Gaming machine, game providing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of providing a novel game that maintains or increases the interest of a player.SOLUTION: A gaming machine includes a control unit that provides a game in which multiple reels are rotated and stopped, and a privilege is imparted for symbol arrangement formed in a first symbol display area by the stopped multiple reels. The control unit first stops a special reel among the multiple reels rotated in the first symbol display area, and in response to the special symbol being stopped, further displays a second symbol display area that duplicates the special reel in the stopped state in the first symbol display area and the reel in the rotating state, stops the reels rotating in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area, and provides a first game feature that imparts a privilege for the symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gaming machine, a game providing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a slot machine that displays four or eight symbol display areas during a free game and plays four or eight games simultaneously. Patent Document 1 also discloses a free feature game that simultaneously provides multiple instances of a game when any of the results of simultaneously played games includes a trigger symbol. Patent Document 1 further discloses the use of a super trigger symbol that provides more game instances than a normal trigger symbol, and an extreme trigger symbol that provides more game instances than a super trigger symbol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 1,148,8452 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The feature game in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1 provides a predetermined number of games that are the same as the game in which the trigger symbol appears at the same time, and therefore can provide a sense of expectation that is a predetermined number times that of the game. However, the feature game in Patent Document 1 may give the player a sluggish impression because, after a game result including a trigger symbol is obtained, symbol display areas are redrawn on the screen as many as the number of game instances provided, and an animation of reel spin starting and stopping is displayed for each of them. In addition, since the multiple games provided by the feature game are independent of each other and have no special conditions or common elements, it only provides the player with a sense of expectation and the sum of the expected value of the multiple games provided at the same time. In view of such circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a gaming machine, a method of providing a game, and a program that can provide a feature game that can provide the player with a sense of expectation and the expected value that exceeds the sum of the multiple games provided at the same time without sluggishness and at a good tempo, and can provide a novel game that maintains or increases the player's interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit that accepts player operations, a display unit having a first symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels including a special reel having a special symbol, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit and spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and provides a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the stopped plurality of reels, wherein the control unit first stops the special reel of the plurality of reels spun in the first symbol display area, and in response to a special symbol being stopped on the special reel, further displays a second symbol display area that duplicates the special reel in a stopped state in the first symbol display area and the reel in a spinning state, stops the reels spinning in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area, and provides a first game feature that awards a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

[0006] A gaming machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit that accepts player operation, a display unit that has a symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels having a special reel including a special symbol, the special symbols including a first special symbol and a second special symbol, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, and spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and grants a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels, and the control unit, in response to a special symbol being stopped on a special reel among the plurality of reels spun in the symbol display area, duplicates and displays a first number of additional symbol display areas for each of the reels when the first special symbol is stopped, and duplicates and displays a second number of additional symbol display areas for each of the reels when the second special symbol is stopped, stops the reels spinning in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area, and grants a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed by the plurality of stopped reels.

[0007] A method of providing a game according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of providing a game executed on a gaming machine including an operation unit that accepts a player's operation; a display unit having a first symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels including a special reel having a special symbol; and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, and spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and provides a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the stopped plurality of reels, wherein the control unit executes the steps of: first stopping the special reel of the plurality of reels spun in the first symbol display area; further displaying a second symbol display area that duplicates the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a spinning state in the first symbol display area in response to a special symbol being stopped on the special reel; stopping the reels spinning in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area; and providing a first game feature that awards a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

[0008] A method of providing a game according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of providing a game executed on a gaming machine including: an operation unit that accepts a player's operation; a display unit having a symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels having a special reel including a special symbol, the special symbols including a first special symbol and a second special symbol; and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, and that spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and grants a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels, wherein the control unit executes the steps of, in response to a special symbol being stopped on a special reel among the plurality of reels spun in the symbol display area, duplicating and displaying a first number of additional symbol display areas for each of the plurality of reels when the first special symbol is stopped, and a second number of additional symbol display areas for each of the plurality of reels when the second special symbol is stopped, and stopping the reels spinning in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area, and granting a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed by the plurality of stopped reels.

[0009] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a gaming machine including an operation unit that accepts player operations; a display unit having a first symbol display area that partially displays multiple reels each having a symbol, the multiple reels including a special reel having a special symbol; and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit and spins and stops the multiple reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit and provides a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the stopped multiple reels. The program executed by the control unit realizes the following functions in the control unit: stopping the special reel among the multiple reels spun in the first symbol display area first; further displaying a second symbol display area that duplicates the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a spinning state in the first symbol display area in response to a special symbol being stopped on the special reel; stopping the reels spinning in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area; and providing a first game feature that awards a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

[0010] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is provided in a gaming machine including an operation unit that accepts player operations, a display unit having a symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels having a special reel including a special symbol, the special symbols including a first special symbol and a second special symbol, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit and that spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit and awards a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels, the program being executed by the control unit, and causing the control unit to realize a function of causing the control unit to duplicate and display a first number of additional symbol display areas for each of the plurality of reels when a first special symbol has stopped and a second number of additional symbol display areas for each of the plurality of reels when a second special symbol has stopped in response to a special symbol being stopped on a special reel among the plurality of reels rotated in the symbol display area, and a function of stopping the reels spinning in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area and awarding a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed by the plurality of stopped reels. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a gaming machine, a game providing method, and a program that can provide a feature game that is smooth and well-paced and can give the player a sense of anticipation and expectation value that exceeds the sum of multiple games provided simultaneously, and can provide a novel game that maintains or increases the player's interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of a display area of ​​the gaming machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows an example of a virtual reel set. [Diagram 5]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing one state of a symbol arrangement in a game. [Figure 19] 3 is a directory structure diagram and a block diagram showing programs and data stored in the memory of FIG. 2. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for a gaming machine. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the game application program of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the system application program of FIG. 20. [Figure 23] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the gaming machine. [Figure 24] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the gaming machine. [Diagram 25] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the gaming machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. Here, the gaming machine is a device that accepts bets such as bets, medals, and tokens from a player, starts a game, and pays prizes, benefits, and dividends to the player according to a randomly determined game result. Such a gaming machine is designed and manufactured in accordance with the regulations of the area, and is installed in a licensed facility such as a casino after being approved as a device by an approval agency. The gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 can accept a predetermined game value from a player, generate a game result, and provide a dividend to the player according to the game result and a pay table. The gaming machine 10 provides a video slot game as an example. The video slot game includes, for example, a normal game, a free game, and a feature game. The normal game, the free game, and the feature game are provided when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the normal game, the free game, and the feature game, the symbols displayed in the display area form a combination of symbols that is the game result, and the winning is determined by the combination.

