Modifier Reel Award Linking for Gaming Volatility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines face challenges in controlling game volatility while frequently presenting high-value prizes, leading to imbalances in return to player (RTP) and requiring significant memory and processing resources.
Innovation Solution
The system decouples award values and types from the game symbol generation process by using a modifier reel that links prize values to specific game features, allowing for controlled volatility through random generation and linkage to different reel strips, enabling high-value prizes without impacting overall game volatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If award values are frequently presented in the symbol generation process, then player engagement and perceived value increase, but game volatility control becomes difficult and RTP balance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the award determination process into two independent segments: (1) symbol generation that determines game features and modifiers, and (2) separate award value assignment that occurs after symbol generation. This segmentation allows high-value awards to be presented frequently through the modifier reel without directly impacting the base game volatility, as the award assignment is decoupled from the symbol generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a modifier reel as an intermediary element between symbol generation and award determination. The modifier reel contains award values and modifiers that are applied to the base game symbols. This intermediary allows the system to present high-value awards frequently while maintaining control over the base game's volatility characteristics through separate parameter control.
2Quantity of substance
If award values are decoupled from symbol generation, then memory and processing resources are reduced, but the complexity of the award determination system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the award value determination from the symbol generation process and places it in a separate modifier reel system. This extraction removes the need to store and process extensive award value data within the symbol generation logic, reducing memory requirements. The complexity is shifted to a dedicated award determination module that handles the decoupled logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the award determination system by separating award values from symbol definitions. Instead of each symbol containing embedded award values, the system uses independent parameters: symbol identifiers in the base game and corresponding award values in the modifier reel. This parameter separation reduces data redundancy and memory usage while enabling flexible award assignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-value prizes are presented frequently, then player engagement increases, but overall game volatility and RTP balance are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic award assignment where the modifier reel can be configured with different award values and probabilities independent of the base game symbols. This allows the system to dynamically adjust prize frequency and values in the modifier portion without changing the base game's volatility characteristics. The dynamic separation enables frequent high-value presentations while maintaining overall RTP balance through independent parameter control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming device is disclosed to (i) cause display of a game play matrix including a plurality of symbol positions including a set of active symbol positions and a set of locked symbol positions and arranged in columns and rows in response to triggering a bonus game; (ii) cause display of a modifier row proximate to the game play matrix where the modifier row; (iii) randomly determine a first set of symbols for displaying on the modifier row; (iv) randomly determine a second set of symbols for displaying within the active symbol positions of the game play matrix; and (v) cause modification of at least one modifiable symbol of the second set of symbols by showing a respective value assigned to a value symbol of the first set of symbols being transferred to the at least one modifiable symbol displayed within the game play matrix.