WO2022256859A1

WO2022256859A1 - Payment processing methods and systems for peer-to-peer digital gaming

Info

Publication number: WO2022256859A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/050554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Crispin TRISTRAM; Matthew Lodge
Original assignee: Dynasty Esports Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-09
Filing date: 2022-06-06
Publication date: 2022-12-15

Abstract

The invention relates to the processing of electronic funds collected as entry fees and disbursed as prizes in a peer-to-peer digital gaming competition. A data processor-implemented method is operable in an electronic funds handling engine configured for use in a competitive electronic game environment. The method comprises: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

Description

PAYMENT PROCESSING METHODS AND SYSTEMS

FOR PEER-TO-PEER DIGITAL GAMING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer-implemented payment processing means for use in a peer-to-peer digital gaming competition. In particular, the invention relates to the processing of electronic funds collected as entry fees and disbursed as prizes.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Competitive digital gaming is rapidly expanding field of commerce. Such gaming may be referred to in the art as “electronic sports” or "esports", whereby peer-to-peer computer-based platforms allow players to compete in a single game or in a tournament. Some esports are embodied in the form of highly organized leagues providing the opportunity for players in the esports community to participate in professional and amateur competitions held in actual geographic locations or in virtual competitions hosted online. Leagues and content providers, such as Major League Gaming™ and Global StarCraft League™, provide competitive opportunities and provide general information about competitive gaming.

Esports competitions may involve players in multiplayer video game competitions selected from genres including real-time strategy (e.g. StarCraft II™, WarCraft IP™), fighting (e.g. Super Smash Bros™, Street Fighter™, Tekken™), first person shooter (e.g. Doom™, Counter-Strike™, Overwatch™), and multiplayer online battle arena (e.g. League of Legends™, Dota2™ and Heroes of the Storm™).

Several problems relating to the handling of funds present in the field of electronic sports administration.

One problem relates to the collection of entry fees from competitors. Typically, an electronic sports administrator arranges for the collection of electronic funds as entry fees from competitors. The collected funds form the basis of the competition prize pool, which in some circumstances can accumulate to a significant sum. A competition administrator must be capable of collecting electronic funds from various funding account providers (such as PayPal account, ACH account, other e-wallet account, cryptocurrency account and bank account). Furthermore, the collected funds should be held in a single account.

While competitors are persuaded to join a competition having a large prize pool, there may be a question over the veracity of the prize pool quantum, security of the funds forming the prize pool, and the ability of the competition administrator to disburse a prize benefit to competitors effectively. Of great concern to competitor is that a prize benefit is disbursed in the correct quantum, and furthermore that it is disbursed rapidly after completion of the event. Further problems arise in the disbursement of a prize benefit to competitors. Typically, a prize is transferred in the form of electronic funds to a competitor by direction of the funds to the account from which the entry fee was received. For large esports competitions this may involve significant amounts of operator time and computer processor time, leading to delays in prize money disbursement. Moreover, errors in disbursements may result given the multiple funding accounts and multiple funding account types that must be accessed by the administrator.

As are appreciated from the specific problems detailed supra, a more general problem arises in that an esports administrator must establish and maintain complex systems for handling electronic funds. These tasks are challenging especially for smaller administrators given the myriad technical, regulatory, legal, accounting and process considerations which present.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide one or more improvements in the field of electronic funds handling in an esports environment. Any improvement may be addressed to any one or more of the problems recited herein, or indeed to none of those problems. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art means for the handling of electronic funds by an esports administrator.

