U.S. patent application number 15/234673 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-09 for gaming machine with enhanced feature indicator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Nicholas Luke Bennett.
Application Number | 20170069160 15/234673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30004842 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170069160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bennett; Nicholas Luke |
March 9, 2017 |
GAMING MACHINE WITH ENHANCED FEATURE INDICATOR
Abstract
A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller
arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14.
The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 wherein at least
one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a
predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The
gaming machine 10 comprises a bonus feature that is triggered when
a trigger condition occurs in a base game and an indicator
incorporated in the bonus feature indicates to the player that the
chance of winning during the bonus feature is higher than in the
base game that triggered the bonus feature.
Inventors: |
Bennett; Nicholas Luke;
(Rosebery NSW, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited |
North Ryde |
|
AU |
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|
Family ID: |
30004842 |
Appl. No.: |
15/234673 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13450117 |
Apr 18, 2012 |
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15234673 |
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10752773 |
Jan 6, 2004 |
8360840 |
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13450117 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3213
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32; G07F 17/34 20060101 G07F017/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 14, 2003 |
AU |
2003900134 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a credit input mechanism configured
to enable player interaction so as to receive a physical item
representing a monetary value for establishing a credit balance,
the credit balance being increasable and decreasable based at least
on wagering activity; an electronic display device configured to
display a play of a first game and a play of a second game, in
accord with the credit balance established via the credit input
mechanism receiving the physical item; and a game controller
configured to: (1) cause the electronic display device to display a
first visible arrangement of a plurality of first game outcome
symbols for the play of the first game, the first visible
arrangement of the plurality of game outcome symbols comprising: a
first set of the game outcome symbols that forms at least one
column of the plurality of first game outcome symbols; and a second
set of the game outcome symbols that forms at least one row of the
plurality of first game outcome symbols; and (2) initiate the play
of the second game as a consequence of the play of the first game,
including to cause the electronic display device to change from
displaying the first visible arrangement to displaying a second
visible arrangement of a plurality of second game outcome symbols,
the first game being based on a plurality of separate first game
reel strips each of which comprises a plurality of the first game
symbols, at least one of the first game reel strips comprising a
special symbol, the second game being based on a plurality of
separate second game reel strips each of which comprises a
plurality of the second game symbols, at least one of the second
game reel strips comprising at least two separate instances of the
special symbol such that the at least two separate instances of the
special symbol are simultaneously displayable in said one column of
the second game outcome symbols on the electronic display device,
each one of the instances of the special symbol being adjacent
another one of the instances of the special symbol such that there
is no non-special symbol interposed between any two adjacent
instances of the special symbol, the at least two instances of the
special symbol being such that they contribute to the second game
having an improved probability of awarding a prize relative to the
first game, and wherein the second game is arranged to award a
predefined prize based on a winning arrangement of the second game
symbols relative to any one of a plurality of predefined paylines,
wherein each of the paylines is arranged to be associated with one
symbol from each said at least one column of game outcome
symbols.
2. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the play of
the second game comprises a series of rounds of the game and for
each of the rounds an additional one of the special symbols is
added to thereby increase a total number of the instances of the
special symbol.
3. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein for each of
the series of rounds the additional one of the special symbols is
added to the same one of the second game reel strips.
4. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein in response to
the additional one of the special symbols being added a total
number of symbols associated with at least one of the second game
reels strips is increased.
5. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein in response to
the additional one of the special symbols being added a total
number of symbols associated with all of the second game reel
strips remains unchanged.
6. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
first game reel strips comprises only one of the special
symbol.
7. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
game reel strips are based on the first game reel strips.
