Barcode-based methods to enhance mobile multiplayer games

A method for connecting two or more users with devices to a game on the Internet using a server, comprising:

• providing a device for each user;
• providing a server, configured to provide information to the devices of each user;
• contacting the server, by a first user through a first device, to initialize an instance of the game to be played, the server in return providing a barcode that encodes an identifier of the first device;
• displaying the barcode on the first device;
• image capturing the barcode, by the one or more other users using their respective devices;
• decoding the barcode by the one or more other users using their respective devices;
• contacting the server, by the one or more other users using their respective devices, the server in return providing information related to the game;
• and
• entering the game, by the one or more other users through their respective devices, using the information related to the game.

A method for connecting two or more users with devices to a game on the Internet using a server, comprising:

• providing a device for each user;
• providing a server, configured to provide information to the devices of each user;
• contacting the server, by a first user through a first device to initialize an instance of the game to be played, the server returning an audio signal that encodes an identifier of the first device;
• playing the audio signal on the first device;
• capturing the audio signal, by the one or more other users using their respective devices;
• decoding the audio signal by the one or more other users using their respective devices to obtain server information related to the game;
• contacting the server, by the one or more other users using their respective devices, with the obtained server information, the server returning information related to the game;
• and
• entering the game, by the one or more other users through their respective devices, using the information related to the game provided by the server.

A method for transferring assets between players in a game on the Internet using a server, comprising:

• providing a server configured to control the game;
• creating instructions, by a first device of a first user, relating to debiting an asset the first user owns in exchange for a credit;
• sending the instructions, by the first device, to the server;
• encoding the instructions, by the server, into a transaction barcode and sending the transaction barcode to be displayed on the first device;
• imaging the transaction barcode by a second device belonging to a second user interested in the asset owned by the first user;
• decoding the transaction barcode by the second device to obtain server information related to the transaction;
• contacting the server, by the second device, with the decoded instructions;
• approving the transaction, by the second user;
• and
• completing the transaction, via the server, whereby the server performs the instructions created by the first user with respect to the asset.