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a data processor-implemented method operable in an electronic funds handling engine configured for use in an competitive electronic game environment, the method comprising: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity receives an electronic data signal from the remote client an electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and the method comprises storing the identified competitor in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifies the competitor by way of name, nick name, alias, icon, handle, username, login name, avatar or other identifier. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique competitors of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 90 or 100 future multiplayer electronic game events.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the remote client is a processor-enabled device of an intended competitor in the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor-enabled device of an organizer the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor enabled device of an electronic funds account entity.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote client confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of the identified competitor confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method of any one claims 1 to 9, comprising receipt of a data signal confirming payment of electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, wherein the quantum of the electronic funds represents a whole or a portion of an entrance fee payable in respect of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises receipt of a data signal identifying the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event were received.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises storing the source of the electronic funds in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event is identified by way of a unique account identifier and optionally a unique account provider identifier.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity transmits an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of electronic funds from the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event. In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises receiving into an electronic funds account of the electronic funds handling entity a part entrance fee or a whole entrance fee of a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs the transmission of an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of entrance fee funds.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs transmission of a data signal to cause display of the quantum entrance fee funds received on an Internet-connected computer.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, after completion of the future multiplayer electronic game event, the future multiplayer electronic game event is termed a past multiplayer electronic game event, and wherein the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a processor-enabled device of an organizer of a past multiplayer electronic game event an electronic signal identifying one or more competitors to receive a prize benefit and the quantum of the a prize benefit payable to each of the identified one or more competitors.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing interrogation of the electronic database record to identify one or more electronic funds accounts of one or more competitors in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing electronic transfer of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the processor of an electronic funds handling entity transmits an instruction causing display of a graphical user interface on a remote processor-enabled device, the graphical user interface comprising user-actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, transfer of a prize benefit to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique electronic funds accounts is caused.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in the past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the first aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of a competitor of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of that competitor.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer program comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by one or more data processors of one or more computers or computer systems, implement a method comprising: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity receives an electronic data signal from the remote client an electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and the method comprises storing the identified competitor in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifies the competitor by way of name, nick name, alias, icon, handle, username, login name, avatar or other identifier.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique competitors of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 90 or 100 future multiplayer electronic game events.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the remote client is a processor-enabled device of an intended competitor in the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor-enabled device of an organizer the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor enabled device of an electronic funds account entity.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote client confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of the identified competitor confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises receipt of a data signal confirming payment of electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, wherein the quantum of the electronic funds represents a whole or a portion of an entrance fee payable in respect of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises receipt of a data signal identifying the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event were received.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises storing the source of the electronic funds in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event is identified by way of a unique account identifier and optionally a unique account provider identifier.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity transmits an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of electronic funds from the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises receiving into an electronic funds account of the electronic funds handling entity a part entrance fee or a whole entrance fee of a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs the transmission of an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of entrance fee funds.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs transmission of a data signal to cause display of the quantum entrance fee funds received on an Internet-connected computer.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, after completion of the future multiplayer electronic game event, the future multiplayer electronic game event is termed a past multiplayer electronic game event, and wherein the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a processor-enabled device of an organizer of a past multiplayer electronic game event an electronic signal identifying one or more competitors to receive a prize benefit and the quantum of the a prize benefit payable to each of the identified one or more competitors.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing interrogation of the electronic database record to identify one or more electronic funds accounts of one or more competitors in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing electronic transfer of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable. In one embodiment of the second aspect, the processor of an electronic funds handling entity transmits an instruction causing display of a graphical user interface on a remote processor-enabled device, the graphical user interface comprising user-actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, transfer of a prize benefit to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique electronic funds accounts is caused.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in the past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the method comprises transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of a competitor of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of that competitor.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising: one or more data processors, electronic memory having stored therein instructions which when executed by the one or more data processors causes the one or more data processors to execute operations comprising: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity receives an electronic data signal from the remote client an electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and the method comprises storing the identified competitor in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifies the competitor by way of name, nick name, alias, icon, handle, username, login name, avatar or other identifier.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique competitors of the future multiplayer electronic game event. In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 8090 or 100 future multiplayer electronic game events.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the remote client is a processor-enabled device of an intended competitor in the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor-enabled device of an organizer the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor enabled device of an electronic funds account entity.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote client confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of the identified competitor confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise receipt of a data signal confirming payment of electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, wherein the quantum of the electronic funds represents a whole or a portion of an entrance fee payable in respect of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise receipt of a data signal identifying the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event were received.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise storing the source of the electronic funds in the electronic database record.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event is identified by way of a unique account identifier and optionally a unique account provider identifier.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity transmits an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of electronic funds from the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise receiving into an electronic funds account of the electronic funds handling entity a part entrance fee or a whole entrance fee of a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event. In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs the transmission of an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of entrance fee funds.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs transmission of a data signal to cause display of the quantum entrance fee funds received on an Internet-connected computer.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations after completion of the future multiplayer electronic game event, the future multiplayer electronic game event is termed a past multiplayer electronic game event, and wherein the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a processor-enabled device of an organizer of a past multiplayer electronic game event an electronic signal identifying one or more competitors to receive a prize benefit and the quantum of the a prize benefit payable to each of the identified one or more competitors.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing interrogation of the electronic database record to identify one or more electronic funds accounts of one or more competitors in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

The system of claim 67, the operations comprising transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing electronic transfer of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations the processor of an electronic funds handling entity transmits an instruction causing display of a graphical user interface on a remote processor-enabled device, the graphical user interface comprising user- actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, in respect of the operations transfer of a prize benefit to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique electronic funds accounts is caused.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in the past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the operations comprise transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor-enabled device of a competitor of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of that competitor. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the system comprises a processor-enabled device of an organizer of a multiplayer electronic game event in data connection with the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the system comprises a processor-enabled device of a competitor in a multiplayer electronic game event in data connection with the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the system comprising a processor-enabled device of a competitor in a multiplayer electronic game event in data connection with the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the system of any one of claims 49 to 73 comprising an electronic funds account of a competitor in a multiplayer electronic game event in data connection with the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a user interface of a processor-enabled device, the interface configured as a dashboard so as to display information relating to a future or past multiplayer electronic game event, the information selected from any one of more of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, electronic funds received from an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event, and electronic funds transmitted to an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a user interface of a processor-enabled device, the interface comprising a user actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 through 5 are block diagrams showing system architecture have regard to various possible arrangements of data flow and funds flow between the various system components and competitors.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of by which a tournament having a prize pool is created.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method by which competitors join a created tournament, and prizes disbursed to successful competitors.

