AU2017213597A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a 5 set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions in a game display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangements, and a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of at least one symbol so that the at least one symbol rotates 10 around at least one symbol in the array to define at least one different winning or losing symbol arrangement. The gaming system also comprises an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbol arrangements and to provide a player reward when the 15 displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. 9379014_1 (GHMatter) P25518.AU.3

Description

2017213597 14 Aug 2017 1

A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING

Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming.

Background of the Invention 10 It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be 15 implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device. 20 However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

Summary of the Invention 25

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system for providing play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode, the gaming system comprising: 30 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in the normal game mode for display at a plurality of display positions in a game display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangement s; 35 a trigger determiner arranged to randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; S37S014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 2 a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of a first symbol in the special game mode so that the first symbol, starting at a first display position, rotates around a second symbol in the array in 5 predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game 10 outcome based on the displayed symbols in the normal and special game modes and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. 15 In one arrangement, the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of the first symbol so that the first symbol progressively rotates around the second symbol by one symbol position with each display position modification. In an alternative 20 embodiment, the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of at the first symbol so that the first symbol rotates around the second symbol by more than one symbol position. 25 In one embodiment, the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of a plurality of first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols rotate around the second symbol. 30 The symbol position modifier may in one embodiment be arranged to modify the display position of the first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols disposed around the second symbol rotate together by a particular angle such as 90° with each display position modification. 35 537S014 J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 3

The first symbol which is caused to rotate around the second symbol by the symbol position modifier may be disposed immediately adjacent the second symbol. 5 In one arrangement, the gaming system is arranged so as to modify the orientation of a first symbol when the first symbol is rotated around the second symbol.

In one arrangement, when the first symbol is caused to 10 rotate around the second symbol by the symbol position modifier, at least some display positions disposed adjacent the second symbol do not include a symbol.

The set of symbols may include at least one function 15 symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.

The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone 20 gaming machine or across a network.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: 25 providing play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode; providing a display; in normal game mode, selecting and displaying a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in a game 30 display array, the positions of said symbols defining a plurality of display positions and a winning or losing symbol arrangement; randomly triggering special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of 35 display positions; in special game mode, modifying the display position of a first symbol so that the first symbol, starting at a S378014_1 (GHMatters) P2S518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 4 first display position, rotates around the display position of a second symbol in predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the 5 rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position in the array; determining a game outcome based on the symbol arrangement of the displayed symbols in normal and special game modes; and 10 providing a player reward when the displayed symbols corresponds to a winning outcome.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged 15 when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in the normal game mode for display at a plurality of display positions in a game 20 display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangement s; a trigger determiner arranged to randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; 25 a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of at least one symbol in the special game mode so that the at least one symbol rotates around at least one symbol in the array to define at least one different winning or losing symbol arrangement; and 30 an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbol arrangements in the normal and special game modes and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. 35

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 5 having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of 5 symbols from a set of symbols in the normal game mode for display at a plurality of display positions in a game display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangement s; a trigger determiner arranged to randomly trigger the 10 special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of a first symbol in the special game mode so that the first symbol, starting at a first display 15 position, rotates around a second symbol in the array in predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position; and 2 0 an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols in the normal and special game modes and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome. 25 In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: 30 a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in the normal game mode for display at a plurality of display positions in a game display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangement s; 35 a trigger determiner arranged to randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; S378014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 6 a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of a first symbol in the special game mode so that the first symbol, starting at a first display position, rotates around a second symbol in the array in 5 predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game 10 outcome based on the displayed symbols in the normal and special game modes and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present 15 invention, there is provided a gaming device comprising: a video display; a computer processor; and a data structure storing data corresponding to game symbols and winning symbol arrangements; 2 0 apparatus for a player to prompt play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode; said processor configured, when game play is prompted, to (i) during normal game mode, select and display game symbols on said display in a game display 25 array to define a winning or losing symbol arrangement, each symbol occupying a position in the array, (ii) randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions, (iii) to control the display to display a first 30 symbol moving in predefined rotation increments starting at a first display position to a plurality of other symbol positions about a designated second symbol so as to define at least one other symbol arrangement at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes whe the first 35 symbol reverts to the first display position, and (iv) issue an award for each winning symbol arrangement. S378014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 7

