Patent Application
20230419767
The present application claims priority to Australia Patent Application No. AU 2022204372, filed Jun. 22, 2022, and entitled “Gaming Device with Icon Selection Feature” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The present application relates to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a system where during an icon selection feature game, a prize may be removed from a prize set to form a reduced set of winnable prizes.
Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”
“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.
Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP=return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.
Gaming systems or devices may allow players to win awards. The awards may be determined based on predefined volatility criteria or RTP. Yet technical problems exist involving how a gaming device may satisfy a designated game RTP that either complies with applicable regulations for certain game features or is set to achieve a certain game volatility, where the gaming device involves a single window game instance converted to multiple window game instances based on random outcomes, with persistent game symbols and increasing the numbers of ways to win based on bet sizes. To meet or satisfy a target volatility criterion or designated RTP, the random nature of a game determination may, in a such a game conversion configuration with increasing the number of game instances in display windows, in turn and for example, drive a game device to over process and generate numerous game outcomes in the background for each display window before determining and displaying a game outcome to a player that satisfies the target volatility criterion or designated RTP for the designated jurisdiction.
Repeated determination of whether each of the numerous game outcomes yields the designated volatility each time the game is played may be an inefficient, and time and resource consuming process. Additionally, the confined screen size of many gaming devices creates challenges as to how game changes and related information are effectively communicated to the viewer.
There is disclosed a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a system where during an icon selection feature game, a prize may be removed from a prize set to form a reduced set of winnable prizes and a display is modified to visually indicate removal of the prize. In an advantageous example, a lowest winnable prize is removed.
An example embodiment describes an electronic gaming device comprising: a display device; at least one input mechanism; a processor; and a memory storing (i) reel data defining a plurality of reel strips, and (ii) instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select, based on one or numbers dynamically generated by a random number generator, symbols from the reel strips for display at a plurality of symbol positions in response to receipt of a wager via the at least one input mechanism; control the display device to display the symbols selected at the symbol positions; evaluate the symbols selected for one or more winning outcomes; in response to a trigger condition being met, initiate an icon selection instance from which one prize of a set of prizes may be awarded, wherein each prize has an associated prize symbol; determine, based on the one or more other numbers dynamically generated using the random number generator, whether to remove one or more prizes from the set of prizes such that the one prize may be awarded from a reduced set of prizes inthe icon selection instance; control the display device to display a special effects animation that includes a plurality of selectable icons, each of the selectable icons representing a prize from the set of prizes; upon determining to remove the one or more prizes, control the display device to modify the special effects animation to visually remove the one or more prizes; receive selections of the selectable icons via the at least one input mechanisms until an end condition of a plurality of end conditions is met; and upon a defined number of prize symbols being revealed responsive to the selections of the selectable icons until the end condition is met, provide an award from the set of prizes or the reduced set of prizes based on the revealed prize symbols.
Another example embodiment describes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions and reel data defining a plurality of reel strips for use with a gaming device comprising a display device, at least one input mechanism, a processor, and the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to perform the steps of: using a weighted table and based on at least one or more numbers dynamically generated by the random number generator and based on a target return to player (RTP), mapping symbols from the reel strips for display at a plurality of symbol positions in response to receipt of a wager via the at least one input mechanism; controlling the display device to display a special effects animation including the symbols mapped at the symbol positions; evaluating the symbols mapped for one or more winning outcomes; in response to a trigger condition being met, initiating an icon selection instance from which one prize of a set of prizes is awardable, wherein each prize has an associated prize symbol; determining, using the at least one or more numbers dynamically generated by the random number generator and a second weighted table that complies with the target RTP, whether to remove a prize from the set of prizes such that one prize of a reduced set of prizes may be awarded; controlling the display device to update the special effects animation to include a plurality of selectable icons; upon determining to remove a prize, controlling the animation to visually indicate removal of the prize; adjusting a probability of receiving an award by removing the prize; receiving selections of the selectable icons via the at least one input mechanism until an end condition is met; and upon a defined number of prize symbols being revealed responsive to the selections of the selectable icons until the end condition is met, making the award from the set of prizes or the reduced set of prizes based on the revealed prize symbols.
Another example embodiment describes an electronic gaming system comprising: at least one display device; a random number generator; at least one input mechanism; one or more processors; and memory storing (i) reel data defining a plurality of reel strips, and (ii) instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: select, using at least one number dynamically generated by the random number generator and based on a target return to player (RTP), symbols from the reel strips for display at a plurality of symbol positions in response to receipt of a wager via the at least one input mechanism; control the at least one display device to display a special effects animation including the selected symbols at the symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols for winning outcomes; determine whether an icon selection event is triggered by a trigger condition; in response to the trigger condition being met, executing the icon selection event; control the at least one display device to modify the special effects animation to display an initial icon selection display comprising a predefined number of icons, each of the icons representing at least one prize, wherein each prize has an associated prize symbol; determine whether to remove at least one prize from a set of prizes based on a second trigger condition; upon determining to remove the at least one prize, control the display device to modify the special effects animation to visually indicate the removal of the least one prize, such that a reduced set of prizes is displayed; remove the at least one prize by displaying an unselectable version of the icon representing the at least one prize; receive selections of the icons in the reduced set of prizes via the at least one input mechanism until an end condition of a plurality of end conditions is met; upon a defined number of prize symbols being revealed responsive to the selections of the icons until the end condition is met, make an award from the set of prizes or the reduced set of prizes based on the revealed prize symbols; and modify the special effects animation to indicate the award.
Embodiments of the present disclosure represent a technical improvement in the art of electronic gaming machines, devices, systems, and operation of such electronic gaming machines, devices, or systems. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include an improved electronic gaming machine that dynamically configures an icon selection feature game where a prize may be removed from a prize set so that a reduced set of prizes is awardable.
However, game design challenges arise when implementing icon selection feature games. Technical challenges occur, and have to be overcome, when icon selection feature games are implemented, because reducing the number of selectable icons risks potential high payouts that exceed the allowable RTP. These challenges require realization of gaming machine processing configuration to control enhanced play characteristics across games due to changing volatility and to achieve a predetermined RTP for different feature games.
More specifically, by way of example, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure improve the technical capability of the electronic gaming machines, devices, and systems. An enhanced technical capability may be accomplished by controlling the processor to provide boosts when metamorphic bags are at their highest states, where a processor is driven to perform a sequence of instructions involving multiple individual feature games and different game states stored in a memory based on a defined trigger probability associated with each of the feature games, including a selectable icon feature game, and assigned ranges of values returnable in conjunction with a random number generator to trigger one or more of the feature games, for example. In general, embodiments of the present disclosure dynamically configuring a selectable icon feature game with game characteristics and game states when the feature game is triggered, while still achieving a predetermined volatility or a predetermined RTP to comply with jurisdictional regulations.
Technical challenges exist in adding or removing selectable icons in a selectable icon feature game. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the points, credits, or states achieved in a game adversely may affect how a feature game is played, and particularly, how the volatility is determined. For example, in some embodiments, the improvement in gaming machine capability occurs through operational advantages in, among other things, configuring a triggered feature game by processing dynamically to allow the coins accumulated, counted or monitored to trigger or activate a feature game, to determine a number of reel spins to collect the coins required to activate the feature game, to change weight tables and/or reels for determining wins and/or awards, and to determine additional payout or award dynamically when the feature game is reached.
Challenges also occur in steady state feature game progressions. Improvements in game machine capability occur with embodiment of the present invention through recognition of the advantage of employing game processing to control the speeds or metamorphic progression at which feature games are transitioning or progressing from a current state to a higher state or a highest state, while achieving the RTP and game volatility. As such, in some embodiments, the metamorphic progression or speed may be controlled, for example, such that higher paying variations will access higher states quicker. In other embodiments, the metamorphic progression or speed may be controlled by having more states such that the transition from a lower state to the highest state may take longer. In yet other embodiments, the metamorphic progression or speed may be controlled, for example, such that higher paying variations will access higher states slower.
Additionally, an improvement in the graphical user interface of the game machine is achieved by employing a feature game that may, concurrently or subsequently, function to animate special effects on a display in response to one or more of the feature games being initiated based on a metamorphic progression. Such graphical effects on the display efficiently use the available fixed-size display screen of the gaming machine or device to visually communicate enhanced game play characteristics and outcomes, while still accommodating presentation and appreciation of traditional gaming visual effects, e.g., a base game, and credits, etc. Such a display allows the player to rapidly appreciate and understand visually the graphical effects game progress, award differences and gaming actions to be taken without being overly burdened by complicated visual presentation and mathematical calculations. The enhanced display, in turn, provides improved game interaction and anticipation characteristics for the player and provide more varied game outcomes. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not merely new game rules or simply new display patterns, but provide technologic improvements to computer and gaming capabilities and graphical user interfaces in the technical art of electronic gaming machines.
The above example is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary of technologic improvements provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Technological improvements of other embodiments are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.
In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.
Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.
Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.
Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.
Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.
Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), and a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.
Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.
Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a credit input mechanism such as a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The credit balance may be stored in a meter in memory 208 (or in a separate hardware meter). In some embodiment, memory 208 implements a credit meter to monitor to the credit balance and has a win meter that monitors any amounts won during any game instance(s) resulting from the wager. The balance of the win meter is transferred to the credit meter prior at the conclusion of the game instances. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. In some embodiments, the loyalty club card may also act as a credit input mechanism, by allowing a player to transfer funds from a centrally stored balance in order to establish a credit balance. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
At step 510, the processor configures the reel strips for use in the current game instance by selecting a first feature trigger symbol for configurable positions on the reel strips.
As shown in
In order to select the trigger symbol that will occupy each of the configurable positions (take the place shown by DYNSCAT), processor 204 uses a weighted table stored in memory 208 that defines the relative probability of the trigger symbols being selected as well as a number returned by random number generator 212. In this example, there are four different trigger symbols as set out in Table 1 and they correspond to four different versions of a first feature game, in this example a free games feature. Again, Table 1 “SCAT” indicates that the trigger symbols will be evaluated as scatter symbols.
In this example, the feature versions differ in respect of a number of active game windows during the feature game. In other examples, there can be different numbers of trigger symbols (e.g. 3 or 5) corresponding to a different number of versions of a feature game. In other examples, other feature games can be employed as the first feature game, for example, a hold and spin feature game.
At step 515, the processor 204 selects symbols for the current game instance from the configured reel strips and controls the display 240 to display the selected symbols.
At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of
At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor 204 reverts to step 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. It will be appreciated that in other examples, there may different numbers of symbol positions. Indeed, in some of the examples described below, the number of symbol positions in the columns varies depending on the state of the game.
After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at the symbol positions. For example, as shown in the example screen display 600 of
At step 520, the processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols, in this example, based on a pay table stored in memory 208. In this example, there are up to 4 5=1024 ways to win depending on the wager made using the input mechanism.
At step 525, the processor determines whether the selected symbols include enough first feature trigger symbols for the version of the first feature to be triggered. In this example, the threshold number of trigger symbols for triggering the first feature is three trigger symbols. Accordingly, Mega trigger symbols 631-633 will cause the processor 204 to make a positive determination at step 525 after which the processor 208 controls the display 240 to display an award message 710 “8 MEGA FREE GAMES WON! PRESS START FEATURE” as shown in example screen display 700 of
As set out in Table 1 above, the distinguishing characteristics of the other versions of the Free Games Feature are that the normal/standard version of the free games feature has one active window, the “Super” version has two active window and the “Ultra” version has eight active windows. In other examples, the version can have different numbers of active windows, e.g. one, two, three or four active windows or have different characteristics, e.g. different numbers of free games.
As will be apparent from the
Referring again to
At step 535, processor 204 determines whether an icon selection feature trigger condition is met. In this example, the Jackpot Feature may be triggered when one or more WILD symbols 1031 are selected such as shown in
Upon the processor 204 making a positive determination at step 535, processor 204 controls display 240 to display a screen display 1100 of an example icon selection feature as shown in
In other examples, there may be more or fewer prizes. Further, in some examples, a set of symbols may include both prize symbols and non-prize symbols such as terminator symbols which cause the icon selection game to be terminated without award of a prize upon a defined number (e.g. 3) of terminator symbols being revealed following selectable icons being selected. In this example, three terminator symbols being revealed is an additional end condition for the icon selection game.
At step 540, processor 204 makes a further random determination using another weighted table stored in memory 208 to determine whether to remove a prize from the set of prizes such that a reduced set of prizes are awardable in the current game instance. In this respect, screen display 1100 shows an example where processor 204 makes a negative determination at step 540 such that all prizes of the original set of prizes are available to win when the processor 204 conducts the icon selection feature game at step 550.
In one example, when conducting the icon selection feature game, the processor 204 responds to touch gestures detected on the display by selecting a prize symbol to be revealed. In an example, the selection conducted by processor 204 is determined by making a random weighted probability selection from the set of fifteen prize symbols without replacement of the prize symbols so that each prize symbol can only be selected once. In this example, the selection process is independent of the actual icon selected. The process continues until the processor 204 determines that three matching symbols have been selected.
In another example, the processor 204 uses the random number generator to select a game outcome of the icon selection feature game, the game outcome defining the end condition (e.g. which prize will be won), a number of selections of icons until the end condition is met, and which symbols will be revealed in response to each of the selections. In an example, the set of outcomes that can be selected are stored in a weighted table in memory 208.
Following conduct of the icon selection feature game, the process ends at step 560 and processor 204 waits for a further wager to be input.
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an electronic gaming device comprising:
In another example embodiment, there is disclosed a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions and reel data defining a plurality of reel strips for use with a gaming device comprising a display device, at least one input mechanism, a processor, and the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to perform the steps of:
In another example embodiment there is disclosed an electronic gaming system comprising:
While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022204372 | Jun 2022 | AU | national |
