AU2012213960A1 - A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming comprising: conducting an initial play round comprising: selecting and displaying a first set of 5 normal symbols at a plurality of display positions; displaying at least one special symbol at a display position; determining a game outcome based on each at least one special symbol and the first set of normal symbols, and conducting one or more further play rounds 10 until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: retaining the at least one special symbol from the previous play round; selecting a new display position at random for each retained special symbol; selecting and displaying a further set of normal symbols at a plurality 15 of display positions; and determining a further game outcome based on the new display position of each special symbol and the further Bet of normal symbols. 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 1050 MEMORY SYMBOL SELECTOR + SYMBOL 4-4 DATA SPECIAL SYMBOL 1043 Display SPECIAL I- -- - --- o SYMBOL NEW POSITION DATA e--y SELECTOR * DISPLACEMENT 1046 OUTCOME ~INSTRUCTIONS Figure 6 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application 2009230808 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Most of the disclosure 10 of that application is included herein by reference, however, reference may be made to the specification of application 2009230808 as accepted to gain further understanding of the invention claimed herein. 15 Field The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller. 20 Background to the Invention Australian patent no. 755879 discloses a wild symbol which progressively moves to each of a predetermined number of display locations. The wild symbol follows a 25 predetermined path after a single spinning of the reels. Game outcomes are determined for each position on the path. Australian patent no. 762889 discloses holding a special 30 symbol in the position where it occurs for at least one further game while at least the reel carrying the special symbol is re-spun. It is also known from Australian patent no. 750731 to 35 randomly locate a wild symbol, in the case of Australian patent no. 750731 by a "sprite" designating a symbol to be treated as a special symbol. 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 IS/08/12 - 3 While these games provide some enjoyment, there is a need for an alternative gaming system. Summary of the Invention 5 In a first aspect there is disclosed a method of gaming in a gaming system comprising: conducting a play round comprising: selecting a first set of symbols from a 10 plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, displaying the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on a display of the gaming system, and 15 determining a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed on the display of the gaming system; and conducting one or more further play rounds until 20 an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: determining if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retaining the special symbol for the further round, 25 if a special symbol is displayed, selecting a new display position at random for each retained special symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting a further set of symbols from a 30 plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on the display of the gaming system, and determining a further game outcome based on 35 the further set of symbols and any retained special symbols that are displayed on the display of the gaming system, 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 4 wherein when the same display position is randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and moved in subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined 5 displacement rules. In an embodiment, selecting a new display position for a special symbol is performed by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to 10 the previously displayed position of the special symbol. In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down. 15 In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction 20 transverse to the first displacement. In an embodiment, the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated 25 as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area. In an embodiment, the end condition is that a 30 predetermined number of play rounds have occurred. In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met. 35 In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is displayed 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 5 In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol the special symbol is displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that display position. 5 In an embodiment, the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game. In a second aspect there is disclosed a game controller 10 for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: conduct a play round comprising: select a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, 15 cause the display of the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on a display, and determine a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected 20 and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: determine if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retain the special 25 symbol for the further round, if a special symbol is displayed, select a new display position at random for each retained special symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, 30 select a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, display the selected further set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions, and determine a further game outcome based on 35 the further set of symbols and any retained special symbols that are displayed, wherein when the same display position is 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710,AU.3 15/08/12 - 6 randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and are moved in subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined displacement rules. 5 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select a new position for a special symbol by selecting at random a displacement from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the special 10 symbol. In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down. 15 In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction 20 transverse to the first displacement. In an embodiment, the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated 25 as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area. In an embodiment, the end condition is that a 30 predetermined number of play rounds have occurred. In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met. 35 In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is caused to be displayed 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 7 In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol the special symbol is caused to be displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that 5 display position. In an embodiment, the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game. In a third aspect there is disclosed a gaming system 10 comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: conduct a play round comprising: select a first set of symbols from a 15 plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, cause the display of the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on a display, and 20 determine a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: 25 determine if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retain the special symbol for the further round, if a special symbol is displayed, select a new display position at random for each retained special 30 symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, select a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, display the selected further set of symbols 35 at a respective plurality of display positions, and determine a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and any retained special 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 8 symbols that are displayed, wherein when the same display position is randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and are moved in 5 subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined displacement rules. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select a new position for a special symbol by selecting at 10 random a displacement from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the special symbol. In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are 15 one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down. In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions 20 in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement. The first and second displacements may be reversed in some embodiments. 25 In an embodiment, the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position 30 within the display area. In an embodiment, the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred. 35 In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met. 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 9 In an embodiment, the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game. In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and 5 the game ends if any of the end conditions is met. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer readable program code, which when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement the above method. 10 In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the above computer program code. 15 In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising the above computer program code. Brief Description of the Drawings 20 An embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming 25 machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory; 30 Figure 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system; Figures 7A to 7G show exemplary displays of a 35 first example; Figure 8 is a flowchart of the first example; and Figures 9A to 9G show exemplary displays of a 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 10 second example. Detailed Description 5 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game where at least one special symbol is retained for one or more play rounds but is displayed at a randomly determined new display position after each play round. The gaming system can take a 10 number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. 15 In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the 20 game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" 25 architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 30 However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the 35 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode 3604896_1 (GHMattera) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 11 depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 5 Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and 10 the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. Components of the player interface may vary from 15 embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions. 20 The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the 25 display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a 30 microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming 35 machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 12 by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input 5 mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the 10 purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 15 A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front 20 panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video 25 display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include 30 a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of 35 a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. 3604896_1 (GHMattere) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 13 The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. 5 Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. 10 The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the 15 peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons 20 skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game 25 controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 30 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. 35 The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 14 data or commands from the central controller, server or database. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of 5 an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain 10 some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 15 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 20 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of 25 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for 30 implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the 35 network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations 36048961 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 15 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 5 In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they 10 collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot 15 game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to carry out accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty system 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements 20 most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass 25 these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard 30 computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a 35 licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the 3604896_1 (GMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 16 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate 5 network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the 10 server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. 15 Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the 20 terminals. Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a 25 mechanical display, these later machines most usually being "stepper" machines which have a separate motor for each reel. The game controllers of such gaming machines have a stop 30 determining function that determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so 35 that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a "window" visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 17 playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position. 5 Embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming systems that allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Each win line is formed by 10 a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the 15 display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be other combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window. 20 Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by select a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure 25 Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbol positions of a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with designated, displayed symbol 30 positions of other reels. In other embodiments a player may purchase access to particular pay tables - e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount 35 entitles them to wins including plums. The game controller of the embodiment is shown in more 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 18 detail in Figure 6. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the game controller 60 and/or individual modules 1010-1050 of the game controller can be implemented by a processor executing appropriate program 5 code stored in memory 64. In other embodiments, some modules may be provided by dedicated circuits, for example. The game controller incorporates a symbol selector 1010 10 that selects symbols to appear on the display 54. Symbol selector 1010 includes a special symbol controller for controlling display of the special symbol during subsequent play rounds once it has appeared. In the embodiment, the special symbol controller 1020 of symbol 15 selector 1010 is configured to determine based on a predetermined symbol combination occurring (specified by condition data 1042) that a special symbol should be displayed 54. In an alternative, the special symbol may be on one or more of the reels and accordingly would be 20 part of symbol data specifying the makeup of each reel. In this embodiment, the start condition is that the special symbol appears on the display as a result of the normal selection process of symbols by the symbol selector 1010 under control of the random number generator 1050. 25 Once a special symbol either occurs or is displayed in response to a start condition being met, the special symbol is retained for one or more further play rounds until an end condition, specified by condition data 1042, 30 is met. During each subsequent play round, the special symbol is displayed in a new position by being moved at random under control of the new position selector 1025. In an embodiment, the new position selector 1025 obtains a value from random number generator 1050 that is used to 35 select a displacement from a set of displacements defined by displacement data 1046. 3604896_1 (GHMatter) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 19 In some embodiments there may be more than one special symbol. In this case, the special symbol controller controls retainment and displacement of all special symbols. 5 Between each displacement of the special symbol (which will typically be a wild symbol that can substitute for all or some of the other symbols), a new set of normal symbols are obtained, for example by spinning the reels 10 again. Other special symbols provide some form of additional play characteristic, for example a multiplier. The outcome generator 1030 generates outcomes based on prize data 1045 and game instructions 1044 after each play 15 round. The above gaming system will normally be used to implement the game as a feature game. During the feature game, a set of games are played, described herein as play rounds, 20 in which when a special symbol appears it is used to evaluate prizes and then the reels are spun and the symbol is retained in the window for use in the next game. The special symbol moves to a randomly selected new location, typically by a displacement selected at random from the 25 location from which it last appeared. The game is intended to be of particular interest in a game where the order of symbols is important in pay patterns. 30 As described above, the special symbol may be located on the reels and become active when it stops in the window. In this embodiment, there can be more than one special symbol on the reel and thus the number of special symbols 35 can accumulate during the feature. In another embodiment, the feature commences when a start 3604896_1 (GHMatterS) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 20 condition is met, for example based on a specific symbol combination occurring on the reels, a special symbol is placed on the reel in a display location defined by the rules. Additional special symbols may also be added based 5 on other factors defined in the rules of the game. The initial display location may, for example, be predetermined, selected at random, selected at random from a subset of the available display positions, or selected by the player. 10 A special symbol may be displayed such that the symbol shown on the reel strip underneath it is not visible (in embodiments where the special symbol is displayed independently of the reels). In an alternative 15 embodiment, the special symbol is located in a place in the window such that the symbol shown on the reel strip is also visible, for example next to the symbol or as a transparent overlay. In one example, the special symbol may be larger than normal symbols and "float" over a 20 display position. In a further alternative, the special symbol may only be visible in conjunction with the symbol underneath when it appears in combination with certain symbols, for example, 25 a scatter symbol where it is advantageous to keep both the wild and scatter symbols available for prize evaluations. As described above, in the embodiment the special symbol is wild for some or all symbols. However, in alternative 30 embodiments the special symbol may take another function for example as a multiplier or may act as a multiplier if more than one special symbol appears in the same display position. In a further alternative the special symbol may be a Jackpot symbol. 35 Where the random selection of a new display position of the retained special symbol is made by a displacement, 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 21 this may be restricted to a set of possible displacements. For example, all displacements correspond to positions adjacent to the current position, or the displacements define a "dance step" such as two positions up and one 5 across, etc. Further, the displacements may be allowed to wrap around the reels by moving adjacently up from a position from the top of the set of symbols to the bottom of the reels and similarly from right to left or left to right. 10 The held special symbols can be displayed in a number of different styles, for example: "walking", "dancing", "jumping" or "sliding" the symbol from one position to the next prior to the reels 15 spinning; e "walking", "dancing", "jumping" or "sliding" the symbol from one position to the next as the reels are spinning; * "walking", "dancing", "jumping" or "sliding" the 20 symbol from one position to the next after the reels spin; or e visually disappearing as the reels are spun and then reappearing as the reels stop spinning. 25 It is possible to have more than one special symbol appearing in the window at the same time. If more than one special symbol appears in the same display position, the display position shows all of the special symbols. This can be visually depicted as the symbol changing to 30 have all symbols in a new graphic or flashing between the various symbols. Depending on the embodiment, where more than one special symbol appears in the same display position, the 35 subsequent moves can be individual moves for each symbol or, alternatively, the combined symbol can now move as one symbol. 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 22 It is also possible for a special symbol to replicate as it is moved, and for it to be moved in multiple directions. For instance, in one embodiment, a special 5 symbol of a Star can appear at Feature Game 1 and then at Feature Game 2, the Star is moved while being replicated as one star above the last position and one star below the last position. 10 The player's eligibility for the feature can be determined in accordance with any one of a number of known rules including but not limited to: being available to all players for all bets; being available only for certain bet types; or 15 different levels of feature being available for different bets. For example, standard bets may be entitled to one special symbol and feature bets may be entitled to additional special symbols. 20 The feature can commence in accordance with any one of a number of known rules including but not limited to: when a special symbol, or a combination of symbols appears in the window; when a time elapses; 25 when a system event occurs; when an underlying random event occurs, for example, in the course of a game; when a turnover has elapsed. 30 Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of 35 memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server). 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 23 Example 1 A three by five spinning reel game (five reels 740a-740e with three positions 750a-750c visible in the window for 5 each reel) is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of eight feature games. 10 During the feature games, the rules of the game define that the "Man" special symbol and the "Woman" special symbol each acquire the function of substituting for other symbols. During the feature, once a Man or Woman special symbol appears, the special symbol will remain in the 15 window for all remaining games in this feature sequence but will randomly move location. The location of the displacement is defined as moving up or down on the same reel, or moving left to right on the same row. 20 Please note that in this example the adjacent move includes a "wrap" i.e. the meaning of the word "up" includes moving from the top line to the bottom line on the same reel. Similarly, the word "down" includes moving from the bottom line to the top line on the same reel. 25 Similarly the word "left" includes moving from reel one to reel five and "right" includes moving from reel five to reel one. The displacement selector randomly selects to which 30 position the special symbol is to move. More than one "Man" and one "Woman" can appear and be retained in each feature sequence. The rules of the game define that if a Man and Woman occupy the same position, 35 the visual display will show the Man and Woman dancing together and the prize will be multiplied by ten. Similarly if two "Man" or two "Woman" symbols occupy the 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/06/12 - 24 same position. In the first free game, neither a Man nor a Woman symbol appears on the reels. The symbols appearing on the reels 5 are evaluated and prizes paid. In the second free game, a Man symbol 710 appears on reel two 740b in the centre position 750b. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes according 10 to the bet options placed by the player and using the Man as a substitute as shown in Figure 7A. This outcome pays 3 * Aces on the centre line (Man substitutes for the Ace) 15 In the third free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. The reels also spin and all other 20 symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7B. The outcome pays 3* Queen on the centre line (Man substitutes for Queen) 25 In the fourth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7C. 30 The outcome pays 4* jack on the fourth payline (top left hand corner to middle bottom, then up to top right hand corner. (Man substitutes for Jack) And 2* 9 on top line (Man substitutes for 9) 35 In the fifth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 25 but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. On this outcome, a Woman 720 symbol appears on reel four. 5 The outcome is shown in Figure 7D. The outcome pays 3* 9 on top line. (Man substitutes for 9) And 3 * dog on the centre line. The "Woman" does not 10 complete a prize winning combination. In the sixth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on 15 reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. The Woman 720 can move up or down (to the top position on reel four) or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7E. 20 The outcome pays 5* Jacks on fifth payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Jack) fifth payline runs from reel one bottom position to reel three top position and down to bottom position on reel five. 25 In the seventh free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. The 30 Woman 720 can move up or down or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7F The outcome pays 4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and 35 Woman both substitute for Ace). In the eighth free game, the Man 710 remains available in 3604896_1 (GHMattera) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 26 the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. The Woman 720 can move up or down or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also 5 spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7G. The outcome pays 3* Queens on fourth payline. (Woman substitutes for Queen). 10 The Man does not complete a winning combination. Eight feature games are now complete, the end condition is met and the game returns to normal play. 15 The process of Example 1 is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 8. At step 800, the reels are spun in a standard game. At step 805, it is determined whether there is a trigger (start condition) for the special feature. If no, the standard game continues, if yes, the 20 feature game is started at step 810. At step 815, it is determined what the end condition will in this case is the number of feature games that are available in this game. At step 820, the reels are spun. At step 825, it is determined whether there is a Man symbol on the reels, as 25 in this embodiment the Man symbol is one of the set of symbols available on at least one reel. If the answer is yes, the position is noted if the answer is no, it is determined 835 whether there is a Woman symbol on the reels. If the answer is yes, the position is noted at 30 step 840 and prizes are evaluated at step 845. If there are any Man or Woman symbols, these are used as substitutes otherwise the prize evaluation occurs in accordance with the other normal rules. At step 850, the number of feature games that are available is decremented 35 and at step 855 it is determined whether the number of feature games available has reached zero 855. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 860, and the 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 27 reels are spun, at steps 865 and 870, new positions are determined for the man and woman if this is applicable. The process then continues from step 825 until it is determined at step 855 that the number of feature games 5 has reached zero. That is, that the end condition is met. Example 2 This is another five reel 940a-940e by three row 950a-950c 10 game where the rules are the same as Example 1 but a Man 910 and Woman 920 symbol are placed on the display at the start of the game. In the first free game, a Man symbol 910 is placed on reel 15 two, centre position and a Woman symbol 920 is placed on the reel four, centre position. The symbols overlay other symbols such that the underlying symbols, except for scatters, cannot be seen and cannot be used to evaluate prizes. The symbols appearing on the reels are evaluated 20 and prizes paid. The outcome is shown in Figure 9A. The prizes paid are 4* Aces on the centre line (Man and Woman substitute for Ace) 25 2*9 on the fifth payline (Man substitutes for 9) In the second free game, the Man 910 symbol randomly relocates. The relocation can be above or below the centre position on reel two or to the centre position on 30 reel one or reel three. The displacement of the Woman 920 symbol is independent of the displacement of the Man 910. The Woman can move up or down on reel four or sideways to reels three or five on the centre position. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes using the 35 Man and Woman as a substitute. This outcome pays: 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 28 3 * Aces on the centre line (Man substitutes for the Ace) In the third free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random 5 but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. Similarly for the relocation of the Woman 920. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9B. 10 The outcome pays: 3* Queen on the centre line (Man substitutes for Queen) 3*9 on fifth payline (Man and woman substitute for 9) In the fourth free game, the Man 910 remains available in 15 the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. Similarly, the Woman 920 symbol must relocate. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9D. 20 Note that in this outcome, the Man and Woman symbols are now in the same position. The outcome pays on top line 2* 9 prize time ten. (Man and woman at the same location pay ten times the prize and 25 substitutes for 9) In the fifth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on 30 reel two or sideways onto reel three or reel one. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is show in Figure 9E. 35 The outcome pays: 3* 9 on top line. (Man substitutes for 9) 3 * dog on the centre line. (Woman substitutes for dog) 36048961 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 29 3* Queen on fifth payline (Man and Woman substitute for Queen) 2*9 on fourth payline (Woman substitutes for 9) 5 In the sixth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin 10 and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9F. The outcome pays: 3* Jacks on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both 15 substitute for Jack) In the seventh free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel three or sideways 20 onto reel two or reel four. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9G. The outcome pays: 25 4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Ace). 2*9 on fifth payline In the eighth free game, the Man 910 remains available in 30 the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9H. 35 The outcome pays: 3* Queens on fifth payline. (Man substitutes for Queen). 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 30 Eight feature games are now complete and the game returns to normal play. 5 In one variation of Example 2, the Man and Woman symbols may move together after they appear in the same display position (see Figure 9D). When they move together this may be different to the initial way they moved, for example, they may move in a two by one or one by two 10 display position "dance step". Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention described herein. 15 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 20 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 25 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 30 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12

Claims (30)

1. A method of gaming in a gaming system comprising: conducting a play round comprising: 5 selecting a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, displaying the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on 10 a display of the gaming system, and determining a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed on the display of the gaming system; and 15 conducting one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: determining if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retaining the 20 special symbol for the further round, if a special symbol is displayed, selecting a new display position at random for each retained special symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, 25 selecting a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on the display of the gaming system, and 30 determining a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and any retained special symbols that are displayed on the display of the gaming system, wherein when the same display position is 35 randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and moved in subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 32 displacement rules.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein selecting a new display position for a special symbol is performed 5 by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previously displayed position of the special symbol.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set 10 of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of possible displacements are comprised of first 15 displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement. 20

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving 25 to a display position within the display area.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred. 30

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met. 35

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is displayed 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 33

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at each display position associated with a special symbol the special symbol is displayed in conjunction with 5 the normal symbol for that display position.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game. 10

11. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: conduct a play round comprising: select a first set of symbols from a 15 plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, cause the display of the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on a display, and 20 determine a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: 25 determine if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retain the special symbol for the further round, if a special symbol is displayed, select a new display position at random for each retained special 30 symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, select a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, display the selected further set of symbols 35 at a respective plurality of display positions, and determine a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and any retained special 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 1S/08/12 - 34 symbols that are displayed, wherein when the same display position is randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and are moved in 5 subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined displacement rules.

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to select a new position for a special symbol by 10 selecting at random a displacement from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the special symbol.

13. A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein 15 the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

14. A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein the set of possible displacements are comprised of first 20 displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement. 25

15. A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol 30 moving to a display position within the display area.

16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred. 35

17. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein there is more than one end condition and 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 35 the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein at each display position associated with 5 a special symbol only the special symbol is caused to be displayed

19. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein at each display position associated with 10 a special symbol the special symbol is caused to be displayed in conjunction with the normal symbol for that display position.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 15 11 to 19, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game.

21. A gaming system comprising: a display; and 20 a game controller arranged to: conduct a play round comprising: select a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, 25 cause the display of the selected first set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions on a display, and determine a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected 30 and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: determine if a special symbol is displayed from the previous round, and if so retain the special 35 symbol for the further round, if a special symbol is displayed, select a new display position at random for each retained special 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 36 symbol based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, select a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, 5 display the selected further set of symbols at a respective plurality of display positions, and determine a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and any retained special symbols that are displayed, 10 wherein when the same display position is randomly selected for at least two special symbols, the two special symbols are combined and are moved in subsequent further rounds based on an second set of predetermined displacement rules. 15

22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game controller is arranged to select a new position for a special symbol by selecting at random a displacement from a set of possible displacements relative to the 20 previous display position of the special symbol.

23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down. 25

24. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second 30 displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement. The first and second displacements may be reversed in some embodiments.

25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein 35 the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top 36048961 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12 - 37 such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area.

26. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 5 21 to 25, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.

27. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein there is more than one end condition and 10 the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

28. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game. 15

29. Computer readable program code, which when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10. 20

30. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 29. 3604896_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.3 15/08/12