Stacked Wild Nudging Mechanism for Gaming Machine Re-Spins

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to enhance player interest and excitement in gaming machines by introducing new aspects to games, as existing formats lack innovative features.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of stacked wild symbols in gaming machines that trigger re-spins, with the stacked symbols locking in place during re-spins and nudging into view to ensure awards are paid, creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stacked wild symbols are introduced to trigger re-spins and lock in place, then player engagement and excitement are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidgameplay mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stacked wild symbols transition from a static symbol state to a dynamic locked state during re-spins. The symbols dynamically change their behavior - initially appearing as regular wild symbols during base game spins, then locking in place when triggered, creating re-spin opportunities. This dynamic state change enhances player engagement without requiring permanently complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The re-spin feature creates periodic action cycles where the game alternates between base game spins and bonus re-spin sequences. During these periodic re-spin cycles, locked stacked wild symbols remain stationary while other reels spin, creating a rhythmic pattern of gameplay that maintains player interest through predictable yet exciting cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If stacked wild symbols nudge into view to ensure awards are paid, then measurement precision of symbol display is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymbol display accuracyVSAvoidreel control mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nudging mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting the stacked wild symbol's position into full view before the award determination is finalized. This preliminary positioning ensures that the symbol is properly displayed and recognized for award calculation, eliminating any ambiguity about whether the symbol should count toward winning combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11847884B2Wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method with nudging re-spinning stacked wilds
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 EVERI GAMES INC
  • US11847884B2 patent drawing
  • US11847884B2 patent drawing
  • US11847884B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin.