visualised as a chef hat. In some embodiments, completing the level will earn the player one of the game currency. However, in other embodiments, different amounts of game currency may be earned by completing a level. In some embodiments, the amount of game currency earned will depend on the level being played.

In the example shown in FIGS. 19a to 19c, the game currency is visualised as a chef hat. In this example, completing a level earns one chef hat. The game currency is used in the task arrangement for completing tasks.

In some embodiments, a task will require a given amount of game currency in order to be completed. By way of example only, a task may require anything from one to five or six of the game currency to be completed. Of course, other embodiments may have different number of game currency associated with a task.

In some embodiments, all tasks require the same amount of game currency in order to be completed. In other embodiments, different tasks will require different amount of game currency.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 19a, the task 1900 is shown as requiring three chef hats in order to be completed. In some embodiments, the task 1900 is associated with a user interactive area displayed on the user interface. If the user has earned enough chef hats, then the user can cause the task to be completed. In some embodiments, the task is completed by selection of the user interactive area by the user via the user interface. The available number of game currency is updated to reduce the number of game currency by the amount of game currency required to complete the task. In the example shown in FIG. 19a, an area 1902 is provided which shows the number of game currency available to the user.

In some embodiments, information is displayed in relation to the task 1900 indicating the nature of the particular task. This task information may be used to drive the narrative of the game and increase user engagement.

In some embodiments, completing a task advances a progress bar 1904 on the screen and once that bar is filled, the player earns a reward. It should be appreciated that the progress towards the reward can be visualised in any suitable way and the progress bar is one example of this. The progress bar will provide a visual indication as to the progress of that the player has made towards receiving the reward. In some embodiments, the player will be required to complete a plurality or set of tasks in order to obtain the reward.

The reward may be a reward chest such as previously described. In other embodiments, the reward may be visualised in a different manner such as a gift or in any other suitable way.

The amount of chef hats or currency that the the player needs to reach the next reward can vary. In some embodiments, on average, around 25 game currency may be required per chest. However, different amounts of game currency may be required in different embodiments.

In some embodiments, the reward provided may comprise one or more of: one more game play boosters; in game currency; and one or more truck parts. In some embodiments, the truck parts which are provided may be selected at random and/or may be dependent on the associated narrative of the game play.

In some embodiments, to drive user engagement, a task is associated with a narrative and a scene. An example of this is shown in FIG. 19a where two of the game characters 1906 and 1908 are shown along with their narrative exchange. The narrative 1910 is displayed on the display in the form of text. The narrative may be displayed in the form of speech bubbles such as shown in FIG. 19a. Different text may be associated with different characters. The number of characters shown may be less than two or more than two, in some embodiments. Different tasks may be associated with one or more different characters. In some embodiments, the number of characters may be relatively small to drive user engagement. A game engine may define the appearance of the characters, in dependence on the selected task. For example, the game engine may control one or more the expression and/or poses of the characters.

The scene may be defined by the game engine. The scene forms the backdrop or background to the characters. The game engine may define the content of the scene and/or the camera angle associated with the displayed background.

It should be appreciated that, to drive user engagement, the task is treated as a response to the narrative or dialogue displayed on the display. This contrasts with other games which show the dialogue after the player chooses to complete a task and show it in a sequence one line after another which the player can choose to skip. In contrast, by treating the tasks as a “response” to the text seen on the screen the players become more engaged with the dialogue. Of course some players will not want to read the dialogue and with embodiments, the player is able to progress more quickly through the game as the task and the narrative are integrated into the same screen. The narrative can simply be ignored and the player can complete the task.

In some embodiments, the tasks are split to drive user engagement. The largest task narrative unit are associated with episodes. In some embodiments, an episode may be associated with a particular in game location, for example a city or island or the like. Completion of an episode will provide a larger reward in some embodiments. In some embodiments, completion of an episode will allow the user to move to the next in game location such as the city or game location.

Each episode is be completed when a set of, for example locations within the episode is completed. The set of locations within the episode may be visualized as street corners, for example. The visualisation of the set of locations may be dependent on the visualisation of the associated with the episode. In some embodiments, that may be five locations associated with an episode. It should be appreciated that the number of locations may be greater or less than five. In some embodiments, different numbers of locations may be associated with different episodes.

In some embodiments, the different locations sets may be associated with different scenes which are displayed on the display and are used to represent the player moving from area to area within the in game location or episode. In some embodiments, the scene associated with a current location may be used as a background for the game landing screen, as is shown for example in FIG. 19c.

In some embodiments, completing a street corner or a game location will allow the player to receive a reward. The reward will be smaller than the reward which is provided for completing an episode. In some embodiments, when the street corner is completed, the landing screen background is updated to show the next street corner to be completed.

In some embodiments, each of the street corners may be further split into two or more subsets of tasks. The subsets may be visualised as being set in a respective street corner. In some embodiments, there are narrative arcs associated with the subsets that are completed within a single street corner. The background of the landing screen will not change when completing a task subset, in some embodiments. That background will be associated with the street corner.

In some embodiments, completing a subset will result in a reward chest or reward being provided. The reward provided for completing a subset of tasks will be typically less than that which is provided when the street corner is completed.

The structure of completing a set of subtasks to gain a relatively small reward, completing n sets of subtasks to gain a bigger reward by completing a street corner, and completing m street corners to complete an episode to gain the biggest reward helps provide user engagement in that the rewards can be provided regularly even though the episodes take a relatively long time to complete.

Reference is made to FIG. 19b. In FIG. 19b, it can be seen that the progress bar 1904 is complete. In other words, the player has completed all of the tasks to complete a task subset. In order to claim the reward, the display is configured to display an interactive area 1912. When the user interacts with that area 1912 via the user interface, the game engine is configured to provide the reward associated with the completing of that set of subtasks. The reward may be as previously described.

When a set of subtasks has been completed, the next set of subtasks associated with a street corner can then be started. If all of the sets of sub tasks associated with a street corner have been completed, then the user can start completing a set of sub tasks associated with the next street corner. As mentioned, when a street corner has been completed, the landing screen will be updated to show the next street corner for which the subset of tasks are to be completed.

When all of the street corners of an episode have been completed, the user will be able to start completing sub tasks of a street corner of a different episode.

Reference is made to FIG. 19c which shows a landing screen of some embodiments. When a user wishes to complete a task, the user will interact with a task area 1916 provided on the display. When this area is selected by the user via the user interface, a screen such as shown in FIG. 19a may be displayed. In some embodiments, the screen will also have information 1918 which indicates the progress of the user within a particular task subset. In the example shown in FIG. 19c, the user has yet to complete the any of the tasks associated with the current task subset.

As can be seen the background of the screen referenced 1920 shows the image associated with the current street corner.

In some embodiments, the display is controlled to display an image such as shown in FIG. 19c when a user selects a home screen option. Alternatively or additionally the user may be able to select a particular level to play via this same screen. Alternatively or additionally, a screen such as shown in FIG. 19c may be displayed when the user completes a level.

As mentioned previously, the rewards provided may include one or more truck parts. Alternatively or additionally, truck parts may obtained as previously described.

In some embodiments, the truck part which is provided in a reward chest such as described in relation to FIGS. 19a to c, may be associated with the episode or street corner with which the reward is associated. For example, if the episode is associated with Paris, a truck part may have a French or Parisian style decoration.

Where a truck part is provided as a reward, the truck part may be selected from a set of truck parts which the user has yet to acquire.

As variously described in this document, truck parts maybe external truck parts, internal kitchen truck parts and/or menu items.

For one more truck parts, the truck may be provided with a place for the particular truck part. By way of example only, a slot may be provided for a fridge in the kitchen.

In some embodiments, players may be able to customise their own truck by swapping in and out parts which they own. For example, a player may have two or more truck parts which go into the same position but with different customizations. For example, there may be a truck part with a Parisian decoration and the same truck part with a New York decoration.

In some embodiments, the customized truck may be seen in various screens of the game. For example, the truck 1922 may be seen in the landing page such as shown in FIG. 19c. The truck may be seen in the background for one or more tasks such as shown in FIG. 19d. In FIG. 19d, the truck is seen as a background to the two characters. The customized interior of the truck may be displayed over the game board, such as previously discussed for example in relation to FIG. 10d.

Reference is made to FIG. 19e which shows a method of some embodiments.

