Patent Grant
9773379
Generally, embodiments of the invention relate to the technical field of game generation and/or presentation methods for gaming machines.
More specifically, different embodiments of the application relate to apparatus and method for logic based generation of a game of chance sequence having escalating levels.
Some embodiments further relate to displaying/presenting a game presentation graphically, visualized using e.g. three dimensional objects.
In the game industry, including gambling industry, there is a desire to develop new games that will enhance the player's experience through various bonus systems and visual interfaces.
Traditionally such games comprise a visual interface of two-dimensional figures and money generating bonuses available after a certain number of games played.
As the 3D screening has become more widespread and moves into the common man's living room, there is a need for the gaming industry to follow by presenting a more advanced visual interface advantageously also accompanied by a variety of bonus systems for enhancing player experience.
The object of the invention is to provide a gaming concept rendering an enhanced gaming experience in playing a game of chance.
The present inventive concept comprises the realization of a gaming concept comprising generating a game of chance that is designed to enhance the gaming experience by, in response to winning games, successively presenting to the gaming user a sequence of games of chance that have a selection of escalating levels of wager, escalating volatility and escalating RTP (Return to Player).
Various embodiments of the inventive concept further comprise graphic presentation solutions to render a multidimensional view of the game, thereby further enhancing the gaming experience.
The invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
General Structure for Implementing a Game of Chance
In general, games of chance, also known as casino games, involve presenting a game on a gaming user interface and allowing the gaming user to place a bet via an input device or input data structure. Thereafter a randomized game outcome is determined and presented to the gaming user. The game outcome may simply be a winning game or a losing game, dependent on the outcome of a per se known randomization process and usually also dependent on predetermined rules for the current game of chance. In the case of a winning game outcome, a winnings value is usually paid or credited, via an output device or an output data structure, to the gaming user directly or via a temporarily or more durably established account.
Examples of games of chance are spinning reel games, also called slot games, or casino card games such as poker or black jack, having per se known rules of game.
A gaming user interface may for example be presented on a gaming machine having mechanical game presentation or electronic/digital game presentation on a display, or on a display of a dedicated gaming computer, or on a general computer such as a PC communicatively coupled to a server running computer program code generating a game of chance. It is presently common to implement and play games of chance on stand-alone gaming machines, possibly coupled to a server and placed in gaming venue such a casino, or as so called on-line games operated on a server and accessed via a data communications network, for example a web browser accessing a gaming server via the Internet.
Input devices or input data structures for placing a bet or a bet value may, dependent on the kind of gaming user interface, have an input device for entering a gaming value, for example money, equivalents of money, or tokens or indicia for a value accepted for betting. The gaming value may for example be in the form of value tokens, coins, credit cards or indicia for accessing an account holding gaming value. Typically, winnings may be paid out for example in any selected form similar to those of placing a bet.
Sequence of Games of Chance-Flow Chart Describing Inventive Concept
Stage 200—Generating a first game of chance at a first game level requiring a first game parameter level in the form of a first level of wager and having a first predetermined volatility value and a predetermined first RTP (return-to-player) parameter value.
In the context of this disclosure, the volatility value of a game of chance is high (in other words that the game is highly volatile) if the probability of winning anything is low, but when a winning occurs, the pay out is likely to be high/big. Correspondingly, a low volatile game, in other words a game with a low volatility value, pays out a more steady stream of winnings/the probability of winning anything is higher, but when a winning occurs, the pay out is likely to be low compared to a game with a high volatility value.
In the context of this disclosure, the Return To Player (RTP) parameter value is a measure indicating how much of the value of bets placed by all players that is being paid back to the players. The RTP is calculated over many game rounds, i.e. as a percentage of, or ratio between, total winnings and total bets played. For some types of games of chance it e.g. can be calculated over hundreds, thousands, or even up to many millions of game rounds.
In different embodiments, there may also be further game parameters dependent on the type of or the specific game of chance.
Stage 203—Determining a game outcome dependent on an RNG (random number generator) and a predetermined set of game rules.
Stage 205—Presenting winning game and possibly selection for next game level.
In one or more embodiment, the inventive concept comprises presenting selection options for next game level, and further receiving selection input information indicative of a player selection of next level, the selection input information being generated by a player using one or more inputters connected to the gaming user interface.
Stage 210—Generating a second game of chance at a higher game level requiring second game parameter level in the form of a second level of wager and having a second predetermined volatility value and a second predetermined RTP (return-to-player) parameter value.
In one or more embodiment, the second game of chance is generated in response to selection input information received in stage 205. E.g., as described herein, in an embodiment with a 3D cubic game presentation as exemplified in
In different embodiments, the second game of chance may have different combinations of higher, lower or the same level RTP, with higher, lower or the same level of volatility as the previous game of chance. Information on the RTP value, the volatility value and/or other game parameter values may be presented in the gaming user interface, such that the player can base his/her selection of which second game of chance to generate on the presented information. In one or more embodiments, a certain game level, having certain game parameter values and/or certain graphical presentation, may only be possible to select after winning a predetermined number of game rounds on one or more previous levels. This may be communicated to the player via presentation of information in the gaming user interface. If the certain game level is for some reason particularly appealing to the player, this feature may contribute to the player's dedication and commitment to the game.
