US20090191948A1

US20090191948A1 - Gaming system and a method of playing a game

Info

Publication number: US20090191948A1
Application number: US12/275,983
Authority: US
Inventors: Hyong Joo Kim
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-21
Filing date: 2008-11-21
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: AU2008246265A1

Abstract

A method of gaming including: (a) generating and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generating a plurality of second symbols; (c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprising the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2007906370, filed on Nov. 21, 2007, entitled “A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME”, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different gaming systems are known in which symbols are displayed in order to provide a game on which a wager can be made. Typically such games are played on so-called “poker machines”. Usually the symbols are displayed on a mechanical reel, or in more recent times on a video display. A winning game is determined based on the displayed symbols.
While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for an alternative gaming system in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention may be said to reside in a method of gaming including:

(a) generating and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;
(b) generating a plurality of second symbols;
(c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and
(d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

In an embodiment the method includes making a determination as to whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment the method includes determining an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment the method includes recalculating the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.
In an embodiment, the method includes displaying the first symbol rows are displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and inserting the one or more second symbol rows between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed
In an embodiment, the method includes determining to add the second symbol rows in response to a predetermined stimulus.
In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group including reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.
In an embodiment, the method includes an additional step of changing a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.
In an embodiment, the second symbols are determined by a random generator at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, the second symbols are determined by a random generator in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of row includes a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.
In an embodiment, a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.
In an embodiment, a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more reels.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:

(a) generate and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;
(b) generate a plurality of second symbols;
(c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and
(d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to cause the first symbol rows to be displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed
In an embodiment, the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus.
In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group including reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.
In an embodiment, a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of row includes a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.
In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented by a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in a gaming system including;
a player interface including a display for displaying game outcomes; and
a game controller arranged to;

(a) generate and display a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;
(b) generate a plurality of second symbols;
(c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and
(d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows included of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.
In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to display the first symbol rows on the display as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.
In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed
In an embodiment, the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus.
In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group including reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.
In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a random generator arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a random generator arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.
In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of row includes a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.
In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.
In an embodiment, the gaming system includes a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory to implement the game controller.
In an embodiment, the player interface includes a game play mechanism operable by the player to initiate a play of the game.
In an embodiment, the game play mechanism is operable by the player to place an additional wager required to add the one or more second rows.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in computer program code which when executed implements one or more of the above methods.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in a computer readable medium including the program code.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in a data signal including the program code.
Certain embodiments of the present invention may also be said to reside in transmitting the program code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a view of a display according to an embodiment of invention;

FIG. 7 is a view of a display showing the insertion a bonus row;

FIG. 8 is a view of the display with the inserted bonus row also showing a win line;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a functional block modular diagram relating to an embodiment of the invention.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game. The gaming system can take a number of different forms.
In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.
In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.
However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.
Irrespective of the form, the gaming system includes several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components for the player to enter instructions and play the game.
Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58.
The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.
A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.
A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.
The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of FIG. 2.
The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.
The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 include one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted based on the specific implementation.
In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/ output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101.
FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in FIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.
One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.
In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.
In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.
Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.
The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games depending upon the terminals.
Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server).
An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.
Referring to those Figures, FIG. 6 shows a display which is a virtual display formed as graphics on a display 16. The virtual display includes a plurality of reels 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, 16 d and 16 e the reels 16 a to 16 e therefore define 3 rows 17 a, 17 b and 17 c to thereby form a 3 by 5 matrix.
The symbols 600 are generated by a random number generator 113 previously described and in order to play a game a player will insert coins or other forms of payment and operate the game play mechanism 56 to initiate 905 a play of the game on which the required additional bet is made and hence to start 900 the game and spin 920 the reels 16 a to 16 e. The reels 16 a to 16 e are spun by a graphic interface driver which causes the symbol 600 to move downwardly in the reels to give the appearance of spinning reels and each reel is stopped in turn to bring up the display shown in FIG. 6.
The game outcome is then determined in accordance with the rules of the game based on the displayed symbols 600.
In the embodiment, after the symbols 600 are spun up a player is given a change to insert a bonus row either between the first and second rows as indicated by arrow 701 in FIG. 7 or between the second and third rows as indicated by arrow 702. It will be seen that the player has elected to add bonus row 17 c (FIG. 8) between the first and second rows. In one embodiment, a base game the player will need to spend extra credits to insert the bonus row. In one embodiment, the player must elect to pay for the option to add the bonus row before the game is started. In another embodiment, the player may be offered the option to pay for the bonus row after the initial rows are selected. In other embodiments, if the player has reached a certain level in a game (such as by triggering a feature game) the bonus row maybe automatically made available to the player. Further still, the bonus row maybe provided in response to some other stimuli such as a certain game outcome or the like.
In the embodiment, the bonus row 17 c is formed by symbols which are generated 915 at the commencement of the game when the base game symbols are generated 910. When the bonus row is to be added 935, either those symbols or a selection of those symbols is added as row 17 c between either row 17 a and 17 b or row 17 b and 17 c as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 8 the game outcome will be again calculated to see if there is a win 940 and to recalculate the win 945 with the bonus row 17 c inserted. In this embodiment, (i.e. there is no pay at step 930) any win by the player previously provided by the base game without the bonus row will be modified to include the outcome of the game including bonus row 17 c. In other embodiments, symbols for the bonus row may only be selected after the extra row is to be added. In another embodiment also illustrated in FIG. 9, the player may be able to win 925,940 and be paid 930,950 from both the unmodified, initial game outcome and the modified display with the bonus row.
In order to provide the game outcome a plurality of win lines (also known as paylines) such as win line 801 shown in FIG. 8 is determined. Up to fifty or more win lines may be used in order to determine the game outcome. As is apparent from FIG. 8 the win line 801 includes a line which covers row 17 a and bonus row 17 c. With regard to the win lines, the game controller 101 is arranged to add and/or remove paylines in response to a bonus row 17 c being added. More specifically, as a result of adding a bonus row 17 c the existing win lines may not pass through a symbol of the bonus row 17 c—which is likely to be important for the purposes of determining the game outcome. By adding and/or removing existing paylines, game outcomes can be correctly based on symbols in the bonus row 17 c.
The outcome of the game shown in FIG. 6 may have provided a win because of the inclusion of two pic1 symbols in row 17 a. When the bonus row 17 c is added the win line 801 which is predetermined at the game outset results in an additional win because the win line now includes four pic1 symbols thereby providing a much larger payout. Thus, the win previously provided is modified to include an additional component based on the new outcome with the bonus row 17 c added.
If the bonus row 17 c had not provided any additional symbols then no additional payment would be made and the recalculation of the game outcome would simply result in the same outcome as provided by the display in FIG. 6. The bonus row or bonus rows can be added in a number of different ways. In one example all of the positions of the row can be determined by a random number generator at the commencement of a game and only displayed when the bonus row is added. In if an additional row is purchased the random number generator makes a further selection to form the second bonus row. The purchase of the bonus row 17 c can be made by a player at the commencement of a game. Alternatively, the player can first see the outcome of the display in FIG. 6 and then make an extra bet to purchase a bonus row or the player can see the result and if it meets a criteria then the player can be afforded and choose to accept the opportunity to make an extra bet. The win line represented by the win line 801 will change and differ in number as additional bonus rows are added in accordance with pre-programmed criteria and the rules of the game.
In other embodiments, the player may place a wager using other techniques known in the art, for example, by selecting reels such as is known in “Reel Power” games manufactured by Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, where each displayed symbol of each selected reel is combined to form win combinations with designated symbols of each unselected reel.
FIG. 10 is a functional block modular diagram the embodiment of the invention which shows the random number generator 113 having part 601 for generating the display shown in FIG. 6 and part 602 for generating the symbols to be displayed in the bonus row or rows. Module 611 defines the win lines appropriate to the base game shown in FIG. 6. The display module 603 causes the symbols to be displayed. The spin module 608 spins the reels where necessary to bring up the display 16 shown in FIG. 6 or the display shown in FIG. 8 as the case may be. Module 604 determines whether the bonus row is active ie whether the player has paid for a bonus row or the required stimuli for activation of the bonus row has been achieved. Win lines are defined by module 605 to change the win lines formed by module 611 in response to the addition of one or more bonus rows. The bonus row is added by module 606 and displayed by module 607. The game outcome is determined by module 609 to determine the base game outcome without the bonus row and then recalculate the outcome with the bonus row included. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that some or all of the above modules can be provided by processor 62 executing program code stored in memory 64.
It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context indicates otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable media suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor and/or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system, for example.
Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
Method steps associated with certain embodiments may be implemented in one embodiment by a program product including machine-executable instructions, such as program code, for example in the form of program modules executed by machines in networked environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Machine-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

Claims

1. A method of gaming comprising:

(a) generating and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;

(b) generating a plurality of second symbols;

(c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprising the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and

(d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising making a determination as to whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising determining an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising recalculating the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

5. The method of claim 1, comprising displaying the first symbol rows are displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and inserting the one or more second symbol rows between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed

7. The method of claim 2, comprising determining to add the second symbol rows in response to a predetermined stimulus.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises an additional step of changing a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein the second symbols are determined by a random generator at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

11. The method of claim 2, wherein the second symbols are determined by a random generator in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more reels.

15. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:

(a) generate and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;

(b) generate a plurality of second symbols;

(c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and

(d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

16. The game controller of claim 15, arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.

17. The game controller of claim 15, arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.

18. The game controller of claim 17, arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

19. The game controller of claim 15, arranged to cause the first symbol rows to be displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.

20. The game controller of claim 16, wherein the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed

21. The game controller of claim 16, wherein the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus.

22. The game controller of claim 21, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.

23. The game controller of claim 16, wherein the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.

24. The game controller of claim 16, wherein a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

25. The game controller of claim 16, wherein a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

26. The game controller of claim 15, wherein the display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.

27. The game controller of claim 15, arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.

28. The game controller of claim 15 arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.

29. The game controller of claim 16, implemented by a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory.

30. A gaming system comprising;

a player interface comprising a display for displaying game outcomes; and

a game controller arranged to;

(a) generate and display a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows;

(b) generate a plurality of second symbols;

(d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

31. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.

32. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows.

33. The gaming system of claim 32, wherein the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

34. The gaming system of claim 30, arranged to display the first symbol rows on the display as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.

35. The gaming system of claim 31, wherein the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed

36. The gaming system of claim 31, wherein the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus.

37. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.

38. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.

39. The gaming system of claim 31, comprising a random generator arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

40. The gaming system of claim 31, comprising a random generator arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

41. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.

42. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.

43. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.

44. The gaming system of claim 30, comprising a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory to implement the game controller.

45. The gaming system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the player interface comprised a game play mechanism operable by the player to initiate a play of the game.

46. The gaming system as claimed in claim 45, wherein the game play mechanism is operable by the player to place an additional wager required to add the one or more second rows.

47. A computer readable medium comprising computer program code which when executed implements the method of gaming, the method comprising:

(b) generating a plurality of second symbols;

(d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.