US20130324208A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130324208A1
Application number: US13/487,429
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Curtis Ryan
Original assignee: Cadillac Jack Inc
Current assignee: AGS LLC
Priority date: 2012-06-04
Filing date: 2012-06-04
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: US20130324202A1; US8784176B2

Abstract

Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may provide gaming options relating to contagious wilds, non-contagious wilds, dormant wilds, contagious dormant wilds, and/or blockers.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electronic gaming device. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an electronic gaming device, which provides gaming options relating to the ability of contagious symbols and/or contagious symbol areas on reels to modify and/or activate other symbols.

2. Information

The gaming industry has numerous casinos located both worldwide and in the United States. A client of a casino or other gaming entity can gamble via various games of chance. For example, craps, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and electronic games (e.g., slot machines) where a person may gamble on an outcome.

Paylines of an electronic gaming device (e.g., slot machine) are predetermined winning symbols being aligned in a predetermined pattern as defined by the electronic gaming device. A winning event occurs when the player successful matches the predetermined winning symbols in one of the predetermined patterns. In this disclosure, a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system may be allowed to activate contagious symbols on the reels which may modify other symbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples will be described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an electronic gaming system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5(a) is an illustration of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with contagious wilds and dormant wilds, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5(b) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5(c) is another illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5(d) is another illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6(a) is an illustration of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with contagious wilds and dormant wilds, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6(b) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6(c) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7(a) is an illustration of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with contagious wilds and dormant wilds, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7(b) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8(a) is an illustration of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with contagious wilds, dormant wilds, and non-contagious wilds, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8(b) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9(a) is an illustration of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with contagious wilds, dormant wilds, and blockers, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9(b) is an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) displayed on the electronic gaming device, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a game play where an object (e.g., zombies) may attempt to stop another object (e.g., a survivor), according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram for allowing the activation of dormant wilds by contagious wilds and/or modifying a characteristic of a contagious wild, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram for blocking the activation of a dormant wild by a contagious wild and/or modifying a characteristic of a contagious wild, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for a game play, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an illustration of anelectronic gaming device100.Electronic gaming device100 may include amulti-media stream110, afirst display screen102, asecond display screen104, athird display screen106, aside display screen108, an input device112, a credit device114, adevice interface116, and anidentification device118.Electronic gaming device100 may display one, two, a few, or a plurality ofmulti-media streams110, which may be obtained from one or more gaming tables, one or more electronic gaming devices, a central server, a video server, a music server, an advertising server, another data source, and/or any combination thereof.

Multi-media streams may be obtained for an entertainment event, a wagering event, a promotional event, a promotional offering, an advertisement, a sporting event, any other event, and/or any combination thereof. For example, the entertainment event may be a concert, a show, a television program, a movie, an internet event, and/or any combination thereof. In another example, the wagering event may be a poker tournament, a horse race, a car race, and/or any combination thereof. The advertisement may be an advertisement for the casino, a restaurant, a shop, any other entity, and/or any combination thereof. The sporting event may be a football game, a baseball game, a hockey game, a basketball game, any other sporting event, and/or any combination thereof. All of these multi-media streams may be utilized in combination with the gaming table video streams.

Input device112 may be mechanical buttons, electronic buttons, mechanical switches, electronic switches, optical switches, a slot pull handle, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, a gesture screen, a joystick, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a virtual (on-screen) keyboard, a virtual (on-screen) keypad, biometric sensor, or any combination thereof. Input device112 may be utilized to make a wager, to select a row and/or column, to select a wild symbol, to select a path or option for game progress, to modify electronic gaming device100 (e.g., change sound level, configuration, font, language, etc.), to select a movie or song, to select live multi-media streams, to request services (e.g., drinks, slot attendant, manager, etc.), to select two-dimensional (“2D”) game play, to select three-dimensional (“3D”) game play, to select both two-dimensional and three-dimensional game play, to change the orientation of games in a three-dimensional space, or any combination thereof.

Credit device114 may be utilized to collect monies and distribute monies (e.g., cash, vouchers, etc.). Credit device114 may interface with a mobile device to electronically transmit money and/or credits. Credit device114 may interface with a player's card to exchange player points.

Device interface

116 may be utilized to interfaceelectronic gaming device100 to a bonus game device, a local area progressive controller, a wide area progressive controller, a progressive sign controller, a peripheral display device, signage, a promotional device, network components, a local network, a wide area network, remote access equipment, a slot monitoring system, a slot player tracking system, or any combination thereof.

Device interface

116 may be utilized to connect a player toelectronic gaming device100 through a mobile device, card, keypad,identification device118, or any combination thereof.Device interface116 may include a docking station by which a mobile device is plugged intoelectronic gaming machine100.Device interface116 may include an over the air connection by which a mobile device is connected to electronic gaming machine100 (e.g., Bluetooth, Near Field technology, and/or Wi-Fi technology).Device interface116 may include a connection toidentification device118.

Identification device

118 may be utilized to determine an identity of a player. Based on information obtained byidentification device118,electronic gaming device100 may be reconfigured. For example, the language, sound level, music, placement of multi-media streams, a row rearrangement option may be presented, a column rearrangement option may be presented, a row area rearrangement option may be presented, a column area rearrangement option may be presented, a two-dimensional gaming option may be presented, a three-dimensional gaming option may be presented, and the placement of gaming options may be modified based on player preference data. For example, a player may want to have only games with the contagious wild option available. Therefore, only games with the contagious wild options would be presented. In another example, the player may not want game play options which contain blocking symbols. Therefore, no blocking game play options would be presented.

Identification device

118 may utilize biometrics (e.g., thumb print, retinal scan, or other biometric).Identification device118 may include a card entry slot into input device112.Identification device118 may include a keypad with an assigned pin number for verification.Identification device118 may include multiple layers of identification for added security. For example, a player could be required to enter a player tracking card, and/or a pin number, and/or a thumb print, or any combination thereof. Based on information obtained byidentification device118,electronic gaming device100 may be reconfigured. For example, the language, sound level, music, placement of video streams, placement of images, and the placement of gaming options utilized may be modified based on a player's preference data. For example, a player may have selected baseball under the sporting event preferences;electronic gaming device100 will then automatically display the current baseball game ontoside display screen108 and/or alternate display screen as set in the player's options.

First display screen

102 may be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a cathode ray tube display (“CRT”), organic light-emitting diode display (“OLED”), plasma display panel (“PDP”), electroluminescent display (“ELD”), a light-emitting diode display (“LED”), or any other display technology.First display screen102 may be used for displaying primary games or secondary (bonus) games, advertising, player attractions,electronic gaming device100 configuration parameters and settings, game history, accounting meters, events, alarms, or any combination thereof.Second display screen104,third display screen106,side display screen108, and any other screen may utilize the same technology asfirst display screen102 and/or any combination of technologies.

First display screen

102 may also be virtually combined withsecond display screen104. Likewisesecond display screen104 may also be virtually combined withthird display screen106.First display screen102 may be virtually combined with bothsecond display screen104 andthird display screen106. Any combination thereof may be formed.

For example, a single large image could be partially displayed onsecond display screen104 and partially displayed onthird display screen106, so that when both display screens are put together they complete one image.Electronic gaming device100 may stream or playprerecorded multi-media110, and the media may be displayed onfirst display screen102.

