AU2012203429B2

AU2012203429B2 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2012203429B2
Application number: AU2012203429A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Malcolm John Layton
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-01-09
Filing date: 2012-06-13
Publication date: 2014-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-03
Also published as: AU2012203429A1

Abstract

Abstract A gaming system (10, 44, 100, 200) is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector (20) arranged to select a 5 plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, a symbol position modifier (24) operable by a player to modify the display position of at least one symbol, and an outcome generator (28) arranged to determine a game outcome based on the 10 displayed symbols after modification by a player of the display position of at least one symbol. A corresponding method is also disclosed. 327467_1 (GHMallm) P62787.AU.3.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicantss: 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 A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. Background of the Invention 10 It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be 15 implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device. 20 It is also known to provide a gaming system which operates such that a wild symbol progressively moves along a predetermined path with game outcomes being determined for each position along the path. 25 However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention 30 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a plurality of display positions configured to display symbols; 35 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at the plurality of display positions; 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 3 a symbol position modifier operable by a player to modify a first display position having a first symbol by 1) displaying both a) the first symbol and 5 b) a second symbol at the first display position; 2) thereafter moving the first symbol of the first display position to another of the plurality of display positions during a game; wherein if the symbol position modifier is not 10 operated to move the first symbol within a predefined period of time from the first display position, the symbol position modifier is further configured to automatically select and modify the first display position to display the second symbol at the first display position and to 15 display the first symbol at another display position, wherein the another display position is an optimal display position in order to maximize a win outcome; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification 20 by the player of the first display position having the first symbol. In one arrangement, the gaming system comprises a display device. 25 The display device may be arranged to display graphical representations of a plurality of reels, each reel including a plurality of associated symbols. 30 In one arrangement, the symbol position modifier comprises a touch screen. The set of symbols may include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild 35 function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function. 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 4 In a further alternative embodiment, the gaming system may be arranged to display a representation of a bingo card, the bingo card including the selected symbols. 5 In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to operate in normal game mode and special game mode, and the symbol position modifier is operable by a player to modify the display position of at least one symbol only when the gaming system operates in special game mode. 10 The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when predetermined game outcomes occur, on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, based on game outcomes determined by 15 the gaming system, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. The gaming system may be arranged such that only one or 20 more predefined symbol(s) is movable, or only one or more symbol(s) displayed in specific positions is movable. The gaming system may be arranged so that a player is not compelled to move a symbol, and instead may choose to not 25 move a symbol. The gaming system may be arranged so as to allow movement of a symbol to any display position, or to allow movement of a symbol only to predetermined display positions, such 30 as positions adjacent to the initial display position of the symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to recommend to a player an optimum new display position for 35 a symbol. 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 5 The gaming system may be arranged such that a symbol is moveable once per game, or more than once per game with a game outcome being determined after each symbol move. The number of symbol moves may be purchasable by a player. 5 In one embodiment, a symbol is moveable to a "sticky" position so that in subsequent games the symbol remains in the same display position whilst surrounding symbols are randomly selected and displayed. 10 When a symbol is removed from a display position, a randomly selected symbol may replace the moved symbol, a predetermined replacement symbol associated with the display position may be displayed, or the symbol to be 15 moved and a symbol associated with the display position to which the symbol is to be moved may swap positions. Win outcomes may be determined and prizes awarded to a player as appropriate after a move has occurred, or both 20 after selection and display of symbols and after a move has occurred. As an alternative, win outcomes may be determined both after display of selected symbols and after a move has 25 occurred and the highest prize awarded to the player. The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network. 30 In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a corresponding plurality of 35 display positions; facilitating a player modification of a first display position having a first symbol including displaying both 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 6 a) the first symbol and b) a second symbol during a game, wherein a total number of modifications of the display position allowed for the at least one symbol 5 during the game is purchasable; moving the first symbol from the first display position to a second display position in response to receiving an input indicative of moving the first symbol within a predetermined period of time thereby displaying 10 the second symbol at the first position and displaying the first symbol at the second display position, wherein the second display position is an optimal display position to maximize a win outcome; automatically selecting and moving the first symbol 15 to the second display position in response to not receiving an input indicative of moving the first symbol within a predetermined period of time; and determining a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after movement by the player of the first display 20 position having the first symbol. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to 25 operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a plurality of display positions configured to display symbols; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at the plurality 30 of display positions; a symbol position modifier operable by a player to modify a first display position having a first symbol by 1)displaying both a)the first symbol and 35 b)a second symbol at the first display position; 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 7 2)thereafter moving the first symbol of the first display position to another of the plurality of display positions during a game; wherein if the symbol position modifier is not 5 operated to move the first symbol within a predefined period of time from the first display position, the symbol position modifier is further configured to automatically select and modify the first display position to display the second symbol at the first display position and to 10 display the first symbol at another display position, wherein the another display position is an optimal display position in order to maximize a win outcome; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification 15 by the player of the first display position having the first symbol. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium 20 having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a plurality of display positions configured to display symbols; 25 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at the plurality of display positions; a symbol position modifier operable by a player to modify a first display position having a first symbol by 30 1)displaying both a)the first symbol and b)a second symbol at the first display position; 2)thereafter moving the first symbol of the first display position to another of the plurality of 35 display positions during a game; wherein if the symbol position modifier is not operated to move the first symbol within a predefined 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 7a period of time from the first display position, the symbol position modifier is further configured to automatically select and modify the first display position to display the second symbol at the first 5 display position and to display the first symbol at another display position, wherein the another display position is an optimal display position in order to maximize a win outcome; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game 10 outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the player of the first display position having the first symbol. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present 15 invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a plurality of display positions configured to 20 display symbols; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at the plurality of display positions; a symbol position modifier operable by a player to 25 modify a first display position having a first symbol by 1)displaying both a)the first symbol and b)a second symbol at the first display position; 2)thereafter moving the first symbol of the first 30 display position to another of the plurality of display positions during a game; wherein if the symbol position modifier is not operated to move the first symbol within a predefined period of time from the first display position, the symbol 35 position modifier is further configured to automatically select and modify the first display position to display the second symbol at the first display position and to 5758040_1 (GHMatters) P62787.AU.3 MELANIEE 11/09/14 - 7b display the first symbol at another display position, wherein the another display position is an optimal display position in order to maximize a win outcome; and 5 an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the player of the first display position having the first symbol. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an 20 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine; - 8 Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 5 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a network; Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of 10 a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 8a to 8e are diagrammatic representations of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during 15 implementation of a game. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic 20 block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of 25 symbols include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and 30 bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same line, scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is 35 treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other 3274651_ I GHMattrs) P6,277.A UL - 9 suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions. 5 The present gaming system operates such that at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system a player is provided with the option to move at least one displayed symbol to a more favourable display 10 position. In this way, it is possible for a user to influence the game outcome and, in particular, to convert a non-winning game outcome to a winning game outcome or to convert a 15 winning outcome to a more favourable winning outcome. Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gaming system is shown. The core components comprise a player interface 30 and a game 20 controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 25 Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play 30 mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game playing instructions. The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 40 35 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 327465 I (OHMars) P62787 AU3.

