Gamble Feature Alters Expected Value in Wagering Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack an interactive feature that allows players to adjust volatility and increase their chances of winning during the gameplay, limiting the entertainment value and perceived likelihood of winning.
Innovation Solution
A gamble feature is introduced that allows players to alter the expected value of a wagering game before or during play, offering the possibility of increasing or decreasing the potential award based on the outcome of a gamble, which affects the overall payback percentage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional double-up feature is offered after a wagering game concludes, then the player can risk a credit award for a bigger win, but the feature does not enhance the gaming experience during the actual wagering game and is only accessible after winning
Solution Approach 1:
The gamble feature is offered to the player prior to play of a portion of the wagering game, allowing the player to alter the expected value before the game portion begins. This preliminary action enables players to adjust volatility and potential awards in advance, enhancing the gaming experience during actual play rather than only after completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The expected value of the portion of the wagering game is dynamically altered based on the outcome of the gamble feature. If the gamble succeeds, the expected value increases; if it fails, the expected value decreases. This dynamic adjustment allows players to adapt their risk and reward levels during gameplay, making the feature versatile and engaging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the expected value of a wagering game portion is altered based on gamble outcome, then player engagement and entertainment value increase, but the game complexity and number of decision points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wagering game is divided into distinct portions, with the gamble feature applicable to specific portions rather than the entire game. This segmentation allows the gamble functionality to be integrated into targeted game sections, reducing overall complexity while maintaining volatility adjustment capability where most beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The gamble feature serves multiple functions: it allows players to adjust expected value, modify volatility, and enhance entertainment value. By designing a universal gamble mechanism that can be applied to different wagering game portions, the system achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gamble feature is offered prior to play of a wagering game portion, then players can adjust expected value and perceived likelihood of winning, but the player must make additional decisions that may extend game time
Solution Approach 1:
The gamble feature is offered selectively for specific portions of the wagering game rather than mandating it for every game portion. Players can choose to apply the gamble feature only when they desire to adjust expected value or volatility, avoiding unnecessary time extension while maintaining control over game dynamics when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A wagering game has an overall payback percentage and a portion of the wagering game has a default expected value. A gamble feature is offered to the player prior to play of the portion of the wagering game but after a wager has been received. The gamble feature has a possibility of a successful outcome or an unsuccessful outcome. The outcome of the gamble feature affects the default expected value for the portion of the wagering game. The default expected value of the portion of the wagering game is altered based on the outcome of the gamble feature. The portion of the wagering game is conducted using the altered expected value.