AU2008246265A1 - A gaming system and method of playing a game - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P74442.AU.1 PatSat Fling Application 2008-11-18.doc (M) - 2 A GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING Field of the Invention 5 This invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code. Background of the Invention 10 Many different gaming systems are known in which symbols are displayed in order to provide a game on which a wager can be made. Typically such games are played on so-called "poker machines". Usually the symbols are displayed on a mechanical reel, or in more recent times on a video 15 display. A winning game is determined based on the displayed symbols. While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for an alternative gaming system in order to 20 maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention The present invention may be said to reside in a method of 25 gaming comprising: (a) generating and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generating a plurality of second symbols; (c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows 30 of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows. 35 In an embodiment the method comprises making a determination as to whether the second symbol rows are to N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. ISpecis\P74442.AU I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 3 be added to the first symbol rows. In an embodiment the method comprises determining an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows. 5 In an embodiment the method comprises recalculating the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added. 10 In an embodiment, the method comprises displaying the first symbol rows are displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and inserting the one or more second symbol rows between the first and 15 second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows. In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet 20 made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed In an embodiment, the method comprises determining to add the second symbol rows in response to a predetermined 25 stimulus. In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome. 30 In an embodiment, the method comprises an additional step of changing a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols. 35 In an embodiment, the second symbols are determined by a random generator at the commencement of a game and N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442 AU I \Specis\P74442.AU. I CAPdoc 20/11/08 - 4 displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 5 In an embodiment, the second symbols are determined by a random generator in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of io row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game. In an embodiment, a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a 15 plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be. In an embodiment, a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more reels. 20 The present invention may also be said to reside in a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: (a) generate and displaying a plurality of first 25 symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generate a plurality of second symbols; (c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol 30 rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 35 determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows. NWMelboum\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I\Specis\P74442.AU-1 CAP.doc 20/ 1/08 - 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows. 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added. 10 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to cause the first symbol rows to be displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first 15 and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows. In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet 20 made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed In an embodiment, the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined 25 stimulus. In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome. 30 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols. 35 In an embodiment, a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine the second symbols at N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I\Spccis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 6 the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 5 In an embodiment, a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of 10 row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or 15 more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 20 determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels. In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented by a processor executing program code stored in an associated 25 memory. The present invention may also be said to reside in a gaming system comprising; a player interface comprising a display for 30 displaying game outcomes; and a game controller arranged to; (a) generate and display a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generate a plurality of second symbols; 35 (c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol N \Melbournc\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I \Specis\P74442.AU.l CAP.doc 20/I1/08 -7 rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows. 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 10 determine an initial game outcome from the first symbol rows. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of 15 symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to display 20 the first symbol rows on the display as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows. 25 In an embodiment, the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed 30 In an embodiment, the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus. 35 In an embodiment, the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patcnt\74000-74999\P74442AU I\Specis\P74442AU. I CAP.doc 20/11 /08 -8 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the 5 second symbols. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a random generator arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more 10 second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a random generator arranged to determine in response to a 15 determination to add the one or more second rows. In an embodiment, the display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game. 20 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol 25 rows as the case may be. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels. 30 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory to implement the game controller. 35 In an embodiment, the player interface comprised a game play mechanism operable by the player to initiate a play of the game. N:\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442 AU I\Specis\P74442 AU.1 CAPdoc 20/1I/08 -9 In an embodiment, the game play mechanism is operable by the player to place an additional wager required to add the one or more second rows. 5 The present invention may also be said to reside in computer program code which when executed implements the above method of any one of claims 1 to 14. 10 The present invention may also be said to reside in a computer readable medium comprising the program code. The present invention may also be said to reside in a data signal comprising the program code. 15 The present invention may also be said to reside in transmitting the program code. Brief Description of Drawings 20 An embodiment of the invention will be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 25 Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 30 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional 35 components of a memory; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming N.\Mclbounc\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I \Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 10 system; Figure 6 is a view of a display according to an embodiment of invention; 5 Figure 7 is a view of a display showing the insertion a bonus row; Figure 8 is a view of the display with the inserted bonus 10 row also showing a win line; Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation of an embodiment of the invention; is Figure 10 is a functional block modular diagram relating to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of Embodiments 20 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game. The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided 25 wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing 30 the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable 35 gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is N\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU I\Specis\P74442.AU.1 CAPdoc 20/1 1/08 - 11 executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 5 However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the 10 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons 15 skilled in the art. Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 20 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 25 Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play 30 mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58. The game controller 60 is in data communication with the 35 player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the N:\Melboume\Caes\Patent\74000O74999\P74442.AU. \Specis\P74442.AU.I CAP.doc 20/1 1/08 - 12 display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in 5 accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. 10 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 15 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input 20 mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a 25 loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example 30 pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts 35 from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU \Specis\P74442AU. ICAPdoc 20/11/08 - 13 display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an 5 electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. 10 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 15 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each 20 type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring 25 player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data 30 for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 35 In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game N \Melboume\Cascs\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. 1\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP doc 20/11/08 - 14 controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional 5 hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a 10 communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or 15 database. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 20 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the 25 integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. It is also possible for the operative components of the 30 gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an 35 alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of N:\Mclboume\Cases\Patent\740O0-74999\P74442.AU. I\Specis\P74442 AU.I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 15 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have 5 simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 10 One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, 15 and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 20 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs 25 and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty 30 program server 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially 35 provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass N \Melboune\Cases\Paent\74000-74999\P74442.AU 1\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 201 11/0 - 16 these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software s that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for 10 example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. 15 The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. 20 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements 25 may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art 30 will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 35 Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of N\Melboune\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU IkSpecis\P74442AU I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 17 ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server). 5 An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Referring to those Figures, Figure 6 shows a display which 10 is a virtual display formed as graphics on a display 16. The virtual display comprises a plurality of reels 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e the reels 16a to 16e therefore define 3 rows 17a, 17b and 17c to thereby form a 3 by 5 matrix. 15 The symbols 600 are generated by a random number generator 113 previously described and in order to play a game a player will insert coins or other forms of payment and operate the game play mechanism 56 to initiate 905 a play 20 of the game on which the required additional be is made and hence to start 900 the game and spin 920 the reels 16a to 16e. The reels 16a to 16e are spun by a graphic interface driver which causes the symbol 600 to move downwardly in the reels to give the appearance of spinning 25 reels and each reel is stopped in turn to bring up the display shown in Figure 6. The game outcome is then determined in accordance with the rules of the game based on the displayed symbols 600. 30 In the embodiment, after the symbols 600 are spun up a player is given a change to insert a bonus row either between the first and second rows as indicated by arrow 701 in Figure 7 or between the second and third rows as 35 indicated by arrow 702. It will be seen that the player has elected to add bonus row 17c (Figure 8) between the first and second rows. In one embodiment, a base game the N \Melbourmc\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU.l\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 18 player will need to spend extra credits to insert the bonus row. In one embodiment, the player must elect to pay for the option to add the bonus row before the game is started. In another embodiment, the player may be offered 5 the option to pay for the bonus row after the initial rows are selected. In other embodiments, if the player has reached a certain level in a game (such as by triggering a feature game) the bonus row maybe automatically made available to the player. Further still, the bonus row 10 maybe provided in response to some other stimuli such as a certain game outcome or the like. In the embodiment, the bonus row 17c is formed by symbols which are generated 915 at the commencement of the game is when the base game symbols are generated 910. When the bonus row is to be added 935, either those symbols or a selection of those symbols is added as row 17c between either row 17a and 17b or row 17b and 17c as shown by the arrows in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 8 the game outcome 20 will be again calculated to see if there is a win 940 and to recalculate the win 945 with the bonus row 17c inserted. In this embodiment, (i.e. there is no pay at step 930) any win by the player previously provided by the base game without the bonus row will be modified to 25 include the outcome of the game including bonus row 17c. In other embodiments, symbols for the bonus row may only be selected after the extra row is to be added. In another embodiment also illustrated in Figure 9, the player may be able to win 925,940 and be paid 930,950 from both the 30 unmodified, initial game outcome and the modified display with the bonus row. In order to provide the game outcome a plurality of win lines (also known as paylines) such as win line 801 shown 35 in Figure 8 is determined. Up to fifty or more win lines may be used in order to determine the game outcome. As is apparent from Figure 8 the win line 801 comprises a line N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I\Specis\P74442.AU. CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 19 which covers row 17a and bonus row 17c. With regard to the win lines, the game controller 101 is arranged to add and/or remove paylines in response to a bonus row 17c being added. More specifically, as a result of adding a 5 bonus row 17c the existing win lines may not pass through a symbol of the bonus row 17c-which is likely to be important for the purposes of determining the game outcome. By adding and/or removing existing paylines, game outcomes can be correctly based on symbols in the bonus 10 row 17c. The outcome of the game shown in Figure 6 may have provided a win because of the inclusion of two picl symbols in row 17a. When the bonus row 17c is added the 1 win line 801 which is predetermined at the game outset results in an additional win because the win line now includes four pic1 symbols thereby providing a much larger payout. Thus, the win previously provided is modified to include an additional component based on the new outcome 20 with the bonus row 17c added. If the bonus row 17c had not provided any additional symbols then no additional payment would be made and the recalculation of the game outcome would simply result in 25 the same outcome as provided by the display in Figure 6. The bonus row or bonus rows can be added in a number of different ways. In one example all of the positions of the row can be determined by a random number generator at the commencement of a game and only displayed when the 30 bonus row is added. In if an additional row is purchased the random number generator makes a further selection to form the second bonus row. The purchase of the bonus row 17c can be made by a player at the commencement of a game. Alternatively, the player can first see the outcome of the 35 display in Figure 6 and then make an extra bet to purchase a bonus row or the player can see the result and if it meets a criteria then the player can be afforded and N:\Melboume\Cases\Paten\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 20 choose to accept the opportunity to make an extra bet. The win line represented by the win line 801 will change and differ in number as additional bonus rows are added in accordance with pre-programmed criteria and the rules of 5 the game. In other embodiments, the player may place a wager using other techniques known in the art, for example, by selecting reels such as is known in "Reel Power" games 10 manufactured by Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, where each displayed symbol of each selected reel is combined to form win combinations with designated symbols of each unselected reel. 15 Figure 10 is a functional block modular diagram the embodiment of the invention which shows the random number generator 113 having part 601 for generating the display shown in Figure 6 and part 602 for generating the symbols to be displayed in the bonus row or rows. Module 611 20 defines the win lines appropriate to the base game shown in Figure 6. The display module 603 causes the symbols to be displayed. The spin module 608 spins the reels where necessary to bring up the display 16 shown in Figure 6 or the display shown in Figure 8 as the case may be. Module 25 604 determines whether the bonus row is active ie whether the player has paid for a bonus row or the required stimuli for activation of the bonus row has been achieved. Win lines are defined by module 605 to change the win lines formed by module 611 in response to the addition of 30 one or more bonus rows. The bonus row is added by module 606 and displayed by module 607. The game outcome is determined by module 609 to determine the base game outcome without the bonus row and then recalculate the outcome with the bonus row included. Persons skilled in 35 the art will appreciate that some or all of the above modules can be provided by processor 62 executing program code stored in memory 64. N:\Mclboume\Cases\Patcnt\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 21 It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 5 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 10 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. l\Specis\P74442 AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08

Claims (50)

1. A method of gaming comprising: (a) generating and displaying a plurality of first 5 symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generating a plurality of second symbols; (c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprising the first symbol 10 rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising making a 15 determination as to whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising determining an initial game outcome from the first symbol 20 rows.

4. The method of claim 3, comprising recalculating the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol 25 rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising displaying the first symbol rows are displayed as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and 30 inserting the one or more second symbol rows between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows.

6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the 35 determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU.l\Specis\P74442AU I CAP doc 20/11/08 - 23 symbol rows are displayed

7. The method of any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising determining to add the second symbol rows in response to a 5 predetermined stimulus.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game 10 outcome.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method comprises an additional step of changing a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game 15 outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.

10. The method of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the second symbols are determined by a random generator at the 20 commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

11. The method of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the 25 second symbols are determined by a random generator in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the 30 display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a 35 game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol N:\Mclbourne\Cascs\Patent\74000-74999\P74442 AU I\Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/I/08 - 24 rows as the case may be.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a game outcome is determined based on a selection of one or 5 more reels.

15. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: (a) generate and displaying a plurality of first 10 symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generate a plurality of second symbols; (c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol 1 rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determine a game outcome from the group of symbol rows.

16. The game controller of claim 15, arranged to 20 determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows.

17. The game controller of claim 15 or claim 16, arranged to determine an initial game outcome from the 25 first symbol rows.

18. The game controller of claim 17, arranged to recalculate the initial game outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the 30 second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

19. The game controller of any one of claims 15 to 18, arranged to cause the first symbol rows to be displayed as 35 three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442 AU \Specis\P74442.AU I CAP.doc 20/1 1/08 - 25 second and third first symbol rows.

20. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the determination of whether the second symbol 5 rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the first symbol rows are displayed

21. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 19, 10 wherein the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus.

22. The game controller of claim 21, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising 15 reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome.

23. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the game controller is arranged to change a set of 20 win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second symbols.

24. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 23, 25 wherein a random generator of the game controller is arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 30

25. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein a random generator of the game controller is arranged to- determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 35

26. The game controller of any one claims 15 to 25, wherein the display of the first plurality of row N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. \Specis\P74442.AU. I CAP doc 20/11/08 - 26 comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game.

27. The game controller of any one of claims 15 to 26, 5 arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be. 10

28. The game controller of any one of claims 15 to 26, arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.

29. The game controller of any one of claims 16 to 29, 15 implemented by a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory.

30. A gaming system comprising; a player interface comprising a display for 20 displaying game outcomes; and a game controller arranged to; (a) generate and display a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generate a plurality of second symbols; 25 (c) add the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determine a game outcome from the group of 30 symbol rows.

31. The gaming system of claim 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine whether the second symbol rows are to be added to the first symbol rows. 35

32. The gaming system of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine an initial N \Melboume\Cascs\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. \Specis\P74442 AU.A CAP doc 20/11/08 - 27 game outcome from the first symbol rows.

33. The gaming system of claim 32, wherein the game controller is arranged to recalculate the initial game 5 outcome based on the group of symbol rows comprised of the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows after the one or more second symbol rows are added.

34. The gaming system of any one of claims 30 to 33, io arranged to display the first symbol rows on the display as three symbol rows formed by a plurality of virtual reels, and the one or more second symbol rows to be inserted between the first and second first symbol rows or the second and third first symbol rows. 15

35. The gaming system of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the determination of whether the second symbol rows are to be added is based on an additional bet made by a player either at the commencement of a game or after the 20 first symbol rows are displayed

36. The gaming system of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the determination to add the second symbol rows is made in response to a predetermined stimulus. 25

37. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the predetermined stimulus is selected from a group comprising reaching a certain level of a game, and obtaining a certain game outcome. 30

38. The gaming system of any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the game controller is arranged to change a set of win lines, used in the step of determining the game outcome, in response to the step of adding the second 35 symbols.

39. The gaming system of any one of claims 31 to 38, N:\Melboune\Cases\Patnt\74000-74999\P74442 AU. I\Specis\P74442 AU.1 CAP.doc 20/ I1/08 - 28 comprising a random generator arranged to determine the second symbols at the commencement of a game and displayed as the one or more second symbol rows in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 5

40. The gaming system of any one of claims 31 to 38, comprising a random generator arranged to determine in response to a determination to add the one or more second rows. 10

41. The gaming system of any one claims 30 to 40, wherein the display of the first plurality of row comprises a base game and the addition of the second symbol rows is part of a feature game. 15

42. The gaming system of any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine a game outcome based on a selection of one or more win lines which pass through a plurality of the rows which make up 20 the first symbol rows or the group of symbol rows as the case may be.

43. The gaming system of any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the game controller is arranged to determine a 25 game outcome based on a selection of one or more reels.

44. The gaming system of any one of claims 30 to 43, comprising a processor executing program code stored in an associated memory to implement the game controller. 30

45. The gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 44, wherein the player interface comprised a game play mechanism operable by the player to initiate a play of the game. 35

46. The gaming system as claimed in claim 45, wherein the game play mechanism is operable by the player to place N.\Melboume\Cases\Patent\74000-74999\P74442.AU. I \Spcci\P74442.AU. I CAP.doc 20/11/08 - 29 an additional wager required to add the one or more second rows.

47. A computer program code which when executed 5 implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

48. A computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 47. 10

49. A data signal comprising the program code of claim 47.

50. Transmitting the program code of claim 47. N:\Melbourn\Cases\Patnt\74000-74999\P74442 AU \Specis\P74442 AU I CAP.doc 20/1 /OS