Slot Machine Skill Meter Integration for Player Engagement
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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 must manipulate physical controls to achieve a goal after a potential win is determined, allowing them to earn a percentage of the potential award by stopping an animated icon at a specific position on a skill meter, thereby increasing player engagement and excitement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional slot machine game is used, then the game operation is simple and easy to operate, but the game lacks an element of skill and player engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a traditional chance-based slot machine game with a skill-based mini-game (whack-a-mole style game) into a single integrated gaming system. The slot machine determines a potential award, and then the skill-based game allows the player to earn a percentage of that award through manual interaction, merging two distinct game types into one cohesive experience that satisfies both simplicity and skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming system is divided into distinct segments: the slot machine portion that determines the potential award, and the skill-based mini-game portion that determines the earned percentage. This segmentation allows each component to function independently while contributing to the overall game experience, maintaining operational simplicity while adding skill engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a chance-based slot machine game is used, then the game structure is simple, but the player cannot engage their reflexes and hand-eye coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic skill-based mini-game that requires active player participation and quick reactions. The mini-game features moving targets (moles) that appear and disappear, requiring the player to rapidly respond with manual inputs. This dynamic element transforms the static, passive slot machine experience into an active engagement that tests reflexes and hand-eye coordination while maintaining overall game simplicity.
3Productivity
If a skill-based element is added to the slot machine, then player excitement and engagement increase, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot machine portion of the game performs the complex award determination in advance, establishing a potential award amount before the skill-based mini-game begins. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent mini-game, as the player only needs to focus on earning a percentage of the already-determined award rather than managing multiple complex variables simultaneously, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine (or other game) with a reveal list feature. When the player wants to view the reveal list (e.g., by pressing a button), the next X (e.g., 100) outcomes on the slot machine will be revealed. Thus, as the player plays these next 100 games, the outcomes will be exactly as listed in the reveal screen. Thus, the player will know what the next 100 games will result in. In an embodiment, the outcomes in the reveal list will be applied to a skill meter which can decrease (or in some embodiments also potentially increase) the outcome depending on mechanical skill of the player.