U.S. Pat. No. 12,400,512

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an electronic gaming system that includes a plurality of symbols occupying a plurality of symbol display positions. Each symbol display position is disposed within a symbol display. Symbol display positions may be evaluated to determine whether a symbol lock event should be triggered. When a symbol lock event is triggered, the electronic gaming system identifies symbols that contribute to (or form) at least part of an award configuration. Symbols contributing to the award configuration may be “locked” or kept in place on the symbol display for use with a subsequent game (and/or one or more secondary or bonus games).

More particularly, during subsequent games, remaining symbols (e.g., symbols which have not been locked) may be modified and/or evaluated as part of an award determination.

General Construction of an Exemplary Gaming System

The gaming system may assume a number of different forms and/or aspects. In a first aspect, a standalone gaming machine is provided in which all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second aspect, a distributed architecture is provided wherein at least some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and at least some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely from 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. Alternatively, a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely from the gaming machine, 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. The gaming machine may, in addition, comprise any suitable electronic device, such as a personal computer, a laptop, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and the like.

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, the gaming system may selectively operate in standalone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on several factors, including, for example, the game being played, operating conditions, and/or other factors. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

FIG.1is a block diagram of exemplary core components of a gaming system1. The gaming system1may include several core components, such as core components50and60, comprising a player interface50and a game controller60, respectively. Player interface50is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system1and for this purpose includes various input/output components required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes.

Components of player interface50may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include at least a credit mechanism52to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, at least one display54, a game play mechanism56including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers58.

Game controller60is in data communication with player interface50and typically includes a processor62that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to display54. Typically, the game play rules are stored as program code in a memory64but can also be hardwired. As used herein, the term “processor” refers generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. That is, a processor62may be provided by any suitable logic circuitry for receiving inputs, processing them in accordance with instructions stored in memory64and generating outputs (for example on display54). Such processors are sometimes also referred to as central processing units (CPUs). Most processors are general purpose units, however, it is also know to provide a specific purpose processor using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

FIG.2illustrates a gaming system in the form of an exemplary standalone gaming machine10. In the exemplary embodiments, gaming machine10includes a console12having a first video display14. A mid-trim20of gaming machine10houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to interact with gaming machine10, in particular during game play. Video display14may also have a touch screen to enable the user to input instructions. Video display14may be in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube device. Alternatively, display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit. Top box26has a secondary video which may be of the same type as display14, or of a different type.

As described briefly above, mid-trim20may house credit input mechanism52, such as a coin input chute and a bill collector. Other credit input mechanisms may also be included, such as a player marketing module having a reading or scanning device, a credit card acceptor, a bill or coin acceptor, a ticket printer and/or reader, a ticket in ticket out (TITO) device, and the like. A reading device may, for example, read or scan a player tracking device, such as, for example, as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may comprise a card, a flash drive, or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by a reading device. The player marketing module may also allow the player to transfer credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module. Other embodiments of gaming machines may have a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticket.

Artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel29of the console12. In the exemplary embodiment, a payout mechanism, such as a coin tray30may be mounted beneath front panel29for dispensing cash payouts from gaming machine10.

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram of exemplary functional components of a typical gaming machine100which may be the same as or different from gaming machine10(as shown inFIG.2).

Gaming machine100includes a game controller101including a processor102mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to control operation of processor102are stored in a memory103that is in data communication with processor102. Typically, gaming machine100will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters104for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine100. The input/output interface105and/or the 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 module113generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the exemplary embodiment, a player interface120includes peripheral devices that communicate with game controller101including one or more displays106, a touch screen and/or input buttons107(which provide a game play mechanism), and a credit input mechanism, such as a card and/or ticket reader108, a printer109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism110, and a coin output mechanism111. The credit input mechanism is configured to receive a credit wager to initiate play of a base game, and establish a credit balance (e.g., using the received credit wager) that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity within a game. Player interface120also includes a payout mechanism such as a printer109and/or a coin output mechanism111. The payout mechanism is configured to output a payout to a player of gaming machine100based on an outcome of the game (e.g., a base game and/or a feature game). Additional hardware may be included as part of gaming machine100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, although buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and to initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle may be used to initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a touch screen can be used to emulate other input devices, such as, for example, a touch screen that can display virtual buttons that a player can “press” by touching the screen where they are displayed.

In addition, the gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example a network card112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module—i.e. the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine.

FIG.4is a block diagram of the main components of a memory103. In the exemplary embodiment, memory103includes RAM103A, EPROM103B, and a mass storage device103C. RAM103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by processor102and related data. EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. Mass storage device103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor102using protected code from EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100to be distributed. For example, in one embodiment, input/output devices106,107,108,109,110, and111may be provided remotely from game controller101.

FIG.5illustrates an exemplary gaming system200in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Gaming system200includes a network201, which, for example may be a wired or wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH network, an Ethernet network, an RS-232 network, and/or any combination thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machines202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming machines202, are coupled to network201. Gaming machines202may provide a player operable interface and may be the same as (or substantially similar to) gaming machines10and100(as shown inFIGS.2and3) or may have simplified functionality, depending, for example, on various game play requirements. Any suitable number of gaming machine banks203may be utilized.

One or more displays204may also be connected to network201. For example, displays204may be associated with one or more banks203of gaming machines. Displays204may be used to display representations associated with game play on gaming machines202and/or used to display other representations, such as, for example, promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server205may implement part of the game played by a player using gaming machine202, and gaming machine202may implement part of the game. In such an embodiment, as both game server205and gaming machine202implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by various gaming machines202in a database, such as database206A. Typically, if gaming system200enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server207will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server212may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server205implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202, and gaming machine202essentially provides only the player interface. In such an embodiment, game server205provides the game controller. Gaming machine202receives player instructions and transmits these instructions to game server205. In a thin client embodiment, gaming machines202may be computer terminals, such as, for example, personal computers running software that provides a player interface. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of gaming system200, including, for example, a gaming floor management server208and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run network201and the devices connected to network201.

Gaming system200may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, such as, for example, through a firewall211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of network201may 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, game server205could run a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

Further Details of the Exemplary Gaming System

In one embodiment, a player may place a wager using game play mechanism56. A game (or game session) may be initiated in response to placement of the wager, a plurality of symbols randomly drawn, and a game (or game session) outcome determined based upon the symbols drawn. A game outcome may be compared to a pay table (which may be stored in a computer memory) to determine a payout or award (also referred to herein as a win entitlement). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player's win entitlement may vary from game to game depending, for example, on player selections, such as wager amounts. For example, a player's win entitlement may be based a number of winning lines played during a game as well as upon a wager per winning line. Winning lines are typically formed by a combination of consecutive symbol display positions.

In many games, a player's win entitlement may not be governed exclusively by a number of selected lines. For example, in certain embodiments, “scatter” pays may be awarded independent of line selection.

Moreover, in certain aspects, a player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play and an amount to wager per reel. Such games are marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd., and in such games, the selection of a particular reel may permit substitution of a reel symbol for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with symbols displayed at a designated, symbol display positions of the other reels. For example, if there are five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel such that the symbol display positions comprise three rows of five symbol display positions, the symbols displayed in the center row may be used for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to win may be determined by multiplying the number of active display positions of each reel, the active display positions being all display positions of each selected reel and the designated display position of the non-selected reels. In this example, for five reels and fifteen display positions, there are 243 ways to win.

FIG.6illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary gaming system1that includes a plurality of software modules. Processor62of game controller60of gaming system1is shown implementing a number of such modules based on game program code646stored in memory64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, such as, for example, by a dedicated circuit.

In an exemplary embodiment, the various software modules may include an outcome generator620which may operate in response to the player's operation of game play mechanism56to place a wager and, thereby, initiate game play. Thus, as described below, a game outcome may be generated and evaluated.

A game outcome may therefore be generated by symbol selector623. In particular, symbol selector623may select symbols from a set of symbols specified by symbol data642using random number generator622. The selected symbols may, as described herein, fill a symbol display. The selected symbols may be further communicated to display controller629, which may cause the symbols to be displayed on display54at a set of display positions. If wild symbols are to be incorporated into the final symbol display, this may occur, in some embodiments, while the reels are spinning. In other embodiments, this may occur as the reels reach their stop positions. In still other embodiments, this may occur after the reels have been stopped and the initially selected symbols have been displayed. In some embodiments, wild symbols may be added through gameplay and at different times. For example, single wilds and multi-wild symbols may be added as the reels are spinning, and the single wilds stemming from multi-wilds may be added after the reels have been stopped.

In an exemplary embodiment, the symbol display positions of the symbol display may be arranged in a matrix comprising a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. For example, as described below, the symbol display may be arranged as a rectangular matrix having five columns and four rows. Such an arrangement results in twenty symbol display positions. A plurality of symbol displays (or “windows”) may be included with or displayed by video display54.

The outcome generator620may generate one or more game outcomes. All outcomes may be displayed on video display54under control of display controller629. One example of generating a first game outcome is for symbol selector623to select symbols for display from symbol data in the form of a plurality of symbol sets642, where each symbol set may correspond to one of a plurality of reels. The symbol sets specify a sequence of symbols for each reel such that symbol selector623can select all of the symbols to be displayed for each reel by selecting a stopping position in the sequence randomly based on a result obtained from random number generator622. A probability table stored in memory64may be referenced to vary the odds of a particular stop position being selected. In addition, other techniques can be used to control the odds of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the game.

In an exemplary embodiment, adjacent symbol display positions may be disposed on independent reels, or adjacent symbol display positions may be common to a particular reel. For example, a column of symbol display positions may be arrayed vertically along a single reel. Such an arrangement of symbol display positions may be referred to herein as a single strip or reel strip.

In an exemplary embodiment, during a game, one or more reels may be locked. As used herein, a “locked” reel may refer to a reel upon which the symbol displayed is held (or not allowed to change) during a subsequent game. In such an embodiment, reels which are not locked may be allowed to spin, and the symbols displayed on unlocked reels may be updated or otherwise allowed to change over the course of multiple games or multiple game sessions. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that when a reel is spun and the symbols displayed thereon updated, the reel may or may not display one or more different symbols depending, for example, on the final position of the reel.

Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, processor62may execute an unlock game. As described herein, an unlock game may comprise a game, such as a secondary or bonus game, that is independent of any base games being played and/or displayed on display54. If a player obtains a successful outcome in an unlock game, the player may be provided access to a further game. The further game may be an additional base game or a feature game. Thus, in some embodiments, a successful outcome in the unlock game may provide the player with access to other games or events, such as one or more additional base games (which may result, in turn, in one or more additional unlock games).

An unlock game is therefore an independent game, and a winning outcome of an unlock game may give a player access to additional locked or unlock games, such as one or more additional or unlocked base games. Unlock games may be displayed simultaneously with base games on display54, and as described herein, a winning result obtained during an unlock game may trigger a win feature, such as, for example, a feature game or an additional base game. A win feature or additional base game may therefore be “unlocked” by the winning result obtained during an unlock game.

With reference toFIG.7, a flowchart of an exemplary method of electronic gaming is shown. Accordingly, at step700, an unlock game may be triggered (such as during a base game), and processor62may retrieve unlock game code646from memory64. Display controller629may designate a position on display54for displaying the unlock game. The designated display position may be specified within unlock game code646, and the unlock game may include displayed symbols. The symbols may be displayed at separate designated symbol display positions on video display54, and/or one or more symbols may share a display position with the symbol display position for other games being displayed on display54. In some embodiments the symbol display position for the unlock game may be co-located with one or multiple symbol display positions of other displayed games. In other words, a symbol used as part of an unlock game may be used as part of one or more other games occurring on the gaming system as well.

In response to activation of an unlock game, game generator620may generate one or more game outcomes for the unlock game at step710. In certain embodiments, an unlock game may operate independently of other games displayed on display54and controlled by controller62. The unlock game outcome may be displayed on video display54under control of display controller629. In an exemplary embodiment, symbol selector623may select symbols for display at a designated position from unlock symbol set642. The unlock symbol set may thus specify symbols associated with the unlock game. Symbol selector623may, in addition, select an unlock game symbol for display at the designated position based on a result obtained from random number generator622. A probability table stored in memory64may be referenced to vary the odds of a particular stop position being selected. Other techniques can be used to control or vary the odds of particular outcomes and/or to control the return or payout provided to a player.

As described herein, at step720, outcome evaluator626may determine whether one or more selected and displayed symbols relate to, or form, a winning outcome based, for example, on winning unlock game data647stored in memory64.

At steps730and740, and in the event that the unlock game outcome is a winning outcome, a player may be awarded a prize in accordance with winning unlock game prize data648. The prize, as described herein, may include access to a feature game (such as a secondary or bonus game) and/or access to an additional base game. In further embodiments, the prize may entitle the player to further credits. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the prize may take different forms depending on the game sequence.

In various exemplary embodiments, an unlock game may be displayed at an one or more symbol display positions on display54that are independent from symbol display positions associated with any base games the player is currently playing. Alternatively, and as described elsewhere herein, the unlock game may be co-located (e.g., superimposed over and/or played in tandem with, such as in a particular symbol display window) with display symbols of one or more active base games. The symbols of the unlock game may therefore be superimposed on (or displayed together with) display symbols of base games. For instance, the symbol display position for an unlock game may correspond to the symbol display position for a base game. In various exemplary embodiments, such symbols may be directly overlaid and/or may be of the same or substantially similar size. In various embodiments, however, the size of one or more symbol positions may be different, such as, for example, where an unlock symbol is larger than one or more base game symbols and/or where the symbol position for the unlock game corresponds to multiple symbol positions for the base game.

In an exemplary embodiment, a symbol set of an unlock game may be different from a symbol set of one or more base games displayed on display54. The symbol set of an unlock game may, for instance, include a designated “unlock” symbol. Such a symbol may identify or correspond to an unlock game or an event occurring as part of a base game which may trigger an unlock game. Alternatively, and in various exemplary embodiments, symbols used in other games may be designated as unlock symbols for the purpose of the unlock game. In some embodiments, the symbol set for the unlock game includes one or more unlock symbols and/or one or more blank symbols.

In various exemplary embodiments, an unlock game may be played concurrently with one or more base games. In such embodiments, the symbol positions for a base game and an unlock game may be generated (or spun) simultaneously. Alternatively, symbol positions for a base game may be spun separately from those of an unlock game. For example, a base game may be executed and symbols selected for display before the unlock game is executed and the unlock game display position spun.

Further, in exemplary embodiments, one or more unlock symbols may be arranged on a reel. A reel may correspond to a predefined or selected sequence of game symbols, such as unlock symbols. In response to execution of an unlock game, random number generator622may, in combination with symbol selector623, determine one or more symbol display positions for one or more reels.

Example Embodiment

An example of an embodiment of the invention is illustrated inFIGS.8a,8band8c,FIG.9and with continuing reference toFIG.6.

Accordingly,FIG.8aillustrates a video display800, which may be controlled, as described above, by game controller60. Video display800includes six game windows801,802,803,804,805, and806. Each game window801,802,803,804,805, and806comprises a symbol display and is configured to display a plurality of symbol display positions. These symbol display positions may be arranged, as shown, in a rectangular matrix of five columns and four rows. However, any suitable number of columns and rows is contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. Game windows801,802,803,804,805, and806may be active, in which case a game may be displayed, or inactive, in which case a game may not be displayed.

For example, as shown with reference toFIG.8a, game windows801802are active, while game windows803,804,805, and806are inactive. A base game defined in base game code646is displayed in active game windows801and802. Similarly, an unlock game defined in unlock game code646is displayed in active game window802. The base game includes twenty symbols incorporating symbol display positions from each of the five columns and four rows. The unlock game includes one symbol displayed (or repeated) across the symbol display positions of columns812,813, and814. The symbol associated with the unlock game therefore (and in this instance) spans twelve symbol display positions.

At step901, outcome generator620generates a game outcome for the base games of windows801and802. As described above, the game outcome is determined by random number generator622in combination with symbol selector623using symbol sets of the base game from the symbol sets memory module642.

At step902, outcome generator620generates a game outcome for the unlock game of window802. Again, the game outcome is determined by random number generator622in combination with symbol selector623using the symbol set of the unlock game from the symbol sets memory module642.

The game outcomes are generated simultaneously by processor62. However, as described above, and in various embodiments, one or more game outcomes may be generated at separate times by processor62. During processing of the game outcomes or for a predetermined time period, display controller629may display one or more symbols in various symbol display positions. The symbols may be displayed as animated spinning reels.

More particularly, at step905, display controller629may determine which symbols should be displayed at the display positions of active windows801and802. The unlock game code646defines the display requirements for the outcome symbols of the unlock game. The outcome symbols of the unlock game may be displayed superimposed over or in preference to any symbols from other games designated for display at the same symbol display positions.

In addition, at step905, display controller629may determine the display requirements of the base game and unlock game as well as resolve any conflicting display requirements. At step906, display controller629may display the game outcomes in windows801and802.

Window801may therefore display a first base game outcome. The outcome includes base game outcome symbols in each of the display positions of columns811,812,813,814, and815and rows821,822,823, and824. The outcome of the game in window801is, in the illustrated embodiment, fully visible to the player.

As shown, however, two games may be played in window802. These games comprise a second base game and an unlock game. The second base game uses all twenty of the display positions including columns811,812,813,814, and815and rows831,832,833, and834. The unlock game uses display positions of columns812,813, and814and rows831,832,833, and834. Therefore, the unlock game uses twelve of the twenty display positions of window802. As described above, unlock game code646may specify that symbols associated with the unlock game should be displayed in preference to (or superimposed over) any symbols from other games (e.g., base games) designating the same display positions.

At step907, the outcome of the unlock game is determined and superimposed on the outcome of the base game in columns812,813, and814. As a result (and as illustrated atFIG.8b), window802displays base game symbols in the symbol display positions of columns811and815, while columns812,813, and814display symbols associated with the outcome of the unlock game. In certain embodiments, and as shown atFIG.8a, outcome generator620display controller629may not to display selected unlock game symbols even where those symbols have been generated and/or selected, as described above.

In addition, and with continuing reference to step907, unlock game outcome evaluator627may retrieve winning combination data for the unlock game from winning combination data memory module648. As shown atFIG.8a, a winning symbol such as the “Wonder4 Tower” symbol may be selected for display as a winning symbol. In addition, and as described herein, the winning outcome of the unlock game may trigger an unlock event.

In response to an unlock event (e.g., a winning combination of symbols obtained during an unlock game), and with reference toFIG.8b, window803may be activated by display controller629. Display controller629may continue to display the outcome of the first base game in window801, while in window802, display controller629may replace the unlock symbols (e.g., the Wonder4 Tower symbols) with the outcome symbols from the second base game. In window803, display controller may display one or more symbols to indicate that window803is unlocked. In the example ofFIG.8b, the unlock symbol is, again, the Wonder4 Tower logo. The unlock symbol may be animated to indicate that the window is unlocked or in the process of being unlocked. The unlocked symbol may be further displayed for a predefined time period. In further embodiments the unlocked symbol may be displayed until a player interacts with the game, such as, for example, until the player provides input to initiate a new game.

As shown with reference toFIG.8c, when the unlocked symbol is removed from window803a third base game may be displayed. At this stage, the third base game may comprise the active game.

In further embodiments, unlock games may be triggered at various times during a game sequence (e.g., during a base game sequence). At each unlock game stage, a player may play the base game or the unlock game to unlock the next inactive window until all windows are active. As illustrated atFIGS.8a-8c, a plurality of successive base games and unlock games may proceed, during a gaming session, vertically through a plurality of stacked windows (e.g., windows801-806). Prizes awarded at each tier in the stack may, in addition, increase (or, in certain embodiments, decrease) as a game session proceeds up the stack.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the unlock symbol set may include unlock symbols and/or blanks. In the event that the outcome of the unlock game is unsuccessful (e.g., in the event that an unlock game does not unlock a base game at the next tier up) the blank may be displayed, and/or game play may not proceed into windows disposed at levels higher up in the stack.

The animation of the unlock game and base games may be controlled, by display controller629, to spin different reels at different times. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, display controller629may animate the reels of the base game such that the reels appear to spin and/or such that the reels appear to stop at different symbol display positions at different times. The unlock game reel may, in various embodiments, be stopped as the last reel of the base game stops.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the system. It will be appreciated that at least part of the method may be implemented electronically, such as, for example, digitally by a processor executing program code such as in the above description of a game controller. In this respect, insofar as in the above description certain steps are described as being carried out by a processor of a gaming system, it will be appreciated that such steps may require a number of sub-steps to be carried out for the steps to be implemented electronically, such as, for example, due to hardware or programming limitations. For example, to carry out steps such as evaluating, determining, or selecting, a processor may compute several values and/or compare those values.

As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program code. The program code may be supplied in a number of ways, such as, for example, on a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory device, e.g., an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory103). Further, different parts of the program code may be executed by different devices, such as, for example in a client server relationship. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that program code provides a series of instructions executable by the processor.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims that follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “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 present disclosure.