- 10 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, 5 microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device such as a personal computer or a server. A functional diagram illustrating operative components of 10 the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2. The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 indicative of a plurality of symbols for subsequent display to a player, function data 16 indicative of one or 15 more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game. The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which 20 is arranged to select several symbols from the selected symbols 14 for display to a player. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22. 25 It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random. 30 The game controller 32 also comprises a symbol position modifier 24 arranged, in this example in association with the display 36, to facilitate selection by a player of at least one displayed symbol, and selection by a player of a 35 new display position to which the selected symbol is to be moved. 1274657_I (GHMaers) P62787 AU3 - 11 In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other 5 function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game. The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome generator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for 10 display to a player by the symbol selector 20, and on the basis of display positions of the symbols after a symbol has been moved by a player. In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 15 20, the symbol modifier 24, the function allocator 26, and the outcome generator 28 are at least partly implemented using the processor 40 and associated software, although it will be understood that other implementations are envisaged. 20 The gaming system 10 can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing 25 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 the game are present in a player operable gaming machine 30 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 gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, 35 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 3274657_ I (OHMtIn) P62787 AU3 - 12 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 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, 10 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 skilled in the art. 15 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 44 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 44 includes a console 46 having a display 48 on which is displayed representations of a game 49 that can be played 20 by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 44 houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coin input 25 chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example 30 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. 35 A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further 3274657 1 (GHManem) P62787AU3.

- 13 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 59 of the console 46. A coin tray 60 is mounted beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 44. 5 The display 48 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 48 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video 10 display unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 48, or of a different type. The display 48 in this example is arranged to display 15 representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the 20 basis of the visible symbols together with any special functions associated with the symbols, and if a function has been allocated to a reel, on the basis of the allocated function. 25 It will be understood that instead of providing a video display unit which displays representations of reels, physical reels may be used. Such gaming machines including actual rotatable reels are commonly termed stepper machines. 30 A stepper machine typically has a separate motor for each reel, and the game controller of such a gaming machine has a stop determining function that determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five 35 reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. When a reel stops, the 3274637_ (GHMatters) P62787 AUI- - 14 symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of 5 a typical gaming machine 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in Figure 3. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control 10 operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both 15 volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the main components of 20 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 25 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. 30 The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming 35 machine 100, the player interface 120 having several peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with 3274657_ (GHMatter )P62787.AU 3 - 15 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. 5 In the example shown in Figure 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 10 109, 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. 15 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 20 to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. It is also possible for the operative components of the 25 gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101. Figure 6 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an 30 alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface 35 and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. 3274657I (GHMattiesl P62787 AU.3..

- 16 While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 5 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. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, 10 and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 15 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming machine 202 implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs 20 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 monitor and carry out the Jackpot game. 25 In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine 202 may implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation. 30 With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the client terminal to implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in 35 response to a request by the client terminal. In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 3274657_l(GHMater) P62787AU 3L - 17 implements 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 5 controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, and pass the instructions 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 10 terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the 15 administration of the gaming system 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 210 is provided to allow an administrator to monitor the 20 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for 25 example through a firewall 211. 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 30 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 number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server 35 could be provided. 3274657. I (GIMaiter) P62787.AU I.

- 18 During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 100 or over a network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game a player is able to move the 5 display position of a symbol. Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 44, 100 although it will be understood that 10 implementation may also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as a network architecture of the type shown in Figure 6. In one embodiment, the gaming system is operable in normal 15 game mode and special game mode. During normal game mode, reels comprising standard symbols and optionally one or more function symbols are provided. Win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbols 20 visible when the reels stop rotating, and in this example three symbols are displayed on each reel at any time. A win outcome may occur based on display of the same symbol along a horizontal or diagonal line, as scattered symbols, or in any other predefined way. A win outcome may also 25 occur on the basis of one or more standard symbols in combination with at least one function symbol having a predetermined assigned function. For example a function symbol may correspond to a wild function, a scatter function, a multiply function, a repeat win function, and 30 so on. During special game mode, a player is provided with the opportunity to move a symbol prior to determination of a game outcome by the outcome generator 28. 35 The symbol which is movable by a player may be any displayed symbol, may be a specific symbol defined at 3274657_ (GHManes) P62787 AU 3.

- 19 commencement of the game or commencement of special game mode, or may be identified as a movable symbol when the symbol is displayed in a specific position. 5 The gaming system 10 may be arranged so that a player is not compelled to move a symbol, and instead may choose to not move a symbol. In the present specification, this is referred to as a "stand" option. 10 If a player does not make a decision as to movement of a symbol within a predetermined period of time, the gaming system may be arranged to assume that the player has chosen a stand option, or the gaming system 10 may be arranged to automatically select and move a symbol to an 15 optimal position in order to maximize the win outcome. The gaming system may be arranged so as to allow movement of a symbol to any display position, or to allow movement of a symbol only to predetermined display positions, such 20 as positions adjacent to the initial display position of the symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system 10 is arranged to recommend to a user an optimum new display position for a 25 symbol. The gaming system may be arranged such that a symbol is moveable once per game, or more than once per game with a game outcome being determined by the outcome generator 28 30 after each symbol move. In embodiments wherein a symbol is moveable more than once per game, the gaming system 10 may be arranged so that the number of symbol moves is purchasable by a player. 35 In one embodiment, a symbol is moveable to a "sticky" position so that in subsequent games the symbol remains in the same display position whilst surrounding symbols are .1274657_ I (GHMaIter) P62787 AU 3..

- 20 randomly selected and displayed. In this example, the original symbol moved to a "sticky" position may not be subsequently moved. 5 After movement of a symbol, in subsequent games during special game mode the symbol may remain at the new reel location, or the symbol may revert to the original reel location after each game. 10 When a symbol is removed from a display position, a randomly selected symbol may replace the moved symbol, a predetermined replacement symbol associated with the display position may be displayed, or the symbol to be moved and a symbol associated with the display position to 15 which the symbol is to be moved may swap positions. In the example wherein a predetermined symbol is displayed at a display position after movement of a symbol from the display position, the game controller 32 may be arranged 20 to display both the predetermined symbol and the movable symbol at the same display position. Win outcomes may be determined and prizes awarded to a player as appropriate after a move has occurred, or both 25 after selection and display of symbols and after a move has occurred. As an alternative, win outcomes may be determined both after display of selected symbols and after a move has 30 occurred and the highest prize awarded to the player. The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when predetermined game outcomes occur and special game mode may comprise one or more free games, in this 35 example three free games. Special game mode may commence automatically on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, 3274657_1 (GKMatrI) P6277 AU.3- - 21 based on game outcomes determined by the gaming system, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode 5 requirements has occurred. The gaming system 10, 44, 100 may also be arranged so as to determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based 10 on certain time periods and so on. Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special game is purchased by a player. 15 A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 7 which illustrates steps 252 to 272 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system according to the present embodiment. 20 In this example, five reels are provided, with each reel having multiple symbols. The reels are virtual reels and, as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44. Example representations shown on the display device 44 are shown in Figure 8. 25 The gaming system 10, 100 is operable in normal game mode and special game mode. When a predetermined condition occurs during normal game 30 mode, for example based on occurrence of a predetermined game outcome, by a player pressing a button after the player has identified that requirements for special game mode have been met, or in any other way, the gaming system 10, 44, 100 implements special game mode. Commencement of 35 special game mode may be communicated to a player in any suitable way, for example by displaying an icon on the graphical display. 3274657 I (GHMantm) P62787.AU 3- - 22 During special game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth reels 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 rotate and the reels stop with three symbols displayed on each reel. 5 The player then has an option to move any one of the symbols in order to maximize the win outcome and thereby the prize awarded. 10 In this example, the display 48 is a touch screen display and the symbol modifier 24 therefore comprises components of the touch screen display which facilitate movement of a symbol by a player. 15 As shown in Figure 8a, in the present example a player has selected a Queen symbol appearing on a third line of the fourth reel 310, and as shown in Figure 8b the player chooses to move the selected symbol to a first line of the third reel 308. 20 Since the display now shows three Queens along a first line, a win outcome is determined on the basis of the three Queens and an appropriate prize provided to the player. 25 It will be understood that in the present example, the game controller 32 is arranged so as to swap symbols between an original display position and a new display position when a symbol is moved from the original position 30 to the new position. In the present example, special game mode comprises three games and, accordingly, the game controller 32 implements a second game by spinning the reels and stopping the reels 35 at random locations as shown in Figure 8c. 3274657_ I (GRH aIters) P62787 AUI - 23 The player then has an option of moving one of the symbols. However, although in this example it is not possible for the player to improve the win outcome and, accordingly, the player chooses to "stand"; that is, the 5 player chooses to not move a symbol. In a third game, symbols shown in Figure 8d are displayed. A player selects a star displayed in a first line of the fifth reel 312 and moves the star to a second line of the 10 second reel 306. Since the symbols swap, a moon symbol originally appearing in the second line of the second reel 306 moves to the first line of the fifth reel 312. The game outcome is then determined and a prize 15 corresponding to three diagonally disposed stars is provided to the player. Special game mode then ceases and the gaming system returns to normal game mode. 20 While the above examples are described in relation to a gaming system comprising physical or virtual spinning reels provided with symbols, it will be understood that the invention is applicable to other gaming systems 25 wherein symbols are randomly displayed and the display positions of the symbols has an effect on the game outcome. For example, the invention may be applied to a gaming system arranged to implement a bingo style game. 30 Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 3274657_1 (GHManm) P62787.AU.3.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of display positions configured to 5 display symbols; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at the plurality of display positions; a symbol position modifier operable by a player to 10 modify a first display position having a first symbol by 1) displaying both a) the first symbol and b) a second symbol at the first display position; 15 2) thereafter moving the first symbol of the first display position to another of the plurality of display positions during a game; wherein if the symbol position modifier is not operated to move the first symbol within a predefined 20 period of time from the first display position, the symbol position modifier is further configured to automatically select and modify the first display position to display the second symbol at the first display position and to display the first symbol at another display position, 25 wherein the another display position is an optimal display position in order to maximize a win outcome; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the player of the first display position having the 30 first symbol.

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that only at least one predefined symbol is movable. 35

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that only at least one - 25 symbol displayed in one or more respective specific positions is movable.

4. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 5 preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that a player is not compelled to move a symbol.

5. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged so 10 as to allow movement of a symbol to any display position.

6. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming system is arranged so as to allow movement of a symbol only to predetermined display 15 positions.

7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gaming system is arranged so as to allow movement of a symbol only to positions adjacent to the initial display 20 position of the symbol.

8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged to recommend to a player a new display position for a symbol. 25

9. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that a symbol is moveable once. 30

10. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that a symbol is moveable more than once with a game outcome being determined after each symbol move. 35

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein after a symbol is moved to a new display position, the symbol remains in the new display - 26 position for at least one subsequent selection and display of symbols by the symbol selector.

12. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 5 preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that the another symbol is a randomly selected replacement symbol and replaces the first symbol at the first display position when the first symbol is moved from the first display position. 10

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one claims 1 to 11, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that the another symbol is a predetermined replacement symbol that is displayed at the first display position when the first 15 symbol is moved from the first display position.

14. A gaming system as claimed in any one claims 1 to 11, wherein the gaming system is arranged such that when a symbol is moved from a first display position to a second 20 display position the symbols displayed at the first and second display positions swap.

15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display device. 25

16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the symbol position modifier comprises a touch screen.

17. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 30 preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged to operate in normal game mode and special game mode, and the symbol position modifier is operable by a player to modify the display position of at least one symbol only when the gaming system operates in special game mode. 35

18. A method of gaming comprising: - 27 selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a corresponding plurality of display positions; facilitating a player modification of a first display 5 position having a first symbol including displaying both a) the first symbol and b) a second symbol during a game, wherein a total number of modifications of the display position allowed for the at least one symbol 10 during the game is purchasable; moving the first symbol from the first display position to a second display position in response to receiving an input indicative of moving the first symbol within a predetermined period of time thereby displaying 15 the second symbol at the first position and displaying the first symbol at the second display position, wherein the second display position is an optimal display position to maximize a win outcome; automatically selecting and moving the first symbol 20 to the second display position in response to not receiving an input indicative of moving the first symbol within a predetermined period of time; and determining a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after movement by the player of the first display 25 position having the first symbol.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein all of the selected symbols are available for movement by a player. 30

20. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein only at least one predefined symbol is movable.

21. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein only at least one symbol displayed in one or more respective 35 specific positions is movable. - 28

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising allowing movement of a symbol to any display position. 5

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising allowing movement of a symbol only to predetermined display positions.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, further comprising 10 allowing movement of a symbol only to positions adjacent to the initial display position of the symbol.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, further comprising recommending to a player a new display 15 position for a symbol.

26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising allowing a symbol to be moved once. 20

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising allowing a symbol to be moved more than once with a game outcome being determined after each symbol move. 25

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 27, further comprising retaining a symbol in a new display position after the symbol is moved to the new display position for at least one subsequent selection and display of symbols. 30

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising replacing a symbol with a randomly selected replacement symbol when the symbol is moved from a display position. 35

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 28, further comprising replacing a symbol with a predetermined - 29 replacement symbol when a symbol is moved from the display position.

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 28, 5 wherein when a symbol is moved from a first display position to a second display position the symbols displayed at the first and second display positions swap.

32. A computer program arranged when loaded into a 10 computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

33. A computer readable medium having computer readable 15 program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17.

34. A gaming system or method of gaming substantially as 20 hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.