US20090298571A1 - System and method for gaming - Google Patents
System and method for gaming Download PDFInfo
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- US20090298571A1 US20090298571A1 US12/476,026 US47602609A US2009298571A1 US 20090298571 A1 US20090298571 A1 US 20090298571A1 US 47602609 A US47602609 A US 47602609A US 2009298571 A1 US2009298571 A1 US 2009298571A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3267—Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
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Abstract
A method of gaming comprises providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game. The outcome of the additional game operates to vary a subset of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect the game outcome in the main game.
Description
- This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 61/057654 having a filing date of May 30, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- [Not Applicable]
- [Not Applicable]
- The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code.
- It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a video display.
- It is also known to provide a “WILD” symbol. A “WILD” symbol is a symbol which can substitute for any other symbol. For example, if a player requires five (5) “KING” symbols to form a winning combination, then a combination of four (4) KING symbols and one (1) WILD symbol also forms a winning combination, because the WILD symbol operates to “substitute for” (i.e. is equivalent to) the KING symbol.
- In other words, the player perceives the WILD symbol as being a symbol that provides the player with an “extra chance” to receive a favorable game outcome (a win). While the use of WILD symbols is one feature used to gain and maintain player interest, there is a need to find new and different ways to capture and maintain player interest.
- In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game, wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect a game outcome in the main game.
- The game outcome in turn may affect the probability of a prize being awarded. That is, the game outcome is compared against prize data to determine whether a prize is due to a player.
- In an embodiment, the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game.
- In an embodiment, the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount. The variance criterion may alternatively be that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game to thereby activate the additional game.
- In one embodiment, the outcome of the additional game is at least one symbol that operates to transform like symbols displayed in the main game to another symbol, so as to affect an outcome of the main game. The like symbol(s) may, for example, be transformed into substitute or “WILD” symbols.
- In an embodiment, the symbol(s) displayed in the additional game is/are randomly selected from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game.
- In an embodiment, the total number of each type of symbol available for selection in the additional game may be a function of a bet amount selected in the main game. Alternatively, a combination of the type of symbol and the total number of symbols may be utilized.
- The additional game may be played at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game.
- In an embodiment, the symbol(s) in the additional game are displayed in a reel format.
- In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to provide an additional game that operates independently of a main game, wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect a game outcome in the main game.
- In an embodiment, the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game.
- In an embodiment, the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount. The variance criterion may alternatively be that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game, to thereby activate the additional game.
- In an embodiment, symbols displayed in the main game which correspond to symbols displayed in the additional game are transformed into a substitute or “WILD” symbol.
- In an embodiment, the symbol(s) displayed in the additional game is/are randomly selected from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game.
- In an embodiment, the total number of each type of symbol available for selection in the additional game may be a function of an amount wagered in the main game. Alternatively, a combination of the type of symbol and the total number of symbols may be utilized.
- The additional game may be played at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game.
- In an embodiment, the symbol(s) selected for display in the additional game are displayed in a reel format.
- In an embodiment, the controller includes a display module operable to cause a representation of the main game and additional game to be displayed on a gaming terminal.
- In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a main game and an additional game that operates independently of the main game, such that an outcome of the additional game operates to vary a subset of symbols displayed in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect an outcome of the main game; and a display operable to display a representation of the main game and additional game.
- In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
- In a fifth aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the program code in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention.
- In accordance with a sixth aspect the present invention comprises transmitting or receiving a data signal comprising the computer program code in accordance with the fourth aspect.
- A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory; -
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system; -
FIG. 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system; -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and -
FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c are diagrams depicting examples of a reel-type game in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - An embodiment of the present invention provides a gaming system implementing a main game and an additional game. The additional game operates independently of the main game but has the effect of varying a sub-set of symbols in the main game in response to a variance criteria being met, to thereby effect the outcome of the main game. The variance criteria may, for example, be that a symbol displayed in the additional game corresponds to a symbol displayed in the main game, such that the corresponding symbol in the main game is transformed into another symbol such as a substitute or “WILD” symbol.
- The gaming system may be provided in a number of different forms.
- In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required 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 required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required 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 comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a
player interface 50 and agame controller 60 as illustrated inFIG. 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 required 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 ormore displays 54 and agame play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions. - The
game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes aprocessor 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 amemory 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 inFIG. 2 . Thegaming machine 10 includes aconsole 12 having adisplay 14 on which is displayed representations of agame 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of thegaming machine 10 houses a bank ofbuttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses acredit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes acoin input chute 24A and abill 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 may be provided 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 carryartwork 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 afront panel 29 of theconsole 12. Acoin tray 30 is mounted beneath thefront panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from thegaming machine 10. - The
display 14 shown inFIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, thedisplay 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. Thetop box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as thedisplay 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 ofFIG. 2 . - The
gaming machine 100 includes agame controller 101 having aprocessor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of theprocessor 102 are stored in amemory 103, which is in data communication with theprocessor 102. Typically, thegaming 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 thememory 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 thegaming 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 randomnumber generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by theprocessor 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 , aplayer interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with thegame controller 101 comprise one ormore displays 106, a touch screen and/orbuttons 107, a card and/orticket reader 108, aprinter 109, a bill acceptor and/orcoin input mechanism 110 and acoin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of thegaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. - In addition, the
gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example anetwork 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 anexemplary memory 103. Thememory 103 includesRAM 103A,EPROM 103B and amass storage device 103C. TheRAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by theprocessor 102 and related data. TheEPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. Themass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by theprocessor 102 using protected code from theEPROM 103B or elsewhere. - It is also possible for the operative components of the
gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices game controller 101. -
FIG. 5 shows agaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Thegaming system 200 includes anetwork 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network.Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in threebanks 203 of twogaming machines 202 inFIG. 5 , are connected to thenetwork 201. Thegaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as thegaming machines FIGS. 2 and 3 , or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. Whilebanks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated inFIG. 5 , banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. - One or
more displays 204 may also be connected to thenetwork 201. Thedisplays 204 may, for example, be associated with one ormore banks 203 of gaming machines. Thedisplays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on thegaming 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 agaming machine 202 and thegaming 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. Adatabase management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by thegaming devices 202 in adatabase 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, aJackpot server 207 will be provided to carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot game. Aloyalty 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 agaming machine 202 and thegaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, thegame 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 gamingfloor management server 208, and alicensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. Anadministrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run thenetwork 201 and the devices connected to the network. - The
gaming network 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 afirewall 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 as required by the terminals. - In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming machines select symbols by employing a stop determining function that randomly determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a “window” visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position.
- Spinning reel type games typically allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a number of reels to play. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be more complex combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window. A game outcome is determined based on the symbols on the win lines and a prize table that specifies awards.
- The
game controller 60 of the preferred embodiment (as previously described with reference toFIG. 1 ) is shown in more detail inFIG. 6 . It will be apparent that theprocessor 62 implements a number of modules, namely randomnumber generator module 621,symbol selector module 622,outcome determiner module 623,award determiner module 624,sequence monitoring module 625, anddisplay controller module 626 based on data stored inmemory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not all modules need be implemented byprocessor 62. For example, the randomnumber generator module 621 could be implemented by a separate circuit, or by a random number generator server. - In the presently described embodiment, the
game controller 60 is operable to control play of both a main game in the form of a reel game, and an additional, or supplementary, game which operates independently of the main reel game. The additional game has the effect of varying the outcome of the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, as will be described in more detail in subsequent paragraphs. - Operation of the main game will first be described with reference to
FIG. 8 a. In accordance with the presently described embodiment, the main game is in the form of a reel game. A player places an initial wager which causes a plurality of reels to spin. The symbols which are displayed on the reels after they have come to rest (i.e. are displayed in the reel window) are selected by thesymbol selector 622, based onsymbol data 641 which specifies the available symbols. The displayed symbols (generated utilizing the display 54) are rendered utilizingimage data 642. The symbols are selected by thesymbol selector 622 using a random number obtained from therandom number generator 621. Theoutcome determiner module 623 determines game outcomes and their associated prizes based on the number of win lines the player is playing and the symbol combinations appearing in the reel window. The value of any prizes awarded to the player is determined utilizing the game outcomes andprize data 643. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the game outcomes and their associated prizes are displayed on thedisplay 54, which is controlled, at least in part, by thedisplay controller 626. - An
award determiner 624 is employed to keep track of the total award and subsequently to modify the award as more games are played. The total is maintained astotal data 644 inmemory 64. Thus, after each game theaward determiner 624 updates thetotal data 644 to reflect the current total. The sequence monitor 625 monitors for completion of the sequence and, at the conclusion of the sequence, instructs theaward determiner 624 to modify the accumulated total. - With reference to
FIG. 8 b, the additional game is in the form of asubstitute reel 806. Thesubstitute reel 806 is controlled by a WILDsubstitute reel module 627 implemented by thegame controller 60. In the embodiment described herein, thereel module 627 controls thereel 806 such that it spins independently of the reels displayed in the main game. - That is, an
additional reel 806, hereinafter referred to as the “sixth reel” (due to the embodiment having a main reel game including five reels) is provided in addition to the main reel game of a gaming machine. In the embodiment, thesixth reel 806 is displayed alongside thereel window 800 of the main game. However, it will be understood that thesixth reel 806 may be displayed in any suitable location, such as, for example, on a video screen above the main reel game. Moreover, thesixth reel 806 may be displayed in any suitable configuration, such as a “vertical” reel, a “horizontal” reel, or as a “wheel” (i.e. a wheel akin to a roulette wheel). - In another embodiment, the
sixth reel 806 may be remotely displayed (e.g. thesixth reel 806 may be implemented as a roulette-style wheel which is located adjacent to, but not incorporated into, the gaming machine). Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art. - In the presently described embodiment, the sixth reel includes a set of symbols that are a sub-set of the symbols available for selection (i.e. by the symbol selector 622) in the main reel game. The set of symbols available for selection and display in the sixth reel game is stored in
memory 64 assupplementary symbol data 645. - It will be understood that the
sixth reel 806 may include any combination of a sub-set of symbols available for selection in the main reel game, or indeed the entire set of symbols displayable in the main reel game. Moreover, the sixth reel may also include other symbols (hereafter “supplementary symbols”) not available in the main reel game. For example, the supplementary symbols may include “blank” symbols (i.e. certain spaces on the reel contain no symbol), or alternatively, the sixth reel may provide supplementary symbols which award “instant” prizes, such as a feature game, a jackpot, etc. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art. - The operation of the sixth reel is described with reference to the flowchart of
FIG. 7 . - In the embodiment described herein, the spinning of the
sixth reel 806 takes place after the reels of the main game have come to a stop. That is, referring toflowchart 700 ofFIG. 7 , a player initiates the main reel game (702). The player is informed of the outcome of the main reel game, and if an award is due to the player, the player is also informed of the award that the player has won as a result of the outcome in the main reel game (704). The sixth reel is then spun, and a substitute symbol is revealed in thecentre position 808 of the sixth reel (706). The substitute symbol revealed in thecentre position 808 operates to vary the outcome of the main game provided that a variance criterion has been met. In the presently described embodiment, the variance criterion is that a like symbol appears in thereel window 800 of the main game (708). - That is, if the substitute symbol revealed in the
