The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming devices, systems and methods that provide a secondary spins feature outcome of a game.
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 some cases, a player may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondary game, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, or after the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, the player is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awarded during play, the game credits are typically added to a credit meter total on the EGM 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 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 over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are 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.
In one aspect, a gaming system including a processor and a memory is provided. The memory stores instructions thereon which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: select a plurality of symbols from a plurality of reel strips stored in the memory for display in a corresponding plurality of columns by determining stopping positions for the plurality of reel strips; cause display of the selected plurality of symbols in the plurality of columns on a display of a gaming device; determine that a trigger condition stored in the memory is satisfied based on the selected plurality of symbols; and in response to determining that the trigger condition is satisfied: replace one or more of the selected plurality of symbols in a group of symbol positions with an animation effect, the animation effect including display of a spin and stop sequence of a plurality of credit values in the group of symbol positions; select a subset of the plurality of credit values; and cause display of the subset of credit values in the group of symbol positions. The instructions may direct additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.
In another aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing an electronic game is provided. The method includes selecting a plurality of symbols from a plurality of reel strips stored in a memory for display in a corresponding plurality of columns by determining stopping positions for the plurality of reels; causing display of the selected plurality of symbols in the plurality of columns on a display of a gaming device; determining that a trigger condition stored in the memory is satisfied based on the selected plurality of symbols; and in response to determining that the trigger condition is satisfied: replacing one or more of the selected plurality of symbols in a group of symbol positions with an animation effect, the animation effect including display of a spin and stop sequence of a plurality of credit values in the group of symbol positions; selecting a subset of the plurality of credit values; and causing display of the subset of credit values in the group of symbol positions. The method may include additional, fewer or alternate actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein.
In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions embodied thereon is provided. The instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to at least: select a plurality of symbols from a plurality of reel strips stored in a memory for display in a corresponding plurality of columns by determining stopping positions for the plurality of reels; cause display of the selected plurality of symbols in the plurality of columns on a display of a gaming device; determine that a trigger condition stored in the memory is satisfied based on the selected plurality of symbols; and in response to determining that the trigger condition is satisfied: replace one or more of the selected plurality of symbols in a group of symbol positions with an animation effect, the animation effect including display of a spin and stop sequence of a plurality of credit values in the group of symbol positions; select a subset of the plurality of credit values; and cause display of the subset of credit values in the group of symbol positions. The instructions may direct additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein.
Corresponding reference numerals used through the drawings indicate corresponding elements.
In conventional reel-based games, in a given game outcome, a gaming device may display one or more feature symbols or objects in a viewable portion of a set of reels (e.g., within a play area) along with other base symbols or objects. Feature symbols that appear in the play area may trigger a feature. Conventional features in reel-based games may include free spins, bonus games, expanding reels, additional symbols available for enhanced awards (e.g., multipliers or jackpot symbols), and the like. The variability and flexibility in providing features and awards based on outcomes of the features in conventional reel-based games remain limited, however. A need exists to address these limitations to facilitate increased variability in the game play while reducing or maintaining the computational resources used and while doing so during game play.
Example implementations described herein provide systems and methods for an electronic game that executes a respin feature based on one or more trigger conditions occurring during an initial spin or initial outcome of a game. A plurality of symbols are selected from a plurality of reel strips for display in a corresponding plurality of columns by determining stopping positions of the plurality of reel strips. The symbols are evaluated to determine whether a trigger condition is satisfied. If the trigger is satisfied, some of the selected symbols are replaced and a respin animation is displayed. The respin feature may include display of a spinning reel covering a subset or grouping of the initially displayed symbols, such as over a grouping of WILD symbols. The values may be provided in the spinning reel and stopping of the wheel indicates credit prizes or “cash on reel” prizes one or more of the symbol positions in the group. As a result, the gaming system of the present disclosure provides an improved variability for displaying an award by replacing a display of initial outcome symbols with the respin animation and resulting credit values.
Certain technical problems exist that are unique to the provision of an electronic game described herein in the example embodiments. For example, the ability to provide a respin feature as described herein, which includes activating a respin animation over select symbol positions within one or more columns as well as monitoring whether the respin feature is triggered and the symbol positions in which the respin feature is to be displayed, may require complex computations. Existing gaming devices may not be configured with the resources to perform these computations in an effective and/or efficient manner while also managing payout volatility and RTP. The systems and methods described herein include the provision of memory that stores reel strips, credit tables, and other information to enable the feature game to be played while maintaining or reducing the computational resources required. Furthermore, a user interface providing the respin feature game must be configured to display information and visual feedback related to the association between the symbol positions that are activated as part of the respin feature, and the effect that the outcome of the base game has on the respin feature, and to do so within a limited display area. The systems and methods described herein include display of visual indications that clearly indicate the status of the respin feature in the play area and visually inform progress of the respin feature.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicate over one or more communication networks, 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 (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some implementation, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 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 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-out printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming device 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 liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some implementations, 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 implementations, 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 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. The gaming device 104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.
In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., 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 gaming device 104A. In such implementations, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking system server 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 implementations, 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 game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 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 main or service door 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 main display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some implementations, main 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. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.
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.
The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204. Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. Although
Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206 represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and executed by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.
Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200 exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is 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 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, game mechanics, hardware components, and software.
One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200 generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200 should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,
In
Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200 includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extra reels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; or card selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. 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 player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.
During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (
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.
Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 can include or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers (not shown in
Although
According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104, etc.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particular implementation.
In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks 260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casino patron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc.
In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITO system server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or a kiosk 260.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.
According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device 256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.
In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417. The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks 417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280 are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center 276, including storage devices 282a, servers 284a and one or more workstations 286b. The servers 284a may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284a after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks 417. The server 284a onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers 284a. Although only one gaming data center 276 is shown in
In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is also configured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financial institution data center 270 includes servers 284b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center 270 is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users 274a-274c may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center 270.
According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers 284a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. The server(s) 284a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.
In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.
One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to the authorized users 274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center 276) by authorized users.
In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or more other devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users.
The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, one or more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312, where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308, and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such as mechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanical reels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video display or a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present game play to a player. Using
The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or more virtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In a subsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308 represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more implementations, at least some of the game play UI element 306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. In other implementations, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differ from the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.
Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system 302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316 could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. Gaming RNG 318 could corresponds to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in
The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine 316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system 302. With reference to
After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314 sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes are symbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel. In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302 updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols, for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. In response to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequently provide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instance that progresses through the game processing pipeline.
At step 402, the processor 204 initiates a play instance of a game. In some embodiments, prior to initiating the play instance, the processor 204 first receives a selection of a bet option from the player, for example, via buttons 236. In an example, there are a plurality of bet options where bet1<bet2<bet3 etc.
Step 402 may further include controlling a display, such as display 240, to display plurality of columns of symbol positions in a matrix. Referring to
As shown in
Referring back to
A COR 1 symbol occupies the second symbol position of the first base reel strip 502. The COR 1 symbol is a lookup trigger symbol (or trigger value) that triggers the processor 204 to perform an additional lookup. The “COR” symbols are “cash on reel symbols” that display a value associated with the symbol. For example, referring to
Referring back to
Each of the COR symbols for each reel strip 502-510 are associated with a corresponding credit table or paytable (not shown) stored in the memory 208. For example, the memory 208 stores a COR 1 table, a COR 2 table, a COR 3 table, etc. Each of the tables may include a plurality of different values for providing to the COR symbols. For example, the COR 5 table may include larger values or greater weighting for hitting larger values than the COR 1 table. In other embodiments, a single COR table may be used for determining the value of the COR symbols for each of the base reel strips 502-510.
Processor 204 determines values of the COR symbols based on a random selection from the corresponding COR table. For the present example, the processor 204 may determine the value for the COR symbol based on the additional lookup using a second output from the RNG. The processor 204 then selects a value from the associated COR 1 table based on the second RNG output. This process may then be repeated for each COR 1 symbols on the reels 502. Alternatively, another output of the RNG, such as the output used to select stopping positions of one or more of the reels, may be used to determine the value of the COR symbols. Additionally, in some embodiments, the processor 204 dynamically assigns a value to a COR symbol after determining that the COR symbol is included in the outcome of the game instance. In other embodiments, the COR symbols on one or more of the base reel strips may have static values (i.e., the values of the COR symbols do not change between game instances). In such embodiments, an additional lookup to determine the values of the COR symbols may not be necessary.
The dash symbols shown in
Other reel strips to those illustrated in
Referring back to
Referring to
Referring back to
As shown in
If the processor 204 determines that the selected plurality of symbols satisfy the trigger condition, the method proceeds to step 410 and the processor 204 activates a “respin” feature of the game. For example, the respin feature may be activated in response to an outcome in which a five of a kind pattern of COR symbols 830 appears across the columns 802-810 and at least one of the columns 802-810 is filled with WILD symbols, that is, each symbol position in at least one of the columns 802-810 is populated with a WILD symbol. Other trigger conditions may exist, and the respin feature is not limited to being activated in response to the example trigger condition described with respect to the example embodiment of the electronic game.
During the respin feature, the processor 204 replaces one or more of the selected plurality of symbols within a group of symbol positions with a respin animation effect 1202 (shown in
For example,
Referring to
As shown in
In the example embodiment, the processor 204 determines values for the respin COR symbols 1302a-1302f by selecting stopping positions of a plurality of cash reel strips 606-610 (shown in
The cash reel strips 606-610 are stored in memory 208 and are used to replace groups of symbol positions in columns when the respin feature is activated. Any number of cash reel strips 606-610 may be included depending on a desired randomness of the respin feature. In the example embodiment, three cash reel strips 606-610 are included, and more or fewer than three cash reel strips may be included in other examples. Each cash reel strip 606-610 may be associated with one of the columns 806-810. For example, during the respin feature, the cash reel strip 606 may be used to replace stacks of WILD symbols in the column 806, the cash reel strip 608 may be used to replace stacks of WILD symbols in the column 808, and the cash reel strip 610 may be used to replace stacks of WILD symbol in the column 810. Alternatively, processor 204 may randomly select (e.g., based on an RNG output) a cash reel strip 606-610 for replacing a group of symbol positions occurring in each of the columns 806-810 during the respin feature. For example, the processor 204 may randomly select a cash reel strip 606-610 for each of the groups of symbol positions 1204a, 1204b.
In the example embodiment, cash reel strips 606-610 contain dynamic symbols (3G, 3N, 4G, 4N, 5G, 5N) that may change between game instances in a similar manner as described above with respect to the COR symbols provided on the base reel strips 502-510. Each of the symbols provided in the cash reel strips 606-610 is associated with a corresponding credit column 702-710 of a credit value table 700, as shown in
For example, referring to
In the example embodiment, the different credit columns 702-712 corresponding to the symbols included in each of the cash reel strips 606-610 are generally associated with differences in the size and likelihood of the credit values. For example, as shown in
Referring back to the example, where the processor 204 selects the stopping position corresponding to the 5N symbol in the cash reel strip 610, the processor 204 then determines one of the credit values stored in the credit column 710 of the credit table 700, which corresponds to the 5N symbol. The processor 204 may randomly select one of the values from the 5N credit column 710 based on an output of the RNG (and optionally weightings, as described below). Where the output of the RNG corresponds to the first row of the 5N credit column 710, a credit value of 1000 is selected for the respin COR value 1302a, as shown in
In the example embodiment, weightings are used in combination with the respective reels and tables (shown in
Referring to
Moreover, in the example embodiment, a free spins feature game may be triggered during play of the base game. In some embodiments the free spins game is triggered based on an outcome of the base game, a predefined symbol pattern, the presence of a triggering symbol, a predetermined number of wagers, or any other suitable trigger. The respin feature may be activated during the free spins feature game in substantially the same manner as described with above with respect to the base game.
In the example embodiment, different base reel strips, cash reel strips, and credit tables are used during play of the free spins feature game from the base reel strips, cash reel strips, and credit tables used during the base game. For example, a fifth free spins base reel strip used for the column 1510 may include eight stacked wilds to enable triggering the respin feature during the free spins feature game. Additionally, the free spins feature game incorporates the persistence feature described above with respect to the base game except that, when activated during the free spins feature game, the persistence feature persists until the free spins feature game has ended (e.g., a number of awarded free spins has been used). A free spins counter (not shown) may be displayed in conjunction with the free spins feature game to visually indicate a number of free spins that are awarded during the free spins feature game. The free spins counter may decrement after each free spin to visually indicate a number of free spins remaining during the free spins feature game.
As shown in
Exemplary technical effects of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein include at least one of: (a) improved display variability by providing a respin animation after an initial outcome of a base game is shown; and (b) improved control over payout volatility and a return to player during a respin feature by storing in memory respin reel strips incorporating dynamic symbols.
A computer, controller, or server, such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The computer, controller, or server typically has at least some form of computer readable non-transitory media. As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer” and related terms, e.g., “processing device”, “computing device”, and “controller” are not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits “configured to” carry out programmable instructions, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium or computer storage media, volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Such memory includes a random access memory (RAM), computer storage media, communication media, and a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor.
As indicated above, the process may be embodied in computer software. The computer software could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable storage medium, such as on any nonvolatile memory device (e.g., an EEPROM). Further, different parts of the computer software can be executed by different devices, such as, for example, in a client-server relationship. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that computer software provides a series of instructions executable by the processor.
While the disclosure 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 disclosure. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.
This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/409,426, filed Sep. 23, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63409426 | Sep 2022 | US |