InFIG. 2, anelectronic gaming system200 is shown.Electronic gaming system200 may include a video/multi-media server202, agaming server204, aplayer tracking server206, avoucher server208, anauthentication server210, and anaccounting server212.

Electronic gaming system

200 may include video/multi-media server202, which may be coupled tonetwork224 via anetwork link214.Network224 may be the internet, a private network, or a network cloud. One or more video streams may be received at video/multimedia server202 from otherelectronic gaming devices100. Video/multi-media server202 may transmit one or more of these video streams to amobile phone230,electronic gaming device100, a remote electronic gaming device at a different location in thesame property216, a remote electronic gaming device at adifferent location218, alaptop222, and/or any other remoteelectronic device220.Video server202 may transmit these video streams vianetwork link214 and/ornetwork224.

For example, a remote gaming device at the same location may be a casino with multiple casino floors, a casino which allows wagering activities to take place from the room, a casino which may allow wagering activities to take place from the pool area, etc. In another example, the remote devices may be at another location, such a progressive link to another casino, or a casino corporation, which owns many different casinos (e.g., MGM, Caesars, etc.).

Gaming server

204 may generate gaming outcomes.Gaming server204 may provideelectronic gaming device100 with game play content.Gaming server204 may provideelectronic gaming device100 with game play math and/or outcomes.

Player tracking server

206 may track a player's betting activity, a player's preferences (e.g., language, font, sound level, drinks, etc.). Based on data obtained byplayer tracking server206, a player may be eligible for gaming rewards (e.g., free play), promotions, and/or other awards (e.g., complimentary food, drinks, lodging, concerts, etc.).

Voucher server

208 may generate a voucher, which may include data relating to gaming. Further, the voucher may include wild option selections. In addition, the voucher may include a summary of contagious wilds or game play progress.

Authentication server

210 may determine the validity of vouchers, a player's identity, and/or an outcome for a gaming event.

Accounting server

212 may compile, track, and/or monitor cash flows, voucher transactions, winning vouchers, losing vouchers, and/or other transaction data. Transaction data may include the number of wagers, the size of these wagers, the date and time for these wagers, the identity of the players making these wagers, and/or the frequency of the wagers.Accounting server212 may generate tax information relating to these wagers.Accounting server212 may generate profit/loss reports for player's tracked outcomes.

Network connection

214 may be used for communication between dedicated servers, thin clients, thick clients, back-office accounting systems, etc.

Laptop computer

222 and/or any other electronic device (e.g.,mobile phone230,electronic gaming device100, etc.) may be used for downloading new gaming device applications or gaming device related firmware through remote access.

Laptop computer

222 and/or any other electronic device (e.g.,mobile phone230,electronic gaming device100, etc.) may be used for uploading accounting information (such as cashable credits, non-cashable credits, coin in, coin out, bill in, voucher in, voucher out, etc.).

Network

224 may be a local area network, a casino premises network, a wide area network, a virtual private network, an enterprise private network, the Internet, or any combination thereof. Hardware components such as network interface cards, repeaters and hubs, bridges, switches, routers, and firewalls, or any combination thereof may also be part ofnetwork224.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram300 ofelectronic gaming device100.Electronic gaming device100 may include aprocessor302, amemory304, asmart card reader306, aprinter308, ajackpot controller310, acamera312, a network interface314, aninput device316, adisplay318, acredit device320, adevice interface322, anidentification device324, and avoucher device326.

Processor

302 may execute program instructions ofmemory304 and usememory304 for data storage.Processor302 may also include a numeric co-processor, or a graphics processing unit (or units) for accelerated video encoding and decoding, or any combination thereof.

Processor

302 may include communication interfaces for communicating withelectronic gaming device100,electronic gaming system200, and user interfaces to enable communication with all gaming elements. For example,processor302 may interface withmemory304 to access a player's mobile device throughdevice interface322 to display content ontodisplay318.Processor302 may generate a voucher based on a wager confirmation, which may be received by an input device, a server, a mobile device, and/or any combination thereof. A voucher device may generate, print, transmit, or receive a voucher.Memory304 may include communication interfaces for communicating withelectronic gaming device100,electronic gaming system200, and user interfaces to enable communication with all gaming elements. For example,printer308 may print the information stored onmemory304 onto a voucher and/or video or pictures captured bycamera312 may be saved and stored onmemory304.Memory304 may include a confirmation module, which may authenticate a value of a voucher and/or the validity of the voucher. The processor may determine the value of the voucher based on generated voucher data and data in the confirmation module.Electronic gaming device100 may include a player preference input device. The player preference input device may modify a game configuration. The modification may be based on data from the identification device.

Memory

304 may be non-volatile semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), flash memory (“NVRAM”), or Nano-RAM (carbon nanotube random access memory), and/or any combination thereof.

Memory

304 may also be volatile semiconductor memory such as dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”) or static random access memory (“SRAM”), and/or any combination thereof.

Memory

304 may also be a data storage device such as a hard disk drive, an optical disk drive such as CD, DVD, or Blu-ray, a solid state drive, a memory stick, a CompactFlash card, a USB flash drive, a Multimedia Card, an xD-Picture Card, or any combination thereof.

Memory

304 may be used to store read-only program instructions for execution byprocessor302, for the read-write storage for global variables and static variables, read-write storage for uninitialized data, read-write storage for dynamically allocated memory, and for the read-write storage of the data structure known as “the stack”, or any combination thereof.

Memory

304 may be used to store the read-only pay table information for which symbol combinations on a given payline that result in a win (payout) are established for games of chance such as slot games and video poker.

Memory

304 may be used to store accounting information (such as cashable electronic promotion in, non-cashable electronic promotion out, coin in, coin out, bill in, voucher in, voucher out, electronic funds transfer in, etc.).

Memory

304 may be used to record error conditions on anelectronic gaming device100 such as door open; coin jam; ticket print failure; ticket (paper) jam; program error; reel tilt; etc. or any combination thereof.

Memory

304 may also be used to record the complete history for the most recent game played plus some number of prior games, as may be determined by the regulating authority.

Smart card reader

306 may allowelectronic gaming device100 to access and read information provided by the player or technician, which may be used for setting of player preferences and/or providing maintenance information. For example,smart card reader306 may provide an interface between a smart card (inserted by the player) andidentification device324 to verify the identity of a player.

Printer

308 may be used for printing slot machine payout receipts, slot machine wagering vouchers, non-gaming coupons, slot machine coupon (i.e., a wagering instrument with a fixed waging value that can only be used for non-cashable credits), drink tokens, comps, or any combination thereof.

Electronic gaming device

100 may include ajackpot controller310, which may allowelectronic gaming device100 to interface with other electronic gaming devices either directly or throughelectronic gaming system200 to accumulate a shared jackpot.

Camera

312 may allowelectronic gaming device100 to take images of a player or a player's surroundings. For example, when a player sits down at the machine their picture may be taken to include their image into the game play. A picture of a player may be an actual image as taken bycamera312. A picture of a player may be a computerized caricature of image taken bycamera312. The image obtained bycamera312 may be used in connection withidentification device324 using facial recognition.Camera312 may allowelectronic gaming device100 to record video. The video may be stored onmemory304 or stored remotely viaelectronic gaming system200. Video obtained bycamera312 may then be used as part of game play, or may be used for security purposes. For example, a camera located onelectronic gaming device100 may capture video of a potential illegal activity (e.g., tampering with the machine, crime in the vicinity, underage players, etc.).

