AU2014202254A1 - A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A method of gaming, game controller and gaming system wherein a symbol set is populated based on game outcomes 5 generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players, and a bonus game outcome generated by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set. Game Controller 662 664 Processor Memory Symbol set controller 620 Symbol data 610 Symbol 615 Symbol selector 625 set G 650a GM2 650b 650c GMI GM2 rGM3 Display 1 Display 1 Display 1 654a 654b 654c Display 2 Display 2 Display 2 655a 655b 655c Game play Game play Game play mechanism mechanism mechanism 652a 652b 652c Figure 6

Description

- 1 A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER Field 5 The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller. Background 10 It is known to provide a gaming system including a gaming controller arranged to randomly select symbols for display from a predetermined set of symbols and determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols. It is also known to provide jackpots or progressive prizes which may be one 15 or more players in order to increase player interest or excitement. While such gaming systems provide players with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to 20 maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is 25 provided a method of gaming comprising the steps of: populating, by a computer implemented game controller, a symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and 30 generating, by the computer implemented game controller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set. The method can further comprise the step of making an 35 award to one or more of the gaming machines of the group based on the game outcome from the populated symbol set.

- 2 In some embodiments the step of populating the symbol set by the computer implemented game controller comprises the steps of: determining based on a game outcome newly generated 5 for one of the gaming machines one or more symbols to be added to the symbol set; adding the determined symbols to the symbol set; and repeating the above steps until the symbol set is complete. 10 In some embodiments the determined symbols are symbols of a winning symbol combination in a game outcome. According to another aspect of the present invention there 15 is provided a method of gaming comprising the steps of: activating, by a computer implemented game controller, symbols of a base symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and 20 generating, by the computer implemented game controller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from the activated symbol set. In some alternative embodiments the symbols for activation 25 are selected from a base symbol set based on the game outcome of the gaming machine. For example, the activated symbols can be selected from a base set based on symbols of a winning symbol combination in the game outcome of the gaming machine. In some embodiments the activated symbols 30 are selected based on reel stop positions of symbols in the winning combination. The size of the populated symbol set in some embodiments is the same as the size of a symbols set for generating 35 game outcomes in the gaming machines of the group. The activated symbols can be a number of symbols selected - 3 from the base symbol set wherein the number of symbols selected is based on the number of symbols contributing to winning symbol combinations in the game outcome. 5 The symbols can be selected from a base set in a given order. Alternatively the symbols can be randomly selected from the base set. The method can further comprise the step of the computer 10 implemented game controller evaluating any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome. The symbols for the bonus game outcome may be selected based on a random result 15 The method can further comprise the step of the computer implemented game controller selecting one or more of the gaming machines from the group for making an award to the player thereof based on a winning symbol combination in 20 the bonus game outcome. In some embodiments the gaming machine selected for awarding a prize is selected based on the whether or not one or more symbols contributing to the wining combination 25 was included in the populated symbol set of activated from the base symbol set based on an outcome from the gaming machine. For example, the gaming machine having the most symbols 30 contributing to the wining combination may be selected. In an alternative example, the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the order in which an outcome of that gaming machine contributed to the populated symbol 35 set or activation of symbols of the base symbol set. The selected gaming machine may be the last gaming machine to contribute to the populated symbol set or activated symbol -4 set. In another alternative example, the gaming machine for making an award is selected based on a random process. 5 The method may further comprise the step of the computer implemented game controller determining the award for the selected one or more gaming machines. 10 For example, the award can be a credit value based on the wining combination. The award may be a credit value which is proportional to a total award credit value. In another example, the award is a fixed prize. 15 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer implemented game controller comprising: a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol 20 set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the populated symbol set. 25 In an embodiment the symbol set controller progressively populates the symbol set based on a plurality of game outcomes for the one or more gaming machines. According to another aspect of the present invention there 30 is provided a computer implemented game controller comprising: a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by 35 players; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the activated base symbol -5 set. Game controllers can further comprise an award evaluator adapted to make an award to a gaming machine of the group 5 based on the bonus game outcome. The award evaluator can be adapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the game outcome from the populated symbol set. 10 The award evaluator can be further adapted to select one or more of the gaming machines of the group for making an award to the player thereof based on a winning symbol combination in the bonus game outcome. 15 The award evaluator can be further adapted to determine an award for each of the selected one or more gaming machines. 20 The game controller can further comprise a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more gaming machines of a group being played by players is obtained. 25 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer implemented gaming system comprising: a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more linked gaming machines 30 being played by players is obtained; a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol set based on the obtained game outcome data; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the populated symbol set. 35 According to another aspect there is provided a computer implemented gaming system comprising: - 6 a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more linked gaming machines being played by players is obtained; a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols 5 of a base symbol set based on the obtained game outcome data; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the activated base symbol set. 10 Embodiments of the gaming system can further comprise an award evaluator adapted to make an award to a gaming machine of the group based on the game outcome from the populated symbol set. The award evaluator can be adapted 15 to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the game outcome. The gaming system can further comprise a display controller adapted to control the presentation of a game 20 outcome comprising the set of symbols selected from the populated symbol set on one or more displays. The group controller can be further adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group. 25 In another aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed implements the above method. In another aspect, the invention provides a computer 30 readable medium comprising the above program code. In another aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising the above program code. 35 In another aspect, the invention extends to transmitting the above program code.

- 7 Brief Description of Drawings An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in 5 which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; 10 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; 15 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming 20 system; Figure 6 is a block diagram of a gaming system; Figure 7 is a further block diagram of a gaming system; 25 Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and Figures 9a-d illustrate game play from the perspective of a displayed portion of the populated symbol set. 30 Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game 35 wherein a symbol set is populated based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players. The populated symbol set is used - 8 to generate a game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set based on a random result. An award may be made to one or more of the gaming machines of the group based on this game outcome. 5 The game may be a bonus game for the group of gaming machines. For example, the game outcome using symbols selected from the populated symbol set can be used for awarding a bonus prize for one or more of the group of 10 gaming machines. For example the bonus prize may be a jackpot or fixed prize. An advantage of the game is that players and other observers can derive entertainment and excitement the game outcome generated from the populated symbols set. 15 In some embodiments the symbols set is progressively populated and the progress of this progressive population can be displayed to players, this can provide additional entertainment and excitement leading up to the generation 20 of a game outcome using the populated symbol set. General construction of gaming system The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In 25 a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided 30 wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used 35 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" - 9 architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and 5 receive gaming inputs from the player. 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 10 and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, 15 and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Irrespective of the form, the gaming system has several core components. At the broadest level, the core 20 components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter 25 instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes. Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a 30 credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers 58. 35 The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 - 10 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play rules are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. 5 Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer 10 (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 202 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 202 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are 15 displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 202 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input 20 mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may configure for ticket in 25 such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticket. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for 30 example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either 35 by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a player account in data communication with - 11 the player marketing module. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other 5 information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 202. 10 The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video 15 display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. 20 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. 25 The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the 30 gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. 35 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 - 12 communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data 5 for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 10 In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 including one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107 (which provide a game play 15 mechanism), a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific 20 implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming 25 machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of the game. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. 30 The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In 35 embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module - i.e. the player marketing module may be in data - 13 communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of 5 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 10 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. 15 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 20 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of 25 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for 30 implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the 35 network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations - 14 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. The displays 204 may also be used to display representations associated 5 with a bonus game for a group of gaming machines. In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the 10 game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the 15 gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot or Bonus game, a Jackpot or Bonus server 207 will be provided. The Jackpot server 207 can perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. The Bonus server can 20 perform game control functions for implementing the bonus game as well as accounting functions for the Bonus game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements 25 most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass 30 these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard 35 computer input and output components. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 - 15 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the 5 administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the 10 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, 15 for 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 20 plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server 25 could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 30 Further detail of gaming system An embodiment of the present invention provides a gaming method wherein a symbol set is populated based on game 35 outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players. A set of symbols is selected for a game outcome from the populated symbol set - 16 based on a random result. An award can be made, based on the game outcome, to one or more of the players of the gaming machines of the group. 5 The symbol set can be progressively populated based on the outcomes generated for the gaming machines during regular play of these gaming machines. Once the symbol set is fully populated, generation of a game outcome from the populated symbol set can be triggered. A set of symbols 10 is selected for the game outcome. The game outcome can be evaluated for making an award to one or more of the players of the gaming machines of the group. An example of a computer implemented game controller for 15 implementing an embodiment of the game as described above is illustrated in Figure 6. The game controller 600 includes a symbol set controller 620 and symbol selector 625. The game controller also includes memory 664 which stores symbol 610 for population of a symbol set 615. 20 In the illustrated embodiment, the symbol set controller 620 and symbol selector 625 are implemented in software or firmware modules which can be stored as program code in memory 664 and execute on the game controller processor 25 662. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example using dedicated circuits to perform specific functions. All modules are combined into a hardware platform and referred to as a computer 30 implemented game controller. Alternative architectures for the computer implemented game controller are also envisaged. For example, the symbol set controller 620 and symbols selector 625 may be 35 implemented using programmable hardware such as programmable logic controllers or hardwired devices. The symbol set controller 620 and symbol selector 625 may - 17 execute using common or separate processor hardware. The game controller memory 664 accessible to the symbol set controller 625 and symbol selector 625 may be any suitable memory, for example as described in relation to Figure 4. 5 The symbol set controller 620 is adapted to populate the symbol set 615 based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players. In the illustrated embodiment, the game 10 controller 600 is in data communication with three gaming machines 650a, 650b, and 650c via gaming network 630. The gaming machines 650a, 650b, and 650c may be stand alone gaming machines having all or most components required for implementing a game present in the player operable gaming 15 machine, or gaming terminals of a distributed architecture where some of the functionality to implement a game is provided in a game server (not shown) and a part of the functionality for implementing the game is provided in the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c. 20 Irrespective of the architecture employed for player operable gaming machines 650a, 650b, and 650c, data for game outcomes generated for each of the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c is communicated to the game controller 25 600. This game outcome data could be communicated directly from the gaming machine 650a, 650b and 650c via the gaming network 630 in the case of stand alone gaming machines. Where a distributor architecture is used the game outcome data may be provided to the game controller 600 via the 30 gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c or from the game controller (not shown) implementing part of the game played using the game machines 650a, 650b and 650c. The game outcome data may also be provided to the game controller 600 via the player marketing module of each 35 gaming machine 650a, 650b, 650c. For example, in some embodiments stand alone gaming machines are only provided with gaming network connectivity via their player - 18 marketing module. In this embodiment the player marketing module may be adapted to communicate game outcome data via the gaming network 630 to the game controller 600. 5 The game being played by players using the gaming machine 650a, 650b and 650c may be any style of game, for example the game may be a spinning reel game, a card dealing game, a dice rolling game, a lottery game etc. The player typically pays a wager to play this game using a game 10 machine 650a, 650b and 650c. In the present example, the game controller 600 implements a bonus game for which any of the players of the game machines 650a, 650b and 650c can be awarded prizes. 15 The game controller 600 utilises data from game outcomes generated for the group of gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c for populating a symbol set for the bonus game. The initial condition of the symbol set 615 is empty. For example, the symbol set controller 620 initialises the 20 symbol set 615 as an empty set. The symbol set 615 may be initialised as an empty set when the game controller is initialised when it is turned on or in response to an operator command at the start of the day. The symbol set 615 may also be reset to the initial condition in response 25 to a reset condition in the bonus game. Examples of reset conditions may include: generation of a game outcome for the bonus game using the populated symbol set, making an award in the bonus game, or a given symbol combination occurring in a game outcome generated for the bonus game. 30 The symbol set 615 is initialised as an empty set and symbol set controller 620 populates the symbol set 615 based on game outcomes generated in the base game being played by players of the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 35 650c. For example, each time a game outcome is generated for one of the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c game outcome data is provided to the symbol set controller.

- 19 Using this game outcome data the symbol set controller selects symbols from the symbol data 610 to add to the symbol set 615. 5 In an embodiment, the symbol selector 620 selects symbols to add to the symbol set 615 based on winning symbol combinations occurring in the game outcome generated for the gaming machine 650a, 650b and 650c. For example, a player is playing gaming machine 650a and the player 10 operates the game playing mechanism 652a which causes generation of a game outcome which is displayed to the player on display 2 655a. Data for this game outcome is also provided to the game controller 600 via the gaming network 630. For example, the game data provided to the 15 game controller 600 may indicate a winning symbol combination occurred in the game outcome generated for gaming machine 650a. The game outcome data may also indicate the symbols of the winning symbol combination of the game outcome. 20 The symbol set controller 620 uses the game outcome data to select symbols to add to the symbol set 615. The added symbols may be the symbols of the winning outcome generated for gaming machine 650a. For example if the 25 winning symbol combination was three cats, then three cat symbols are added to the populated symbol set. Alternatively different symbols may be selected based on the winning symbol combination. In some embodiments the 30 symbol set for the bonus game is a predetermined base set of symbols which are selectively activated based on game outcomes generated for the gaming machines of the group. For example, where the game being played using gaming machine 650a is a spinning reel game, the symbol set 35 controller 620 may select symbols from symbol data 610 to add to the symbol set 615 based on stop positions of the symbols of the winning combination from the game outcome - 20 generated for gaming machine 650a. Alternatively, the symbol set controller 620 may simply select a number of symbols equal to the number of symbols contributing to the winning symbol outcome to add to the symbol set. These 5 symbols may be selected in a given order or using a random process. Optionally, the progressive population of the symbol set 615 based on game outcomes generated for the group of 10 gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c may be displayed for players of the gaming machines on one of the gaming machine displays 650a, 650b and 650c. In the embodiment illustrated each of the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c have first display 654a, 654b and 654c and a second 15 display 655a, 655b and 655c such that one display 655a, 655b and 655c can be used for displaying the outcome of the base game being played by the player and the other display 654a, 654b and 654c can be used for displaying the progressive population of the symbol set 615. Thus, the 20 players can observe the progress of populating the symbol set 615 which may increase the players' enjoyment and excitement in relation to the bonus game. Once the symbol set 615 is fully populated the symbol 25 selector 625 selects a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from a populated the symbol set 615. The symbol selection to generate a bonus game outcome may be based on a random result. For example, the symbol selector 625 can select symbols from the populated set using a random 30 result issued from a random number generator. Alternatively the symbols may be selected based on game rules which are not based on a random result. The selected set of symbols can then be displayed on the displays 654a, 654b, and 654c. 35 The bonus game outcome can be evaluated to determine whether any winning symbol combination occurred. If a - 21 winning symbol combination occurs in the bonus game outcome, then an award may be made to one or more of the players based on the winning symbol combination. For example, the award may be a fixed prize such as a car or 5 television, which can be allocated to only one player. One of the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c of the group will be selected for award of the fixed prize. The criteria for selection of the gaming machine may be 10 based on the contribution to the symbol set 615, for example, the selected gaming machine may be the gaming machine for which the last gaming outcome was generated which contributed to completing population of the symbol set 615 or completing activation of the base symbol set. 15 Eligibility criteria may also be applied for the gaming machines 650a, 650b and 650c when determining to which gaming machine 650a, 650b, 650c the award will be made. For example, an award may only be able to be made to a 20 game machine that is actively being played by a player. For example, this could be determined by whether or not a player's loyalty card or token is currently inserted in the machine, or some other indication that a machine is actively being played by a player. Thus, a gaming machine 25 not being played would not be selected for the bonus prize. The gaming machine or machines for making an award may be selected before or after the game outcome is generated using the populated symbol set. If a gaming machine is selected for making an award prior to 30 generation of the game outcome the player of the gaming machine may be alerted to this fact. If no winning symbol combinations occur in the game outcome then a consolation prize may be awarded to the player. For example, as a free drink voucher or some gaming credits may be loaded 35 onto the player's loyalty card. An alternative example of a gaming system is illustrated - 22 in Figure 7. In this example, a plurality of gaming machines 750a-n are connected to the gaming system 700 via a gaming network 730. The gaming system 700 includes a base controller 710, a game controller 762 and group 5 controller 720. These controllers may be implemented as software modules one or more executing on common processor hardware, such as a game server. Alternatively, one or more of these controllers may be implemented using separate hardware, which may execute software or firmware 10 or be programmable logic hardware or hard wired circuits. The base game controller 710 controls a base game being played by players of plurality of gaming machines 750a-n. The base game may be any type of game typically played 15 using player operable gaming machines. However, the