GB2429657A

GB2429657A - Gaming machine with extra free spins bonus game

Info

Publication number: GB2429657A
Application number: GB0518040A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Gerrard; Mike Evans
Original assignee: IGT UK Ltd
Current assignee: IGT UK Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-06
Filing date: 2005-09-06
Publication date: 2007-03-07
Also published as: CZ2006554A3; GB0518040D0

Abstract

A gaming machine includes a base game, a first bonus game, and a second bonus game. Transfer from the base game to the first bonus game, and from the first to the second bonus games, occurs on some occasions. The machine is operable to (i) display for each bonus game combinations 18-22 of symbols selected from reels 13-17, e.g. symbols 13a-c, and (ii) assess the combinations 18-22 to determine an award value based on the selected combinations of at least the second bonus game. The second bonus game may involve multiple selection of a particular symbol in order to attain an improved final displayed combination, with control means being provided for changing an initial selection to produce the final combination, e.g. by (i) selecting the most frequently displayed symbol on the reels 13-17 at the end of the first bonus game, (ii) causing that symbol to be displayed at each position of the reels on which it is displayed, (iii) spinning the or each reel which does not display that symbol, and (iv) assessing whether the resulting combination is a winning combination (see fig's 4-6)

Description

ENTERTAINMENT MACHINES

The invention relates to player-operable entertainment machines and is particularly concerned with coin-operated player-operable gaming machines.

As used herein, a coin-operated machine refers to a machine which is operable to play a game after actuation by a stake value whether provided by one or more coins, tokens, notes, credit or debit cards or any other means of providing credit or monetary value.

Coin-operated player-operable machines having a display device with actual or simulated rotatable symbol-bearing reels are well known.

In a basic game the reels rotate or spin' and then come to rest at random to display selected symbols on one or more win lines at a win zone within a display window. An award may be made available to the player in the event that the combination of symbols on a win line is of a predetermined winning nature.

It is also well known for such machines to be operable in a bonus game triggered by some event, such as selection of a triggering symbol or combination, in the basic game, whereby free spins' are made available to the player. That is, without requiring further stake value, the player can spin one or more of the reels to obtain a new combination of symbols which can result in an award additional to, or instead of any award resulting from the basic game.

An object of the present invention is to provide an enhanced bonus game arranged to afford additional entertainment value.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a playeroperable entertainment machine actuable to play a basic game, followed on occasions by transfer from the basic game to a first bonus game, followed on occasions by transfer from the first bonus game to a second bonus game, said machine having a display device operable to display, for each of said basic first bonus and second bonus games, a respective combination of symbols selected from a plurality of sequences of such symbols, and an assessment device operable to assess an award value in dependence on the said selected symbol combination of at least said second bonus game.

With this arrangement, enhanced player entertainment can be derived from the possibility of playing a second bonus game.

1 5 Most preferably, the second bonus game involves multiple selections of said symbols for each of at least some of said sequences, with the aim of attaining an improved final displayed combination of symbols, such final combination being assessed by the assessment device. That is, an initial selection is made and a change control is provided for changing this initial selection to give the final combination.

This can give even further entertainment value in so far as the second bonus game can be of the nature of a super' bonus game with an enhanced winning opportunity.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a player-operable entertainment machine actuable to play a basic game, followed on occasions by transfer to a changeable bonus game, said machine having a display device operable to display for said changeable bonus game a combination of symbols selected from a plurality of sequences of such symbols, and an assessment device operable to assess an award value in dependence on the said selected symbol combination of the changeable bonus game, wherein a change control is provided for changing the selected symbol combination of the bonus game to improve the combination prior to operation of the assessment device.

The change control may operate to change the initial selected combination on a predetermined basis related to the nature of the initial 1 5 combination and/or by changing some or all of the sequences on a basis, e.g. on a random basis, independently of the nature of the initial selected combination.

There may be a single operation of the change control whereby a single improvement is available. Alternatively multiple operations of the change control may be possible whereby multiple improvements are possible. Such multiple improvements may be assessed for multiple respective awards, or for a single award e.g. the highest award of the respective improvements.

The change control may operate in two stages whereby in a first stage at least some of the sequences are changed on a predetermined basis dependent on the nature of the selected initial combination, and in a second stage the (or each) remaining sequence is changed on a different basis e.g. on a random selection basis.

In one embodiment this first stage change involves changing displayed symbols so that they are the same as or otherwise advantageously related to other displayed symbols. For example, all symbols of the sequences to be changed in the first stage may be changed to be the same as a selected one of the initially displayed symbols. This selected one symbol may be the symbol which is displayed in the most sequences in the initial combination, and the change may be applied only to those sequences from which the symbol is 1 5 displayed.

Most preferably, each sequence displays a plurality of symbols, e.g. three consecutive symbols, and the assessment device may be operable to assess symbol combinations along multiple win lines or win paths through the displayed symbols of the different sequences.

There may be five side by side sequences each displaying three symbols, and there may be five win lines': three straight lines and two V shaped lines. Other arrangements are of course also possible.

The change control may be of an automatic nature whereby it comes into operation and effects symbol changes without player intervention.

Alternatively, the change control may be player operable in that it requires player initiation and/or the player may be given the opportunity of selecting one or more parameters of the change.

The symbol sequences may be provided by side-by-side reel displays which rotate or spin, that is, a predetermined continuous sequence of symbols which presents a changing display in a window constituting or simulating rotation of a reel having the symbols around its periphery, such changing display coming to rest to provide a static display of one or more such symbols on one or more win lines in the window.

All games, i.e. the basic game as well as the first and second 1 5 bonus games of the first aspect of the invention, and the changeable bonus game of the second aspect of the invention, may be of the symbol- selection kind described above and the same symbol sequences may be used for each game. Alternatively, reduced-range sequences may be used for the second bonus game/changeable bonus game which may give an increased chance of winning.

Changing of symbols under the influence of the change control may be achieved by progression through the respective sequence to change the displayed symbols, or where possible, by direct change of symbols not necessarily in accordance with the pre-existing sequence of such symbols. The latter kind of change is possible where the symbols are digitally generated and displayed on a video screen rather than being mechanically presented on a physical reel periphery.

Transition from the basic game to the (or each) bonus game may be achieved in any suitable manner e.g. on a random or predetermined basis, as a predictable function of selected player stake value or otherwise.

In one embodiment transition occurs as a consequence of occurrence of an event in the preceding game. Thus, where the basic game involves selection of symbol combinations transition may occur to the first bonus game (in the first aspect of the invention) or to the changeable bonus game (in the second aspect of the invention) when a 1 5 predetermined transfer symbol or combination is selected. In the first aspect of the invention transition from the first bonus game to the second bonus game may also be determined by selection of a transfer symbol or combination.

The aforesaid first bonus game may be of any suitable kind but preferably involves selection of symbol combinations from multiple symbol sequences as described above. In this case the player may have multiple selection opportunities, or reel spins', exercisable automatically or under partial or full player influence. These reel spins may be earned as bonuses e.g. from basic game outcomes, or from the bonus game itself, although alternatively there may be a fixed number.

In the second bonus game or the changeable bonus game there may also be multiple selection opportunities or reel spins' which may be earned as bonuses or may be a fixed number.

The award device may assess a final award based on any combination of outcomes of the basic game, the first bonus game, and the changeable bonus game.

Preferably the machine is a coin operated player operable gaming machine as defined above. Awards may correspond to monetary payout values and these may be a function of stake value.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- 1 5 Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one form of an entertainment machine according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic block circuit diagram of the machine of Figure 1; Figures 3- 6 are detailed views of displays of the machine of Figures 1 and 2.

As shown in Figure 1, the entertainment machine has a floor-standing, wall-mounted, or table-top box shaped cabinet 1 having an upper front glass panel 2 which is screen-printed to define a central window area 3 through which a screen 4 of a VDU 5 is exposed.

Above or below the panel 2 at a convenient location there is located a coin or note slot 6 for introduction of coins, tokens or notes, and below the panel 2 there is a pay-out opening 7.

As shown in Figure 2, within the cabinet 1 there is mounted the VDU 5, a receiving mechanism 8 for coins, tokens or notes connected to the slot 6, a pay-out device 9 connected to the outlet 7, and a processor unit 10 to which these parts are connected.

Beneath the panel 2 there are player-operable push buttons 11 which are also connected to the processor unit 10.

As shown in Figures 3-6, the VDU screen 4 shows an upper win zone 12 through which five side-by-side sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 can be seen. The sections 13-17 simulated the peripheries of side-by-side 1 5 symbol-bearing reels which are mounted for rotation about a common horizontal axis. Each section 13-17 can therefore change on the screen 4 simulating movement of the respective reel so as to rotate and then come to rest displaying three symbols 1 3a, b, c - 1 7a, b, c at the win zone 1 2 one above the other with the symbols of all sections 13-17 respectively aligned with each other on three win lines: a central horizontal win line 1 8, and upper and lower horizontal win lines 1 9, 20.