Network interface314 may allowelectronic gaming device100 to communicate withvideo server202,gaming server204,player tracking server206,voucher server208,authentication server210, and/oraccounting server212.

Input device

316 may be mechanical buttons, electronic buttons, a touch screen, or any combination thereof.Input device316 may be utilized to make a wager, to make an offer to buy or sell a voucher, to determine a voucher's worth, to cash in a voucher, to modify electronic gaming device100 (e.g., change sound level, configuration, font, language, etc.), to select a movie or music, to select live video streams (e.g.,sporting event 1,sporting event 2, sporting event 3), to request services (e.g., drinks, manager, etc.), or any combination thereof.

Display

318 may show video streams from one or more content sources.Display318 may encompassfirst display screen102,second display screen104,third display screen106,side display screen108, and/or another screen used for displaying video content.

Credit device

320 may be utilized to collect monies and distribute monies (e.g., cash, vouchers, etc.).Credit device320 may interface withprocessor302 to allow for game play to take place.Processor302 may determine any payouts, display configurations, animation, and/or any other functions associated with game play.Credit device320 may interface withdisplay318 to display the amount of available credits for the player to use for wagering purposes.Credit device320 may interface viadevice interface322 with a mobile device to electronically transmit money and/or credits.Credit device320 may interface with a player's pre-established account, which may be stored onelectronic gaming system200, to electronically transmit money and/or credit. For example, a player may have a credit card or other mag-stripe card on file with the location for which money and/or credits can be directly applied when the player is done.Credit device320 may interface with a player's card to exchange player points.

Electronic gaming device

100 may include adevice interface322 that a user may employ with their mobile device (e.g., smart phone) to receive information from and/or transmit information to electronic gaming device100 (e.g., watch a movie, listen to music, obtain verbal betting options, verification of identification, transmit credits, etc.).

Identification device

324 may be utilized to allowelectronic gaming device100 to determine an identity of a player. Based on information obtained byidentification device324,electronic gaming device100 may be reconfigured. For example, the language, sound level, music, placement of video streams, placement of images, placement of gaming options, and/or the tables utilized may be modified based on player preference data.

For example, a player may have selected a specific baseball team (e.g., Atlanta Braves) under the sporting event preferences, theelectronic gaming device100 will then automatically (or via player input) display the current baseball game (e.g., Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies) ontoside display screen108 and/or alternate display screen as set in the player's options.

Avoucher device326 may generate, print, transmit, or receive a voucher. The voucher may represent a wagering option, a wagering structure, a wagering timeline, a value of wager, a payout potential, a payout, or any other wagering data. A voucher may represent an award, which may be used for other locations inside of the gaming establishment. For example, the voucher may be a coupon for the local buffet or a concert ticket.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram ofmemory304, which includes various modules.Memory304 may include avalidation module402, avoucher module404, areporting module406, amaintenance module408, a player tracking preferences module410, an evaluation contagiouswild module412, a dormant wild module414, awild module416, a contagiouswild evaluation module418, a dormantwild evaluation module420, and anevaluation module422.

Validation module

402 may utilize data received fromvoucher device326 to confirm the validity of the voucher.

Voucher module

404 may store data relating to generated vouchers, redeemed vouchers, bought vouchers, and/or sold vouchers.

Reporting module

406 may generate reports related to a performance ofelectronic gaming device100,electronic gaming system200, video streams, gaming objects, credit device114, and/oridentification device118.

Maintenance module

408 may track any maintenance that is implemented onelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200.Maintenance module408 may schedule preventative maintenance and/or request a service call based on a device error.

Player tracking preferences module410 may compile and track data associated with a player's preferences.

Contagiouswild module412 may store various contagious wild structures related to game results. For example, contagious wild structures may include one-to-five contagious wild(s) in a row; one-to-five contagious wild(s) in a column; one contagious wild in a first row, one contagious wild in a third row, and one contagious wild in a five row; one contagious wild in a first column, one contagious wild in a second column, one contagious wild in a fourth column, and one contagious wild in a fifth column; or any combination that utilizes one or more spaces on one or more reels utilized byelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200. Contagiouswild module412 may determine payouts related to game results when there are one or more contagious wilds present. It should be noted that contagiouswild module412 and dormant wild module414 may be combined into one module. Further, there may be one evaluation module where the determined payout does not depend on whether there any contagious wilds and/or dormant wilds.

In another example,processor302 via contagious wild module412 (and/or contagious wild evaluation module418) may determine that a contagious wild has interacted with: a first dormant wild to generate a first payout (e.g., 100 credits); a second dormant wild to generate a second payout (e.g., 1,000 credits); a wild to generate a third payout (e.g., 150 credits); one or more other contagious wild(s) to generate a fourth payout (e.g., 10,000 credits); two or more dormant wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; two or more wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; and/or any other interaction with any other symbol.

Dormant wild module414 may store various dormant wild structures related to game results. For example, dormant wild structures may include one-to-five dormant wild(s) in a row; one-to-five dormant wild(s) in a column; one dormant wild in a second row, one dormant wild in a fourth row, and one dormant wild in a five row; one dormant wild in a first column, one dormant wild in a third column, one dormant wild in a fourth column, and one dormant wild in a fifth column; or any combination that utilizes one or more spaces on one or more reels utilized byelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200. Dormant wild module414 may determine payouts related to game results when there are one or more dormant wilds present. It should be noted that contagiouswild module412 and dormant wild module414 may be combined into one module. Further, there may be one evaluation module where the determined payout does not depend on whether there were any contagious and/or dormant wilds.

In another example,processor302 via dormant wild module414 (and/or dormant wild evaluation module420) may determine that a dormant wild has interacted with: a first contagious wild to generate a first payout (e.g., 100 credits); a second contagious wild to generate a second payout (e.g., 1,000 credits); a wild to generate a third payout (e.g., 150 credits); one or more other dormant wild(s) to generate a fourth payout (e.g., 10,000 credits); two or more contagious wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; two or more wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; and/or any other interaction with any other symbol.

Wild module

416 may determine payouts related to game results when there are one or more wild symbols utilized in the game results. For example,processor302 viawild module416 may determine that a wild has interacted with: a first dormant wild to generate a first payout (e.g., 100 credits); a second dormant wild to generate a second payout (e.g., 1,000 credits); a first contagious wild to generate a third payout (e.g., 150 credits); one or more other wilds to generate a fourth payout (e.g., 10,000 credits); two or more dormant wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; two or more contagious wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; and/or any other interaction with any other symbol.Wild module416 may determine payouts related to game results when there are one or more wilds present (e.g., non-contagious and non-dormant wild). It should be notedwild module416, dormant module414, contagiouswild module412, or any combination thereof may be combined into one or more modules. Further, there may be one evaluation module where the determined payout does not depend on whether there were any wilds.