invention will be exemplified for this system using a five reel spinning reel game. In the spinning reel game symbols resident on five spinning reels are simulated using five symbol subsets. Each subset specifies a 20 sequence of symbols for the reel such that a symbol selector can select symbols for a game outcome by selecting a stopping position in the sequence for each reel. The symbols displayed for the game outcome are a given number of symbols in the sequence, say three, 25 proximate the stop position for each reel. The group controller 720 is adapted to control which of plurality of gaming machines 750a-n are included in one or more groups for the purpose of a bonus game controlled by 30 a game controller 762. The bonus game is a game where a symbol set is populated or activated based on game outcomes generated for the base game being played by the players of the gaming machines in a group. A bonus game outcome is generated for the bonus game by selecting a set 35 of symbols from the populated or activated symbol set. The groups may be defined by a gaming venue operator and - 23 these defined groups programmed into the group controller 720. Alternatively, the group controller 720 may be adapted to dynamically select gaming machines to include in a group in accordance with given criteria. For example, 5 criteria for inclusion in a group may be a player placing bets above a threshold amount for the base game. Alternatively, groups may randomly be selected by the group controller. The number of gaming machines included in a group may be preset by a venue operator or set by the 10 group controller in accordance with group rules. For example, group rules determining the size of the group may be based on an award pool value for awards for the bonus game. Alternatively the size of the venue or occupancy rate of the gaming machines may be used in conjunction 15 with group rules to determine which gaming machines are included in a group. All of the gaming machines connected via the network 730 may constitute a single group. A player of a gaming machine 750a operates the game play 20 mechanism 752a in order to play a base game which is controlled by the base game controller 710 in accordance with game rules 715. Outcomes of the base game can be displayed to the player on the display 754a. Base game outcome data 725 can also be stored in system memory 764. 25 The system memory 764 can be accessible to both base game controller 710 and the game controller 762 for the bonus game. Game controller 762 includes a symbol set controller 770 30 which controls the population or activation of a symbol set 795 based on game outcomes generated for gaming machines of the group playing the base game. The symbol set controller 770 may be triggered to read base game outcome data 725 from memory 764 each time a base game 35 outcome is generated for one of the game machines of the group for the bonus game. The symbol set controller 770 populates the symbol set 795 using the base game outcome - 24 data and symbol data 790. Symbol population rules 772 can be provided which define how base game outcome data is applied by the symbol set controller 770 to populate the symbol set 795. 5 For example, symbol data 790 may include data defining a base set of symbols from which symbols are selected for population of the symbol set 795. Symbol population or activation rules can be applied to the base game outcome 10 data for selecting symbols from the symbol data 790 to populate the set 795. In one embodiment a base symbol set is stored in symbol data 790 including a plurality of symbol subsets each 15 subset comprising a sequence of symbols for emulating a spinning reel. In this embodiment, the game outcome data for the base game is used to select which symbols from each subset are used to progressively populate the symbol set 795 by activating symbols of the base symbol set. For 20 example, the based game can be a spinning reel game having the same number of reels and the same length reels as those of the symbol data 790. The symbol activation rules may define that symbols of the base symbol set defined in symbol data 790 occupying the same stop positions as 25 symbols of a winning combination in the base game outcome data are used for populating the symbol set 795. The actual symbols may be the same or different symbols to those of the winning combination of the base game. Alternatively, symbols the same as those appearing in a 30 winning symbol combination in the base game outcome may be added to the symbol set 795 to populate the symbol set. The symbols may appear in different stop positions in the populated symbol set 795 to the base game outcome. 35 In another example, symbol population rules may simply define that the number of symbols n contributing to winning symbol combinations in the base game outcome is - 25 used by the symbol selector 770. The symbol activation rules can also define how this number, n, is applied for selection of a number of symbols, m, for activating symbols of a base symbol set 795. For example, the m 5 symbols for activation in the base symbol set 795 may be selected in sequence or randomly from the base symbol data. The number of symbols selected, m, can be equal to the number of symbols in a winning symbol combination of a base game outcome. 10 m=n [1] Alternatively the number of symbols, m, may be a function of the number of symbols occurring in a winning symbol 15 combination of a base game outcome. m=f(n) [2] For example, where the symbol set sizes for the base game 20 and the symbol set for the bonus game are different a multiplier, c, may be used. The multiplier may be greater or less than one and may be chosen based on the relative set sizes of the base game and bonus game symbol sets. 25 m=f(n) = c*n [3] Alternative functions or conversion tables may be defined. Examples of conversion tables for n are given in Tables 1 and 2 below. Such a conversion table may be used where 30 the style of game between the base game and bonus game are different. For example, where the base game is a card dealing game and the bonus game using the populated symbol set is a spinning reel game. Conversion tables may also be used where the gaming machines of the group for the 35 bonus game play different base games. A different conversion table may be used for each base game.

- 26 N M 1 4 2 5 3 7 4 10 5 12 Table 1 N M 3 1 4 1 5 2 6 2 7 3 Table 2 5 It should be appreciated that many alternative rules may be used for population of the symbol set 795 based on base game outcome data from machines of the group. All such alternatives are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. 10 In the embodiment illustrated, the game controller 762 also includes a display controller 780 which can control display of data relating to the bonus game on a central display 740. For example, the display controller may be 15 adapted to display the progress of the population or activation of the symbol set 795 on the central display 740. This offers an advantage in that the players of the gaming machines of the group and other players or spectators are able to watch the progressive population of 20 the symbol set 795. This can be entertaining and generate excitement, particularly approaching full population of the symbol set 795. Once the symbol set 795 is fully populated or activated, - 27 the symbol selector 775 selects a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome. The symbols may be selected from the populated symbol set based on a random result. For example, the random result may be a number generated by a 5 random number generator or mechanical random result generator such as a roulette wheel, card dealer or dice roller. Some embodiments may not use a random result for selecting symbols for the base outcome. The symbol selector 775 applies bonus game rules 778 to select 10 symbols for a game outcome from the populated symbol set 795. Symbol selection may be triggered immediately once the symbol set is fully populated. Alternatively an 15 additional trigger condition may be applied. For example, an additional trigger condition may be the end of a count down for the result generation or a specified symbol or combination occurring in one or more base game outcomes. 20 The display controller 780 can also control the display of the game outcome on the central display 740. For example, the display controller 780 may be adapted to control the display of a simulation of spinning reels spinning and coming to a stop to display the game outcome. 25 Optionally, the game outcome may also be displayed on the displays 754a to 754n of the gaming machines 755a to 755n. For example, regular play of the base game may be interrupted for the gaming machines while the bonus game 30 is played. Alternatively, some other indication, such as a siren or flashing lights may be used to draw attention to the players of the gaming machines of the group when the outcome for the bonus game is being generated and displayed on the central display 740. 35 The game controller 762 can also be provided with an award evaluator 785 adapted to evaluate any winning symbol - 28 combinations in the bonus game outcome. If any winning symbol combinations occur in the bonus game outcome, these may also be highlighted by the display controller 780 on the central display 740. The display controller may also 5 highlight any winning symbol combinations occurring the in the game outcome displayed on the displays 454a-n of the gaming machines. The award evaluator 785 can also be adapted to select one 10 or more gaming machines of the group for making an award to the player thereof based on a winning symbol combination in the bonus game outcome. Rules for selection of gaming machines for any award can also be defined in game rules 778. For example, the gaming 15 machine for the award may be the gaming machine for which the last game outcome contributing the populated symbol set was generated. An example a method of executing a bonus game using the 20 gaming controller 762 and system 700 is illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 8. The symbol set starts in an empty state 810. For example, where the symbol set is maintained in program memory the data structure for storing the symbol set can be cleared. Alternatively, 25 where the bonus game controller uses a physical symbol set, such as a deck of cards, roulette wheel, spinning reels etc the set may be appropriately cleared. For example, by starting with no cards in the deck or turning off backlighting for symbols on spinning reels or a 30 roulette wheel so the symbols appear blank. The set may be initialised to empty or blank when the gaming controller 762 is initialised, for example at power up or when first connected into the gaming system. The set may be reset to the initial empty or blank condition by an 35 operator command, for example at the start of the day's play. The operator may also allocate the groups of gaming machines for the bonus game.

- 29 The game controller 762 receives game outcome data 820 when a game outcome is generated for a game machine of the group being played by a player. In response to receiving 5 the game outcome data 820 symbols are added to the symbol set 825 to begin populating the symbol set. The symbol set controller 770 of the game controller 762 determines symbols to add based on the game outcome data as described in the examples above. These symbols are added to the 10 symbol set. For example, where the symbol set is stored as data, data for the newly added symbols can be added to the data structure. Where the symbol set is physical, the appropriate action can be taken to add the symbols to the symbol set. For example, dealing the determined number of 15 cards, revealing/lighting symbols on reels, dice or wheels etc. Once the symbols are newly added to the set, the symbol set controller determines whether or not the symbol set is 20 fully populated 830. If the set is not fully populated, the next game outcome data for one of the gaming machines of the group received 820 and further symbols added 825. These steps are repeated until the symbol set is fully populated 830. 25 Once the symbol set is fully populated 830 result generation using the populated symbol set is triggered 840. The result generation may be triggered immediately the symbol set is fully populated. Alternatively an 30 additional trigger condition may be required. For example, a time delay for a countdown may be imposed. Alternatively, result generation may be delayed until the conclusion of game outcome generation for all of the gaming machines of the group, where game play of the 35 gaming machines of the group is interrupted for the bonus game. In another example, a trigger condition may be a game outcome occurring in a base game for a gaming machine - 30 of the group. It should be appreciated that such a trigger could increase the excitement for the players since they must wait in anticipation of the bonus game until a further random event occurs to trigger the game 5 outcome generation for the bonus game. Once the trigger condition is met 840, the symbol selector selects a set of symbols from the populated symbol set for a game outcome 850. The symbols are selected based on a 10 random result. For example, the symbols may be selected based on a random number which is used to define reel stop positions in accordance with game rules. The game outcome is then displayed to the players 860. The game outcome is evaluated to determine whether or not any winning symbol 15 combination has occurred 870. It should be appreciated that as the game outcome generated from the populated symbol set is based on a random process, a winning combination may not occur. Further, a number of winning symbol combinations may also be possible. 20 Different awards may be associated with different winning combinations. For example, a symbol combination of three "jackpot" symbols can be associated with the award of a jackpot prize pool to a player of one of the gaming 25 machines of the group. A symbol combination of three "share" symbols can be associated with as award of the jackpot pool shared proportionally between each of the players. Alternatively, a symbol combination of three cherries symbols may be associated with a consolation 30 award, for example twenty credits, to each player in the group. The credits for the three cherries award may be subtracted from a jackpot pool. In another example a combination of five "car" symbols can be associated with an award of a fixed prize of a car to one of the players 35 of a gaming machine in the group. Where an award is not to be made to all members of the - 31 group then the player or players for the award are selected based on rules for the award. The rule can define the criteria applied for selecting the players. 5 Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer 10 readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server). It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the 15 invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments. 20 It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. 25 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 30 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 35 - 32 Example 1 In this example a group of gaming machines each have five spinning reels of equal lengths. Outcomes for this group 5 of gaming machines are used for populating a set of symbols representing a further set of five spinning reels of the same length of those in the gaming machines. The symbol set is populated based on the number of symbols occurring in a winning outcome on each of the gaming 10 machines of the group. The symbols set is populated by adding symbols to each of the reels, left to right, until the reels are fully populated. The symbol set for population is represented initially as 15 a set of blank reels 911-915. The displayed portion 900 of the blank reels is illustrated in Figure 9a. Only three lines of symbols 901-903 are displayed and a large part of the reel is not displayed. 20 A game outcome is generated for one of the gaming machines of the group in response to player instructions. The game outcome includes a winning symbol combination comprising three symbols. In response to this winning symbol combination, one symbol is added to each of three reels 25 911-913 are added to the symbol set being populated along the top display line 902 as illustrated in the displayed portion 900' of Figure 9b. As more gaming outcomes are generated for gaming machines 30 of the group, further symbols are added to populate the set based on winning outcomes. The reels can be turned or appear to turn to continue to show the symbols being added to the reels. Figure 9c illustrated the displayed portion of the reels where population of the reels is almost 35 complete, showing only four symbol positions remaining to be populated.

- 33 Once the symbol set is fully populated, the reels are spun to generate a game outcome using the populated symbol set. The generated game outcome 900''' is illustrated in Figure 9d showing a winning combination of three Queen symbols in 5 display line 901 and another winning combination of three Ace symbols and a WILD symbol, equivalent to four Ace symbols, in display line 903. An award payable for the three queen symbols is two hundred credits and an award payable for four Ace symbols is one thousand credits. 10 In this embodiment an award for the winning combinations is paid out to one gaming machine of the group. In this example, the gaming machine that contributed the last symbol to the populated symbol set is chosen for the award 15 of the prize of one thousand and two hundred credits. Once the award is paid the populated symbol set can be reset to a blank symbol set. The population of the symbol set can then start again. 20

Claims (86)

1. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: populating, by a computer implemented game 5 controller, a symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and generating, by the computer implemented game controller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set.

2. A method as claimed in clam 1 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller making an award to one or more of the gaming machines of the group based on the bonus game outcome.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of populating the symbol set by the computer implemented game controller comprises the steps of: 20 determining based on a game outcome newly generated for one of the gaming machines one or more symbols to be added to the symbol set; adding the determined symbols to the symbol set; and 25 repeating the above steps until the symbol set is complete.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the determined symbols are symbols of a winning symbol combination 30 in a game outcome.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the symbols for the bonus game outcome are selected from the populated symbol set based on a random result.

6. A method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller - 35 evaluating any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the 5 step of the computer implemented game controller selecting one or more of the gaming machines from the group for making an award to the player thereof based on a winning symbol combination in the bonus game outcome. 0

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gaming machine selected for awarding a prize is selected based on the whether or not one or more symbols contributing to the wining combination was included in the populated symbol set based on an outcome from the gaming machine.

9. A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the gaming machine having the most symbols contributing to the 20 wining combination is selected.

10. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the order in which an outcome of that gaming machine 25 contributed to the populated symbol set.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the selected gaming machine is the last gaming machine to contribute to the populated symbol set. 30

12. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gaming machine for making an award is selected based on a random process. 35

13. A method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller determining the award for the selected one or more - 36 gaming machines.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the award is a credit value based on the wining combination. 5

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the award is a credit value which is proportional to a total award credit value. 10

16. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the award is a fixed prize.

17. A method of gaming comprising the steps of: activating, by a computer implemented game controller, symbols of a base symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and generating, by the computer implemented game controller, a bonus game outcome by selecting a set 20 of symbols from the activated symbol set.

18. A method as claimed in clam 17 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller making an award to one or more of the gaming machines 25 of the group based on the bonus game outcome.

19. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the step of activating symbols of the base symbol set by the computer implemented game controller comprises the 30 steps of: determining based on a game outcome newly generated for one of the gaming machines one or more symbols of the base symbol set to be activated; activating the determined symbols to the symbol set; and repeating the above steps until the base symbol set is fully activated. - 37

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the determined symbols are selected from a base set based on symbols of a winning symbol combination in the 5 game outcome of the gaming machine.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the determined symbols are selected based on reel stop positions of symbols in the winning combination. 0

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the size of the base symbol set is the same as the size of a symbols set for generating game outcomes in the gaming machines of the group.

23. A method as clamed in claim 19 wherein the determined symbols are a number of symbols selected from the base symbol set wherein the number of symbols selected is based on the number of symbols 20 contributing to winning symbol combinations in the game outcome.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the symbols are selected from a base set in a given order. 2 -5

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the symbols are randomly selected from the base set.

26. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the symbols 30 for the bonus game outcome are selected from the populated symbol set based on a random result.

27. A method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller evaluating any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome. - 38

28. A method as claimed in claim 27 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller selecting one or more of the gaming machines from the group for making an award to the player thereof. 5

29. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein the gaming machine selected for awarding a prize is selected based on the whether or not one or more symbols contributing to the wining combination was activated 0 in the symbol set based on an outcome from the gaming machine.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the gaming machine having the most symbols contributing to the wining combination is selected.

31. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the order in which an outcome of that gaming machine 20 contributed to the populated symbol set.

32. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the selected gaming machine is the last gaming machine to cause activation of one or more symbols of the base symbol 25 set.

33. A method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the gaming machine for making an award is selected based on a random process. 30

34. A method as claimed in claim 27 further comprising the step of the computer implemented game controller determining the award for the selected one or more gaming machines.

35. A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the award is a credit value based on the wining combination. - 39

36. A method as claimed in claim 35 wherein the award is a credit value which is proportional to a total award credit value. 5

37. A method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the award is a fixed prize.

38. A computer implemented game controller comprising: 0 a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the populated symbol set.

39. A game controller as claimed in claim 38 further comprising an award evaluator adapted to make an 20 award to a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus game outcome.

40. A game controller as claimed in claim 38 wherein the symbol set controller progressively populates the 25 symbol set based on a plurality of game outcomes for the one or more gaming machines.

41. A game controller as claimed in claim 40 wherein the symbol set controller determines one or more symbols, 30 based on each game outcome generated for gaming machines of the group, and adds the determined symbols to the symbol set until the symbols set is complete. 35

42. A game controller as claimed in claim 41 wherein the determined symbols are based on symbols of a winning combination in the game outcome of the gaming - 40 machine.

43. A game controller as claimed in claim 39 wherein the award evaluator is adapted to evaluate any winning 5 symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome.

44. A game controller as claimed in claim 43 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted to select one or more of the gaming machines of the group for making 0 an award to the player thereof.

45. A game controller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the selection of a gaming machine for the award is based on whether or not one or more symbols contributing to the winning symbol combination was included in the populated symbol set based on an outcome from the gaming machine.

46. A game controller as claimed in claim 45 wherein the 20 gaming machine having the most symbols contributing to the winning symbol combination is selected.

47. A game controller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the 25 order in which an outcome of the gaming machine contributed to the populated symbol set.

48. A game controller as claimed in claim 47 wherein the selected gaming machine is the last gaming machine to 30 contribute to the populated symbol set.

49. A game controller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based in a random process.

50. A game controller as claimed in claim 44 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted to determine an - 41 award for each of the selected one or more gaming machines.

51. A game controller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the 5 award is a credit value based on the winning symbols combination.

52. A game controller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the award is a credit value which is proportional to a total award credit value.

53. A game controller as claimed in claim 50 wherein the award is a fixed prize.

54. A game controller as claimed in claim 38 wherein the symbol set is selected for the bonus game outcome based on a random result.

55. A game controller as claimed in claim 38 further 20 comprising a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more gaming machines of a group being played by players is obtained. 25

56. A game controller as claimed in claim 55 wherein the group controller is further adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group.

57. A computer implemented game controller comprising: 30 a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol set based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the activated base symbol set. - 42

58. A game controller as claimed in claim 57 further comprising an award evaluator adapted to make an award to a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus game outcome. 5

59. A game controller as claimed in claim 57 wherein the symbol set controller progressively activates symbols of the base symbol set based on a plurality of game outcomes for the one or more gaming machines. 0

60. A game controller as claimed in claim 59 wherein symbols are activated in the base set based on the game outcome of the gaming machine.

61. A game controller as claimed in claim 60 wherein the symbols are activated in the base set based on symbols of a winning symbol combination in the game outcome of the gaming machine. 20

62. A game controller as claimed in claim 61 wherein the symbols are activated based on reel stop positions of symbols in the winning combination.

63. A game controller as claimed in claim 62 wherein the 25 size of the base symbol set is the same as the size of a symbol set for generating game outcomes in the gaming machines.

64. A game controller as claimed in claim 60 wherein the 30 activated symbols are a number of symbols selected from the base symbol set, wherein the number of symbols is based on the number of symbols contributing to winning symbol combinations in the game outcome of the gaming machine.

65. A game controller as claimed in claim 64 wherein the symbols are activated in the base symbol set in a - 43 given order.

66. A game controller as claimed in claim 64 wherein the symbols are randomly activated the base set. 5

67. A game controller as claimed in claim 58 wherein the award evaluator is adapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the bonus game outcome. 0

68. A game controller as claimed in claim 67 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted to select one or more of the gaming machines of the group for making an award to the player thereof.

69. A game controller as claimed in claim 68 wherein the selection of a gaming machine for the award is based on whether or not one or more symbols contributing to the winning symbol combination was activated in the base symbol set based on an outcome from the gaming 20 machine.

70. A game controller as claimed in claim 69 wherein the gaming machine having the most symbols contributing to the winning symbol combination is selected. 25

71. A game controller as claimed in claim 68 wherein the gaming machine for the award is selected based on the order in which an outcome of the gaming machine contributed to activating symbols of the base symbol 30 set.

72. A game controller as claimed in claim 71 wherein the selected gaming machine is the last gaming machine to contribute to activating symbols of the base symbol set.

73. A game controller as claimed in claim 68 wherein the - 44 gaming machine for the award is selected based on a random process.

74. A game controller as claimed in claim 67 wherein the 5 award evaluator is further adapted to determine an award for each of the selected one or more gaming machines.

75. A game controller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the 0 award is a credit value based on the winning symbols combination.

76. A game controller as claimed in claim 75 wherein the award is a credit value which is proportional to a total award credit value.

77. A game controller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the award is a fixed prize. 20

78. A game controller as claimed in claim 57 further comprising a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more gaming machines of a group being played by players is obtained. 25

79. A game controller as claimed in claim 78 wherein the group controller is further adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group. 30

80. A computer implemented gaming system comprising: a group controller via which game outcome data for game outcomes generated one or more linked gaming machines being played by players is obtained; a symbol set controller adapted to populate a symbol set based on the obtained game outcome data; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of - 45 symbols for a bonus game outcome from the populated symbol set.

81. A gaming system as claimed in claim 80 further 5 comprising an award evaluator adapted to make an award to a gaming machine of the group based on the bonus game outcome.

82. A gaming system as claimed in claim 81 wherein the 0 award evaluator is adapted to evaluate any winning symbol combinations in the game outcome.

83. A gaming system as claimed in claim 82 wherein the award evaluator is further adapted to select one or more of the gaming machines of the group for making an award to the player thereof.

84. A gaming system as claimed in claim 80 further comprising a display controller adapted to control 20 the presentation of a game outcome comprising the set of symbols selected from the populated symbol set on one or more displays. 84. A gaming system as claimed in claim 80 wherein the 25 group controller is further adapted to allocate gaming machines to the group.

85. A computer implemented gaming system comprising: a group controller via which game outcome data 30 for game outcomes generated one or more linked gaming machines being played by players is obtained; a symbol set controller adapted to activate symbols of a base symbol set based on the obtained game outcome data; and a symbol selector adapted to select a set of symbols for a bonus game outcome from the activated base symbol set. - 46

86. Computer program code which when executed causes a computer to implement a computer controlled gaming method as claimed in claim 1.