Zynga Inc.

Kyle Saugier

Michael Waite

Jason Samuel McGuirk

Lauren Duncan

John Osvald

Erik Nilsson

Miguel Sanchez

A method for performing a social project in a video game is provided. A session of the video game for a primary user is initiated, and a social project is initiated within the session of the video game. One or more secondary users are determined from a social graph of the primary user. A message requesting help to complete the social project is sent to the one or more secondary users, the message including a low-friction response mechanism. Upon activation of the low-friction response mechanism of the request, a response is received indicating an intent to help complete the social project from a responsive secondary user. Upon receiving the response, automated animation of an avatar of the responsive secondary user is triggered within the primary user's session of the video game so as to collaborate on the social project.

Low-friction response in a social game

Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for expanding gaming social networks with players having no existing social relationships with other players. One method includes an operation for identifying first filters selected by a first user, the first filters identifying a first criteria for desired new friends. Another operation identifies second filters selected by a plurality of users in the network, where the second filters are entered by each user to identify second criteria for being added as a friend in the network. A plurality of candidates to be added as friends for the first user are determined, where each candidate conforms to the first criteria and where the first user conforms to the second criteria set by each candidate. Additionally, friendship requests are sent to one or more of the candidates or candidates are added as friends when the candidates have chosen automatic addition of friends.

Expanding the gaming social network with unrelated players

Growing community of inventors

South San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Kyle Saugier