8. A method for use with a gaming machine comprising a credit input
mechanism configured to enable player interaction so as to receive
a physical item representing a monetary value for establishing a
credit balance, the credit balance being increasable and
decreasable based at least on wagering activity, a display
configured to display a play of a first game and a play of a second
game, and a game controller configured to control images of symbols
displayed on the display, the method comprising: establishing a
credit balance via said credit input mechanism receiving the
physical item; in accord with the credit balance established via
the credit input mechanism receiving the physical item, causing the
display to display a facilitation of a play of a first game and a
play of a second game; and causing on the display to display a
first visible arrangement of a plurality of first game outcome
symbols for the play of the first game, the first visible
arrangement of the plurality of game outcome symbols comprising: a
first set of the game outcome symbols that forms at least one
column of the plurality of first game outcome symbols; and a second
set of the game outcome symbols that forms at least one row of the
plurality of first game outcome symbols; and initiating the play of
the second game as a consequence of the play of the first game,
including to cause the electronic display device to change from
displaying the first visible arrangement to displaying a second
visible arrangement of a plurality of second game outcome symbols,
the first game being based on a plurality of separate first game
reel strips each of which comprises a plurality of the first game
symbols, at least one of the first game reel strips comprising a
special symbol, the second game being based on a plurality of
separate second game reel strips each of which comprises a
plurality of the second game symbols, at least one of the second
game reel strips comprising at least two separate instances of the
special symbol such that the at least two separate instances of the
special symbol are simultaneously displayable in said one column of
the second game outcome symbols on the electronic display device,
each one of the instances of the special symbol being adjacent
another one of the instances of the special symbol such that there
is no non-special symbol interposed between any two adjacent
instances of the special symbol, the at least two instances of the
special symbol being such that they contribute to the second game
having an improved probability of awarding a prize relative to the
first game, and awarding a predefined prize based on a winning
arrangement of the second game symbols relative to any one of a
plurality of predefined paylines, wherein each of the paylines is
arranged to be associated with one symbol from each said at least
one column of game outcome symbols.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the play of the second
game comprises a series of rounds of the game and for each of the
rounds an additional one of the special symbols is added to thereby
increase a total number of the instances of the special symbol.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein for each of the
series of rounds the additional one of the special symbols is added
to the same one of the second game reel strips.
11. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein in response to the
additional one of the special symbols being added a total number of
symbols associated with at least one of the second game reels
strips is increased.
12. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein in response to the
additional one of the special symbols being added a total number of
symbols associated with all of the second game reel strips remains
unchanged.
13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of the first
game reel strips comprises only one of the special symbol.
14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second game reel
strips are based on the first game reel strips.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and is a continuation
of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/450,117, having a filing
date of Apr. 18, 2012, which is a continuation of, U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/752,773 having a filing date of Jan. 6, 2004, now
issued U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,840, which is incorporated herein by
reference, and which claims priority to Australian Patent
Application No. 2003900134, having a filing date of Jan. 14, 2003,
which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to a gaming machine. More
particularly, the invention relates to a gaming machine and to an
improvement to a game played on such a gaming machine.
[0005] Players who regularly play gaming machines quickly tire of
particular games and therefore it is necessary for manufacturers of
these machines to develop innovative game features which add
interest to the games. In so doing, it is hoped to keep players
amused and therefore willing to continue playing the game as well
as to attract new players.
[0006] Also, with the growth that has occurred in the gaming
machine market, there is intense competition between manufacturers
to supply various existing and new venues. When selecting a
supplier of gaming machines, the operator of a venue will often pay
close attention to the popularity of various games with their
patrons. Therefore, gaming machine manufacturers are keen to devise
games and/or game features which are popular with the players as a
mechanism for improving sales, retaining customers and attracting
new customers.
[0007] Still further, these days it is becoming increasingly common
to provide bonus features associated with games to enhance player
enjoyment and to maintain player interest. These features are
becoming increasingly complex to the extent that gaming machines
these days often have "Help" screens to explain to players how the
features operate and what they entail. A large percentage of
players do not have the inclination to read such screens and would
rather just play the game. Hence such screens could be a
disincentive to a player to play that particular gaming machine.
