Gaming System Bonus Wild Accumulation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slot machine designs lack mechanisms to incrementally increase the number of bonus wild symbols during free spins, leading to reduced player excitement and uncertainty about potential wins.
Innovation Solution
An additional reel or wheel mechanism is introduced outside the primary game area, where a super wild symbol appears to incrementally increase the number of bonus wild symbols deposited into the primary reels area during free spins, enhancing the chances of winning combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed number of bonus wild symbols is awarded during free spins, then the game mechanics are simple to implement, but player excitement and expectation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the bonus wild symbol count during free spins. The counter increments with each super wild symbol appearance, transforming the static award mechanism into a dynamic one that evolves throughout the bonus round, thereby maintaining player excitement without requiring complete redesign of the game architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by displaying the counter value to players, showing how many bonus wild symbols will be awarded on the next super wild appearance. This visible feedback loop creates anticipation and engagement, allowing players to track progress toward potential wins while the system manages complexity internally
2Device complexity
If the number of bonus wild symbols remains constant, then the programming is simpler, but player entertainment value decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-incrementing the counter when super wild symbols appear during free spins. This preparation happens in advance of the actual bonus wild award, allowing the system to smoothly transition to awarding increased numbers without complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining programming simplicity while enhancing player entertainment through progressive increases
3Device complexity
If bonus wild symbols are awarded without incrementing, then the game is easier to implement, but player expectation and excitement are not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bonus wild symbol quantity variable rather than fixed. The counter adjusts the number awarded based on super wild appearances, creating a dynamic progression that maintains player interest. The implementation remains relatively simple by using a straightforward counter mechanism rather than complex algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Wager-based video slot reel games are disclosed where prizes can be awarded based upon by-chance insertion of bonus wild symbols. In particular, a series of free spin games are provided. In each spin of the series of free spin games, a number of bonus wild symbols can be awarded by chance. The by-chance awarded wild symbols can be randomly distributed in a game outcome array. If and after the wild symbols are awarded, the number of next by-chance insertable wild symbols is increased and that increase is signaled to the player to thereby heighten the expectations of the player of winning even more bonus wild symbols by-chance in a next of the series of free spin games.