Gaming Machine Special Symbol Triggering Multiple Feature Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines lack an attractive feature triggering system that can effectively draw in players and enhance excitement, leading to shorter play sessions and lower profitability.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine that uses a special symbol in the primary game outcome to trigger multiple feature games, including bonus and free games, by detecting specific conditions such as the appearance of identical symbols, which simplifies game rules while providing multiple opportunities for feature game activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different special symbols are used to trigger different feature games, then the game becomes more attractive and exciting, but the game rules become more complex and the number of symbols increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single special symbol type serves multiple functions by triggering different feature games based on the quantity of symbols collected. The same symbol can activate bonus games, free games, or other features depending on how many instances are gathered, eliminating the need for multiple different symbol types while maintaining game variety and attractiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering mechanism changes from symbol type differentiation to quantity-based differentiation. Instead of using different symbols for different features, the system uses the same symbol with varying quantities (3-5 symbols for one feature, 6+ symbols for another) to trigger different game modes, simplifying the symbol set while preserving feature diversity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different special symbols are used to trigger different feature games, then various feature games can be activated, but the number of special symbols and triggers increases
Solution Approach 1:
One special symbol type performs multiple triggering functions. The same symbol can lead to bonus games when 3-5 are collected, free games when 6+ are collected, or other features based on quantity thresholds, replacing the need for multiple different special symbols and reducing the overall symbol count in the game
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple triggering functions that previously required different symbols are merged into a single symbol type. The differentiation is achieved through quantity accumulation rather than symbol variety, combining multiple trigger roles into one universal symbol that adapts its function based on how many instances are gathered
3Device complexity
If traditional triggering systems are used, then the game rules are simple, but player engagement and excitement are reduced leading to shorter play sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The game transitions from static triggering (fixed symbol combinations) to dynamic triggering (accumulative quantity-based triggers). Players actively collect multiple instances of the same symbol over time, creating a dynamic progression that builds excitement and extends play sessions while maintaining relatively simple underlying rules
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes preliminary collection goals (collect 3-5 symbols for bonus games, 6+ for free games) that guide player action. This preliminary objective structure gives players clear targets to work toward, enhancing engagement and extending play time while keeping the triggering mechanism itself simple and rule-based
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine for providing a game to a player is described herein. The gaming machine displays a primary game including a plurality of reels and spins and stops the reels to display the outcome of the primary game. The gaming machine detects a first triggering condition appearing in the outcome of the primary game and responsively initiates a bonus award game upon detecting the first triggering condition, and detects a second triggering condition appearing in the outcome of the primary game and responsively initiates a free game feature upon detecting the second triggering condition.