This could have adverse consequences for the revenue of an operator
of the venue in which the gaming machine is installed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a gaming machine having a display and a game controller
arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display, the
game controller being arranged to play a game wherein at least one
random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a
predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize, the
gaming machine comprising a bonus feature that is triggered when a
trigger condition occurs in a base game and an indicator
incorporated in the bonus feature that indicates to the player that
the chance of winning during the bonus feature is higher than in
the base game that triggered the bonus feature.
[0009] Preferably, the format of the bonus feature is the same as
that of the base game apart from the indicator incorporated in the
bonus feature. Thus, the base game may be a spinning reel game with
the bonus feature being a series of free spinning reel games.
[0010] The indicator may be a variable device that indicates to the
player that, as the bonus feature, i.e. the series of free games,
progresses, the potential return to player percentage increases.
The indicator may be related to the occurrence of a special symbol
on the display of the gaming machine during play of the bonus
feature. More particularly, the indicator may be the quantity of a
special symbol that occurs during the bonus feature, i.e. on at
least one of the reels of the games of the series of free games.
The occurrence of the special symbol may increase on the at least
one reel as the bonus feature, being the series of free games,
progresses.
[0011] The controller may provide the variability of the indicator
by causing a special symbol to be added in respect of each event of
the bonus feature. Each event may be one of the free games and one
special symbol may be added in respect of each free game, egg.
prior to the free game. Instead, the special symbol may only be
added after completion of a predetermined number of events in the
bonus feature, i.e. after a predetermined number of free games of
the series of free games. Still further, the special symbol may be
added randomly or upon the occurrence of some outcome in the bonus
feature.
[0012] As indicated above, the base game may be a spinning reel
game and the bonus feature may be a series of free spinning reel
games and the special symbol may be added to at least one of a
plurality of reel strips so that the at least one reel strip
increases in length. Instead, the special symbol may be added in
substitution for existing symbols on at least one of a plurality of
reel strips so that the at least one reel strip retains the same
length as the other reel strips. Thus, the special symbol may be
added to a middle reel strip of a five reel game or, instead, the
special symbol may be added to each of a plurality of the reel
strips, egg. the second, third, fourth and fifth reel strips of the
game.
[0013] The special symbol may be a substitute symbol. The
substitute symbol may, for example, occur on a middle reel such as
the third reel of a five reel game. With the occurrence of an
increasing number of substitute symbols during the series of free
games, the chances of obtaining a prize winning combination with
the substitute symbol substituting are increased.
[0014] Preferably, any additional substitute symbol is positioned
adjacent a prior occurrence of the substitute symbol on the reel
strip so that it becomes, visually, readily apparent to the player
that at least one further substitute symbol has been added.
[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of operating a gaming machine, the gaming machine
having a display and being controlled by a game controller arranged
to control images displayed on the display, the method comprising
triggering a bonus feature when a trigger condition occurs in a
base game and incorporating an indicating means in the bonus
feature to indicate to the player that a potential return to player
percentage of the bonus feature is higher than that which is
applicable in the base game that triggered the bonus feature.
[0016] The gaming machine is to be understood to include a gaming
apparatus that does not require the wagering of a stake in order to
play the game and further includes apparatus which is connectable
to a network.
[0017] The format of the bonus feature may be the same as that of
the base game apart from the indicator incorporated in the bonus
feature.
[0018] The method may include implementing the indicator as a
variable device that indicates to the player that, as the bonus
feature progresses, the potential return to player percentage
increases. More particularly, the method may include relating the
indicator to the occurrence of a special symbol on the display
during play of the bonus feature.
[0019] The indicator may be the quantity of a special symbol
occurring during the bonus feature and the method may include
increasing the occurrence of the special symbol as the bonus
feature progresses.
[0020] The method may include providing the variability of the
indicator by causing a special symbol to be added in respect of
each event of the bonus feature.
[0021] Thus, the method may include adding the special symbol after
completion of a predetermined number of events in the bonus
feature. Instead, the method may include adding the special symbol
randomly or upon the occurrence of some outcome in the bonus
feature.
[0022] The game includes a base game which is a spinning reel game
and the bonus feature may be a series of free spinning reel games
and the method may include adding a special symbol to at least one
of a plurality of reel strips so that the at least one reel strip
increases in length. Instead, the method may include adding the
special symbol in substitution for existing symbols on at least one
of a plurality of reel strips so that the at least one reel strip
retains the same length as the other reel strips.
[0023] The special symbol may be a substitute symbol. The method
may include positioning any additional substitute symbol adjacent a
prior occurrence of the substitute symbol on the reel strip so that
it becomes, visually, readily apparent to the player that at least
one further substitute symbol has been added.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of
example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in
which:
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a gaming machine, in
accordance with the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control circuit of the
gaming machine;
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a screen display after a base game of a game
played on the gaming machine of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a screen display after a first game of a bonus
feature of the game following the base game; and
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of the game, including the bonus
feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a
gaming machine, including a game, in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention. The machine 10 includes a console 12 having a
display means in the form of a video display unit 14 on which a
game 16 is played, in use. The video display unit 14 may be
implemented as a cathode ray screen device, a liquid crystal
display, a plasma screen, or the like. The game 16 is a spinning
reel game which simulates the rotation of a number of spinning
reels 18. A midtrim 20 of the machine 10 houses a bank 22 of
buttons for enabling a player to play the game 16. The midtrim 20
also houses a credit input mechanism 24 including a coin input
chute 24.1 and a bill collector 24.2.
[0031] The machine 10 includes a top box 26 on which artwork 28 is
carried. The artwork 28 includes paytables, details of bonus
awards, etc.
[0032] A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the console 12 for cash
payouts from the machine 10.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, a control means or
control circuit 32 is illustrated. A program which implements the
game and user interface is run on a processor 34 of the control
circuit 32. The processor 34 forms part of a controller 36 that
drives the screen of the video display unit 14 and that receives
input signals from sensors 38. The sensors 38 include sensors
associated with the bank 22 of buttons and touch sensors mounted in
the screen of the video display unit 14. The controller 36 also
receives input pulses from the mechanism 24 to determine whether or
not a player has provided sufficient credit to commence playing.
The mechanism 24 may, instead of the coin input chute 24.1 or the
bill collector 24.2, or in addition thereto, be a credit card
reader (not shown) or any other type of validation device.
[0034] Finally, the controller 36 drives a payout mechanism 40
which, for example, may be a coin hopper for feeding coins to the
coin tray 30 to make a pay out to a player when the player wishes
to redeem his or her credit.
[0035] The game 16 played on the gaming machine 10 is a spinning
reel game having five reels 18. Further, the game 16 includes a
bonus feature where, upon the occurrence of a predetermined trigger
condition in a base game of the game 16, a series of free games is
awarded.
[0036] The bonus feature includes an indicator, as will be
described in greater detail below, which clearly indicates to a
player that the potential return to player percentage in the bonus
feature is higher than that which is applicable in respect of the
base game of the game 16.
[0037] In the description which follows, it is assumed that wins,
both in the base game and in the free games of the bonus feature,
pay from left-to-right.
[0038] For the game 16 described in this example, it is assumed
that the set of symbols applicable to the reel strips is as
follows:
[0039] DIAMOND (substitute)
[0040] SYM_A
[0041] SYM_B
[0042] SYM_C
[0043] A
[0044] K
[0045] Q
[0046] 10
[0047] 9
[0048] S (scatter)
[0049] The DIAMOND symbol 58 (FIG. 4) is a substitute symbol which
substitutes for all other symbols, apart from scatters in making up
winning combinations.
[0050] For each symbol, apart from the DIAMOND symbol 58, there
will be a paytable of prizes that applies for certain winning
combinations. For example, 5 SYM_A on a payline pays 500 credits
(multiplied by the bet per line), 4 SYM_A appearing in a
left-to-right combination pays 100 credits (multiplied by the bet
per line) and so on. Similarly, 5 scatter symbols S (the scatter
symbol) appearing anywhere on the screen pays 20 credits
(multiplied by the total bet), 4 scatter symbols S appearing
anywhere on the screen pays 15 credits (multiplied by the total
bet) and so on. The occurrence of at least 3 scatter symbols S also
functions as a trigger condition to award the bonus feature, as
will be described below.
[0051] For each winning payline combination, one of the applicable
symbols may be substituted by the DIAMOND symbol 58 to make up the
winning combination.
[0052] The simplified reel strips for the reels 18 for the base
game of the game 16 are as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Position Reel 1 Reel 2 Reel 3 Reel 4 Reel 5 1 SYM_A
SYM_B SYM_C 10 A 2 A K K SYM_A SYM_C 3 K 9 9 Q J 4 SYM_B SYM_C A A
10 5 Q Q 10 10 9 6 DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- MOND MOND MOND MOND
MOND 7 10 A 9 Q A 8 A 9 SYM_A SYM_C SYM_C 9 9 SYM_A K K Q 10 SYM_C
SYM_A SYM_B A SYM_A 11 10 SYM_A Q SYM_B A 12 J SYM_A 10 Q K 13 A 10
K J SYM_C 14 10 J J A J 15 SCAT SCAT SCAT SCAT SCAT 16 9 10 9 9 A
17 10 A 10 Q SYM_B 18 A 9 K SYM_B J 19 9 10 9 K SYM_C 20 J A 10 A
J
[0053] Hence, the base game of the game 16 may have some
occurrences of the same symbol positioned next to each other for
visual effect such as, in the case of reel strip 2, four
occurrences of the top award symbol, SYM_A, are arranged next to
one another in positions 9-12.
[0054] As indicated above, the occurrence of three scatter symbols
S in the base game of the game 16 triggers the bonus feature being,
as described above, a series of ten free games.
[0055] FIG. 3 of the drawings shows a screen display 50 of the base
game where it is assumed that the reels 18 have stopped at reel
strip positions 15, 11, 14, 16 and 13, respectively, on the first
payline.
[0056] The occurrence of the three scatter symbols S results in a
win of ten credits (multiplied by three credits being the total
bet) for a total win of thirty credits. This is displayed on a win
meter 52 of the gaming machine 10.
[0057] A message 54 is displayed on the screen display indicating
that the bonus feature has been awarded and that ten free games are
remaining.
[0058] Prior to each free game of the series of free games, one
DIAMOND symbol 58 (FIG. 4) is added to the third reel strip. The
additional DIAMOND symbol 58 is added adjacent another occurrence
of the DIAMOND symbol 58 on the third reel strip. Accordingly,
prior to the first free game, the reel strips will change to the
following:
TABLE-US-00002 Position Reel 1 Reel 2 Reel 3 Reel 4 Reel 5 1 SYM_A
SYM_B SYM_C 10 A 2 A K K SYM_A SYM_C 3 K 9 9 Q J 4 SYM_B SYM_C A A
10 5 Q Q 10 10 9 6 DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- MOND MOND MOND MOND
MOND 7 10 A DIA- Q A MOND 8 A 9 9 SYM_C SYM_C 9 9 SYM_A SYM_A K Q
10 SYM_C SYM_A K A SYM_A 11 10 SYM_A SYM_B SYM_B A 12 J SYM_A Q Q K
13 A 10 10 J SYM_C 14 10 J K A J 15 SCAT SCAT J SCAT SCAT 16 9 10
SCAT 9 A 17 10 A 9 Q SYM_B 18 A 9 10 SYM_B J 19 9 10 K K SYM_C 20 J
A 9 A J 21 10
[0059] That is, reel strip 3 has been extended by one position and
a further DIAMOND symbol 58 has been inserted at position 7
adjacent to the other occurrence of the DIAMOND symbol 58 on the
third reel strip.
