Gaming machine, game providing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a novel game that maintains or increases the interest of a player.SOLUTION: A gaming machine includes a control unit that rotates and stops multiple reels in response to a player's operation, and imparts a privilege when symbols displayed in a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed in a display area by the stopped multiple reels form a winning combination. The control unit starts the rotation of the reels and then stops them sequentially. When special symbols displayed in the column formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, the control unit adds and displays a randomly determined number of special symbols in the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, and imparts a privilege for the symbol array of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped.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 gaming machine that expands the position where symbols are displayed. This gaming machine has a function of expanding the symbol display position and increasing the number of displayed symbols according to the content displayed in the symbol display area when the spun reel stops. Patent Document 1 also discloses providing a function of generating a trigger event based on a random number, a player's selection, a bet amount, a symbol, a play time, a play rate, etc., and increasing the number of displayed symbols according to the occurrence of the trigger event. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,483,900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the symbol display position is expanded to display new symbols, but depending on the types of symbols already displayed and the newly displayed symbols, new winning combinations may not be achieved. For this reason, players may not have high expectations for the function to expand the symbol display position, and if no new winning combinations are achieved even when the function is activated during play, players may lose interest in the game.

[0005] The present disclosure has an object to provide a gaming machine, a game providing method, and a program that are equipped with a function that can give a player great expectations and can provide a novel game that will sustain or increase the player's interest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an operation unit that accepts player operations, a display unit having a display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the symbols including special symbols, 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 if the symbols displayed in a symbol arrangement of a predetermined number of columns formed in the display area by the stopped plurality of reels form a winning combination, the control unit stops the reels sequentially after starting rotation, and if the special symbols displayed in the column formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, before stopping the next reel, adds and displays a randomly determined number of special symbols in the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel, and awards a bonus for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped.

[0007] A method 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 display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the symbols including special symbols, 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 if the displayed symbols form a winning combination for a symbol arrangement of a predetermined number of columns formed in the display area by the stopped plurality of reels, wherein the control unit executes the steps of: stopping the reels sequentially after starting to spin; if the special symbols displayed in the column formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, adding and displaying a randomly determined number of special symbols in the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel; and awarding a bonus for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all the reels have stopped.

[0008] A program according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a program executed by a gaming machine including an operation unit that accepts a player's operation, a display unit having a display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the symbols including special symbols, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit and the display unit and causes the plurality of reels to spin and stop in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and grants a bonus when the symbols displayed in a symbol arrangement of a predetermined number of columns formed in the display area by the stopped plurality of reels form a winning combination, the program causing the control unit to realize a function of stopping the reels sequentially after starting to spin the reels, a function of adding and displaying a randomly determined number of special symbols in the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, if the special symbols displayed in the column formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the column formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, and a function of granting a bonus for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all of the reels have stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when a row formed in the display area by a previously stopped reel and a row formed in the display area by a newly stopped reel form a winning combination, a randomly determined number of special symbols are added to the latter row. In this case, the symbol display positions may be expanded depending on the number of symbols to be added. In this way, since the same type of symbols as those already forming a winning combination are added, it is possible to provide a gaming machine, a game providing method, and a program that can provide a novel game that maintains or increases the player's interest. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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 bet button group and a cash out button, etc. 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the display area of ​​the gaming machine of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, a game screen is displayed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the control unit 22 executing a predetermined program. The game screen has a symbol display area 64 that displays a slot game. As an example, the symbol display area 64 is displayed in a lower area of ​​the game screen. Above the symbol display area 64, an area 65 is provided in which information related to the game and the like are displayed.

[0031] The 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 dividends according to the combination of symbols displayed in the grid 68 of the symbol display area 64.

[0032] 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, 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 symbol display area 64.

[0033] 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. In each cell 70 of the grid 68 shown in FIG. 3, 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 card symbols ("J", "Q", "K" and "A") that imitate playing cards as standard symbols, and picture symbols ("Pic-A", "Pic-B", "Pic-C", "Pic-D" and "Pic-E") that show pictures of people, animals, plants, objects, treasures, wealth, etc.

[0036] The symbol set 88 includes a special symbol 85 ("SP"). The special symbol 85 is a symbol to which a feature is applied in a feature game described below. The special symbol may be a symbol selected from standard symbols. For example, the special symbol 85 may be "Pic-A" or "Pic-B". The symbol set 88 may include a wild symbol ("Wild") that substitutes for another symbol when a winning combination is determined, and 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.

[0037] 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. A virtual reel set in a free game may include more picture symbols, wild symbols, or special symbols 85 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 player with a high-value free game.

[0038] 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 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.

[0039] 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 symbol display area 64.

[0040] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment judges winning by so-called ALL-WAYS-WIN as an example. The control unit 22 judges a winning combination when the same symbols appear consecutively in multiple columns starting from the leftmost column displayed on the display 16. That is, when cells are arranged in a 5×3 grid shape as shown in FIG. 3, there are 3×3×3×3×3=253 winning combinations. The pay table defines the winning amount according to the type and number of symbols constituting a valid combination. The control unit 22 judges a winning combination as a game result, which is a combination of symbols, when the same symbols are lined up in more than a predetermined number on adjacent columns, and pays a payout to the player according to the type and number of symbols.

[0041] 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 met, and a first special game and a second special game that are provided when a predetermined condition is met. 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 met. 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 met.

[0042] In the normal game, the first special game, and the second special game described above, the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 64 among the symbol arrays that are the game results are the targets of winning judgment. That is, when the control unit 22 starts the game, it randomly determines the stop positions 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 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.

[0043] However, in this embodiment, when the reels are stopped in sequence after starting to rotate in a normal game or a free game, if the special symbols 85 form a winning combination in the first and second stopped columns, the game transitions to a feature game from that point on, and a feature function described below is applied. The feature function adds a special symbol 85 to a column that has been once displayed in the symbol display area 64. Here, the manner in which the special symbol 85 is added is not limited to the addition within the symbol display area 64, but may also be added so as to jump out (protrude) from the symbol display area 64. In other words, the special symbols 85 may be added in excess of the number that can be added within the symbol display area 64. In addition, a mode in which the special symbols are added so as to be piled up above the displayed special symbol 85 may be used. When the feature function is applied, the special symbols 85 added outside the symbol display area 64 are also subject to the prize determination. Hereinafter, the feature function will be described with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 18. Hereinafter, the multiple reels displayed in the 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 left to right. Also, the column formed by the first reel in the display area of ​​the display 16 will be referred to as the first column. Similarly, the column related to the second reel will be referred to as the second column, the column related to the third reel as the third column, the column related to the fourth reel as the fourth column, and the column related to the fifth reel as the fifth column.

[0044] 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. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the first reel (virtual reel strip 72). A special symbol 85 indicated by "SP" is displayed in the first column. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the second reel (virtual reel strip 74). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the special symbol 85 is displayed in the second column. In this manner, the special symbol 85 is displayed adjacent to both the first column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the first reel that has been stopped earlier and the second column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the second reel that has been newly stopped. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment performs a winning determination based on an always win, these special symbols 85 form a winning combination. In this case, the game shifts to a feature game, and the feature function is activated.

[0045] When the feature function is activated, the control unit 22 adds and displays a randomly determined number of special symbols 85 in the second column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped second reel before stopping the next third reel. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 22 determines the number of special symbols 85 to be added to be three by a lottery using random numbers or the like. Then, before stopping the third reel, the control unit 22 adds and displays three special symbols 85 (additional symbols 90) above the special symbol 85 displayed in the second column. As shown in FIG. 7, when the second reel is stopped, the special symbol 85 is displayed in the center cell of the three rows of the matrix. Therefore, two special symbols 85 of the additional symbols 90 are displayed outside the symbol display area 64. That is, the control unit 22 extends the second column upward by two cells and displays the two special symbols 85 outside the symbol display area 64.

[0046] Next, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the third reel (virtual reel strip 76) as shown in FIG. 9. In the example shown in FIG. 9, a special symbol 85 is displayed in the third column. The special symbols 85 are displayed adjacent to each other in both the first and second columns formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the first and second reels that have already been stopped, and in the third column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped third reel. In this case, these special symbols 85 also form a winning combination, so the feature function is activated again. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 22 determines the number of special symbols 85 to be added to be two by a lottery using random numbers or the like. Then, the control unit 22 adds and displays two special symbols 85 (additional symbols 90) above the special symbol 85 that was displayed in the third column before stopping the fourth reel. In this way, the feature function of this embodiment can be activated on the leading reel to add a special symbol to the leading reel, and then activated on the trailing reel to add a special symbol to the trailing reel. Since the special symbols added to both the leading reel and the trailing reel are a winning combination, a large amount of winning is likely to occur, and the expected value is high.

[0047] Next, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the fourth reel (virtual reel strip 78) as shown in FIG. 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the special symbol 85 is displayed in the fourth column. The special symbols 85 are displayed adjacent to each other in both the third column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the previously stopped third reel and the fourth column formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped fourth reel. In this case, these special symbols 85 also form a winning combination, so the feature function is activated again. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 22 determines the number of special symbols 85 to be added to be five by a lottery using random numbers or the like. Then, the control unit 22 adds and displays five special symbols 85 (additional symbols 90) above the special symbol 85 displayed in the fourth column before stopping the fifth reel.

[0048] Next, the control unit 22 stops the spin of the fifth reel (virtual reel strip 78) as shown in FIG. 13. In the example shown in FIG. 13, a special symbol 85 is displayed in the fifth row formed in the symbol display area 64 by the fifth reel. Special symbols 85 are displayed adjacent to each other in both the fourth row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the previously stopped fourth reel and the fifth row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped fifth reel. In this case, these special symbols 85 also form a winning combination, so the feature function is activated again. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 22 determines the number of special symbols 85 to be added to be one by a lottery using random numbers or the like. Then, the control unit 22 adds and displays one special symbol 85 (additional symbol 90) above the special symbol 85 displayed in the fifth row.

[0049] The control unit 22 determines whether a symbol combination including the additional symbol 90 is a winning combination. In the example shown in FIG. 15, 144 winning combinations of 1×4×3×6×2 are obtained by the always win system and displayed on the display 16. In this manner, in this embodiment, the addition of special symbols by the feature function and the winning determination by the always win system work together to allow the player to intuitively understand that the winning amount increases by the feature function. The player expects the special symbol 85 to stop every time the reels stop, and when the special symbol stops, he or she expects many special symbols to be added. This makes it possible to maintain or increase the player's interest.

[0050] The control unit 22 may respin the reels if a predetermined condition is satisfied after all the reels have stopped. For example, the control unit 22 executes a respin if two conditions are satisfied: the symbol arrangement displayed after all the reels have stopped includes a number of special symbols 85 within a predetermined range, and there is a reel related to a column that does not display a special symbol 85. The reels that are the object of the respin are the reels related to the column that does not display the special symbol 85. For example, it is assumed that the number of special symbols 85 that is the condition for the respin is set to 2 to 5. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the symbol arrangement displayed after all the reels have stopped includes two special symbols 85, and the second reel, the fourth reel, and the fifth reel do not display the special symbol 85. In such a case, the control unit 22 respins the second reel, the fourth reel, and the fifth reel as shown in FIG. 17.

[0051] Thereafter, the control unit 22 stops the second reel as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, the special symbols 85 are displayed adjacent to both the first row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the adjacent stopped first reel and the second row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped second reel. Similarly, the special symbols 85 are displayed adjacent to both the third row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the adjacent stopped third reel and the second row formed in the display area of ​​the display 16 by the newly stopped second reel. These special symbols 85 constitute a winning combination, so the feature function is activated. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 22 determines the number of special symbols 85 to be added to the second row as three, and the number of special symbols 85 to be added to the third row as two, by a lottery using random numbers or the like. Then, the control unit 22 displays three special symbols 85 (additional symbols 90) above the special symbol 85 displayed in the second row before stopping the fourth reel. Similarly, before stopping the fourth reel, the control unit 22 additionally displays two special symbols 85 (additional symbols 90) above the special symbols 85 displayed in the third column.

[0052] For the fourth and fifth reels, the special symbol 85 may be added in the same manner as in the examples shown in Figures 11 to 14. By providing an event to respin the reels in this way, the player feels disappointment at not winning, and then has a chance to win, which further increases the player's sense of expectation.

[0053] The control unit 22 may not display an additional special symbol 85 for the special symbol 85 displayed on the last reel to stop (e.g., the fifth reel). Since there is no reel that stops first, the first reel does not have a special symbol 85 added to it either. Therefore, in this case, the special symbol 85 is added to the three reels, the second reel, the third reel, and the fourth reel.

[0054] The control unit 22 may set an upper limit to the number of special symbols 85 that can be added. This makes it possible to prevent the number of special symbols 85 from being added beyond the display area of ​​the display 16.

[0055] 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 and 24.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The bet / payline button listener module 100 is a software module for receiving signals from the bet buttons of the operation unit 32, the signals being generated by the buttons when a player operates the buttons to select a bet amount. In response to receiving the signal, the bet / payline button listener module 100 communicates the occurrence of the signal to the application manager 126 to modify the bet of the game.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 .

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 23 and 24 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the gaming machine. The algorithm (gaming method) of the operation of the gaming machine is implemented in a game application program 92, and is realized by the CPU 38 executing the game application program 92. The operation of the gaming machine includes a number of steps. Each step may be performed independently or in combination with other steps.

[0081] 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 a 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.

[0082] In step S12, the control unit 22 starts spinning the multiple reels. Hereinafter, the first reel is referred to as reel 1, the second reel as reel 2, the third reel as reel 3, the fourth reel as reel 4, and the fifth reel as reel 5. The reels are specified using a variable n (a natural number with an initial value of 1).

[0083] The control unit 22 stops the reel 1 at Step S14. As a result, the first column is displayed in the symbol display area 64. The control unit 22 determines whether the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the first column at Step S16. If the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the first column (Step S16: YES), the control unit 22 assigns 2 to the variable n at Step S18. Then, the control unit 22 stops the reel n (n=2) at Step S20. Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the nth column (n=2) at Step S22.

[0084] If the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the n-th column (n=2) (Step S22: YES), a new winning combination is formed. In Step S24, the control unit 22 adds a randomly determined number of special symbols 85 to the same column as the special symbol 85 that constitutes the new winning combination. Then, in Step S26, the control unit 22 increments the variable n by 1. As a result, n=3. Next, in Step S28, the control unit 22 determines whether n=5.

[0085] If it is determined that n is not 5 (step S28: NO), the control unit 22 returns to step S20, sets n to 3, and repeats the processes up to step S28.

[0086] If the special symbol 85 is not stopped and displayed in the first column (step S16: NO), if the special symbol 85 is not stopped and displayed in the nth column (step S22: NO), or if it is determined that n=5 (step S28: YES), the control unit 22 stops the remaining spinning reels in sequence as step S30.

[0087] The control unit 22 determines the symbol combination as a game result in Step S32, and determines whether the symbol combination is a winning combination in Step S34. If it is determined that a prize has been won (Step S34: YES), the control unit 22 awards a bonus of an amount corresponding to the prize in Step S36. For example, the control unit 22 adds the amount corresponding to the prize to the credits held. If it is determined that a prize has not been won (Step S34: NO), no bonus is awarded, and the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 ends.

[0088] Next, the feature function of respin will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 24 is executed after the flowchart shown in Fig. 23 is ended and when the start condition of respin is satisfied. The start condition of respin is that the symbol array displayed after all reels have stopped includes a number of special symbols 85 within a predetermined range, and that there is a reel related to a column that does not display the special symbol 85.

[0089] First, in step S40, the control unit 22 replaces the reel on which the special symbol 85 is not stopped with another reel. As an example, the other reel is a virtual reel strip shown in FIG. 4 with all symbols other than the special symbol 85 grayed out. The grayed out symbols do not form a winning combination. In other words, after the respin, only the winning of the special symbol 85 is determined.

[0090] Next, the control unit 22 starts spinning all the separate reels at Step S42. The control unit 22 stops one separate reel selected from the separate reels being spun at Step S44. The control unit 22 stops, for example, the separate reel located at the leftmost position among the separate reels being spun. As a result, a column corresponding to the separate reel is displayed in the symbol display area 64. The control unit 22 determines whether the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the column corresponding to the separate reel at Step S46. If the special symbol 85 is stopped and displayed in the column corresponding to the separate reel (Step S46: YES), the control unit 22 adds a randomly determined number of special symbols 85 to the same column as the special symbol 85 that newly constitutes the winning combination at Step S48.

[0091] If a special symbol 85 is added (step S48), or if the special symbol 85 is not stopped and displayed in a column corresponding to another reel (step S46: NO), the control unit 22 determines whether all the other reels have stopped, as step S50.

[0092] If it is determined that all the other reels have not stopped (step S50: NO), the control unit 22 proceeds to step S44 and repeats the processes from step S44 to step S50. If it is determined that all the other reels have stopped (step S50: YES), the control unit 22 determines the symbol combination as a game result in step S52, and determines whether the symbol combination has a winning combination in step S54. As described above, after the respin, the presence or absence of a winning combination of the special symbol 85 is determined. If it is determined that a win has been made (step S54: YES), the control unit 22 awards an amount corresponding to the win as a bonus in step S56. For example, the control unit 22 adds an amount corresponding to the win to the credit held. If it is determined that no win has been made (step S54: NO), no bonus is awarded, and the flow chart shown in FIG. 24 ends.

[0093] As described above, in the gaming machine 10, when the special symbol 85 is displayed adjacent to both the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel, a randomly determined number of special symbols 85 are added and displayed in the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before the next reel is stopped. By providing a chance for an increase in the number of special symbols 85 for each reel, the gaming machine 10 can make the player look forward to the appearance of the special symbol 85 for each reel, and further, can make the player look forward to an increase in the number of special symbols 85 for each reel. Thus, the gaming machine 10 can provide a novel game that maintains or increases the player's interest.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In the above embodiment, a virtual reel strip 72-80 is associated with each row of cells of the grid 68, but it is also possible to associate an independent reel with each cell. In this case, the reels may be stopped for each row of reels, and a feature function may be activated when the newly stopped special symbols form a winning combination.

[0097] In addition, the method of determining whether or not a win has been achieved in the above-mentioned embodiment has been described mainly on the basis of the always-win method, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a payline method using a payline set on the display screen, or a scatter determination method in which the winning combination is determined only by the number of displayed pieces regardless of the position. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the feature function is activated when a winning combination is achieved, but is not limited thereto. For example, the feature function may be activated in a state in which a winning combination can be achieved. In this case, although it is not possible to completely eliminate the situation in which a winning combination does not result even if the feature function is activated, it is possible to realize a feature function that is more likely to result in a winning combination than in the conventional technology. Furthermore, the special symbol 85 may be of one type or more than one type, and in this case, the special symbol of a type that satisfies a condition may be added by the feature function.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] This disclosure includes the following provisions: [Clause 1] an operation unit that accepts operations by a player; a display portion having a display area for partially displaying a plurality of reels each having symbols, the symbols including special symbols; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the display unit, which spins and stops the reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and which awards a bonus when the symbols displayed on a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed by the stopped reels in the display area form a winning combination; The control unit is This gaming machine starts spinning the reels and then stops them in sequence, and if the special symbols displayed in the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, before stopping the next reel, a randomly determined number of the special symbols are added and displayed in the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel, and a special prize is awarded for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all the reels have stopped. [Clause 2] the winning combination is made up of the same symbols appearing in a plurality of consecutive columns starting from a column at one end of the display area; The gaming machine according to clause 1, wherein the control unit stops the reels in sequence starting from the row at one end. [Clause 3] The gaming machine according to clause 2, wherein the control unit additionally displays the special symbol above the special symbol displayed on the newly stopped reel. [Article 4] The gaming machine according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the control unit does not display an additional special symbol for the special symbol displayed on the last reel to stop. [Article 5] The control unit further If the symbol array displayed after all reels have stopped includes a predetermined number of the special symbols and has a row that does not display the special symbols, re-spinning and stopping the reels associated with said rows; The gaming machine described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein when the stopped reel newly displays the special symbol in the corresponding column and the special symbol forms a winning combination with the special symbol previously displayed on the stopped reel, a randomly determined number of the special symbols are additionally displayed in the column having the special symbol that newly forms the winning combination, and a special benefit is awarded for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols that is displayed after all reels have stopped. [Article 6] 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 display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the symbols including special symbols; 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 when the displayed symbols form a winning combination for a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed by the stopped plurality of reels, the method comprising: The control unit: A step of starting the rotation of the reels and then stopping them sequentially; a step of adding a randomly determined number of the special symbols to the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, when the special symbols displayed in the row form a winning combination; and a step of awarding a bonus for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped. [Article 7] 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 awards a bonus when the displayed symbols form a winning combination in a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed in the display area by the stopped reels; The function of stopping the reels sequentially after starting the rotation, a function of adding a randomly determined number of special symbols to the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, when the special symbols displayed in the row form a winning combination; and a function of providing a special benefit for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: gaming machine, 16: display (an example of a display unit), 22: control unit, 32: operation unit.

Claims

1. an operation unit that accepts operations by a player; a display portion having a display area for partially displaying a plurality of reels each having symbols, the symbols including special symbols; a control unit connected to the operation unit and the display unit, which spins and stops the reels in response to a player's operation of the operation unit, and which awards a bonus when the symbols displayed on a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed by the stopped reels in the display area form a winning combination; The control unit stops the reels in sequence after starting their rotation, and if the special symbols displayed in the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel form a winning combination, before stopping the next reel, a randomly determined number of the special symbols are added and displayed in the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel, and a bonus is awarded for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all the reels have stopped.

2. the winning combination is made up of the same symbols appearing in a plurality of consecutive columns starting from a column at one end of the display area; The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops the reels in sequence starting from the reel in the row at one end.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit additionally displays the special symbol above the special symbol displayed on the newly stopped reel.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit is configured not to additionally display the special symbol for the special symbol displayed on the last reel to stop.

5. The control unit further includes: If the symbol array displayed after all reels have stopped includes a predetermined number of the special symbols and has a row that does not display the special symbols, Re-spinning and stopping the reels associated with that row; 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the stopped reel newly displays the special symbol in the corresponding column and the special symbol forms a winning combination with the special symbol previously displayed on the stopped reel, a randomly determined number of the special symbols are additionally displayed in the column having the special symbol that newly forms the winning combination, and a special bonus is awarded for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped.

6. 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 display area that partially displays a plurality of reels each having a symbol, the symbols including special symbols; 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 when the displayed symbols form a winning combination for a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed by the stopped plurality of reels, the method comprising: The control unit: A step of starting the rotation of the reels and then stopping them sequentially; a step of adding a randomly determined number of the special symbols to the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, when the special symbols displayed in the row form a winning combination; and a step of awarding a bonus for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped.

7. 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 awards a bonus when the displayed symbols form a winning combination in a symbol array of a predetermined number of columns formed in the display area by the stopped reels; The function of stopping the reels sequentially after starting the rotation, a function of adding a randomly determined number of special symbols to the row formed in the display area by the previously stopped reel and the row formed in the display area by the newly stopped reel before stopping the next reel, when the special symbols displayed in the row form a winning combination; and a function of providing a special benefit for the symbol arrangement of the special symbols displayed after all reels have stopped.

Images