AU2022202217A1

AU2022202217A1 - A gaming system

Info

Publication number: AU2022202217A1
Application number: AU2022202217A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nicholas Bennett
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-08-08
Filing date: 2022-04-01
Publication date: 2022-04-21
Also published as: AU2018214061A1; AU2020201127A1

Abstract

A gaming system is described that comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols and display the selected symbols in a symbol display area, and an outcome determiner that determines whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. The system also includes a plurality of special symbol meters that each record a prize amount value for a different defined special symbol, and a special symbol meter accumulator that causes the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter to increment when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game. The system is arranged to award a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game, the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol. 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

Description

A GAMING SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION This application is a divisional of Australian patent application number 2020201127, which in turn is a divisional of Australian patent application number 2018214061, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming.

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

1 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 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] In this specification, the term "N-of-a-kind" refers to selection and display of a defined number of symbols across reels of a spinning reel type game. For example, 3-of-a-kind refers to selection and display of a defined symbol in 3 consecutive reels, 4-of-a-kind refers to selection and display of a defined symbol in 4 consecutive reels, and so on.

[0006] The described gaming system implements base games and feature games that are triggered in response to occurrence of a trigger condition in the base games. During a feature game, multiple prize meters record multiple respective prize amounts for a plurality of special symbols, and a prize meter associated with a special symbol is incremented each time a defined wild symbol is displayed in a feature game. Typically, multiple feature games are implemented when a trigger condition occurs during a base game. If a defined winning outcome that includes a special symbol occurs during a feature game, such as a N-of-a-kind winning outcome for a special symbol, and the winning outcome includes a defined wild symbol, a player wins at least part of the prize amount recorded in the relevant prize meter associated with the special symbol.

[0007] In one implementation, each special symbol is associated with one prize meter. In an alternative implementation, each special symbol is associated with multiple prize meters that each correspond to a different winning outcome, such as a defined N-of-a kind winning outcome.

[0008] A gaming system is described that comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols and display the selected

2 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 symbols in a symbol display area, and an outcome determiner that determines whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. The system also includes a plurality of special symbol meters that each record a prize amount value for a different defined special symbol, and a special symbol meter accumulator that causes the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter to increment when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game. The system awards a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game. The defined winning combination of symbols includes at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

[0009] A method of gaming is described that involves selecting a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols, and displaying the selected symbols in a symbol display area. The method also includes determining whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome, record a prize amount value in a plurality of special symbol meters, each special symbol meter for a different defined special symbol, and incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter to when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game. A prize is awarded based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game, the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functional components implemented by a game controller.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example game implementation.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates example screens displayed to a player during implementation of a feature game in a first embodiment.

3 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates example screens displayed to a player during implementation of a feature game in a second embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates example screens displayed to a player for a jackpot feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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

4 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Rem XLTMmodelgaming 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).

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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

5 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

6 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the HelixTMmodelgaming 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

7 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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

8 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

9 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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

10 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] FIG 3. Illustrates a block diagram showing functional components implemented by the game controller 202. In this example, the functional components comprise data stored in the memory 208, including data indicative of symbols 310, data indicative of win lines 312, base game data 314 that defines characteristics of a base game, and feature game data 316 that defines characteristics of a feature game.

[0048] The game controller 202 also manages multiple special prize meters 318 associated with multiple special symbols, wherein selection and display of a defined wild symbol during a feature game causes the prize meters to be incremented.

[0049] The functional components also include a base game implementer 320 arranged to implement a base game using the stored base game data 314, the base game implementer 320 using a symbol selector 322 to select symbols according to symbols data 310 for display at a plurality of display positions, for example using the random number generator 212. Outcomes of a base game are determined by an outcome evaluator 324 and any applicable prize is awarded by a prize allocator 326.

[0050] During implementation of a base game by the base game implementor 320, the outcome evaluator 324 determines whether a base game outcome corresponds to a winning outcome, and the prize allocator 326 awards a prize according to the winning outcome and for example based on a base game pay table.

[0051] The functional components also include a trigger condition determiner 328 arranged to make a determination based on the outcome of a base game as to

11 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 whether to commence a feature game, for example based on whether a trigger condition has occurred during the base game such as selection and display of a defined combination of trigger symbols during the base game.

[0052] The functional components also include a feature game implementer 330 arranged to implement a feature game using the stored feature game data 316 and for example the symbol selector 322 to select symbols for display at a plurality of display positions. Outcomes of a feature game are in this example also determined by the outcome evaluator 324 and any applicable prize is awarded by the prize allocator 326.

[0053] During a feature game, if a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed a symbol meter incrementor 332 increments the prize meters, for example by adding a defined amount or a randomly selected amount to the prize meters. In case of adding a randomly selected amount, the randomly selected amount may be selected from different defined limits for different prize meters. If a defined winning outcome occurs during a feature game that includes at least one special symbol and at least one wild symbol, such as an N-of-a-kind winning outcome for a special symbol that includes a defined wild symbol, a prize based on the prize amount specified in the prize meter corresponding to the special symbol in the winning outcome is awarded to the player by the prize allocator 326. For example, a prize equal to the prize amount specified in the prize meter may be awarded.

[0054] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a set 400 of five reel strips 421, 422, 423, 424, 425 used during a base game. In the example, each reel strip has fifteen reel strip positions 401-415. Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol 430. For example, a "Wild" symbol 431 occupies the sixth reel strip position 406 of the fourth reel 424. Other reels strips to those illustrated in Figure 4 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 feature game reel strips would depend 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), 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).

[0055] The reel strips also include feature trigger symbols 436 that cause a feature to commence when selected and displayed, in this example when defined number of trigger symbols are displayed, such as 3 trigger symbols 436.

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[0056] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 carried out by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips. At step 510, 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 520, 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 530 the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 540 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 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.

[0057] At step 550, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nrth eel stripto andnth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel 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 neighbouring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of FIG. 4, if the value returned by the RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 413, then for the first reel strip 421, "Pic3" symbol 443 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, "10" symbol 442 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and "J" symbol is mapped to a top symbol position.

[0058] At step 560, the processor 560 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts to step 520 and iterates through steps 530, 540 and 550 until it is determined at step 560 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 570. Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

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[0059] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at the symbol positions.

[0060] An example embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings.

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart 600 illustrating an example game implementation. In the illustrated example, on receipt of an initial game play instruction 602 from a player, a base game is implemented 604 that involves selection of symbols and display of the symbols in a display area. The selected and displayed symbols are used by the game controller 202 to determine a base game outcome and, if the base game outcome corresponds to a winning outcome, a prize to be awarded to the player.

[0062] The game controller 202 makes a determination 606 during the base game as to whether the selected and displayed symbols correspond to a trigger condition. If no trigger condition exists, the player is able to provide a further play instruction 602 in order to commence a new base game. If a trigger condition exists, the game controller 202 implements 608 a feature game.

[0063] The trigger condition may be any suitable condition, for example selection and display of a defined combination of trigger symbols 436 during a base game.

[0064] A representation 700 of screens displayed to a player during a feature game is shown in Figure 7.

[0065] A first screen 702 includes a first display area 704 in which a plurality of selected symbols are displayed. The symbols available for selection include standard symbols 706; 5 types of special symbols, one of which is a bow symbol 708, as shown; and at least one type of wild symbol, which in this example is a representation of a rabbit 710.

[0066] A second screen 712 includes representations of special symbols used in the feature game. In this example, the special symbols include a clock special symbol 716, the bow special symbol 708, a heart special symbol 718, a potion special symbol 720, and a cake special symbol 722.