FIG. 8 shows a user interface allowing an event organizer to add a prize pool to a created tournament.

FIG. 9 shows an event page generated by the event creation engine. FIG. 10 shows payment page (offering various means of electronic payment by the event organizer.

FIG. 11 shows PayPal™ login page following on from selection of PayPal™ in FIG. 10.

FIG 12 shows an administration panel allowing an administrator to review and publish an event.

FIG. 13 shows an administration panel showing prize pool winners for the event.

FIG. 14 shows an administrator panel allowing for an administrator to disburse prize money to winners.

FIG. 15 shows an administrator panel showing confirmation of payment of a prize to a winners.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

After considering this description it are apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention are described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

Reference is made throughout this specification to “entry fee” and “prize benefit”. These terms should be construed to include funds including a fiat money (such as the United States dollar), a commodity money, a representative money, a digital asset (such as a cryptocurrency), or an instrument having some benefit provided upon redemption such as a token, voucher, or a credit note. Some fees and benefits may not be transferable electronically per se, but ownership can be nevertheless transferred electronically. Electronic transfer of a fee or a benefit of any type may be considered as a payment in the context of the present invention.

The terms “competition”, “tournament”, “game”, “round robin”, “league” and the like are used throughout this specification to refer to a peer-to-peer competition between at least two competitors. It are understood that the present invention is applicable to any such peer-to-peer competition irrespective of the number of competitors, or the competition structure.

The present invention is predicated at least in part on an esports platform capable of handling funds in respect of a plurality of esports events. The platform may be operated by a dedicated funds handling entity that is separate to any of the plurality of entities which operate the actual esports competitions. In that regard, the complexities of handling funds (including the collection of entry fees, holding the fees, and disbursing a prize benefit to successful competitors) is removed from the remit of competition organizers. Over time, the dedicated funds handling entity (and its funds handling platform) become trusted by competition organizers and competitors. Accordingly, a new competition organizer should be able to attract large numbers of competitors for an esports event given that a trusted third party is responsible for funds handling. Even where a competition organizer is trusted, a dedicated third party funds handling platform has utility in allowing the organizer to outsource funds handling and direct greater resources toward the actual operation of the esports event.

In some respects, the platform may be considered to provide the advantage of an escrow function in that, where operated by a dedicated entity that is separate to the event organizer, competitors’ funds are held by a third party until completion of the esports event. Competitors may be more likely to enter an esports competition where a dedicated third party funds handling entity is the recipient of entry fees and the disburser of a prize benefit given the higher level of security provided. The escrow function may be provided as an escrow engine which is accessible to an event organizer (through which entry fees may be collected) and a fund handling platform (through which prize monies are disbursed).

In any event, a dedicated third party funds handling entity may be trusted to accurately report the prize pool for an upcoming esports event. The quantum of a prize pool is generally related to the entry fees collected. An esports event organizer may overstate the quantum of a prize pool in order to attract more competitors to an upcoming competition. The actual (lower) prize pool becomes apparent only at the conclusion of the event, with the actual prize money being lower than expected by competitors.

By the present invention, a large number of esports event organizers may contemporaneously utilise the funds handling platform such that the platform acts in some respects as a means of advertising and comparing the prize pools of various upcoming esports events. Competitors will have a greater level of confidence in choosing which esport competition to enter given the greater level of confidence in the reported prize pools.

A potential competitor may enter an esports competition by way of the funds handling platform by, for example, clicking on a user interface element such as a labelled button. In that regard, the present invention may be embodied in the form of a user interface presented on a computer screen of a potential competitor, the interface listing various future esports events along with the prize pool of each event, and an interface element allowing a potential competitor to enter a desired event. Advantageously, the competitor is able to pay the entry fee directly to the funds handling platform. Registration details may also be completed via the funds handling platform (and then passed to the event organizer), or alternatively the competitor may be passed to a website of the event organizer to complete registration details once the entry fee has been paid.

As an alternative, a potential competitor may be alerted to an upcoming esports event via a website or a social media entry of an event organizer or by some other party. In that case, registration details may be provided to the event organizer and upon completion of that formality the competitor is passed to the funds handling platform to effect payment of the entry fee.

In view of the above, in certain embodiments of the invention there are some interchange of data or a process flow between the electronic funds handling platform and a computer server of each of the event organizers for a future esports event. Moreover, the electronic funds handling platform may transmit electronic confirmation messages to a computer of a competition organizer to confirming payment of an entry fee. To facilitate interchange of data, an application program interface (API) may be utilised by means well understood by the skilled person.

Similarly, the electronic funds handling platform may transmit electronic confirmation messages to a competitor confirming payment of an entry fee. As are appreciated any message transmitted according to the present invention may be by way of email, SMS text message, via a user interface of the platform, or voice call, for example.

By the present invention, entry fees may be received from any one of the many electronic funding sources known in the art such as PayPal™, ACH™, Due™, ApplePay™, Google Wallet™, Samsung Pay™, Venmo™, AliPay™, WalmartPay™, Dwolla™, Vodafone-M-Pesa™ , Klarna™, credit card, debit card or traditional bank account. In that regard, the funds handling platform may be considered as an e-commerce merchant that is able to accept funds from a range of electronic funding sources.

Typically, a competitor will desire for any a prize benefit to be disbursed into the same account as that from which the entry fee was sourced. The funds handling platform is therefore typically configured to record the funding source (such as an account identifier) in an electronic database (typically a relational database) along with an identifier of the competitor such as a legal name of a natural person, or a username. In some cases, the account identifier may also be a unique competitor identifier, for example where payment is effected by PayPal™, the account identifier may be an email address which functions also to uniquely identify the competitor.

Typically, the event organizer identifies which competitors are to receive a prize benefit, and subsequently arranges disbursement of a prize benefit to each identified competitor. In that regard, the present invention may be embodied in the form of an event organizer user interface having a user-actuatable interface element which, when actuated, causes transmission of an electronic signal to a server of the electronic funds handling entity to disburse a prize benefit at a certain quantum to each of the identified competitors. That electronic signal may be routed to a server hosting the present platform, or to some other server of the electronic funds handling entity. For example, the event organizer may manually enter amounts payable against an identified competitor in a list of all competitors presented on an event organizer user interface. Alternatively, the competitor may prepare a spreadsheet detailing identified competitors and the prize benefit payable to each, and then upload the spreadsheet file (such as an .xls file) to a server of the electronic funds handling entity, via the interface or by some other means. Further alternatives within the broad disclosure of the invention herein are apparent to the skilled artisan.

In any event, the event organizer does not affect payment of a prize benefit, with that task being completed by the electronic funds handling entity. An account of the electronic funds handling entity may hold the funds for disbursement, the account forming part of the electronic funds handling platform or otherwise.

Details of the account used as the funding source by each competitor for the payment of entry fees has been recorded as a database entry by the platform. Accordingly, for disbursement of a prize benefit the database is interrogated to identify the funding source, and a prize benefit is disbursed back to the funding source as a credit. Alternatively, the competitor may stipulate an alternative account to receive a prize benefit and in that circumstance the database would include details of alternative account and a prize benefit disbursed to that account.

The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following non limiting detailed description of preferred aspects of the invention. In the following description, many features are disclosed. It is understood that each feature is severable from the others, and accordingly no conclusion should be drawn that any two or more features must be used together in any embodiment of the invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 showing a system overview, having a tournament organizer (5) which instructs the creation of a tournament via the event creation engine (15). The system further comprises an electronic funds handling engine (10) configured to disburse funds and display a dashboard allowing viewing of past, present and future tournament events. The funds handling engine (10) is in data communication with an event creation engine (15) which creates an esports tournament and collects entry fees. Entry fees and registration details are collected from a plurality of competitors (two shown as 20a, 20b) by way of computer network communication. Fees collected by the event creation engine (15) are transmitted to an escrow engine (25) and held until completion of the competition. Prize funds are transferred (dashed arrows) to winning competitor (20b) but not to non- winning competitor (20a) from funds handling engine (10). Prize funds are drawn from the prize pool (being the entry fees collected for the event) from the escrow engine (25).

The system of FIG. 2 shows the same arrangement as FIG. 1 except for the funds handling engine (10) handles funds for multiple events (“EVENT 1” ... “EVENT N”), each event having a winning competitor (20b, 21b) and a non- winning competitor (20a, 21a). This embodiment (being a “one-to-many” arrangement) is typical and the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 following may be read as including that typical one-to-many arrangement. The system of FIG. 3 shows the same arrangement as for FIG. 1 except that the funds handling engine (10) is responsible for both entry fee collection and prize funds disbursement.

In the system of FIG. 4, the escrow engine (25) is integrated with the funds handling engine (10) being operated by the same entity or a related entity and/or petitioned behind a common firewall.

In the system of FIG. 5, the escrow engine (25) receives fees and disburses prize funds under the instruction of the funds handling engine (10) directly from and to competitors (20a) (20b).

It are understood that the arrangements illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5 are exemplary only, and presented in the various alternative embodiments to illustrate just several of the many possible arrangements between the various parties participating in an esports ecosystem.

FIG. 6 provides detail on one method by which a tournament having a prize pool may be created. Typically, tournament creation is performed by an event organizer having the intention of utilizing the electronic funds handling engine of the present invention. In that regard, the event creation engine may be integral to or operable with the funds handling engine.

