System executing a meta-game and a virtual environment

Some embodiments relate to a computing system including a virtual environment hosting a player avatar, comprising: at least one processor; memory storing executable program code; at least one display to display game-related images; and input components to receive player input. The at least one processor is configured to execute the program code to: execute a first game in response to player input, the first game being a game of chance; execute a meta-game, wherein the meta-game defines at least one meta-game objective and wherein progression through the meta-game towards the at least one meta-game objective is related to results of game play in the first game, wherein a theme of the meta-game is associated with the virtual environment, and wherein the first game is executed simultaneously with the meta-game; generate a virtual environment; and present a player avatar on the display within the virtual environment.