WO2001095987A1

WO2001095987A1 - A multimedia entertainment system

Info

Publication number: WO2001095987A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/019023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric S. Medney
Original assignee: Winbigtoday.Com
Priority date: 2000-06-14
Filing date: 2001-06-14
Publication date: 2001-12-20
Also published as: AU2001268388A1

Abstract

A comprehensive multi-media entertainment system (300) that provides television specials (302), radio programs (304), print programs (306) and a daily Internet interactive game show (308) with a daily winner. The television specials (302) take advantage of the excitement surrounding major entertainment events, such as the Super Bowl. The daily Internet interactive game show (308) relates to engaging and interactive theme competitions and games, for example, in sports. In order to attract audiences, a web site in the system (300) also features information related to the daily interactive game show's theme, such as sport score, news, and information, classic and new sport video/audio theater, interstitial entertainment segments, popular sport personalities and retail merchandising.

Description

A MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

INVENTOR: Eric Medney

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Utility Application Serial Number 09/593,526, filed June 14, 2000, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system and method for playing games on-line, and more particularly, to a system and method for converging multi-media technologies in developing games for users of the respective technologies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Advances in computer processing power and network communications have made information from a wide variety of sources available to users on computer networks. Computer networking allows network computer users to share information, software applications and hardware devices and internetworking enables a set of physical networks to be connected into a single network such as the Internet. Today, computers connected to the Internet have almost instant access to information stored in relatively distant regions. Moreover, computers connected to networks other than the Internet also have access to information stored on those networks. The World Wide Web (Web), a hypermedia system used on the Internet, enables hypertext linking, whereby documents automatically reference or link other documents located on connected computer networks around the world. Thus, users connected to the Internet have almost instant access to information stored in relatively distant regions.

A page of information on the Web may include references to other Web pages and may include a broad range of multimedia data including textual, graphical, audio, and animation information. Currently, Internet users retrieve information from the Internet, through the Web, by 'visiting' a web site on a computer that is connected to the Internet.

The web site is, in general terms, a server application that displays information stored on a network server computer. The web site accepts connections from client programs, such as Internet browser applications. Browser applications, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer ™ or Netscape Navigator ™, allow Internet users to access information displayed on the web site. Most browser applications display information on computer screens and permit a user to navigate through the Web using a mouse. Like other network applications, Web browsing uses the client-server paradigm. When given the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of a document, the browser application becomes a client and it contacts a server application specified in the URL to request the document. After receiving the document from the server application, the browser application displays the document for the user. When the browser application interacts with the server application, the two applications follow the HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP). HTTP allows the browser application to request a specific article, which the server application then returns. To ensure that browser applications and server applications inter-operate unambiguously, HTTP defines the exact format for requests sent from the browser application to the server application as well as the format of replies that the server application returns.

As the number of physical networks connected to the Internet continues to grow, so too will the number of web sites that are accessible to Internet users and so too will commercial activity on the Internet. Providers of a wide range of products and/or services are continuously exploring new methods for promoting and selling them. Currently sports fans also go on-line mainly to check scores and standing. Because up to date information about scores, schedules, teams, and athlete news is very important to sports fans, they also go on-line for information. Moreover, the fascination with winning a large amount of money and winning in a competition is a growing consumer passion. Today, even the most popular sports sites are static experiences and they have yet to take advantage of the interactive capabilities of the Web. Moreover, there is limited connection between on-line sports sites and other media. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a comprehensive multi-media entertainment system that provides television specials, radio programs, print programs and a daily Internet interactive game show with a daily winner. The television specials take advantage of the excitement surrounding major entertainment events, such as the Super Bowl. The daily Internet interactive game show relates to engaging and interactive themed competitions and games, for example, in sports. In order to attract audiences, a web site in the inventive system also features information related to the daily interactive game show's theme, such as sports scores, news and information, classic and new sport video/audio theater, interstitial entertainment segments, popular sport personalities and retail merchandising.

It is another object of the invention to base competition in the interactive game show on elements and variations of trivia/knowledge, strategy and/or prediction.

It is another object of the invention to allow the player to play the interactive game show at a rookie level or at a pro level. At the rookie level, every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing. At the pro level, one grand prizewinner is selected daily for a relatively large prize and the selected winner is eligible for a chance to compete in a designated sport for an even larger prize. If the selected player at the pro level wins the larger prize, the winner of the larger prize may decide to keep the prize or to play another game and win a super grand prize. Once a year, all winners of the super grand prize gather at a predefined location to compete against each other and win a colossal grand prize. It is another object of the invention to include segments in the interactive game show. The segments include, for example, an "on the bench" segment, a courtside segment, a "play of the day segment" and "a shot in the dark" segment. The "on the bench" segment is a strategic challenge against a real coach's live game decision. The courtside segment is a celebrity sighting game. In the "play of the day" segment, players match important sports moments to the day they occur. The "shot in the dark" segment is a mystery guest identity game show.

It is another object of the invention to enable each player to win daily prizes and to accumulate points to the player's account for each correct answer. The points are redeemable for merchandise.

It is another object of the invention to enable advertisers to offer merchandise, such as magazine subscription, travel discounts. Points can also be accumulated through a variety of other player actions, such as information hunting, merchandise purchases and/or marketing partner interaction. It is another object of the invention to offer comprehensive film, video and audio libraries on demand to players. The players may also purchase the film, video and audio libraries on-line or off-line. The system also offers other merchandise for sale on-line or off-line.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the system particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention provides a system for providing multi-media entertainment, whereby the system is a convergent brand concept that derives revenue off-line and on-line, the system comprising: an interactive game show with a daily winner, whereby the interactive game show relates to engaging and interactive competitions and games; a television special game that takes advantage of excitement surrounding a major event, whereby a player with the most knowledge about a particular event wins; and means for combining the interactive game show to the television special game, whereby a predefined number of daily of the interactive game show participate at a predetermined location and players at home participate in the television special game using a telephone and whereby the interactive game show and the television special game are geared to paying out a one time major reward

The inventive system also provides a television special game comprising: categories that are each represented by a number on a keypad, whereby under each category, players choose from a one-digit question to a four digit question; two chance keys represented by an asterisk key and a pound key; a plurality of rounds; special wild cards that are hidden under some number, whereby each wild card is assigned a specific dollar value and has a predetermined level of difficulty which increases as each round progresses; and multiple rounds where each digit is worth a pre-determined amount and the value associated with each digit doubles in each consecutive round, whereby after all numbers associated with the categories have been chosen, the player who breaks a code wins a round and a bonus amount, and the player with the most money at the end of a specific round is given a chance to play a physical skills challenge.

The inventive system also provides an interactive game show based on elements and variations of trivia and knowledge, strategy or prediction, the interactive game show comprising: a rookie level where every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing; a pro level whereby randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing and one grand prize winner is selected daily for a relative large prize, the grand prize winner is eligible for a change to compete in a designated event for an even larger prize, and is eligible to compete for a super grand prize; and a plurality of segments in each level, whereby as the number of clues given to the player in each segment increase, the player's score decreases.

The present invention also provides a method for playing games in a system with an interactive game show on the web and a television special game, the method comprising the steps of: paying to play the interactive game show; selecting to play at a rookie level where every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing; selecting to play at a pro level whereby randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing; choosing one daily grand prize winner at the pro level for a large prize and a chosen winner is eligible for a chance to compete in a designated event for an even larger prize; enabling the chosen winner to keep the larger prize and end the game, if the chosen winner wins the larger prize; enabling the chosen winner to give up the larger prize to play another game and win a super grand prize, if the chosen winner wins the larger prize; gathering all winners of the super grand prize at a predefined location to compete against each other for a colossal grand prize; and competing in a television show for the colossal grand prize.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention that together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates a computer network in which the inventive system may be incorporated;

Fig. 2 illustrates the TCP/IP Layering Model Protocol used during communications between components on the computer network;

Fig. 3 illustrates a comprehensive multi-media sports and entertainment system; Fig. 4 illustrates the steps implemented by a player upon entering the inventive system web site; and

Figs. 5 and 6 illustrates the play of the day segment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The present invention described below extends the functionality of the inventive system and method for developing a comprehensive multi-media game. Fig. 1 is an example of a local area network (LAN) 100 that is configured to utilize a non-repudiation protocol. LAN 100 comprises a server 102, four computer systems 104-110, and peripherals, such as printers and other devices 112, that may be shared by components on LAN 100. Computer systems 104-110 may serve as clients for server 102 and/or as clients and/or servers for each other and/or for other components connected to LAN 100. Components on LAN 100 are preferably connected together by cable media, for example copper or fiber-optic cable and the network topology may be a token ring topology 114. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other media, for example, wireless media, such as optical and radio frequency, may also comiect LAN 100 components. It should also be apparent that other network topologies, such as Ethernet, may be used.

Data may be transferred between components on LAN 100 in packets, i.e., blocks of data that are individually transmitted over LAN 100. Routers 120, 122 create an expanded network by connecting LAN 100 to other computer networks, such as the Internet, other LANs or Wide Area Networks (WAN). Routers are hardware devices that may include a conventional processor, memory, and separate I/O interface for each network to which it connects. Hence, components on the expanded network may share information and services with each other. In order for communications to occur between components of physically connected networks, all components on the expanded network and the routers that connect them must adhere to a standard protocol. Computer networks connected to the Internet and to other networks typically use TCP/IP Layering Model Protocol. It should be noted that other internetworking protocols may be used. As illustrated in Fig. 2, TCP/IP Layering Model comprises an application layer (Layer 5) 202, a transport layer (Layer 4) 204, an Internet layer (Layer 3) 206, a network interface layer (Layer 2) 208, and a physical layer (Layer 1) 210. Application layer protocols 202 specify how each software application connected to the network uses the network. Transport layer protocols 204 specify how to ensure reliable transfer among complex protocols. Internet layer protocols 206 specify the format of packets sent across the network as well as mechanisms used to forward packets from a computer through one or more routers to a final destination. Network interface layer protocols 208 specify how to organize data into frames and how a computer transmits frames over the network. Physical layer protocols 210 correspond to the basic network hardware. By using TCP/IP Layering model protocols, any component connected to the network can communicate with any other component connected directly or indirectly to one of the attached networks.

Fig. 3 illustrates a comprehensive multi-media sports and entertainment system 300 that provides television specials 302, radio programs 304, print programs 306 and a daily Internet interactive game show 308 with a daily winner. Television specials 302 take advantage of the excitement surrounding major sports events, such as the Super Bowl. The daily Internet interactive game show 308 relates to engaging and interactive sports-theme competitions and games. Interactive game show 308 is geared to paying out a one-time major reward. System 300 is therefore a convergent brand concept that derives revenue off-line from synergistic television show specials 302 that drive the on- line brand while producing its own profit center. Audiences of the on-line and off-line game shows are thus direct revenue generators. In order to attract audiences, a web site in inventive system 300 also features information related to the daily interactive game show's theme, such as sports scores, news and information, and other information such as classic and new sport video/audio theater, interstitial entertainment segments, popular sport personalities and retail merchandising. The example shown here relates to sports- themed games; however the invention is not limited to a particular theme. Other types of games and information for players will be known to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, interactive game show 308 features interactive, multimedia technology and uses broadband and high speed internet access to provide robust arid rich visual and audio interaction. Fig. 4 illustrates the steps implemented by a player upon entering the system web site. The player pays to participate in interactive game show 308. While the player may play multiple times during each visit and the player is charged for each game show the player participates in. Players also may sign up and play using a telephone. Other methods will be known to those skilled in the art.