Contagiouswild evaluation module418 may determine payouts related to game results when there are contagious wilds utilized in the game results. For example,processor302 via contagiouswild evaluation module418 may determine that a contagious wild has interacted with: a first dormant wild to generate a first payout (e.g., 25 credits); a second dormant wild to generate a second payout (e.g., 155 credits); a wild to generate a third payout (e.g., 350 credits); one or more other contagious wild(s) to generate a fourth payout (e.g., 1,000 credits); two or more dormant wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; two or more wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; and/or any other interaction with any other symbol. Contagiouswild evaluation module418 may determine how the contagious wilds affect the payout structure. It may also determine the affects of the contagious wilds on the surrounding symbols, including dormant wilds and blocking symbols (e.g., how many degrees of separation the contagious wild is able to affect, modifying dormant wilds into wilds, modifying dormant contagious wilds to contagious wilds, etc.). In addition, any other symbol (e.g., blocker symbols) may affect the characteristic of contagious wilds, wilds, dormant wilds, dormant contagious wilds, etc. For example, blockers may convert a contagious wild into a wild. Further, blockers may modify a dormant contagious wild to a blank symbol. Blockers may modify a dormant wild into a blank. It should be noted that contagiouswild evaluation module418,wild module416, dormant module414, contagiouswild module412, or any combination thereof may be combined into one or more modules. Further, there may be one evaluation module where the determined payout does not depend on whether there were any wilds.

For example, if a contagious wild is not adjacent to the dormant wild (e.g., separated by a row or column) then the contagious wild may still be able to activate the dormant wild. In another example, if a contagious wild has a blocking symbol between the contagious wild and a dormant wild, the contagious wild may be blocked from activating the dormant wild.

Dormantwild evaluation module420 may determine payouts related to game results when there are dormant wild utilized in the game results. For example,processor302 via dormantwild evaluation module420 may determine that a dormant wild has interacted with: a first contagious wild to generate a first payout (e.g., 100 credits); a second contagious wild to generate a second payout (e.g., 1,000 credits); a wild to generate a third payout (e.g., 150 credits); one or more other dormant wild(s) to generate a fourth payout (e.g., 10,000 credits); two or more contagious wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; two or more wilds interrelated (e.g., next to each other, connected to each other, within a specific area; within a specific area to each other, etc.) to each other; and/or any other interaction with any other symbol. Dormantwild evaluation module420 may determine how the dormant wilds affect the payout structure. It may also determine the affects of the dormant wilds on the surrounding symbols, including other dormant wilds and blocking symbols (e.g., how many degrees of separation the wild is able to affect, modifying dormant wilds into wilds, modifying dormant contagious wilds to contagious wilds, etc.). In addition, any other symbol (e.g., blocker symbols) may affect the characteristic of contagious wilds, wilds, dormant wilds, dormant contagious wilds, etc. For example, blockers may convert a contagious wild into a wild. Further, blockers may modify a dormant contagious wild to a blank symbol. Blockers may modify a dormant wild into a blank. It may also determine the affects of other symbols on the dormant wild, including other dormant wilds, contagious wilds, and blocking symbols. It should be noted dormantwild evaluation module420, contagiouswild evaluation module418,wild module416, dormant module414, contagiouswild module412, or any combination thereof may be combined into one or more modules. Further, there may be one evaluation module where the determined payout does not depend on whether there were any wilds.

For example, if a dormant wild is not adjacent to the contagious wild (e.g., separated by a row or column) the contagious wild may still activate the dormant wild. Contagious wild may affect symbols that are any number (e.g., 1 to N) of spaces/areas away contagious wild. Further, dormant contagious wilds, dormant wilds, wilds, and/or blockers may affect symbols that are any number (e.g., 1 to N) of spaces/areas away from dormant contagious wilds, dormant wilds, wilds, and/or blockers.

In another example, if a dormant wild has a blocking symbol between dormant wild and a contagious wild, the contagious wild may be blocked from activating the dormant wild.

Evaluation module

422 may determine payouts related to game results when there are no contagious wilds, dormant wilds, wilds, and/or blockers.

FIG. 5(a) shows an illustration ofscreen image500 of paylines and reels ofelectronic gaming device100 with wilds, according to one embodiment.Screen image500 may include ablank symbol502, a dormant wild504, a contagious wild506, and a first contagiouswild area508.Screen image500 may include a predetermined number of columns (e.g., a first column (“COL. V”), a second column (“COL. W”), a third column (“COL. X”), a fourth column (“COL. Y”), and a fifth column (“COL. Z”) and a predetermined number of rows (e.g., a first row (“ROW A”), a second row (“ROW B”), a third row (“ROW C”), a fourth row (“ROW D”), and a fifth row (“ROW E”).Screen image500 may include any number of rows and any number of columns. For example,screen image500 may have five rows and ten columns;screen image500 may have eight rows and thirteen columns, or any other combinations of rows and columns. A wagering event may be initiated by the player throughinput device316.

In a game, positioning of the symbols on the reels may be displayed to show the outcome of a wagering event (e.g., a win or a loss for the player) onscreen image500. For example, it may be that if all columns in the first row (ROW A), (e.g., first column (COL. V), second column (COL. W), third column (COL. X), fourth column (COL. Y), and fifth column (COL. Z) have the same symbol (e.g., cherries, bars, pictures of the player as captured bycamera312, etc.), then a winning event has occurred. A winning combination (e.g., the lining up of the images) may happen in numerous ways. For example, if allsymbol502, which are touching by a shared side (e.g., first row (ROW A)/first column (COL. V), and first row (ROW A)/second column (COL. W) or by a corner (e.g., first row (ROW A)/first column (COL. V), and second row (ROW B)/second column (COL. W) have thesame symbol502, this may represent that a winning event has occurred. In another example, if all symbol, which are touching by a shared side (e.g., first row (ROW A)/first column (COL. V), and first row (ROW A)/second column (COL. W) or by a corner (e.g., first row (ROW A)/first column (COL. V), and second row (ROW B)/second column (COL. W) have the same symbol or an activated wild, this may represent that a winning event has occurred.

Screen image

500 may include dormant wild504. Dormant wild504 may be activated by contagious wild506 depending on the interaction of dormant wild504 with contagious wild506. Dormant wild504 may not be activated by contagious wild506 based on a lack of interaction between dormant wild504 with contagious wild506. Dormant wild504 may be activated by other dormant wilds (e.g., contagious dormant wilds). For example, if a contagious dormant wild is activated, the contagious dormant wild may be modified into a contagious wild. Dormant wild504 may not be activated by other dormant wilds (e.g., non-contagious dormant wilds/dormant wilds). For example, if dormant wild504 is located at a distance that is outside of contagious wild506 activation reach, dormant wild504 may not be activated. In another example, if dormant wild504 is surrounded by all dormant wild504 symbols (i.e., every space around the dormant wild504 is a dormant wild504), then dormant wild504 may be activated.