[0067] During a feature game, a prize meter 318 is associated with each of the special symbols 708, 716, 718, 720, 722, and each prize meter 318 indicates a current prize amount 724a, 724b, 724c, 724d, 724e that is available as a prize pool should a defined winning outcome occur that includes both a wild symbol and at least one special symbol. The second screen 712 displays the current value of each prize

14 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 meter, and in the present example the current meter values are 1814 credits for the clock special symbol 716, 1209 credits for the bow special symbol 708, 952 credits for the heart special symbol 718, 656 credits for the potion special symbol 720, and 366 credits for the cake special symbol 722.

[0068] During the feature game, the game controller 202 selects symbols and causes the selected symbols to be displayed in the first display area 704. Selection and display of a defined wild symbol causes an amount to be added 612 to each prize meter.

[0069] The added amount may be determined randomly for each prize meter; may be determined randomly within defined limits; may be determined according to defined increment criteria; may be determined in a non-random way according to defined criteria; or may be predefined such that for example each prize meter is incremented by the same amount or each prize meter is incremented by a different defined amount. The game controller 202 may be arranged to increment the prize meters 318 for each wild symbol that is selected and displayed so that, for example, each prize meter is incremented multiple times when multiple wild symbols are selected and displayed.

[0070] In the present example, multiple free games are provided to a player as part of the feature game and each prize meter has a different initial value that is assigned when the trigger condition occurs and the feature game commences. Also in this example, the game controller 202 is arranged to increment each prize meter by a different amount. The initial value may be determined randomly, for example within defined limits; the initial values may be predefined; or the initial values may be determined in any other way.

[0071] For example, the clock symbol meter, the bow symbol meter, the heart symbol meter, the potion symbol meter and the cake symbol meter may have progressively reducing initial prize amounts 724, such that for example the clock meter has an initial prize amount 724a within a range 1500-1600 credits and the cake meter has an initial prize amount 724e within a range 300-400 credits. Similarly, the game controller 202 may be arranged to increment the clock symbol meter, the bow symbol meter, the heart symbol meter, the potion symbol meter and the cake symbol meter by progressively reducing incrementation amounts, such that for example selection and display of a wild symbol causes the clock meter to increment by an amount within the range 100-200 credits and the cake meter to increment by an amount within the range -30 credits. Progressively reducing amounts, for both or either of the initial prize

15 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 and incrementation, may be provided by a set of non-overlapping ranges of credits. That is, the upper limit of a lower range is lower than the lower limit of the next higher range. This arrangement provides that increments for one or more special symbols (e.g. the clock special symbol) are configured to be deterministically greater than another one or more special symbols (e.g. the cake special symbol). Alternatively, progressively reducing amounts may be provided by a set of partially overlapping ranges of credits. That is, the upper limit of a lower range is greater than the lower limit but lower than the upper limit of the next higher range. This arrangement provides that increments for one or more special symbols (e.g. the clock special symbol) are configured to be probabilistically greater than another one or more special symbols (e.g. the cake special symbol). In yet another alternative arrangement, progressively reducing amounts may be provided by a mix of non-overlapping and partially overlapping ranges is also possible.

[0072] If a defined winning outcome occurs 614 in the feature game that includes a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol, the game controller 202 is arranged to award 616 a prize to a player that is derived from the prize meter corresponding to the special symbol.

[0073] For example, the defined winning outcome may be a N-of-a-kind winning outcome, such as a 3-of-a-kind, 4-of-a-kind or 5-of-a-kind special symbol winning outcome that includes at least one defined wild symbol.

[0074] In the example shown in Figure 7, the symbols that have been selected and displayed include 4 bow special symbols 708 and 1 defined wild symbol 710. Such a -of-a-kind winning outcome based on the bow special symbol 708 provides a prize based on the bow special symbol prize meter 318. In this example, the game controller 202 is arranged such that the prize awarded for a 5-of-a-kind bow symbol winning outcome is equal to the total current amount of the bow special symbol prize meter 318, which in the present example is 1209 credits. The prize amount offered may be regardless of N, such that N=3, 4 and 5-of-a-kind wins all provide the same prize. This example of prize offer may be suited to be implemented in combination with Reel Power features wherein a player selects 1 or more reels and the lines in play are defined by determining all of the lines that pass through the selected reels and pass through the central line of the non-selected reels. Alternatively, the prize amount offered for other defined winning outcomes, such as a 4-of-a-kind winning outcome and a 3-of-a-kind winning outcome may be less than the prize amount for a 5-of-a-kind

