Gaming device with multiple triggerable respin features

Abstract

(FIG. 5) An electronic gaming machine (EGM) comprises a cabinet, a display mounted to the cabinet, a random number generator, and a game controller housed in the cabinet and coupled to the display, the game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing (i) reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non- configurable symbols, and (ii)instructions, , the processor of the game controller executing the instructions stored in the memory, in response to an instruction from a player to play a game using credits established on the gaming device, to: assign prize values to configurable symbols as required during play of the game; conduct a base game instance by: controlling the display to display a first game window comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, , selecting a plurality of symbols from the reel strips using the random number generator, controlling the display to display the selected symbols in the plurality of columns of symbol positions, evaluating the selected symbols for winning combinations, and evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether a feature trigger condition is met; initiate, responsive to the feature trigger condition being met, a plurality of feature game instances, wherein when the plurality of feature game instances are initiated, at least the first game window is active and each configurable symbol that was part of the feature trigger condition is held at the symbol position at which it was displayed in the base game instance when the feature trigger condition was met; and conduct each feature game instance by: determining whether a window activation condition is met, responsive to a window activation condition being met, activating another game window comprising another plurality of columns of symbol positions; 20 25 20 07 84 05 F eb 2 02 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 0 7 8 4 0 5 F e b 2 0 2 5 selecting, from the reel strips using the random number generator, a symbol for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held symbol; and holding any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent feature game instance; and award, at the conclusion of the feature game instances, at least a total of the prizes assigned to configurable symbols in each active game window. selecting, from the reel strips using the random number generator, a symbol for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held symbol; and holding any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent feature game instance; and award, at the conclusion of the feature game instances, at least a total of the prizes assigned to configurable symbols in each active game window. 20 25 20 07 84 05 F eb 2 02 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 0 7 8 4 0 5 F e b 2 0 2 5 FIG. 5 5 / 205 / 20 500 INITIATE BASE GAME 510 RANDOMLY SELECT BETWEEN VARIANTS OF THE FIRST REEL 520 STRIPS 530 Y NFIRST VARIANT? ASSIGN PRIZES TO ASSIGN PRIZES TO CONFIGURABLE 535 CONFIGURABLE 560 SYMBOLS SYMBOLS SELECT SYMBOLS SELECT SYMBOLS 540 FROM SECOND 565 FROM FIRST VARIANT VARIANT EVALUATE SELECTED 545 EVALUATE SELECTED 570 SYMBOLS SYMBOLS 550 575 THRESHOLD OF N N THRESHOLD OF CONFIGURABLE CONFIGURABLE SYMBOLS? SYMBOLS? Y CONDUCT FIRST 555 CONDUCT SECOND 580 FEATURE GAME FEATURE GAME END 590 FIG. 5 20 25 20 07 84 05 F eb 2 02 5 5 / 2 0 2 0 2 5 2 0 0 7 8 4 0 5 F e b 2 0 2 5 5 2 0 5 3 0 Y N C O N F I G U R A B L E 5 3 5 C O N F I G U R A B L E 5 6 0 S E L E C T S Y M B O L S 5 6 5 E V A L U A T E S E L E C T E D E V A L U A T E S E L E C T E D 5 7 0 5 5 0 5 7 5 T H R E S H O L D O F N N T H R E S H O L D O F Y 5 5 5 5 8 0 E N D 5 9 0 F I G . 5

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application 2023202854, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application 2021204417, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application 202023969. The disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

[0004] “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations / outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his / her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and / or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and / or the amount awarded.

[0005] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random. SUMMARY

[0006] A described embodiment provides gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (i) a first set of reel strips, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, (ii) a second set of reel strips each comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol, and (iii) instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: initiate a plurality of feature game instances responsive to a feature trigger condition being met in a base game instance, wherein the feature trigger condition comprises selection of a defined minimum number of configurable symbols and control the display to display a plurality of game windows corresponding to the plurality of feature game instances, wherein plurality of game windows comprises a first active game window and a plurality of inactive game windows, and wherein the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance in the first active 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 game window, wherein at least two of the plurality of inactive game windows are associated with different activation conditions, and wherein each of the one or more inactive game windows are presented comprising a graphical inactive symbolism indicating an associated activation condition; in accordance with a determination that a first activation condition is met corresponding to a first inactive game window of the plurality of inactive game windows, activate the first inactive game window to obtain a second active game window by replacing the graphical inactive symbolism of the first inactive game window with a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, and wherein the second active game window comprises a first plurality of columns of symbol positions; select a symbol for each symbol position of the second active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol from a reel strip of the second set of reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position; and hold any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent activated game window corresponding to one of the plurality of feature game instances.

