Gaming System Player-Selected Feature Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming systems lack engagement and interaction, as predictable bonus opportunities become boring for players over time, necessitating new and exciting gameplay mechanics that invite player interaction and exploration.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that allows players to select and modify features for subsequent plays, enabling dynamic gameplay experiences by unlocking features and modifying existing ones, enhancing player interaction and enjoyment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If predictable bonus opportunities are provided in gaming systems, then players receive consistent rewards, but player engagement and excitement decrease over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredictability of bonus opportunitiesVSAvoidplayer engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming system dynamically adjusts bonus opportunities based on player selections and game state. Players can select from multiple bonus features (e.g., different free spin modes, multiplier options, pick-me bonuses) that change availability and characteristics during gameplay, transforming static predictable bonuses into dynamic engaging experiences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters of bonus features such as number of free spins, multiplier values, and bonus trigger conditions based on player wagers and game progress. This allows the same bonus type to have varying parameters across different plays, maintaining engagement while preserving reliability through structured parameter ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If players are given more game features and options, then player engagement increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidgame feature complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming system segments bonus features into distinct modular components (e.g., free spin feature, multiplier feature, pick-me feature, respin feature). Each segment can be independently selected, activated, and configured, allowing players to engage with multiple features without overwhelming system complexity, as each feature operates as a separate controllable unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gaming system implements a universal bonus framework where a single bonus trigger can lead to multiple different bonus outcomes based on player selection. The same game mechanic (e.g., landing bonus symbols) universally activates a menu of options, allowing diverse player experiences through a unified interface that manages complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If players can select and modify features for subsequent plays, then player interaction and exploration increase, but game play time and decision-making complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer interactionVSAvoidfeature selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring bonus feature options and displaying them in ready-to-select formats. When a bonus is triggered, the available features are immediately presented with their characteristics visible, allowing players to make quick informed selections without extensive analysis, reducing decision time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback about selected features and their effects on subsequent gameplay. Players see the results of their feature selections in real-time (e.g., modified payout tables, changed bonus conditions), allowing them to adjust their strategy for the next selection based on observed outcomes, reducing time through learned patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9280874B2Gaming system and method employing a player-selected feature for a play of a game or using the player-selected feature to modify another feature for a subsequent play of the game

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game employing a player-selected one of a plurality of different features. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a set of a plurality of different features, and enables a player to select one of the features for a play of the game. In certain instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game in accordance with the selected feature. In other instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game without the selected feature, and uses the selected feature to modify one of the other, non-selected features that has a designated relationship with the selected feature. The gaming system subsequently enables the player to select the modified feature for a subsequent play of the game.