AU2020233655A1

AU2020233655A1 - Gaming device with multiple triggerable features dependent on states

Info

Publication number: AU2020233655A1
Application number: AU2020233655A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luke IRELAND; Karen Kendall; James Loader; Joshua MATOS; Antoon Visser
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd; Aristocrat Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd; Aristocrat Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2020-09-15
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Also published as: AU2021204790A1

Abstract

(FIGURE 5) A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor they cause the processor to upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiate the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game. z w n Lu C*l Lu > ! it LIJ Z CO 0 z W 00 fr W LLI > C4 NN C/) LLI uj CO w FF Cl) (Zoo 0 CC .-I w > Q a: w lz t4t to cc W LLJ W CL Cf) 0 CL C', 10 cc Lu > Lu Cc: LLJ col W in >. cc w 0 w F co -7 - w - co > F- Z 2 0 CXC w cr- Z W 0 LU cn LLJ 77 Wl

Description

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GAMING DEVICE WITH MULTIPLE TRIGGERABLE FEATURES DEPENDENTONSTATES

[0001] The present application relates to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a gaming system. The gaming device, the method and the gaming system enable the provision of multiple triggerable feature games which are dependent on at least one gaming device state when a trigger occurs.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic gaming machines ("EGMs") or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to "cash out."

[0003] "Slot" type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a "pay-table" which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

[0004] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

SUMMARY

[0005] Certain embodiments provide a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a system which implement a spinning reel game where there are a number of different feature games that can be triggered. As well as individual feature games, there is at least one composite feature game made up of individual game play characteristics of individual feature games. The composite feature games have the chance of triggering too. Each individual feature game has at least one unenhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an unenhanced state and an enhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state. Where a composite feature is triggered it inherits the states of the individual feature games such that if one or more individual feature games are in an enhanced state, the composite feature will include the corresponding enhanced game play characteristic.

[0006] In an embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor they cause the processor to upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiate the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

[0007] Another embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display and memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, and (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game. The method comprises upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiating the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conducting the initiated feature game; and making any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a system comprising one or more processors, and at least one memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they cause the one or more processors to, upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiate the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an embodiment.

[0014] FIGs. 6 and 7 are example screen displays.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0017] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

[0018] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

[0019] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0020] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0021] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XLTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

[0022] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0023] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a "ticket-in" reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket ("TITO") system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a "ticket-out" printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a "cash out" button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0024] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0025] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

[0026] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

[0027] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

[0028] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.

[0029] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0031] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the ArcTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0032] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

[0033] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the HelixTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0034] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0036] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0037] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

[0038] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS© system manufactured by Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

[0039] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A 104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0040] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0041] For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other input device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200. In some embodiments, a player's selection may apply across a plurality of game instances. For example, if the player is awarded additional game instances in the form of free games, the player's prior selection of the amount bet per line and the number of lines played may apply to the free games. The selections available to a player will vary depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments a number of pay lines may be fixed. In other embodiments, the available selections may include different numbers of ways to win instead of different numbers of pay lines.

[0042] During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (FIG. 1).

[0043] When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be "cashed-in" for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 of operating a gaming device 200 of an embodiment. At step 510, the gaming device 200 receives the player's wager which is input as described above. In this example, the number of pay lines are fixed and the only option available to a player is to select a different bet amount (in effect a bet multiplier). At step 520, the processor 204 selects symbols for display on display 240 from reel strips stored in the memory 208.

[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a set 300 of five reel strips 321, 322, 323, 324, 325. In the example, each reel strip has fifteen reel strip positions 301-315. Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a "WILD" symbol 331 occupies the sixth reel strip position 306 of the fourth reel 324. The reel strips 321-325 are configured so that more than one trigger symbol can be selected at once. In this example, the reel strips include three different trigger symbols ("SCAT 1", "SCAT 2", and "SCAT 3"). The trigger symbols are located across the reel strips such that they can be selected concurrently, in particular by being selected from different reels. One possible selectable combination of all three trigger symbols is the selection of SCAT 3 symbol 343 from first reel 321, SCAT 1 symbol 344 from third reel 323, and SCAT 2 symbol from fifth reel 325. ("SCAT" is an abbreviation for "scatter" and is indicative of the fact that it doesn't matter at which symbol positions the "SCAT" symbols are selected.)

[0046] Other reels strips to those illustrated in Figure 3 can be used, for example, reel strips where two or more WILD symbols are placed at consecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, the reel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. The actual length of the reel strips depends on factors such as the number of WILD symbols (in general, the more WILDs there are, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP), the number of trigger symbols on each reel, and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longer the reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the target RTP).

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 carried out by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips. At step 410, the processor 204 starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips. At step 420, the processor 204 increments the counter. In the first iteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip. At step 430 the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 440 the processor maps the generated number to one of the reel positions of the nth reel strip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map the generated number to one of the reel strip positions, the possible values that can be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associated with specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example, these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the ranges are each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has the same chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may be arranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strip positions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

[0048] At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel strip position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighboring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. That is, in effect, selecting one reel strip position selects a portion of the reel strip having three reel strip positions for display. Referring to the example reel strips of Figure 3, if the value returned by the RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 313, then for the first reel strip 321, "SCAT 3" symbol 343 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, "10" symbol 342 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and "J" symbol is mapped to a top symbol position. It will be appreciated that the same technique can be used to select a different number of symbols from each reel strip by using a different number of neighboring reel strip positions.

[0049] At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts to step 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

[0050] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, at step 525, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display the selected symbols at the symbol positions.

[0051] At step 530, the processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols for winning combinations based on a pay table stored in memory 204. In an example, the processor 204 checks each pay line activated by the player's wager to determine whether it has a winning combination of symbols (e.g. three, four or five of a symbol included in the pay table). In an example, the processor 204 evaluates each pay line from left to right - i.e. the winning combination must start in the left most column. WILD symbols substitute for all other symbols in this evaluation. The processor 204 makes an award for each winning combination based on any selected bet multiplier by adding an award to a win meter stored in memory 208. In an example, there are 50 pay lines and each wager involves activating all pay lines - i.e. the number of pay lines is fixed.

[0052] As described above, in this example, the reel strips comprise three trigger symbols (SCAT 1, SCAT 2 and SCAT 3). In an embodiment, the selection of a respective symbol results in a chance of triggering an associated free-game feature game (Ft1, Ft2 & Ft3). Where more than one trigger symbol is selected, in addition to there being a chance of triggering the respective feature game, there is a chance of triggering features that combine game play characteristics of the individual feature games which are combined to form composite features (Ft 1+2, Ft 1+3, Ft 2+3, Ft 1+2+3). Whether a single feature or composite feature is triggered depends on a weight table. An example of a weight table is set out in Table 1 below:

Ft1 Ft2 FtS Ft (1+2) Ft (1+3) Ft (2+?) Ft (1+2+3) None (sum) Scat1I .S 0.5 1 scat 2 0.5 0. 5 1 scat 3 0.5 0.5 1 Seat 1&2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.5 1 scat1I&B . 0.2 .0.1 Scat 2&3 0.21 D .

. Seat 03 1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.08 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.5 1

Table 1

[0053] In order, to implement this functionality, at step 540, the processor 204 determines whether the selected symbols include one or more trigger symbols. In this respect, it will be appreciated step 540 can be initiated before or after the symbols are displayed. At step 545, the processor 204 updates individual trigger symbol counters stored in memory 204 for the respective trigger symbols. The values of the trigger symbol counters determine whether the associated feature games are in an unenhanced or enhanced state, which in turn affect which game play characteristic of the respective feature game will be implemented as described in further detail below. In an example, progress towards the enhanced state of each feature game is graphically displayed on the display 240 as explained in further detail below in relation to Table 2.

[0054] The processor 204 also uses the identity of the trigger symbol(s) to select a set of one or more trigger probabilities from the table at step 550. In this respect, referring to Table 1, in an example, where only a SCAT 1 is selected, processor 204 determines that a trigger probability of 0.5 applies to triggering the first feature game (Ft1), and hence there is a probability of 0.5 that no feature will trigger. In another example, where each of SCAT 1, SCAT 2, and SCAT 3 are selected, a trigger probability of 0.1 applies to triggering a first feature game, a trigger probability of 0.1 applies to triggering a second feature game, a trigger probability of 0.1 applies to triggering a third feature game, a trigger probability of 0.08 applies to a first composite feature game having game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, a trigger probability of 0.04 applies to a second composite feature game having game play characteristics of the first and third feature games, a trigger probability of 0.04 applies to a third composite feature game having game play characteristics of the second and third feature games, and a trigger probability of 0.04 applies to

16 16554630_1 (GHMatters) P113484.AU.1 a fourth composite feature game having game play characteristics of the first, second and third feature games.