[0007] Another described embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display and a memory storing (i) a first set of reel strips, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, and (ii) a second set of reel strips each comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol, the method comprising: initiating, based on a feature trigger condition being met, a plurality of feature game instances, wherein the feature trigger condition is a defined minimum number of configurable symbols selected in a first game window of a base game instance and controlling a display to display a plurality of game windows corresponding to the plurality of feature game instances, wherein plurality of game windows comprises a first active game window and a plurality of inactive game windows, and wherein the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance in the first active game window, wherein at least two of the plurality of inactive game windows are 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 associated with different activation conditions, and wherein each of the one or more inactive game windows are presented comprising a graphical inactive symbolism indicating an associated activation condition; in accordance with a determination that a first activation condition is met corresponding to a first inactive game window of the plurality of inactive game windows, activating the first inactive game window to obtain a second active game window by replacing the graphical inactive symbolism of the first inactive game window with a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, and wherein the second active game window comprises a first plurality of columns of symbol positions for one or more subsequent feature game instances, randomly selecting, using a random number generator, a symbol for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol, wherein the symbol for each symbol position is selected from a reel strip of the second set of reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position; and holding configurable symbols in place for each subsequent activated game window corresponding to one of the plurality of feature game instances

[0008] Another described embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium, readable by at least one processor and comprising instructions stored thereon to cause the at least one processor to: access (i) a first set of reel strips, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, and (ii) a second set of reel strips each comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol; assign a prize to at least each configurable symbol selected for display in each game instance; determine that a trigger condition is met in a base game instance, wherein the trigger condition comprises selection of a predefined minimum of configurable symbols in a first game window; initiate a plurality of game instances responsive to a feature trigger condition being met in a base game instance, control the display to display a plurality of game windows corresponding to the plurality of feature game instances, wherein plurality of game windows 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 comprises a first active game window and a plurality of inactive game windows, and wherein the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance in the first active game window, wherein at least two of the plurality of inactive game windows are associated with different activation conditions, and wherein each of the one or more inactive game windows are presented comprising a graphical inactive symbolism indicating an associated activation condition; in accordance with a determination that a first activation condition is met corresponding to a first inactive game window of the plurality of inactive game windows, activate the first inactive game window to obtain a second active game window by replacing the graphical inactive symbolism of the first inactive game window with a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, and holding any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent activated game window corresponding to one of the plurality of feature game instances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device to conduct a first feature game.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device to conduct a second feature game.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a reel strip selection method.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates example reel strip layouts.

[0019] FIGs. 11 to 18 are example screen displays.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device. 2025200784   05 Feb 2025

[0021] FIG. 20 is an example screen display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and / or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0023] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and / or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and / or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

[0025] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and / or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and / or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0026] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and / or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0027] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XLTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

[0028] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0029] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0030] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player’s smartphone, a keypad 146, and / or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and / or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0031] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

[0032] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

[0033] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and / or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display. 2025200784   05 Feb 2025

[0034] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.

[0035] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and / or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and / or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0037] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the ArcTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0038] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and / or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

[0039] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the HelixTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0040] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and / or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and / or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0042] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0043] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads barcoded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player’s credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and / or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

[0044] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and / or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his / her account information, activate free play, and / or request various information. Player 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and / or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and / or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and / or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

[0045] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0046] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he / she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0047] When the player is done, he / she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 of operating a gaming device to implement a game in a manner that enables two different, but related, feature games to be triggered using a common trigger mechanism. At step 510, the processor 204 initiates conduct of an instance of a base game, for example, in response to receipt of an instruction to play the game via a button.

[0049] At step 520, the processor 204 selects between two different variants of a first set of reel strips. In this example, the variants only differ in the colour of certain symbols of the first set of reel strips.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first set 300 of five reel strips 341, 342, 343, 344, 345 of a plurality of reel strips stored in a reel strip data structure in memory 208.In the example, each reel strip has thirty reel strip positions 301330. Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a “Wild” symbol 331 occupies the twenty-eighth reel strip position 328 of the fourth reel 344. Other reels strips to those illustrated in Figure 3 can be used, for example, reel strips where two or more wild symbols are placed at consecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, the reel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. The actual lengths of the game reel strips depend on factors such as the number of wild symbols (in general, the more wilds there are, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP), and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longer the reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the target RTP).

[0051] Each of the reel strips 643-645 have configurable symbols - i.e. the “COR” symbols. COR stands for “Cash on Reels” as in this example each configurable symbol is configured with a prize value by processor 204 when the symbols are selected as described below.

[0052] In this example, at step 520, processor 204 randomly selects between two variants of the reel strips, where a background or fixed component of each cash on reel symbol is represented by a gold bag 1141 and a version where fixed component of each cash on reel symbol is represented by a red bag 1142. That is, a single common logical reel strip 300 is used and the “selection” involves configuring the graphical presentation of the reel strip (which may involve loading different graphical assets from memory). In other examples, there 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 may be two different sets of reel strips, for example, with different numbers or distributions of cash on reel symbols. In order to select between the variants, the processor 204 obtains a value from random number generator 212 and compares it to ranges of values assigned to the two variants in memory 208.