Stage 213—Determining a game outcome dependent on an RNG (random number generator) and a predetermined set of game rules.
Stage 215 Presenting winning game and possibly selection for next game level.
In one or more embodiment, the inventive concept comprises presenting selection options for next game level, and further receiving selection input information indicative of a player selection of next level, the selection input information being generated by a player using one or more inputters connected to the gaming user interface.
In one or more embodiments, the presentation of the stages described in
Generating a Game of Chance-Flow Chart
Stage 300—Generating a game of chance requiring a predetermined level of wager and having a predetermined volatility value and a predetermined RTP (return-to-player) parameter value.
Stage 310—Presenting said game of chance on a gaming user interface.
Stage 320—Receiving a wager within said predetermined level of wager.
Stage 330—Determining a game outcome dependent on a RNG (random number generator) and a predetermined set of game rules.
Winning Game Outcome-Generating Second Game
The generation of a second game of chance may go on for a predetermined number of times, and for that purpose embodiments of the inventive concept comprise a second game counter parameter for setting and keeping track of the number of or instances of second games that are generated. So as in an exemplifying embodiment, and as further explained below, an implementation of the inventive game concept typically comprises a sequence of generating a first game of chance and two or more second games, each having their respectively defined game parameters of level of wager, volatility value and RTP parameter value. In advantageous embodiments, to enhance the player experience, the game parameters are controlled such that there is an increase of volatility and RTP for each new second/next game being generated, i.e. in effect in combination with the fact that the player is winning.
The next game of chance generated after a winning game is in preferred embodiments controlled to have a level of wager, volatility value and RTP parameter value that are higher than the previous games. These embodiments of the inventive concept are realized such that a generated said second game of chance comprises a selected combination of the following (game) level controlling parameters:
In this description, consecutive games of chance are described as being at a level dependent on the level of these game parameters. Further game parameters may also be configurable or changeable, e.g. dependent on game level.
Embodiments of the inventive concept are realized such that for each winning game outcome a said second game of chance is generated having escalating level of wager, escalating volatility value and escalating RTP (return-to-player) parameter value for a predetermined number of instances. In other words, for each winning game outcome, the corresponding generated second/next game of chance has an escalated value for one or more game parameters.
The generation of a sequence of games of chance may be controlled such that the respective second games of chance are generated independently of previously generated games. In another variant, the generation is controlled such that said first and/or second games of chance are generated in dependence, such that the total volatility value and the total RTP parameter value for all games are within predetermined values or ranges.
The inventive concept comprises controlling the generation of games of chance dependent on mathematical formulas for calculating said predetermined RTP (return-to-player) parameter value and said predetermined volatility parameter value, such that for a series of first and second games of chance there is a predetermined total resulting RTP value and predetermined volatility value. Said mathematical formulas may form, or form part of, a set of logic rules that control the values of one or more game parameters.
Losing Game Outcome
For the case of losing games, embodiments comprise controlling the game sequence such that if said game outcome is lost game then the method comprises generating a first game of chance on said first level of wager. This turns the gaming user back to the first level of game parameters, i.e. level of wager, volatility value and RTP parameter value, although the gamer may have won a number of games in a sequence. As an alternative or in combination with the previous, embodiments may also comprise controlling the game sequence such that if said game outcome is lost game then the method comprises generating a game of chance on a previous level of wager.
Graphic Presentation of Game of Chance Sequence
An aspect of the inventive concept is to enhance the gaming experience by means of a specifically controlled graphic presentation of the game of chance sequence to render a multidimensional view of the game and the different levels of first and second games. In this example a cube is shown. But it could be a cone with no possibility to choose screen and instead having 4 levels. It could also be an octagon with 12 faces, or any other suitable geometric representation.
In an embodiment, the inventive concept comprises presenting said first and second games of chance on a gaming user interface in a 2D or a 3D graphic representation, wherein said first game of chance is visibly presented in a main presentation mode on a gaming user interface display. The main presentation mode may for example be implemented by graphically highlighting the current game presentation or by placing the current game of chance in a main presentation position, for example in a position on a display facing an observing gaming user.
Further, in different embodiments, when a first game of chance is presented, a one or more second game of chance is simultaneously visibly presented or is hidden, or is indicated with hidden graphic contents, or is partially visibly presented. The idea with varieties of presenting a one or more second game is to give the gaming user a sense of what is coming in the sequence of games. With hidden, indicated or partially visible presentation of a one or more second game, the idea is to give a kind of teaser for next second game of chance to the gaming user. Furthermore, the player experience is also improved by the added selection possibilities, as this makes the player feel like it is possible to influence the chance of winning, which contributes to an increased thrill and commitment to the game.
The possible number if first and second games in a sequence on preferably escalating levels can be selected as an arbitrary number. For example, there may be 3 or 4 games on different levels and the presentation may be adapted to that number.
When a second game of chance is activated it is presented in a main presentation mode. Preferably, when a second game of chance is generated in response to a winning game outcome, a visibly noticeable visualization of the transition of the second game to the main presentation mode is presented for example as an animation. This is possibly also accompanied by an audio presentation of the transition.
3D Game of Chance Presentation on Platonic Solids
Embodiments using 3D graphic presentation, comprises presenting said first and second games of chance in a 3D graphic representation of a geometric body in the form of a platonic solid selected from the group of: a tetrahedron, a hexahedron, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, an icosahedron, wherein said respective games of chance appear on a respective face of said platonic solid and is presented in a main presentation mode on said gaming user interface when activated for gaming. A selected number of sequential games and game levels may be defined arbitrarily or to a number equaling a selected number of faces on a platonic solid.
In these cases, such a platonic solid would be controlled to be presented on a gaming user interface display to give a 3D-impression of the geometric body, for example by perspective presentation or 3D graphic display techniques. At an initial stage, a first game would be presented on a face of the geometric body in a main presentation mode, preferably such that it is turned towards and faces a gaming user observing the display. One or more second games would preferably be presented on other faces of the geometric body, to some degree of visibility as described above. When a second game is activated, the presentation would be animated to show a movement of the body turning into a position such that the face comprising the second game results in being in the main presentation mode thus facing the observing gaming user. Preferably, at the same time any predetermined further second games presented on other faces of the geometric body are moved with it and any possible second games on previously hidden faces of the geometric body are revealed.
Cubic 3D Presentation of Game of Chance
Wild Card Function
Embodiments of the game of chance of the inventive concept further comprises a wild card function visibly represented by a wild card symbol, that in different embodiments is controlled to define winning outcomes dependent on a selection of or a combination of: an RNG (random number generator), a set of predetermined rules and/or predetermined events that may appear in a game. The game of chance illustrated in
In one embodiment said first and/or second game of chance comprises a wild card function that enables the player to mark game symbols that he wants to have at the same position in a subsequent second game of chance. This is for example a function in spinning reels type games of chance that a player is likely to appreciate, and that hence improves the player experience.
Spherical 3D Presentation of Game of Chance
Further embodiments comprises presenting said first and second games of chance in a 3D graphic representation of a geometric body in the form of a substantially spherical solid, wherein said respective games of chance appear distributed over the surface of said sphere and are presented in a main presentation mode on said gaming user interface when activated for gaming.
As is understood by those skilled in the art, the methods and use cases described in connection with
Examples of Realizations of the Inventive Concept
Embodiments of the inventive concept are realized as a method of generating a game of chance or a computer program product comprising code portions adapted to perform the steps and functions of the method. Further embodiments are realized as a gaming machine, a gaming computer, a gaming system or a server based gaming machine configured to perform the steps and functions of the method and method embodiments described herein.
One embodiment is realized as a computer program product for generating a game of chance, comprising code portions adapted to control a data processor to perform the method of the inventive concept described herein. Another embodiment is realized as a computer-readable medium for generating a game of chance on which is stored non-transitory information adapted to control a data processor to perform the method of he inventive concept described herein.
An embodiment is realized as a gaming machine for generating a game of chance, comprises a gaming user interface having an input/output interface and being configured to perform the method of the inventive concept described herein. According to this embodiment, a player/user may be enabled to interact with the input/output interface via one or more inputters connected to the gaming user interface, the inputters e.g. being in the form of buttons, a touch screen, a keyboard, a joystick or any other suitable inputter. The player may further be enabled to perform any or all of the selections presented in the method embodiments using said one or more inputters. Such a gaming machine would comprise a computer program product as described above.
Another embodiment, realized as a gaming server system for generating a game of chance, comprises a data processor, an RNG (random number generator), a gaming user interface for communication with a gaming user and computer code portions adapted to control the data processor to perform the method of the inventive concept described herein.
Use Case Embodiments
The inventive concept is here described by way of a use case example where a gaming user, here called a player, plays a sequence of games of chance. In this example the game of chance is a spinning reels type game of chance having rows and columns in which predetermined combinations of symbols define winning lines. The game sequence is in this example presented on a 3D cube embodiment as described above. Three game levels with first and second games of chance are possible with respective levels of game parameters.
The game parameters in this use case embodiment are as follows:
This example gives that a bet may cost an amount of money value between the minimum bet cost for 1 line×1 cent×1 bet per line=1 cent up to the maximum bet cost for 20 lines×10×10 bets per line=2000
.
The gaming flow is as follows:
9. A winning game outcome results in a winnings value being given to the player by adding credits to the players credit balance.
In parallel a wild card function may be active and may affect the outcome of the game according to a randomized process and/or according to a set of predetermined rules and/or in response to predetermined game events that may occur in the game. The wild card function is represented graphically as a wild card symbol or wild figure that enables the player to mark symbols that he wants to have at the same position at next level. The player is then moved to the next level as if he would have won.
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