Screen image

500 may includecontagious wild506. Contagious wild506 may activate and/or modify other wilds and/or other symbols. Contagious wild506 may not activate other wilds based on an interaction relationship (e.g., the position of contagious wild506 relative to other symbols (e.g., blockers, blank symbols, dormant wilds, dormant contagious wilds, etc.). Contagious wild506 may activate dormant wild504. Contagious wild506 may not activate dormant wild504 based on an interaction relationship (e.g., the position of contagious wild506 relative to other symbols (e.g., blockers, blank symbols, dormant wilds, dormant contagious wilds, etc.). Contagious wild506 may change non-wilds into wilds and/or modify the characteristics of the non-wilds (e.g., change a blocker into a non-blocker). For example, if two contagious wilds are in a specific position (e.g., either side of blocker, to the left, to the right, above, below, etc.) relative to blocker, then the blocker may be converted intoblank symbol502, dormant wild504, contagious wild506, a wild, a dormant contagious wild, and/or any other symbol. Contagious wild506 may be represented by any image and/or symbol, which may be predetermined to be contagious (e.g., zombies, fire, water, werewolves, cherries, picture taken bycamera312, etc.). For example, if contagious wild506 is within an interactive position of a dormant wild, contagious wild506 may activate dormant wild504 to allow for a winning payline to be generated.

Contagious wild506 may have different abilities to activate dormant wild504, contagious dormant wilds, wilds, blockers, etc. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol), if contagious wild506 is touching first contagiouswild area508. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol), if contagious wild506 is within one space of touching first contagiouswild area508. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol), if contagious wild506 is within any predetermined number of spaces of touching first contagiouswild area508. For example, different images may be assigned different levels of power (e.g., a zombie may be a 2 power level and a werewolf a 3 power level). The power may indicate how far away (i.e., the interactive positions) contagious wild506 may be from dormant wild504 (or any other symbol), and still activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol). Further, the power level (e.g., one space in any direction; two spaces in any direction; three spaces in any direction; one space to the left and two spaces to the right; two spaces down, four spaces up, and three spaces to the left; two spaces to the left, one space to the right, three spaces down, and five spaces up; and/or any combination of directional spaces. In another example, contagious wild506 may have a power level that may activate a dormant wild504, which is on the other side ofscreen image500. For example, the power level may allow for a wraparound effect (e.g., second row (ROW B)/first column (COL. V) with second row (ROW B)/fifth column (COL. Z).

FIG. 5(b) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on a modifiedscreen image500, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image500, a dormant wild may now be a first degree activated wild510 within a second contagiouswild area512. First degree activated wild510 was activated by contagious wild506 with a power level of one (e.g. one directional space) because first degree activated wild510 was in direct contact with firstwild area508, which was one directional space (e.g., one space to the right and one space down) away fromcontagious wild506. For example, first degree activatedwilds510 may be located within second contagiouswild area512, so both may be activated bycontagious wild506. In another example, if one or more ofdormant wilds504 were contagious dormant wilds, then second contagiouswild area512 may have been expanded to include one or more other areas (e.g., Row B/Col. Y, Row B/Col.Z, Row D/Col. W, etc.).

On modifiedscreen image500,dormant wilds504 located in fourth row (ROW D)/second column (COL. W) and second row (ROW B)/fourth column (COL. Y) may not be activated because the power rating of contagious wild506 is not great enough (i.e., contagious wild506 only has a power level of 1).

On modifiedscreen image500,dormant wilds504 located in fourth row (ROW D)/first column (COL. V) and second row (ROW B)/fifth column (COL. Z) may not be activated due to the power rating of contagious wild506 not being great enough (i.e., contagious wild506 has only a power level of 2).

FIG. 5(d) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on modifiedscreen image500, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image500, a dormant wild may now be a third degree activated wild518 and a fourth degree activated wild520 within a fourth contagiouswild area522. Third degree activated wild518 may be activated by contagious wild506 with a power level of three (e.g., three directional spaces), becausedormant wilds504 were separated by three directional spaces fromcontagious wild506. Third degree activated wild518 was separated from contagious wild506 by first degree activated wild510 and second degree activated wild514 and was not in direct contact with first contagiouswild area508, second contagiouswild area512 and/or third contagiouswild area516 but was in direct contact with fourth degree activated wild area which was three directional spaces (e.g., three spaces to the right and two spaces down along with one space to the left) away fromcontagious wild506.

FIG. 6(a) shows an illustration of ascreen image600 of paylines and reels ofelectronic gaming device100 with contagious wilds, according to one embodiment.Screen image600 may includeblank symbol502, dormant wild504, contagious wild506, a wild symbol, a blocker symbol, and/or any other symbol.

Contagious wild506 may have different abilities to activate dormant wild504, contagious dormant wilds, wilds, blockers, and/or any other symbol. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol) that contagious wild506 is touching. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol) that contagious wild506 is within one space of touching. Contagious wild506 may be able to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol) that contagious wild506 is within any predetermined number of spaces (e.g., 1 to N) of touching. For example, different images, symbols, and/or any other object may be assigned different levels of power (e.g., a zombie may have a power level of two and a werewolf may have a power level of three). The power level may indicate how far away contagious wild506 can be from dormant wild504 (or any other symbol) and still activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol). In another example, contagious wild506 can have enough power where contagious wild506 can activate a dormant wild504, which would be sharing a side only if the screen were to be wrapped around (e.g., second row (ROW B)/first column (COL. V) with second row (ROW B)/fifth column (COL. Z).

FIG. 6(b) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on a modifiedscreen image600, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image600, a dormant wild is modified to first degree activated wild510 within a firstwild area602. Both first degree activatedwilds510 were activated by contagious wild506 symbols with a power level of one that were in direct contact withdormant wilds504. On modifiedscreen image600 contagious wild506 in first row (ROW A)/first column (COL. V) is in direct contact at the corner with dormant wild504 in second row (ROW B)/first column (COL. V) and contagious wild506 in fourth row (ROW D)/first column (COL. V) is in direct contacted via a shared side with dormant wild504 in third row (ROW C)/first column (COL. V).

On modifiedscreen image600, dormant wild504 located in third row (ROW C)/third column (COL. X) may not be activated because contagious wild506 only has a power level of one, which is not great enough to activate this specific dormant wild504. On modifiedscreen image600, contagious wild506 located in fifth row (ROW E)/fifth column (COL. Z) may be unable to activate dormant wild504 in fourth row (ROW D)/fourth column (COL. Y) because contagious wild and dormant wild may be incompatible.

FIG. 6(c) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on modifiedscreen image600, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image600, a dormant wild may be modified into second degree activated wild514 in a secondwild area604. Second degree activated wild514 may be activated by contagious wild506 because contagious wild506 has a power level of two, which may be created by the presence of twocontagious wild506 within secondwild area604. Second degree activated wild514 may be separated by first degree activated wild510 and not in direct contact with either ofcontagious wilds506.

In another example, if the dormant wild (or any other symbol) is not susceptible to the contagious wild (i.e., immune to it) and/or cannot be modified by the contagious wild, the contagious wild (or any other symbol) may be unable to activate the dormant wild. On modifiedscreen image600, dormant wild located in third row (ROW C)/first column (COL. V) may not be activated because it may not be a compatible contagious wild (i.e., immune from the contagious wild).

FIG. 7(a) shows an illustration ofscreen image700 of paylines and reels ofelectronic gaming device100 with various wilds, according to one embodiment.Screen image700 may includeblank symbol502, dormant wild504, contagious wild506, and any other symbol.

