US20100292000A1

US20100292000A1 - Wagering game theme rating mechanism for wagering game systems

Info

Publication number: US20100292000A1
Application number: US12/778,758
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik; Pamela S. Smith
Original assignee: WMS Gaming Inc
Current assignee: LNW Gaming Inc
Priority date: 2009-05-12
Filing date: 2010-05-12
Publication date: 2010-11-18

Abstract

A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining player activity data, associated with a player, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player on one or more wagering game machines of the wagering game system. The operations can also include determining a game theme rating profile for the player based on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes. The operations can further include determining when a wagering game session associated with the player is initiated, comparing the game theme rating profile associated with the player to a plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system, and suggesting, during the wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based on the comparison results.

Description

LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2009, WMS Gaming, Inc.

FIELD

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to a wagering game theme rating mechanism for wagering game systems.

BACKGROUND

Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of implementing a wagering game theme rating mechanism in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game system architecture, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram (“flow”) illustrating operations for generating game theme rating profiles and suggesting wagering games to players based on the game theme rating profiles, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of suggesting a wagering game to a player based on the player's game theme rating profile, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram (“flow”) illustrating operations for customizing game menus presented on a wagering game machine based on a player's game theme rating profile, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram (“flow”) illustrating operations for identifying groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles and customizing marketing initiatives based on the matching game theme rating profiles, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game machine architecture, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according to example embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

This description of the embodiments is divided into five sections. The first section provides an introduction to some embodiments, while the second section describes example wagering game machine architectures. The third section describes example operations performed by some embodiments and the fourth section describes example wagering game machines in more detail. The fifth section presents some general comments.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides an introduction to some embodiments.
Wagering game systems offer wagering game players (“players”) entertainment value and the opportunity to win monetary value. In some embodiments, wagering game systems can attempt to enhance a player's gaming experience by predicting which new and existing wagering games the player will most likely enjoy playing and suggesting these wagering games to the player. In some implementations, the wagering game system can monitor player activity during wagering game sessions, generate game theme rating profiles for each of the players based on the player activity, and suggest wagering games to players based on the game theme rating profiles. A game theme can be a common concept or idea that is conveyed by the elements of a wagering game or the wagering game content. For example, a wagering game can have a game show theme, a movie theme, a cartoon theme, a historic theme, a fishing theme, etc. A game theme can also be a game style or game type associated with wagering games, e.g., games with many free spins, games with few free spins, games with player interactivity, games with no player interactivity, high volatility games, low volatility games, 3-reel slot games, 5-reel slot games, etc.
In one example, a wagering game server can generate a game theme rating profile, for each player, based on the player activity data for a plurality of game themes that are associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player. The game theme rating profile of a player includes a player activity rating for each of the game themes played by the player. In this example, the wagering game server can suggest one or more wagering games to a player based on a comparison of the player's game theme rating profile to game theme rating profiles of other players. In another example, the wagering game server can customize wagering game menus that are presented on a wagering game machine to the player based on the player's game theme rating profile. In yet another example, the wagering game server can identify one or more groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles. In this example, the wagering game server can customize wagering game promotions, and/or other marketing initiatives, based on the matching game theme rating profiles of the groups of players. Also, the matching game theme rating profiles of the groups of players can be used to identify popular game themes, which can then be used for new game development.
FIG. 1 is conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of implementing a wagering game theme rating mechanism in a wagering game system 100, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 1, the wagering game system 100 includes an account server 110, a wagering game server 120, and a plurality of wagering game machines 160 connected via a communication network 115. In one implementation, at stage A, the account server 110 monitors wagering game sessions of a plurality of players, determines player activity data for each of the wagering game sessions, and stores the player activity data. The account server 110 monitors a plurality of wagering games played by the players on the wagering game machines 160 during the wagering game sessions. For example, the account server 110 can monitor primary wagering games (e.g., slot games, electronic poker, electronic black jack, etc.) and secondary wagering games (e.g., bonus games and side games). The account server 110 determines player activity data for each of the wagering game session associated with each player. For example, for each player, the account server 110 determines player activity data, such as the type of wagering games played by the player (e.g., slot game, electronic roulette game, picking bonus game, etc.), the game themes of the wagering games (e.g., movie theme, game show theme, etc.), the amount of money spent per game, the number of times the game was played, how many times the player put a max bet, the average bet per game played, how long was each wagering session, etc. The account server 110 stores the player activity data for each player in a database. The database may be implemented within the account server 110 or external to the account server 110. In some examples, the player activity data associated with a player, that is stored in the database, can be linked (e.g., via a pointer) to the player's wagering game system account (“player account”) that is implemented in the account server 110. In other examples, the player activity data that is stored in the database may not be linked to the player accounts. Instead, in one example, the player activity data may be stored and organized in a database by transaction date, wagering game, and/or wagering game machine. It is noted, however, that in other implementations other components of the wagering game system (in addition to or instead of the account server 110), e.g., the wagering game server 120, can monitor the wagering game sessions and store the player activity data.
At stage B, for each player, the wagering game server 120 determines player activity data for each of a plurality of game themes that are associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player. In one implementation, the wagering game server 120 obtains the player activity data for the player from the account server 110. At stage C, the wagering game server 120 generates a game theme rating profile for the player based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the game themes. In one implementation, the game theme rating profile associated with the player includes a player activity rating for each of the game themes. The player activity rating for a particular game theme can be determined based on the player activity data associated with the game theme. In one example, the wagering game server 120 can assign a high player activity rating to a first game theme if the player activity data indicates that the player likes playing one or more wagering games having the first game theme. For example, the player activity data may show that the player spends a substantial amount of time and/or money playing wagering games with the first game theme. At stage D, the wagering game server 120 provides the game theme rating profile for the player to the account server 110 for storage. At stage E, the account server 110 receives the game theme rating profile for the player and stores the game theme rating profile within the player's wagering game system account.
At stage F, the wagering game machine 160 initiates a wagering game session for the player. In one example, the wagering machine 160 receives input from a player to start a wagering game. In this example, the wagering game machine 160 sends a message to the wagering game server 120 requesting player account information to initiate the wagering game session for the player. At stage G, the wagering game server 120 detects when the wagering game session is being initiated on the wagering game machine 160. At stage H, the wagering game server 120 customizes the wagering game menus that are presented on the wagering game machine 160 based on the player's game theme rating profile (see FIG. 4). In one example, the wagering game server 120 can generate a “favorites” menu including wagering games with game themes that have the highest player activity ratings. In another example, the wagering game server 120 can sort the wagering games in a game menu such that the wagering games with the highest rated themes are at the top of the game menu. At stage I, the wagering game server 120 compares the player's game theme rating profile to the game theme rating profiles of a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system 100. At stage G, the wagering game server 120 suggests one or more wagering games to the player based on the comparison of the player's game theme rating profile to the game theme rating profiles of the plurality of additional players (see FIG. 3). In one implementation, after comparing the profiles, the wagering game server 120 may find a game theme rating profile that matches the player's profile. The wagering game server 120 may then suggest to the player a wagering game with a game theme that is highly rated in the matching profile.
Although FIG. 1 describes some embodiments, the following sections describe many other features and embodiments.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