In Step 4010 of Fig. 4, the player may either play the interactive game show at a rookie level or at a pro level. At the rookie level, every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing. Randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing. At the pro level, one grand prizewinner is selected daily for a relatively large prize and the selected winner is eligible for a chance to compete in a designated sport event for an even larger prize. For example, large prize for the selected daily winner at the pro level may be set at ten thousand dollars and a trip for two to a pre-selected resort. An email is sent to the daily winner. Alternatively, the winner may be notified by the telephone. Other methods will be known to those skilled in the art. In Step 4020, if the selected player at the pro level wins the larger prize, the winner of the larger prize may decide to keep the larger prize or to play another game and win a super grand prize. For example, the larger prize may be set at one hundred thousand dollar level and the player may choose to play another game for a super grand prize set at one million dollars. In Step 4030, once a year, all wimiers of the super grand prize gather at a predefined location to compete against each other and win a colossal grand prize.

In one embodiment, competition in interactive game show 308 is based on elements and variations of trivia/knowledge, strategy and/or prediction. Segments in interactive game show 308 include an "on the bench" segment, a courtside segment, a "play of the day segment" and "a shot in the dark" segment. The "on the bench" segment is a strategic challenge against a real coach's live game decision. In a preferred embodiment, a real game situation is played out to a point where the player is given options of plays to call. Upon calling a play, system 300 determines if the player's call is better than a real coach's live decision. The courtside segment is a celebrity sighting game where video clues are presented to the player for the player to guess the identity of a famous fan or match the famous fan to a team. Figs. 5 and 6 illustrates the play of the day segment. In the "play of the day" segment, players match important sports moments to the day they occur. The "shot in the dark" segment is a mystery guest identity game show. This segment determines how well the player knows a sport's personality. The mystery guest's identity is hidden and based on clues provided by system 300, the player must guess the mystery guest's identity. As the number of clues in this segment increase, the player's score decreases.

Along with the opportunity for each player to win daily prizes, each correct answer adds a point to the player's account. The points are redeemable for merchandise. Advertisers may offer merchandise, such as magazine subscription, travel discounts, dining coupons, sports memorabilia and equipment, for the player's points. Points can also be accumulated through a variety of other player actions, such as information hunting, merchandise purchases and/or marketing partner interaction. The points are redeemed through the inventive system, using a redemption catalog. For example, a user accesses a reward database to retrieve information regarding the number of reward points that the user has accumulated. Then the user can select an award catalog site where a number of products may be available for redemption. Alternatively, the inventive system may access a third party redemption catalog from which the user may choose award redemption products. Other types of award redemption systems will be known to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of this invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, comprehensive sports film, video and audio libraries is also made available on demand to players. The players may also purchase the sports film, video and audio libraries on-line or off-line. System 300 also offers other merchandise for sale on-line or off-line.

In a preferred embodiment, television special 302 takes place in one environment and is taped in advance. People at home also get a chance to participate in the show and win prizes. The goal of television special 302 is to break out a telephone number on a main game board. The player with the most knowledge of a professional sport wins. The show features ten categories that are each represented by a number on the telephone keypad. The game also has two chance keys represented by the asterisk and pound keys. Players may use the chance keys to randomly win bonus prizes or to hurt a competitor. Players must put all earned money on the line for a chance to use the chance keys.

Under each category, players may choose from a "one digit" question, represented by one digit, to a "four digit" question, represented by four digits. In the first round, each digit is worth a pre-determined amount, for example, one thousand dollars. The value associated with each digit doubles in each consecutive round. The player who answers a question correctly controls the game board and may choose another question in the same category or move on to another category. Moreover, special wild cards are hidden underneath some, numbers. Each wild card is assigned a specific dollar value and has a predetermine level of difficulty, which increases as each round progresses. If a player controls the board when it lands on a wild card, the player may answer the question associated with the wild card and assumes the risk of losing or winning money, or the player may pass the risk to another player. After all ten numbers associated with the ten categories have been dropped into place, the player who breaks a code, such as a telephone number, wins a round and a bonus amount. The player with the most money at the end of a specific round is given a chance to play a physical skills challenge, such as throw a football through a tire from ten yards away.