Contagious wild506 may have different abilities to activate dormant wild504 (or any other symbol). Contagious wild506 may increase (i.e., 1.1×, 1.25×, 1.5×, 2×, 3×, etc.) their power level when two or morecontagious wilds506 are located within an area (e.g., next to each other, within two spaces of each other, within three spaces of each other, etc.). In another example, contagious wild506 may not increase their power level based on location data relating to another symbol (e.g., contagious wild506, blocker, etc.). The presence of two contagious wild506 next to each other (or any other locational parameter) may create a super contagious wild524. Super contagious wild524 may have added power to activate dormant wilds (or any other symbol) at an increased distance (e.g., power of two instead of power of one). For example, contagious wild506 with a power level of one may be modified into super contagious wild524 with a power level of four when located within one-dimensional spacing of anothercontagious wild506. In another example, the presence of two contagious wild506 next to each other may not create a super contagious wild524.

FIG. 7(b) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on a modifiedscreen image700, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image700, dormant wilds may be second degree activated wild514 due to the presence of super contagious wild524 with a power level of two. In this example, both first degree activated wild510 and second degree active wild514 were modified into wilds. In another example, first degree activated wild510 and/or second degree activated wild514 may be converted into contagious wilds that would modify any dormant wilds within a specific area (e.g., one space away, two spaces away, three spaces away, one space to the right and one space up, etc.).

FIG. 8(a) shows an illustration ofscreen image800 of paylines and reels ofelectronic gaming device100 with contagious wilds, non-contagious wilds, and dormant wilds, according to one embodiment.

Screen image

In another example, dormant wild504 may be converted into a contagious dormant wild based on an interaction position with any of the symbols. For example, dormant wild504 being positioned next to non-contagious wild802 may convert dormant wild504 into a contagious dormant wild.

FIG. 8(b) shows an illustration of activated wild (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on modifiedscreen image800, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image800, noncontagious wild802 located in second row (ROW B)/third column (COL. X) and noncontagious wild802 located in fourth row (ROW D)/second column (COL. W) may prevent dormant wild504 in second row (ROW B)/fourth column (COL. Y) and/or dormant wild504 in fifth row (ROW E)/second column (COL. W) from being activated even when contagious wild506 has a power level of two or greater. This restricts a fifth contagiouswild area804 from expanding beyond noncontagious wild802. This restriction may be in one or more directions.

FIG. 9(a) shows an illustration ofscreen image900 of paylines and reels of the electronic gaming device with wilds, according to one embodiment.Screen image900 may include ablocking symbol902.Blocking symbol902 may prevent contagious wild506 from activating dormant wild504. For example, if blockingsymbol902 is located between contagious wild506 and dormant wild504, the activation may be blocked.Blocking symbol902 may eliminate and/or limit any modification of any symbol by any other symbol.

FIG. 9(b) shows an illustration of activated wilds (i.e., dormant wilds activated by contagious wilds) on a modifiedscreen image900, according to one embodiment. On modifiedscreen image900, the presence of two contagious wild506 next to each other may create super contagious wild524. Super contagious wild524 may have added power to activate dormant wilds at a further distance. Super contagious wild524 may be neutralized by blockingsymbol902. For example, super contagious wild524 may have a power level of two, but does not modify dormant wild located in Row A/Col. X because of the presents of blocker located in Row B/Col. X.

Super contagious wild524 may activate a dormant wild even with the presence of blockingsymbol902 between them. For example, super contagious wild524 may have a power level of three, which allows super contagious wild524 to modify dormant wild located in Row A/Col. X. This may be because the blocker removes one level of power. Therefore, super contagious wild524 would have a power level of two and be able to reach dormant wild located in Row A/Col. X. In another example, super contagious wild524 with a power level of three may go aroundblocker symbol902. In this example, the reach of super contagious wild524 would go up two spaces on Col. W and then over one space on Row A to reach dormant wild located in Row A/Col. X.

Super contagious wild524 may not activate a dormant wild with the presence of blockingsymbol902. For example, if super contagious wild524 is comprised of two contagious wild506 with a power level of two, then this may overcome blockingsymbol902. However, when the twocontagious wilds506 have a power level of one and a power level of two respectfully, this may not be enough power to overcome blockingsymbol902. The amount of power needed to overcome blockingsymbol902 may be game specific.

FIG. 10 shows an illustration of agame play1000, where contagious wilds (e.g., zombies) may try to stop game progress, according to one embodiment.Game play1000 may include anattack mode1002, acheckpoint1004, afirst decision point1006, asecond decision point1008, athird decision point1010, afourth decision point1012, afifth decision point1014, asixth decision point1016, aseventh decision point1018, and anend point1020.

Inattack mode1002, zombies may be utilized to attempt to stop survivors from reaching one or more of the decision points. Inattack mode1002, the game may utilize werewolves, any creature, any image, and anything that could hinder a player's progress.

For example, the player may choose that they want to have bunny rabbits chasing the player's image and trying to stop their progress in the game. In another example, the player may choose to have police chasing the player's image and trying to stop their progress in the game. In another example, the player may choose to have vampires chasing the player's image and trying to stop their progress in the game.

Checkpoint

1004 may be a midpoint goal on the way toend point1020.Checkpoint1004 may be a place (e.g., city, state, restaurant, hotel, etc.).Checkpoint1004 may be a position (e.g., half way up the mountain, spot on a board game, etc.).Checkpoint1004 may be represented as a finish line (e.g., black and white checkered flag, etc.).Checkpoint1004 may be a decision point for the player. For example, if the player selected that three characters would make it tocheckpoint1004, and seven characters make it tocheckpoint1004, the player may be able to revise their selection of how many characters will arrive at thenext checkpoint1004.

First decision point

Second decision point

Third decision point

Fourth decision point

1012 may be selecting a player/character to proceed in the game process.Fourth decision point1012 may be selecting how many characters make it to thecheckpoint1004.Fourth decision point1012 may be selecting a door to enter.Fourth decision point1012 may be selecting a vehicle to drive, fly, or ride.Fourth decision point1012 may be selecting a road to go down.Fourth decision point1012 may be picking a building to enter.Fourth decision point1012 may be selection of a city, state, or country to go to.Fourth decision point1012 may be any selection by the player of a mode of transportation.Fourth decision point1012 may be any selection by the player of a place to go to. For example, the player may select between gas stations to fill up their car, boat, motorcycle, etc. For example, the player may select that they want to be a character that looks like a ninja. In another example, the player may select that they want to be a racecar. In another example, the player may select to be in the state of Georgia and trying to get to the end point of Florida.

Fifth decision point

Sixth decision point

Seventh decision point

1018 may be selecting a player/character to proceed in the game process.Seventh decision point1018 may be selecting how many characters make it to thecheckpoint1004.Seventh decision point1018 may be selecting a door to enter.Seventh decision point1018 may be selecting a vehicle to drive, fly, or ride.Seventh decision point1018 may be selecting a road to go down.Seventh decision point1018 may be picking a building to enter.Seventh decision point1018 may be selection of a city, state, or country to go to.Seventh decision point1018 may be any selection by the player of a mode of transportation.Seventh decision point1018 may be any selection by the player of a place to go to. For example, the player may select between gas stations to fill up their car, boat, motorcycle, etc. For example, the player may select that they want to be a character that looks like a ninja. In another example, the player may select that they want to be a racecar. In another example, the player may select to be in the state of Georgia and trying to get to the end point of Florida.

