Slot Game Skill Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional slot machine games lack an element of skill, which is a requirement in some jurisdictions, and do not allow players to fully engage their reflexes and hand-eye coordination, leading to a lack of excitement and player interaction beyond mere chance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a skill-based game element where players manipulate physical or virtual controls to achieve a goal after the reels stop spinning, determining a percentage of the potential award based on their timing and accuracy, adding an interactive and challenging aspect to the game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional slot machine game is used, then the game operation is simple, but the game lacks skill element and player engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a traditional slot machine game with a separate skill-based game, creating a hybrid game system where both games are integrated into a single device. The slot game and skill game share the same display and control interface, allowing players to switch between games seamlessly. This combination resolves the contradiction by adding skill elements while maintaining the overall simplicity of the gaming device.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a traditional slot machine or as a skill-based game. The same hardware platform supports both game modes, making the device versatile. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different gaming preferences and jurisdictional requirements without increasing physical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a skill-based game element is added, then player engagement and excitement are enhanced, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gaming experience into two distinct segments: the slot game portion and the skill game portion. Each segment has its own rules, objectives, and mechanics. The slot game handles random outcome generation, while the skill game handles player-controlled challenges. This segmentation allows each game type to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines the outcome of the slot game before the player engages with the skill game. This preliminary determination of the potential award amount allows the skill game to be designed as a separate challenge that can affect the final payout, without complicating the core slot mechanics. The skill game becomes a modifier on top of the already-determined slot outcome.
3Productivity
If a skill game is incorporated, then the game becomes more exciting and interactive, but the game duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skill game is designed with multiple difficulty levels or challenge options, allowing players to choose how much time and effort to invest. Players can opt for easier challenges that take less time or harder challenges that offer higher potential rewards but require more time. This partial action approach allows players to balance their time investment against desired engagement level.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine (or other game) with a skill element. After reels on the slot machine are spun (or cards are dealt; wheel is stopped, etc.) a potential award is computed (e.g., a main game outcome is determined and a potential prize is displayed that can be won) based on the symbol combinations present on active paylines (or cards dealt, etc.) Then a skill element is presented to the player wherein the player uses hand-eye coordination, timing and dexterity to employ mechanical skill to stop a moving icon in order to maximize the player's award. Once the icon is stopped, a percentage is determined based on a location of the stopped icon, and this percentage is applied to the potential award to determine the actual award. The actual award is then awarded to the player.