Gaming Device Symbol Blocking Respin Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming devices lack innovative features to enhance player engagement and provide new gaming experiences, as they rely on traditional mechanics that do not adequately incorporate symbol blocking and respin functionalities, limiting the variety and excitement of games offered.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device system and method that includes symbol blocking and respin features, where a processor determines if a multi-reel symbol trigger condition is met, forming a multi-reel symbol by locking symbols and spinning a block reel with modifiers, allowing for additional award opportunities based on the second game outcome.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming mechanics are used, then device complexity is reduced, but player engagement and game variety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming grid is divided into individual symbol positions that can be independently blocked or unblocked. The blocking mechanism segments the reel into blocked and unblocked sections, allowing selective participation in the game outcome. This segmentation enables complex game variations without requiring complete redesign of the entire gaming system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism dynamically adjusts the number of unblocked reels based on the first game outcome. The system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where reels are selectively blocked or unblocked in response to player actions and game results, creating adaptive gameplay experiences.
2Ease of operation
If symbol blocking and respin features are added, then player engagement is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism automatically determines which reels to block based on the first game outcome without requiring manual player input. The system self-adjusts the blocking configuration based on predefined rules and previous game results, reducing the need for complex user interfaces while maintaining high player engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first game outcome to determine the blocking configuration for subsequent spins. The respin feature provides feedback by allowing players to re-spin blocked reels under specific conditions, creating an adaptive control mechanism that responds to player actions and game state.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple reels are blocked based on first outcome, then award opportunities increase, but game duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking configuration is predetermined based on the first game outcome before the second spin occurs. By pre-determining which reels will be blocked or unblocked, the system prepares the game state in advance, allowing for efficient processing and reducing the perceived game duration while maintaining multiple award opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism maintains continuous game action by immediately transitioning from the first outcome evaluation to the blocking configuration and subsequent respin opportunities. The system ensures that useful gaming action continues without unnecessary delays, keeping the game flow uninterrupted despite the additional blocking and respin features.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing a symbol blocking and respin feature. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to receive a first game initiation signal and spin reels on the display to show a first game outcome. The gaming device then determines if the results of the first game outcome are associated with a multi-reel symbol trigger condition. When it is determined that the trigger condition is satisfied, a multi-reel symbol is formed from symbols associated with the triggering condition by locking the symbols together. The game device then spins a reel with in the block symbol location with various modifier subsymbols, or other block symbols, to provide additional award opportunities. A second game outcome may be determined when the spinning block reel stops and any modifiers or other symbols are evaluated with the other symbols on the game grid.