Dynamic Prize Persistence in Electronic Gaming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) lack innovative features to enhance player engagement and extend gameplay sessions, relying on traditional random number generators and static prize structures that fail to dynamically adapt to player interactions.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that implements a feature game triggered by outcomes in the base game, where a 'big chip' symbol displays a persistent prize amount across multiple games, with special symbols replacing the current prize amount if their value is higher, and awards the final prize amount to the player upon completion of all feature games.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional random number generators and static prize structures are used, then the gaming system operates simply and reliably, but player engagement and gameplay duration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prize amount associated with the trigger symbol is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously updates the prize amount based on feature game outcomes, creating a evolving incentive structure that maintains player engagement throughout extended gameplay sessions while using standard gaming components
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines a sequence of feature game outcomes using the random number generator before the player completes the bonus round. This preliminary action allows the trigger symbol's prize amount to be dynamically adjusted in advance, creating the illusion of progressive buildup without requiring complex real-time calculations during gameplay
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic prize amount replacement is implemented, then player engagement is enhanced, but the game controller complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger symbol serves multiple functions: it acts as a standard game symbol during base gameplay, serves as a bonus trigger symbol to initiate feature games, and functions as a dynamic prize display element showing the current bonus award amount. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual representation (displaying the prize amount on or near the trigger symbol) rather than physical replacement of the symbol itself. This copying approach allows the prize information to be updated dynamically without requiring complex physical symbol replacement mechanisms
3Loss of information
If a persistent prize amount is displayed across feature games, then player interest is maintained through visible prize build-up, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying the current trigger symbol prize amount during each feature game. This feedback loop shows players the evolving bonus value, maintaining engagement through visible progress while using standard display components already present in the gaming device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming device, including a display, a game controller with a processor, and memory, implements a feature having multiple instances. During the feature, for each instance, multiple symbols are selected from a set of symbols, which includes special symbols having associated values, and the selected symbols are displayed in a symbol array. A current value that is persisted across instances of the feature is also displayed. For an instance, a determination is made as to whether at least one selected special symbol has an associated value that is greater than the current value. If at least one selected special symbol has an associated value that is greater than the current value, the current value is replaced with the largest value associated with the at least one selected special symbol. A player is awarded an amount for the current value when all instances of the feature have been completed.