AU2012202341A1 - A method of gaming and a gaming system - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming for use with a gaming system having a game controller, the method comprising conducting, with a 5 game controller, at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols, conducting, with a game controller, at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event 10 occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols, and conducting, with a game controller, 15 a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with 20 winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. start conduct first game rounds 720 with normal number of reels r 730 trigger event? N conduct at least one second game round with i fewer reels en750 condition? eurn to normal number of 76 Figure 7

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2009201719, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 10 Field The present invention relates to a method of gaming and a gaming system. 15 Background Current gaming machines employ a fixed number of reels. While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a 20 need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention 25 In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming for use with a gaming system having a game controller, the method comprising: conducting, with a game controller, at least one first game round, each first game round comprising 30 selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; conducting, with a game controller, at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each 35 second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the -3 selected symbols; and conducting, with a game controller, a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round 5 comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. 10 In an embodiment, the method comprises removing at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first reels. 15 In an embodiment, the method comprises substituting the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel. 20 In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting a plurality of second game rounds. In an embodiment, the method comprises varying the number of second reels during the plurality of second game 25 rounds. In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting each first game round with five reels. 30 In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting at least one second game round with three reels. In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting at least one second game round with one reel. 35 In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting each first and second game round with a game controller.

- 4 In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: 5 conduct at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; conduct at least one second game round in response to 10 a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and is conduct a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with 20 winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a trigger evaluator arranged to determine that a trigger event has occurred. 25 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises at least one symbol selector arranged to select symbols in the first and second game rounds. 30 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a reel controller arranged to control the reels from which symbols are selected in at least each second game round. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises at least 35 one award evaluator arranged to evaluate selected symbols in the first and second game rounds.

- 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is constituted at least in part by a processor executing program code stored in a memory. 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to remove at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first reels. 10 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to substitute the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel. 15 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct a plurality of second game rounds. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to varying the number of second reels during the plurality of 20 second game rounds. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct each first game round with five reels. 25 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct at least one second game round with three reels. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct at least one second game round with one reel. 30 In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: 35 conduct at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels and evaluating the selected symbols; -6 and conduct at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels 5 than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conduct a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game 10 round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. 15 In an embodiment, the display forms part of a player interface further comprising a game play mechanism operable by the player to play the game. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a trigger 20 evaluator arranged to determine that a trigger event has occurred. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises at least one symbol selector arranged to select symbols in the 25 first and second game rounds. In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a reel controller arranged to control the reels from which symbols are selected in at least each second game round. 30 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises at least one award evaluator arranged to evaluate selected symbols in the first and second game rounds. 35 In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a processor executing program code stored in a memory.

-7 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to remove at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first reels. 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to substitute the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel. 10 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to conduct a plurality of second game rounds. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to is varying the number of second reels during the plurality of second game rounds. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to conduct each first game round with five reels. 20 In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to conduct at least one second game round with three reels. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to conduct 25 at least one second game round with one reel. In a fourth aspect the invention provides a gaming system comprising: display means for displaying game outcomes to a 30 player; means for conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display; means for evaluating the selected symbols of each 35 first game round; means for conducting at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at - 8 least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display; 5 means for evaluating the selected symbols of each second game round; means for conducting a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a 10 single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display; and means for awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. is In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a cabinet; a display mounted within the cabinet for displaying play of a game to a player; 20 at least one input device mounted to the cabinet at a position where the player can view the display while operating said at least one input device, said at least one input device operable to input an instruction to initiate a play of a game; and 25 a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing game instructions, the game controller in data communication with said at least one input device and operating in response receipt of the instruction to initiate a play to initiation of a play to conduct at 30 least one first game round by selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display on the display and evaluating the selected symbols, conduct at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each 35 second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display on the display and -9 evaluating the selected symbols, and conduct a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by 5 selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. In a sixth aspect, the invention provides computer program 10 code which when executed implements the above method. In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the above program code. 1 In an eight aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising the above program code. In a ninth aspect, the invention provides transmitting and receiving the above program code. 20 Brief Description of Drawings An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in 25 which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; 30 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; 35 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; - 10 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system; s Figure 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system; Figure 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and Figures 8A to 8D are exemplary reel displays of an 10 example. Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system 15 having a game controller arranged to implement a game where initially a plurality of reels are spun in each game round but, if a trigger event occurs, at least one game round is carried out with a smaller number of reels. 20 Herein, the term "first game round" is used to refer to a game round conducted with a normal number of reels. A "second game round" is one in which the number of reels are reduced and the term may apply game round with varying numbers of reels provided they are less than in a first 25 game round. A game round involves at least one of the reels being "spun" - e.g. new symbols of the reels are selected for display at the display positions and the reel is either 30 physically or virtually spun to a stop. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be more than one game round in a play of a gaming machine such as is the case when a series of free spins is awarded. The outcome of a game round may be no win, a win (for example from a 35 winning combination of symbols), a contribution towards a win accrued over a plurality of game rounds, a trigger condition occurring etc.

- 11 General construction of gaming system The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In 5 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. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided 10 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 game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used 15 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" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player 20 operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are 25 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 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming 30 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. 35 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 - 12 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 s instructions and play the game. 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 10 and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 comprising one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58. is 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 display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored 20 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 microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device 25 or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 30 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 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during 35 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 - 13 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 5 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. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example 10 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 15 from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid 20 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 a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different 25 type. 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. 30 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. 35 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 - 14 represented by the memory 103. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring s 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 peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data 10 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. 15 In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 20 108, 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 may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or 25 touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is uses to initiate a 30 play of the game. 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 35 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 5 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 some system or game related code. The mass storage device 10 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. 15 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. 20 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 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the 25 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 implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming 30 machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be 35 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, - 16 and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements 5 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 collectively provide a game controller. A database 10 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 game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform 15 accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty 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 20 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 these to the game server which will process them and 25 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 computer input and output components. Other client/server 30 configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 35 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a - 17 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. 5 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. 10 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 15 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 20 will appreciate that a plurality of game 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. 25 Further detail of gaming system The player operates game play mechanism 56 to establish the win entitlement which will be evaluated for this game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's 30 win entitlement will vary from game to game and may or may not be dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections they make (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a 35 player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game - 18 (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. Such win lines are typically formed by a combination of displayed symbol positions, one from each reel, the symbol positions being located 5 relative to one another such that they form a line. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter" pays are awarded independently of a 10 players selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement. Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by 15 selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In 20 other words, all displayed symbol positions of a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with designated, displayed symbol positions of other reels. In other embodiments a player win entitlement may be 25 affected by purchasing access to particular pay tables e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to wins including plums. The win entitlement is not always purchased - e.g. a series of free games may be awarded. 30 In this embodiment, a series of modules are shown as implemented by processor 62 executing program code stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, one or more modules could be 35 implemented by a dedicated circuit. The outcome generator 622 operates in response to the - 19 player's operation of game play mechanism 56 to conduct game rounds. Each game round involves selecting symbols of the reels employed for that game round which are evaluated by symbol evaluator 623. In a first game round, the 5 symbol selector 622A selects symbols from sets of symbols corresponding to a plurality of reels specified by reel data 641. The selected symbols are advised to the display controller 624 which causes them to be displayed on display 54 at a set of display positions. 10 The reel data 641 specifies a sequence of symbols for each reel such that, in one exemplary embodiment, the symbol selector 622A can select the symbols to appear at the stopping positions by selecting a stopping position in the 15 sequence employing random number generator 621. Such selection may be weighted as is known in the art. In one example, three symbols of each of five reels may be displayed such that symbols are displayed at fifteen display positions on display 54. Evaluator 623 evaluates 20 the symbols for any awards 623A specified by award data 644 and, in this embodiment, to see whether any triggers 623B specified by trigger conditions 643 are met. In other embodiments, the trigger conditions may be independent of the symbols, for example, based on turnover or an external 25 trigger from a connected bonusing system. When a trigger condition is met, at least one second game round is conducted: for example a series of free second game rounds may be conducted. The reel controller 622B 30 determines based on game rule data which reels are to be employed. In some embodiments, this will be a subset of the reels used in the first game rounds. In other embodiments a further set (or sets) of reels may be specified for use. The symbols comprising these reels are 35 stored as reel data 641. The symbol selector 622A then selects symbols in the manner describe above and these are evaluated by evaluator 623. The awards that apply to this - 20 evaluation may be the same or different to those used in evaluation of the first game rounds. In one example, the pay table which applies to the first game rounds may also apply in the second game rounds but the player may only be s required to obtain a starting portion of a combination to collect the prize. For example, if there is a prize for five a kind in the five reel first game round, the same prize might be awarded for three of a kind in a three reel second game round. Alternatively, different win lines or 10 different win rules may apply in the second game rounds, for example a different pay table might apply. The second game rounds continue until an end condition is met, for example a fixed number of free spins being 15 exhausted. During the second game rounds, the number of reels may be reduced again, either in response to a further trigger event occurring or at a defined place in a free game sequence. For example, the number of reels could reduce first from five to three then from three to one. 20 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there could, for example be only one second game round. Further more, even if a second game round is awarded, an additional bet may be required before it proceeds. 25 Further, an additional bet may be required for eligibility to obtain second game rounds. Other eligibility criteria known in the art may apply, for example, the player may be required to play a certain number of lines or place a certain sized bet to be eligible. 30 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments the number of reels can decrease and increase dynamically a number of times. For example, there may be specific triggers which subtract or add reels. In one 35 exemplary embodiment certain symbol combinations may result in subtraction of reels and others may result in addition of the reels. In some embodiments the total - 21 number of reels may at some stage exceed the initial number of reels. In some embodiments, the initial alteration of the reels is always a subtraction of reels. 5 The method 700 of an embodiment is summarised in Figure 7. When the player starts 710 play of the game, play 720 is initially with the normal number of reels. The game controller 60 monitors 730 for the occurrence of a trigger event. When a trigger event occurs, at least one second 10 game round is conducted 740 with fewer reels. The game controller 60 monitors 750 for an end condition. When the end condition occurs game play is returned 760 to a normal number of reels. 15 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 ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of 20 memory 103) or as a data signal which can be transmitted and received (for example, by downloading it from a server). Example 25 Figures 8A to 8D show an example where normal play is of a first game round is conducted in respect of five reels with three symbols of each reel displayed 810 as shown in Figure 8A. In response to a first trigger event, second 30 game rounds are initially conducted with three reels with three symbols of each reel displayed 820 as shown in Figure 8B. The reels are a subset of the normal reels and prizes are awarded based on the symbol combinations corresponding to the initial portion of winning 35 combination in the normal pay table (evaluated left to right). A plurality of second game rounds are conducted with display 820 until a second trigger event occurs and - 22 the display is reduced to a single reel 830 as shown in Figure 8C. One game round is conducted in this mode during which the player will automatically win the highest prize which begins with the selected symbols. Game play then 5 reverts to the normal display 810 as shown in Figure 8D. An advantage of embodiments of this invention is that it presents a game where a reduced number of reels in a second game round. A further advantage is that the player 10 can have a dynamic reel display which changes based on the outcome of the game. A further advantage is that the number of reels can decrease from the normal number of reels more than once. is 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, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of the above exemplary embodiments can be combined to form 20 further embodiments. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the 2S common general knowledge in any country. 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 30 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 preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (40)