FIG. 7 provides detail on one method by which competitors join a created tournament, and after completion of the tournament prizes from the prize pool (“PP”) are disbursed to successful competitors by the present electronic funds handling engine.

FIG. 8 shows a user interface showing how an event organizer is able to add a prize pool to a created tournament. The event organizer is able to select any number of prizes (generally a maximum of one prize per competitor, by typically significantly less than the number of competitors). A drop down menu allows for the selection of supported currencies. The interface allows for entry of the prize amount(s). Once parameters are set, the “add prize” button is clicked to finalise the arrangements.

The event creation engine presents an event page (see FIG. 9) for review by the event organizer. The event page shows the type of event (e.g. “Fifa Torumament”), the prize pool, and the various prize amounts on offer.

Where the organizer elects to create the tournament, they pay the required fee by clicking the “select” button to bring up a payment page (FIG. 10) offering various means of electronic payment. In this exemplary embodiment, PayPal™ is selected as the payment method, and the process flow links out to the PayPal login page allowing the organizer to make payment (FIG. 11).

The tournament is then reviewed by an administrator by way of the administration panel shown at FIG. 12. If acceptable, the administrator clicks “approve and publish” (FIG. 12) and the event page is published for potential competitors to review and enter.

Once the tournament is complete, prize pool winners can be seen on the ‘Prize Distribution Pending’ tab (see FIG. 13).

To disburse prizes, the system administrator clicks on ‘Disburse’ to electronically distribute the prize money to the winner if the system has been set to manual. By entering a payment method (i.e. PayPal) and transaction identification (FIG. 14) the payment is then completed with confirmation shown on panel illustrated at FIG 15. If the system has been set to automated, the system administrator can check that the payment has been disbursed and access the transaction records.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be detailed with reference to various functionalities, actions, and processes.

High Level Engine Functionalities

Any one or more of the following functionalities are provided to parties participating in an esports event by way of the present invention. Functionality is listed by user type with subsequent function and user journey.

Prize Pool

Ability to create tournaments with a monetary prize pool Ability to select prize pool disbursement methodology Ability to deposit prize by full or partial amounts Entrance Fee

Ability to create tournaments with a monetary entrance fee Ability to select entrance fee payment redemption method

Ability to allocate a full or partial quantity of total participant entrance fee to player prize pool. Tournament Administration

Ability to trigger prize pool disbursement upon tournament completion

Ability to view total collected entrance fee

Ability to edit prize pool allocation

Ability to cancel published tournaments with prize money

Ability for an automatic refund on cancelled published tournaments

Ability to select refund method

Tournament Page

Ability to view prizes have been disbursed to winners eSports competitors

Join Tournament

Ability to select preferred prize money redemption method Entrance Fee

Ability to join and make a payment for tournaments with entrance fee Ability to select payment method User Profile - e-Wallet

Ability to define and set player mobile wallet in user profile section Ability to view e-Wallet balance Ability to view e-Wallet transaction history - Prize [Tournament Name] Credit

User Profile - Joined Tournament

Ability to view prize monies received status

Ability to cancel joined tournaments with entrance fee

Ability to request for a refund upon cancelling joined tournaments with an entrance fee Tournament Page

Ability to view prizes have been disbursed to winners

Engine Administration

Administration

Ability to view tournaments with entrance fee and/or prize monies

Ability to approve/reject/ask for clarification on tournaments with entrance fee and/or prize monies

Ability to approve tournaments with entrance fee

Ability to disburse prize monies upon tournament completion/triggered by tournament organizer

Tournament Page

Ability to view prizes have been disbursed to winners

High Level System Requirements

Any one or more of the following system requirements may be used to support the key user functionalities experienced by parties participating in an esports event by way of the present invention. Requirements are listed by system functionality with user types and subsequent user journeys supported by said system functionality.

Notification Management System

Tournament Organizer

Successful payment of prize pool into prize holding escrow

Successful prize disbursement to winners

Trigger Action - Email

Tournament Participants

Successful payment of tournament entrance fee

Tournament organizer modifying tournament details

Trigger Action - Email

Tournament Winners

Successful disbursement of prizes

Trigger Action - Email & Inbox

Site Administration Creation of tournaments with entrance fee and/or prize monies Modification of published tournament details Trigger Action - Email

Payment Gateway

Funds Handling

Successful prize disbursement to winners Failed payment for Entrance Fee or prize monies Trigger Action - Email

Tournament Engine

Funds Handling

Tournament was not executed with no winners Trigger Action - Email

High Level Payment Methodology:

Any one or more of the following computer-implemented methodologies may be used to effect payment actions/tasks and the trigger action and which participant within the competition ecosystem is responsible for carrying out the action.

Payment Method

Collection

Tournament prize pool/ monies

Trigger Action - Tournament Organizer to submit payment Entrance Fee

Trigger Action - Tournament players to submit payment Prize Pool Disbursement

Disbursement of prize monies to tournament winners

Trigger Action - Site administration or automatic payment upon successful completion of tournament.

Refund

Refund entry fee to Tournament Participant Trigger Action - Tournament organizer to action Refund prize pool to Tournament Organizer Trigger Action - Site Administration to action Detailed User Process - 'Prize Pool Tournament Creation':

Any one or more of the following actions may be performed by a tournament Organizer to set up a tournament with a monetary prize pool according to the present invention. The actions are broken down by key actions and supporting sub actions. It is not represented that any action must have a related sub action.

Ability to create tournaments with prize monies

Tournament Organizer clicks 'Create Tournament' and checks 'Prize Money'

-Selects Currency

-Selects Total/Type of Winners

-Assigns Varied Prize Amount to different winner fields

-Selects disbursement method

-System auto -tabulates and displays:

-Total amount of prize monies

-Payable fee imposed for prize money holding management (if -applicable)

Example of a prizemoney holding table:

Tournament Organizer clicks on 'Agree Prize Holding Management T&C Tournament Organizer proceeds to 'Make Payment'

Tournament Organizer fills 'Payment Details'

Tournament Organizer choose 'Payment Method'

Choose options: PayPal, Credit Card, Site/Third-party e-wallet (if applicable) or any other options available

System processes payment request System returns payment request results

Tournament Organizer sees confirmation of 'Payment Successful' page Tournament Organizer receives confirmation 'Tournament Creation & Payment Successful' email Ability to select prize disbursement method

Display of prize disbursement options e.g. PayPal

Frontend indicates disbursement terms and conditions

2.3 Site e-Wallet

Frontend indicates disbursement terms and conditions

2.31.3 Any other method

Frontend indicates disbursement terms and conditions

Display disbursement fees (if applicable) e.g. PayPal

Ability to deposit prize pool amount

Tournament Organizer to define prize pool details:

Selects Currency Selects Total/Type of Winners Minimum winner: 1 Maximum winners: n

Assigns Varied Prize Amount to different winner fields

- Value of First Prize needs to be greater by winner level descending manner (e.g.: 1st Prize: $1,000, 2nd Prize: $500, 3rd Prize: $300);

- If value is incongruent to winner level, system prompts an error message. Set rules for maximum total prize monies allowed (if applicable, and depends on threshold of payment gateway) Upon completion of prize pool inputs by Tournament Organizer system will auto-tabulate and display:

Total Prize Pool amount

Total Prize Holding Management Fee

Grand total of payable amount

Tournament Organizer proceed to 'Make Payment'

Detailed User Process - ‘Join Tournament’:

Any one or more of the following steps may be performed by a Tournament Player (competitor), who will need to register and join a tournament with a monetary prize pool. The actions are broken down by key actions and supporting sub actions. It is not represented that any action must have a related sub action.

Ability to select preferred prize money redemption method

Player clicks ‘Join Tournament’

2Player completes ‘Tournament Registration’ form Player selects ‘Preferred Prize Money Redemption Method’

Enters/ Auto-Populate Redemption Method’s account no. (if applicable) Displays fee imposed for selection (if applicable and player/team won)

Submit Registration Form

System returns ‘Successful Registration’ page with disclaimers (if applicable)

Detailed User Process - ‘Entrance Fee - Tournament Organizer’ :

Any one of more of the following steps may be performed by Tournament Organizer in order to set up an Entrance Fee for a tournament with a monetary prize pool. The actions are broken down by key actions and supporting sub actions. It is not represented that any action must have a related sub action. Ability to create tournaments with entrance fee and ability to select preferred payment redemption method

Tournament Organizer clicks ‘Create Tournament’ and checks ‘Entrance Fee:

Selects Currency

Selects Fee Segmentation (if applicable)

Assigns Fee Value

Selects Payment Redemption method

- PayPal

- Site e-Wallet

- Any other payment redemption method

System auto-tabulates and displays fee imposed for collection (if applicable):

Tournament Organizer completes ‘Create Tournament’ form

Tournament Organizer sees ‘Successful Tournament Created’ with disclaimer (if applicable!

Tournament Organizer receives confirmation ‘Tournament Creation’ email

Detailed User Process - ‘Entrance Fee - Player’:

Any one of more of the following actions may be performed by a Tournament Player to make a payment for an Entrance Fee for a tournament with a monetary prize pool. The actions are broken down by key actions and supporting sub actions. It is not represented that any action must have a related sub action.

Ability to make payment for tournaments with entrance fee and ability to select payment method

Player clicks ‘Join Tournament’

Player fills out ‘Tournament Registration’ form

Player clicks ‘Make Payment’

Player fills ‘Payment Details’ and selects method:

- PayPal

- Site e-Wallet Player submits for payment System processes payment request

Player receives email confirmation of Tournament Registration and Payment made

Site Administration Dashboard - Prize Pool Management:

Any one or more of the following actions may be performed by an Administrator to manage and review prize pool management. The Site Administration Dashboard allows a user to manage all aspects of a prize pool. The actions are broken down by key actions and supporting sub actions. It is not represented that any action must have a related sub action.