This section describes example operating environments and networks and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically, this section includes discussion about wagering game system architectures.

Wagering Game Machine Architectures

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game system architecture 200, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the wagering game system architecture 200 includes an account server 210, a wagering game server 220, a plurality of wagering game machines 260, and a community server 280 coupled to a communication network 215. In some implementations, the wagering game system architecture 200 may also include a player activity server 230, as will be further described below.
The account server 210 is configured to control player related accounts accessible via wagering game networks and social networks. The account server 210 can store and track player information, such as identifying information (e.g., avatars, screen name, player profiles, player account identification numbers, etc.) or other information like financial account information, social contact information, etc. The account server 210 can also provide auditing capabilities, according to regulatory rules, and track the performance of players, machines, and servers. The account server 210 can include an account controller 212 configured to control information for a player's account. The account server 210 can also include an account store 214 configured to store information for a player's account.
Furthermore, the account server 210 may include a player activity monitoring unit 216 configured to monitor player activity during wagering game sessions of players. Also, as described above, the player activity monitoring unit 216 can determine player activity data associated with each player for each of the wagering game sessions, and store the player activity data in a database, e.g., within the player activity store 218. In one example, the player activity store 218 can store the player activity data associated with a player and link this data with the player's wagering game system account, or organize the data according to player accounts. In some implementations, the player activity monitoring unit 216 and the player activity store 218 can be implemented by other components of the wagering game system 200, e.g., the player activity server 230 or the wagering game server 220. In one example, the player activity server 230 can be a server managed by a casino operator that implements the player activity monitoring unit 216 and the player activity store 218. In this example, the player activity store 218 may store player names and/or player account information associated with the player activity data, but the player activity store 218 may not link the stored player activity data to the corresponding player accounts. Instead, the player activity store 218 may organize the player activity data by transaction date, wagering game, and/or wagering game machine. In this example, the wagering game server 220 may data mine the player activity store 218 of the player activity server 230 to determine player activity data associated with each player, e.g. to generate game theme rating profiles for each player. In another example, if the player is a member of a virtual gaming community offered by the community server 280, the wagering game server 220 may obtain some or all of the player activity data from the community server 280.
The wagering game server 220 is configured to control wagering game content and communicate wagering game information, account information, and other information to and from one or more wagering game machines 260. The wagering game server 220 can include a content controller 221 configured to manage and control content for presentation on the wagering game machines 260. For example, using on a random number generator, the content controller 221 can generate game results (e.g., win/loss values), including win amounts, for games played on the wagering game machines 260 (e.g., slots, poker, roulette, etc.). The content controller 221 can communicate the game results to the wagering game machines 260. The content controller 221 can also generate random numbers and provide them to the wagering game machines 260 so that the wagering game machines 260 can generate game results. The content controller 221 may also present other types of content, such as advertising, player messages, hotel and casino information, etc. The wagering game server 220 can also include a content store 222 configured to store content used for presenting wagering games and other information on the wagering game machines 260.
The wagering game server 220 may also include an account manager 223 configured to control information related to player accounts. For example, the account manager 223 can communicate wager amounts, game results amounts (e.g., win amounts), bonus game amounts, etc., to the account server 210. The wagering game server 220 can also include a communication unit 224 configured to communicate information to the wagering game machine 260 and to communicate with other systems, devices and networks.
Furthermore, the wagering game server 220 may include a player activity management unit 225 configured to determine player activity data, associated with each of a plurality of players, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with wagering games played by the player. In one implementation, the player activity management unit 225 may access the player activity store 218 to determine the player activity data for each player. In one example, when the player activity store 218 is organized by player account information, the player activity management unit 225 obtains the player activity data by searching under a player's account number or other player account information. In another example, when the player activity store 218 is not organized by player account information, the player activity management unit 225 may data mine the player activity store 218 based on a player's name, player account number, or other player identifying information. In yet another example, if the player is a member of a virtual gaming community offered by the community server 280, the player activity management unit 225 may obtain some or all of the player activity data from the community server 280. The player activity management unit 225 may also detect when a player initiates a wagering game session on a wagering game machine 260. The game theme rating unit 226 generates a game theme rating profile for each player and then stores the game theme rating profiles in the account server 110. The game theme rating unit 226 compares the player's game theme rating profile to the game theme rating profiles of other players, and suggests one or more wagering games to the player based on the comparison results, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 3. The game theme rating unit 226 can also customize wagering game menus that are presented on a wagering game machine to the player based on the player's game theme rating profile, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 4. The game theme rating unit 226 may also identify one or more groups of players having the same, or similar, game theme rating profiles, e.g., to customize wagering game promotions and/or other marketing initiatives, as will be further described below with reference to FIG. 5.
The plurality of wagering game machines 260 are configured to present wagering games and receive and transmit information to control the content that is presented for the wagering games. The wagering game machines 260 can include a wagering game unit 261 configured to manage and control the game content that is presented on the wagering game machines 260. The wagering game unit 261 can report player activity to the account server 210, which can be used by the wagering game server 220 to generate game theme rating profiles. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the wagering game unit 261 may report player activity to other components of the wagering game system 200, e.g., directly to the wagering game server 220 or to the player activity server 230. The wagering game unit 261 can also generate game results based on random numbers received from the wagering game server 220, or may communicate with the wagering game server 220 to obtain the game results. Additionally, the wagering game machine 260 can include a content store 262 configured to store content that is presented on the wagering game machine 260. The wagering game machine 260 may further include a presentation unit 263 configured to control the presentation of the game content on the wagering game machine 260. The presentation unit 263 can include one or more browsers and any other software and/or hardware suitable for presenting audio and video content. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game content can be presented using other display technologies. It is further noted that although FIG. 2 shows two wagering game machines 260, the wagering game system architecture 200 can include any number of wagering game machines (e.g., banks of stationary wagering game machines in one or more casinos).
The community server 280 is configured to provide a wide range of services to members of virtual gaming communities. For example, the community servers may allow players to:

