Multi-player, word-puzzle game played competitively as a contest over an electronic network

摘要

The invention embodies the systems, processes and methods that collectively administrate and deliver to players a multi-player game in which the players solve a word puzzle and compete against other players for how easily and quickly they solve the puzzle.;The game is presented to the players as a matrix of interlocking blank boxes and a list of words or phrases (keys). The keys fit into the matrix in some predetermined fashion. The player must determine the correct orientation of the keys on the puzzle in order to finish the game. Through trial and error the player places the keys into the boxes until the player finds an orientation that fits the puzzle. The player's score is the elapsed time it takes to solve the puzzle adjusted for any clues that are provided. The winner of the game is the player with the lowest score.;The game can be used in a variety of advertising and promotional contexts and also can support on-line gaming for prizes.;The advertising applications of the game are compelling because the words of the keys in the game can be selected such that they reinforce a marketing message. Businesses can customize games and offer prizes to the winner. The players repetitively manipulate the keys while playing the game and, in so doing, the players become more familiarized with the intended marketing message.;The features of the game overcome several of the challenges to on-line competitive gaming by providing a quick, fair, skills-based game that is neither gambling, lottery or sweepstakes and is relatively impervious to cheating.