16 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 winning outcome, for example calculated according to a defined formula based on the current amount of the meter, or based on multiple meters corresponding to different N, as illustrated in Figure 8 and described hereinafter.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the first screen 702 shows an outcome of a feature game and the second screen 712 provides a player with a displayed record of the current prize amount associated with each special symbol that increments in real time for each wild symbol that is displayed.

[0076] The prize amounts 724 associated with the prize meters 318 may continue to accumulate during the sequence of free games irrespective of whether a prize amount has been awarded, or the prize amounts 724 may reset such that after a prize amount has been awarded the prize amount is reset to the initial prize amount. Where the prize amounts 724 are to be awarded during a round of free games, the award may be provided before meter incrementation (not shown) or after meter incrementation (i.e. with step 612 preceding step 616).

[0077] Screens displayed to a player during implementation of an alternative example embodiment are shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.

[0078] As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the game controller 202 is arranged to initially implement a base game, and if a trigger condition occurs during the base game to implement a feature game that includes a plurality of free games.

[0079] A first screen 802 includes a first display area 804 in which a plurality of selected symbols are displayed. The symbols available for selection include standard symbols 806; 5 types of special symbols, including a heart symbol 818 and a cake symbol 822 as shown; and at least one type of wild symbol, which in this example is a representation of a rabbit 810.

[0080] A second screen 812 includes representations of special symbols used in the feature game. In this example, the special symbols include a clock special symbol 816, a bow special symbol 808, the heart special symbol 818, a potion special symbol 820, and the cake special symbol 822. The second screen 812 also includes several prize meters 318 associated with each of the special symbols 808, 816, 818, 820, 822, and each prize meter indicates a current prize amount 824, 826, 828 that is available as a prize pool should a defined winning outcome occur that includes both a wild symbol and at least one special symbol.

[0081] In this example, the prize amounts 824, 826, 828 associated with each special symbol are associated with different winning outcomes, such as 5-of-a-kind, 4

17 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 of-a-kind and 3-of-a-kind. In this example, the prize amounts also have different amounts, the size of which corresponds to the respective probability of the associated winning outcome occurring, such that the prize amount for the 5-of-a-kind winning outcome is higher than the prize amount for the 3-of-a-kind winning outcome.

[0082] As with the embodiment shown in Figure 7, during the feature game, the game controller 202 selects symbols and causes the selected symbols to be displayed in the first display area 804. Selection and display of a defined wild symbol causes an amount to be added to each prize meter.

[0083] The added amount may be determined randomly for each prize meter, for example according to defined increment criteria; may be determined in a non-random way according to defined criteria; or may be predefined such that for example each prize meter is incremented by the same amount or each prize meter is incremented by a different defined amount. The game controller 202 may be arranged to increment the prize meters 318 for each wild symbol that is selected and displayed so that, for example, each prize meter is incremented multiple times when multiple wild symbols are selected and displayed. Since in the present example, 3 wild rabbit symbols 810 are displayed during a feature game, as shown in FIG. 8, 3 prize increment amounts are added to each of the prize meters 318.

[0084] In the present example, multiple free games are provided to a player as part of the feature game and each prize meter has a different initial value that is assigned when the trigger condition occurs and the feature game commences. Also in this example, the game controller 202 is arranged to increment each prize meter by a different amount.

[0085] If a defined winning outcome occurs in the feature game that includes a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol, a prize derived from the prize meter corresponding to the special symbol and the particular winning outcome is awarded to a player. For example, if a winning outcome includes a 3-of-a-kind cake symbol winning outcome, a prize corresponding to the total prize amount 824e of the prize meter for the cake symbol may be awarded to the player.

[0086] As in a previous example, the different prize meters may have progressively reducing initial prize and/or incrementation, for example provided by a set of non overlapping and/or partially overlapping ranges of credits.

[0087] In this example, the line selection arrangement for base games and/or feature games may be based on a 'reel power' line selection arrangement wherein a player

18 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 selects 1 or more reels and the lines in play are defined by determining all of the lines that pass through the selected reels and pass through the central line of the non selected reels. Alternatively, the line selection arrangement may be based on a pre defined number of win lines, may be based on selection of a defined number of lines, or may be based on any other arrangement for determining win lines.

[0088] In a variation, at least one jackpot feature is provided wherein the value of a progressive jackpot accumulates based on turnover and based on outcomes of a series of free feature games.

[0089] An example jackpot feature is shown in FIG. 9 which shows screens 900 associated with the jackpot feature that are displayed to a player. The jackpot feature may be managed using the progressive system server 112 shown in FIG. 1.

[0090] The screens 900 include a first screen 902 that shows four available progressive jackpots - first and second jackpots 904, 906 associated with a first rabbit character 908, and third and fourth jackpots 910, 912 associated with a second rabbit character 914. The first and second characters may be for example male and female characters.

[0091] The first and second jackpots 904, 906 may correspond to major and minor jackpots arranged such that the major jackpot amount is larger than the minor jackpot amount. Similarly, the third and fourth jackpots 910, 912 may correspond to major and minor jackpots arranged such that the major jackpot amount is larger than the minor jackpot amount.

[0092] The first screen 902 also includes, for each jackpot amount, an indication of a ceiling jackpot amount 916 by which the jackpot amount must be won. Therefore, in one arrangement, if a jackpot amount accumulates and reaches a ceiling amount 916 without being won by a player, the game controller 202 is arranged to award the relevant jackpot amount that has reached the ceiling amount 916. In another arrangement, the game controller 202 is arranged to award the relevant jackpot amount if a jackpot amount accumulates and reaches a defined percentage, such as %, 95% or 99%, of the ceiling amount 916. In yet another arrangement, the game controller 202 is arranged to award the relevant jackpot amount if a jackpot amount accumulates and reaches a randomly selected accumulation within a range of percentages, such as 85-95%, of the ceiling amount 916.

[0093] The screens 900 also include a second screen 904 that shows the first and second characters 908, 914 indicative of the first/second and third/fourth jackpot

19 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 amounts. The second screen 904 also shows denomination amounts 920 that are selectable by a player to both select the first/second or third/fourth jackpots respectively associated with the first and second characters 908, 914 and also to select the line selection arrangement that will be used in the subsequent games. In this example, the line selection arrangement for the first character 908 is based on a 'reel power' line selection arrangement wherein a player selects 1 or more reels and the lines in play are defined by determining all of the lines that pass through the selected reels and pass through the central line of the non-selected reels. The line selection arrangement for the second character 914 is based on direct selection of the number of lines - in this example 5 or 10.

[0094] In this example, a jackpot is triggered randomly, although any other arrangement for triggering a jackpot is envisaged, such as triggering based on display of a defined symbol or a defined combination of symbols.

[0095] In this example, each jackpot meter accumulates based on turnover of the gaming machine, for example a percentage such as 0.1%, 0.01% or 0.001% of the wagered amount, and based on selection and display of a defined symbol during a base game or a feature game, for example selection and display of a rabbit wild symbol, or selection and display of a defined combination of symbols. In this way, jackpot accumulation occurs in both base games, that in this example have non-zero turnover, and feature games, that in this example are free and have zero turnover, which improves the rate of jackpot accumulation.

[0096] In an embodiment, a gaming system comprises: a symbol selector arranged to select a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols and display the selected symbols in a symbol display area; an outcome determiner that determines whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome; a plurality of special symbol meters that each record a prize amount value for a different defined special symbol; and a special symbol meter accumulator that causes the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter to increment when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game; the system arranged to award a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game,

20 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

[0097] In an embodiment, each defined special symbol is associated with 1 special symbol meter.

[0098] In an alternate embodiment, each defined special symbol is associated with a plurality of special symbol meters, wherein each special symbol meter corresponds to a different defined winning outcome. The defined winning outcomes may be based on N-of-a-kind special symbols.

[0099] In an embodiment, the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by the same amount when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

[00100] In an embodiment, the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by an amount determined according to defined criteria when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

[00101] The defined criteria may be based on the special symbol such that the special symbol meters increment by different amounts and the increment amounts progressively reduce from a first special symbol to a last special symbol.

[00102] In an embodiment, the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by an amount that is at least partly randomly determined when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game, for example randomly within a defined range. The at least partly randomly determined amount may be the same for each special symbol meter or may be determined separately for each special symbol meter or for the special symbol meters associated with each special symbol.

[00103] In an embodiment, each special symbol meter includes an initial amount that may be the same for each special symbol meter or different to at least some of the other special symbol meters. The initial amount for each special symbol meters may be determined at least partly randomly, for example randomly within a defined range.

[00104] In an embodiment, the system displays the current amounts of the special symbol meters.

[00105] In an embodiment, the system implements a plurality of games and the system resets the prize amount values recorded in each special symbol meter when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game.

21 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

[00106] In an embodiment, the system implements a base game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are not provided and a feature game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are provided, the system implementing the feature game when a defined trigger condition occurs during the base game, and the feature game including a plurality of free games.

[00107] In an embodiment, the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a game is equal to the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol.

[00108] In an embodiment, the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a game is less than the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol. The prize amount may be determined according to defined criteria, for example based on the type of winning outcome.

[00109] The defined winning outcome may be an N-of-a-kind special symbol winning outcome that includes a defined wild symbol.

[00110] In a further embodiment, a method of gaming comprises: selecting a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols; displaying the selected symbols in a symbol display area; determining whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome; recording a prize amount value in a plurality of special symbol meters, each special symbol meter for a different defined special symbol; incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game; and awarding a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game, the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

[00111] In an embodiment, a gaming system comprises: a jackpot meter that accumulates a jackpot amount based on turnover of the gaming system, and also accumulates based on selection and display of at least one defined symbol during a game; and

22 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 a jackpot prize allocator arranged to award a jackpot prize when a jackpot trigger condition occurs.

[00112] In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to implement a base game and a feature game, the system implementing the feature game when a defined trigger condition occurs during the base game, and the feature game including a plurality of free games.

[00113] The jackpot meter may be arranged to accumulate based on selection and display of a defined combination of symbols during a game.

[00114] In an embodiment, the jackpot trigger condition is randomly determined.

[00115] In an embodiment, multiple jackpot meters are provided that respectively record a different jackpot amount.

[00116] In an embodiment, the system comprises, for each jackpot amount, an indication of a ceiling jackpot amount by which the jackpot amount must be won, wherein if a jackpot amount accumulates and reaches the ceiling amount without being won by a player, the system awards the relevant jackpot amount that has reached the ceiling amount.

[00117] In an embodiment, the system displays the or each jackpot ceiling amount.

[00118] In a further embodiment, a method of gaming comprises: maintaining a jackpot meter that accumulates a jackpot amount based on turnover of the gaming system, and also accumulates based on selection and display of at least one defined symbol during a game; and awarding a jackpot prize when a jackpot trigger condition occurs.

[00119] 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.

23 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols and display the selected symbols in a symbol display area; an outcome determiner that determines whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome; a plurality of special symbol meters that each record a prize amount value for a different defined special symbol; and a special symbol meter accumulator that causes the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter to increment when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game; the system arranged to award a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game, the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each defined special symbol is associated with 1 special symbol meter.

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each defined special symbol is associated with a subset of the plurality of special symbol meters, wherein each special symbol meter corresponds to a different defined winning outcome.

4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the defined winning outcomes are based on N-of-a-kind special symbols.

5. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by the same amount when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

24 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

6. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by an amount determined according to defined criteria when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the defined criteria is based on the special symbol such that the special symbol meters increment by different amounts.