1. A method of gaming for use with a gaming system having a game controller, the method comprising: 5 conducting, with a game controller, at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; conducting, with a game controller, at least one 10 second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the is selected symbols; and conducting, with a game controller, a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting 20 symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising removing 25 at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first reels.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising 30 substituting the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising conducting 35 a plurality of second game rounds.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, comprising varying - 24 the number of second reels during the plurality of second game rounds.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising conducting 5 each first game round with five reels.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising conducting at least one second game round with three reels. io

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising conducting at least one second game round with one reel.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising conducting each first and second game round is with a game controller.

10. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: conduct at least one first game round, each first 20 game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; conduct at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first 25 game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conduct a further game round in response to a second 30 trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. 35

11. A game controller as claimed in claim 10, comprising a trigger evaluator arranged to determine that a trigger - 25 event has occurred.

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, comprising at least one symbol selector arranged to select s symbols in the first and second game rounds.

13. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 comprising a reel controller arranged to control the reels from which symbols are selected in at least each 10 second game round.

14. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 comprising at least one award evaluator arranged to evaluate selected symbols in the first and second game 15 rounds.

15. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, constituted at least in part by a processor executing program code stored in a memory. 20

16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, arranged to remove at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first 25 reels.

17. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, arranged to substitute the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the 30 trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, arranged to conduct a plurality of second game 35 rounds.

19. A game controller as claimed in claim 18, arranged to - 26 varying the number of second reels during the plurality of second game rounds.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 5 to 19, arranged to conduct each first game round with five reels.

21. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20, arranged to conduct at least one second game round io with three reels.

22. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21, arranged to conduct at least one second game round with one reel. 15

23. A gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: conduct at least one first game round, each first 20 game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels and evaluating the selected symbols; and conduct at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first 25 game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conduct a further game round in response to a second 30 trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. 35

24. A gaming system as claimed in claimed in claim 23, wherein the display forms part of a player interface - 27 further comprising a game play mechanism operable by the player to play the game.

25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 5 wherein the game controller comprises a trigger evaluator arranged to determine that a trigger event has occurred.

26. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the game controller comprises at least one io symbol selector arranged to select symbols in the first and second game rounds.

27. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the game controller comprises a reel 15 controller arranged to control the reels from which symbols are selected in at least each second game round.

28. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the game controller comprises at least one 20 award evaluator arranged to evaluate selected symbols in the first and second game rounds.

29. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the game controller comprises a processor 25 executing program code stored in a memory.

30. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the game controller is arranged to remove at least one reel from the set of first reels in response to 30 the trigger event occurring such that each second reel corresponds to one of the first reels.

31. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the game controller is arranged to substitute 35 the at least one second reel for the plurality of first reels in response to the trigger event occurring, each second reel different to the first reel. - 28

32. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the game controller is arranged to conduct a plurality of second game rounds. 5

33. A gaming system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the game controller is arranged to varying the number of second reels during the plurality of second game rounds. 10

34. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 33, arranged to conduct each first game round with five reels.

35. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to is 34, arranged to conduct at least one second game round with three reels.

36. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35, arranged to conduct at least one second game round 20 with one reel.

37. A gaming system comprising: display means for displaying game outcomes to a player; 25 means for conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display; means for evaluating the selected symbols of each first game round; 30 means for conducting at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one 35 second reel for display; means for evaluating the selected symbols of each second game round; - 29 means for conducting a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by selecting symbols of 5 the single reel for display; and means for awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols.

38. A gaming machine comprising: 10 a cabinet; a display mounted within the cabinet for displaying play of a game to a player; at least one input device mounted to the cabinet at a position where the player can view the display while 15 operating said at least one input device, said at least one input device operable to input an instruction to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing game instructions, the game controller in data 20 communication with said at least one input device and operating in response receipt of the instruction to initiate a play to initiation of a play to conduct at least one first game round by selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display on the display 25 and evaluating the selected symbols, conduct at least one second game round in response to a first trigger event occurring in the at least one first game round, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols 30 of at least one second reel for display on the display and evaluating the selected symbols, and conduct a further game round in response to a second trigger event occurring in the at least one second game round, the further game round comprising a single reel and being conducted by 35 selecting symbols of the single reel for display and awarding a highest prize associated with winning combinations beginning with the selected symbols. - 30

39. A computer program code which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 8. 5

40. A computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 39.