Electronic Gaming Machine Progressive Multiplier Symbols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic gaming machines lack features that retain player interest as the standard structure of base and feature games becomes familiar, leading to a lack of differentiation and incentive for continued play.
Innovation Solution
An electronic gaming machine with a display and electronic game controller that introduces special symbols associated with numerical values, where the appearance of these symbols in winning combinations increases the prize value and sequentially increases for subsequent plays, enhancing game excitement and variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the standard structure of base and feature games is used, then the gaming machine is simple to operate and understand, but player interest is not retained and there is lack of differentiation between gaming machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing progressive multiplier symbols that change their numerical values sequentially across different plays. The multiplier symbols start with a base value and progressively increase (e.g., from 2x to 3x to 4x), creating a dynamic gaming experience that evolves over time. This dynamic element maintains player interest while preserving the simple base game structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and player engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of prize multiplication by introducing multiplier symbols with different numerical values that appear on the reels. These parameters (multiplier values) are dynamically adjusted based on the play history, creating varying prize outcomes without changing the fundamental game mechanics. This parameter change strategy maintains ease of play while significantly improving player engagement and differentiation.
2Reliability
If feature games are limited to a set of free games operated under a single set of rules, then the game structure is simple and reliable, but there is no incentive for the player to continue playing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic multiplier symbols that progressively increase their values across sequential plays within the feature game. This dynamic mechanism creates an evolving incentive structure where prizes become increasingly valuable, motivating players to continue playing the feature game rather than exiting after a fixed number of rounds. The dynamic element maintains the reliable feature game structure while adding continuous player incentive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing progressive multipliers that persist across multiple plays. The multiplier symbols maintain their presence and continue to increase in value throughout the feature game sequence, creating an ongoing incentive for players to continue playing. This continuous action strategy resolves the contradiction by maintaining the stable feature game framework while providing continuous player motivation.
3Device complexity
If the same set of reels and rules are used for both main game and feature game, then the device complexity is reduced, but there is little differentiation between gaming machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates gaming machines by introducing progressive multiplier symbols with varying numerical values into the game reels. These parameter changes (different multiplier values and progression patterns) create distinct gaming experiences and machine identities while using the same basic reel structure. This allows for machine differentiation without significantly increasing device complexity, as the differentiation is achieved through software-based parameter variation rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the game into base game and feature game modes, with the feature game incorporating additional progressive multiplier symbols. This segmentation allows for differentiation between machine types and game modes while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The base game remains simple and accessible, while the feature game adds differentiated elements through the progressive multiplier mechanism, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine includes an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined game positions. The appearance of at least one special symbol in a first play of a game causes the electronic game controller to increase the value of a prize awarded for a predetermined winning combination, the increase being associated with a numerical value associated with the special symbol. Also, the numerical value associated with the special symbol sequentially increases for one or more subsequent plays of the game. A gaming method is also provided.