End point

1020 may be selecting a door to enter.End point1020 may be selecting a vehicle to drive, fly, or ride.End point1020 may be selecting a road to go down.End point1020 may be picking a building to enter.End point1020 may be arriving at the selected city, state, and/or country.

Game play

1000 may be an award for a winning event.Game play1000 may be in the base game.Game play1000 may be in the bonus game.Game play1000 may be purchased through an additional wager (e.g., side bet).Game play1000 may be based on any combination of the above.

FIG. 12 is a process demonstrating the blocking of the activation of dormant wilds by contagious wilds in a flow diagram1200, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method may include the game starting. The method may includeelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200 determining whether there is a contagious wild on one or more reels (step1202). If no contagious wilds are present, the game ends. If there were one or more contagious wilds, the method may includeelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200 determining whether there is a blocker present in an interactive position in relation to a contagious wild and/or a dormant wild (step1204). If no blockers are present, or if they are outside of the interactive position, the method may end. If one or more blockers are located in an interactive position related to the contagious wilds and/or dormant wild, then the method may include modifying the characteristics of the contagious wild and/or dormant wild (step1206) and the method may end. Any other symbol may be modified by the blocker. Any other symbol may modify any other symbol utilizing this process disclosed above.

InFIG. 13, aprocess1300 for selecting a potential winner is shown. The method starts the game. The method may include receiving a survivor selection (step1302). The method may includeelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200 determining whether the player can change their selection at a checkpoint (step1304). If the player cannot change their selection, then the method may determine an outcome based on an original selection (step1310). If the player can change their selection, thenelectronic gaming device100 and/orelectronic gaming system200 may determine whether the player has changed their selection (step1306). If the player has not changed their selection, then the method may determine an outcome based on an original selection (step1310). If the player has changed their selection, then the method determines an outcome based on the new selection (step1308).

In one example, the electronic gaming device may include a plurality of reels, a memory, and a processor. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The one or more symbols may include a first contagious wild symbol and a first dormant wild symbol. The processor may modify the first dormant wild symbol into one of a second contagious wild symbol and/or a wild symbol based on a first interaction determination. The processor may modify any symbol into any other symbol.

In another example, the first interaction determination may be based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location. Further, the first interaction determination may be that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area (or any number (e.g., 1 to N) away from the first dormant wild symbol location.

In another example, the processor may modify a first contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a second interaction determination. The second interaction determination may be based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location. The second interaction determination may be that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area (or any number (e.g., 1 to N) away from the second contagious wild symbol location.

In another example, the processor may modify one of a first contagious wild symbol characteristic, a first dormant wild symbol characteristic, and/or a second contagious wild symbol characteristic (or any symbol characteristic) based on a third interaction determination.

The third interaction determination may be based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location, a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location, and/or the first dormant wild symbol location and the second contagious wild symbol location. In addition, any relative location data (e.g., location of symbol X to symbol Y) may be utilized.

The third interaction determination may be one of that the first contagious wild symbol location is two areas away from the first dormant wild symbol location, the first contagious wild symbol location is two areas away from the second contagious wild symbol location, and the first dormant wild symbol location is two areas away from the second contagious wild symbol location. In addition, any relative location data (e.g., location of symbol X to symbol Y) may be utilized.

In another embodiment, the method may include displaying a first contagious wild symbol and displaying a first dormant wild symbol. The method may include determining a first interaction between the first contagious wild symbol and the first dormant wild symbol. The method may include modifying the first dormant wild symbol based on the first interaction.

In an example, the first interaction determination may be based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location.

The first interaction determination may be that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away (or any number (e.g., 1 to N) from the first dormant wild symbol location.

The method may include modifying a first contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a second interaction determination. The second interaction determination may be based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location.

The second interaction determination may be that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away (or any number (e.g., 1 to N) from the second contagious wild symbol location.

In another embodiment, the electronic gaming system may include a server including a server memory and a server processor. The server processor may display a plurality of reels which include one or more symbols. The one or more symbols may include a first contagious wild symbol and a first dormant wild symbol. The server processor may modify the first dormant wild symbol into a second contagious wild symbol and/or a wild symbol based on a first interaction determination. Electronic gaming system and electronic gaming device may utilize any feature described with the other device and/or system.

The plurality of reels may form a 5-by-5 matrix, a 3-by-5 matrix, a 4-by-5 matrix, a 4-by-3 matrix, a 5-by-3 matrix, or any number-by-any number matrix. In the figures various symbols were utilized. N may be any non-wild symbol. N_dwmay be any dormant wild symbol. W_cmay be a naturally occurring contagious wild symbol. W_d# may be a dormant wild that may turn wild where the # may indicate the order and/or the range.

In one embodiment, a contagious wild adjacent to a dormant wild may turn the dormant wild into a wild symbol (e.g., wild or contagious wild). In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild if an adjacent dormant wild turns wild (e.g., wild or contagious wild). In another embodiment, a contagious wild on the same reel (e.g., column) as a dormant wild may turn the dormant wild into a wild symbol (e.g., wild or contagious wild). In another embodiment, a contagious wild on the same row as a dormant wild may turn the dormant wild into a wild symbol (e.g., wild or contagious wild). In another embodiment, a contagious wild on the same payline as a dormant wild may turn the dormant wild into a wild symbol (e.g., wild or contagious wild).

The free spin bonus round may have three different incarnations that may involve a special reward for a player if the player selects the right symbol at the start (or at a checkpoint) of the bonus round. At the start of the bonus round, the player may pick a dormant wild symbol (e.g., one of the survivor symbols in a zombie incarnation). The accumulating appearances over the course of the entire free spin bonus round of a dormant wild symbol compared to the appearance of the other dormant wild symbols may be utilized to determine if a special win has occurred. An on screen indicator during the free spins may show the accumulated totals for each dormant wild symbol. After each spin, these totals may be updated and may be reflected by an animation of the indicator.

In one embodiment, the appearances of the dormant symbols may be accumulated to determine a winning outcome. The dormant symbols may turn wild, may not turn wild, and/or a combination thereof. If the symbol the player picked at the beginning (or at a checkpoint) of the bonus round has the most appearances, the player may win a special reward.

In another embodiment, the appearances of the dormant symbols that do not turn wild may be accumulated to determine a win. If the symbol the player picked at the beginning (or at a checkpoint) of the bonus round has the most appearances without turning wild, the player may win a special award.

In another embodiment, the appearances of dormant symbols that do turn wild may be accumulated to determine a winning outcome. If the symbol the player picked at the beginning (or at a checkpoint) of the bonus round has the most appearances which turned wild, the player may win a special award.

In another embodiment, when free spins are completed, an evaluation of the accumulated symbol appearances may occur, and if the leading symbol is the symbol picked by the player at the start (or at a checkpoint) of the bonus round, the player may be given an additional reward. The additional reward may be a multiple of the bet, a flat amount, a reward associated with a progressive jackpot, a reward which varies based on the total number of appearances of the selected symbol, a pick bonus, a wheel bonus, free spins, and/or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, a process may randomly generate various symbols on a matrix of symbols which produces an outcome (e.g., winning combination or losing combination). The outcome may be determined by the combination of symbols which are along predefined paylines. These symbols may be designated as a wild symbol which may be substituted for any other symbol to create a winning combination. In another embodiment, the process may convert non-wild symbols to wild symbols by designating one or more such symbols as dormant wilds that only become wild under specific conditions and interactions.

