Variable Reel Gaming Apparatus with Dynamic Symbol Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming venue operators face challenges in attracting customers with new game variations while adhering to regulatory restrictions and providing a return on investment, as existing games lack variability in winning outcomes and prize structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a gaming apparatus that adjusts the number of specified symbols on reels based on player wager, where these symbols can contribute to multiple winning outcomes, increasing the probability of winning in proportion to the wager, and awards can have fixed or progressive values independent of the wager amount, using a controller, generator, and display unit to determine and display winning combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of specified symbols on reels is increased to improve winning probability, then player engagement and attraction are enhanced, but the return on investment for operators decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of specified symbols on reels based on the player's wager amount. When players wager more, more specified symbols are added to reels, increasing winning probability. When wagers are lower, fewer specified symbols are present, maintaining operator profitability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the game adaptable to different betting levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of symbol frequency on reels based on wager amount. By varying the number of specified symbols (a key parameter) according to player input, the system optimizes both player attraction and operator return on investment across different playing conditions.
2Reliability
If fixed prize values are offered to simplify award structure, then regulatory compliance is improved, but player engagement and excitement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality in prize awards by supporting both fixed-value prizes and progressive jackpot prizes through the same gaming apparatus. This allows the game to comply with regulatory requirements for fixed prizes while also offering progressive jackpots for enhanced player engagement, making the system universally applicable to different prize structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The award structure dynamically adapts between fixed values and progressive amounts. While fixed prizes ensure regulatory compliance, progressive jackpots that grow over time provide variability and excitement. The system can switch between or combine these award types based on game conditions and player outcomes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new game variations are introduced to attract customers, then market competitiveness is improved, but device complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating entirely new games, the invention achieves variety by changing parameters within the existing game framework - specifically, varying the number of specified symbols on reels based on wager amount. This approach provides new game experiences and variations without requiring complex new device architectures, thus improving market competitiveness while controlling development complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a method of gaming comprising wherein a wager for a play of a game is received from a player and a set of symbols for playing the game is determined based on the wager. The set of symbols includes, based on the wager, a number of specified symbols that can contribute to one or more specified winning game outcomes. Symbols selected from the set are displayed and an award made to the player if the displayed one or more symbols correspond to one or more of the specified winning game outcomes.