[0053] In this example, the variant which is selected affects which feature game becomes available to be triggered from the base game. In this respect, referring to FIG. 11, there is shown an example screen display 1100 prior to spinning of the reels, where the reel strips have been configured with the red bag configurable symbol 1142 which in this example is the second variant of the first reel strips. In this respect screen display includes fifteen symbol positions arranged in five columns 1111-1115 of three symbol positions - i.e. in an array with three rows 1121-1123. A top portion of the screen display 1100 shows two progressive jackpot values; a grand jackpot 1131 and a major jackpot 1132. The top portion of the screen display 1100 shows two bonus prize values; a minor bonus 1133 and a mini bonus 1134. A character 1140 holds a gold bag symbol 1141 and a red bag symbol 1142. A triggerable feature message 1150 indicates that “6 or more “red bag symbols” triggers the hold & spin feature”. The triggerable feature game message also includes four game windows 1151-1154 with crosses through windows 1152-1154 to indicate that only game window 1151 is guaranteed to be active when 6 or more red bag symbols are selected in a game instance.

[0054] FIG. 12, there is shown an example screen display 1200 prior to spinning of the reels, where the reel strips have been configured with the gold bag configurable symbol 1141 which, in this example, is the first variation of the first reel strips. FIG. 12 shows an alternative triggerable feature message 1250 which indicates that “6 or more “gold bag symbols” triggers the hold & spin feature”. The triggerable feature game message also includes four game windows 1251-1254, however unlike windows 1152-1154 there are no crosses which indicate that each of game windows 1251-1254 will be active when 6 or more red bag symbols are selected in a game instance. Small gold bag symbols (unlabeled) indicate that when the feature game triggers, the triggering symbols will be duplicated to each active window as explained in more detail below in connection with FIGs. 6 and 18. 2025200784   05 Feb 2025

[0055] As indicated by step 530, processor 204 proceeds down one of two processing paths depending on whether the reel strips are configured with the first or the second variant of the reel strips.

[0056] In the case where the first variant is employed, at step 535, the processor 204 assigns assignable prizes to each configurable symbol of each of the reel strips. In this example, this enables the prizes to be seen during at least part of the virtual spinning of the reel strips. In an example, a symbol configuring data structure in memory 208 stores a plurality of weighted tables each comprising a plurality of assignable prizes - i.e. prizes that can be assigned to individual cash on reel symbols. In an example, there are separate weighted prize tables for each of reel strips. In an example, each weighted table incorporates a plurality of assignable prizes and different weightings are assigned to each prize in order to control their relative probability of being selected.

[0057] In an example, the values of the assignable prizes depend on an amount wagered, for example they correspond to a base amount multiplied by bet multiplier. In an example, the assignable prizes may be cash amounts (e.g. $5, $10, $20, $25) or otherwise defined prizes such a bonus or jackpot prizes. In other examples, the prizes may be credit amounts, e.g. 100, 200, or 400 credits.

[0058] The instructions in memory 208 cause processor 204 to conduct an iterative loop starting in which the processor 204 randomly selects one of the prizes using a value obtained from random number generator and assigns it to the next configurable symbol in reel strip order until all configurable symbols of a reel strip have been assigned a prize. Processor 204 then iterates to the next reel strip and conducts another iterative loop using the weighted table associated with the that strip until all reel strips are configured.

[0059] In an alternative example, prizes are randomly selected by the processor 204 from a table of prizes without replacement to enable control of the number of instances of one or more prizes.

[0060] At step 540, the processor selects symbols from the first variant of the reel strips. FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 carried out by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips. At step 410, the processor 204 starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips. At step 420, the processor 204 increments 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 the counter. In the first iteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip. At step 430, the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 440 the processor maps the generated number to one of the reel positions of the nth reel strip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map the generated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values that can be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associated with specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example, these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the ranges are each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has the same chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may be arranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strip positions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

[0061] At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighbouring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of Figure 3, if the value returned by the RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 313, then for the first reel strip 321, “Pic 1” symbol 353 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, “10” symbol 352 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and “Pic 2” symbol 351 is mapped to a top symbol position.

[0062] At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor 204 reverts to step 420 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

[0063] At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts to step 420 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions.

[0064] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at the symbol positions.

[0065] At step 545, processor 204 evaluates the symbols for winning combinations based on a pay table in memory 208 and an amount wagered per line. In an example, processor 204 evaluates the symbols from the leftmost column 1111 to the right most column 1115 to find uninterrupted sequences of three or more of the same symbol (or a wild symbol that can substitute for any symbol) along a pay line.

[0066] At step 550, processor 204 evaluates the symbols to determine whether they include a threshold number of configurable symbols, in this example, the threshold number is set at six. The configured threshold number can depend on factors such as the probability of the threshold number being selected and the relative return to player to be provided by the base game and the feature games. If the threshold number of configurable symbols is not met, the processor proceeds to step 590 and the game ends. When the processor 204 determines that the selected symbols include the threshold number of configurable symbols, processor 204 proceeds to step 555 and conducts the first feature game as will be described in more detail in relation to FIG. 6 below.

[0067] If, when the processor 204 reaches step 530, the reel strips are configured with the second variant, the processor 204 proceeds down a second processing path starting with step 560 where processor 204 assigns prizes to the configurable symbols as described in relation to step 535 above. In this example, processor 204 assigns the prizes to using the same weighted prize tables. In other examples, there are different weighted tables for the first and second variants of the first reel strips.

[0068] At step 565, the processor 204 selects symbols for the plurality of columns of symbol display positions using the process described in relation to FIG. 4 above. 2025200784   05 Feb 2025

[0069] At step 570, the processor 204 evaluates the symbols for winning combinations as described in relation to step 545.

[0070] At step 575, the processor 204 evaluates the symbols to determine whether they include a threshold number of configurable symbols, in this example, the threshold number is set at six. If the threshold number of configurable symbols is not met, the processor proceeds to step 590 and the game ends. When the processor 204 determines that the selected symbols include the threshold number of configurable symbols, processor 204 proceeds to step 580 and conducts the first feature game. In this respect, FIG. 13 shows an example screen display 1300 of the threshold number of configurable symbols being met as there are six configurable symbols1311-1316 in the screen display 1300.

[0071] Detail of step 580 is shown in the flow chart 580 of FIG. 7. At step 700, the processor 204 controls the display to change from the base game layout shown in FIG. 13 to a feature game layout for the second feature game shown in the screen display 1400 of FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 14 it will be observed that there are four game windows1401-1404 and that only the first game window 1401 is active and has the configurable symbols 1311-1316 that resulted in triggering of the feature game held in place. In another example, the triggering configurable symbols may be displayed in defined symbol positions - that is have their positions rearranged between screen displays 1300 and 1400.

[0072] A cross in the form of chains 1412-1414 overlies each of second to fourth game windows to indicate that these windows are inactive. Unlock messages 1422-1424 state how many configurable symbols are required to activate each of the second to fourth game windows and include the symbolism of a lock to indicate that collecting the configurable symbols will unlock the game window. It will be observed that there are three different values of configurable symbols needed to unlock the game windows; that is there are activation conditions that need to be met for the processor 204 to make the game windows active. In this example, the activation conditions are collecting at least 8, 16 and 36 configurable symbols (including the triggering configurable symbols) by those configurable symbols being held in place. Thus, the unlock message 1422 that overlies the second game window states “Collect 2 [Red Bag Symbols]” because 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 two more configurable symbols are required to reach the threshold of eight from the six configurable symbols displayed in FIG. 14.

[0073] At step 580, the processor sets a counter to an initial number of game instances (X). In this case, a minimum number of instances in which a symbol will be selected for each symbol positions not occupied by a held configurable symbol. In an example, the initial number of game instances, X is 3.

[0074] At step 710, the processor 204 decrements the counter by one.

[0075] At step 715, processor 204 determines whether an activation condition is met by an activation threshold being reached. In this example, if there are eight or more configurable symbols when the feature game is triggered, the feature game may be triggered with two active game windows. In some examples, this may be determined by processor 204 prior to changing the display to the feature layout so that two active windows are displayed. In other examples, the initial feature layout may show one game window followed by an animation of the second window activating prior to symbols being selected.

[0076] At step 725, the processor randomly associates reels strips with each unoccupied symbol position. Detail of process 725 (the same process as process 625 used in FIG. 6) is shown is FIG. 8.

[0077] At step 805, processor 204 initiates the selection process with W (a variable representing the number of active windows) set to 1. At step 810, the processor determines whether all symbol positions not occupied by a held configurable symbol have been associated with a reel strip of a set of second reel strips. For example, in the example screen display 1400 of FIG. 14 there are initially nine unpopulated symbol positions because there were six configurable symbols when the second feature game was triggered.

[0078] In an example, there are two subsets of reel strips which have different relative probabilities of a configurable symbol being selected by processor 204. For example, in FIG. 10, first reel strip 1041 is of a type corresponding to a first subset of reel strips having a relatively lower probability of a configurable symbol being selected because there is only a single cash on reel symbol at reel strip position 301. Second reel strip 1042 has six cash on reel symbols and hence has a relatively higher probability of a configurable symbol being selected. In an example, the first subset of reel strips may only include one 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 reel strip of the first type but in other examples there may be more than one reel strip of the first type.

[0079] At step 820, processor 204 determines whether all reel strips of the first subset of reel strips have been assigned and if not proceeds to step 825 of randomly assigning a reel strip of a first subset to an unoccupied symbol position using one or more numbers obtained from RNG 212. In this respect, where there is more than one reel strip of a first type that has not been assigned, processor 204 maps a first random number to a reel strip and a second random number to an unoccupied reel strip position. It will thus be appreciated that when there is only one reel strip of the first type or only one unassigned reel strip only one random number is needed in order to select the position. Further, should the symbol position be the only unoccupied symbol position and there is only one reel strip of the first time, a random number is not needed to assign the reel strip of the first type.

[0080] At step 825, the processor 204 updates records of remaining symbol positions and reel strips in memory 208 so that they will not be used in a subsequent iteration.

[0081] The processor 204 will usually conduct a number of iterations in order to assign reel strips to each unoccupied symbol position of the initial active window. When processor 204 reaches step 820 and determines that all reel strips of a first subset have been assigned (which as explained above may be after a first iteration), processor proceeds to step 835 and randomly assigns a reel strip of a second subset using one or more random numbers of the second subset of second reel strips. Similarly to the first subset of reel strips, where there is more than one symbol position that has not been assigned one of the second subset of reel strips, processor 204 maps a first random number to a reel strip of the second subset of reel strips and a second random number to an unoccupied reel strip position in order to assign a reel strip to a position. After step 835, processor 204 proceeds to step 830 and updates the records of remaining symbol positions and reel strips in memory 208.

[0082] Once all of the symbol positions have been assigned a reel strip, processor 204 proceeds from step 810 to step 840 and determines whether the current value of W equals the number of active reel strips and if it does the process ends at step 850 and processor 204 proceeds to step 735 in FIG. 7. If 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 there are more active windows, processor 204 increments the value of W by one at step 845 and proceeds to step 810 to begin associating unoccupied symbol positions with reel strips. In one example, the same set of second reel strips is used for each game window. In one example, the set of second reel strips has one reel strip of the first type and fourteen reel strips of the second type. In other examples different sets of reel strips may be associated with each game window.

[0083] At step 730, the processor 204 conducts a process to select symbols for each unoccupied symbol position as shown in FIG. 9. The process 730 is adapted relative to the process of FIG. 4 to account for 1. Individual reel strips being associated with individual symbol positions; and 2. Some symbol positions being occupied. In the example, process of FIG. 9, processor 204 begins at step 902 by configuring the configurable symbols of each reel strip that has been assigned to a symbol position using a technique such as that described above.

[0084] At step 906, the processor 204 sets an index defining the symbol position which the processor 204 will inspect first to determine whether it is occupied by a held configurable symbol. In this example, the index is set to W=1,C=1,R=1 to reflect the first active window (W), the first column (C) 1111, and the first row (R) 1121.

[0085] At step 910, the processor 204 determines whether symbol at index position W=1,C=1,R=1 is occupied by a held symbol and if not proceeds to step 915 and obtains an random number from RNG 212. At step 920, processor maps the random number to a reel strip position to thereby obtain a single selected symbol for the currently indexed symbol position. The processor then proceeds to step 925 and determines whether R equals the number of rows (in this case 3) and if not proceeds to step 930 and increments the value of R by 1. Thus, in this case, the processor 204 proceeds to step 910 with the indexed symbol position being W=1,C=1,R=2. As will be apparent from the above, if a symbol position is already occupied, processor 204 will proceed to step 925 and update the index. This may happen a number of times in a row. For example, referring to FIG. 14, for the first game window, the first and second rows of the first column are occupied by held symbols and accordingly, processor will increment the index to W=1,C=1,R=3 before selecting a symbol from the reel strip associated with this 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 symbol position. In this example, processor 204 stores the assigned reel strips in a record that employs the index.

[0086] When R equals the number of rows, processor 204 proceeds from step 925 to step 927 and resets R to 1 before proceeding to step 935 and determining whether C equals the number of rows. Where it does not, processor 204 proceeds to step 940 and increments C by one so that the processor 204 enters step 910 with the index set as W=1,C=2,R=1. In this way, processor 204 proceeds to populating the second column of symbol positions 1112.

[0087] Once symbols have been selected for all columns of symbol positions, the processor 204 resets C=1 at step 937 and proceed step 945 and determines whether W equals the number of active window. If it does, the process ends at step 960. Otherwise the processor 204 proceeds to step 950 and increments W by one. Thus, the first time processor proceeds to step 950, the index will be set at W=2,C=1,R=1 after step 950.

[0088] After all the symbol have been selected at step 730, processor 204 controls the display to display the selected symbol accompanied by animations of the reel strips spinning to a stop. In an example, the processor 204 may stop the reel strips in a random order. In some examples, the processor 204 controls the display to display reel strips stopping in different game windows contemporaneously.

[0089] In other examples, processor 204 maintains a record of symbol positions and their associated reel strips and iterates through each entry in the record.

[0090] From the above it will be appreciated that as more game windows are activated at step 720, processor 204 selects symbols for more game windows but the number of unoccupied symbol positions for previously active game windows will tend to decrease.

[0091] At step 735 the processor 204 determines whether all the symbol positions of an active window are occupied by configurable symbols and if so, proceeds to step 740 and awards a jackpot prize. In this example, the value of grand jackpot 1131.

[0092] At step 745, the processor 204 determines whether any new configurable symbols were selected in this game instance and if so proceeds to step 748 and sets the respective symbol positions as held. In this example, each 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 time a new configurable symbol is selected, the re-spin counter is reset to the initial value at step 705. Thus, even where there is not a new configurable symbol at step 745, the processor 204 will not determine at step 750 that the counter has reached zero until the processor has selected symbols for three consecutive game instances without selecting a configurable symbol.

[0093] It will be observed that as the processor selects more configurable symbols more windows will be activated.

[0094] FIGs. 15 and 16 are example screen displays 1500that show additional active game windows. For example, the screen display 1500 of FIG. 15 shows that first and second game windows 1401,1402 are active. Nine configurable symbols are held in first game window 1401 and three configurable symbols are held in second game window for a total of twelve configurable symbols. Updated unlock messages 1423A,1424A are displayed to reflect progress towards the thresholds required to unlock the third and fourth game window. For example, updated unlock message 1423A states “Collect 2 [Red Bag Symbols]” because two more configurable symbols are required to reach the threshold of sixteen symbols for unlocking the third game window 1403.

[0095] It will also be observed that due to the symbol selection mechanism described above, when a game window is newly activated there is a relatively higher chance of a new configurable symbol being selected than there is when the game window is almost completely populated by held configurable symbols.

[0096] Once the processor 204 determines at step 750 that the counter has reached zero, processor 204 awards all of the prizes on the configurable symbols, for example, if the counter reached zero with the arrangement of symbols shown in the screen display of FIG. 16, the processor 204 would award $38. In this respect, it will be observed that the player is guaranteed to be awarded at least the prize amounts on the triggering configurable symbols1311-1316 (in this example $13).

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 6, it will be apparent that the method of operating the gaming device to implement the first feature game has a number of similarities to the method of operating the gaming device to implement the second feature game as well as some differences.

[0098] The main difference may be understood with reference to the example screen displays 1700,1800 of FIGs. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 shows a 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 triggering combination of seven configurable symbols 1701-1707. FIG. 18 shows that in the first feature game (the “gold bag” variant), upon the feature game being triggered all four game windows 1811-1814 are active and the triggering combination has been duplicated in each game window 1811-1814. That is there are four sets of configurable symbols: a first set 1701A-1707A in the first window 1811, a second set 1701B-1707B in the second window, a third set 1701C-1707C in the third window 1813, and a fourth set in the fourth game window 1814.

[0099] In this respect when conducting the first feature game at step 555, processor 204 begins by changing the display at step 605 to display a plurality of active windows (in this example, four windows). At step 610, the processor controls each window to show the triggering configurable symbols.

[00100] From step 615 onwards, the processor then proceeds in a similar manner to that described in relation to FIG. 7 but with the main differences that the player starts with more configurable symbols (and hence typically a larger guaranteed prize amount) but no further windows can be activated. Specifically at step 615, the processor 204 sets a counter to an initial value which in the example is three game instances. At step 630, the processor 204 decrements the counter by 1.

[00101] At step 625, the processor 204 randomly associates second reel strips to empty symbol positions using the process shown in FIG. 8. That is, in this example, step 625 and step 725 are the same. In other examples, the second reel strips may be different for the two feature games.

[00102] At step 630, the processor 204 selects symbols from the assigned second reel strips using the process shown in FIG. 9. That is, in this example, step 630 and step 730 are the same.

[00103] At step 635, the processor 204 determines whether all symbol positions of a game window are occupied by a configurable symbol following the selection step and if so proceeds to award a jackpot prize at step 640 which like step 740 is the grand jackpot prize 1131.

[00104] At step 645, the processor 204 determines whether the selected symbols included at least one new configurable symbol and if so proceeds to step 648 of setting the symbol as held before reverting the step 615 and resetting the counter to the initial value (here 3 game instances). That is, as with second 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 feature game, the processor will only determine at step 650 that the counter has reached zero when no new configurable symbol is selected for three consecutive symbol selections.

[00105] At step 655, the processor 204 awards the total of the prizes shown on the configurable symbols.

[00106] It will be apparent that the two feature games described above use a common trigger mechanism but that the different appearance of the configurable symbols as well as messages 1150,1250 communicate the differences to the player such that the player expects feature game play at steps 555,580 which is related but different.

[00107] Other example embodiments may use fewer or more game windows than the examples described above.

[00108] FIG. 19 shows a method 1900 of operating gaming device 200 to incorporate an additional free games feature game from which the feature games described above may be triggered. In this example, free games feature game is triggerable irrespective of which variant of the first reel strips are used. In an example, the trigger condition for the free games feature is the occurrence of three or more “Scat” symbols when symbols are selected at step 540 or step 565 and the process 1900 is conducted after the selected symbols are evaluated at step 545 or step 570.

[00109] At step 1910, processor 204 determines whether the free games feature trigger is met. At step 1915, the processor 204 controls the display to display a plurality of selectable options 2010, 2020, 2030 to the player as shown in the example screen display 2000 of FIG. 20.

[00110] On the feature selection screen 2000, the player is presented with the following options: Option 1 (2010) - 10 free games. 6 configurable symbols of either the first variant 2011 or the second variant 2012 will trigger the Hold and Spin Feature (i.e. either feature 1 or feature 2). Option 2 (2020) - 6 free games. 5 configurable symbols will trigger the Hold and Spin Feature. Option 3 (2030) - 3 free games. 4 configurable symbols will trigger the Hold and Spin Feature. 2025200784   05 Feb 2025

[00111] While in this example, the hold and spin game is conducted with different variants of the reel strips, in other examples, there may be a single set of reel strips with only one type of configurable symbol when configurable symbols are implemented in combination with the selectable options described above.

[00112] Further, in another example, the options are provided in connection with an embodiment where there is only ever a single active game window - i.e. the additional feature game is conducted in a single game window.

[00113]

[00114] At step 1920, the processor 1920 receives a player selection of one of the options.

[00115] In an example, some symbols such as all royal symbols are removed for the duration of the free games feature to provide modified first reel strips. However as described above, there are two variants of the modified reel strips, and like the process described at step 520, the processor 204 selects a variant of first reel strips to be used for each free game at step 1955.

[00116] At step 1930, the processor 204 sets a counter to the number of free games in the selected option and at step 1940, the processor 204 sets the threshold based on the selection.

[00117] At step 1955, the processor 204 decrements the counter by one and at step 1955 the processor randomly selects which variant of the modified reel strips are employed.

[00118] At step 1960, the processor 204 selects symbol for the columns of symbol positions using the process described in relation to FIG. 4 above. This process being the same as that conducted at steps 545 or 570.

[00119] At step 1965, processor 204 evaluates the symbols at step 1965 using the process described in relation to steps 545 and 570 above.

[00120] At step 1970, processor 204 determines whether the selected symbols include the number of configurable symbols set at step 1940 and if not checks whether all the free games have been conducted at step 1980. If all the free games have not been conducted, the processor 204 re-enters the loop at step 1950.

[00121] Where the threshold is met at step 1970, the processor proceeds to conduct the relevant one of the feature games described in connection with steps 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 555 and 580 (see FIGs. 6 and 7) before checking whether the counter has reached zero at step 1980. When the counter reaches zero at step 1980, processor 204 proceeds to the relevant one of steps 550 and 575 noting that the reel strip layout is generally arranged so that the free games feature will not trigger when the re-spin feature triggers by locating the “Scat” symbols away from the configurable symbols. EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[00122] An example embodiment provides a gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (i) a first set of reel strips comprising a first variant and a second variant, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, (ii) a second set of reel strips each comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol, and (iii) instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: configure the first set of reel strips by selecting between the first variant and the second variant; assign, in each game instance, a prize to at least each configurable symbol selected for display; conduct a base game instance by: controlling a display to display a first game window comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each reel strip of the configured first set of reel strips corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of columns of symbol positions, selecting a plurality of symbols from each reel strip of the configured first set of reel strips, controlling the display to display the selected symbols in the plurality of columns of symbol positions, evaluating the selected symbols for winning combinations, and evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether a feature trigger condition is met, wherein the feature trigger condition comprises selection of a defined minimum number of configurable symbols among the selected symbols; 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 either initiate, responsive to the feature trigger condition being met when the first set of reel strips are configured with the first variant, a plurality of feature game instances of a first feature game, wherein when the plurality of feature game instances of the first feature game are initiated, a plurality of game windows are active and the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition in respect of the first game window are displayed in each active game window at symbol positions corresponding to the symbol positions at which the triggering configurable symbols were displayed in the base game instance, and conduct each feature game instance of the first feature game by: selecting a symbol, for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol, from a reel strip of the plurality of second reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position, holding any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent feature game or initiate, responsive to the feature trigger condition being met when the first set of reel strips are configured with the second variant, a plurality of feature game instances of a second feature game, wherein when the plurality of feature game instances of the second feature game are initiated, the first game window is active and the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance, and conduct each feature game instance of the second feature game by: determining whether an activation condition is met, and responsive to an activation condition being met, activating another game window comprising another plurality of columns of symbol positions for each subsequent feature game instance, selecting a symbol for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol from a reel strip of the plurality of second reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position, and holding any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent feature game instance; and 2025200784   05 Feb 2025 award, at the conclusion of the feature game instances of either the first feature game or the second feature game, at least a total of the prizes assigned to configurable symbols in each active game window.

[00123] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:a display;a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine;meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter;a random number generator;a game play mechanism configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; anda game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing (i) a first set of reel strips, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, (ii) a second set of reel strips each comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol, and (iii) game program code, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to:initiate a plurality of feature game instances responsive to a feature trigger condition being met in a base game instance, wherein the feature trigger condition comprises selection of a defined minimum number of configurable symbols andcontrol the display to display a plurality of game windows corresponding to the plurality of feature game instances, wherein plurality of game windows comprises a first active game window and a plurality of inactive game windows, and wherein the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance in the first active game window, wherein at least two of the plurality of inactive game windows are associated with different activation conditions, and wherein each of the one or2025200784   15 Oct 2026more inactive game windows are presented on the display as comprising a graphical inactive symbolism indicating an associated activation condition;in accordance with a determination that a first activation condition is met corresponding to a first inactive game window of the plurality of inactive game windows, activate the first inactive game window to obtain a second active game window by replacing the graphical inactive symbolism of the first inactive game window with a plurality of columns of symbol positions on the display, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, andwherein the second active game window comprises a first plurality of columns of symbol positions;select, using the random number generator, a symbol for each symbol position of the second active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol from a reel strip of the second set of reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position; andhold any configurable symbols in place for each subsequent activated game window corresponding to one of the plurality of feature game instances.

2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein when executed by the game controller, the game program code causes the game controller to:conduct a base game instance by:controlling the display to display a first base game window comprising a second plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each reel strip of the first set of reel strips corresponds to a respective one of the second plurality of columns of symbol positions of the first base game window,randomly selecting, based on an outcome of a random number generator, a plurality of selected symbols from each of the first set of reel strips,controlling the display to display the selected symbols in the second plurality of columns of symbol positions,evaluating the selected symbols for winning combinations, andevaluating the selected symbols to determine whether a feature trigger condition is met, wherein the feature trigger condition comprises selection of the defined minimum number of configurable symbols among the selected symbols.2025200784   15 Oct 20263. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the game controller conducting at least one feature game instance incudes:determining whether a second activation condition is met associated with a second inactive game window, wherein the second activation condition comprises reaching a second threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window; andresponsive to the second activation condition being met, activating another game window comprising another plurality of columns of symbol positions.

4. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the game controller conducting at least one feature game instance includes:determining whether a third activation condition is met, wherein the third activation condition comprises reaching a third threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window; andresponsive to the third activation condition being met, activating another game window comprising another plurality of columns of symbol positions.

5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the game controller conducting at least one feature game instance includes:wherein the second game window is activated based on the plurality of feature game instances are initiated.

6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein when executed by the game controller, the game program code causes the game controller to:prior to conducting the base game instance, selecting between a first variant of the first reel strips which results in the feature game being initiated with the first active game window, and a second variant of the first reel strips which results in the feature game being initiated with a plurality of active game windows.

7. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein when executed by game controller, the game program code causes the game controller to set the number of feature game instances to an initial number and to reset a number of feature2025200784   15 Oct 2026game instances to the initial number if one or more additional configurable symbols are selected for an active game window.

8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the initial number is three game instances.

9. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein when executed by the game controller, the game program code causes the game controller to:assign reel strips of the second set of reel strips to the respective symbol positions using a random process.

10. The gaming machine of claim 9, wherein the random process includes: randomly assigning, using a random number generator, at least one reel strip from a first subset of the second reel strips to a respective symbol position of each active window, andrandomly assigning, using a random number generator, reel strips from a second subset of the second reel strips to any remaining symbol positions of each active window,wherein the first subset of second reel strips are configured to have a lower probability of a configurable symbol being selected by the processor than the second subset of second reel strips.

11. A method of operating a gaming machine comprising a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter, a random number generator, a game play mechanism configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing (i) a first set of reel strips, each reel strip of the first set of reel strips comprising configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols, and (ii) a second set of reel strips each2025200784   15 Oct 2026comprising non-configurable symbols and at least one configurable symbol, the method comprising the game controller:initiating, based on a feature trigger condition being met, a plurality of feature game instances, wherein the feature trigger condition is a defined minimum number of configurable symbols selected in a first game window of a base game instance andcontrolling the display to display a plurality of game windows corresponding to the plurality of feature game instances, wherein plurality of game windows comprises a first active game window and a plurality of inactive game windows, and wherein the configurable symbols that met the feature trigger condition are held in their respective positions from the base game instance in the first active game window, wherein at least two of the plurality of inactive game windows are associated with different activation conditions, and wherein each of the one or more inactive game windows are presented on the display as comprising a graphical inactive symbolism indicating an associated activation condition;in accordance with a determination that a first activation condition is met corresponding to a first inactive game window of the plurality of inactive game windows, activating the first inactive game window to obtain a second active game window by replacing the graphical inactive symbolism of the first inactive game window with a plurality of columns of symbol positions on the display, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, andwherein the second active game window comprises a first plurality of columns of symbol positions for one or more subsequent feature game instances,randomly selecting, using the random number generator, a symbol for each symbol position of each active window not occupied by a held configurable symbol, wherein the symbol for each symbol position is selected from a reel strip of the second set of reel strips assigned to the respective symbol position; andholding configurable symbols in place for each subsequent activated game window corresponding to one of the plurality of feature game instances.2025200784   15 Oct 202612. The method of claim 11, wherein the first activation condition comprises reaching a first threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, and a second activation condition comprises reaching a second threshold number of configurable symbols in an active game window, wherein a second inactive game window is associated with the second activation condition.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising wherein the second game window is activated based on the plurality of feature game instances are initiated.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising conducting a base game instance by:controlling the display to display a first base game window comprising a second plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each reel strip of the first set of reel strips corresponds to a respective one of the second plurality of columns of symbol positions of the first base game window,randomly selecting, using the random number generator, a plurality of symbols from each of the first set of reel strips,controlling the display to display the selected symbols in the second plurality of columns of symbol positions,evaluating the selected symbols for winning combinations, andevaluating the selected symbols to determine whether the feature trigger condition is met, wherein the feature trigger condition comprises selection of the defined minimum number of configurable symbols among the selected symbols.

15. The method of claim 11, comprising assigning reel strips of the second set of reel strips to the respective symbol positions using a random process.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising:randomly assigning, using the random number generator, at least one reel strip from a first subset of the second reel strips to a respective symbol position of each active window, and2025200784   15 Oct 2026randomly assigning, using the random number generator, reel strips from a second subset of the second reel strips to any remaining symbol positions of each active window,wherein the first subset of second reel strips is configured to have a lower probability of a configurable symbol being selected than the second subset of second reel strips.

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