The method may be performed by at least one processor in conjunction with at least one memory of the user device.

In step C1, a task is selected and thus completed. The task may be selected by the user selecting the interactive task area on the display, such as previously described.

In step C2, the at least one processor is configured to determine if all of the current subset of tasks have been completed. This will be one of the subset of tasks associated with a street corner. If all of the tasks in the current subset of tasks have been completed, then the next step will be step C3. Otherwise, the next step will be step C1.

In step C3, the at least one processor is configured to determine if all of the subsets of tasks associated with the current street corner have been completed. If all of the subsets of tasks associated with the current street corner have been completed, then the next step is step C5. Otherwise, the next step will be step C4.

In step C4, the at least one processor is configured to provide a relatively small reward associated with the completion of all of the tasks of the subset of tasks. This is followed by step C1.

In step C5, the at least one processor is configured to determine if all of the street corners of an episode have been completed. If all of the street corners of an episode have been completed, then the next step is step C7. Otherwise, the next step is step C6.

In step C6, the at least one processor is configured to provide a medium reward and update the street corner to the next street corner. This means that the updated street corner will be displayed on for example the landing screen. This is followed by step C1.

In step C7, the at least one processor is configured to provide a large reward and to update the episode to the next episode. The next step will then be step C1.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the functional blocks of an embodiment used to enable game play, such as that discussed above. Input detection 2502 captures the user input and feeds the input to the game logic 2504. The user input can be provided via any suitable user input device, such as those described above. In the context of the game, this user input can be used in a game view to indicate which game objects have been selected by a user, and thus to indicate the blocks to be removed. The game logic 2504 will process the information provided by the user input. The game logic 2504 may then determine if a valid selection has been made, and what the outcomes of the selection should be. The game logic may determine if any of the objects to be collected have been collected.

The game logic comprises game view logic 2504a, that is game logic associated with playing levels.

The rendering block is used to render the game board to the user. It is also used to render the view of the food truck image in dependence on its current upgrade information.

Reference is made to FIG. 14 which shows a method of some embodiments. The method may be performed by a computer device. The computer device may be configured to provide a computer implemented game.

As referenced T1, the method comprises causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display for a respective level of the computer implemented game a game play screen. The game play screen comprises a game board in a first area of game play screen and an upgradable image in a second area of the game play screen. The game board comprises one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via the user interface with the game board to play the respective level.

As referenced T2, the method comprises causing, by the at least one processor in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, one or more items to be provided in the second area of the display. The items are to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen.

As referenced T3, the method comprises causing, by the at least one processor, the display to display an image upgrade screen, different to the game play screen. The image upgrade screen has one or more options for upgrading the upgradable image.

As referenced T4, in response to user input received via the user interface selecting one or more of the options for upgrading the upgradable image, the method comprises providing by the at least one processor a first upgraded image. When a respective level of the computer implemented game is played, the first upgraded image is displayed in the second area of the respective game play screen.

Reference is made to FIG. 18 which shows a method of some embodiments. The method may be performed by a computer device. The computer device may be configured to provide a computer implemented game.

As referenced 1800, the method comprises causing, by at least one processor, a display to display for a respective level of a computer implemented game a game play screen, the game play screen comprising a first area of the game play screen and a second area of the game play screen, the first area of the game play screen comprising a game board, the game board comprising one or more first game objects to be collected in response to user interaction via a user interface with the game board to play the respective level.

As referenced 1802, the method comprises in response to collecting of one or more first game objects, causing, by the at least one processor, one or more items to be provided in the second area of the game play screen, the items being used to satisfy one or more game objectives associated with the second area of the game play screen, each item being associated with a respective set of game objects, different items being associated with different respective sets of game objects.

As referenced 1804, the method comprises determining, by the at least one processor, a first contribution associated the providing of the one or more items, the first contribution associated with an in-game currency to upgrade an upgradeable image associated with the second area of the game play screen.

As referenced 1806, the method comprises determining, by the at least one processor, if the respective level has been completed and to determining a second contribution.

As referenced 1808, the method comprises determining, by the at least one processor, if an accumulated second contribution from the completion of one or more levels satisfies a criteria and if so providing, by the at least one processor, one or more inventory items which are usable to unlock or upgrade a respective item.