- Create Social Networks—When creating social networks, members can create electronic associations that inform network members when selected members are: 1) online, 2) performing activities, 3) reaching milestones, 4) etc.
- Establish a Reputation—Community members can establish reputations based on feedback from other community members, based on accomplishments in the community, based on who is in their social network, etc.
- Provide Content—Community members can provide content by uploading media, designing wagering games, maintaining blogs, etc.
- Filter Content—Community members can filter content by rating content, commenting on content, or otherwise distinguishing content.
- Interact with Other Members—Community members can interact via newsgroups, e-mail, discussion boards, instant messaging, etc.
- Participate in Community Activities—Community members can participate in community activities, such as multi-player games, interactive meetings, discussion groups, real-life meetings, etc.
- Connect Casino Players to Online Members—Community members who are playing in casinos can interact with members who are online. For example, online members may be able to: see activities of social contacts in the casino, chat with casino players, participate in community games involving casino players, etc.

In some embodiments, the community server 280 can enable online community members (e.g., operating a personal computer (PC) or a mobile device) to participate in and/or monitor wagering games that are being presented in one or more casinos, e.g., via the Internet 282. The community server 280 can enable community members to connect with and track each other. For example, the community server 280 can enable community members to select other members to be part of a social network. The community server 280 can also enable members of a social network to track what other social network members are doing in a virtual gaming community and a real-world casino. For example, in some implementations, the community server 280 assists in enabling members of a social network to see when network members are playing wagering game machines in a casino, accessing a virtual gaming community web site, achieving milestones (e.g., winning large wagers in a casino), etc.
The community server 280 can store and manage content for a virtual gaming community. For example, in some embodiments, the community server 280 can host a web site for a virtual gaming community. Additionally, the community server 280 can enable community members and administrators to add, delete, and/or modify content for virtual gaming communities. For example, the community server 280 can enable community members to post media files, member-designed games, commentaries, etc., all for consumption by members of a virtual gaming community.
The community server 280 in conjunction with the wagering game server 220 and/or the account server 210 can track player activity of community members. In some embodiments, the community server 280 tracks how individuals and/or groups use the services and content available in a virtual gaming community. The community server 280 can analyze member activity and categorize community members based on their activity. The community server 280 can configure network components to customize content based on individual and/or group habits. In some embodiments, the community server 280 can provide the player activity data collected for the community members to the wagering game server 220 and/or the account server 210. The player activity data can be used to generate game theme rating profiles for each of the community members.
The community server 280 can manage various promotions offered to members of a virtual gaming community. For example, the community server 280 can distribute promotional material when members achieve certain accomplishments (e.g., scores for online games) in a virtual gaming community. Members may use some of the promotional material when playing wagering games in a casino. In another example, the community server 280 can distribute promotional material generated by the wagering game server 220 based on the game theme rating profiles of the community members.
Each component shown in the wagering game system architecture 200 is shown as a separate and distinct element connected via the communications network 215. However, some functions performed by one component could be performed by other components. For example, the wagering game server 220 can also be configured to perform functions of the account server 210. Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one device, but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by multiple devices, as in the configurations shown in FIG. 2 or other configurations not shown. Furthermore, the wagering game system architecture 200 can be implemented as software, hardware, any combination thereof, or other forms of embodiments not listed. For example, any of the network components (e.g., the wagering game machines, servers, etc.) can include hardware and machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable storage media includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, and other types of tangible storage medium suitable for storing instructions. Machine-readable transmission media includes any media suitable for transmitting software over a network.
Although FIG. 2 describes some embodiments, the following sections describe many other features and embodiments.

EXAMPLE OPERATIONS

This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams.
In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable storage media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram.
The following discussion of FIGS. 3-4 describes example mechanisms for generating game theme rating profiles and suggesting wagering games to players based on the game theme rating profiles. FIG. 5 describes an example mechanism for customizing game menus presented on a wagering game machine based on a player's game theme rating profile. FIG. 6 describes an example mechanism for identifying groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles and customizing marketing initiatives based on the matching game theme rating profiles.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram (“flow”) 300 illustrating operations for generating game theme rating profiles and suggesting wagering games to players based on the game theme rating profiles, according to some embodiments. The flow of 300 will be described with reference to the example system architecture of FIG. 2. The flow diagram begins at block 302.
At block 302, the wagering game server 220 determines player activity data, associated with a player, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player in one or more wagering game machines 260 of the wagering game system 200. In one implementation, the player activity management unit 225 determines the player activity data for each of the plurality of themes from a database of player activity data, e.g., the player activity store 218 of the account server 210. As described above, the player activity data may include the player's account number (and/or other player account information), the type of wagering games played by the player (e.g., slot game, electronic roulette game, picking bonus game, etc.), the game themes of the wagering games (e.g., movie theme, game show theme, etc.), the amount of money spent per game, the number of times the game was played, how many times the player put a max bet, the average bet per game played, how long was each wagering session, etc. In one example, for a player A, the player activity management unit 225 searches the player activity store 218 using the player's account number and finds player activity data for three game themes, e.g., a Monopoly game theme, a Zeus game theme, and a Dean Martin game theme. After block 302, the flow continues at block 304.
At block 304, the wagering game server 220 generates a game theme rating profile for the player based on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes. In some embodiments, the game theme rating unit 226 uses the player activity data obtained by the player activity management unit 225 to generate a game theme rating profile for the player. The game theme rating profile indicates a player activity rating for each of the game themes associated with the player. In the example described above, the game theme rating unit 226 can generate the game theme rating profile 441, shown in FIG. 4, for player A based on the player activity data associated with player A. In this example, the player activity data associated with the Zeus game theme may indicate that Player A played two different wagering games with the Zeus theme several times every visit to the casino. The player activity data may also indicate that Player A spends a significant percentage of the player's total money and time playing each of the Zeus games. Based on this player activity data, the game theme rating unit 226 may assign the highest player activity rating to the Zeus game theme. In one example, as shown in FIG. 4, the game theme rating unit 226 may implement a five star rating system for the game themes. In this example, the game theme rating unit 226 may assign a five star rating to the Zeus game theme. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game theme rating unit 226 may implement other types of player activity rating systems, e.g., a 0-10 point rating system. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the player activity data may indicate that Player A plays a single wagering game having the Monopoly game theme almost every time the player visits the casino, and spends a significant percentage of the player's time playing the game; however, player A only spends a modest percentage of the player's total money playing the Monopoly game. The player activity data may also indicate that Player A has only played a wagering game with the Dean Martin game theme a few times on only one casino visit, and that Player A did not spend very much money or time playing the Dean Martin game. Based on the player activity data associated with the Monopoly and Dean Martin games, the game theme rating unit 226 may assign a four star rating to the Monopoly game theme and a one star rating to the Dean Martin game theme.
In one implementation, to generate a game theme rating profile for a player, the game theme rating unit 226 can use the player activity data to derive one or more of the following statistics for each game theme:

- Bet (B): player's average bet for game theme/player's average bet for all game themes
- Session Length (SL): length of player's average wagering game session for game theme/average length of player's wagering game sessions for all game themes
- Money In (MI): player's total money invested in game theme/player's average total money invested for all game themes
- Time Returned (TR): player's number of times played game theme/length of time game theme has been fielded
- Games Played (GP): player's total number of individual games played for game theme/player's average total number of individual games played for all game themes
- Max Bet (MB): total number of times player has entered a max bet for game theme/average total number of times player has entered a max bet for all game themes
- Game Theme Selection (GTS): number of distinct wagering games played with the same game theme/total number of available distinct wagering games with the same game theme

In various implementations, the game theme rating unit 226 can use the game theme statistics noted above to determine a game theme score, e.g., a score from 0-100 points. The game theme rating unit 226 can use the game theme statistics as inputs to a function (f) that derives the game theme score. In other words, the game theme score=f(game theme statistics), where the game theme statistics are a subset or all of the statistics described above. For example, the game theme score=f(B, SL, MI, GP). In another example, the game theme score=f(B, SL, MI, TR, GP, MB).
In one implementation, the function (f) can be a weighing function. The game theme statistics can each be weighed a certain amount, e.g., based on the perceived importance of the data, to determine the game theme score. In one example, each the “Bet”, “Session Length”, and “Money In” statistics can be set to contribute toward 20% of the game theme score (i.e., weight of 0.2), the “Games Played” statistic can be set to contribute toward 15% of the game theme score (i.e., weight of 0.15), the “Time Returned” and “Max Bet” statistics can be set to contribute toward 10% of the game theme score (i.e., weight of 0.1), and the “Game Theme Selection” statistic can be set to contribute toward 5% of the game theme score (i.e., weight of 0.05). In one implementation, the game theme rating unit 226 can use the game theme score calculated for a particular game theme to determine the player activity rating for the game theme. In one example, the game theme rating unit 226 can assign a player activity rating of one star for a game theme score of 0-20 points, two stars for a game theme score of 21-40, three stars for a game theme score of 41-60, four stars for a game theme score of 61-80, and five stars for a game theme score of 81-100. In another example, the game theme rating unit 226 can assign a player activity rating of one star for a game theme score of 0-15 points, two stars for a game theme score of 16-35, three stars for a game theme score of 36-65, four stars for a game theme score of 66-85, and five stars for a game theme score of 86-100.
It is noted, however, that in other implementations other functions may be used. In one example, the game theme score=f(B, SL, MI, TR)=a*B+b*SL+c*MI²+d*TR. In this function, the “Money In” is given the highest importance. In another example, the game theme score=f(B, SL, MI, TR)=a*B+k*(MI/SL)+d*TR. This function recognizes that there may be interactions between the variables, i.e., the variables may not be independent. It is noted that the same function can be used for all players, a function may be customized for each player based on other information about the player, and/or the function can evolve based on new data. In one example, the game theme score=f(game theme statistics, x), wherein x is additional or different game statistics, or other information that can be used to generate the game theme score, for example, input obtained from the player (e.g., whether the player likes/dislikes the game). It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game theme rating unit 226 can process the player activity data by other methods to generate the game theme rating profiles. After block 304, the flow continues at block 306.
At block 306, the wagering game server 220 stores the game theme rating profile associated with the player in the account server 210. In one implementation, the wagering game server 220 may store the game theme rating profile within the player's wagering game system account. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game theme rating profile may be stored within the wagering game server 220, or within other components of the wagering game system 200. After block 306, the flow continues at block 308.
At block 308, the wagering game server 220 detects when a wagering game session associated with the player is initiated on a wagering game machine 260 of the wagering game system 200. In one example, the wagering machine 260 may receive a player input selecting a wagering game. In this example, the wagering game machine 260 may send a message to the wagering game server 220 requesting player account information and/or game information to initiate the wagering game session for the player. The player activity management unit 225 may detect the message from the wagering game machine 260. In another example, after receiving the player account information and/or game information from the wagering game server 220, the wagering game machine 260 may send a message to the wagering game server 220 indicating that the wagering game session has been initiated for the player. After block 308, the flow continues at block 310.
At block 310, the wagering game server 220 compares the game theme rating profile associated with the player to game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players to identify matching profiles. The additional players may be players that have player accounts for the wagering game system 200 and also have a game theme rating profile associated with the player account. In one implementation, the game theme rating unit 226 may compare the profiles to find one or more game theme rating profiles of the additional players that match the player's game theme rating profile. Matching profiles may be profiles that are the same, or similar, to the player's game theme rating profile. The game theme rating unit 226 may use information from the one or more matching profiles of the other players to intelligently predict which game themes the player may enjoy playing.
In the example shown on FIG. 4, at stage A, the game theme rating unit 226 of the wagering game server 220 obtains the game theme rating profile 441 for Player A from the account server 210. At stage B, the game theme rating unit 226 compares the game theme rating profile 441 associated with Player A to game theme rating profiles of a plurality of additional players that are stored in the account server 210. At stage C, the game theme rating unit 226 determines that the game theme rating profile 442 of Player B matches the game theme rating profile 441 of Player A. In this example, the game theme rating profile 442 of Player B includes all the game themes found in Player A's profile 441 and also the same player activity ratings for each of those game themes. Specifically, both of the profiles 441 and 442 have the Monopoly game theme rated 4 stars, the Zeus game theme rated 5 stars, and the Dean Martin game theme rated 1 star. Player B's profile 442 also includes the Survivor game theme, which has a player activity rating of 5 stars. Since Player B's profile 442 matches Player A's profile 441, the game theme rating unit 226 may use Player B's profile 442 to predict which game themes Player A may enjoy playing. For example, the game theme rating unit 226 can identify wagering game themes, included in Player B's profile, that Player A has not played in the past, and which Player A may enjoy playing. In this example of FIG. 4, the Survivor game theme is highly rated in Player B's profile 442; therefore, the game theme rating unit 226 can determine that there is a high likelihood that Player A will enjoy playing wagering games with the Survivor game theme. At stage D, based on the comparison results, the game theme rating unit 226 suggests one or more wagering games with the Survivor game theme to the player, as will be further described below (see block 312).
In some implementations, matching game theme rating profiles may be profiles that have the same, or similar, game themes and player activity ratings for the game themes, compared to the player's game theme rating profile. In one example, a matching game theme rating profile may be considered similar to the player's game theme rating profile if the matching profile has at least 90% of the game themes of the player's profile, and the player activity ratings of these game themes are, on average, at least 90% similar to the player activity ratings of the player's profile. In another example, a matching game theme rating profile may be considered similar to the player's game theme rating profile if the matching profile has at least 80% of the game themes of the player's profile, and the player activity ratings of these game themes are, on average, at least 80% similar to the player activity ratings of the player's profile. In yet another example, a matching game theme rating profile may be considered similar to the player's game theme rating profile if the matching profile has at least 70% of the game themes of the player's profile, and the player activity ratings of these game themes are, on average, at least 70% similar to the player activity ratings of the player's profile. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the criteria for a matching profile may vary, e.g., a matching game theme rating profile may be considered similar to the player's game theme rating profile if the matching profile has at least 85% of the game themes of the player's profile, and the player activity ratings of these game themes are, on average, at least 75% similar to the player activity ratings of the player's profile. In some implementations, if the game theme rating unit 226 does not find a matching profile that meets the matching criteria, the game theme rating unit 226 may find the closest matching profile associated with the other players, e.g., by reducing the matching criteria until a matching profile is identified. After block 310, the flow continues at block 312.
At block 312, the wagering game server 220 suggest, during the wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based on the comparison results. In various implementations, the comparison results identify game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile, and also identify highly rated game themes included in the matching profiles that the player has not played in the past, which the player may enjoy playing. In one example, the game theme rating unit 226 may identify game themes, in the matching profiles, with a player activity rating of at least 4 stars, which the player has not played in the past. The game theme rating unit 226 then suggests, to the player, the highly rated game themes, included in the matching profiles that the player has not played in the past. It is noted, however that in other implementations the game theme rating unit 226 may identify and suggest game themes, in the matching profiles, with a player activity rating of at least 3 stars, i.e., game themes with at least an average player activity rating.
In some implementations, the game theme rating unit 226 can suggest one or more wagering games associated with a particular game theme to the player by causing the wagering game machine 260 to display a list of the suggested wagering games (or other visual representation of the wagering games, e.g., game icons). In one example, the game theme rating unit 226 can send a message to the wagering game machine 260 specifying the one or more wagering games to suggest to the player. In another example, the suggested wagering games can be included within a “suggested games” menu of the wagering game machine 260. In this example, the wagering game machine 260 can generate an audio and/or visual indication for the player that one or more wagering games have been placed under the “suggested games” menu, e.g., a text message, or a blinking “suggested games” menu button. In response to the player selecting one of the suggested wagering games, the wagering game server 220 can initiate the selected wagering game for presentation on the wagering game machine 260. After block 312, the flow ends.
In some implementation, after a player completes a wagering game session, the wagering game server 220 updates the game theme rating profile for the player based on the new player activity data determined from the wagering game session. In other words, the game theme ration profile for a player may be automatically updated after each wagering game session. In some implementations, in addition to having the option of selecting one or more of the suggested games, the player may be presented the option to provide input about each of the suggested games. For example, the player can specify whether they like or dislike each of the suggested games, before or after they play the game. This information can be used to generate or update the game theme rating profile of the player (see block 304). If input is received indicating that the player dislikes one of the suggested games, the game theme rating unit 226 may automatically suggest a different game. In some implementations, the player may also be provided the option to disable the suggestion feature at the wagering game machine 260.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram (“flow”) 500 illustrating operations for customizing game menus presented on a wagering game machine 260 based on a player's game theme rating profile, according to some embodiments. The flow of 500 will be described with reference to the example system architecture of FIG. 2. The flow diagram begins at block 502.
At block 502, the wagering game server 220 generates a game theme rating profile for a player based on player activity data for a plurality of game themes. The plurality of game themes are associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player in a wagering game system 200. For example, the game theme rating unit 226 generates a game theme rating profile for a player by implementing the techniques described above with reference to FIG. 3. The game theme rating unit 226 may then store the game theme rating profile associated with the player in the account server 210. After block 502, the flow continues at block 504.
At block 504, the wagering game server 220 detects when a wagering game session associated with the player is initiated on a wagering game machine 260 of the wagering game system 200. After block 504, the flow continues at block 506.
At block 506, the wagering game server 220 customizes the game menus presented on the wagering game machine 260 during the wagering game session based on the player's game theme rating profile. In some implementations, the game theme rating unit 226 customizes one or more of the game menus presented on the wagering game machine 260 based, at least in part, on the player activity ratings of the game themes included in the player's game theme rating profile. In one example, the wagering game machine 260 may display a main game menu including all the wagering games that are available at the wagering game machine 260. In this example, the game theme rating unit 226 customizes the main game menu of the wagering game machine 260 such that the wagering game themes that have a high player activity rating (e.g., 4 or 5 stars) are placed at the top of the main game menu. Also, the wagering games with game themes that have the highest possible player activity rating (e.g., 5 stars) are placed above wagering games with game themes that have the second highest player activity rating (e.g., 4 stars). In this example, the game themes that have a low player activity rating (e.g., 1 or 2 stars) can be placed at the bottom of the main game menu. The remaining wagering games can be arranged under the main game menu in alphabetical order, by game theme, by game type, or by other arrangements. In another example, the game theme rating unit 226 customizes a “favorites” menu such that the game themes with high player activity ratings are included within the “favorites” menu. In yet another example, based on the player's game theme rating profile, the game theme rating unit 226 may display the three highest rated wagering games on the display of the wagering game machine 260 as soon as the player starts the wagering game session. After block 506, the flow ends.
In some embodiments, the game theme rating unit 226 may also customize the wagering games that are available on the wagering game machine 260 during the wagering game session based on the player's game theme rating profile. In one implementation, the game theme rating unit 226 can change the game themes of the wagering games that are available on the wagering game machine 260 based on the player's game theme rating profile. For example, from the player's game theme rating profile, the game theme rating unit 226 may determine that the player enjoys playing wagering games with the Monopoly and Zeus game themes, 3-reel slot games, and games with many free spins. In this example, the game theme rating unit 226 may determine whether the wagering game machine 260 offers a 3-reel slot game with the Monopoly or Zeus game theme that offers many free spins. If the wagering game machine 260 does not offer a wagering game having these characteristics, the game theme rating unit 226 may change the game theme of one of the available 3-reel slot games to the Monopoly or Zeus game theme that offers many free spins.
FIG. 6 is a flow diagram (“flow”) 600 illustrating operations for identifying groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles and customizing marketing initiatives based on the matching game theme rating profiles, according to some embodiments. The flow of 600 will be described with reference to the example system architecture of FIG. 2. The flow diagram begins at block 602.
At block 602, the wagering game server 220 generates game theme rating profiles for a plurality of players based on player activity data for a plurality of game themes. The plurality of game themes are associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the plurality of players in the wagering game system 200. For example, the game theme rating unit 226 generates a game theme rating profile for each player by implementing the techniques described above with reference to FIG. 3. The game theme rating unit 226 may then store the game theme rating profiles associated with the players in the account server 210. After block 602, the flow continues at block 604.
At block 604, the wagering game server 220 compares the game theme rating profiles of the plurality of players. In one implementation, the game theme rating unit 226 compares the game themes, and the player activity ratings of the game themes, of the game theme rating profiles of the plurality of players. After block 604, the flow continues at block 606.
At block 606, the wagering game server 220 identifies one or more groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles. For example, the game theme rating unit 226 identifies one or more groups of players having the same, or similar, game theme rating profiles. It is noted that in various implementations the game theme rating unit 226 may compare the profiles and identify groups of players having matching profiles using the techniques and criteria described above with reference to FIG. 3. In one example, as described above, game theme rating profiles of players may be considered to match if the profiles have at least 80% of the same game themes, and the player activity ratings of these game themes are, on average, at least 80% similar to each other. After block 606, the flow continues at block 608.
At block 608, the wagering game server 220 can customize wagering game promotions, and/or other marketing initiatives, based on the matching game theme rating profiles of the one or more groups of players. For example, the game theme rating unit 226 can customize game promotions, such as a casino wide promotion of a new wagering game having a popular game theme, a wagering game that is offering extra spins for the day, etc. The wagering game server 220 can display promotional material casino wide (e.g., LCD screens, wagering game machine displays, etc.) for one or more wagering game themes that were highly rated in the game theme rating profiles of the one or more groups of players. The wagering game server 220 can also detect whether any of the players (of the one or more groups of players) are playing wagering games, or detect when the players initiate a wagering game session. The wagering game server 220 can customize the promotional material offered to the players based on the game theme rating profiles, e.g., offer free spins if the players play the highest rated game theme. The wagering game server 220 can also offer a promotion where the more players that play the game from the group of player, the more free spins the players receive, or offer the highest award earned to all the players of the group. In another example, the matching game theme rating profiles of the groups of players can be used by wagering game developers to market wagering games to other casinos. For example, a group of several thousand players that visits Casino A may have matching profiles including the Monopoly and Zeus game themes (with high player activity ratings). If Casino B does not have any wagering games with these game themes, the matching game theme rating profiles from Casino A can be used to market the Monopoly and Zeus games to Casino B. Also, the matching game theme rating profiles of the groups of players can be used to identify popular game themes, which can be used for new game development. After block 608, the flow ends.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLE OPERATING ENVIRONMENTS