In various embodiments, these conversions may be based on adjacent logic, optional chain reaction logic, mandatory chain reaction logic, varying chain reaction logic, random logic, varying logic, directional logic, pathway logic, and/or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild when the dormant wild lands adjacent to a naturally occurring wild (e.g., contagious wild) symbol. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild if an adjacent dormant wild symbol turns wild. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild if a naturally occurring wild (e.g., contagious wild) appears anywhere on the same vertical column. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild if a naturally occurring wild (e.g., contagious wild) appears anywhere on the same horizontal row. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild if a naturally occurring wild (e.g., contagious wild) appears anywhere on the same payline. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild spontaneously and apparently at random. In another embodiment, a dormant wild may turn wild whenever certain advertised conditions are met.

In one example, a free spin bonus win may be where a player is rewarded additional reel spins at no additional cost. The free spin may include a pick element whereby a player picks a dormant wild symbol from a variety of other dormant wild symbols at the onset of the bonus. The appearances of the dormant wild symbols may accumulate over the course of the free spin bonus round. An additional win may be determined if a player had picked the dormant symbol with the greatest accumulation.

In one example, a method of accumulating dormant wild symbols may be based on counting dormant wilds that do not become wild. In another example, the method may include counting only those dormant wilds that do become wild. In an example, the method may include counting any appearances of dormant symbols once the reels has stopped spinning. The method may include determining an outcome based on the accumulated number of appearances of the symbol. The method may include determining an outcome which is based on varying the reward based on which dormant wild symbol was chosen.

Gaming system may be a “state-based” system. A state-based system stores and maintains the system's current state in a non-volatile memory. Therefore, if a power failure or other malfunction occurs, the gaming system will return to the gaming system's state before the power failure or other malfunction occurred when the gaming system is powered up.

State-based gaming systems may have various functions (e.g., wagering, payline selections, reel selections, game play, bonus game play, evaluation of game play, game play result, steps of graphical representations, etc.) of the game. Each function may define a state. Further, the gaming system may store game histories, which may be utilized to reconstruct previous game plays.

A state-based system is different than a Personal Computer (“PC”) because a PC is not a state-based machine. A state-based system has different software and hardware design requirements as compared to a PC system.

The gaming system may include random number generators, authentication procedures, authentication keys, and operating system kernels. These devices, modules, software, and/or procedures may allow a gaming authority to track, verify, supervise, and manage the gaming system's codes and data.

A gaming system may include state-based software architecture, state-based supporting hardware, watchdog timers, voltage monitoring systems, trust memory, gaming system designed communication interfaces, and security monitoring.

For regulatory purposes, the gaming system may be designed to prevent the gaming system's owner from misusing (e.g., cheating) via the gaming system. The gaming system may be designed to be static and monolithic.

In one example, the instructions coded in the gaming system are non-changeable (e.g., static) and are approved by a gaming authority and installation of the codes are supervised by the gaming authority. Any change in the system may require approval from the gaming authority. Further, a gaming system may have a procedure/device to validate the code and prevent the code from being utilized if the code is invalid. The hardware and software configurations are designed to comply with the gaming authorities' requirements.

As used herein, the term “mobile device” refers to a device that may from time to time have a position that changes. Such changes in position may comprise of changes to direction, distance, and/or orientation. In particular examples, a mobile device may comprise of a cellular telephone, wireless communication device, user equipment, laptop computer, other personal communication system (“PCS”) device, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), personal audio device (“PAD”), portable navigational device, or other portable communication device. A mobile device may also comprise of a processor or computing platform adapted to perform functions controlled by machine-readable instructions.

The methodologies described herein may be implemented by various means depending upon applications according to particular examples. For example, such methodologies may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof. In a hardware implementation, for example, a processing unit may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), digital signal processors (“DSPs”), digital signal processing devices (“DSPDs”), programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other devices units designed to perform the functions described herein, or combinations thereof.

Some portions of the detailed description included herein are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on binary digital signals stored within a memory of a specific apparatus or a special purpose computing device or platform. In the context of this particular specification, the term specific apparatus or the like includes a general purpose computer once it is programmed to perform particular operations pursuant to instructions from program software. Algorithmic descriptions or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is considered to be a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar signal processing leading to a desired result. In this context, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” “embodiment,” “another example,” and/or any similar language should be considered to mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples. While there has been illustrated and described what are presently considered to be example features, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted, without departing from the disclosed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed.

Claims

1. An electronic gaming device comprising:

a plurality of reels, the plurality of reels including one or more areas;

a memory;

a processor configured to generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas, the one or more symbols include a first contagious wild symbol and a first dormant wild symbol, the processor configured to modify the first dormant wild symbol into at least one of a second contagious wild symbol and a wild symbol based on a first interaction determination.

2. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the first interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location.

3. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 2, wherein the first interaction determination is that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away from the first dormant wild symbol location.

4. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to modify a first contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a second interaction determination.

5. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 4, wherein the second interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location.

6. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 5, wherein the second interaction determination is that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away from the second contagious wild symbol location.

7. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to modify at least one of a first contagious wild symbol characteristic, a first dormant wild symbol characteristic, and a second contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a third interaction determination.

8. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 7, wherein the third interaction determination is based on at least one of a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location, a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location, and the first dormant wild symbol location and the second contagious wild symbol location.

9. The electronic gaming device ofclaim 8, wherein the third interaction determination is at least one of that the first contagious wild symbol location is two areas away from the first dormant wild symbol location, the first contagious wild symbol location is two areas away from the second contagious wild symbol location, and the first dormant wild symbol location is two areas away from the second contagious wild symbol location.

10. A method of providing gaming options via an electronic gaming device comprising:

displaying a first contagious wild symbol;

displaying a first dormant wild symbol;

determining a first interaction between the first contagious wild symbol and the first dormant wild symbol; and

modifying the first dormant wild symbol based on the first interaction.

11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the first interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the first interaction determination is that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away from the first dormant wild symbol location.

13. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising modifying a first contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a second interaction determination.

14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the second interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the second interaction determination is that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away from the second contagious wild symbol location.

16. An electronic gaming system comprising:

a server including a server memory and a server processor, the server processor configured to display a plurality of reels which include one or more symbols, the one or more symbols include a first contagious wild symbol and a first dormant wild symbol; and

the server processor configured to modify the first dormant wild symbol into at least one of a second contagious wild symbol and a wild symbol based on a first interaction determination.

17. The electronic gaming system ofclaim 16, wherein the first interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a first dormant wild symbol location.

18. The electronic gaming system ofclaim 17, wherein the first interaction determination is that the first contagious wild symbol location is one area away from the first dormant wild symbol location.

19. The electronic gaming system ofclaim 16, wherein the server processor is further configured to modify a first contagious wild symbol characteristic based on a second interaction determination.

20. The electronic gaming system ofclaim 19, wherein the second interaction determination is based on a first contagious wild symbol location and a second contagious wild symbol location.