A grid component 2500 stored in a memory provides a grid representation of the game board as shown schematically in FIG. 4. The grid component can be supplied by any suitable data structure, held in a local memory or remote memory accessible by the device, and is responsible for identifying each tile location on the game board and thus providing a tile ID with which to associate information about the game element displayed at that tile location. This associated information may then be used in combination with other components in order to control the rendering of the display, e.g., the match detector component 2510, and the refill mechanism component 2506.

Each game element has object data associated therewith. The object data may be stored in any suitable memory location. In some embodiments, the object data may be provided by a data structure. In some embodiments, the object data may be considered to be part of the game logic and in other embodiments may be considered to be outside the game logic. The object data may provide information as to the properties of a game element or block. These properties can include attribute information such as colour and/or whether or not a game element has a particular function such as a booster function and/or if the game element is a particular game element to be collected.

The game logic 2504 will determine the blocks selected by a user, and the actions to follow to implement the game mechanic. The game logic may comprise a game engine.

Thus, the game logic controls the rules for determining if a valid group has been selected. The game logic will have access to data for each tile including its tile ID designating its location on the grid 2500, and associated tile data providing information about the contents of that tile, e.g., the game element within that tile or at least one characteristic associated with the game element within the tile. The game logic will thus be able to determine the game elements to be removed from those respective tiles for each user selection. The grid can be considered as a map which may be used to determining the relative positions of tiles on the game board from the tile ID. In embodiments, the grid 2500 is implemented as a two-dimensional grid. By splitting the grid 2500 into row or column sets of tiles, each with their own deterministic game element generating algorithm, the game board may be simplified to a set of one-dimensional sub-grids. The grid 2500 is shown with two dimensions, x and y. However, any alpha numerical designation can be used as the tile ID. No logical relationship between tile IDs is required. However, the grid position relationship between tile IDs may be determinable from the tile ID alone, e.g., by using an array of tiles with numbered rows and lettered columns. The position of a game element may be either where the game element is or where the game element is going (e.g., the endpoint of a game element moving due to a refill).

Once a group of blocks has been successfully selected, these blocks may be removed, and the respective tiles will become empty. At this stage, a refill of the empty tiles is required based on the refill mechanism 2506. The refill mechanism may also have conditions on which it relies. For example, other moves or actions taking place on the game board may have to be completed before the refill mechanism can take place.

Each tile of the grid 2500 may be associated with data to indicate a status such as filled or unfilled (empty). Thus, when the game board is refilled, each tile of the grid may be checked for such a status. Upon determining that there are tiles which are empty, the need to refill these tiles is recognised. Boolean logic may be used to determine whether a tile is to be refilled using the filled status of the tiles of the grid. The tiles must satisfy the condition of being unfilled in order to be refilled. As part of the refill mechanism, empty tiles are designated as the endpoint for particular blocks. This may be as the endpoint of a block which is already in the game board and moving as a result of a game move due to the action of the physics engine 2508, or as the endpoint of a new block entering the game board. The physics engine component 2508 is configured to control the movement of moving game elements in the display. The physics engine 2508 may be part of the game logic 2504.

A filled tile will be treated by the game logic as a solid entity, preventing any other game objects from passing through this particular tile. By filled tile it is meant that the tile is occupied by a game element, e.g., a block, a booster etc. In this way, the game logic may also force the refill mechanism to conform to certain refill trajectories or paths. That is to say new or moving game elements will not be able to pass through or refill through filled tiles. It should be appreciated that the terms pass through and refill through are dependent on the specific game rules, e.g., some game boards may refill from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the game board.

One example of a booster which may be used in some embodiments will now be described. As already mentioned a game board is made up of game positions or tiles each of which is covered by a respective game element or game object.

Reference is made to FIGS. 20a to 20c which shows a part of a game board 2000 with game elements 2002. On the game board 2000 are three game elements of the first type 2004. These game elements are referred to as first game elements. As can be seen, each game element of the first type occupies one tile of the game board. These are blocker game elements. The player may not be able to directly engage with the first game elements.

There are second game elements 2002 are of a second type which each occupy one tile of the game board. These game elements are referred to as second game elements in the following. The player is able to engage with these second game elements via the user interface to make move where a second game element is moved.