This section describes example operating environments, systems and networks, and presents structural aspects of some embodiments.

Wagering Game Machine Architecture

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game machine architecture 700, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 7, the wagering game machine architecture 700 includes a wagering game machine 706, which includes a central processing unit (CPU) 726 connected to main memory 728. The CPU 726 can include any suitable processor, such as an Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, AMD Opteron™ processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The main memory 728 includes a wagering game unit 732. In some embodiments, the wagering game unit 732 can present wagering games, such as video poker, video black jack, video slots, video lottery, reel slots, etc., in whole or part. The wagering game unit 732 may also report player activity, and other player input, to the wagering game server 220 to implement techniques for generating game theme rating profiles for players, e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6.
The CPU 726 is also connected to an input/output (“I/O”) bus 722, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 722 is connected to a payout mechanism 708, primary display 710, secondary display 712, value input device 714, player input device 716, information reader 718, and storage unit 730. The player input device 716 can include the value input device 714 to the extent the player input device 716 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 722 is also connected to an external system interface 724, which is connected to external systems (e.g., wagering game networks). The external system interface 724 can include logic for exchanging information over wired and wireless networks (e.g., 802.11g transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet transceiver, etc.)
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 706 can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in FIG. 7. For example, in some embodiments, the wagering game machine 706 can include multiple external system interfaces 724 and/or multiple CPUs 726. In some embodiments, any of the components can be integrated or subdivided.
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 706 includes an online gaming module 737. The online gaming module 737 can process communications, commands, or other information, where the processing can control and present online wagering games.
Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 706 can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein.

Example Wagering Game Machines

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8, a wagering game machine 800 is used in gaming establishments, such as casinos. In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 800 can report player activity, and other player input, to the wagering game server 220 to implement techniques for generating game theme rating profiles for players, e.g., as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6.
According to embodiments, the wagering game machine 800 can be any type of wagering game machine and can have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the wagering game machine 800 can be an electromechanical wagering game machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it can be an electronic wagering game machine configured to play video casino games, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.
The wagering game machine 800 comprises a housing 812 and includes input devices, including value input devices 818 and a player input device 824. For output, the wagering game machine 800 includes a primary display 814 for displaying information about a basic wagering game. In some implementations, the primary display 814 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The wagering game machine 800 also includes a secondary display 816 for displaying bonus wagering games, wagering game events, wagering game outcomes, and/or signage information. While some components of the wagering game machine 800 are described herein, numerous other elements can exist and can be used in any number or combination to create varying forms of the wagering game machine 800.
The value input devices 818 can take any suitable form and can be located on the front of the housing 812. The value input devices 818 can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The value input devices 818 can include coin acceptors for receiving coin currency and bill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input devices 818 can include ticket readers or barcode scanners for reading information stored on vouchers, cards, or other tangible portable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorize access to central accounts, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine 800.
The player input device 824 comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel 826 for operating the wagering game machine 800. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 824 can comprise a touch screen 828 mounted over the primary display 814 and/or secondary display 816.
The various components of the wagering game machine 800 can be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 812. Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine's components can be located outside of the housing 812, while being communicatively coupled with the wagering game machine 800 using any suitable wired or wireless communication technology.
The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the player on the primary display 814. The primary display 814 can also display a bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 814 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering game machine 800. Alternatively, the primary display 814 can include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome. In FIG. 8, the wagering game machine 800 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 814 is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the wagering game machine can be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 814 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the wagering game machine 800. In yet another embodiment, the wagering game machine 800 can exhibit any suitable form factor, such as a free standing model, bartop model, mobile handheld model, or workstation console model.
A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 818. The player can initiate play by using the player input device's buttons or touch screen 828. The basic game can include arranging a plurality of symbols along a payline 832, which indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected in response to player input. At least one of the outcomes, which can include any variation or combination of symbols, can trigger a bonus game.
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 800 can also include an information reader 852, which can include a card reader, ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage medium interface. In some embodiments, the information reader 852 can be used to award complimentary services, restore game assets, track player habits, etc.

GENERAL

This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the inventive subject matter, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

determining, at a wagering game server of a wagering game system, player activity data, associated with a player, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player on one or more wagering game machines of the wagering game system;

determining a game theme rating profile for the player based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes, wherein the game theme rating profile comprises a player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes;

determining when a wagering game session associated with the player is initiated on a wagering game machine of the wagering game system;

comparing the game theme rating profile associated with the player to a plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system; and

suggesting, during the wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the comparison of the game theme rating profile associated with the player to the game theme rating profiles associated with the plurality of additional players.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said comparing the game theme rating profile associated with the player to the plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with the plurality of additional players comprises comparing the player activity ratings for the plurality of game themes associated with the player's game theme rating profile to player activity ratings for a plurality of game themes associated with the plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with the plurality of additional players, and identifying one or more of the game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said suggesting one or more wagering games to the player comprises suggesting one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on one or more game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the player activity data associated with the wagering games played by the player comprises one or more of game themes associated with the wagering games, amount of money spent per wagering game, number of times the player played each wagering game, number of times the player placed a maximum bet for each wagering game, length of wagering game session, and average bet per wagering game.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the game theme rating profile for the player comprises determining the player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the game theme rating profile for the player comprises calculating a plurality of player activity statistics based on the player activity data for each game theme of the plurality of game themes, assigning a weight value to each of the plurality of player activity statistics associated with each game theme, determining a player activity score for each game theme based on the weight values associated with the player activity statistics, and determining the game theme rating profile for the player based on the player activity score for each game theme.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining player activity data comprises searching a database of an account server of the wagering game system for player activity data associated with player account information associated with the player, and reading the player activity data.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating the player's game theme rating profile after completing the wagering game session based, at least in part, on player activity data obtained during the wagering game session.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing the game theme rating profile associated with the player to an account server of the wagering game system for storage in the player's wagering game system account.

10. A wagering game server for a wagering game system, the wagering game server comprising:

a player activity management unit configured to determine player activity data, associated with a player, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player in the wagering game system; and

a game theme rating unit configured to determine a game theme rating profile for the player based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes, wherein the game theme rating profile comprises a player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes, and the game theme rating unit is further configured to

compare the game theme rating profile associated with the player to a plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system;

identify one or more of the plurality of game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile; and

suggest one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the one or more matching game theme rating profiles.

11. The wagering game server of claim 10, wherein the game theme rating unit configured to suggest one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the one or more matching game theme rating profiles comprises the game theme rating unit configured to determine a wagering game associated with a game theme included in the one or more matching game theme rating profiles that the player has not previously played, and the game theme rating unit configured to suggest the wagering game to the player.

12. The wagering game server of claim 11, wherein the game theme rating unit is configured to select a wagering game associated with a game theme included in the one or more matching game theme rating profiles that the player has not previously played and having a player activity rating that is higher than an average player activity rating.

13. The wagering game server of claim 10, wherein the player activity data associated with the wagering games played by the player comprises one or more of game themes associated with the wagering games, amount of money spent per wagering game, number of times the player played each wagering game, number of times the player placed a maximum bet for each wagering game, length of wagering game session, and average bet per wagering game.

14. The wagering game server of claim 10, wherein the game theme rating unit configured to determine the game theme rating profile for the player comprises the game theme rating unit configured to determine the player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes.

15. The wagering game server of claim 10, wherein the game theme rating unit configured to determine the game theme rating profile for the player comprises the game theme rating unit configured to calculate a plurality of player activity statistics based on the player activity data for each game theme of the plurality of game themes, assign a weight value to each of the plurality of player activity statistics associated with each game theme, determine a player activity score for each game theme based on the weight values associated with the player activity statistics, and determine the game theme rating profile for the player based on the player activity score for each game theme.

16. The wagering game server of claim 10, wherein the player activity management unit configured to determine player activity data comprises the player activity management unit configured to search a database of an account server of the wagering game system for player activity data associated with player account information associated with the player, and read the player activity data.

17. A wagering game server for a wagering game system, the wagering game server comprising:

means for monitoring a plurality of wagering game sessions of a player to determine player activity data, associated with the player, for each of a plurality of game themes, wherein the plurality of game themes are associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player during the plurality of wagering game sessions;

means for determining a game theme rating profile for the player based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes, wherein the game theme rating profile comprises a player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes;

means for determining when a wagering game session associated with the player is initiated on a wagering game machine of the wagering game system;

means for customizing one or more game menus on the wagering game machine based, at least in part, on the player's game theme rating profile;

means for comparing the player's game theme rating profile to a plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system;

means for identifying one or more of the plurality of game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile; and

means for suggesting, during the wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the one or more matching game theme rating profiles.

18. The wagering game server of claim 17, wherein said means for suggesting, during a wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the one or more matching game theme rating profiles comprises means for determining a wagering game associated with a game theme included in the one or more matching game theme rating profiles that the player has not previously played, and means for suggesting, during the wagering game session, the wagering game to the player.

19. The wagering game server of claim 17, wherein said means for determining the game theme rating profile for the player comprises means for determining the player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with the plurality of game themes.

20. A computer-implemented method comprising:

determining, at a wagering game server of a wagering game system, player activity data, associated with each of a plurality of players, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the players on one or more wagering game machines of the wagering game system;

determining a game theme rating profile for each of the plurality of players based, at least in part, on the player activity data associated with each of the players, wherein each of the game theme rating profiles comprises a player activity rating for each of the plurality of game themes associated with each of the players;

comparing the game theme rating profiles associated with each of the plurality of players;

identifying one or more groups of players, from the plurality of players, having matching game theme rating profiles based on said comparing the game theme rating profiles associated with each of the plurality of players; and

customizing wagering game promotions for the wagering game system based, at least in part, on the matching game theme rating profiles associated with the one or more groups of players.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said comparing the game theme rating profiles associated with each of the plurality of players comprises determining game theme rating profiles that have matching game themes and associated player activity ratings to identify the one or more groups of players having matching game theme rating profiles.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said customizing wagering game promotions for the wagering game system comprises determining a wagering game associated with a game theme included in the matching game theme rating profiles and displaying a promotion for the wagering game on a plurality of display devices of the wagering game system.

23. One or more machine-readable storage media, having instructions stored therein, which, when executed by a set of one or more processors causes the set of one or more processors to perform operations that comprise:

determining player activity data, associated with a player, for each of a plurality of game themes associated with a plurality of wagering games played by the player on one or more wagering game machines of a wagering game system;

customizing one or more game menus on the wagering game machine based, at least in part, on the player's game theme rating profile;

comparing the player's game theme rating profile to a plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with a plurality of additional players of the wagering game system;

identifying one or more of the plurality of game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile; and

suggesting, during the wagering game session, one or more wagering games to the player based, at least in part, on the one or more matching game theme rating profiles.

24. The machine-readable storage media of claim 23, wherein the operations further comprise comparing game themes and associated player activity ratings of the player's game theme rating profile to game themes and associated player activity ratings of the plurality of game theme rating profiles associated with the plurality of additional players, and identifying one or more of the game theme rating profiles that match the player's game theme rating profile.

25. The machine-readable storage media of claim 23, wherein the operations further comprise determining a wagering game associated with a game theme included in the one or more matching game theme rating profiles that the player has not previously played, and suggesting, during the wagering game session, the wagering game to the player.