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, 5 in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of certain 10 functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form 15 of a stand alone gaming machine;

Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of certain operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of certain 20 components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a 25 network;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 30 Figures 8a to 8d are diagrammatic representations of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation of example 35 displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; S379014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 - 8 -

Figures 10a to lOh are diagrammatic representations of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; 5 Figures 11a and lib are diagrammatic representations of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation of example 10 displayed systems of a gaming system in accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; and

Figures 13a and 13b are diagrammatic representations of example displayed symbols of a gaming system in 15 accordance with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game.

Description of an Embodiment of the Invention 20 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed 25 symbols. With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard 30 symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display in the same line, scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be for example a 35 wild function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbol may be S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 9 represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature 5 commencement functions .

The present gaming system operates such that at least during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, the gaming system rotates at least one displayed 10 symbol around one or more other symbols in the array to result in different winning or losing symbol arrangements. For example a symbol may be designated as a trigger symbol and when the trigger symbol appears at a position, the rotation sequence is started. In this way, the player is 15 provided with enhanced enjoyment and an increased likelihood of obtaining a winning outcome. The rotation of one or more symbols in the array may be about a designated central symbol. By "central symbol" is meant a symbol around which at least one other symbol rotates. As 20 such, the central symbol need not be located centrally of the symbol display.

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of certain components of a gaming system 10 is shown. The components 25 include a player interface 30 and a game controller 32.

The player interface 30 is arranged to enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 30

Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play 35 mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game playing instructions. S379014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 10

The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 40 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game 5 play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, 10 microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device such as a personal computer or a server. A functional diagram illustrating certain operative 15 components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2.

The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 indicative of a plurality of symbols for subsequent display to a player, function data 16 indicative of one or 20 more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game. The memory 42 may also store data which relates to winning symbol arrangements and the awards therefor. 25

The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arranged to select several symbols from the selected symbols 14 for display to a player. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made 30 using a random number generator 22.

It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this 35 specification the term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random. 537S014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 11

The game controller 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether game conditions exist to commence rotation of at least one symbol, and a symbol position modifier 25 arranged to progressively select new 5 display positions to which at least one of the selected symbols is to be moved so as to provide the appearance of at least one symbol which rotates around at least one centrally disposed symbol to define one or more winning or losing symbol arrangements. 10

In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other 15 function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game.

The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome generator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines winning game outcomes based on the arrangements 20 of symbols selected for display to a player by the symbol selector 20, and, at least for certain arrangements, on the basis of display positions of the symbols after at least one symbol has been rotated around at least one centrally disposed symbol by the symbol position modifier 25 25. Certain symbol arrangements known as "scatter" wins do not require any particular symbol arrangement pattern in the display array.

In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 30 20, the trigger determiner 24, the symbol modifier 25, the function allocator 26, and the outcome generator 28 are at least partly implemented using the processor 40 and associated software and memory, although it will be understood that other implementations are envisaged. 35

The gaming system 10 can take a number of different forms. S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 12

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. 5 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 game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. 10 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" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is 15 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. 20 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 gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, 25 the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 30 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 40 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 40 includes a console 42 having a display 44 on which is displayed representations of a game 46 that can be played 35 by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 40 houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during S37S014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 13 gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coin input chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card 5 reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the 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 10 portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other 15 information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 30. 20

The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video 25 display unit and may be embodied as a touch screen display. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, or of a different type. 30 The display 44 in this example is arranged to display an array of representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically 35 three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with any special functions associated with the symbols, S378014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 14 and if a function has been allocated to a reel, on the basis of the allocated function. A player marketing module (PMM) 62 having a display 64 is 5 connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of the PMM 62 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other 10 reading devices may be employed and 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 In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of certain operative components of a typical gaming machine 100 which may be 20 the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in

Figure 3.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control 25 operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 which is in data communication with the processor 102.

Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both 30 volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of certain components of an 35 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 S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 15 the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be 5 verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring 10 player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming machine 100, the player interface 120 having several peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with 15 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. 20 In the example shown in Figure 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a 25 coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation . 30 In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive 35 data or commands from the central controller, server or database . S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 16

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 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 5

Figure 6 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, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two 10 gaming machines 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. 15 While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the 20 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 associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example 25 promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, a 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 30 game. With this embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming machine 202 implement part of the game, they 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 35 gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to monitor and S37S014_I (GHMatters) P25S/8.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 17 carry out the Jackpot game.

In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine 202 may implement the game, with the game 5 server 205 functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation.

With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the client terminal to 10 implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the client terminal.

In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 15 implements 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 20 instructions, and pass the instructions 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 25 player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for 30 example a gaming floor management server 208 and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. 35

The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, S37S014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 18 and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. 5

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements 10 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 number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. 15

During operation, the game controller, whether implemented in a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 or over a network 201, implements a probabilistic game wherein at least during part of the game the gaming system moves the 20 display position of at least one symbol to a new display position so as to provide the appearance of at least one symbol rotating around at least one centrally disposed symbol. 25 Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described in relation to a stand alone gaming machine 10, 40, 100 although it will be understood that implementation may also be carried out using other gaming system architectures such as a network architecture of the 30 type shown in Figure 6.

During normal game mode, reels comprising standard symbols and optionally one or more function symbols are provided. Win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbol 35 arrangements visible when the reels stop rotating, and in this example three symbols are displayed on each reel at any time. A win outcome may occur based on display of the S37S014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 19 same symbol along a horizontal or diagonal line, as scattered symbols, or in any other predefined arrangement. A win outcome may also occur on the basis of one or more standard symbols in combination with at least one function 5 symbol having an assigned function. For example a function symbol may correspond to a wild function, a scatter function, a multiply function, a repeat win function, and so on. 10 During special game mode, at least one symbol is moved in the array so as to provide the appearance that the or each symbol is rotating around at least one centrally disposed symbol, thereby progressively defining one or more new symbol arrangements. Win outcomes may be determined at 15 one or more of the new symbol arrangements. One or a plurality or a group of symbols may be moved.

The or each symbol which is rotated by the symbol position modifier 25 may be disposed immediately adjacent one or 20 more symbols in the array such as a symbol located at or near the center of the display array.

Special game mode may be arranged to commence when one or more trigger symbols appear on the display or may occur 25 entirely randomly. For example, in one embodiment when a particular symbol is selected and displayed anywhere in the array or at a predetermined location, e.g. at the center position in a 3x5 display array representing a five reel game with each reel displaying 3 symbols. In another 30 embodiment, special game mode may be triggered regardless of the symbols selected and displayed. For example, special game mode may be triggered by (i) a separate random selection device which, for example, has numbers 1 -100, designates the number "1" as the trigger and with 35 the spin of each game randomly selects a number between 1 and 100 and if "1" is selected, triggers the special mode; or (ii) a trigger issued randomly or as instructed by an S37S014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU 3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 20 operator or as the result of an external event such as a jackpot or the like.

The gaming system may be arranged to commence play of the 5 special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred. For example, special 10 game mode may commence when a specific combination of symbols is displayed such as scattered CAT symbols and at least one displayed symbol subsequently selected as the central symbol(s) around which symbols rotate. 15 The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on. 20 Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special game feature is purchased by a player. A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 7 which illustrates steps 25 252 to 266 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system according to the present embodiment.

In this example, five reels are provided, with each reel having multiple symbols. The reels are virtual reels and, 30 as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44. Example representations of the displayed array as shown on the display device 44 are shown in Figures 8a to 8d. 35 During normal game mode, first, second, third, fourth and fifth reels 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 rotate and the reels stop with three symbols displayed on each reel in S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 21 the array to define winning or losing symbol arrangements. These arrangements may be along defined and wagered based on pay lines, scattered symbol arrangements or in arrangements as described in US Patent 6,093,102 issued 5 July 25, 2000 and titled "Muliline Gaming Machine", the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The outcome generator 28 evaluates the displayed symbol combination and if the display positions of the symbols 10 correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded.

When a particular special mode trigger condition occurs during normal game mode or as determined by an external event, for example based on the selection and display of a 15 predetermined trigger symbol 314 in the array, or by a player pressing a button after the player has identified that requirements for special game mode have been met, or in any other way as herein described, the gaming system 10, 40, 100 implements special game mode. Commencement of 20 special game mode may be communicated to a player in any suitable way, for example by displaying an icon on the graphical display.

During special game mode, adjacent displayed symbols 316 25 rotate together 90° around the trigger symbol 314 one or more positions in a clockwise direction. The original position of the displayed symbols at commencement of special game mode is shown in Figure 8a and the position of the displayed symbols after the adjacent symbols 316 30 have been rotated 90° two symbol positions is shown in Figure 8b.

The outcome generator 28 then evaluates the new displayed symbol arrangement and if the new display positions of the 35 symbols correspond to a winning arrangement a prize is awarded. 537S014 J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 22

The adjacent symbols 316 may then rotate a further 90° two symbol positions in a clockwise direction around the trigger symbol 314 so that the displayed symbols are now disposed in positions shown in Figure 8c, thereby defining 5 an additional symbol arrangement.

The outcome generator 28 then evaluates the displayed symbol combination and if the displayed positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded. 10

The adjacent symbols 316 then rotate a further 90° two positions in the clockwise direction so that the displayed symbols are disposed in positions shown in Figure 8d, thereby defining a further different symbol arrangement. 15

The outcome generator 28 then evaluates the new displayed symbol arrangement and if the display positions of the symbols correspond to a win outcome a prize is awarded.

In this example, the display positions shown in Figure 8d 20 correspond to five Picl symbols along a first line which is a win combination and, accordingly, a prize is awarded.

As illustrated, during the rotation sequences the symbols being rotated may be displayed so as to maintain their 25 orientation relative to the display. A modified version of this embodiment is shown in Figure 9. With this variation, rotation of the display positions of the adjacent symbols 316 by 90° in a clockwise direction 30 also causes the orientation of the adjacent symbols 316 to rotate to further highlight to the player that the symbols are rotating.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 10a to lOh 35 instead of adjacent symbols 316 rotating around a trigger symbol 314 such that the adjacent symbols 316 rotate together 90° clockwise with each individual symbol moving 6379014.1 (GHMatters) P25518 AU 3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 23 two positions around the trigger symbol 314 with each rotation, with this embodiment with each symbol movement each adjacent symbol 316 moves one position around the trigger symbol 314. 5

In a further alternative embodiment shown in Figures 11a and lib, instead of commencing special game mode when a trigger symbol appears on the display, special game mode may be caused to commence when a specific combination of 10 symbols appears on the display such as three specific symbols 330 disposed along the middle of a central line of the display. With this embodiment, the three centrally disposed trigger symbols 330 would remain stationary and symbols 332 adjacent the three trigger symbols caused to 15 rotate around the trigger symbols, in this example in a clockwise direction. In this example, the trigger symbols 330 are wild symbols.

In a modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 11a 20 and lib, a display is provided which includes four lines instead of three and special game mode commences when a specific symbol combination appears in the middle of the second and third lines, in this example three specific symbols 340 disposed along the middle of the second line 25 and three specific symbols 350 disposed along the middle of the third line, as shown in Figure 12. With this embodiment, symbols 352 adjacent the six centrally disposed trigger symbols would rotate around the trigger symbols, for example in a clockwise direction. In this 30 example, the trigger symbols 340, 350 are wild symbols.

In a further modification of the embodiment shown in Figures 11a and lib, a display is provided wherein special game mode commences when a specific symbol combination 35 appears in the middle of the second and third lines, in this example three specific symbols 360 disposed along the middle of the second line. However, with this embodiment, S379014_1 (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3 2017213597 14 Aug 2017 24 some of the display positions disposed adjacent the trigger symbols 360 include a symbol 362 and some of the display positions 364 do not include a symbol. This provides the appearance of a snake moving around the 5 trigger symbols.

Other variations would include rotating one or more symbols about one or more other symbols at different locations in the display array. For example, if a trigger 10 symbol occurs at any location in the array, adjacent symbols would rotate. If the trigger symbol was at or near a border of the array, rotation may be terminated at the border. Thus a player would hope for the trigger symbol to be at the center to get the most additional 15 symbol arrangements.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 20 S379014J (GHMatters) P25518.AU.3

Claims (25)

1. Claims :

   1. A gaming system for providing play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode, the gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in the normal game mode for display at a plurality of display positions in a game display array to define game winning or losing symbol arrangements; a trigger determiner arranged to randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; a symbol position modifier arranged to modify the display position of a first symbol in the special game mode so that the first symbol, starting at a first display position, rotates around a second symbol in the array in predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols in the normal and special game modes and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols correspond to a winning outcome.
2. 2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of the first symbol so that the first symbol progressively rotates around the second symbol by one symbol position with each display position modification.
3. 3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of the first symbol so that the first symbol rotates around the second symbol by more than one symbol position with each display position modification.
4. 4. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of a plurality of first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols rotate around the second symbol.
5. 5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of the first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols disposed around the second symbol rotate together by a particular angle.
6. 6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the symbol position modifier is arranged to modify the display position of the first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols disposed around the second symbol rotate together by 90° with each display position modification.
7. 7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each first symbol which is caused to rotate around the second symbol by the symbol position modifier is disposed immediately adjacent the second symbol.
8. 8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged so as to modify the orientation of a symbol when the symbol is rotated around the at least one central symbol.
9. 9. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some display positions disposed adjacent the second symbol do not include a symbol when the first symbol is caused to rotate around the second symbol by the symbol position modifier.
10. 10. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of symbols include at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.
11. 11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.
12. 12. A method of gaming comprising: providing play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode; providing a display; in normal game mode, selecting and displaying a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols in a game display array, the positions of said symbols defining a plurality of display positions and a winning or losing symbol arrangement; randomly triggering special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions; in special game mode, modifying the display position of a first symbol so that the first symbol, starting at a first display position, rotates around the display position of a second symbol in predefined rotation increments to define different winning or losing symbol arrangements at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position in the array; determining a game outcome based on the symbol arrangement of the displayed symbols in normal and special game modes; and providing a player reward when the displayed symbols corresponds to a winning outcome.
13. 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, comprising modifying the display position of the first symbol so that the first symbol progressively rotates around the second symbol by one symbol position with each display position modification.
14. 14. A method as claimed in claim 12, comprising modifying the display position of the first symbol so that the first symbol rotates around the second symbol by more than one symbol position with each display position modification.
15. 15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising modifying the display position of a plurality of first symbols so that the plurality of first symbols rotate around the second symbol.
16. 16. A method as claimed in claim 15, comprising modifying the display position of the first symbol so that a plurality of first symbols disposed around the second symbol rotate together by a particular angle.
17. 17. A method as claimed in claim 16, comprising modifying the display position of the first symbol so that a plurality of symbols disposed around the second symbol rotate together by 90° with each display position modification .
18. 18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, comprising rotating the first symbol disposed immediately adjacent the second symbol around the second symbol.
19. 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, comprising modifying the orientation of a first symbol when the first symbol is rotated around the second symbol.
20. 20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein at least some display positions disposed adjacent the second symbol do not include a symbol when the first symbol is caused to rotate around the second symbol.
21. 21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, comprising at least one function symbol having an associated function which may be a wild function, a scatter function, a multiplier function, a repeat win function or a jackpot function.
22. 22. A computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.
23. 23. A computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.
24. 24. A data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.
25. 25. A gaming device comprising: a video display; a computer processor; and a data structure storing data corresponding to game symbols and winning symbol arrangements; apparatus for a player to prompt play of a game having a normal game mode and a special game mode; said processor configured, when game play is prompted, to (i) during normal game mode, select and display game symbols on said display in a game display array to define a winning or losing symbol arrangement, each symbol occupying a position in the array, (ii) randomly trigger the special game mode regardless of the symbols selected and displayed in the plurality of display positions, (iii) to control the display to display a first symbol moving in predefined rotation increments starting at a first display position to a plurality of other symbol positions about a designated second symbol so as to define at least one other symbol arrangement at each rotation increment, wherein the rotation completes when the first symbol reverts to the first display position, and (iv) issue an award for each winning symbol arrangement.