Gaming System Volatility Selection via Dynamic Symbol Pool Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming devices offer limited variability in player experience, as the average expected payout for different volatility options in bonus features is transparent, reducing player excitement and control.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that allows players to select from various volatility options for a free activation bonus sequence by modifying the primary set of symbols with different major symbols, offering a unique pool of symbols or symbol functionality for each option, enhancing player control and excitement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the player is offered multiple volatility options with transparent average expected payouts, then the player can make informed choices, but the player excitement and sense of control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the symbol pool for each volatility option rather than simply displaying different numerical payouts. Each volatility level (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x) is associated with a unique pool of symbols with different characteristics, making the options less transparent but more engaging. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining information asymmetry while preserving player agency through meaningful choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single symbol pool into multiple distinct pools, each corresponding to a different volatility option. Instead of one unified symbol set, the system divides symbols into separate groups (e.g., Pool A, Pool B, Pool C) with different compositions and probabilities. This segmentation makes each option unique and less transparent, thereby enhancing player excitement while still allowing informed selection among distinct choices.
2Device complexity
If the gaming device uses a fixed pool of symbols for bonus features, then the game mechanics are simple, but the player experience lacks variability and excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the symbol pool dynamic by allowing it to change based on the selected volatility option. Instead of a static, fixed pool, the system dynamically assigns different symbol pools corresponding to different volatility levels. This dynamic adaptation enhances player experience variability while maintaining manageable complexity through structured pool definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal symbol pool structure that serves multiple functions: it can be configured for different volatility levels, supports various bonus feature types, and adapts to different game states. The same underlying pool structure is reused across multiple contexts with different configurations, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the gaming device offers higher volatility options with fewer plays, then the potential award magnitude increases, but the probability of winning awards decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each volatility option a unique symbol pool composition tailored to its specific characteristics. High-volatility options (fewer plays) receive symbol pools with higher award magnitudes but lower win frequencies, while low-volatility options (more plays) receive pools with smaller but more frequent awards. This localized customization resolves the contradiction by making the probability-reward tradeoff explicit and meaningful rather than arbitrary.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence).