Reel Game Persistent Symbols for RTP and Volatility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reel games lack variability and flexibility 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) targets.
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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two persistent special symbols are used to enhance game variability and flexibility, then the game becomes more engaging and offers more features, but the randomness and payout volatility increase potentially exceeding designated RTP targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using predetermined weighting tables that assign different probabilities to the first and second special symbols. The weighting table allows dynamic adjustment of symbol selection probabilities to control payout volatility and maintain designated RTP targets while still providing game variability through the persistence of special symbols across multiple game rounds.
2Ease of operation
If first special symbols accumulate across multiple game rounds to trigger features, then the game provides persistent feedback and increased engagement, but the complexity of tracking and managing accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated accumulator data structure that mediates between the random number generator and the game logic. This accumulator tracks the number of first special symbols encountered across multiple game rounds and stores this information in memory, simplifying the complexity of tracking accumulation while providing clear visual feedback to players through display of the accumulated count.
3Adaptability or versatility
If second special symbols are associated with reels and moved across reels in subsequent rounds, then the game provides dynamic repositioning and increased randomness, but the complexity of managing symbol associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the association between second special symbols and reels changeable rather than fixed. In subsequent game rounds, the system determines whether to move the second special symbol association to a different reel based on random determination. This dynamic repositioning increases game randomness and engagement while the use of a structured association data structure manages the complexity of tracking which reel is associated with which special symbol.
Data Source
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.