Persistent Reel Symbols for RTP-Controlled Feature Volatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reel games lack flexibility and variability in displaying persistent special symbols, and the use of two persistent special symbols increases randomness and payout volatility, potentially exceeding designated return-to-player (RTP) requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implement a reel game mechanic that includes first and second special symbols, where the first symbols accumulate and persist across multiple game rounds, and the second symbols enable features like WILD or jackpot when certain thresholds are met, with control tools to manage volatility and RTP through predetermined weighting tables and RNG engines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two persistent special symbols are used to enhance game flexibility and variability, then the game features and payout options increase, but the randomness and payout volatility increase potentially exceeding designated RTP requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame flexibility and variabilityVSAvoidRTP control and randomness management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides persistent special symbols into two distinct types: first persistent special symbols that accumulate across reels and game rounds, and second persistent special symbols that enable specific features (WILD, jackpot, multiplier). This segmentation allows independent control of accumulation mechanics and feature activation, enabling flexible game design while maintaining RTP control through separate weighting tables for each symbol type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements configurable parameters including accumulation thresholds for first persistent special symbols, weighting tables for determining symbol selection probabilities, and feature activation conditions for second persistent special symbols. These adjustable parameters allow the system to control volatility and maintain designated RTP levels while providing game flexibility and variability through different configuration settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If first persistent special symbols accumulate across multiple game rounds, then the accumulation of symbols increases potential payouts, but the display area requirements and visual complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccumulation of first persistent special symbolsVSAvoiddisplay area requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display of accumulated first persistent special symbols with the existing reel display structure. The accumulated symbols are displayed in the same visual space as the current reel symbols, merging the accumulation tracking function into the existing display framework rather than requiring separate dedicated display areas. This approach maintains visual clarity while tracking symbol accumulation across multiple game rounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If second persistent special symbols are associated with specific reels, then feature activation becomes more targeted, but the complexity of tracking and managing symbol associations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature activation precisionVSAvoidtracking and management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically tracks and manages the association between second persistent special symbols and specific reels without requiring manual intervention. The game controller automatically determines which reel a second persistent special symbol is associated with based on the game state, and automatically activates features when conditions are met. This self-service approach simplifies the user experience while the underlying system handles the complexity of tracking and managing symbol associations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12499737B2Systems and methods for providing a reel game having features associated with persistent elements

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

A gaming system includes a game controller configured to, for each game round of a game: select symbols from a first set that includes first special symbols for display in symbol positions associated with reels to form a game outcome; select a second special symbol from a second set and associate the selected second special symbol with an initial reel; associate each previously selected second special symbol with a subsequent reel or remove a previously selected second special symbol; evaluate the game outcome to determine any winning symbol combination occurring in the game outcome; for each reel, accumulate any first special symbol occurring in the game outcome and determine a prize value based on the accumulated first special symbols and any second special symbol associated with the reel when an accumulation threshold for the reel is met; and generate an award based on a total of prize values.