Gaming Machine Variable Award System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines offer fixed awards for all players, leading to disinterest due to the lack of variability in game outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine system that accumulates points based on symbol combinations, allowing for increased awards in free games and varying payouts based on cumulative points, enabling dynamic and player-specific rewards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed awards are provided for all players based on winning combinations, then the game rules are simple and easy to understand, but player engagement decreases due to lack of variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by accumulating points during normal games before the free game occurs. Points are gathered in advance based on symbol combinations displayed during regular play, and these accumulated points then determine the award magnitude in the subsequent free game, creating variability without complicating core game rules
Solution Approach 2:
The award system transitions from static fixed values to dynamic variable amounts. The free game award is no longer a predetermined fixed value but dynamically adjusts based on the accumulated points from previous games, making the same symbol combination yield different rewards across different players and game sessions
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable awards based on accumulated points are introduced, then player engagement increases, but the game system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The free game mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a bonus round for player entertainment and a point-based award determination system. The same free game structure handles both the traditional bonus function and the new variable award function, avoiding the need for separate complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing symbol combination display mechanism from normal games and applies it again during the free game. By copying the familiar symbol display and matching process, the system introduces variable awards without requiring players to learn entirely new game mechanics, thus limiting complexity increase
3Adaptability or versatility
If free games are introduced with variable awards, then player excitement increases, but the frequency and control of free games become more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic free games that occur at regular intervals or after specific trigger conditions are met during normal play. This periodic structure allows the game to maintain a predictable rhythm where free games with variable awards are interspersed with standard games, making the overall operation manageable while still providing excitement through the variable reward moments
Data Source
AI summary
A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is not displayed in the free game but displayed in a subsequent game, paying the larger award.