Ability to view tournaments with entrance fee and/or prize monies Admin checks Tournaments with ‘Fee/Prize Monies’ in the Admin Panel Quick list will show column:

-Entrance Fee value -T otal Registered Players/Anticipated Players

-Total Prize Monies

-Tournament status: Upcoming, Ongoing or Completed More details’ button enables Admin to view tournament page

Ability to approve/reject/ ask for clarification on tournaments with entrance fee and/or prize monies and the ability to approve tournaments with entrance fee.

Options are available for Admin for the following:

More Admin checks Tournaments with ‘Fee/Prize Monies’ in the Admin Panel Ability to approve/reject/ ask for clarification on tournament

-Tournament status: Completed

‘More details’ button enables admin to view tournament page and winners list User chooses either ‘Automatic Dispersal’ or ‘Disburse Prizes’ button enables admin to trigger system to auto-disburse prizes

User Profile > e-Wallet (players):

Any one of more of the following actions may be required in order for a competitor (player/team/ user) to gain access to their e-wallet and clarify receipt of prize monies.

Ability to access and review prize monies collected by players Player logs into ‘Profile’ section

Balance e-Wallet is displayed Player clicks on ‘e-Wallet’ button

- Player views list of transaction history - Prize received are named: ‘Prize Credit - <ToumamentName>’ E-Wallet page will list a total of 30 | 50 results.

To view more, player to click on next button or specific page number.

Non-Functional Reporting Requirements:

Below list the system reporting requirements, any one of more of which may be utilized..

It will be apparent from the disclosure above that the present invention allows for an event organizer to organize an event in respect of any mainstream game, whilst still maintaining the advantage of an electronic funds handling platform. The present invention does not limit an organizer to a game residing within a closed ecosystem. The invention is therefore applicable to any game officially sanctioned by an esports federation (regional, national or globaly). In that regard, an event may be organized for a game having a recognized scoring and/or tournament structure (e.g. Battle Royale, Swiss Format, Single Elimination etc). Tournament organizers are provided full access to tournament and financial reporting for each prize pool tool tournament via a management dashboard.

As will be understood, the methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through one or more processors that execute computer software, program codes, and/or instructions on a processor. A processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like. The processor may be or may include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a coprocessor (math co-processor, graphic co-processor, communication co processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon. In addition, the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes.

The threads may be executed simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more thread. The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code. The processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere.

Any processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing device may include but may not be limited to one or more of memory, disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.

The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be stored and/or accessed on computer readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks. Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.

The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented on computers through computer executable media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these, and all such implementations may be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the elements depicted in any flow chart or block diagrams or any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it is appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various steps should not be understood to require a particular order of execution for those steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.

The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a general purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a computer readable medium. The application software may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.

Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In another aspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In another aspect, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutations and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The invention may be embodied in program instruction set executable on one or more computers. Such instructions sets may include any one or more of the following instruction types:

Data handling and memory operations, which may include an instruction to set a register to a fixed constant value, or copy data from a memory location to a register, or vice-versa, to store the contents of a register, result of a computation, or to retrieve stored data to perform a computation on it later, or to read and write data from hardware devices.

Arithmetic and logic operations, which may include an instruction to add, subtract, multiply, or divide the values of two registers, placing the result in a register, possibly setting one or more condition codes in a status register, to perform bitwise operations, e.g., taking the conjunction and disjunction of corresponding bits in a pair of registers, taking the negation of each bit in a register, or to compare two values in registers (for example, to determine if one is less, or if they are equal).

Control flow operations, which may include an instruction to branch to another location in the program and execute instructions there, conditionally branch to another location if a certain condition holds, indirectly branch to another location, or call another block of code, while saving the location of the next instruction as a point to return to.

Coprocessor instructions, which may include an instruction to load/store data to and from a coprocessor, or exchanging with CPU registers, or perform coprocessor operations.

A processor of a computer of the present system may include "complex" instructions in their instruction set. A single "complex" instruction does something that may take many instructions on other computers. Such instructions are typified by instructions that take multiple steps, control multiple functional units, or otherwise appear on a larger scale than the bulk of simple instructions implemented by the given processor. Some examples of "complex" instructions include: saving many registers on the stack at once, moving large blocks of memory, complicated integer and floating-point arithmetic (sine, cosine, square root, etc.), SIMD instructions, a single instruction performing an operation on many values in parallel, performing an atomic test-and-set instruction or other read-modify-write atomic instruction, and instructions that perform ALU operations with an operand from memory rather than a register.

An instruction may be defined according to its parts. According to more traditional architectures, an instruction includes an opcode that specifies the operation to perform, such as add contents of memory to register — and zero or more operand specifiers, which may specify registers, memory locations, or literal data. The operand specifiers may have addressing modes determining their meaning or may be in fixed fields. In very long instruction word (VLIW) architectures, which include many microcode architectures, multiple simultaneous opcodes and operands are specified in a single instruction.

Some types of instruction sets do not have an opcode field (such as Transport Triggered Architectures (TTA) or the Forth virtual machine), only operand(s). Other unusual "0-operand" instruction sets lack any operand specifier fields, such as some stack machines including NOSC.

Conditional instructions often have a predicate field — several bits that encode the specific condition to cause the operation to be performed rather than not performed. For example, a conditional branch instruction are executed, and the branch taken, if the condition is true, so that execution proceeds to a different part of the program, and not executed, and the branch not taken, if the condition is false, so that execution continues sequentially. Some instruction sets also have conditional moves, so that the move are executed, and the data stored in the target location, if the condition is true, and not executed, and the target location not modified, if the condition is false. Similarly, IBM z/Architecture has a conditional store. Some instruction sets include a predicate field in every instruction; this is called branch predication.

The instructions constituting a program are rarely specified using their internal, numeric form (machine code); they may be specified using an assembly language or, more typically, may be generated from programming languages by compilers.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon are readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A data processor-implemented method operable in an electronic funds handling engine configured for use in a competitive electronic game environment, the method comprising: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity receives an electronic data signal from the remote client identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and the method comprises storing the identified competitor in the electronic database record.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the electronic signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifies the competitor by way of name, nick name, alias, icon, handle, username, login name, avatar or other identifier.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,

7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique competitors of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receives electronic data signals identifying at least 2, 3, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 8090 or 100 future multiplayer electronic game events.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the remote client is a processor- enabled device of an intended competitor in the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor-enabled device of an organiser the future multiplayer electronic game event, or a processor enabled device of an electronic funds account entity.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote client confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

8. The method of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of the identified competitor confirming receipt of the electronic data signal identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

9. The method of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity directs transmission of an electronic data signal to a remote processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event identifying the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

10. The method of any one claims 1 to 9, comprising receipt of a data signal confirming payment of electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, wherein the quantum of the electronic funds represents a whole or a portion of an entrance fee payable in respect of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising receipt of a data signal identifying the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event were received.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising storing the source of the electronic funds in the electronic database record.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the source of the electronic funds from a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event is identified by way of a unique account identifier and optionally a unique account provider identifier.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the data processor of the electronic funds handling entity transmits an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of electronic funds from the competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising receiving into an electronic funds account of the electronic funds handling entity a part entrance fee or a whole entrance fee of a competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs the transmission of an electronic data signal to a processor-enabled device of an organizer of the future multiplayer electronic game event confirming receipt of entrance fee funds.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructs transmission of a data signal to cause display of the quantum entrance fee funds received on an Internet-connected computer.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein after completion of the future multiplayer electronic game event, the future multiplayer electronic game event is termed a past multiplayer electronic game event, and wherein the method comprises the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a processor-enabled device of an organizer of a past multiplayer electronic game event an electronic signal identifying one or more competitors to receive a prize benefit and the quantum of the a prize benefit payable to each of the identified one or more competitors.

19. The method of any of claim 2 to 18, comprising the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing interrogation of the electronic database record to identify one or more electronic funds accounts of one or more competitors in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity instructing electronic transfer of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the processor of an electronic funds handling entity transmits an instruction causing display of a graphical user interface on a remote processor-enabled device, the graphical user interface comprising user-actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein transfer of a prize benefit to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 unique electronic funds accounts is caused.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, comprising transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor- enabled device of an organizer of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in the past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.

24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, comprising transmission of an electronic signal from the data processor of an electronic funds handling entity to a processor- enabled device of a competitor of the past multiplayer electronic game event confirming payment of a prize benefit to the electronic funds account of that competitor.

25. A non -transitory computer program comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by one or more data processors of one or more computers or computer systems, implement a method of any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A system comprising: one or more data processors, electronic memory having stored therein instructions which when executed by the one or more data processors causes the one or more data processors to execute operations comprising the method of any one of claims 1 to 24: a data processor of an electronic funds handling entity receiving from a remote client electronic data signals identifying (i) a future multiplayer electronic game event and (ii) an electronic funds account of an intended competitor of the future multiplayer electronic game event, and creating an electronic database record associating the identified future multiplayer electronic game event with the identified electronic funds account.

27. A user interface of a processor-enabled device, the interface configured as a dashboard so as to display information relating to a future or past multiplayer electronic game event, the information selected from any one of more of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event identifier, electronic funds received from an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event, and electronic funds transmitted to an electronic funds account of a competitor of a future or past multiplayer electronic game event.

28. A user interface of a processor-enabled device, the interface comprising a user actuatable element configured to, upon actuation thereof, cause transfer of a prize benefit electronic funds to the electronic funds account of each identified competitor in a past multiplayer electronic game event to whom a prize benefit is payable.