[0055] Based on the assigned trigger probability or probabilities, the processor 204 assigns ranges of values returnable by RNG 212 to the respective feature games. The processor 204, then at step 560, determines a trigger outcome based on the trigger probability or probabilities by obtaining a value from RNG 212 and comparing the returned value to the assigned ranges. If the returned value corresponds to one of the assigned ranges, the trigger outcome is that the processor 204 awards the relevant feature game at step 570, and after controlling the display 240 to indicate that the relevant feature game is awarded as will be described in further detail below. In the example, of Table 1, a possible trigger outcome for all combinations of trigger symbols is that no feature game is triggered.

[0056] It will be appreciated that in another example, the weight table may associate ranges of values returnable from the RNG 212 with specific outcomes rather than specifying probabilities.

[0057] Table 1 is only one example where N = 3 is the number of trigger symbols and there are up to 2AN - 1 = 7 triggerable features plus a probability of triggering no feature. In an alternative example, a feature game may trigger each time a trigger symbol lands, such that the processor 204, effectively only determines a trigger outcome that defines which of the 2^N - 1 = 7 triggerable features will trigger, not whether a feature will trigger.

[0058] In another example, where N = 2 there may only be two trigger symbols and up to 2^N - 1 = 3 triggerable features, with or without a probability of triggering no feature. In another example, there may be more than three trigger symbols. In an example, not all possible combinations of trigger symbols are mapped to a feature game. For example, where N=4, in one example, there are feature games associated with each individual trigger symbol and each combination of two trigger symbols but not with combinations of three or more trigger symbols.

[0059] When the trigger outcome is that a feature game will be conducted, then processor initiates the triggered feature game based on the feature states and conducts the feature game at step 580. In some embodiments, at least one of the individual trigger symbol counters is reset at step 585 before the process ends at step 590. In one example, all the counters are reset. In another example, only the counter(s) corresponding to the selected trigger symbol(s) is/are reset. In yet another example, only the counter(s) corresponding to the triggered game play characteristic(s), whether unenhanced or enhanced, is/are reset. In a further example, only the counter(s) corresponding to the triggered and enhanced game play characteristic(s) is/are reset.

[0060] An example set of feature games, how their game play characteristics are combined to form composite features based on feature state, and hence how they will be conducted is set out below. Feature 1 (Reel Growth and Nudge WILDs - the "Prosperity Feature")

[0061] In this example, Feature 1 is triggerable based on an assigned trigger probability when SCAT1 is a selected trigger symbol. When Feature 1 is triggered in an unenhanced state, 5 free games are awarded. In the unenhanced state, during Feature 1 the array of symbol positions "grows" so that there are 6 symbol positions in each column. In each of the free games 100 pay lines are played - i.e. will be evaluated by processor 204. If a WILD appears in any position on reels 2, 3, 4 and/or 5 (that is in the relevant column of symbol position), the relevant reel(s) is nudged (moved to a new position) so that all symbols on that reel become WILD symbols. That is, the reel strips that employed during the unenhanced free games include stacks of WILD symbols sufficient to fill an entire column of symbol positions. The symbols are evaluated by the processor 204 after the reels have been nudged.

[0062] In an example, when Feature 1 is in an enhanced or "boosted" state, the array of symbol positions "grows" further so that there are eight symbol positions and 150 pay lines.

[0063] In an alternative example, rather than adding further symbol positions, the enhanced state increases the chance of wild symbols appearing by incorporating a random process where processor 204 determines whether all symbols of a column are turned wild. In yet another alternative example, the growth and height of the symbol array is determined on a per free game basis. In this example, in the unenhanced state, the processor 204 first determines at the end of each awarded free game whether the symbol array is to be expanded based on a growth condition being satisfied (e.g. appearance of a wild stack occupying an entire column). The processor 204 then randomly determines (e.g. via a RNG call) the symbol array height between a minimum (e.g. 6) and maximum (e.g. 8) number of positions, before the processor 204 evaluates win based on the expanded symbol array (e.g. extending the wild stack to fill the expanded symbol array). In comparison, in the enhanced state, the height of the symbol array, which upon determination by the processor 204 is to be expanded, will expand to the maximum (e.g. 8) number of positions. In other words, the unenhanced state allows for a variable symbol array height across the free games, whereas the enhanced state bypasses the height determination to allow the all free games to be played at the maximum height. Feature 2 (Additional games and Multipliers - the "Longevity Feature")

[0064] Feature 2 is triggerable based on an assigned trigger probability when SCAT2 is a selected trigger symbol. When Feature 2 is triggered in an unenhanced state, 5 free games are awarded. During Feature 2, every SCAT2 symbol that is selected awards 1 free game, 2 free games or a bonus credit prize. These selections are made by the processor 204 from a weight table in memory 208 without replacement such that, for example, once all possible instances of awarding 2 free games have occurred (assuming this happens first), any future occurrences of a SCAT 2 symbol, will either result in the award of 1 free game or a bonus credit prize. A multiplier is applied to all line wins during Feature 2. In an example, the value of the multiplier is 3. This multiplier is displayed in the top right corner of the main screen.