In some embodiments, the first game element may be static. This means that the position of the first game element with respect to the game board is unchanged even if, for example a removable second game element 2002 located below (if the direction of replenishment is from above) that blocker is removed. The second game elements will move in the game board if for example a game element below it (if the direction of replenishment is from above) is removed. It should be appreciated that one or more additional or alternative directions of replenishment may be used in different embodiments which will influence the movement of second game elements when game elements are removed from the game board.

In some embodiments, the first game element may not be static but may be able to move on the game board.

Reference is made to FIG. 20d which shows in more detail three different states for the first game element 2004. The states can be visualised as different layers in some embodiments.

In the example shown in FIGS. 20a to 20d, the first state 2004a of the first game element is visualised as an empty waffle iron.

In the example shown in FIGS. 20a to 20d, the second state 2004b of the first game element is visualised as a waffle iron with batter.

In the example shown in FIGS. 20a to 20d, the third state 2004c of the first game element is visualised as a waffle iron with batter.

However, the different states may be visualised differently in different games.

The state of the first game element will change in a loop for each move. For example when the first game element is in the first state it will change to the second state. When the first game element is in the second state it will change to the third state. When the first game element is in the third state it will change to the first state and a third game element is provided at another location on the game board. The third game element may be visualised as a waffle some embodiments.

The third game element will cover the game element on the location where it is provided.

The at least one processor will select a location for the third game element. This may be selected at random or pseudo randomly.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor may select a location subject to one or more criteria being satisfied. For example, the location may only be associated with one or more particular game element types. For example the location may need to be associated with the second type of game element and/or a booster. The booster may be one or more particular booster types and/or may be any booster type. Alternatively or additionally, a criteria may be that the location is not already occupied by the third game element and/or the first game element.

In other embodiments, the at least one processor may apply one or more rules to select the location for the third game element. The location may be defined as a distance from the respective game element and/or the location may be associated with a particular game element. For example, the location may be associated with a second game element which is of a particular colour and/or shape.

The third game element can be removed to reveal the game element below the third game element. In order to remove the third game element, a match needs to be made adjacent the third game element. The match should include a game element which is next to the first game element in a same row or column as the third game element. Any match satisfying this criteria will cause the third game element to be removed. In some embodiments, triggering of a booster game element may cause the third game element to be removed if the effect of the booster game element extends to the position of the third game element on the game board.

In the example shown in FIG. 20a, the first first game element 2004i is the first state, the second first game element 504ii is in the second state and the third first game element 2004iii is in the first state.

FIG. 20b shows the first game elements of FIG. 20a after a move has been made. The first first game element 2004i is the second state, the second first game element 2004ii is in the third state and the third first game element 2004iii is in the second state.

FIG. 20c shows the first game elements of FIG. 20b after a move has been made. The first first game element 2004i is the third state, the second first game element 2004ii is in the first state and the third first game element 2004iii is in the third state. A third game element 2006 has been provided on the gameboard as a result of the second first game element 2004ii changing from the third state to the first state.

Reference is made to FIGS. 21a and 21b which show that the first game element can be removed from the game board provided that one or more criteria is satisfied. In this example, the first game element 2004′ which is removed during the course of a move will need to be in the first state. The first game element cannot be removed when it is the second or third state in some embodiments. In some embodiments, triggering of a booster game element may cause the first game element 2004' to be removed if the effect of the booster game element extends to the position of the first game element 2004' on the game board. In FIG. 21a, the booster game element referenced 2010 is triggered which causes the first game element 2004' which is in the first state to be removed. This is shown in FIG. 21b where the first game element 2004' is no longer present.

In some embodiments, if the first game element 2004' is removed from the game board, any third game elements created by that first game element will be removed from the game board if they are still present on the game board.

In some embodiments, triggering of a booster game element may cause the first game element to change its state if the effect of the booster game element extends to the position of the first game element on the game board.

For example if the first game element is in the third state, it will change back to the second state. If the first game element is in the second state, it will change back to the first state. If the first game element is in the first state, it may be removed as discussed in relation to FIGS. 21a or 21b.

Reference is made to FIG. 22 which shows a method according to an embodiment. The method may be performed by at least one processor in conjunction with at least one memory of the user device.

In step B1, user input is received via the user interface to make a move. The at least one processor is configured to determine that a move has been made. This may be responsive to the user interacting with the game board via the user interface (for example a touch screen on which a game board of game elements is displayed). For example, the user may interact with the user interface to swap the position of two game elements to make a match. The at least one processor may be configured to determine if the move made by the user is a valid move. In some embodiments, a valid move is made where a match is made. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to determine that that three or more second game elements having one or more common matching characteristics satisfy one or more match criteria. For example, three or more second game elements having one or more common matching characteristics may be arranged in a line. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, there may be a different criteria applied to determine a valid move. In some embodiments, a different match criteria may be applied to a move which includes one or more booster game elements.

In step B2, the at least one processor is configured to determine if a booster game element is triggered. If a booster game element is triggered then the next step is step B3. If a booster game element is not triggered then the next step is step B8.

In step B3, the at least one processor is configured to determine if the booster which has been triggered extends to a tile on which there is a first game element, that is a game element of the first type. If the booster which has been triggered extends to a tile on which there is a first game element, then the next step is step B4. If not the next step is step B8.

In some embodiments, if more than one booster is triggered, this determination can be for all the triggered boosters. In other embodiments, a separate determination may be made by the at least one processor for each booster, one after the other.

In step B4, the at least one processor is configured to determine if the first game element, which is on tile to which to which the effect of the booster extends, is in the first state. If the first game element is in the first state then the next step is step B5. If not the next step is step B8.

In step B5, the at least one processor is configured to cause the first game element, in the first state, to be removed from the game board which is displayed by the display.

In step B6, the at least one processor is configured to determine if there are any third game elements on the game board which were provided by the removed first game element. If so, the next step is step B7. If not, the next step is step B8.

In step B7, the at least one processor is configured to cause the one or more third game elements associated with the removed first game element to be removed from the game board which is displayed by the display.

This is followed by step B8.

In step B8, the at least one processor is configured to determine one or more game elements which are to be removed from the game board. These may be the game elements in the match and/or triggered game boosters. The at least one processor is configured to replenish the game board and cause the replenished game board to be displayed by the display.

In step B9, the at least one processor is configured to determine if there are any further matches as a result of the replenishing of the game board. If so, the next step is step B2. If not, the next step is step B10.

In step B10, the at least one processor is configured to update the state of each first remaining first game element and cause the game board to display each first remaining game element in its updated state.

In step B11, the turn is ended.

It should be appreciated that the order of one or steps may be changed. One or more steps may be combined. One or more steps may take place in parallel.

Reference is made to FIG. 23a which shows part of a game board with game elements. In this example, three blockers 2300a, 2300b and 2300c of the same type are shown. The blockers 2300a, 2300b and 2300c are all part of the same group. In this example, the group of blockers has three blockers. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the group may have two blockers or more than three blockers. In order to remove the blockers of the group, it is necessary to activate each one of the blockers of the group. Only when all of the blockers have the group have been activated will the blockers of the group be removed, in the same turn.

The blockers 2300a, 2300b and 2300c may be activated by making a match next to that blocker or as a result of an interaction of a booster element which has been triggered.

In some embodiments, the blockers of the group which are activated may be displayed in a visually distinct manner from those blockers of the group which are yet to be activated. In some embodiments, each blocker may be provided with a light 2302. When the blocker is activated, the light may be on or of a particular colour. This may be one state of the blocker. This is shown in FIG. 23c, When the blocker is not activated, the light may be off or of a different colour. This may be another state of the blocker. This is shown in FIG. 23b.

It should be appreciated that the indication as to whether the blocker is activated or not can be provided in any other suitable manner.

When the last blocker of the group is activated, all of the blockers of the group will be removed from the game board at the same time. In other words, the blockers of the group or need to be activated before the blockers of the group are removed in the same move.

In some embodiments, removal of each of the blockers of the group may trigger an additional boosting action. For example, the removal of each blocker causes the adjacent eight cells to be affected. This may result in game elements being removed from the game board, booster game elements being triggered, and/ or blocker elements being interacted with. It should be appreciated that the effect of the blocker may be different to that outlined here and may instead provide any other suitable effect.

Reference is made to FIG. 23d which shows a method of some embodiments. The method may be performed by at least one processor in conjunction with at least one memory of the user device.

In step D1, the at least one processor is configured to determine if one or more blockers in the group have been activated in a move. If so, the next step is step D2. If not, the next step is step D4 where the method is ended.

In step D2 the at least one processor is configured to determine if all the blockers in the group have been activated. If so, the next step is step D3. If not, the next step is step D4.

In step D3, the at least one processor is configured to cause all the blockers of the group to be activated and cause the display to display an updated game board. The blockers will be removed from the game boards. The game board is also updated to reflect the triggering of the blockers of the group. This may change the state of one or more game elements and/or remove one or more game elements.

Step D3 is then followed by step D4.

Reference is made to FIGS. 24a to d which shows a part of the game board with game elements. In these examples, a multilayer switchable blocker 2400 is shown. In the example shown in FIGS. 24a to d, the blocker is visualized as soap. However, this is by way of example only and the blocker may have any other suitable appearance.

The multilayer switchable blocker 2400 is configured such that layers of the blocker may be removed using booster game elements. In other words, in order to remove a layer of the blocker, a booster needs to be triggered which interacts with the blocker to remove one or more layers of the blocker. When all of the layers of the blocker 2400 have been removed, the blocker itself can also be removed. Again, in order to remove this blocker, a booster game element needs to be triggered which interacts with the blocker 2400.

In some embodiments, making a match adj acent the multilayer switchable block are shown in FIGS. 24a to d will not remove a layer nor remove the blocker 2400 from the game board. Rather, if a match is made next to the blocker 2400, the blocker will move in the opposite direction and swap place with the game element in that location.

For example, if a match is made above the blocker 2400, the blocker 2400 will move downward one tile and swap place with the game element in that tile,

If a match is made below the blocker 2400, the blocker 2400 will move upward one tile and swap place with the game element in that tile,

If a match is made to the left of the blocker 2400, the blocker 2400 will move towards the right and swap place with the game element in that tile.

If a match is made to the right of the blocker 2400, the blocker 2400 will move towards the left and swap place with the game element in that tile.

In some embodiments, if the blocker 2400 is at the edge of the board or next to a game element that it is unable to switch place with, the blocker 2400 may instead move to another available location up, down, to the right. or to the left or even stay in its current position.

If the blocker 2400 is next to another blocker which itself is not movable, the blocker 2400 may have an effect on that other blocker. The blocker 2400 may be able to remove other blockers, layers of other blockers, and/or release containers.

Consider the example shown in FIGS. 24a and 24b. FIG. 24a shows the game board before a match is made and FIG. 24b shows the game board after the match has been made. In this example, a match is made to the right of three of the multilayer blockers referenced 2400a, 2400b and 2400c, The first blocker 2400a is next to a different type of blocker 2402a. The first blocker 2400a removes a layer of blocker 2402a and remains in the same position, as shown in FIG. 24b. The blockers 2400b and 2400c move to the left by one tile as shown in FIG. 24b,

Consider the example shown in FIGS. 24c and 24d. FIG. 24c shows the game board before a match is made and FIG. 24d shows the game board after the match has been made. In this example, a match is made to the left of three of the multilayer blockers referenced 2400d, 2400e and 2400f, The blocker 2400d is next to a different type of blocker 2402b. The blocker 2400d removes a layer of blocker 2402b and moves one tile to the left, as shown in FIG. 24d. The blockers 2400e and 2400f move to the right by one tile as shown in FIG. 24d,

Reference is made to FIG. 24e which shows a method of some embodiments. The method may be performed by at least one processor in conjunction with at least one memory of the user device.

In step E1, the at least one processor is configured to determine for each multilayer blocker such as discussed in relation to FIGS. 24a to d if a match has been made next to the multilayer blocker or if the multilayer blocker has been interacted with by, for example, a booster element.

If the multilayer blocker has been interacted with, for example, by a booster element, then the next step is step E2. In step E32, the at least one processor is configured to determine if there are any more layers of the multilayer blocker to be removed.

If it is determined by the at least one processor that there are no more layers of the multilayer blocker to be removed, then the next step is step E3. In step E3, the at least one processor is configured to cause the multilayer blocker will be removed from the game board which is displayed on the display.

If it is determined by the at least one processor that are one more layers of the multilayer blocker to be removed, then the at least one processor is configured in step E4 to remove one or more of those layers of the multilayer blocker. The at least one processor is configured to cause the updated multilayer blocker (with the one or more of the layers removed) to be displayed on the game board.

If in step E1, it is instead determined by the at least one processor that a match has been made adjacent the multilayer blocker, the at least one processor is configured to determine in step E5 if the multilayer blocker is adjacent another blocker element of a different type and with which it interacts.

If it is determined by the at least one processor that that the multilayer blocker is not adjacent another blocker element with which it interacts, then the at least one processor is configured to determine in step E6 the position to which that multilayer blocker is to be moved. The at least one processor is configured to cause the game board to be updated to show the multilayer blocker in its new position.

If it is determined by the at least one processor that that the multilayer blocker is adjacent another blocker element with which it interacts, then the at least one processor is configured in step E7 to update the another blocker element. The another blocker element may be removed or have a layer removed. The at least one processor is configured to determine a position for the multilayer blocker. The at least one processor is configured to cause the game board to be updated to reflect changes to the another blocker element and any changes to the position of the multilayer blocker.

FIG. 26 illustrates a data structure for managing the appearance of a game element, and schematically illustrates the interrelation between the data structure 1603 and a rendering engine 1616 of the graphics controller. The graphics controller is in the user device as described previously. The data structure 1603 can be held in any suitable storage circuitry, such as in the memory of the user device, as described previously. The rendering engine 1616 drives the display on a user interface 1614 which receives the video output from the graphics controller.

The data structure 1603 is responsible for controlling the game board displayed. Each game element has a game element ID 1605. The game element ID 1605 is used by the game engine. The game element ID may be allocated a particular position on a game board. The data structure may have information 1607 identifying the game element type 1607. This may be any of the different game elements/blockers/boosters. If the game element is a layered game element/blocker/booster, there may be a set of layers information 1609. This layer information will indicate the number of layers. The status of the layer of the set field 1610 will indicate if the layer has been removed or is still present.

After a move has been made or after there has been some change to the game board, the game engine will update this data. The status of a layer of the set may be updated when that layer is removed. The game element/blocker/booster will be rendered by the rendering engine and displayed with the updated appearance to show the removal of a layer.

Some embodiments have been described in the context of specific types of product/software. It should be appreciated that this is by way of example only and other embodiments may be implemented using any other product/software.

Embodiments provide computer programs embodied on a distribution medium, comprising program instructions which, when loaded into electronic apparatuses, constitute the apparatuses as explained above. The distribution medium may be a non-transitory medium.

Other embodiments provide computer programs embodied on a computer readable storage medium, configured to control a processor to perform embodiments of the methods described above. The computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and/or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

An appropriately adapted computer program code product or products may be used for implementing the embodiments, when loaded on an appropriate data processing apparatus, and/or other control operations. The program code product for providing the operation may be stored on, provided, and embodied by means of an appropriate carrier medium. An appropriate computer program can be embodied on a computer readable record medium. A possibility is to download the program code product via a data network. In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof.

Some embodiments may be provided as a computer program product, included on a computer or machine-readable medium having stored thereon the executable instructions of a computer-readable program that when executed on at least one processor cause a method according to some embodiments to be carried. The terms “computer-readable medium” or “machine-readable medium” as used herein includes any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor or other components of computer system for execution. Such a medium may take many forms including, but not limited to, storage type media, such as non-volatile media and volatile media, and transmission media. Common forms of non-volatile media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape or any other magnetic medium, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) or any other optical medium, punch cards or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium. Some embodiments may be downloaded or distributed as a computer program product, wherein the computer-readable program instructions may be transmitted from a remote computer such as a server to a user device by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium via a network.

The person skilled in the art will realise that the different approaches to implementing the methods and control module are not exhaustive, and what is described herein are certain embodiments. It is possible to implement the above in a number of variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17826514	May 2022	US
Child	18053209		US
Parent	17508580	Oct 2021	US
Child	17826514		US

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED GAME

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Continuation in Parts (2)