AU2018200939A1

AU2018200939A1 - A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller

Info

Publication number: AU2018200939A1
Application number: AU2018200939A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Billy Ho Ching Tam
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-23
Filing date: 2018-02-08
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Also published as: AU2009201800B2; AU2010219339A1; AU2009201800A1; US20090291740A1; AU2016202600A1

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming comprising conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols greater than the first number at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols. 9957903_1 (GHKatters) P77298.AU.4 SYMBOL LECTOR INSTRUCTIONS FEATURE GAME ROUND Display - CONTROLLER SELECTION SET SPECIAL SYMBOL 642 Game Play SYMBOL Mechanism DISPLAY SET 50OUTCOME 50 DETERMINER 630 METER DATA Figure 6 7667662_1 (GHKatters) P77298.AU.3 22/04/2016

Description

The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller.

Background to the Invention

Gaming systems are known comprising 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 implemented as a video machine with selected symbols are displayed in virtual display positions corresponding for example to spinning reels, on a video display.

There is a need for alternative gaming systems to add to player excitement and enjoyment.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of gaming comprising conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence,

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of 10 game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols.

In an embodiment, the at least one second game round commences after a designated number of first game rounds.

In an embodiment, each selection set of symbols represents symbols positioned on a plurality of spinnable reels, and the display positions represent visible reel positions after a spin of the reels.

In an embodiment, the first and second special symbols are wild symbols.

In an embodiment, the first number of first special 30 symbols is one and the second number of second special symbols is two.

In an embodiment, the first special symbols are positioned to correspond to one reel and shift between reels in subsequent game rounds in the series.

In an embodiment, the first special symbols shift in one direction by one reel position after each game round and

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 the designated number of first game rounds is equal to the number of reels .

In an embodiment, the method of gaming further comprises 5 conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

In an embodiment, the third number is greater than the second number.

In an embodiment, the method comprises initiating the series of game rounds as a series of free game rounds in response to a trigger event occurring in a base game round during which symbols are selected from the same selection symbol set but outcomes are determined in a different manner .

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to 30 display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a symbol selector for selecting symbols for display in the display positions.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a special symbol controller for controlling the number and display positions of the special symbols.

In an embodiment, the special symbol controller is arranged to determine the display position at least partially on a random basis.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an outcome determiner for determining each game round outcome.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a feature game initiator arranged to initiate the series of game rounds as a series of free game rounds in response to a trigger event occurring in a base game round.

In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented, at least in part, by a processor executing code stored in a

0 memory .

In an embodiment, the game controller controls commencement of the at least one second game round to occur after a designated number of first game rounds.

In an embodiment, each selection set of symbols represents symbols positioned on a plurality of spinnable reels, and the display positions represent visible reel positions

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 after a spin of the reels.

In an embodiment, the first and second special symbols are wild symbols.

In an embodiment, the first number of first special symbols is one and the second number of second special symbols is two.

In an embodiment, the first special symbols shift in one direction by one reel position after each game round and the designated number of first game rounds is equal to the number of reels .

In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a third selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

In an embodiment, the third number is greater than the second number.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a gaming system comprising a display for symbols to be displayed at a set of display positions to a player; and a game controller arranged to:

conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

In an embodiment, the display forms part of a player interface further comprising a game play mechanism

0 operable by the player to play the game.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a symbol selector for selecting symbols for display in the display positions .

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises an outcome

5 determiner for determining each game round outcome.

In an embodiment, the game controller comprises a feature game initiator arranged to initiate the series of game

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 rounds as a series of free game rounds in response to a trigger event occurring in a base game round.

In an embodiment, the game controller is implemented, at 5 least in part, by a processor executing code stored in a memory .

In an embodiment, the first and second special symbols are wild symbols.

In an embodiment, the game controller is further arranged to conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a third selection set of symbols,

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4 and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

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In an embodiment, the third number is greater than the 5 second number.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising:

means for conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, means for controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions in at least one first game round of the series of game rounds, means for selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and means for determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and means for controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number in at least one second game round of the series of game rounds, means for selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and means for determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a gaming machine comprising:

a display mounted within a cabinet for symbols to be displayed at a set of display positions to a player, an input device operable by a player to initiate a play of a game, a game controller disposed in the cabinet in data communication with the display and the input device and comprising a processor and a memory storing game program code which when executed in response to the initiation of

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 play, causes the game controller to conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of 5 game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided computer program code when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement any of the embodiments of the method of gaming of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable medium comprising the program code of the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a data signal comprising the computer program code of the fourth aspect of the invention.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided transmitting or receiving the program code of the first aspect.

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Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone single player gaming machine;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system;

Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the multiplayer gaming system of the current invention; and

Figure 7 shows a flow diagram for the method of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an exemplary display of visible reels positions .

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game having a series of game rounds wherein special symbols, such as wild symbols, are controlled such that they are displayed at one or more display positions and the number of special symbols increases during the series of game

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4 rounds. In an embodiment, the special symbols move from reel to reel.

2018200939 08 Feb 2018

The gaming system may take a number of different forms. In 5 a first form of the single player component of the invention, 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 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 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a thin client architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming 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.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 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 instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 comprising one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term processor is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine

10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example 10 pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different

5 type .

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102.

Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

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The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with 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 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.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is 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. The network card may, for example, send status 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.

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Figure 4 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 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 the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

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.

Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be 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 promotional or informational material.

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In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

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The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single engine on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals .

Further detail of exemplar gaming system

The player operates the game play mechanism 56 to initiate a play of the gaming system. The player's operation of the game play mechanism specifies, in part, what will be evaluated when the play is conducted and thereby what the player is entitled to win from the game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's win entitlement will vary from game to game dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and selections they make (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they will play in each game - i.e.

a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection. Such win lines are typically formed by a combination of displayed symbol

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 positions, one from each reel, the symbol positions being located relative to one another such that they form a line .

In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, scatter pays are awarded independently of a players selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement.

Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name Reel Power by Aristocrat

Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbol positions of a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with designated, displayed symbol positions of other reels.

In other embodiments a player win entitlement may be affected by purchasing access to particular pay tables e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to wins including plums .

The game controller of the preferred embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 6. Game controller 60 incorporates a symbol selector 610 that selects symbols a set of symbols (a display set) 643 from symbol selection set 642 using random numbers from random number generator 650, to appear on the display 54 in a base game. In one example, the symbol set corresponds to reels having a defined order and symbol selector determines the stop position using the random number generator . For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row of a plurality of rows of symbols. When a reels stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position. Often, particular stop positions are weighted so as to control the probability of certain outcomes. Outcome determiner 630 determines whether the selected symbols (stored as symbol display set 643) correspond to a winning outcome and updates meter data 646 as appropriate.

In addition to the above, feature game round controller 625 is arranged to monitor for a trigger event which may be any of the known triggers in the art, including a particular symbol combination, a number of games played or an amount wagered in a time period. In another embodiment, feature game round controller 625 is operably connected with random number generator 650 to randomly determine whether a feature game round should be initiated. Feature game round controller in 625 comprises a special symbol controller adapted to control the number and display position of special symbols from special symbol set 641 during a series of game rounds conducted feature game round controller 620. While, the special symbol controller 620 controls the number of special symbols and their display positions, the remaining display positions of the set of display positions are filled by selecting them in the same manner as the base game, so that the special symbols under control of the special symbol controller effectively overwrite the selected symbols at the position where they are place by the special symbol controller 620.

Outcome determiner 630 determines an outcome for the game round based on the symbols in symbol display set 643 which is formed from the controlled symbols and the selected symbols, and updates meter data 646 using any prize data 645 in each game round.

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Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of these components could be provided in other ways, for example by a dedicated circuit.

The special symbol controller 620 is arranged to increase the number of special symbols at least once during the series of game rounds, typically after a predetermined number of game rounds. Thus, at least one first game round involves a first number of special symbols and at least one second game round involves a second, larger number of special symbols. The number of special symbols may be varied again during the game rounds either by being increased or decreased. In an embodiment, the special symbol controller 620 also controls the position of the special symbols in each game round so that they move in a desired way.

As described above, the outcome determiner determines whether to award any prizes after each game round. These are initially accrued on a win meter of meter data 646. At the conclusion of the series of game rounds (free games), the accrued amount is transferred to a credit meter of credit data. In some embodiments, the player may be offered the chance to gamble the amount on the win meter prior to it being transferred to the credit meter.

As indicated above, the special symbol may be a wild symbol but may also be some other symbol which has a particular effect on the game such as a multiplier or a symbol which forms part of a trigger combination for triggering a further feature or retriggering the series of game rounds .

In the above embodiment, the symbols other than the selected symbols, are selected from the same symbol set in the first and second game rounds, however, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that they could be selected

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 from different sets of symbols. Put another way, symbols could be selected from a first set of symbols in first game rounds and a second set in second game rounds, and the first and second sets could be the same or different.

In one embodiment, there can be a third set of game rounds (or more than three sets of game rounds) where there are more special symbols than the second round and symbols can be selected from a third set.

The method 700 of an embodiment is described with reference to Figure 7. Play is started by the player and a base game commences 705 during which symbol selector 610 selects the symbol display set 643 using random numbers from random number generator 650 and the display set appears in the display positions on display 54. In a spinning reel game, this corresponds to the visible reel positions after the spin of the reels. It is determined 710 whether a series of game rounds is triggered. If it is triggered, a counter is initialised 715, specifying that this is the first game round. It is determined 720 whether a first designated number of game rounds N has been played. If not, the display 54 is controlled to display a first number of special symbols and the remaining symbols are selected 730 before an outcome is determined 740. The counter is then increased 745.

When the number of game rounds G is greater than a designated number N of game rounds at least one additional special symbol is added as described in further detail below. At step 750 it is determined whether a second number of game rounds M has been played, where M is greater than N and in this embodiment specifies the total number of game rounds to be played. If G is less than or equal to M, the method proceeds by controlling 755 the display 54 to display a second number of special symbols greater than the first number of special symbols, selecting the remaining symbols 730 and determining the game round outcome. The counter is increased 745 and

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 second game rounds with the second number of special symbols continue until G is greater than M and the series of game rounds ends 760.

Example 1

A detailed example of an embodiment of the invention will now be described. As shown in Figure 8, the display positions of a game of five spinning reels 820a to 820e is shown, with three visible reel positions per reel. Nonfeature game rounds involve determination of a game round outcome on the basis of combinations of the symbols (such as shown in Figure 8) along win lines played by the player, which may be the centre line in a simple example.

On the trigger, which may be random or on the basis of a symbol or combination of symbols in the display positions, the series of feature games is initiated. In this example, whatever win lines were being evaluated in the base game are evaluated in each game round of the series of game rounds. In this example, there are ten game rounds in the series and the first five game rounds are played with one special symbol before the number of special symbols is increased to two. In this example the special symbol is a

WILD symbol which can substitute for all other symbols to form winning combinations .

In this example, in the first game round one WILD symbol is placed at a random display position of the three reels corresponding to reel 5. In this embodiment, the WILD symbol covers and overwrites the symbol which would otherwise occupy that display position. A game round spin then occurs to select the remaining symbols which are evaluated together with the WILD symbol. The timing of the placement of the WILD symbol may be controlled to suit the game but in one embodiment is placed while the reels spin to add to anticipation.

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The WILD on reel 5 then disappears. In free game 2, one

WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 4 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 4 disappears. In free game 3, one WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 3 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 3 disappears. In free game 4, one WILD is 10 randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 2 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 2 disappears. In free game 5, one WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 1 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 1 disappears. In free game 6, two WILD are randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 1 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 1 disappears. In free game 7, two WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 2 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 2 disappears. In free game 8, two WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 3 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 3 disappears. In free game 9, two WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 4 and an outcome is determined.

The WILD on reel 4 disappears. In free game 10, two WILD is randomly placed on top of a certain position on reel 5, an outcome is determined, and the series of free games ends .

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the method

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory

103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server).

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular that features described above could be combined to form alternative embodiments .

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 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.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1/7

Figure 1

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1. A method of gaming comprising conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series

2/7

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

Displays

2 5 a play of a game, a game controller disposed in the cabinet in data communication with the display and the input device and comprising a processor and a memory storing game program code which when executed in response to the initiation of

30 play, causes the game controller to conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to

35 display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols,

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to

2. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1, wherein

25 the at least one second game round commences after a designated number of first game rounds.

3/7

100

Game Controller

113.

'103

102 .105

Touch Screen/ Buttons

Coin input/bill acceptor

Figure 3

Figure 4

104 112

108

101

Coin Output

120

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

3 0 memory .

34. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the game controller controls commencement of the at least one second game round to

35 occur after a designated number of first game rounds.

35. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein each selection set of symbols represents

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 symbols positioned on a plurality of spinnable reels, and the display positions represent visible reel positions after a spin of the reels.

3. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each selection set of symbols represents

30 symbols positioned on a plurality of spinnable reels, and the display positions represent visible reel positions after a spin of the reels.

4/7

200

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

4. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of

35 claims 1 to 3 wherein the first and second special symbols are wild symbols .

5/7

PROCESSOR

Display <

Game Play Mec h anism

MEMORY

GAME

INSTRUCTIONS

644

SPECIAL SYMBOL SET 641

SYMBOL SELECTION SET 642

SYMBOL DISPLAY SET 643

PRIZE DATA 645

METER DATA 646

Figure 6

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

5 display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols,

10 and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

44. Computer program code which when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement computer causes

15 the computer to implement the method of gaming of any one of claims 1 to 10.

45. A computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 44.

46. A data signal comprising the computer program code of claim 44.

47. Transmitting or receiving the computer program code of claim 44.

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

5 number of display positions of a set of display positions in at least one first game round of the series of game rounds, means for selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and means for determining a game round outcome from the

10 displayed symbols, and means for controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number

15 in at least one second game round of the series of game rounds, means for selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and means for determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

43. A gaming machine comprising:

a display mounted within a cabinet for symbols to be displayed at a set of display positions to a player, an input device operable by a player to initiate

5 36. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims

26 to 35, wherein the first and second special symbols are wild symbols.

37. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims

10 26 to 36, wherein the first number of first special symbols is one and the second number of second special symbols is two.

38. A gaming system as claimed in claim 37, wherein 15 the first special symbols are positioned to correspond to one reel and shift between reels in subsequent game rounds in the series .

39. A gaming system as claimed in claim 38 wherein 20 the first special symbols shift in one direction by one reel position after each game round and the designated number of first game rounds is equal to the number of reels .

25 40. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims

26 to 39, wherein the game controller is further arranged to conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third number of display positions of a set

30 of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a third selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

35 41. A gaming system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the third number is greater than the second number.

42. A gaming system comprising:

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 means for conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, means for controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first

5 selector for selecting symbols for display in the display positions .

29. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the game controller comprises a special

10 symbol controller for controlling the number and display positions of the special symbols.

30. A game controller as claimed in claim 29, wherein the special symbol controller is arranged to determine the

15 display position at least partially on a random basis.

31. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the game controller comprises an outcome determiner for determining each game round outcome.

32. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the game controller comprises a feature game initiator arranged to initiate the series of game rounds as a series of free game rounds in response to a

25 trigger event occurring in a base game round.

33. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the game controller is implemented, at least in part, by a processor executing code stored in a

5 selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a third selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols.

25. A game controller as claimed in claim 24, wherein 10 the third number is greater than the second number.

26. A gaming system comprising a display for symbols to be displayed at a set of display positions to a player; and

15 a game controller arranged to:

conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling the display to 20 display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed

25 symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling the display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set 30 of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

27. A gaming system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the display forms part of a player interface further comprising a game play mechanism operable by the player to

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 play the game.

28. A gaming system as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the game controller comprises a symbol

5 executing code stored in a memory.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the game controller controls commencement of the at least one second game round to

10 occur after a designated number of first game rounds.

19. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein each selection set of symbols represents symbols positioned on a plurality of spinnable reels, and

15 the display positions represent visible reel positions after a spin of the reels.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first and second special symbols are

20 wild symbols.

21. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the first number of first special symbols is one and the second number of second special

25 symbols is two.

22. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first special symbols are positioned to correspond to one reel and shift between reels in subsequent game rounds

30 in the series.

23. A game controller as claimed in claim 22 wherein the first special symbols shift in one direction by one reel position after each game round and the designated

35 number of first game rounds is equal to the number of reels .

24. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018

11 to 23 further arranged to conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third number of display positions of a set of display positions,

5 of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of 10 game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining

15 display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 11,

20 comprising a symbol selector for selecting symbols for display in the display positions.

13. A game controller as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, comprising a special symbol controller for controlling

25 the number and display positions of the special symbols.

14. A game controller as claimed in claim 13, wherein the special symbol controller is arranged to determine the display position at least partially on a random basis.

15. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 comprising an outcome determiner for determining each game round outcome.

35 16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims

11 to 15 comprising a feature game initiator arranged to initiate the series of game rounds as a series of free game rounds in response to a trigger event occurring in a

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2018200939 08 Feb 2018 base game round.

17. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, implemented, at least in part, by a processor

5 6. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first special symbols are positioned to correspond to one reel and shift between reels in subsequent game rounds in the series .

107. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first special symbols shift in one direction by one reel position after each game round and the designated number of first game rounds is equal to the number of reels .

8. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising conducting at least one third game round by controlling a display to display a third number of special symbols at a corresponding third

20 number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a third selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols.

25 9. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 8, wherein the third number is greater than the second number.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising initiating the series of game rounds as a

30 series of free game rounds in response to a trigger event occurring in a base game round during which symbols are selected from the same selection symbol set but outcomes are determined in a different manner.

35 11. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence,

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set

5 . A method of gaming as claimed in any one of

9957903_l (GHMatters) P77298.AU.4

2018200939 08 Feb 2018 claims 1 to 4 wherein the first number of first special symbols is one and the second number of second special symbols is two.

5 should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set

10 of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a first selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of

15 game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions where the second number is greater than the first number, selecting symbols for the remaining

20 display positions from a second selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols .

6/7

705 / PLAY BASE GAME 4-

V /

715

NUMBER OF GAME ROUNDS G = 1

745 / G = G + 1

v

SELECT REMAINING SYMBOLS

730 /

DETERMINE GAME ROUND OUTCOME

740

Figure 7

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7/7

A A K Q K J 8 J J K 8 10 5 K K

820a

820b

820c

820d

820e

Figure 8

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