[0065] In an example, when Feature 2 is in an enhanced or "boosted" state additional free games are awarded, for example every SCAT2 symbol that is selected awards 2 free game, 4 free games, or a bonus credit prize. In an example, the multiplier is also higher in the enhanced state. In other examples, rather than doubling the awarded free games, the awardable free games are changed, e.g. so that the weight table includes instances where larger numbers of free games are awarded.

[0066] In another example, when Feature 2 is triggered in an unenhanced state, 5 free games are awarded. During Feature 2, every SCAT2 symbol that is selected awards 1 free game or a bonus credit prize. In the enhanced state, a multiplier is applied to all line wins. In an example, the value of the multiplier is selected by the processor 204 using a weighted table and is either 2 or 3. This multiplier is displayed in the top right corner of the main screen. These selections are made by the processor 204 from a weight table in memory 208 without replacement such that, for example, once all possible instances of awarding a free game have occurred (assuming this happens first), any future occurrences of a SCAT 2 symbol, will result in the award of a bonus credit prize. In the enhanced state, the multiplier also applied to credit values on the coins. Feature 3 (the "Jackpot Feature")

[0067] Feature 3 is triggerable based on an assigned trigger probability when SCAT3 is a selected trigger symbol. When Feature 3 is triggered, 10 free games are awarded. SCAT1, SCAT2 and SCAT3 symbols are replaced on the reel strops by a "GOLD SCAT" symbol during this feature. The "GOLD SCAT" symbol is a "configurable symbol" because the symbol it will show is determined dynamically by selecting from a number of possible "configuring symbols" - i.e. a set of symbols that can take the place of a "GOLD SCAT" symbol or be displayed at the reel strip position on the reel strip where the GOLD SCAT symbol is placed.

[0068] Each GOLD SCAT appearing when configured with a configuring symbol reveals either a credit prize or a letter which is a component of at least one prize. In an example, the letters "M" "I" "N" "A" "J" "0" "R" "G" "N" "D" correspond to the prizes GRAND, MAJOR, MINOR, and MINI. In one example, shown in some of the figures described below, there are separate symbols for each of the prizes. In the illustrated example, different colours are used for each prize - e.g. there are three different coloured "M" configuring symbols. As described further below, the configuring symbols are selected by a two-stage process of first, selecting a weight table, and second selecting a configuring symbol in accordance with the selected weight table.

[0069] Any credit prize appearing during the free games is instantly awarded.

[0070] Progress toward the award of each awardable prize (such as progressive jackpots, bonus prizes or a mixture of progressive prizes and bonus prizes) is indicated by displaying the names: GRAND, MAJOR, MINOR and MINI with letters yet to have been selected greyed-out and letters that have been selected in colour.

[0071] If a letter is selected from the reel strips, it is counted towards spelling one of the progressive names. When the name of the progressive is completely collected, the respective progressive is awarded.

[0072] In an example, there are tables for each of the "GRAND / MAJOR /MINOR / MINI" prizes. As described in further detail below the tables are used "without replacement" and contain a set of undetermined, reference letters as well as credit prizes.

[0073] E.g. the "GRAND" table contains reference letters "Grand_1, Grand_2, Grand_3, Grand_4 and Grand_5" each with a unique weight. At the start of Feature 3, these reference letters are randomly (even chance) assigned a letter corresponding to the progressive level by processor 204. E.g. "Grand_1, Grand_2, Grand_3, Grand_4 and Grand_5" will be randomly assigned one of "G, R, A, N or D" for the remainder of Feature 3.

[0074] After any prize is awarded the progress indicated by the prize name is reset by the processor (here by greying all the letters out) and the prize can potentially be won again during the remainder of the feature. Weight tables are reset if all configurable symbols within the weight table have been used. In an enhanced state, in one example, letters are not specific to a prize such that a letter shared by two prizes can contribute towards two prizes. For example, if the symbol selection process results in an "M" coin being selected, the processor updates the collection states of both the Mini and Major prizes. In another example, two RNG calls are performed by the processor 204 for the same coin (e.g. first could be a Grand M, second could be a credit prize), to control the probability of letters being collected. Composite (or "Super") Feature 1 derived from Feature 1 + Feature 2

[0075] A number of game play characteristics of Feature 1 are incorporated into Super Feature 1, including that 5 free games are awarded, the number of symbols selected for each column of symbol positions grow, and that additional lines are played. When the feature state of Feature 1 is an unenhanced state, each column of symbol positions grows to 6 symbol positions high and 100 lines are played. When the feature state of Feature 1 is an enhanced state, each column of symbol positions grows to eight symbol positions high and 150 lines are played. Further, if WILD appears in any position on reels 2, 3, 4 and/or 5, the reels are nudged so that all symbols on that reel become WILD. A number of game play characteristics from Feature 2 are incorporated too. Specifically, every SCAT2 that appears during the feature awards free games or a bonus credit prize. When the feature state of Feature 2 is an unenhanced state, SCAT 2 awards 1 free game, 2 free games or a bonus credit prize as described above Further, a multiplier is applied to all line wins during the feature. When the feature state of Feature 2 is an enhanced state, SCAT 2 awards 2 free games, 4 free games or a bonus credit prize as described above. Composite (or "Super") Feature 2 derived from Feature 1 + Feature 3

[0076] When Super Feature 2 is awarded, 10 free games are awarded (a game play characteristic of Feature 3). SCAT1, SCAT2 and SCAT3 are replaced by GOLD SCAT during this feature (a game play characteristic of Feature 3) and each column grows and more lines are played (a game play characteristic of from Feature 1). As described above the number symbol positions and lines depends on whether the feature state of Feature 1 is in the unenhanced or enhanced state.

[0077] As in Feature 1, if WILD appears in any position on reels 2, 3, 4 and/or 5, the reels are nudged so that all symbols on that reel become WILD. Further, line wins are multiplied by 3.

[0078] As in Feature 3, each GOLD SCAT appearing has a configuring symbol which is either a credit prize or a letter "M" "I" "N" "A" "J" "0" "R" "G" "N" "D" which is a component of a prize that can be awarded if all letters are collected in the manner described above. As described above, in the enhanced state letters can contribute to multiple prizes. Composite (or "Super") Feature 3 derived from Feature 2 + Feature 3

[0079] In Super Feature 3 10 free games are awarded. As described in relation to Feature 3, SCAT1, SCAT2 and SCAT3 are replaced by the configurable symbol GOLD SCAT and each GOLD SCAT appearing is configured by a configuring symbol which is either a credit prize or a letter "M" "I" "N" "A" "J" "0""R""G" "N" "D" that is a component of a prize that can be collected. As described above, depending on whether the feature state of Feature 3 is the unenhanced state or the enhanced state the letters either contribute to a single prize or multiple prizes.

[0080] As with Feature 2, line wins are multiplied by 3 (a game play characteristic of Feature 2. When the feature state of Feature 2 is an enhanced state, SCAT 2 awards 2 free games, 4 free games or a bonus credit prize as described above. Composite Feature 4 (or "Mega Feature") derived from Feature 1, Feature 2 and Feature 3.

[0081] 10 free games are awarded. The game play characteristics from Feature 1 are that each column grows 6 and more lines are played. As described above the number symbol positions and lines depends on whether the feature state of Feature 1 is in the unenhanced or enhanced state.

[0082] The configurable GOLD SCAT symbol and prize component collection game play characteristics from Feature 3 are incorporated too. . As described above, depending on whether the feature state of Feature 3 is the unenhanced state or the enhanced state the letters either contribute to a single prize or multiple prizes.

[0083] As in Feature 1, if WILD appears in any position on reels 2, 3 4 and/or 5, the reels are nudged so that all symbols on that reel become WILD. Further, line wins are multiplied and the multiplier is higher in the enhanced state (a game play characteristic of Feature 2).

[0084] FIG. 6 shows an example screen display 600 of the base game. Symbols are selected for twenty symbol positions arranged in five columns 611 615 and four rows 621-624. Screen display has an indicator 601 to indicate that the player is playing 50 lines. In an upper part of the screen display, current values are displayed for a Grand progressive jackpot 631, a Major progressive jackpot 632, a Minor bonus prize 633 and a Mini bonus prize 634.

[0085] In some embodiments, the trigger symbol counters are graphically indicated, instead of or in addition to, being numerically indicated. In the example of Fig. 6, screen display 600 displays bags of coins 641-643 that correspond to the Prosperity Feature 641, Jackpot Feature 642, and Longevity Feature 643. The size of the bag is indicative of how many trigger symbols have appeared and have been counted since the respective feature counter was last reset.

[0086] In one example, each bag 641-643 has five possible states corresponding to different graphical representations of the bags as set out in

Table 2. In this example, the fifth state also corresponds to the enhanced state of the relevant feature. State of bag BAG 641 BAG 642 BAG 643 1 - unenhanced 0-4 0-4 0-4 2 - unenhanced 5-9 5-9 5-9 3- unenhanced 10-14 10-14 10-14 4- unenhanced 15-24 15-24 15-24 5 - enhanced 25+ 25+ 25+ Table 2

[0087] In the screen display of FIG. 6, feature game play characteristic messages651, 652 ,653 are displayed under the Bags 641-643 corresponding to each of the feature games. FIG. 6 shows each of the Bags in state 1 and the accompanying messages correspond to the unenhanced game play characteristics. Specifically, for Feature 1 ("Prosperity") 641, the game play characteristic message 651 is "Reel Growth, Nudge Wilds".

[0088] For Feature 2 ("Longevity") 643, the game play characteristic message 653 is "Extra Free Games, Multipliers".

[0089] For Feature 3 ("Jackpot"), the game play characteristic message 652 is "Collect & Win".

[0090] In the screen display of FIG. 7, the states of each of the bags have changed to new states. In the example, Bag 642A is in state 4, while 641A,643A are in state 5. In this respect it will be noted that in addition to the bags growing, jewels are added to Bags 641A,643A to indicate to the player that this is the highest state corresponding to an enhanced game play characteristic. Game play characteristic messages 651A, 652 ,653A are displayed under the bags 641A-643A corresponding to each of the feature games, from which it will be noted that message 652 remains unchanged as this feature is still in an unenhanced state, while the other messages are changed to reflect the enhanced game play characteristic. Specifically, for Feature 1 ("Prosperity"), the updated game play characteristic message 651A is "Extra Reel Growth, Nudge Wilds". The word "Boost" is also added below the bag to communicate that the enhanced game play characteristic is available.

[0091] For Feature 2 ("Longevity"), the game play characteristic message 653 is "Double Extra Free Games, Multipliers". Again, the word "Boost" is also added below the bag to communicate that the enhanced game play characteristic is available.

[0092] If Feature 3 ("Jackpot") were in an enhanced state, the game play characteristic message would be "Multi-Collect & Win".

[0093] It will be appreciated that there are a number of different ways in which the trigger symbol counters can be updated. In the above example, in case of landing multiple SCATs, the SCATs add to the corresponding bags regardless of whether a feature gets triggered (e.g. if SCAT1 & SCAT2 lands, and any of Ft1, Ft2 and Ft(1+2) triggers, then both SCAT1 and SCAT2 still get added to Bag 1 and Bag 2).

[0094] In another example, in the case of landing a single SCAT, the SCAT will add to the corresponding bag only if no feature gets triggered. For example, if SCAT1 lands, but Ftl doesn't trigger, then SCAT1 gets added to the counter for the feature state of Ft 1 (as represented by Bag1).

[0095] In another example, in the case of landing a single SCAT, the SCAT will add to the corresponding bag regardless of whether a feature gets triggered (e.g. if SCAT1 lands, and Ftl triggers, then SCAT1 still gets added to Bag 1).

[0096] In another example, in the case of landing multiple SCATs, the SCATs add to the corresponding bags only if no feature gets triggered (e.g. if SCAT1 & SCAT2 lands, but none of Ft1, Ft2 and Ft(1+2) triggers, then SCAT1 and SCAT2 get added to Bag 1 and Bag 2).

[0097] In another example, in the case of landing multiple SCATs, the SCATs add to the corresponding bags only if a feature corresponding to the feature state doesn't get triggered (e.g. if SCAT1 &SCAT2 lands, and if Ftl triggers, then only SCAT2 gets added to Bag 2 but if Ft2 triggers, then only SCAT1 gets added to Bag 1 and if Ft(1+2) triggers, then no SCAT is added to any bag).

[0098] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method 800 of operating a gaming device 200 of another embodiment. At step 810, the gaming device 200 receives the player's wager which is input as described above.

[0099] At step 820, the processor 204 selects symbols for display on display 240 from reel strips stored in the memory 208, for example, using the process described in relation to FIGs 3 and 4 above.

[00100] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, at step 880, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display the selected symbols at the symbol positions.

[00101] At step 840, the processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols for winning combinations based on a pay table stored in memory 204. In an example, the processor 204 checks each pay line activated by the player's wager to determine whether it has a winning combination of symbols (e.g. three, four or five of a symbol included in the pay table). In an example, the processor 204 evaluates each pay line from left to right - i.e. the winning combination must start in the left most column. WILD symbols substitute for all other symbols in this evaluation. The processor 204 makes an award for each winning combination based on any selected bet multiplier by adding an award to a win meter stored in memory 208.

[00102] At step 850, the processor 204 determines whether the selected symbols satisfy a trigger condition, for example that they include a defined minimum number of trigger symbols. In this respect, it will be appreciated step 540 can be initiated before or after the symbols are displayed.

[00103] At step 860, the processor determines whether the feature state is an enhanced state or an unenhanced state. In an example, like the embodiment of Figure 5, the feature state is dependent on symbols collected. In an example, the feature state is dependent on whether symbols collected by a single player during a game session or since a previous enhanced feature have reached a threshold number. In another example, the counter is not reset at the end of a game session such that a new player can benefit from any accrued progress towards the enhanced feature state.

[00104] In this example, the processor 204 updates the feature state counter at step 845 dependent on the number of selected collectable symbols (if any). If the threshold number has been reached, at step 860, the processor 204 will determine that the state of the gaming device 200 is the enhanced feature state and conduct the enhanced feature game at step 870 before resetting the feature state counter at step 875 before the process ends at step 590.

[00105] If instead processor 204 determines at step 860 that the state of the gaming device 200 is the unenhanced feature state, processor 204 conducts the unenhanced feature game at step 880 before the process ends at step 590. Example embodiments

[00106] An example embodiment provides a gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a feature game having at least one unenhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an unenhanced state of the first feature game, and an enhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the feature game, (b) a current feature state, and (c) instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: upon one of the feature game being triggered, initiate the feature game with the unenhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the unenhanced state, and with the enhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the enhanced state; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

[00107] In an embodiment, the instructions cause the processor to reset the feature state at the end of a game session.

[00108] In an embodiment, the instructions cause the processor to reset the feature state responsive to initiating the feature game with the enhanced game play characteristic.

[00109] Another example embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a feature game having at least one unenhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an unenhanced state of the first feature game, and an enhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the feature game, and (b) a current feature state, the method comprising: upon one of the feature game being triggered, initiating the feature game with the unenhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the unenhanced state, and with the enhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the enhanced state; conducting the initiated feature game; and making any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

[00110] Another example embodiment provides a system comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) feature game data defining a feature game having at least one unenhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an unenhanced state of the first feature game, and an enhanced game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the feature game, (b) a current feature state, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: upon one of the feature game being triggered, initiate the feature game with the unenhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the unenhanced state, and with the enhanced game play characteristic when the feature state is the enhanced state; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

[00111] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, and (c) instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiate the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

2. The gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the first feature game is triggered, the instructions cause the processor to initiate the first feature game with the unenhanced first game play characteristic when the feature state of the first feature game is the unenhanced state and initiate the first feature game with the enhanced first game play characteristic when the feature state of the first feature game is the enhanced state.

3. The gaming device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the second feature game is triggered, the instructions cause the processor to initiate the second feature game with the unenhanced second game play characteristic when the feature state of the second feature game is the unenhanced state and initiate the second feature game with the enhanced second game play characteristic when the feature state of the second feature game is the enhanced state.

4. The gaming device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the instructions cause the processor to increment a first game event counter in response to occurrence of a first game event in a base game, change the first feature state from the unenhanced state to the enhanced state upon the first game event counter reaching a threshold value, and reset the first game event counter upon either the first feature game being conducted with the enhanced game play characteristic or the composite feature game being conducted with the enhanced first game play characteristic.

5. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the instructions cause the processor to increment a second game event counter in response to occurrence of a second game event in a base game, change the second feature state from the unenhanced state to the enhanced state upon the second game event counter reaching a threshold value, and reset the second game event counter upon either the second feature game being conducted with the enhanced game play characteristic or the composite feature game being conducted with the enhanced second game play characteristic.

6. The gaming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one first designated symbol in the base game.

7. The gaming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first game event is each individual selection of a first designated symbol in the base game.

8. The gaming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one first designated symbol when the base game that does not result in triggering the first feature game or the composite feature game.

9. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one second designated symbol in the base game.

10. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first game event is each individual selection of a second designated symbol in the base game.

11. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one second designated symbol when the base game does not result in triggering the second feature game or the composite feature game.

12. The gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the instructions cause the processor to conduct a base game by: selecting symbols from respective ones of plurality of reel strips for display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each column of symbol positions corresponds to a reel strip of the plurality of reel strips; displaying the selected symbols on the display in the plurality of columns of symbol positions; upon the selected symbols comprising one or both of a first trigger symbol corresponding to the first feature game and a second trigger symbol corresponding to the second feature game, assigning at least one trigger probability of a plurality of trigger probabilities based on the identity of the selected one or both of the first and second trigger symbols, determining a trigger outcome based on the assigned at least one trigger probability; and awarding the intiated feature game based on the trigger outcome, wherein the awardable feature games comprise the first feature game, the second feature game and the composite feature game.

13. A method of operating a gaming device comprising a display and memory storing a memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, and (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, the method comprising: upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiating the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conducting the initiated feature game; and making any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein when the first feature game is triggered, the instructions cause the processor to initiate the first feature game with the unenhanced first game play characteristic when the feature state of the first feature game is the unenhanced state and initiate the first feature game with the enhanced first game play characteristic when the feature state of the first feature game is the enhanced state.

15. The method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein when the second feature game is triggered, the instructions cause the processor to initiate the second feature game with the unenhanced second game play characteristic when the feature state of the second feature game is the unenhanced state and initiate the second feature game with the enhanced second game play characteristic when the feature state of the second feature game is the enhanced state.

16. The method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the instructions cause the processor to increment a first game event counter in response to occurrence of a first game event in a base game, change the first feature state from the unenhanced state to the enhanced state upon the first game event counter reaching a threshold value, and reset the first game event counter upon either the first feature game being conducted with the enhanced game play characteristic or the composite feature game being conducted with the enhanced first game play characteristic.

17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the instructions cause the processor to increment a second game event counter in response to occurrence of a second game event in a base game, change the second feature state from the unenhanced state to the enhanced state upon the second game event counter reaching a threshold value, and reset the second game event counter upon either the second feature game being conducted with the enhanced game play characteristic or the composite feature game being conducted with the enhanced second game play characteristic.

18. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one first designated symbol in the base game.

19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first game event is each individual selection of a first designated symbol in the base game.

20. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one first designated symbol when the base game that does not result in triggering the first feature game or the composite feature game.

21. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one second designated symbol in the base game.

22. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first game event is each individual selection of a second designated symbol in the base game.

23. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first game event is selection of at least one second designated symbol when the base game does not result in triggering the second feature game or the composite feature game.

24. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising conducting a base game by: selecting symbols from respective ones of plurality of reel strips for display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each column of symbol positions corresponds to a reel strip of the plurality of reel strips; displaying the selected symbols on the display in the plurality of columns of symbol positions; upon the selected symbols comprising one or both of a first trigger symbol corresponding to the first feature game and a second trigger symbol corresponding to the second feature game, assigning at least one trigger probability of a plurality of trigger probabilities based on the identity of the selected one or both of the first and second trigger symbols, determining a trigger outcome based on the assigned at least one trigger probability; and awarding the initiated feature game based on the trigger outcome, wherein the awardable feature games comprise the first feature game, the second feature game and the composite feature game.

25. A system comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) feature game data defining a first feature game having at least one unenhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the first feature game, an enhanced first game play characteristic corresponding to an enhanced state of the first feature game, a second feature game having a unenhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to a unenhanced state of the second feature game and an enhanced second game play characteristic corresponding to the enhanced game play state, and a composite feature game dynamically configurable with game play characteristics of the first and second feature games, (b) current feature states for each of the first feature game and the second feature game, wherein possible feature states comprise the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the first feature game and the unenhanced state and the enhanced state of the second feature game, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: upon one of the first, second or composite feature games being triggered, initiate the triggered one of the feature games based on the current feature states, wherein when the composite feature game is triggered, initiating the composite feature game comprising dynamically configuring the composite feature game to incorporate game play characteristics corresponding to the unenhanced and enhanced features of the first and second games in dependence on the respective feature states of the first feature game and the second feature game; conduct the initiated feature game; and make any awards resulting from conduct of the initiated feature game.

DETERMINATION