centre position 808 of the sixth reel (i.e. the symbol that operates to substitute for the WILD symbol) appears in the initial main game, then each symbol in the main game that accords with the substitute symbol is transformed to a WILD symbol (710). Once the transformation is finalized, the final game outcome is shown to the player, and theaward determiner 624 recalculates any awards due to the player (712). - A specific example will now be described with reference to the screen shots shown in
FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c. AtFIG. 8 a, there is shown a conventional 3×5 (15 element)reel game 800. Each of the vertical columns of elements represent a “reel”, with each element in each reel being arranged to display a symbol. In the example, the symbols used correspond with the symbols used on a conventional deck of cards (i.e. the numerals 2-9, and the symbols J, Q, K and A). The symbol set also includes a WILD symbol, which operates to substitute for any one of the other symbols. In this example, it is assumed that a player must receive at least three (3) identical symbols in any one row (horizontal) to be awarded a prize. Although it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that any prize winning combination could equally apply depending only on the desired implementation. - At
FIG. 8 a, a player has initiated a game (e.g. by placing a wager and selecting a number of pay lines to play), and an initial game outcome is displayed in the main reel game. As can be seen, the “K” (King) symbol appears twice in the centre row (802), and the “Q” (Queen) symbol also appears twice in the centre row (804). In the initial game outcome, the player has not won any awards or prizes, as there is no combination displayed that would result in an award. - At
FIG. 8 b, there is shown asixth reel 806, which automatically spins when the reel spin of the main game has concluded. On thesixth reel 806 coming to rest, asymbol 808 is displayed in the centre position. In this instance, the symbol displayed in thecentre position 808 is a “Q” (Queen) symbol. Therefore, the “Q” Queen symbol substitutes for the WILD symbol in the main game. - As such, the gaming system operates to change all “Q” (Queen) symbols in the main game to WILD symbols, resulting in the varied reel window shown in
FIG. 8 c. As the final game outcome is now different from the initial game outcome, the award due to the player is recalculated. - According to
FIG. 8 c, it can be seen that by changing the two “Q” symbols in the main game to WILD symbols, a winning combination of four “K” (King) symbols is formed (810), as the WILD symbols (which have substituted for the “Q” (Queen) symbols) operate to substitute for the “K” King symbol. As such, the final game outcome has been varied and as a result an award is now payable to the player. - In the embodiment described herein, the sixth reel is spun at the conclusion of every main reel game. However, it will be understood that the sixth reel may be arranged to only spin as required. For example, the sixth reel may only spin at random times, or in response to a particular game outcome in the main reel game.
- Moreover, in an alternate embodiment, the sixth reel may spin before or during the initial game. That is, the player may be notified of the identity of the WILD symbol before or at the same time as the main game result is displayed.
- Optionally, the type of symbols and/or the number of times a particular type of symbol appears on the sixth reel may be determined by the bet amount placed by the player during the main reel game. In accordance with such an embodiment, the probability of symbols displayed in the main game being substituted for a WILD symbol (thereby increasing the probability of being awarded a prize) may be a function of the bet placed by the player during the main reel game. That is, the higher the bet placed by the player, the higher the probability of the WILD substitute symbol being the “necessary” substitute symbol to vary the game outcome in a manner that results in a player receiving an award.
- In one example implementation, the probability may be increased by increasing the number of symbols of a particular type on the reel, such that the probability of receiving the most advantageous WILD substitute symbol is increased. By increasing the number of available symbols of a particular type, the probability of a player receiving the most desired symbols is correspondingly increased. Of course, it will be understood that any suitable technique or formula may be utilized to increase the probability of a player receiving a desired WILD substitute symbol (and therefore an additional prize or award). For example, one such technique may be to increase the number of symbols displayed in the sixth reel spin, which in turn increases the likelihood of a corresponding symbol being displayed in the main reel game. Various other techniques would be known to a person skilled in the art.
- It will be understood that determining the type of symbols that appear on the sixth reel game as a function of the initial bet may be used separately or in conjunction with other incentive mechanisms, as desired by the game operator. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
- As described above, the sixth reel may also include blank symbols. Blank symbols result in no symbols in the main game becoming WILD symbols (i.e. a blank symbol has no effect on the result of the main game).
- An alternative embodiment to that previously described, may involve the player placing an ante bet during play of the main game in order to allow the additional game to become operational. Equally, the player may be required to wager more than a designated amount in the main game for the additional game to operate.
- The embodiments described herein advantageously increase player interest and involvement in the game, as the player is aware that they have a “second chance” to affect the game outcome and be awarded a prize, even though they may not have won a prize in the main game.
- Many gaming systems, such as the exemplary gaming system described herein, implement games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention broadly described herein can be implemented in respect of other forms of games, including card games, ball draw games (e.g. bingo or keno), dice games, and pin and ball games. For example, rather than providing a reel with a number of symbols, a “deck of cards” may be provided, such that each card equates to a symbol in the main reel game. A person skilled in the art would understand that such a concept may also be easily extended to dice games, numbered ball games, or indeed any type of game of chance where markers with different values/symbols are utilized.
Claims (26)
1. A method of gaming comprising:
providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game,
wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect the game outcome in the main game.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein on the game outcome being varied, the game outcome is checked against prize data to determine whether a prize is due to a player.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game.
4. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount.
5. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game to thereby activate the additional game.
6. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the outcome of the additional game is at least one symbol that operates to transform like symbols displayed in the main game to another symbol.
7. A method in accordance with claim 6 , wherein like symbols are transformed into a substitute or “WILD” symbol.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the symbol(s) displayed in the additional game is/are randomly selected from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the total number of each type of symbol available for selection in the additional game is a function of a bet amount selected in the main game.
10. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the additional game is played either at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game.
11. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the symbol(s) in the additional game are displayed in a reel format.
12. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:
provide an additional game in addition to a main game, the additional game operating independently of the main game,
wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game, to thereby affect the probability of a prize being awarded.
13. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game.
14. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount.
15. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game to thereby activate the additional game.
16. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the outcome of the additional game is at least one symbol that operates to transform like symbols displayed in the main game to another symbol.
17. A game controller in accordance with claim 16 , wherein like symbols are transformed into a substitute or “WILD” symbol.
18. A game controller as claimed in claim 12 , further comprising a symbol selector arranged to randomly select symbols for displaying in the additional game, from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game.
19. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the total number of each type of symbol available for selection by the symbol selector is a function of a bet amount selected in the main game.
20. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , wherein the additional game is played either at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game.
21. A game controller in accordance with claim 12 , further comprising a display module arranged to display the symbol(s) in the additional game in a reel format.
22. A game controller in accordance with claim 21 , wherein the display module is operable to cause a representation of the main game and the additional game to be displayed on a gaming machine.
23. A gaming system comprising:
a module arranged to control play of a main game and an additional game operating independently of the main game, such that an outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a predetermined criterion being met, to thereby affect the probability of a prize being awarded; and a display module operable to display a representation of the main game and additional game on a gaming machine.
24. A method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising executing a computer program code by a processor.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24 , further comprising storing in a computer readable medium said computer program code.
26. A method in accordance with claim 24 , further comprising transmitting or receiving said computer program code.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/476,026 US20090298571A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2009-06-01 | System and method for gaming |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US5765408P | 2008-05-30 | 2008-05-30 | |
US12/476,026 US20090298571A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2009-06-01 | System and method for gaming |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090298571A1 true US20090298571A1 (en) | 2009-12-03 |
Family
ID=41380492
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/476,026 Abandoned US20090298571A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2009-06-01 | System and method for gaming |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090298571A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2009202160A1 (en) |
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US20130122988A1 (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2013-05-16 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having a continuous reel strip populating more than one evaluation window |
US9214067B2 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2015-12-15 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game |
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2009
- 2009-06-01 US US12/476,026 patent/US20090298571A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20130122988A1 (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2013-05-16 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having a continuous reel strip populating more than one evaluation window |
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US9514601B2 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2016-12-06 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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AU2009202160A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |