Skill Tree Progression Mechanism for Dynamic Game Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic games of chance in casino environments lack the ability to be dynamically configured by players, which limits player engagement and revenue generation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow players to configure electronic games of chance on demand using a progression mechanism, such as a skill tree, to select options that modify game features like symbol appearance rates, bonus triggers, and free spins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static game configuration is provided, then the game operation is simple, but player engagement and revenue are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidgame configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game configuration is segmented into multiple independent parameters (symbol appearance rates, bonus trigger probabilities, free spin counts, multipliers) that can be individually adjusted. This allows players to customize specific aspects of the game without overwhelming complexity, as each parameter can be modified separately through the progression mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The game configuration transitions from a static state to a dynamic state where parameters can be changed on-demand by players. The progression mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of game parameters during or between gameplay sessions, allowing the game to adapt to player preferences and strategies in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If players can control or influence game configuration, then player engagement increases, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer customization easeVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-structures the configuration options within a progression mechanism framework before the player interacts with it. This preliminary organization of parameters and their interrelationships simplifies the player's task, as they navigate a pre-defined structure rather than managing raw complexity. The progression mechanism presents options in a logical sequence that guides players through customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The progression mechanism acts as an intermediary layer between the player and the complex game configuration parameters. It translates player selections into appropriate parameter adjustments, shielding players from the underlying system complexity while still enabling meaningful customization. The mechanism mediates between simple player input and complex parameter management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250124758A1Skill trees in games in order for the player to customize their experience

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to allowing players to adjust elements of an electronic game of chance on demand. Generally speaking, upon initiation of an electronic game of chance, a default configuration for the game can be used. The player can then be given an option to modify this configuration. Upon selection of this option, a menu of choices can be provided with the choices being available through a presented progression mechanism such as a skill tree. Once the player has selected desired options, the game configuration can be updated. In some cases, the updated configuration can be saved and later applied to subsequent games.