[0015] 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a display 16 (an example of a display unit) and a cabinet 12. The cabinet 12 also houses a control unit 22 (see FIG. 2) that controls the components of the gaming machine 10.

[0016] The display 16 is a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device. The display 16 provides a game screen to the player by being controlled via the control unit 22. Illumination 36 that provides decorative lighting may be provided around the display 16.

[0017] The cabinet 12 is disposed below the display 16. A control panel 18 is provided on the front surface of the cabinet 12 so as to protrude forward. The control panel 18 is provided with a player tracking unit 20, a speaker 26, a bill / ticket recognition unit 28, a printer unit 30, and an operation unit 32.

[0018] The player tracking unit 20 includes a card reader that recognizes a player identification card, a display that presents data to the player, and a keypad that accepts input by the player. The player tracking unit 20 cooperates with the control unit 22 or an external system to read information recorded on a player identification card inserted into the card reader by the player, and displays the information and / or information obtained by communicating with the external system on the display. Furthermore, input from the player is accepted by the keypad, the display is changed according to the input, and communication with the external system is performed as necessary.

[0019] The speakers 26 are provided on the left and right sides of the control panel 18. The speakers 26 are controlled via the control unit 22 to provide sounds to the player.

[0020] The bill / ticket recognition unit 28 can be housed in the cabinet 12 with an insertion opening through which bills / tickets are inserted exposed. An identification unit that identifies bills / tickets using various sensors is provided inside the insertion opening. A bill / ticket storage unit is provided on the output port side of the identification unit. The bill / ticket recognition unit 28 accepts bills / tickets (including vouchers and coupons) that are game value, identifies them as game value, and notifies the control unit 22.

[0021] The printer unit 30 can be housed in the cabinet 12 with the ticket output port, from which the ticket is output, exposed. A printing section that prints predetermined information on printing paper is provided inside the ticket output port, and a storage section that stores printing paper is provided on the paper inlet side of the printing section. The printer unit 30 prints information on paper under the control of the control section 22, and outputs a ticket from the gaming machine 10 in accordance with a credit payout process. The output ticket can be inserted into a bill / ticket recognition unit 28 of another gaming machine, allowing the paid-out credit to be used for game play, or can be exchanged for cash at a kiosk terminal or casino cage in the casino.

[0022] The operation unit 32 accepts operations by the player. The operation unit 32 includes a group of buttons that accept various instructions from the player of the gaming machine 10. For example, the operation unit 32 may include a group of a spin button and a set button. The spin button accepts an instruction to start an instance of a game (to start the rotation of the reels). The set button group includes a line set button group, a bet button group, and a cash out button. The bet button group accepts an instruction operation related to the amount of credits bet (bet amount) from the player. The cash out button accepts an instruction operation to instruct the payout of credits accumulated in the gaming machine 10.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gaming machine. The gaming machine 10 includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 38 including a processor constituting the control unit 22, an interface unit 40, a memory 42, and a storage 44. The control unit 22 may be housed inside the cabinet 12 as a control board. The control unit 22 is configured to be able to communicate with each unit via the interface unit 40, and controls the operation of each unit by executing a program recorded in the memory 42 (an example of a storage unit) of the CPU 38 or the storage 44 (an example of a storage unit), thereby providing a game to a player.

[0024] The interface unit 40 includes a chip set that provides communication functions for the CPU 38, such as a memory bus connected to the CPU 38, various expansion buses, a serial interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface.

[0025] The memory 42 can be configured to include a RAM (Random Access Memory) which is a volatile storage medium, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a non-volatile storage medium, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) which is a rewritable non-volatile storage medium. The storage 44 provides the control unit 22 with a function as an external storage device, and can use a reading device such as a memory card and a magneto-optical disk which are removable storage media, and can also use a hard disk.

[0026] The interface unit 40 is connected to the bill / ticket identification unit 28, the printer unit 30, the player tracking unit 20, a graphics controller (GPU: Graphics Processing Unit) 50, an input controller 52, a sound controller 53, and an illumination controller 54. The graphics controller 50, the input controller 52, the sound controller 53, and the illumination controller 54 may be accommodated inside the cabinet 12 as control boards.

[0027] The control unit 22 is connected to the display 16 via a graphic controller 50. The control unit 22 is connected to the operation unit 32 via an input controller 52. The control unit 22 is connected to the illumination 36 via an illumination controller 54.

[0028] The control unit 22 controls each unit by executing programs stored in the memory 42 and the storage 44, and provides a game to the player. Here, for example, the control unit 22 may be configured to store the programs and data of an operating system and subsystems that provide the basic functions of the control unit 22 in the EEPROM of the memory 42, and to store the programs and data of applications that provide the game in the storage 44. With such a configuration, the game can be easily changed or updated by replacing the storage 44. Furthermore, the control unit 22 may have a multiprocessor configuration including multiple CPUs.

[0029] Each block connected to the control unit 22 will be described below. The bill / ticket identification unit 28 accepts bills / tickets at the insertion slot and notifies the control unit 22 of identification information corresponding to the bill type or credit payout process. The control unit 22 increases the amount of credits available in the game according to the notified content. The printer unit 30 prints information corresponding to the credit payout process from the gaming machine 10 on a ticket and outputs it under the control of the control unit 22 which accepts operation of a cashout button included in the operation unit 32.

[0030] The player tracking unit 20 cooperates with the control unit 22 to transmit and receive player information and the like to and from the casino management system. The graphics controller 50 controls the display 16 under the control of the control unit 22 to display a display image including various graphics data. The sound controller 53 drives the speaker 26 under the control of the control unit 22 to provide various sounds such as announcements, sound effects, background music, and the like. The illumination controller 54 controls the lighting of the illumination 36 under the control of the control unit 22.

[0031] The interface unit 40 includes various communication interfaces for communicating with the outside of the gaming machine 10. The interface unit 40 can communicate with an external network by, for example, Ethernets 55, 58, and 60, and a serial interface 62. FIG. 2 shows an example of communication with another gaming machine 10, a known server-side gaming network (server-based gaming), a G2S network (game-system), and a slot information system (slot data system). The control unit 22 can share information about a game with the other gaming machine 10 by communicating with the control unit 22 of the other gaming machine 10 via the Ethernet 55 without going through an I / O board.

[0032] 3 is a schematic diagram of the display area of ​​the gaming machine of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 22 executing a predetermined program causes the display 16 to display a game screen having a first symbol display area 64 displaying a slot game. The first symbol display area 64 partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol. As an example, the first symbol display area 64 is displayed in a lower area of ​​the game screen. Above the first symbol display area 64, an area 65 is provided in which information related to the game and the like are displayed.

[0033] The first symbol display area 64 includes a grid 68 capable of displaying symbols. By using such a display area, the gaming machine 10 operates as a slot machine that determines whether a prize has been won and pays out a payout according to the combination of symbols displayed in the grid 68 of the first symbol display area 64.

[0034] The display 16 displays a plurality of symbols in a grid 68. The grid 68 includes a plurality of rows and columns. The grid 68 is made up of a plurality of cells 70, which are stopping positions of the symbols. FIG. 3 shows a game screen including a plurality of cells arranged in a 5×3 grid. The number of columns and rows of the grid is not particularly limited, and may be other configurations such as 5×4, 3-4-4-4-3, 6×3, 6×4, 3-3-3-5-5, etc., and may increase or decrease depending on the game development and / or the bet amount. One symbol is stopped and displayed in each of the plurality of cells 70 in the first symbol display area 64.

[0035] The symbols arranged in each of the multiple cells 70 are determined using a virtual reel strip for displaying the virtual reel 66. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual reel set. The virtual reel set includes multiple virtual reel strips, and the virtual reel strip includes a symbol arrangement indicating the order of symbols to be displayed in the display area. As shown in FIG. 4, in each cell 70 of the grid 68, symbols are displayed based on the symbol arrangement of the virtual reel 66 including the virtual reel strips 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80 constituting the virtual reel set 82. That is, the cells 70 of the grid 68 are associated with the virtual reel strips 72 to 80 for each column, and symbols arranged in a predetermined portion of each virtual reel strip 72 to 80 are displayed. Furthermore, the symbols displayed in the cells 70 of the grid 68 are changed by moving (scrolling or spinning) each symbol for each column based on the symbol arrangement of the virtual reel strips 72 to 80, and the symbols are stopped by stopping the movement (scrolling or spinning) for each column. Here, the virtual reel strips 72-80 are data, and the control unit 22 uses a program contained in the memory 42 or storage 44, and data that displays the symbol arrangement (i.e., the order of symbols on each reel strip) adjusted for each cell column. The virtual reel set 82 is a collective term for such virtual reel strips 72-80.

[0036] 4 is made up of symbols 84 at each symbol position 86, and these symbols are arranged in an order defined for each reel. The number of symbols constituting the virtual reel strips 72-80 is not limited to this and may be any desired number. In addition, the number of symbols constituting the virtual reel strips 72-80 may be the same or different from each other.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the symbols 84 shown in FIG. 4. Each of the virtual reel strips 72-80 includes symbols selected from a symbol set 88 of various symbols 84 shown in FIG. 5. The symbol set 88 includes picture symbols ("Pic-A", "Pic-B", "Pic-C", "Pic-D", "Pic-E", "Pic-F", and "Pic-G") showing pictures of people, animals, plants, objects, treasures, and wealth as standard symbols. The picture symbols may be provided with a multiplier that increases the prize amount of a combination by a predetermined multiple.

[0038] The symbol set 88 includes a wild symbol ("Wild") that substitutes for another symbol when a winning combination is determined, a scatter symbol ("Scatter") that triggers a free game depending on the appearance of a predetermined number of symbols when a winning combination is determined, and a special symbol 85 that functions as a trigger for a game feature. The special symbols 85 include a first special symbol 851 ("Double") and a second special symbol 852 ("Triple"). When the first special symbol 851 is displayed, a first game feature is provided in which one display area is added to two display areas. When the second special symbol 852 is displayed, a second game feature is provided in which two display areas are added to three display areas. The special symbol 85 is included in the reel that stops first (the virtual reel strip 72 in the example shown in FIG. 4).

[0039] The symbol set 88 may include symbols that win a progressive jackpot (not shown). The symbol set 88 may include, for example, symbols whose winning amounts increase in the order of "Mini," "Major," and "Grand." The winning amount is awarded simply by stopping these symbols.

[0040] A plurality of virtual reel sets may be prepared according to the game contents. For example, a virtual reel set used in a normal game may be different from a virtual reel set used in a free game or a feature game. A virtual reel set in a free game or a feature game may include more special symbols 85 or wild symbols than a virtual reel set in a normal game. In this way, it is possible to increase the probability of winning or the expected value in a free game, and to provide a high-value free game to the player.

[0041] The control unit 22 starts a game and randomly determines the stop position of each virtual reel strip 72-80. The virtual reel strips 72-80 displayed on the display 16 move (scroll or spin) from their current positions and stop based on the stop positions to indicate the result of the game. Therefore, on the display 16 or the grid 68, the symbols included in the virtual reel strips 72-80 change as the virtual reel strips 72-80 continuously move (scroll or spin) in the vertical direction of the first symbol display area 64, and are displayed so that one symbol stops in one cell 70 according to the symbol order defined for the virtual reel strips 72-80.

[0042] The control unit 22 can be configured to vary the multiple symbols displayed on the display 16 in the above-mentioned manner in accordance with the player's operation accepted by the operation unit 32, stop the symbols in a predetermined order, and pay out a dividend in accordance with the symbols that have stopped in the first symbol display area 64.

[0043] Paylines are set in the first symbol display area 64. The paylines are set, for example, so as to span from the cell in the leftmost column to the rightmost column. As an example, the paylines can be configured to include any cell in the leftmost column, any cell in the second column from the left, any cell in the third column from the left, any cell in the fourth column from the left, and any cell in the fifth column from the left (the rightmost column). In a 5×3 matrix, 243 types (3 to the power of 5) of paylines can be set, and 40 or 50 types of paylines may be set. In a so-called ALL-WAYS-WIN method, all 243 types of paylines are set as targets for winning judgment. Such paylines may be configured to be activated as winning lines by being selected by the player. The winning lines are paylines that are targets for winning judgment. The number of winning lines can be configured to be selectable by operating a group of line setting buttons included in a group of setting buttons of the player operation unit 32. Also, regardless of the player's selection, all of the set paylines may be set as winning lines. The control unit 22 determines that a win has been achieved when a predetermined number of identical symbols are lined up on a winning line, based on the game result, which is a symbol combination, and pays a payout to the player according to the type and number of symbols.

[0044] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment provides three types of games: a normal game (also called a main game or a prime game) that is provided when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and a first special game and a second special game that are provided when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The first special game is a feature game, and a feature function (described below) that is advantageous to the player is applied when a predetermined trigger condition is satisfied. The second special game is a free game, and a predetermined number of free games that do not consume game value are provided when a predetermined trigger condition is satisfied.

[0045] In the normal game, the first special game, and the second special game, the symbol arrangement, which is the game result, is the subject of the winning judgment. That is, when the control unit 22 starts the game, it randomly determines the stop position for each of the virtual reel strips 72 to 80 shown in FIG. 4, and expresses the action of the virtual reel strips 72 to 80 moving from their current positions and stopping at the stop positions using the display 16. As a result, in the first symbol display area 64, the symbols arranged on the virtual reel strips 72 to 80 move (scroll) vertically continuously, and stop so that one symbol is displayed in one cell 70 while maintaining the continuity.

[0046] However, in this embodiment, when a special symbol 85 stops on the first reel in a base game or a free game which is the second special game, the game shifts to a feature game, and a feature function which will be described below is activated, and as a result, a symbol display area is added. Hereinafter, the feature function will be described with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 18. Hereinafter, the reels displayed in the first symbol display area 64 will be referred to as the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, the fourth reel, and the fifth reel, from the left. Only the first reel includes the special symbol 85. Also, the row formed by the first reel in the display area of ​​the display 16 will be referred to as the first row. Similarly, the row related to the second reel will be referred to as the second row, the row related to the third reel as the third row, the row related to the fourth reel as the fourth row, and the row related to the fifth reel as the fifth row.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 22 spins the reels corresponding to the virtual reel strips 72 to 80 and stops them in sequence. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the first reel (virtual reel strip 72), and here, a first special symbol 851 indicated as "Double" is displayed in the first column of the first symbol display area 64. In this way, in response to the special symbol 85 being stopped on the first stopped reel (special reel), the game transitions to a feature game, and a feature function is activated. Here, since the first special symbol 851 has stopped, the first game feature is provided.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 8, when the first game feature is started, an area 65 displaying information about the game and a first symbol display area 64 including the spinning reels move upward on the screen, and a second symbol display area 641 is added to the screen from below the first symbol display area 64. Then, the entire second symbol display area 641 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 9.

[0049] In the second symbol display area 641, the first reel stopped in the first symbol display area 64 and the second, third, fourth and fifth reels spinning in the first symbol display area 64 are duplicated and displayed. Then, before the reels spinning in the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641 are stopped, the first special symbol 851 displayed in the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641 is converted into a symbol that is the subject of a special bonus. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the first special symbol 851, "Double", is converted into "Pic-A". Note that the conversion of symbols in the second symbol display area 641 may be performed when the first reel stopped in the first symbol display area 64 is duplicated, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] After that, the reels rotating in the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641 shown in FIG. 9 are stopped in sequence, and symbol arrays are formed respectively. In the first game feature, a prize is determined for each of the symbol arrays formed in the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641, and a bonus is awarded. In this way, not only does the addition of the second symbol display area 641, which is a copy of the first symbol display area 64 during the game, increase the possibility of winning, but also the first special symbol 851 is converted into a symbol eligible for the bonus, resulting in a copy of the symbol array that may win. Thus, it is possible to provide a feature game in a more advantageous state with a higher sense of expectation and expectation value than when the normal game is simply played twice, and thus it is possible to maintain or increase the interest of the player.

[0051] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a case will be described where a second special symbol 852 indicated by "Triple" appears in the first column when the first reel (virtual reel strip 72) stops spinning. In response to the special symbol 85 stopping on the first reel that stops, the game transitions to a feature game and a feature function is activated. When the second special symbol 852 stops, the second game feature is provided.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 11, when the second game feature is started, the area 65 in which information about the game and the first symbol display area 64 including the spinning reels move upward on the screen, and a second symbol display area 641 is added to the screen from below the first symbol display area 64. Then, as shown in Fig. 12, following the second symbol display area 641, a third symbol display area 642 is added to the screen. As a result, the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641 and the third symbol display area 642 are displayed, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0053] In the second symbol display area 641 and the third symbol display area 642, the first reel stopped in the first symbol display area 64 and the second, third, fourth and fifth reels spinning in the first symbol display area 64 are duplicated and displayed. Then, before the reels spinning in the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641 and the third symbol display area 642 are stopped, the second special symbols 852 displayed in the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641 and the third symbol display area 642 are converted into symbols that are the subject of a special bonus. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the second special symbol 852, "Triple", is converted into "Pic-A". Note that the conversion of symbols in the second symbol display area 641 and the third symbol display area 642 may be performed when the first reel stopped in the first symbol display area 64 is duplicated, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0054] Thereafter, the reels spinning in the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641, and the third symbol display area 642 shown in Fig. 13 are stopped in sequence, and symbol arrays are formed in each area. In the second game feature, a prize is determined for each of the symbol arrays formed in the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641, and the third symbol display area 642, and a bonus is awarded. In this way, since the second game feature has a larger number of additional display areas than the first game feature, a more advantageous feature game with a higher sense of expectation and expectation value than the first game feature is provided, and the player's interest can be further maintained or increased.

[0055] The control unit 22 may stop all the reels in one display area and then stop the reels in the next display area. Then, if a reel on which a symbol that is the subject of a bonus is displayed is present in the display area in which all the reels have been stopped, the control unit 22 may copy the reel on which the symbol is stopped to the corresponding reel in the display area in which the reel is to be stopped next.

[0056] For example, it is assumed that the reels rotating in the order of the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641, and the third symbol display area 642 are stopped. In this case, from the rotating state shown in FIG. 13, all the reels are stopped in the first symbol display area 64 as shown in FIG. 14. At this time, "Pic-A" displayed in the fourth and fifth columns is a symbol that is the subject of a special award because it is a winning symbol when "Pic-A" stops in the second and third columns. The fourth and fifth reels on which such symbols are displayed are duplicated and displayed in the second symbol display area 641, which will stop rotating next, as shown in FIG. 15. Therefore, in the second symbol display area 641, the first reel, the fourth reel, and the fifth reel are already stopped, and the second and third reels are in a rotating state. Subsequently, all the reels are stopped in the second symbol display area 641 as shown in FIG. 16. At this time, "Pic-A" displayed in the third, fourth and fifth columns will be a winning symbol if "Pic-A" stops in the second column, and therefore is a symbol eligible for a special bonus.

[0057] The third, fourth and fifth reels on which such symbols are displayed are duplicated and displayed in the third symbol display area 642, which will stop spinning next, as shown in FIG. 17. Thus, in the third symbol display area 642, the first, third, fourth and fifth reels have already stopped, and the second reel starts spinning. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the second reel stops in the third symbol display area 642. At this time, "Pic-A" constitutes a winning combination, and a bonus is awarded to the player.

[0058] The above-mentioned reel duplication is applicable to the first game feature as well as the second game feature.

[0059] 19 and 20 are a directory structure diagram and a block diagram showing the programs and data stored in the memory of FIG. 2. FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the game application program of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a block diagram of the system application program of FIG. 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the memory 42 stores a game application program 92 including computer executable instructions, and the game is processed by executing these computer executable instructions in the CPU 38, and a game screen is displayed on the display 16 of the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, the game application program 92 includes program code 94 and program object data 96 including computer executable instructions for implementing a game using the algorithms shown in FIGS. 23 to 25.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, memory 42 stores a game application program 92 and a system application program 98, each including computer-executable instructions, which are executed by CPU 38 to process a game and display a game screen on display 16 of gaming machine 10. Game application program 92 runs on the CPU to provide a game-specific front-end function, and system application program 98 provides a general-purpose back-end function. In the illustrated embodiment, game application program 92 and system application program 98 are implemented on the same operating system. However, these programs may be implemented on different operating systems or different processors.

[0061] In one embodiment, the game application program 92 includes multiple software modules, including a bet / payline button listener module 100, a start button listener module 102, a credit balance manager module 104, a sampling manager 106, a random number generator (RNG) 108, a comparison manager 110, a game outcome generator 112, a win evaluation module 114, a game presenter 116, a game graphics presenter 118, a game sound presenter 120, a win indicator 122, a reward provider 124, an application manager 126, and an external communicator 128. The game application program 92 may include a pay table 130, reel strip data 132, and a stop position table 134.

[0062] The bet / payline button listener module 100 is a software module for receiving signals from the bet buttons 34 or line setting buttons 33 of the operation unit 32, which signals are generated by the buttons when a player operates the buttons to select a bet amount or the number of paylines to be activated. In response to receiving the signal, the bet / payline button listener module 100 communicates the generation of the signal to the application manager 126 to change the bet or the configuration of activated paylines for the game.

[0063] The start button listener module 102 is a software module for receiving a signal from the start button, which is generated when a player activates the button to start a game. In response to receiving the signal, the start button listener module 102 communicates the generation of the signal to the application manager 126 to start the game.

[0064] In response to receiving a signal from the start button listener module 102 , the application manager 126 requests the sampling manager 106 to obtain the required number of random numbers from the random number generator 108 .

[0065] The random number generator 108 is a software module that generates random numbers based on a predetermined random number generation calculation algorithm. The random number generator 108 may generate pseudo-random numbers. The random number generator 108 returns random numbers in response to a request from the sampling manager 106. The random number generator 108 may be implemented in part or in whole as an integrated circuit or wired logic.

[0066] The comparison manager 110 compares the current state of the game and / or each random number with the reel strip data 132 and the stop position table 134, and assigns a stop position for the corresponding reel strip based on each random number.

[0067] The reel strip data 132 includes virtual reel strips for normal games, free games and special games. The comparison manager 110, described above, queries the application manager 126 to identify the current state of the game and select the virtual reel strip.

[0068] The stop position table 134 includes a range of random numbers associated with each stop position of the virtual reel strip. The comparison manager 110 determines the stop position of each reel based on the corresponding random number and the stop position table 134.

[0069] The game outcome generator 112 generates a game outcome based on the selected reel layout, the stop positions of each reel, the stop positions of the internal symbols, and the attached attributes. In one embodiment, the game outcome generator 112 may apply changes to the game outcome when certain conditions are met.

[0070] The winning evaluation module 114 evaluates the game result by referring to the payout table 130. Specifically, the winning evaluation is performed based on whether symbols defined as a winning combination in the payout table 130 are stopped on a payline set as a winning line in the first symbol display area 64.

[0071] The game presenter 116 utilizes a game graphics presenter 118 and a game sound presenter 120 to provide a game presentation process consisting of images and sounds to ultimately form a predetermined game outcome.

[0072] The game sound presenter 120 provides a sound presentation process by using the sound controller 53 and the speaker 26. The win indicator 122 indicates the winning combination and the payout condition of the winning symbols formed in the game outcome. The reward provider 124 provides reward credits to the win meter based on the winning evaluation.

[0073] The application manager 126 manages the operation and state of each software module. In addition, the application manager 126 manages the configuration, progress, and state of the game application program 92. The application manager 126 refers to the game state storage unit 127, determines the size of the first symbol display area 64 based on the stored game state, and provides the game. The external communicator 128 exchanges commands and data with the system application program 98.

[0074] The credit balance manager module 104 executes processes for decrementing the credit balance based on the amount of the bet and for incrementing the credit balance based on the total number of wins displayed on the win meter. The pay table 130 includes payout or award amounts associated with each winning combination.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, the system application programs 98 provide background processing and functionality other than game specific functionality. The system application programs 98 include a number of software modules, including a system manager 142, a security manager 144, a slot management module 146, a denomination manager 148, a data logger 150, a communications manager 152, a bill acceptor manager 154, a meter management module 156, and a cashout manager 158.

[0076] The system application programs 98 may include a game recall file 160, an accounting log 162, and a meter 164. The system manager 142 is a software module for managing all of the background processing and non-game specific functions performed by the system application programs 98.

[0077] The security manager 144 is a software module for managing game validation, door security, and monitoring security sensors. The slot management module 146 is a software module for managing data storage and communicating with external slot information systems.

[0078] The denomination manager 148 is a software module for setting the denomination settings of the gaming machine 10. The denomination settings may include 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 25 cents, 1 dollar, 5 dollars, etc. The data logger 150 is a software module for recording the results of each game in a game recall. In addition, the data logger 150 stores error events, bill logs, cashout logs, ticket logs, etc. in an accounting log.

[0079] The game recall file 160 is accumulated data including the results of each game. The game recall file 160 is stored in non-volatile memory. The accounting log 162 is accumulated data including error events, bill logs, cash-out logs, ticket logs, etc. The accounting log 162 is stored in non-volatile memory.

[0080] The communications manager 152 is a software module that manages communications between the game application program 92 and the system application program 98. The communications manager 152 also manages network communications between the system application program 98 and other gaming machines 10, external networks (such as a slot management system network, a G2S network, a gaming server for a server-based gaming network, or a VLT system network).

[0081] The bill acceptor manager 154 is a software module for managing the bill acceptor and receives information on bills inserted into the bill acceptor. In response to receiving information from the bill acceptor, the bill acceptor manager 154 communicates with the meter management module to increment the credit balance based on the inserted bill.

[0082] The meter management module 156 is a software module for adjusting the values ​​of the meters 164 in response to communication with the game application programs 92 via the communications manager 152, the bill acceptor manager 154, or the cashout manager 158. The meters 164 include a credit meter for indicating the current credit balance of the gaming machine, and a win meter for indicating the total number of wins for the current gaming session. The meters further include background meters such as coin in, coin out, total drop, waiter pay jackpot, and / or bill in. These meters may be implemented as data on non-volatile memory or as hardware meters.

[0083] The cashout manager 158 is a software module for managing the cashout procedure. In response to a player's operation of the cashout button, the cashout manager 158 is activated and the gaming machine pays out the total amount of the credit meter in the form of cash or vouchers.

[0084] 23 to 25 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the gaming machine. The algorithm of the operation of the gaming machine (method of providing a game) is implemented in a game application program 92, and is realized by CPU 38 executing game application program 92. The operation of the gaming machine includes a number of steps. Each step may be executed independently or in combination with other steps.

[0085] In step S10, the control unit 22 accepts a game start operation by the player, and when the control unit 22 accepts an operation of the spin button from the player, it subtracts the set total bet amount from the credits and obtains a predetermined number of random numbers required for providing the game. The random numbers are generated internally by the random number generator 108 of the control unit 22. The control unit 22 may obtain the random numbers from a random number generator provided separately from the control unit 22, or may obtain the random numbers from a device such as a server provided outside the gaming machine 10.

[0086] At Step S12, the control unit 22 starts spinning the first to fifth reels in the first symbol display area 64. At Step S14, the control unit 22 stops the spinning of the first reel.

[0087] At Step S16, the control unit 22 determines whether the first special symbol 851 has stopped in the first column of the first symbol display area 64. If it is determined that the first special symbol 851 has stopped (Step S16: YES), the control unit 22 provides a first game feature at Step S26. The first game feature will be described later with reference to FIG. 24.

[0088] If it is determined that the first special symbol 851 has not stopped (Step S16: NO), the control unit 22 determines, at Step S18, whether the second special symbol 852 has stopped in the first column of the first symbol display area 64. If it is determined that the second special symbol 852 has stopped (Step S18: YES), the control unit 22 provides a second game feature at Step S28. The second game feature will be described later with reference to FIG. 25.

[0089] When it is determined that the second special symbol 852 is not stopped (Step S18: NO), the control unit 22 stops the spinning of the second reel to the fifth reel in the first symbol display area 64, as Step S20.

[0090] The control unit 22 determines whether or not the symbol combination formed in the first symbol display area 64 has won a prize, at Step S22. If it is determined that the symbol combination formed in the first symbol display area 64 has won a prize (Step S22: YES), the control unit 22 awards a bonus to the player, at Step S24. If the symbol combination includes a multiplier, the control unit 22 awards a bonus to which the multiplier has been applied, to the player. If it is determined that the symbol combination formed in the first symbol display area 64 has not won a prize (Step S22: NO) and when Step S24 ends, the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 ends.

[0091] Next, the first game feature in step S26 will be described with reference to Figure 24. As shown in Figure 24, in step S30, the control unit 22 moves the first symbol display area 64 upward while maintaining the spin of the second to fifth reels, and adds from below a second symbol display area 641 that duplicates the stopped first reel and the spinning second to fifth reels.

[0092] Next, in Step S32, the control unit 22 converts the displayed first special symbol 851 into a symbol that is eligible for a benefit.

[0093] At Step S34, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second to fifth reels in the first symbol display area 64. At Step S36, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second to fifth reels in the second symbol display area 641.

[0094] The control unit 22 determines whether or not the symbol combinations formed in the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641 have won a prize, at Step S38. If it is determined that the formed symbol combination has won a prize (Step S38: YES), the control unit 22 awards a bonus to the player, at Step S40. If the symbol combination includes a multiplier, the control unit 22 awards a bonus to which the multiplier has been applied, to the player. If it is determined that the formed symbol combination has not won a prize (Step S38: NO) and Step S40 has ended, the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 ends.

[0095] Next, the second game feature in step S28 will be described with reference to Figure 25. As shown in Figure 25, in step S50, the control unit 22 moves the first symbol display area 64 upward while maintaining the spinning of the second to fifth reels, and adds from below a second symbol display area 641 that replicates the stopped first reel and the spinning second to fifth reels.

[0096] Next, in step S51, the control unit 22 moves the first symbol display area 64 and the second symbol display area 641 upward while maintaining the spinning of the second to fifth reels, and adds a third symbol display area 642 that replicates the stopped first reel and the spinning second to fifth reels from below.

[0097] Next, at Step S52, the control unit 22 converts the displayed second special symbol 852 into a symbol that is eligible for a benefit.

[0098] At Step S54, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second to fifth reels in the first symbol display area 64. At Step S56, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second to fifth reels in the second symbol display area 641. At Step S57, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second to fifth reels in the third symbol display area 642.

[0099] The control unit 22 determines whether or not the symbol combinations formed in the first symbol display area 64, the second symbol display area 641, and the third symbol display area 642 have won a prize, at Step S58. If it is determined that the formed symbol combination has won a prize (Step S58: YES), the control unit 22 awards a bonus to the player, at Step S60. If the symbol combination includes a multiplier, the control unit 22 awards a bonus to which the multiplier has been applied, to the player. If it is determined that the formed symbol combination has not won a prize (Step S58: NO) and Step S60 has ended, the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 ends.

[0100] As described above, in the gaming machine 10, in response to the appearance of the special symbol 85, the number of additional symbol display areas associated with the special symbol 85 are duplicated and displayed for each of the reels, and further, the additional symbol display areas are an array including symbols that may win a prize, so that the gaming machine 10 can create high expectations in the player and maintain interest in the game result. In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example has been shown in which one additional symbol display area (an example of a first number) is displayed in the case of the first special symbol 851, and two additional symbol display areas (an example of a second number) are displayed in the case of the second special symbol 852, but the number of additional symbol display areas is not limited to one or two, and any number can be adopted.

[0101] The gaming machine 10 may be a client computing device, where games are distributed from a network server computer system over a communications network to one or more client computing devices. A processor of the client computing device may be programmed to function as the control unit 22 of the gaming machine 10.

[0102] When the gaming machine 10 is used as a client computing device, 1) a rich client system may be used in which most of the processing involved in game execution is performed on the client side and the results are transmitted to the server, 2) a thin client system may be used in which only the minimum processing is performed on the client side and the main processing is performed on the server side, or 3) a zero client system may be used in which most of the data storage and processing is performed on the server side and the client is specialized in input / output. In this case, the software configuration shown in the embodiment is distributed and implemented on the client and the server.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a virtual reel strip 72-80 is associated with each column of cells of the grid 68, but it is also possible to associate an independent reel with each cell.

[0104] The functions of the control unit 22 of the gaming machine 10 described above can also be realized by a computer executing a program. That is, a program can be created that causes one or more computers to function in the same manner as the control unit 22 described above. The program can be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM or a semiconductor memory. Such a program may be divided into multiple modules.

[0105] In addition, various modifications are possible for the operation in each embodiment. For example, the reel stop positions may be determined by acquiring a required number of random numbers in advance, and the presence or absence of a special game win and prize winning may be determined, and then the contents may be displayed sequentially on the display. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 22 may acquire a required number of random numbers in a lump at the start of the game, and store each of the random numbers in a storage area of ​​the memory 42 or storage 44 that is not erased even in the event of a power abnormality. In this case, even if a power abnormality occurs during the game, the control unit 22 can reproduce the progress of the game by acquiring the random numbers acquired at the start of the game before the power abnormality from the memory 42 or storage 44 when resuming the game after the power is restored. For example, if a power abnormality occurs immediately before a game result that can obtain a high payout is formed, it may be a problem if the game does not proceed in the same way after the power is restored. However, by acquiring all the random numbers in a lump at the start of the game as described above and saving these random numbers in the memory 42 or storage 44, the game progress can be reproduced in the same way as before the power abnormality after the power is restored, and such a problem can be avoided.

[0106] In the above embodiment, a bill or a ticket is shown as the gaming value, and the bill / ticket identification device accepts the bill or ticket, and the printer unit outputs the ticket. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The gaming value is a concept including tangible objects such as coins, bills, coins, medals, and tickets, or electronic data such as virtual credits and virtual currencies having equivalent values. For example, the gaming value may be accepted by a coin acceptor and paid out from a coin hopper. The gaming value may be identified and credits accumulated in an account on a server may be used to pay out credits to the account, or credit information recorded on a storage medium such as a magnetic card or an IC card may be read and used, and the credits may be written to the storage medium to pay out credits. Furthermore, the gaming value may be electronically transferred between a smartphone or a wearable device.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the special reel is stopped first, but the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to the case where the special reel is stopped second or later. In that case, it may be possible to configure the first or second game feature to be activated in response to a special symbol being stopped on the second or later special reel. Furthermore, it is also possible to apply the present invention to a configuration where multiple special reels are used. In this case, it may be possible to configure the first or second game feature to be activated in response to a special symbol being stopped on any of the first to fifth reels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10...gaming machine, 16...display (an example of a display unit), 22...control unit, 42...memory (an example of a storage unit), 44...storage (an example of a storage unit), 64...first symbol display area, 641...second symbol display area, 642...third symbol display area.

Claims

1. an operation unit that accepts operations by a player; a display section having a first symbol display area partially displaying a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels including a special reel having a special symbol; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the display unit, for rotating and stopping the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and for providing a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels, The control unit is The special reel is stopped first among the plurality of reels rotated in the first symbol display area, and in response to the special symbol being stopped on the special reel, further displaying a second symbol display area which replicates the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a rotating state in the first symbol display area; stopping the reels spinning in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area; a gaming machine that provides a first game feature that awards a special benefit for the symbol arrangements formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area;

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit converts the special symbols displayed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area into symbols that are eligible for a bonus before stopping the reels spinning in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

3. the special symbols include a first special symbol and a second special symbol; The control unit is stopping the special reel first among the plurality of reels rotated in the first symbol display area; providing the first game feature when the first special symbol is displayed; When the second special symbol is displayed, further displaying a second symbol display area and a third symbol display area which are copies of the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a spinning state in the first symbol display area; stopping reels spinning in the first symbol display area, the second symbol display area, and the third symbol display area; 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a second game feature that awards a bonus for the symbol arrangements formed in the first symbol display area, the second symbol display area, and the third symbol display area.

4. The control unit is before stopping the reels rotating in the first symbol display area, the second symbol display area, and the third symbol display area, 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the special symbols displayed in the first symbol display area, the second symbol display area and the third symbol display area are converted into symbols that are eligible for a special bonus.

5. The control unit is stopping the reels rotating in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area in that order; 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, when a symbol that is the subject of a bonus is displayed when a reel is stopped in the first symbol display area, the reel on which the symbol is stopped is duplicated on a corresponding reel in the second symbol display area.

6. The control unit is stopping the reels which are rotating in the order of the first symbol display area, the second symbol display area, and the third symbol display area; When a symbol that is the subject of a special benefit is displayed when the reels are stopped in the first symbol display area, the reel on which the symbol is stopped is duplicated on the corresponding reel in the second symbol display area; 5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein, when a symbol that is a target of a bonus is displayed when a reel is stopped in the second symbol display area, the reel on which the symbol is stopped is duplicated on a corresponding reel in the third symbol display area.

7. an operation unit that accepts operations by a player; a display portion having a symbol display area partially displaying a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels having a special reel including a special symbol, the special symbol including a first special symbol and a second special symbol; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the display unit, for rotating and stopping the reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and for awarding a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the stopped reels; The control unit is a first number of additional symbol display areas and a second number of additional symbol display areas are duplicated for each of the reels when the first special symbol is stopped and when the second special symbol is stopped, in response to the special symbol being stopped on the special reel of the plurality of reels rotated in the symbol display area, the reels rotating in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area are stopped, and a bonus is awarded for the symbol arrangement formed by the plurality of stopped reels.

8. A method for providing a game executed on a gaming machine including: an operation unit that accepts an operation by a player; a display unit having a first symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels including a special reel having a special symbol; and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to an operation of the operation unit by a player, and provides a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the stopped plurality of reels, the method comprising: The control unit: a step of stopping the special reel first among the plurality of reels rotated in the first symbol display area; In response to the special symbol being stopped on the special reel, further displaying a second symbol display area which replicates the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a rotating state in the first symbol display area; stopping reels rotating in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area; providing a first game feature that awards a benefit for the symbol arrangements formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

9. A method for providing a game executed on a gaming machine including: an operation unit that accepts an operation by a player; a display unit having a symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels including a special reel including a special symbol, the special symbol including a first special symbol and a second special symbol; and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to an operation of the operation unit by a player, and awards a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels, the method comprising: The control unit: a step of duplicating and displaying a first number of additional symbol display areas for each of the reels when the first special symbol has stopped on the special reel among the plurality of reels rotated in the symbol display area, and duplicating and displaying a second number of additional symbol display areas for each of the plurality of reels when the second special symbol has stopped on the special reel among the plurality of reels rotated in the symbol display area; stopping the reels spinning in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area, and awarding a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed by the stopped reels.

10. a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, and that spins and stops the reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and that provides a game in which a bonus is awarded for a symbol arrangement formed in the first symbol display area by the stopped reels; a function of causing the special reel among the plurality of reels rotated in the first symbol display area to stop first; In response to the special symbol being stopped on the special reel, a function of further displaying a second symbol display area which is a copy of the special reel in a stopped state and the reel in a rotating state in the first symbol display area; a function of stopping reels rotating in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area; and providing a first game feature that awards a bonus for the symbol arrangements formed in the first symbol display area and the second symbol display area.

11. A gaming machine including an operation unit that accepts a player's operation, a display unit having a symbol display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the plurality of reels having a special symbol including a special reel, the special symbol including a first special symbol and a second special symbol, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit, spins and stops the plurality of reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and awards a bonus for a symbol arrangement formed in the symbol display area by the plurality of stopped reels. The program executed by the control unit is configured to cause the control unit to: a function of duplicating and displaying a first number of additional symbol display areas for each of the reels when the first special symbol is stopped, and a second number of additional symbol display areas for each of the reels when the second special symbol is stopped, in response to the special symbol being stopped on the special reel among the reels rotated in the symbol display area; a program for realizing a function of stopping the reels rotating in the symbol display area and the additional symbol display area, and providing a bonus for the symbol arrangement formed by the stopped reels.

Images