8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by an amount that is at least partly randomly determined when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the special symbol meter accumulator causes the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meters to increment by an amount that is determined at least partly randomly within a defined range.

10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the at least partly randomly determined amount is the same for each special symbol meter or is determined separately for each special symbol meter.

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount that is the same for each special symbol meter.

12. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount that is different to the initial amount of at least some of the other special symbol meters.

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount for each special symbol meter that is determined at least partly randomly.

25 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 13, wherein each initial amount is determined at least partly randomly.

15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each initial amount is determined at least partly randomly within a defined range.

16. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system displays the current amounts of the special symbol meters.

17. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system implements a plurality of games and the system resets the prize amount values recorded in each special symbol meter when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game.

18. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system implements a base game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are not provided and a feature game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are provided, the system implementing the feature game when a defined trigger condition occurs during the base game, and the feature game including a plurality of free games.

19. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a game is equal to the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol.

20. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a game is less than the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol.

26 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

21. A gaming system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the prize amount is determined according to defined criteria.

22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the prize amount is determined based on the winning outcome.

23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the winning outcome is an N-of-a-kind special symbol winning outcome, and the prize amount is determined based on the special symbol in the N-of-a-kind special symbol winning outcome.

24. A method of gaming comprising: selecting a defined number of symbols from a set of symbols; displaying the selected symbols in a symbol display area; determining whether the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome; recording a prize amount value in a plurality of special symbol meters, each special symbol meter for a different defined special symbol; incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game; and awarding a prize based on the prize amount value when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game, the defined winning combination of symbols including at least one special symbol associated with the prize amount value and at least one defined wild symbol.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein each defined special symbol is associated with 1 special symbol meter.

26. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein each defined special symbol is associated with a plurality of special symbol meters, wherein each special symbol meter corresponds to a different defined winning outcome.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the defined winning outcomes are based on N-of-a-kind special symbols.

27 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, comprising incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter by the same amount when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, comprising incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter by an amount determined according to defined criteria when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the defined criteria is based on the special symbol such that the special symbol meters increment by different amounts.

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, comprising incrementing the prize amount value recorded in each special symbol meter by an amount that is at least partly randomly determined when a defined wild symbol is selected and displayed during a game.

32. A method as claimed in claim 31, comprising incrementing the prize amount value by an amount that is determined at least partly randomly within a defined range.

33. A method as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the at least partly randomly determined amount is the same for each special symbol meter or is determined separately for each special symbol meter.

34. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount that is the same for each special symbol meter.

35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount that is different to the initial amount of at least some of the other special symbol meters.

28 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2

36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 33, wherein each special symbol meter includes an initial amount for each special symbol meter that is determined at least partly randomly.

37. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein each initial amount is determined at least partly randomly.

38. A method as claimed in claim 37, wherein each initial amount is determined at least partly randomly within a defined range.

39. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system displays the current amounts of the special symbol meters.

40. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 39, comprising implementing a plurality of games and resetting the prize amount values recorded in each special symbol meter when a defined winning combination of symbols is selected and displayed during a game.

41. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 40, comprising implementing a base game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are not provided and a feature game wherein a plurality of special symbol meters are provided, the feature game implemented when a defined trigger condition occurs during the base game, and the feature game including a plurality of free games.

42. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 41, wherein the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a game is equal to the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol.

43. A method as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 41, wherein the prize awarded when a defined winning combination of symbols including a defined wild symbol and at least one defined special symbol is selected and displayed during a

29 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2 game is less than the prize amount value recorded in the special symbol meter associated with the defined special symbol.

44. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the prize amount is determined according to defined criteria.

45. A method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the prize amount is determined based on the winning outcome.

46. A method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the winning outcome is an N-of-a kind special symbol winning outcome, and the prize amount is determined based on the special symbol in the N-of-a-kind special symbol winning outcome.

30 18603988_1 (GHMatters) P109244.AU.2