As shown in Figure 3 there are also two V-shaped win lines 21, 22.

After insertion of coins, tokens or notes into the slot 6 to an amount at least equal to a predetermined game-play stake value, the machine can be operated to play a game.

Operation of the machine may require the player to press a start button 11.

A basic game play procedure is then started whereby the VDU screen display changes simulating rotation of the five simulated reels.

The reels then come to rest to display three symbols 13a, b, c - 17a,b,c.

The machine now evaluates the symbols 13a, b, c - 17a, b, c displayed on one or more of the five win lines 18-22 and if the combinations of such symbols correspond to predetermined winning combinations a corresponding award is made available to the player in the 1 5 form of a monetary value which is indicated on an alphanumeric digital display (not shown). The player may have the option, e.g. by selection of the stake value, to select how many of the win lines 18-22 are used for win assessment purposes.

On occasions determined on a predetermined or random basis the player can play a first bonus game. This may occur in correspondence with some special symbol or symbols appearing in the win zone 1 2, or the player attaining some cumulative or target combination or value, or on a surprise basis, or otherwise.

On entering the first bonus game the player can now obtain free spins' of the five reels 13-17. That is, each reel can rotate and come to rest so that the displayed symbols in the window 1 2 change to give new combinations on the lines 18-22. These combinations are assessed, as described above in relation to the basic game, and any award is again credited to the player as an accumulated monetary value. The symbol sequences used in the first bonus game may be the same as the basic game.

The number of free spins' allocated to the player may be predetermined or it may be derived from bonus spins' earned by play of the basic game or earned during the first bonus game. Spinning of the reels may be autoselected or may be player-selected, by operation of the buttons 11.

1 5 On occasions play can transfer from the first bonus game to a super free spins' second bonus game. This transfer may be determined as described above in like manner to the transfer from the basic game.

On entering the super free spins game the reels spin and come to rest as shown in Figure 4. The symbols sequences may be reduced compared with the basic game. In accordance with usual practice, as described above, the player may have the option of selecting the number of pay lines 1 8-22 used in the basic game and/or the first free spins bonus game, e.g. as determined by the initial player-selected stake value.

For the super free spins game all paylines 1 8-22 preferably are used and the total stake value is applied to all lines.

The initial selected combination, as shown in Figure 4, is assessed and the symbol which appears on most reels is determined. As shown this is the circle with diagonal line which appears on each of the first four reels.

The machine then automatically replicates this symbol on all displayed positions of the relevant reels, as shown in Figure 5. That is, the digital information supplied to the VDU display causes the same symbol to appear on each of the three positions of the first four reels 12-16.

As shown, the fifth reel has no circular/diagonal symbol displayed.

The fifth reel then spins, automatically.

In the illustrated embodiment it is only the fifth reel 17 which needs to spin to improve the displayed combinations. In practice any one or more remaining' reels i.e. reels not having desired symbols, may spin.

Spinning of the fifth reel ceases, as shown in Figure 6, on a random basis and the win lines 18-22 are assessed for winning combinations. In this case there is one winning combination of 5 like symbols, on the centre line 1 8. The corresponding award is then made available to the player in the usual way i.e. by an accumulated monetary value. There are also winning combinations of 4 like symbols on the remaining lines 19-22.

The procedure is then automatically repeated up to a maximum number of spins. That is, the reels are spun again to give an initial selection. The displayed symbols are assessed and expanded' as described above, and remaining reels are spun to try to obtain one or more winning lines. Any winning combination results in an award added to the existing accumulated awards.

The overall maximum number of spins may be selected on any suitable basis e.g. it may be a predetermined number, say 10, or it may be a variable number earned as bonuses or selected on a random basis or otherwise. Preferably it is a fixed predetermined number.

In the described example there are four reels through which the circular/diagonal symbol is expanded and only one reel which is spun. It 1 5 is to be understood that expansion (i.e. symbol replication) may occur through any one or more reels leaving any one or more other reels to be spun.

Also, changing of the symbols whether by expansion or spinning may be under the control of the player using the buttons 11 alternatively or additionally to automatic machine control.

With this arrangement, the player has enhanced entertainment since the machine provides two bonus games and the second bonus -13-.

game is a changeable bonus game in which an initially selected symbol combination can change in an interesting manner to give enhanced possibilities for winning.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment, which are described by way of example only.

Thus, for example, free spins may be selected and varied on any suitable basis e.g. they may be acquired or supplemented during the course of the game. Instead of a 5x3 layout as shown any other reel layout may be used. More or less symbols could be used in order to give a higher or lower chance of winning. There may be more or less win lines, and/or the number of win lines used in the bonus game could be less than the maximum.

Claims

1. A player-operable entertainment machine actuabie to play a basic game, followed on occasions by transfer from the basic game to a first bonus game, followed on occasions by transfer from the first bonus game to a second bonus game, said machine having a display device (4) operable to display, for each of said basic first bonus and second bonus games, a respective combination of symbols (13a, b, c- 17a, b, c) selected from a plurality of sequences (13-17) of such symbols (13a, b, C - 17a, b, c) and an assessment device operable to assess an award value in dependence on the said selected symbol combination of at least said second bonus game.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein the second bonus game involves multiple selections of said symbols (13a, b, c - 17a, b, c) for each of at least some of said sequences (13 - 17) with the aim of attaining an improved final displayed combination of symbols, such final combination being assessed by the assessment device.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein a change control is provided for changing an initial selection to give said final combination.

4. A player-operable entertainment machine actuable to play a basic game, followed on occasions by transfer to a changeable bonus game, said machine having a display device (4) operable to display for said changeable bonus game a combination of symbols (13a, b, c - 17a, b, c) selected from a plurality of sequences (13 - 17) of such symbols, and an assessment device operable to assess an award value in dependence on the said selected symbol combination of the changeable bonus game, wherein a change control is provided for changing the selected symbol combination of the bonus game to improve the combination prior to operation of the assessment device.

5. A machine according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the change control operates to change the initial selected combination on a predetermined basis related to the nature of the initial combination and/or by changing some or all of the sequences on a random basis independently of the nature of the initial selected combination.

6. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein there is a single operation of the change control whereby a single improvement is available.

7. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein multiple operations of the change control are available whereby multiple improvements are available.

8. A machine according to claim 7, wherein the multiple improvements are assessed for multiple respective awards, or for a single award.

9. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the change control operates in two stages whereby in a first stage at least some of the sequences are changed on a predetermined basis dependent on the nature of the selected initial combination, and in a second stage the (or each) remaining sequence (13 - 17) is changed on a different basis.

10. A machine according to claim 9, wherein all of the symbols of the sequences to be changed in the first stage are changed to be the same as a selected one of the initially displayed symbols.

11. A machine according to claim 10, wherein the selected one symbol is the symbol which is displayed in the most sequences in the initial combination, and the change is applied only to those sequences (13 - 17) from which the symbol is displayed.

12. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each sequence displays a plurality of symbols, and the assessment device is operable to assess symbol combinations along multiple win lines (18 - 22) or win paths through the displayed symbols of the different sequences (1317).

13. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the change control is of an automatic nature whereby it comes into operation and effects symbol changes without player intervention.

14. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the change control is player operable in that it requires player initiation and/or the player may be given the opportunity of selecting one or more parameters of the change.

15. A machine according to any one of claims ito 14, wherein the symbol sequences (13 - 17) are provided by side-by-side reel displays which rotate or spin.

16. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each of the games are of the symbol-selection kind and the same symbol sequences (13 17) are used for each game.

17. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein the changing of symbols under the influence of the change control is achieved by progression through the respective sequence (13- 17) to change the display symbols.

18. A machine according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein changes of the symbols is achieved by direct change of symbols not necessarily in accordance with the pre-existing sequence of such symbols, where the symbols are digitally generated and displayed on a video screen (4).

19. A machine according to any one of claims I to 18, wherein transition from the basic game to the (or each) bonus game occurs as a consequence of occurrence of an event in the preceding game.

20. A machine according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 1, wherein transition from the first bonus game to the second bonus game is determined by selection of a transfer symbol or combination.

21. A machine according to claim 20, wherein the first bonus game involves selection of symbol combinations from multiple symbol sequences (13 - 17) and the player has multiple selection opportunities, or "reel spins", exercisable automatically or under partial or full player influence.

22. A machine according to claim 21, wherein the reel spins are earned as bonuses from basic game outcomes, or from the bonus game itself.

23. A machine according to any one of claims 4 to 19, wherein the changeable bonus game has multiple selection opportunities or "reel spins" which are earned as bonuses or are a fixed number.

24. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the assessment device assesses a final award based on any combination of outcomes of the basic game, the first bonus game, and the changeable bonus game.

25. A machine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.