AU2012227250B2 - A gaming system and a method of gaming - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a 5 set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, and an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions being different and each instruction being 10 indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols. The system also comprises a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on is the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. A corresponding method is also disclosed. 369895_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 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 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 25 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system using a game controller, comprising: a symbol selector of the game controller arranged to 30 select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate play of a main game; an instruction selector of the game controller arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of 35 instructions and to display, in an instruction window in the display area, a representation of the selected instruction, the instruction window being visually 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 3 distinguishable from the plurality of display positions, at least some of the instructions being different and each selected instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to at least some of the displayed 5 symbols; a display modifier of the game controller arranged to modify the displayed symbols selected for display according to the selected instruction; and an outcome evaluator of the game controller arranged 10 to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols selected for display after modification by the selected instruction. In one embodiment, the instructions are associated with an 15 instruction reel, the instruction reel being rotated and subsequently stopped to display a selected instruction. In an alternative embodiment, the instructions are associated with a multi faceted shape, each face of the 20 shape being associated with an instruction and the shape being rotated and subsequently stopped so as to display a face associated with a selected instruction. The multi faceted shape may comprise indicia indicative of 25 the instructions on faces of the shape. The indicia may comprise numbers and in one embodiment the shape is a die with each number on the die corresponding to an instruction. 30 In one embodiment, all of the instructions are different. In an alternative embodiment, at least two instructions are the same. In one embodiment, the gaming system is operable in normal 35 game mode wherein an instruction is not selected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbols are not modified, and special game mode wherein an instruction 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE is selected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbols are modified according to the selected instruction. 5 In one embodiment, the symbol selector is arranged to select symbols during a base game implemented during normal game mode and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols according to the selected instruction during special game mode. 10 In an alternative embodiment, the symbol selector is arranged to select symbols and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols during special game mode. 15 In one embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a trigger condition exists, which may be display of at least one trigger symbol, such as a wild symbol. 20 In an alternative embodiment, the trigger condition is display of a particular combination of trigger symbols such as scattered predefined symbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line. 25 The plurality of instructions may include an instruction arranged to cause one or more symbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows or columns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or more symbols to be replaced 30 with a WILD symbol. The set of symbols may include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a 35 repeat win function or a jackpot function. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 5 The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network. In accordance with a second aspect of the present 5 invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate play of a main game; 10 selecting an instruction from a plurality of instructions and displaying, in an instruction window in the display area, a representation of the selected instruction, the instruction window being visually distinguishable from the plurality of display positions, 15 at least some of the instructions being different and each instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; modifying the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction; and 20 determining a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged 25 when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate 30 play of a main game; an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions independently of the symbols selected for display in the main game, at least some of the instructions being different and each 35 instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 6 a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification 5 by the selected instruction. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for 10 causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate 15 play of a main game; an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions independently of the symbols selected for display in the main game, at least some of the instructions being different and each 20 instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game 25 outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal having computer 30 readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display 35 area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate play of a main game; 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 7 an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions independently of the symbols selected for display in the main game, at least some of the instructions being different and each 5 instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction; and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game 10 outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. Brief Description of the Drawings 15 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an 20 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming 25 system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 30 Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 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 35 network; 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 8 Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of gaming in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of example 5 displayed symbols and an example instruction selector of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an 10 embodiment of the present invention after modification in accordance with an example selected instruction; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention after modification in 15 accordance with an alternative example selected instruction; Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention after modification in 20 accordance with a further alternative example selected instruction; Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternative instruction selector of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 25 and Figure 13 is a diagrammatic representation of a further alternative instruction selector of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 30 Description of an Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement 35 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 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 9 symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of 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 5 with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same win line, scattered, and so on. The function 10 associated with a function symbol may be for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is 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 15 suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions. The available win lines may be fixed, may be determined on the basis of the bet placed, 20 or may be selectable by a player. The present gaming system operates such that at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, the display is modified by an instruction selected 25 from a plurality of instructions. The instruction may be arranged to cause one or more symbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows or columns to swap or duplicate, or any other instruction arranged to cause a change in the displayed symbols. Game outcomes are then 30 determined after modification of the displayed symbols. In this way, the player is provided with enhanced enjoyment and an increased likelihood of obtaining a winning outcome. 35 Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gaming system 10 is shown. The core components comprise a player interface 30 and a game 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 10 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 5 game. 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 10 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game playing instructions. The game controller 32 is in data communication with the 15 player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 39 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 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that 20 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, microcontroller, programmable logic device or any computational device such as a personal computer or a 25 server. A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2. 30 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 more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game program data 17 usable by the gaming machine 10 to control 35 operation of the game. The memory 42 is also arranged to store a plurality of instructions 18 which, when selected 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 11 during a game, effect a change of symbols and thereby potentially a change to the outcome of the game. The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which 5 is arranged to select several symbols from the stored 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. 10 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. 15 In the present example, the gaming system 10 is operable in normal game mode and special game mode. Special game mode is arranged to commence based on occurrence of a trigger condition. For this purpose, the game controller 20 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists and to commence special game mode when the trigger condition is detected. 25 The game controller 32 also includes a trigger determiner 24 arranged to select at least one instruction 18 when a trigger condition is detected, and a display modifier 27 arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction. 30 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 35 function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 12 The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome generator 28 which in accordance with the game programs 17 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for display to a player by the symbol selector 20, and during 5 special game mode based on the displayed symbols after modification according to the selected instruction by the display modifier 27. 10 In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, the function allocator 26, and the outcome generator 28 are at least partly implemented using the processor 39 and associated software, although it will be understood that other 15 implementations are envisaged. 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 20 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 25 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, 30 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 operable gaming machine is used only to play audible and/or display visible gaming information to the player 35 and receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 13 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, 5 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. 10 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 40 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 40 includes a console 42 having a display 44 on which is displayed representations of a game 46 that can be played 15 by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 40 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 20 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. 25 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 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted 30 beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 40. The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. 35 Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 14 for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, or of a different type. The display 44 in this example is arranged to display 5 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. 10 A player marketing module (PMM) 62 having a display 64 is connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 62 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader 15 for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be employed and 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 20 reading device. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine 100 which may be the same as or 25 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 operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the 30 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 volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each 35 type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 15 Figure 5 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for 5 execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by 10 the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring 15 player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming 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 20 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. 25 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 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a 30 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. 35 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 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 16 information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. 5 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 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 10 Figure 6 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, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two 15 gaming machines 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. 20 While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the 25 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, and/or used to display other representations, for example 30 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 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the 35 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 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 17 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 5 game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpot game. 10 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. 15 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 response to a request by the client terminal. 20 In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this 25 embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game 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 30 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. 35 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208 and a 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 18 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 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. 5 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 example through a firewall 211. 10 A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the 15 server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random number generator engine. 20 Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a 25 network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gaming system selects at least one instruction and modifies the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction. 30 In one embodiment, a representation of the selectable instructions is displayed, for example by providing the instructions on an instruction reel and spinning and subsequently stopping the reel so as to indicate a selected instruction. 35 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 19 The plurality of selectable instructions may all be different or at least two of the selectable instructions may be the same. 5 Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 although it will be understood that implementation may also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as a network architecture of the 10 type shown in Figure 6. In one embodiment, the gaming system operates in normal game mode and, when a trigger condition occurs, in special game mode. 15 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 visible when the reels stop rotating, and in this example 20 three symbols are displayed on each reel at any time. A win outcome may occur based on display of the same symbol along normal win lines which may extend horizontally diagonally, or in any other predefined continuous line. A win outcome may also occur based on display of multiple 25 scattered symbols at any display location. A win outcome may also occur on the basis of one or more standard symbols in combination with at least one function symbol having an assigned function. For example a function symbol may correspond to a wild function, a scatter 30 function, a multiply function, a repeat win function, and so on. During special game mode, at least one instruction is selected from a plurality of available instructions and 35 the selected instruction is applied to the displayed symbols so as to modify the displayed symbols. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 20 The displayed symbols which are modified may be symbols which are selected and displayed during a base game or may be symbols which are selected and displayed after commencement of a feature game during special game mode. 5 The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a 10 game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred. For example, special game mode may commence when a specific combination of symbols is displayed such as scattered CAT symbols. 15 The gaming system 10, 40, 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 on certain time periods and so on. 20 Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special game is purchased by a player. A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 7 which illustrates steps 25 252 to 266 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system. In this example, five reels are provided, with each reel having multiple symbols. The reels are virtual reels and, 30 as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44. During normal game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth reels 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 rotate and the 35 reels stop with three symbols 220 displayed on each reel, as shown in Figure 8. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 21 The outcome evaluator 28 evaluates the displayed symbol combination and if the display positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded. 5 In the present embodiment, no win outcome is present. When a particular trigger condition occurs during normal game mode, for example based on occurrence of a predetermined trigger symbol or symbol combination, by a 10 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, 40, 100 implements special game mode. Commencement of special game mode may be communicated to a player in any suitable way, for 15 example by displaying an icon on the graphical display. During special game mode, an instruction is selected 258 by the instruction selector 25 and a representation of a selected instruction is displayed in an instruction window 20 324, as shown in Figure 8. In this example, the instructions are provided on an instruction reel and after commencement of special game mode, the instruction reel appears to rotate and 25 subsequently stop in the instruction window 324. In the present example, the selected instruction causes reels 3 and 4 to swap positions, as shown in Figure 9. 30 The outcome evaluator 28 evaluates 264 the modified displayed symbol combination and if the modified symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded. In the present example, the modified symbols define a 35 winning combination having 5 King symbols disposed on a win line. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 22 It will be appreciated that other types of instruction are envisaged. For example, the selected instruction may cause row 1 to duplicate and replace row 3, as shown in Figure 10, or may cause one or more selected symbols to be 5 replaced by one or more other selected symbols, such as all Ace symbols to be replaced by a King symbol, as shown in Figure 11. It will also be appreciated that selection of an 10 instruction may be represented on the display in other ways, for example by displaying representations of the instructions on faces 338 of a cube 340, as shown in Figure 12, and rolling or otherwise rotating the cube so as to select one of the instructions to be applied to the 15 displayed symbols. As a further alternative, a die 350 may be provided, with each number on the die representing an instruction. In the claims of this application and in the description 20 of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises"! or "comprising"! are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features 25 but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the 30 present invention. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE

Claims (36)

1. A gaming system using a game controller, comprising: a symbol selector of the game controller arranged to 5 select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions to facilitate play of a main game; an instruction selector of the game controller arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of 10 instructions and to display, in an instruction window in the display area, a representation of the selected instruction, the instruction window being visually distinguishable from the plurality of display positions, at least some of the instructions being different and each 15 selected instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to at least some of the displayed symbols selected for display; a display modifier of the game controller arranged to modify the displayed symbols selected for display 20 according to the selected instruction; and an outcome evaluator of the game controller arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols selected for display after modification by the selected instruction. 25

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instructions are associated with an instruction reel, the instruction reel being rotated and subsequently stopped to display a selected instruction. 30

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instructions are associated with a multi faceted shape, each face of the shape being associated with an instruction and the shape being rotated and subsequently 35 stopped so as to display a face associated with a selected instruction. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 24

4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the multi faceted shape comprises indicia indicative of the instructions on faces of the shape.

5 5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the indicia comprises numbers.

6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shape is a die with each number on the die corresponding 10 to an instruction.

7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein all of the instructions are different. 15

8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least two instructions are the same.

9. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 20 preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is operable in normal game mode wherein an instruction is not selected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbols are not modified, and special game mode wherein an instruction is selected from the plurality of instructions 25 and the displayed symbols are modified according to the selected instruction.

10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the symbol selector is arranged to select symbols during a 30 base game implemented during normal game mode and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols according to the selected instruction during special game mode. 35

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the symbol selector is arranged to select 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 25 symbols and the display modifier is arranged to modify the selected symbols during special game mode.

12. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 5 11, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a trigger condition exists.

13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the trigger condition is display of a particular combination 10 of trigger symbols such as scattered predefined symbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols along a win line.

14. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 15 preceding claims, wherein the plurality of instructions include an instruction arranged to cause one or more symbols to swap positions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows or columns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or more symbols to be replaced with a WILD symbol. 20

15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of symbols include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a 25 multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.

16. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is implemented 30 as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.

17. A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of 35 display positions to facilitate play of a main game; selecting an instruction from a plurality of instructions and displaying, in an instruction window in 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 26 the display area, a representation of the selected instruction, the instruction window being visually distinguishable from the plurality of display positions, at least some of the instructions being different and each 5 instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols; modifying the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction; and determining a game outcome based on the displayed 10 symbols after modification by the selected instruction.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising associating the instructions with an instruction reel, rotating the instruction reel, and subsequently stopping 15 the reel to display a selected instruction.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising associating the instructions with a multi faceted shape, each face of the shape being associated with an 20 instruction, and rotating and subsequently stopping the shape so as to display a face associated with a selected instruction.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, comprising disposing 25 indicia indicative of the instructions on faces of the multi faceted shape.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the indicia comprises numbers. 30

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the shape is a die with each number on the die corresponding to an instruction. 35

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein all of the instructions are different. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 27

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein at least two instructions are the same.

25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, 5 comprising enabling operation in normal game mode wherein an instruction is not selected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed symbols are not modified, and special game mode wherein an instruction is selected from the plurality of instructions and the displayed 10 symbols are modified according to the selected instruction.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, comprising selecting symbols during a base game implemented during normal game 15 mode and modifying the selected symbols according to the selected instruction during special game mode.

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25, comprising selecting symbols and modifying the selected 20 symbols during special game mode.

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, comprising commencing special game mode when a trigger condition exists. 25

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the trigger condition is display of a particular combination of trigger symbols such as scattered predefined symbols or a particular combination of adjacently disposed symbols 30 along a win line.

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the plurality of instructions include an instruction arranged to cause one or more symbols to swap 35 positions or duplicate, to cause one or more rows or columns to swap or duplicate, or to cause one or more symbols to be replaced with a WILD symbol. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE - 28

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein the set of symbols include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild 5 function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.

32. A computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance 10 with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

33. A computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to 15 operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

34. A data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in 20 accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

35. A gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the 25 accompanying drawings.

36. A method of gaming substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 6984519_1 (GHMatters) P78905.AU.1 MELANIEE