AU2010202913B2

AU2010202913B2 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2010202913B2
Application number: AU2010202913A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George Roukis
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-11
Filing date: 2010-07-09
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-06
Also published as: AU2010202913A1

Abstract

A gaming method, game controller, a gaming system, computer program code, and a computer readable medium are 5 provided wherein a plurality of symbols are provided for game play. Locations where particular symbols occur determine a game outcome. One of the symbols is allocated as a trigger symbol for a subsequent game. If the trigger symbol occurs at a particular location during game play an 10 award is made in the subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol. 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 commence initial game sequence carry out sequence of Initial games provide locations allocate symbol as trigger signal determine if trigger symbol appears trigger feature games , 770 determine outcome , 780 award allocator Figure 7

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Divisional Patent Applicant (s): Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING 5 Field The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code. 10 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2008229803 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Most of the disclosure 15 of that application is also included herein, however, reference may be made to the specification of application no. 2008229803 as filed or accepted to gain further understanding of the invention claimed herein. 20 Background to the Invention It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to conduct a game that includes a base game and a feature game which is triggered from the 25 base game, for example if a symbol combination occurs. While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. 30 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising: 35 selecting, using a processor, a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, displaying, using the processor, selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations 40 from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at the display locations, 46041401 (OHM&tters) P726 .AU.2 16108/13 -3 defining, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second 5 game, determining the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations, and 10 enhancing an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display 15 locations. In an embodiment, the method also requires the concurrent occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one or more further locations, and wherein an award is made in the at 20 least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger symbol. In an embodiment, the method includes the number of 25 locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol to trigger the feature game is determined by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome. 30 In an embodiment, the method includes that the award is based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value, ii. an additional award prize, 35 iii. a feature game. In an embodiment, the method includes that on the occurrence of a trigger symbol at a particular location, highlighting that particular location for the at least one 40 second game. In a second aspect, the invention provides a game 46041401 (GHMatter) P72661.AU.2 16/08/13 -4 controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: select a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, s display selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations for game play from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at display locations, define, before play of the first game, at least 10 one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determine the respective display locations at is which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations, and enhance an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the 20 winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations. 25 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to require the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations in the at least one first game before an award is made in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of 30 the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to 35 determine a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, 40 iv. by rules of game play, v. variable according to bets placed. 4604140_1 (GHMatters) P7:661,AU.2 16/08/13 -5 In an embodiment the game controller is arranged to determine the number of the locations to for occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. by rules of game play, s ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome. In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising a player interface comprising a display for 10 displaying game outcomes to a player, and a game controller as set out as above. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor in a 15 computer implements the above method. In a fifth aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the program code. 20 In a fifth aspect the invention provides (i) a computer readable medium comprising the program code, (ii) a data signal comprising the program code, and (iii) a method comprising transmitting the data signal. 25 Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of 30 a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the 35 structure of a memory; Figure 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system; and 40 Figure 7 is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment. Embodiment An embodiment provides a gaming system where a player 46041401 (GHMatters)P72661.AU.2 16108/13 - 6 plays, at least one game, and preferably a sequence of games. A plurality of symbols are provided for game play and a 5 plurality of locations are provided from which game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at locations. One of the symbols is allocated as a trigger symbol and during play of an initial game, on the occurrence of the trigger symbol there is triggering of 10 the playing of a feature game. When a game outcome occurs in the feature game, an award is made if a symbol in the outcome occurs at that particular location. The gaming system may be provided in a number of different is forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. 20 In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the 25 game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" 30 architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 35 However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 7 wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming 5 machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 10 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 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and 15 the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. Components of the player interface may vary from 20 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 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions. 25 The game controller 60 is in data communication with the 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 30 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 accordance with game play rules and may include: a 35 microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 8 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 is 5 displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 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 10 mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module may be provided having a 15 reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 20 A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front 25 panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video 30 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 electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include 35 a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. 2335594_1 (GIHMatners) 9/07/10 - 9 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. 5 The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 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. io Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. 15 The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the 20 peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons 25 skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game 30 controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen 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 hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware 35 may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. 2335594_ (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 10 In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information 5 to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of 10 an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 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 is some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 20 It is also possible for the operative components of the 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. 25 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an 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 30 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 simplified functionality depending on the requirements for 35 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. 2335594_ (GHMatters)9/07/10 - 11 One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. 