[0060] Assuming that in the first free game the reels 18 stop at
reel strip positions 3, 2, 6, 2 and 2, the screen display is as
shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings and is designated generally by the
reference numeral 60.
[0061] For the winning combination of 3.times.K (with the DIAMOND
symbol 58 substituting) on payline 1, a prize of 25 credits, the
player playing one credit per line, is awarded and displayed on the
win meter 52. There are then nine free games remaining as indicated
by the message 54.
[0062] After the tenth free game, ten additional DIAMOND symbols 58
have been added to the third reel strip so that the reel strips now
appear as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 Position Reel 1 Reel 2 Reel 3 Reel 4 Reel 5 1 SYM_A
SYM_B SYM_C 10 A 2 A K K SYM_A SYM_C 3 K 9 9 Q J 4 SYM_B SYM_C A A
10 5 Q Q 10 10 9 6 DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- DIA- MOND MOND MOND MOND
MOND 7 10 A DIAMOND Q A 8 A 9 DIAMOND SYM_C SYM_C 9 9 SYM_A DIAMOND
K Q 10 SYM_C SYM_A DIAMOND A SYM_A 11 10 SYM_A DIAMOND SYM_B A 12 J
SYM_A DIAMOND Q K 13 A 10 DIAMOND J SYM_C 14 10 J DIAMOND A J 15
SCAT SCAT DIAMOND SCAT SCAT 16 9 10 DIAMOND 9 A 17 10 A 9 Q SYM_B
18 A 9 SYM_A SYM_B J 19 9 10 K K SYM_C 20 J A SYM_B A J 21 Q 22 10
23 K 24 J 25 SCAT 26 9 27 10 28 K 29 9 30 10
[0063] Accordingly, as the free games progress, the player's
chances of winning are greatly increased because of the higher
chance of getting a substitute symbol on the third reel strip. The
DIAMOND symbol 58 is designed to stand out from the remaining
symbols on the reels 18 so that, as the reels 18 spin, the player
has a readily identifiable visual effect of seeing the DIAMOND
symbols 58 spinning past. Hence, as extra DIAMOND symbols 58 are
added to the third reel, the player has the visual confirmation
that the potential return to player percentage is increasing due to
the increased number of DIAMOND symbols 58 spinning past. It will
be appreciated that, by the later games of the series of free
games, there is a very high chance of one or more DIAMOND symbols
58 being displayed when the third reel 18 stops spinning.
[0064] Instead of the reel strip associated with the third reel 18
being increased in length by the addition of further DIAMOND
symbols 58, the reel strip associated with the third reel 18 could
remain the same length as the other reel strips by substituting the
DIAMOND symbol 58 for other symbols presently on the reel strip of
the third reel 18.
[0065] In another embodiment of the invention (not shown),
additional DIAMOND symbol 58 are added to each of the second,
third, fourth and fifth reels 18 as the free games of the series of
free games progresses therefore increasing the likelihood of a
winning outcome being obtained even further, particularly, in the
later games of the series of free games.
[0066] It is also not necessary that the positioning of the other
symbol on the reel strips remain completely constant during all the
free games of the series of free games. Their distribution may
alter.
[0067] It is a particular advantage of the invention that an
indicator is provided which readily indicates to a player that the
potential return to player percentage for the free game is higher
and increases during the bonus feature. Hence, the player need not,
if the player does not wish to do so, consult a "Help" screen of
the gaming machine 10 to ascertain how the bonus feature works. The
applicant believes that this will enhance player enjoyment of the
game. It will also enhance revenue for operators of a venue in
which the gaming machine 10 is installed as players will be less
reticent about playing the game if they know, in a simplified
manner, how the bonus feature works and that it is not necessary to
consult a "Help" screen should they not wish to do so.
[0068] Another major benefit of the invention is that, as the bonus
feature progresses, the chances of winning increases. Hence, the
last impression that is left in the mind of the player is likely to
be a good one as the player is more likely to end the feature with
one or more winning games and higher payouts than non-winning games
and lower payouts.
[0069] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *