WO2003095049A1

WO2003095049A1 - Electronic feature game with variable number of reels and rows

Info

Publication number: WO2003095049A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/000547
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Castellari
Original assignee: Next Generation Entertainment Aust Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Next Generation Entertainment Aust Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-05-09
Filing date: 2003-05-09
Publication date: 2003-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2004-11-09
Also published as: AUPS218002A0

Abstract

An electronic game of change comprising a display including a first predetermined number of rows and/or reels capable of spinning in a main game; wherein a trigger event during play of said main game causes the predetermined number of rows and/or reels on the display to increase or decrease responsive to the trigger event so that a second predetermined number of reels and/or rows are displayed.

Description

ELECTRONIC FEATURE GAME WITH VARIABLE NUMBER OF

REELS AND ROWS BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to electronic games adapted for playing on a slot machine or computer, on line computer networks or other communications devices and more particularly relates to a game in which a first predetermined number of rows or columns change in number responsive to a trigger event into a second predetermined number of rows or columns of symbols, numbers or illustrations or the like.

The present invention further provides an electronic game of chance whose object is to increase or decrease the number of reels in a reel display responsive to a trigger event.

PRIOR ART

The electronic game industry has been expanding at a rapid rate due in particular to the rapid expansion of tie use of computers and the internet and the ease of access to such facilities as electronic novelty games and games of chance that the internet makes widely accessible. This has created a growing demand for games for pure entertainment and/ or for gaming as a result of which game designers have produced a wide variety of games. The challenge in the electronic game industry is to create games which are novel, will satisfy the community demand for entertainment and particularly on line readily accessible internet entertainment and with the requisite level of intellectual stimulation, free games, bet returns and consumer interest. To attract consumers to play slot, computer and internet games, game creators have incorporated rewards, bonuses such as bonus and feature games and the like into the primary or main games. The developments thus far in electronic games have focused on providing features provide free games, bonuses and rewards which may be awarded in a variety of ways such as choosing symbols and betting on combinations which are then compared to a pay or win table. The majority of the known games employ reels, disposed in columns or rows which spin on command by the player and come to rest for a random result often based on number or symbol combinations.

Among the known games are those which include rows which spin horizontally and those which spin vertically. Although there are known games which change their dimension or character during spinning, the changes manifest during the spin are not evident once the spinning has ceased and the reels are at rest.

In the known electronic games of chance the number of reels and rows remain static. A player might for instance have access to a three or four reel game which will remain so for the duration of the game.

INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an alternative electronic game of chance in which a screen display is provided with a predetermined number of rows and reels; whereupon the predetermined number of rows and reels on the display change in number responsive to a trigger condition during play of a main game, so that a second predetermined number of reels and/or rows are displayed.

In one broad form the present invention comprises:

an electronic game of chance playable on a computer or slot machine; the game comprising; a screen display including a predetermined number of rows and /or reels including a plurality of game symbols; a main game playable on said computer or slot machine and including a trigger event which causes said predetermined number of rows and/or reels during play of said main game to increase or decrease in number to a second predetermined number of reels.

In another broad form the present invention comprises:

an electronic game of chance playable on a computer or slot machine; the game comprising; a screen display including a predetermined number of reels which include a plurality of game symbols and which spin in a vertical plane; a main game playable on said computer or slot machine and including a trigger event which causes said predetermined number of reels during play of said main game to increase or decrease in number to a second predetermined number of reels; wherein the second predetermined number of reels are playable as a separate feature game or as a continuation of said main gam .

According to one embodiment, the reels are horizontal. According to an alternative embodiment, the reels are vertical.

According to one embodiment, said screen display has three reels which are played in a conventional manner whereby a player spins the reels each play of the game. When a predetermined trigger event occurs, the player is presented with a reel display which has n + 1s reels or n - 1s reels where n is the number of reels on the display at the commencement of the game and s is a multiplier

According to one embodiment, a trigger event comprises special symbols appearing on one or more said reels on an initial display following play of the main game. When a trigger event is actuated, a feature or enhanced game may be played with a reel display including an additional reel. In another broad form the present invention comprises:

an electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a display including a plurality of reels forming a screen image, each said reels including symbols, numbers, part images or the like; wherein said display moves between a first state in which a first predetermined number of reels are displayed on the screen and a second state in which a predetermined second number of reels are displayed; wherein the second state is created responsive to a trigger during play of a game based on said first predetermined number of reels and wherein the second state is a feature game.

According to one embodiment; the first predetermined number of reels may be played a predetermined number of times until a symbol triggers a conversion of the display from a three reels display to a four reels display; the four reel display comprising a feature game.

The main or feature game may be activated by a player executing at least one play or bet command-

In another broad form the present invention comprises;

an interactive game for playing on a screen of a slot machine computer or the like, wherein the game provides a first reel display and a game feature comprising a second reel display comprising a different number of reels from the number of reels in the first reel display. The conversion from the first reel display to the second reel display is effected by a trigger which preferably is a special symbol appearing on the first reel display. According to one embodiment a player may wager on the outcome of spinning the reels in the first or second reels displays.

In another broad form of the method aspect, the present invention comprises; a method of playing an electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a first display including a first predetermine number of reels and rows having a plurality of symbols, numbers, part images or the like; the method comprising the steps of ;

a) making a wager on an outcome in a first game played by spinning the first predetermined number of reel ; b) initiating play of a main game; c) providing a trigger event during play of said main game which alters said first predetermined number of reels and/or rows to a second predetermined number of reels and /or rows; d) allowing the player to play a feature game based on the second predetermined number of reels and /or rows,

In another broad form of the method aspect, the present invention comprises; a method of playing an electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a first display including a first predetermined number of reels having a plurality of symbols, numbers, part images or the like; the method comprising the steps of ;

a) making a wager on an outcome in a first game played by spinning the first predetermined number of reels ; b) initiating play of the game until a player achieves a trigger event c) in response to the trigger event, altering said first predetermined number of reels on the display to a second predetermined number of reels; d) allowing the player to play a feature game based on the second predetermined number of reels; e) making a wager on an outcome of play of the feature game; f) at the completion of the feature game, returning to the display having the first predetermined number of reels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described in more detail according to preferred but πon limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Figure I shows a screen display of a main screen with five reels and three rows ( or lines) displayed.

Figure 2 shows the game screen of figure 1 with trigger symbols which trigger a transformation in the display.

Figure 3 shows the game screen of figure 1 transformed to a new screen display with 5 reels and 4 rows;

Figure 4 shows a screen display of a main screen with three reels and three rows displayed.

Figure 5 shows the game screen of figure 1 with trigger symbols which trigger a transformation in the display.

Figure 6 shows the game screen of figure 4 transformed to a new screen display with 5 reels and 3 rows;

Figure I shows a main screen display 1 of a main screen with five reels 2,

3, 4, 5 and 6 and three rows 7, 8 and 9 displayed. Display 1 also includes at least one pay line 10. The figure 1 display is a typical known main screen display which might typically be found n a computer or slot machine.

Figure 2 shows the game screen of figure 1 with trigger symbols 11 , 12,

13, 14 and 15 which trigger a transformation in the display.

According to the invention there is provided an electronic game of chance in which a screen display 1 is provided with a predetermined number of reels; whereupon the predetermined number of reels on the display change responsive to a trigger condition so that a second predetermined but greater ( or lesser )number of reels are displayed. According to a preferred embodiment there are a greater number of reels displayed. It will be appreciated that the display of figures 1 and 2 is but one example of many potential reel and row combinations for the initial main game. Trigger symbols 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 which trigger a transformation in the display, appear adjacent each reel as shown in figure 2. This signals to a player that a transformation of either the number of reels or rows is about to change into an alternative number of reels and or rows.

Figure 3 shows the game screen of figures 1 and 2 transformed to a new screen display with 5 reels 2-6 and 4 rows 7,8 9 and 16. The display of figure 3 also includes two pay lines 17 and 18. Thus in figure 3, the main game has in response to the trigger symbols 11-15, morphed into a display including an extra row.

Screen display 1 shown in figure 1 includes a predetermined number of reels including a plurality of game symbols. A player plays a main game by activating spinning of reels resulting in a random symbol display. This is a conventional method of playing a reel game. The player aims to achieve a symbol or combination of symbols which comprise or initiate a trigger which causes the predetermined number of rows shown in figures 5 1 and 2 during play of the main game to increase in number to a second predetermined number of rows as shown in figure 3. Figure 3 shows an additional row 16 which may provide an additional pay line 19 along with pay lines 17 and 18.

ι o According to one embodiment, trigger symbols 11 , 12, 13 and 14 appear on one or more rows and reels foreshadowing to the player that the number of rows will change. In figure 2 the trigger symbols are shown adjacent row 7 causing the addition of row 16 as shown in figure 3. One or more rows may be added to the game vertically, with a new and enhanced

15 pay line structure being used for a certain number of feature games.

At the completion of a predetermined number of the available feature games , there is according to one embodiment a transformation back to the initial game state as shown in figure 1.

20

According to an alternative embodiment once an additional row is added to the feature game display after the transformation from the main game, additional rows may be added during the feature game. Preferably, the feature game will enable the player to obtain rewards from entirely 25 different pay tables or prize structure.

Figure 4 shows a screen display 20 of a main screen with three reels and three rows displayed. Screen display 20 of a main screen includes three reels 21 , 22, and 23 and three rows 24, 25 and 26. Display 20 also 30 includes a pay line 27. As with figure 1, the figure 4 display is a typical known main screen display. Figure 5 shows the game screen of figure 4 with trigger symbols which trigger a transformation in the display. The game screen of figure 4 includes trigger symbols 28, 29, 30 on one side and trigger symbols 31 , 32 and 33 on the other side adjacent reels 21 and 23 respectively.

Screen display 20 is provided with three reels whereupon, the predetermined number of reels on the display changes responsive to the trigger symbols so that a second predetermined number of reels are displayed as shown in figure 6. It will be appreciated that the display of figure 6 is merely another example of many potential reel and row combinations.

Figure 6 shows the game screen of figures 4 and 5 transformed to a new screen display with 5 reels 34, 1 , 22, 23 and 35 and 3 rows 24, 25 and 26.

Screen display 20 shown in figure 4 includes the first predetermined number of reels including a plurality of game symbols. A player plays a main game by activating spinning of reels 21 , 22 and 23 resulting in a random symbol display. The player aims to achieve a symbol or combination of symbols which initiate a trigger which causes the predetermined number of reels shown in figures 4 and 5 during play of said main game to increase in number to a second predetermined number of reels as shown in figure 6. Figure 6 shows additional reels 34 and 36 16 which may be an addition to pay line 36.

Trigger symbols 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 appear on one or more rows and reels foreshadowing to the player that the number of rows will change. In figure 5 the trigger symbols are shown adjacent reels 21 and 23 causing the addition of reels 34 and 35 One or more rows may be added to the game vertically, with a new and enhanced pay line structure being used for a certain number of feature games.

At the completion of a predetermined number of the available feature games , there is a transformation back to the initial game state.

According to an alternative .embodiment once an additional row (or reel) is added to the feature game display after the transformation from the main game, additional rows ( or reels) may be added during the feature game. Preferably, the feature game will enable the player to obtain rewards from an entirely different pay table or prize structure.

According to one embodiment, the reels are horizontal. According to an alternative embodiment, the reels are vertical. According to one embodiment, said display has three reels which are played in a conventional manner where a player causes spinning of the reels each play of the game. When a predetermined trigger event occurs, the player is presented with a reel display which has n + 1s reels or n - 1s reels where n is the number of reels on the display at the commencement of the game ( main game) and s is a multiplier According to one embodiment, a trigger event comprises special symbols appearing on one or more said reels on an initial or main game display. When a trigger event is actuated, a feature or enhanced game may be played with a reel display including an additional reel.

According to one embodiment; the first predetermined number of reels may be played a predetermined number of times until a symbol triggers a conversion of the display from a three reels display to a four reels display; the four reel display comprising a feature game. The main or feature game may be activated by a player executing at least one play or bet command.

In an example of play of the game according to the invention the game comprises a first display including a first predetermined number of reels having a plurality of symbols, numbers, part images or the like. The player makes a wager on an outcome in a first game played by spinning the first predetermined number of reels, Play of a main game is initiated. During play of the main game a trigger event occurs which alters the first predetermined number of reels to a second predetermined number of reels. The player then plays a feature game based on the second predetermined number of reels and may wager on the outcome. At the completion of the feature game, the player returns to the display having the first predetermined number of reels.

It will be appreciated that any image may be employed whether pictorial, numerical, symbolical as required for the particular game theme. The screen display 1 and 20 also includes facility for a player to bet on the number of pay lines via a button. Once the number of pay lines have been selected the player may place a wager on the number of pay lines selected. The player then executes a spin command which randomly displays symbols.

The game is designed for internet use as well as use in the land-based market According to one embodiment, the game may be used as feature on a slot game. The principal object of the game is to achieve the transformation to the feature game having a greater or lesser number of reels or rows via the trigger event.

Once an initial wager is made the main game is initiated, either as an event springing from a base game (as per a slot feature), automatically or via a timing mechanism or similar device.

It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AL FOLLOWS:

1 An electronic game of chance comprising a display including a first predetermined number of rows and/or reels capable of spinning in a main game; wherein a trigger event during play of said main game causes the predetermined number of rows and/or reels on the display to increase or decrease responsive to the trigger event so that a second predetermined number of reels and or rows are displayed.

2 An electronic game of chance playable on a computer or slot machine; the game comprising; a screen display including a first predetermined number of rows and /or reels including a plurality of game symbols; a main game playable on said computer or slot machine and including a trigger event which causes said predetermined number of rows and/or reels during play of said main game to increase or decrease in number to a second predetermined number of reels.

3 An electronic game according to claim 1 or 2, wherein predetermined number of reels spin in a vertical or horizontal plane.

4 An electronic game according to claim 3 wherein the second predetermined number of reels are playable as a separate feature game or as a continuation of said main gam .

5 An electronic game according to claim 4 wherein said screen display has three reels which spin in a vertical plane whereby a player spins the reels each play of the game. 6 An electronic game according to claim 5 wherein when a predetermined trigger event occurs, the player is presented with a reel display which has n + 1s reels or n - 1s reels where n is the first predetermined number of reels on the display at the commencement of the game and s is a multiplier

7 An electronic game according to claim 6 wherein, a trigger event comprises special symbols appearing on one or more said reels on an initial display following play of the main game.

8 An electronic game according to claim 7 wherein when a trigger event is actuated, a feature or enhanced game may be played with a reel display including an additional reel.

9 An electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a display including a plurality of reels forming a screen image, each said reels including symbols, numbers, part images or the like; wherein said display moves between a first state in which a first predetermined number of reels are displayed on the screen and a second state in which a predetermined second number of reels are displayed; wherein the second state is created responsive to a trigger during play of a game based on said first predetermined number of reels and wherein the second state is a feature game.

10 An electronic game according to claim 9 wherein, the first predetermined number of reels may be played a predetermined number of times until a symbol triggers a conversion of the display from a three reels display to a four reels display; the four reel display comprising a feature game.

11 An electronic game according to claim 10 wherein the main game or a feature game may be activated by a player executing at least one play or bet command.

12 An electronic game according to any of the foregoing claims wherein when a row is added to a feature game display after the transformation from a main game, additional rows may be added during the feature game.

13 An interactive game for playing on a screen of a slot machine computer or the like, wherein the game provides a first reel display and a game feature comprising a second reel display comprising a different number of reels from the number of reels in the first reel display; wherein a conversion from the first reel display to the second reel display is effected by a trigger appearing on the first reel display.

14 An interactive game according to claim 13 wherein the trigger is a special symbol.

15 A method of playing an electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a first display including a first predetermined number of reels and rows having a plurality of symbols, numbers, part images or the like; the method comprising the steps of ;

a) making a wager on an outcome in a first game played by spinning the first predetermined number of reels ; b) initiating play of a main game; c) providing a trigger event during play of said main game which alters said first predetermined number of reels and/or rows to a second predetermined number of reels and /or rows; d) allowing the player to play a feature game based on the second predetermined number of reels and /or rows.

16 A method of playing an electronic game for interactive play on a screen of a slot machine, gaming machine, computer or the like wherein the game comprises a first display including a first predetermined number of reels having a plurality of symbols, numbers, part images or the like; Q the method comprising the steps o ;

a) making a wager on an outcome in a first game played by spinning the first predetermined number of reels ; b) initiating play of the game until a player achieves a trigger event 5c c) in response to the trigger event, altering said first predetermined number of reels on the display to a second predetermined number of reels; d) allowing the player to play a feature game based on the second predetermined number of reels; oe e) making a wager on an outcome of play of the feature game; f) at the completion of the feature game, returning to the display having the first predetermined number of reels.