5 The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 10 In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 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 is collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs 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 20 game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements 25 most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass 30 these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard 35 computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 12 administration of the gaming network 200, including for 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 5 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate 10 network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the 15 server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. 20 Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the 25 terminals. The embodiment may be implemented in relation to a game with multiple columns such as a spinning reel type game. Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a 30 display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being "stepper" machines which have a separate motor for each reel. However, persons skilled in the art will 35 appreciate that the invention can be implemented in respect if other forms of games, including: card games; ball draw games (e.g. bingo or keno); dice games; and pin 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 13 and ball games. In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming machines select symbols by employing a stop 5 determining function that randomly determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels 10 is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a "window" visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of 15 possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position. Spinning reel type games typically allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they 20 will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a number of reels to play. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions 25 consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing 30 the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be non-linear combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window. A game outcome is 35 determined based on the symbols on the win lines and a prize table that specifies awards. 2335594_1 (GHMaters) 9107/10 - 14 The game controller 60 of the embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 6. It will apparent that the processor 62 implements a number of modules, namely random number generator module 621, symbol selector module 622, outcome 5 determiner module 623, award determiner module 624, sequence monitoring module 625, entitlement module 627 and display controller module 626 based on data stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not all modules need be implemented by processor 62. 10 For example, the random number generator module 621 could be implemented by a separate circuit or by a random number generator server. In the embodiment, the entitlement module 627 determines 15 when a player is entitled to a feature game comprising a sequence of games and initiates the feature. In other embodiments a player may be entitled to a single subsequent game. In this game, the subsequent game sequence is started by the symbol occurring in the base 20 game, or a location where a particular symbol occurs in the base game sets a position for a subsequent game, so that if there is a designated symbol combination on a game outcome in the subsequent game that includes the position where the particular symbol occurred in the base game then 25 the award is made. In a particular example, the player is entitled a subsequent game (which may or may not be a feature game) when a designated symbol combination occurs in the base game. For example, a combination of three scatter symbols. In the sequence of subsequent or feature 30 games the positions occupied by the symbols when the feature was triggered become particular locations to which special prize awards attach. When the entitlement is established, the entitlement 35 module 627 instructs the sequence monitor 625 to initiate a feature game having a sequence of games based on a number of games specified in sequence data 643. The 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 15 sequence monitor 625 is arranged to keep track of the sequence to ensure that all games of the sequence are carried out accordingly after each game in the sequence, and the sequence monitor 625 updates the sequence data 643 s to indicate how many games remain in the sequence. During each game of a sequence, the symbol selector 622 selects the symbols to appear based on symbol data 641 which specifies the available symbols. The symbols are 10 selected by the symbol selector using a random number obtained from the random number generator 621. The outcome determiner module 623 determines the game outcomes. The award pay scale adjuster 624 then adjusts an award for outcomes using pay scale data 644. The is adjustment is based on the number of win lines the player is playing and the symbol combinations. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the game outcomes and their associated prizes are displayed on the display 54 or under control of the display controller 626. 20 The method 700 of an example of an embodiment of the invention is summarised in Figure 7. At step 710 it is determined game sequence should commence. The game controller 60 then carries out a sequence of initial games 25 720, provides locations 730 from which initial game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at the locations, allocates at least one symbol as a trigger symbol 740, determines if a trigger symbol appears 750 which will trigger a feature game 760, and determines if a 30 winning outcome occurs in feature game at 770 if there is a feature game outcome that includes the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol, and provides an award allocation in the feature game at 780. 35 If an award winning combination then occurs with one of the symbols occurring at the particular location, then the 2335594_1 (GHMauers) 9/07/10 - 16 award is increased. one or more particular locations can be nominated in any of the usual ways such as: s - By outcomes on a machine - At random - By player selection - Specified by rules of the game - Variable due to bets placed 10 The number of particular locations can be determined by the usual ways such as: - Specified by the rules of the game - Variable due to bets placed i5 - Variable due to outcomes The award can be increased in the usual ways such as: - Multiply the advertised value - Pay an additional bonus prize 20 - Award an additional feature game A feature game is triggered by a certain symbol combination. The feature game is played with feature wins interacting with the locations which triggered the feature 25 game. 1. 3 or more "scatters" in an initial game triggers the feature game 2. The particular locations of the "scatters" are 30 "highlighted". 3. Free Games begin to play. 4. After each free game an evaluation is made. 5. Any game win outcome that passes through one or more of the "highlighted" locations is multiplied by 5. 35 6. If the "feature" is retriggered in the feature game then the new scatter locations are also highlighted. 7. The original trigger locations remain highlighted. 2335594_1 (GHMauters) 9/07/10 - 17 TABLE 1 3 scatter symbols appear on the reels in an initial game. This triggers the feature game and in the next 3 free s games any winning combinations landing on those particular locations are multiplied by 5. scat A K Q J 10 9 scat A K Q J 10 9 scat TABLE 2 10 The particular locations where the "scatter" symbol appear are now highlighted scat A K QJ 10 9 scat A K QJ 10 9 scat 15 TABLE 3 - the first free game shows A A A 10 K K 10 9 K J Q 9 10 9 9 This pays 3 * A on the top row which pays 5 times the 20 normal prize because one of the A is on a highlighted particular location. TABLE 4 - the second free game shows 9 10 K J 10 Q A 9 K 9 A J 10 9 Q 2335594_1 (GHMaters) 9/07/10 - 18 There is no prize winning combination, no prize is payable. s TABLE 5 - the third free game shows J 10 9 K A Q Q Q Q 9 9 A K J 10 This pays 4 * Q on the centre row which pays 5 times the normal prize because one of the Q is on a highlighted 10 particular location. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the above examples provide locations from which game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at locations. At least 15 one symbol is allocated as a trigger symbol. On the occurrence of the at least one trigger symbol at a location in an initial game there is triggering of a feature game. An award is then made in the feature game if there is a game outcome that includes the particular 20 location where the trigger signal appeared in the initial game. Should the trigger symbol occur at the particular location the feature game may not be triggered unless there is a concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations. 25 Whilst the above example has been described in relation to a five reel spinning game with three win lines, the spinning wheels may be replaced with columns where the symbols selectively appear at particular columns and 30 wherein there is one or more win lines. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that when the feature game is played, the occurrence of an outcome can occur not only in particular rows as indicated in the preferred example but across multiple rows according to known game 2335594_1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10 - 19 patterns. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute 5 an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 10 description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to is preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 2335594_ 1 (GHMatters) 9/07/10

Claims

1. A method of gaming comprising: selecting, using a processor, a plurality of 5 symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, displaying, using the processor, selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations from which game outcomes for the at least one first game 10 can be determined by symbols occurring at the display locations, defining, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in is the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determining the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, and highlighting each of 20 the determined respective display locations, and enhancing an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively 25 displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 also requiring the concurrent occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one 30 or more further locations, and wherein an award is made in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger symbol. 35

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a location for the occurrence of the trigger symbol is determined by one of: 46041401 (OHMauers) P72661.AU.2 16/08/13 - 21 i. outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, 5 iv. by rules of game play v. variable according to bets placed.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 10 the number of locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol is determined by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome. 15

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the award is based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value, ii. an additional award prize, 20 iii. a feature game.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: on the occurrence of the trigger symbol at a 25 location, highlighting that particular location for the at least one second game.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, comprising triggering a feature game if the trigger symbol occurs at 30 the same particular location during play of the at least one second game as the particular location in the at least one first game.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, 35 comprising: configuring the at least one first game and at least one second game to be multiple spinning reel type games. - 22

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, comprising: configuring the multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple win lines. 5 10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one second game is a feature game triggered on the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game.

10

11. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: select a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, display selected symbols at respective ones of a 15 plurality of display locations for game play from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at display locations, define, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined 20 combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determine the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed 25 in the at least one first game, and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations, and enhance an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a 30 combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations.

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, 35 arranged so that on the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations in the at least one first game making an award in the at least one 46041401 (OMatters) P7266tAU.2 16/08113 - 23 second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game. 5

13. A game controller as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, arranged to determine a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. outcome of game play, 10 ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv. by rules of game play, v. variable according to bets placed. 15

14. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, arranged to determine the number of the locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. by rules of game play, 20 ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.

15. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, arranged to make an award based on one of: 25 i. a change to an advertised award value ii. an additional award prize iii. a feature game

16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 30 11 to 15, arranged to: on the occurrence of a trigger symbol at a location, highlight that particular location for th1e at least one second game. 35

17. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, arranged to: trigger a feature game if during play of the at least one second game the trigger symbol should occur at 4604140_1 (GHManer) P7261.AU.2 16/08/13 - 24 the same particular location as in the at least one first game.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims s 11 to 17, arranged to: configure the game and at least one second game to be multiple spinning reel type games.

19. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, 10 arranged to: configure the multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple win lines.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 15 11 to 19, arranged to configure the at least one second game as a feature game.

21. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 20 implemented by a processor executing program code 20 stored in a memory.

22. A gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a display for displaying game outcomes to a player, and 25 a game controller according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

23. Computer program code which when executed by a process in a computer implements the method of any one of 30 claims 1 to 10.

24. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 23. 35

25. A data signal comprising the computer program code of claim 23.

26. Transmitting the data signal of claim 25. 4604140_1 (GHMalers) P72661.AU.2 16/08/13