Electronic gaming machines, systems, and methods for providing electronic gaming with community aspects

A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a primary display device, a player input interface, and a game controller. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to cause to be displayed a base game, identify a number of selected reels, and determine, for each reel, a reel symbol to be displayed after a spin of each reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to determine a game enhancement for the base game and cause to be displayed on each reel the reel symbol determined to be displayed on each reel. The instructions further cause the game controller to cause to be displayed an animation indicating the game enhancement will be provided, wherein the animation originates at a secondary display device and determine a game outcome based at least on the displayed reel symbols on each selected reel and the game enhancement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and more particularly, to systems and methods for providing electronic gaming with community aspects.

BACKGROUND

Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, a player may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondary game, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, or after the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, the player is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awarded during play, the game credits are typically added to a credit meter total on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”

Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a gaming machine is described. The gaming machine includes at least one primary display device, a player input interface configured to receive player input from a player, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least cause to be displayed, on the at least one primary display device, a base game, identify a number of reels of a plurality of reels displayed on the at least one primary display device that are selected for play of the base game, and determine, for each reel, a reel symbol of a plurality of reel symbols to be displayed after a spin of each reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to determine a game enhancement to be applied to the base game and cause to be displayed on each reel, after a spin of the plurality of reels, the reel symbol determined to be displayed on each reel. The instructions further cause the game controller to cause to be displayed an animation indicating the game enhancement will be provided, wherein the animation originates at a secondary display device separate from the at least one primary display device included on the electronic gaming machine and determine a game outcome based at least on the displayed reel symbols on each selected reel and the game enhancement.

In another aspect, a gaming system is described. The gaming system includes at least one primary display device, a player input interface configured to receive player input from a player, and a game controller configured to execute instructions stored in a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. When executed by the game controller, the instructions cause the game controller to at least cause to be displayed, on the at least one primary display device, a base game, identify a number of reels of a plurality of reels displayed on the at least one primary display device that are selected for play of the base game, and determine, for each reel, a reel symbol of a plurality of reel symbols to be displayed after a spin of each reel. The instructions also cause the game controller to determine a game enhancement to be applied to the base game and cause to be displayed on each reel, after a spin of the plurality of reels, the reel symbol determined to be displayed on each reel. The instructions further cause the game controller to cause to be displayed an animation indicating the game enhancement will be provided, wherein the animation originates at a secondary display device separate from the at least one primary display device and determine a game outcome based at least on the displayed reel symbols on each selected reel and the game enhancement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide EGMs, systems, and methods for providing electronic gaming with community aspects. More specifically, the electronic gaming systems described herein provide at least one electronic game played on an EGM that includes a base game, wherein during play of the base game, animations may be triggered and displayed on community display devices such that they are visible and/or otherwise communicated to players on a plurality of EGMs in a bank of EGMs. For example, the gaming system may include an overhead community display, visible for each player of a plurality of players at a plurality of EGMs in a bank of EGMs. During play of a base game, a game enhancement may be provided to a player at an EGM in the bank of EGMs. When the game enhancement is provided, an animation appears that is visible for all players at EGMs in the bank of EGMs. In some embodiments, the animation may spread to at least one different EGM in the bank of EGMs such that a game enhancement is also provided at the different EGM, and so forth. Accordingly, the EGMs, systems, and methods described herein increase player excitement and sense of community while playing electronic games because game enhancements are visible to all players at EGMs in the bank of EGMs and animations associated with the game enhancements may spread from EGM to EGM. The animations are also visible to potential players near the EGMs, and may attract potential players to the bank of EGMs in order to participate in the electronic gaming described herein. Further, while game enhancements may spread from EGM to EGM, each player still plays their own personal game.

Electronic games played on the devices described herein may vary. Although the example embodiment describes gameplay similar to that of a keno game, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments gameplay may include bingo games, card games (e.g., poker games), roulette games, and other games capable of being played on EGMs. In some embodiments, a player may be able to choose which game to play at an EGM (e.g., the EGM is capable of executing any of the electronic games described herein, and a player can choose which electronic game to play). As is described below in more detail, each embodiment includes various aspects of community gameplay including game enhancements.

Communication between the gaming devices104A-104X and the server computers102, and among the gaming devices104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices104A-104X and the server computers102can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers102using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In many configurations, the gaming device104A may have a main display128(e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area118. The main display128can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player's smartphone), a keypad146, and/or an illuminated display148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device104A can communicate with the player tracking system server110to send and receive player tracking information.

Example gaming device104B includes a main cabinet116including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer126and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator124. The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

FIG.2Ais a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device200connected to various external systems in accordance with the present disclosure. All or parts of the example gaming device200shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices104A-X depicted inFIG.1. As shown inFIG.2A, gaming device200includes a topper display216or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) that sits above cabinet218. Cabinet218or topper display216may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device200, including speakers220, a ticket printer222which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader224which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface232. Player tracking interface232may include a keypad226for entering information, a player tracking display228for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), and a card reader230for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking.FIG.2Aalso depicts utilizing a ticket printer222to print tickets for a TITO system server108. Gaming device200may further include a bill validator234, player-input buttons236for player input, cabinet security sensors238to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet218, a primary game display240, and a secondary game display242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller202.

The games available for play on the gaming device200are controlled by a game controller202that includes one or more processors204. Processor204represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor204can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor204can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor204is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. AlthoughFIG.2Aillustrates that game controller202includes a single processor204, game controller202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multiple processors204(e.g., two or more processors).

FIG.2Aillustrates that processor204is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory208is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatile memory and other types of non-transitory data storage components. Volatile memory is memory that does not retain data values upon loss of power. Nonvolatile memory is memory that does retain data upon a loss of power. Examples of memory208include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. In addition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even thoughFIG.2Aillustrates that game controller202includes a single memory208, game controller202could include multiple memories208for storing program instructions and/or data.

Memory208can store one or more game programs206that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various embodiments (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory208. In one or more embodiments, game program206is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor204in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory208and run by processor204; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory208and executed by processor204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory208to be executed by processor204.

Alternatively, game programs206can be setup to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device200exchange with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server106(not shown inFIG.2Abut shown inFIG.1). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance” refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device200presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance is communicated to gaming device200via the network214and then displayed on gaming device200. For example, gaming device200may execute game program206as video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from memory208(e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server106to memory208. Note that embodiments of the present disclosure represent an improvement in the art of EGM software and provide new technology in that they enhance a sense of community during electronic gaming by providing game enhancements that are viewable to players at different EGMs, and in some embodiments spread from EGM to EGM. These embodiments are thus not merely new game rules or simply a new display pattern.

One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices200satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,FIG.2Aillustrates that gaming device200includes an RNG212that utilizes hardware and/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNG operations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply with regulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a reel game, game program206can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG212to generate RNG outcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcome for a reel. In another example, gaming device200can be a Class II gaming device where RNG212generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingo cards. In one or more embodiments, RNG212could be one of a set of RNGs operating on gaming device200. More generally, an output of the RNG212can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by the game controller202. Game developers could vary the degree of true randomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending on game requirements. The output of the RNG212can include a random number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to as a “random number”).

FIG.2Aillustrates that gaming device200includes an RNG conversion engine210that translates the RNG outcome from RNG212to a game outcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a game developer can setup the RNG conversion engine210to utilize one or more lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element, stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of a game feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device200pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine210could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mapping between the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts.

AlthoughFIGS.1and2Aillustrate specific embodiments of a gaming device (e.g., gaming devices104A-104X and200), the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments shown inFIGS.1and2A. For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops and have displays that face upwards. Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices104A-104X and200can include credit transceivers that wirelessly communicate (e.g., Bluetooth or other near-field communication technology) with one or more mobile devices to perform credit transactions. As an example, bill validator234could contain or be coupled to the credit transceiver that output credits from and/or load credits onto the gaming device104A by communicating with a player's smartphone (e.g., a digital wallet interface). Gaming devices104A-104X and200may also include other processors that are not separately shown. UsingFIG.2Aas an example, gaming device200could include display controllers (not shown inFIG.2A) configured to receive video input signals or instructions to display images on game displays240and242. Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the game controller202. The use and discussion ofFIGS.1and2Aare examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG.2Bdepicts an example casino gaming environment in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example, the casino251includes banks252of EGMs104. In this example, each bank252of EGMs104includes a corresponding gaming signage system254. According to this implementation, the casino251also includes mobile gaming devices256, which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. The mobile gaming devices256may, for example, include tablet devices, cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In this example, the mobile gaming devices256are configured for communication with one or more other devices in the casino251, including but not limited to one or more of the server computers102, via wireless access points258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices256may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices256may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server106, one of the EGMs104, etc.

Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices256may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices256may not, depending on the particular implementation.

In some implementations, the casino251may include one or more kiosks260that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks260may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices256. The kiosks260may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons262and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons262via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks260may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device256for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron262is ready to cash out, the casino patron262may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device256, which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device256may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk260via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk260may provide monetary credits to the patron262corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc.

In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server108. For example, the TITO system server108may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device256and/or a kiosk260.

Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server110. Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device256may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices256may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.

FIG.2Cis a diagram that shows examples of components of a system for providing online gaming in accordance with the present disclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, the numbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown inFIG.2Care merely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices, including, but not limited to, end user devices (EUDs)264a,264band264care capable of communication via one or more networks417. The networks417may, for example, include one or more cellular telephone networks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs264aand264bare mobile devices: according to this example the EUD264ais a tablet device and the EUD264bis a smart phone. In this implementation, the EUD264cis a laptop computer that is located within a residence266at the time depicted inFIG.2C. Accordingly, in this example the hardware of EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although each EUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUD may be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may include other types of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured for online gaming.

In this example, a gaming data center276includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks417. The gaming data center276is capable of communication with the networks417via the gateway272. In this example, switches278and routers280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center276, including storage devices282a, servers284aand one or more workstations570a. The servers284amay, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server284aafter selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks417. The server284aonto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers284a. Although only one gaming data center276is shown inFIG.2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming data centers276.

In this example, a financial institution data center270is also configured for communication via the networks417. Here, the financial institution data center270includes servers284b, storage devices282b, and one or more workstations286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center270is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations, one or more of the authorized users274a-274cmay maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center276may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers284amay be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s)284amay be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s)284amay be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center270. The server(s)284amay, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center276may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center270and the gaming data center276include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center270and/or the gaming data center276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center270and/or the gaming data center276may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center276(or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs264and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs264(including but not limited to the authorized users274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices282and/or servers284. Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices282and/or servers284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center276) by authorized users.

In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center276. One or more other devices (such EUDs264or devices of the gaming data center276) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users.

FIG.3illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a game processing architecture300that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments described herein. As shown inFIG.3, the gaming processing pipeline starts with having a UI system302receive one or more player inputs for the game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system302generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system314. Game processing backend system314then processes the RNG calls with RNG engine316to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNG outcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine320to generate one or more game outcomes for the UI system302to display to a player. The game processing architecture300can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices104A-104X and200shown inFIGS.1and2, respectively. Alternatively, portions of the gaming processing architecture300can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices, such as central determination gaming system server106shown inFIG.1.

The UI system302includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system302could include one or more game play UIs304, one or more bonus game play UIs308, and one or more multiplayer UIs312, where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI304, bonus game play UI308, and the multiplayer UI312may utilize a variety of UI elements, such as mechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanical reels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video display or a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present game play to a player. UsingFIG.3as an example, the different UI elements are shown as game play UI elements306A-306N and bonus game play UI elements310A-310N.

The game play UI304represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or more virtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In a subsequent game instance, the UI system302could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements310A-310N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more embodiments, at least some of the game play UI element306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements310A-310N. In other embodiments, the game play UI element306A-306N can differ from the bonus game play UI elements310A-310N.

FIG.3also illustrates that UI system302could include a multiplayer UI312purposed for game play that differs or is separate from the typical base game. For example, multiplayer UI312could be set up to receive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating to a tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary game mode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gaming device is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate a tournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines316corresponding to each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine a tournament outcome. To enhance a player's gaming experience, tournament mode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/or other operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament game play. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back the gaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present the base game. AlthoughFIG.3does not explicitly depict that multiplayer UI312includes UI elements, multiplayer UI312could also include one or more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system302could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system314. As an example, the UI system302could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine316could utilize gaming RNG318and/or non-gaming RNGs319A-319N. Gaming RNG318corresponds to RNG212shown inFIG.2. As previously discussed with reference toFIG.2, gaming RNG318often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply with regulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, gaming RNG318could be a cryptographic random or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., Fortuna PRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more game features. To generate random numbers, gaming RNG318could collect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from an operating system (OS). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs319A-319N may not be cryptographically secure and/or be computationally less expensive. Non-gaming RNGS319A-319N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes for non-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs319A-319N can generate random numbers for such as generating random messages that appear on the gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine320processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system302. With reference toFIG.2, RNG conversion engine320corresponds to RNG conversion engine210used for game play. As previously described, RNG conversion engine320translates the RNG outcome from the RNG212to a game outcome presented to a player. RNG conversion engine320utilizes one or more lookup tables322A-322N to regulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example, the RNG conversion engine320could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome and the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on the different game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game.

After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system314sends the UI outcome to the UI system302. Examples of UI outcomes are symbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel. In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system302updates one or more game play UI elements306A-306N, such as symbols, for the game play UI304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI308. In response to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequently provide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instance that progresses through the game processing pipeline.

FIG.4demonstrates an example community gaming environment400including EGMs402,404,406with display devices408,410,412as described herein. Environment400also includes a gaming chair414,416,418for each EGM402-406, and a community overhead display device420. In the example shown inFIG.4, EGMs402-406are included in a gaming table422. In some embodiments, gaming table422includes any number of display devices such that animations can be displayed on all, or at least a portion, of gaming table422. In some embodiments, EGMs may be grouped in any fashion, such as being included in a bar top, as an example. In some embodiments, gaming chairs414-418include chair display devices424,426,428that may be similar to any of the display devices described herein. In some embodiments, EGMs402-406embody any of EGMs104A-104X and display devices408-412embody any of displays128,128A.

In the example shown inFIG.4, players at EGMs402-406play their own individual wagering game, however a community aspect is also included. A community aspect may include, for example, a game enhancement that is presented to a player during play of a wagering game, including an animation visible to all players at or near gaming table422. Game enhancements may also spread from EGM to EGM (e.g., such that game enhancements are provided at each EGM), with corresponding animations spreading across table422and any of the display devices described in environment400.

In the example embodiment, game controllers (e.g., game controller202) of EGMS402-406determine when a game enhancement will be provided during play of a game. The game controllers of EGMs402-406may utilize an RNG (e.g., RNG212) and an RNG conversion engine (e.g., RNG conversion engine210) to determine when a game enhancement will be provided. Upon determining a game enhancement will be provided, the game controller communicates with a central server associated with table422(e.g., central server106), and the central server initiates display of an animation indicating the triggering of the game enhancement (e.g., on community overhead display device420). For example, the central server may control one or more of the display devices in environment400to display an animation associated with a game enhancement.

For example, say gameplay at EGM402triggers a game enhancement. Accordingly, a game enhancement animation in environment400is triggered (e.g., by a central server in communication with EGM402). In the example embodiment, the game enhancement animation includes lightning bolts. In some embodiments, a game enhancement animation may originate at overhead display device420. In the example of a lightning bolt animation being the game enhancement animation, an animation of a lightning bolt may originate at overhead display420and appear to “strike” EGM402including display device408. The animation may be shown on all display devices associated with EGM402, such as display device408and display device424. In some embodiments, the animation may travel around the entirety of, or a portion of, table422before ending at EGM402. Accordingly all players at EGMs402-406at table422will have increased excitement as the animation travels around table422in environment400hoping that the lightning animation ends at their EGM, and they are awarded with a game enhancement.

In some embodiments, once the game enhancement has been applied to a game, a visual representation, perhaps the same or similar to the game enhancement animation, may remain at at least one display device associated with the EGM executing the game with the game enhancement. Furthering the example described above, if a game enhancement is provided at EGM402, display devices408and424may display an animation different from display devices410,412,426, and428, in order to indicate that gameplay on EGM402is currently enhanced with the game enhancement. For example, display devices408and424may continue displaying lightning bolts, or other animations, to indicate a game enhancement is currently being applied to gameplay executed by EGM402.

In some embodiments, the game enhancement animation may be displayed as moving from one EGM to another EGM. Continuing the example described above, after, or during, gameplay on EGM402includes a game enhancement, a player at EGM406may be awarded with a game enhancement. The game enhancement animation may originate at EGM402(e.g., at display device408and/or portions of table422near EGM402), and travel to EGM406, thus “passing through” EGM404. Accordingly, the game enhancement animation gives players of EGMs402-406a sense of community in that game enhancement animations travel from display devices on or near one EGM402-406to another EGM402-406.

FIG.5is an example community gaming environment500, similar to environment400. Environment500demonstrates an embodiment of environment400, including overhead display device420, additional overhead display devices502,504, and a plurality of EGMs and display devices associated therewith. In the example shown inFIG.5, overhead display devices502,504may display further enhancement animations similar to as was described above. For example, overhead display device420may display information relating to gameplay on the plurality of EGMs, such as progressive jackpot amounts for progressive jackpots associated with the plurality of EGMs, while overhead display devices502,504may display enhancement animations that have not yet been associated with gameplay on an EGM.

For example, continuing the example described above, lightning animations may be displayed on overhead display devices502,504giving the appearance that they are preparing to “strike” an EGM below and indicate the initiation of a game enhancement of gameplay on an EGM as described herein. In some embodiments, the game enhancement animation on overhead display devices502,504may change (e.g., increase in size, brightness, quantity, etc.) before a game enhancement is applied to gameplay on an EGM, indicating, for example, a game enhancement is about to be applied or there is a higher likelihood a game enhancement will be applied in the near future.

Although environments400and500are described above, it should be appreciated that many different environments, including any number of, as examples, EGMS (e.g., EGMS402-406), display devices (e.g., display devices408-412), tables (e.g., table422) are further examples of embodiments as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, table422may be configured to be a bar top wherein animations may be displayed as going from one position on the bar top to a different position on the bar top. As another example display devices and tables as described herein may be configured to be used in an arena-type environment (e.g., for E-sports competitions). The various display devices described herein may display animations associated with a particular game being played during the competition in order to communicate information (e.g., to other players, fans, and online viewers of the competition, etc.). A plurality of tables422, for example, may be linked together for purposes of an E-sports competition, with each table422facing a community display device (e.g., community overhead display device420) that may display information regarding the competition (e.g., player/team standings, results, etc.). For example, different animations may be displayed on display devices of the tables when a particular player and/or team achieves certain objectives in a game being played. Implementation of different embodiments of the environments described herein help increase excitement of players and/or viewers, while also visually communicating important information to all players/viewers to further increase a community feel associated with use of the environments described herein.

FIG.6is an example display area600displayed on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) of an EGM (e.g., EGMs402-406) during play of a base game. Displayed in display area600are a plurality of positions602(one through eighty), resembling that of a keno-style game. In some embodiments, any number of positions may be displayed in display area600. In the example embodiment, each of the plurality of positions602includes a reel to be spun during play of the game (e.g., each position of plurality of positions602is an individual reel).

In the example embodiment, a player may select a number of positions, of plurality of positions602, to be selected/identified during the base game. For example, as shown inFIG.6, a player has selected positions604,606, and608, corresponding to numbers three, thirteen, and forty two respectively. Accordingly positions604,606, and608have a lock symbol displayed thereon, and appear lighter/brighter than the other positions in display area600. Upon a player initiating play of the base game (e.g., by selecting the “SPIN” option shown inFIG.6) each of the reels at the plurality of positions602are spun, whether selected or not. In some embodiments, a minimum number of positions are required to be selected in order to initiate play of the base game. Accordingly, if the player has not chosen up to the minimum number of positions needed to initiate base game play, a game controller (e.g., game controller202), or any other computing device described herein, may select the number of remaining positions (e.g., by utilizing an RNG such as RNG212) required to meet the minimum number of positions requirement. Notably, even reels included in positions that are not selected for the base game are still spun along with reels included in positions that are selected for the base game.

In some embodiments, there may be a maximum number of positions a player may select during any single play of the base game (e.g., twenty positions). In some embodiments, a player may change the player-selected positions for future plays/spins of the base game, and/or request different positions be selected by, for example, the game controller. In some embodiments, a game controller may select all of the positions (e.g., all twenty) for the player. In these embodiments, the game controller may randomly select the positions before a reel spin occurs, or after a spin of the reels is complete (e.g., increasing player excitement and anticipation because the player hopes a position with a prize symbol (e.g., prize symbol616) displayed thereon is selected). In the example described above, all of the positions include at least one reel that is spun during the base game. In some embodiments, only reels at selected positions (e.g., selected by a player or automatically by a computing device) are spun. In some embodiments, reels stop spinning at different times during a particular play of the base game. As an example, reels at selected positions may stop one-by-one as a play of the base game proceeds. Further, after the reels at the selected positions have stopped, reels at un-selected positions may stop. In some embodiments, where a game controller or other computing device selects positions for a player, the reels at positions not selected by the player, but selected by the game controller or other computing device, may stop one-by-one during play of the base game to indicate to the player which positions were selected that the player did not manually select. These example embodiments increase player enjoyment during play of the base game described herein because play of the base game persists as each selected reel stops one-by-one, and then awards displayed at positions not selected (e.g., not awarded the player) only appear at the very end of the base game when the player can quickly initiate another play of the base game and not focus on the displayed awards that they did not win (e.g., awards displayed at positions that were not selected).

FIG.7Ais an example display area700displayed on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) of an EGM (e.g., EGMs402-406) after a play of a base game as described above with respect toFIG.6. Accordingly, positions604,606, and608are still selected (e.g., with a lock symbol shown and a brighter background). In this example, six positions were required to be selected before play of the base game could be initiated. Accordingly, positions610,612, and614correspond to positions that were randomly selected by a game controller (e.g., game controller202utilizing RNG212as described above). Some positions of plurality of positions602include a prize symbol616displayed therein. In the example embodiment, a player only wins prize values associated with prize symbols displayed in the selected positions. Accordingly, any selected spaces (e.g., positions604-614) with a prize symbol616displayed therein indicate award amounts the player has won during that play of the base game. For example, as shown inFIG.7A, positions604and608include prize symbols616displayed therein. Accordingly, the player has won fifty credits (twenty-five for prize symbol616displayed at position604and twenty-five for prize symbol616displayed at position608).

It should be noted that prize symbols are selected from a plurality of prize symbols, wherein prize symbols may be associated with different values. For example, the plurality of prize symbols may include prize symbols indicating different prize values (e.g., as shown inFIG.7Aas “25”, “50”, and “75”) and/or prize symbols indicating a jackpot win (e.g., progressive jackpot symbols including “MINI,” “MINOR,” MAJOR,” etc.). In some embodiments, the plurality of prize symbols may include blank symbols (e.g., symbols with no value associated therewith). In the example embodiment, all symbols displayed on positions of plurality positions602are “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) symbols. In other words, the symbols themselves indicate the prize value associated therewith (e.g., by being a number, such as “25”, “50”, or “75” as shown inFIG.7A).

FIG.7Bis an example display area700displayed on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) of an EGM (e.g., EGMs402-406) during play of the base game described above with respect toFIG.7A. Because prize symbols616were displayed at positions604and608after a first play of the base game described above, prize symbols616remain at positions604and608during a subsequent play of the base game as shown inFIG.7B. Accordingly, each of the reels associated with positions other than positions selected by the player with prize symbols displayed thereon (e.g., positions604,608) are spun (e.g., as indicated by arrows inFIG.7B).

FIG.7Cis an example display area700displayed on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) of an EGM (e.g., EGMs402-406) after play of the base game described above with respect toFIG.7B. After reels are spun as described above, prize symbols616are displayed at positions according to a game outcome different than the outcome described above with respect toFIG.7A. However, prize symbols616displayed at selected positions (e.g., positions604and608) remain displayed because the reels associated with positions604and608were not spun.

As shown inFIG.7C, a prize symbol616is now displayed at position606. Accordingly, during future plays of the base game, prize symbol616displayed at position606will remain and the reel associated therewith will not be spun until a new base game is started. If a player stops playing the game after the outcome shown inFIG.7Cdisplayed, the player would be awarded with at least the prize values associated with prize symbols616displayed at selected positions (e.g., 125 credits because of the “25” prize symbols displayed at positions604and608, and the “75” prize symbol displayed at position606).

As described above, game enhancements may be triggered during play of the base game. A game enhancement may be any way of enhancing the player experience during play of the base game. As examples, a game enhancement may be selection of additional reels (e.g., in addition to and different from previously selected/identified reels), application of a multiplier to a value associated with a displayed prize symbol, otherwise increasing the value associated with a displayed prize symbol, or an increase of a progressive jackpot. In some embodiments, a game enhancement may be the triggering of a bonus game. In some embodiments, a bonus game may be triggered by display of a number of prize symbols at the selected positions during play of a base game (e.g., if prize symbols are displayed at at least six selected positions). In some embodiments, prize symbols displayed at selected positions during the base game may remain in play during play of the bonus game, while reels at other positions are spun during play of the bonus game, as shown inFIG.8.

FIG.8is an example display area800on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) of an EGM (e.g., EGMs402-406) during play of a bonus game as described above. In the example embodiment, when the bonus game is triggered, plurality of positions602is modified based on reel symbols (e.g., prize symbols616) displayed on selected reels such that fewer positions of the plurality of positions are displayed in a bonus game display area802(e.g., wherein the plurality of positions are converted to be included on bonus game reels). However, selected positions with prize symbols displayed thereon are kept/locked (e.g., remain in play) for the bonus game. For example, positions604-608with prize symbols displayed thereon are displayed in display area802. The remaining positions needed to fill bonus game display area802are chosen at random (e.g., positions 08, 17, 30, 38, etc. as shown inFIG.8). Although bonus game display area802is a 3×5 configuration in the example embodiment shown inFIG.8, it should be noted that bonus game display area may be of any configuration (e.g., 5×5, etc.).

In the example embodiment, bonus game play is similar to base game play, other than that during bonus game play a player is awarded an initial number of free spins and, upon completion of the bonus game, the player is awarded with values associated with bonus symbols displayed at any position in bonus game display area802, not just selected positions as was the case in the base game (e.g., there are no specific “selected” positions in the bonus game). For example, upon triggering of the bonus game, a player may be awarded ten free spins. For each spin, any prize symbols already being displayed are locked, and positions/reels with no symbols display thereon are spun. In the example embodiment, as described above, prize symbols include WYSIWYG symbols, such as prize symbols including credit values (e.g., 25 credits) and/or jackpot values (e.g., a jackpot prize symbol804). At the end of the bonus game, the player is awarded with all of the prize values associated with bonus symbols displayed after the final spin (e.g., the tenth spin).

Further, game enhancements as described above may be awarded during play of the bonus game. Game enhancements as mentioned above may applied to the bonus game (e.g., multipliers, etc.), or additional enhancements specific to the bonus game such as being awarded an additional number of free spins.

While in the example embodiment a keno-style game played in gaming environments (e.g., environments400,500) with game enhancements was described, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of games may be played on EGMs in the environments described herein. For instance, EGMs402-406could operate a bingo-style, card-style, and/or a roulette-style game, each with game enhancements. Some game enhancements may be unique to the style of game being played. For example, in a card-style game, a game enhancement could be a card being replaced with a WYSIWYG symbol as described above

An example roulette-style game with game enhancements may be provided. A roulette wheel may be displayed on a display device (e.g., display devices408-412) including 37 or 38 traditional roulette wheel positions (depending on inclusion of “0” and/or “00”). A player may place a wager based on which number(s) they predict a ball will land on, as is customary in roulette games. However, in this example embodiment, if the ball lands on a position associated with a number wagered on by the player, the position may transition to being a reel. The reel will then spin, and a player may be awarded with an additional prize/game enhancement (e.g., additional award amount (credits, cash, etc.), a progressive jackpot win, a free car, etc.). In some embodiments, the additional prizes/game enhancements that may be awarded to a player may change based on a wager amount place by a player and/or the amount of numbers selected by the player. For example, if a player selects only a single number and the ball lands on a position with that number displayed thereon, the player may be eligible to win higher value prizes than they would have if they had selected, as example, four different positions the ball may land on. Similar prizes/game enhancements may be presented to the player based on other wagers traditionally associated with roulette games (e.g., red/black, even/odd, etc.). In some embodiments, for the position to transition/convert to being a reel, a player may be required to place an additional wager, a side wager, and/or the player wager on the roulette game may be adjusted to fund the reel spin.