The foregoing description has been directed to specific embodiments of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A system for providing multi-media entertainment, whereby the system is a convergent brand concept that derives revenue off-line and on-line, the system comprising: an interactive game show with a daily winner, whereby the interactive game show relates to engaging and interactive competitions and games; a television special game that takes advantage of excitement surrounding a major event, whereby a player with the most knowledge about a particular event wins; and means for combining the interactive game show to the television special game, whereby a predefined number of daily of the interactive game show participate at a predetermined location and players at home participate in the television special game using a telephone and whereby the interactive game show and the television special game are geared to paying out a one time major reward.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the television special game features: categories that are each represented by a number on a keypad, whereby under each category, players choose from a one-digit question to a four digit question; a plurality of rounds; and two chance keys represented by a asterisk key and a pound key.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein in each round each digit is worth a predetermined amount and the amount associated with each digit doubles in each consecutive round.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the player who answers a question correctly controls a game board and chooses another question in the same category.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the player who answers a question correctly controls a game board and chooses a question in another category.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein special wild cards are hidden under some numbers, whereby each wild card is assigned a specific dollar value and has a predetermined level of difficulty that increases as each round progresses.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein if a player controls the game board when a number with a wild card is chosen, the player is given an option to answer the question associated with the wild card and assumes the risk of losing or winning money.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein if a player controls the game board when a number with a wild card is chosen, the player is given an option to pass the risk to another player.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein players use the chance keys to randomly win bonus prizes.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein after all numbers associated with the categories have be chosen, the player who breaks a code wins a round and a bonus amount and the player with the most money at the end of a specific round is given a chance to play a physical skills challenge.

11. The system of claim 2, wherein a player uses the chance keys to randomly penalize competing players, whereby the player puts all earned money on the line for an opportunity to use the chance keys.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the major event is a major sports event.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the engaging and interactive competitions and games are sport-theme competition and games.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein competition in the interactive game show is based on elements and variations of trivia and knowledge.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein competition in the interactive game show is based on elements and variation of strategy.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein competition in the interactive game show is based on elements and variations of prediction.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interactive game includes segments.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the interactive game includes segments.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein segments in the interactive game show include: a strategic challenge against a real coach's live game decision, whereby upon calling a play, the system determines if a player's call is better than the live coach's decision; a celebrity sighting game where video clues are presented to the player for the player to guess the identity of a famous fan or match the famous fan to a sports team; a play-of-the-day game whereby players match important moments to the day they occur; and a mystery guest identity game, whereby the mystery guest's identity is hidden and based on clues provided by the system, the player must guess the mystery guest's identity.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein as the number of clues given to the player in each segment increase, the player's score decreases.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein each correct answer by the player adds points to a player's account.

22. The system of claim 1 , wherein points are accumulated in the player account through a variety of player actions.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the points are redeemable for merchandise.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein points are redeemable through the system web site.

25. The system of claim 13, wherein comprehensive sports film, video, and audio libraries is available on demand to players on a system web site.

26. The system of claim 13, wherein comprehensive sports film, video, and audio libraries is available on demand to players off-line.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive game show features interactive, multimedia technology and uses broadband and high speed internet access.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein a player enters a system web site to play the interactive game show.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein a player uses a telephone to play the interactive game show.

30. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive game show includes: a rookie level where every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing; and a pro level whereby randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein at the pro level one grand prize winner is selected daily for a large prize and a selected winner is eligible for a chance to compete in a designated event for an even larger prize.

32. The system of claim 31 , wherein if the selected winner at the pro level wins the larger prize, the selected winner keeps the larger prize and ends the game.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein if the selected winner at the pro level wins the larger prize, the selected winner gives up the larger prize to play another game and win a super grand prize.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein all winners of the super grand prize gather at a predefined location to compete against each other for a colossal grand prize.

35. The system of claim 1, wherein an e-mail message is sent to the daily winner.

36. The system of claim 1, wherein the daily winner is notified by telephone.

37. The system of claim 1, wherein audiences of the television special game and the interactive game show are direct revenue generators.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the revenue is generated from advertising, fees from interactive game show participation, and fees from demand libraries.

39. The system of claim 1, wherein a web site features information related to the interactive game show's theme, interstitial entertainment information, popular personalities information, and retail merchandising information.

40. A television special game comprising: categories that are each represented by a number on a keypad, whereby under each category, players choose from a one-digit question to a four digit question; two chance keys represented by an asterisk key and a pound key; a plurality of rounds; special wild cards that are hidden under some number, whereby each wild card is assigned a specific dollar value and has a predetermined level of difficulty which increases as each round progresses; and multiple rounds where each digit is worth a pre-determined amount and the value associated with each digit doubles in each consecutive round, whereby after all numbers associated with the categories have been chosen, the player who breaks a code wins a round and a bonus amount, and the player with the most money at the end of a specific round is given a chance to play a physical skills challenge.

41. The television special game of claim 40, wherein players use the chance keys to randomly win bonus prizes.

42. The television special game of claim 40, wherein players use the chance keys to randomly penalize competing players, whereby the player puts all earned money on the line for an opportunity to use the chance keys.

43. The television special game of claim 40, wherein the player who answers a question correctly controls a game board and chooses another question in the same category.

44. The television special game of claim 40, wherein the player who answers a question correctly controls a game board and chooses a question in another category.

45. The television special game of claim 40, wherein if a player controls the game board when a number with a wild card is chosen, the player is given the option to answer the question associated with the wild card and assumes the risk of losing or winning money.

46. The television special game of claim 40, wherein if a player controls the game board when a number with a wild card is chosen, the player is given the option to pass the risk to another player.

47. An interactive game show based on elements and variations of trivia and knowledge, strategy or prediction, the interactive game show comprising: a rookie level where every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing; a pro level whereby randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing and one grand prize winner is selected daily for a relative large prize , the grand prize winner is eligible for a change to compete in a designated event for an even larger prize, and is eligible to compete for a super grand prize; and a plurality of segments in each level, whereby as the number of clues given to the player in each segment increase, the player's score decreases.

48. The interactive game show of claim 47, wherein the plurality of segments include: a strategic challenge against a real coach's live game decision, whereby upon calling a play, the system determines if a player's call is better than the live coach's decision; a celebrity sighting game where video clues are presented to the player for the player to guess the identity of a celebrity or match the celebrity to a sports team; a play-of-the-day game whereby players match important moments to the day they occur; and a mystery guest identity game, whereby the mystery guest's identity is hidden and based on clues provided by the system, the player must guess the mystery guest's identity.

49. The interactive game show of claim 47, each correct answer by the player adds points to the player's account and points are also accumulated through a variety of player actions.

50. The interactive game show of claim 49, wherein points are redeemable for merchandise through the system web site.

51. The interactive game show of claim 47, wherein comprehensive film, video, and audio libraries are available on demand to players on a system web site.

52. The interactive game show of claim 47, wherein comprehensive film, video, and audio libraries is available on demand to players off-line.

53. A method for playing games in a system with an interactive game show on the web and a television special game, the method comprising the steps of: paying to play the interactive game show; selecting to play at a rookie level where every player has a chance to be an instant winner just by playing; selecting to play at a pro level whereby randomly selected players with correct answers win instant prizes and remain eligible for that day's grand prize drawing; choosing one daily grand prize winner at the pro level for a large prize and a chosen winner is eligible for a chance to compete in a designated event for an even larger prize; enabling the chosen winner to keep the larger prize and end the game, if the chosen winner wins the larger prize; enabling the chosen winner to give up the larger prize to play another game and win a super grand prize, if the chosen winner wins the larger prize; gathering all winners of the super grand prize at a predefined location to compete against each other for a colossal grand prize; and competing in a television show for the colossal grand prize.