Gaming machine having a game outcome determined in response to an audio cue

Abstract

The present invention includes a gaming machine that uses an audio output and with the video output to allow a player to anticipate and assess the probability of a specific game outcome. The audio output and video output together produce a bonus game presentation that determines a bonus award for the player. The audio output has had audio cue that signals a change in the game play mode two the player. This audio cue occurs before the display of the game outcome. The audio cue allows the player to note the position of the symbols immediately before the final game outcome is displayed and with this information, judge the probability of the winning game outcome. This game play mechanic heightens the anticipation and excitement of the game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine having an audio cue for triggering a game outcome. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, are the cornerstone of the gaming industry. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. Shrewd operators strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and increase profi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The first mode provides a game configuration that positions the symbols in the bonus game for the determination of the game outcome in the second game play mode. The first game play mode may have a number of changing symbol configurations, or continuously changing configurations, that may increase or decrease the player's probability of winning the game outcome as determined by the second game play mode. The symbols positioning may be in accordance with a tactical or strategic objective. The configuration of the game in the first game play mode at any point in time may indicate the probability on a winning game outcome in the event that the player is signaled by the audio cue. The ability to prognosticate the potential game outcome at any point in time enhances the entertainment experience of the game.

[0009] The audio cue increases the player's anticipation, heightens interest in the game, and focuses the player's attention on the game configuration and the probability of winning immediately before the game outcome is displayed.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, the audio performance of gaming machines have been limited—mostly to accentuating certain game outcomes and providing background music.

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