Feature Game RTP Control via Segmented Reel Mechanics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex wagering games face challenges in controlling return to player (RTP) and volatility, which are crucial for ensuring game fairness and player engagement.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a feature game with three reels, each displaying a single symbol position, along with a credit stack and prize position area, allows for controlled RTP and volatility through the use of prize tier tables and multipliers. Players receive five free spins, and the feature game dynamically adjusts multipliers and prize values to manage RTP and volatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex wagering games are designed to increase player engagement, then player engagement is improved, but controlling RTP and volatility becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The game is divided into a base game and a feature game with distinct functions. The base game provides standard wagering entertainment, while the feature game specifically handles RTP and volatility control through its unique mechanics (single symbol position per reel, prize tier tables, and multipliers). This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific purpose without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The feature game acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base game and the RTP/volatility control system. By introducing this intermediate layer with controlled symbol positions and prize structures, the system can adjust RTP and volatility without directly modifying the base game's complex wagering mechanics, thus maintaining player engagement while achieving control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of symbol positions on reels is increased to create more winning combinations, then player engagement is improved, but the ability to control RTP and volatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the game have different symbol position configurations optimized for their specific functions. The base game reels have multiple symbol positions to create engaging winning combinations, while the feature game reels have exactly one symbol position per reel to enable precise RTP and volatility control through prize tier tables and multipliers.
Solution Approach 2:
The feature game dynamically adjusts multipliers and prize values based on the single symbol position outcomes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows precise control over RTP and volatility by modifying payout structures rather than relying on fixed symbol position configurations, solving the contradiction between engagement and control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bonus games are added to increase player engagement, then player engagement is improved, but the complexity of controlling RTP and volatility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feature game merges the concepts of bonus games with RTP control mechanisms into a single integrated system. Rather than adding separate traditional bonus games that would increase control complexity, the feature game combines engaging bonus-like features (free spins, multipliers, prize tiers) with deterministic RTP control through its unique single-symbol-position mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The feature game serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides player engagement through exciting game features, controls RTP through its prize tier table structure, and manages volatility through its multiplier system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes a display device, a player input interface configured to receive player input from a player; and a game controller configured to execute instructions. The instructions cause the processor to display a plurality of game reels including a first game reel type having a plurality of symbol positions and a second game reel type including a grouped symbol position. The instructions also cause the processor to display a bonus symbol in the grouped system position and, in response to displaying the bonus symbol, to display an expanded display area comprising at least one additional symbol position located above the reels of the first game reel type. The instructions further cause the processor to determine a game outcome based upon a plurality of individual symbols.