Competitive gaming method and system

Disclosed is gaming apparatus, which may be a gaming system and a method of gaming implemented on gaming apparatus. A plurality of linked gaming machines are monitored for the occurrence of a first event. The number of occurrences of the first event for each gaming machine is recorded. On the occurrence of a second event, a bonus is awarded on each said gaming machine on which at least one monitored occurrence of the first event has occurred, the bonus award being dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. AU2006904909, having an international filing date of Sep. 6, 2006, entitled “Competitive Gaming Method and System”, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to gaming apparatus and methods of gaming. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to competitive gaming using gaming machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increase of gambling at gaming venues has come increased competition between gaming venues to obtain a larger share of the total gambling spend. Gaming venue operators have therefore continuously looked for new variations and types of games in order to attract both new and return customers to their venues.

In response to this need, suppliers of gaming devices and systems have attempted to provide the sought after variety, while still developing games that comply with the relevant regulations in the jurisdiction of the gaming venue operator. Suppliers of gaming machines therefore are faced with restrictions on the types of games and gaming apparatus that are allowable, both in terms of the prevailing regulations and in terms of providing a return on investment to the gaming venue operators.

In addition, it is important that a player be able to understand the operation of a game quickly so that the player can start to quickly play the game and therefore extract maximum entertainment from the game.

One method for providing potentially increased entertainment from a game is to offer one or more progressive prizes and/or one or more other special prizes separate from those specified by the pay table of a game played on a gaming machine. When such prizes are paid, the designer and/or operator of the gaming machines must determine when and how each special prize is to be paid.

A special prize may be able to be won by a number of linked gaming machines. In this case, the designer and/or operator of the gaming machines must determine a fair way for each gaming machine to win the special prize. It is an ongoing problem to find new ways of offering special prizes on gaming machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a competitive bonus game on gaming apparatus that includes plurality of linked gaming machines, the method including:

operating each of the plurality of linked gaming machines to provide game play of a game in which a player places a wager on the occurrence of a winning combination as an outcome of the game and the representations of one or more said outcomes are presented on one or more displays of the gaming machine, the gaming machine awarding an award if a winning combination occurs;

monitoring for occurrence of a first outcome during play of the game on each of the gaming machines, the first outcome occurring with substantially equal probability on each of the gaming machines, the representations of the first outcome being either the same or different between the gaming machines;

storing an electronic record of the occurrence of the first outcome on each of the gaming machines and displaying representations of the occurrences of the first outcome on one or more displays of the gaming apparatus, the representations being persistent across separate game plays of the game;

when a trigger event occurs, operating the gaming apparatus in a competition mode in which one or more of the gaming machines enter into a competition;

wherein when the gaming apparatus is in the competition mode, the method further includes:

identifying from the electronic record on which gaming machines the first outcome has occurred;

completing a first round of the competition by determining one or more scores for each of the identified gaming machines, wherein the value of a said score or the number of said scores for a said gaming machine is dependent on the number of occurrences of the first outcome on that gaming machine, as recorded in the electronic record, wherein progression by a gaming machine in the competition is dependent on the score or scores determined for that gaming machine;

completing at least one further round of the competition by determining one or more scores for each gaming machine that has progressed in the competition past the first round, each round designed to eliminate gaming machines from the competition;

awarding an award to a said gaming machine that progresses through all of the rounds of the competition; and

displaying representations on one or more displays of the gaming apparatus of the competition.

In one embodiment, the method may include continuing to monitor for occurrence of the first outcome and when the certain number of the first outcome reoccurs, again placing the gaming apparatus into a competition mode to run a further competition in which occurrences of the first outcome used in a previous competition are disregarded for the further competition. Each gaming machine may allow continued play of the game while the gaming apparatus is placed in the competition mode.

In one embodiment, the process of displaying representations on one or more displays of the gaming apparatus of the competition includes displaying a character to represent each score of a gaming machine and removing said character from the display for the purposes of each subsequent round if the score that it represents does not cause the gaming machine to progress in the competition. The method may further include, for a said character that represents a score that does not cause the gaming machine to progress in the competition, displaying on the one or more displays an animation of that character that represents the characters being removed from the competition. In one embodiment, the method may further include for a said character that represents a score that does cause the gaming machine to progress in the competition, displaying on the one or more displays an animation of that character that represents the characters progressing in the competition. The characters from each gaming machine may be displayed to be distinguishable from each other.

In one embodiment, a plurality of scores are determined for at least one gaming machine, each representing an entry into the competition so that if any one of the scores progresses the gaming machine past the current round of the competition, then the gaming machine progresses in the competition. When a gaming machine progresses in the competition, the number of scores determined for the next round may be dependent on the number of scores that are of a value so as to progress the gaming machine to that next round.

In one embodiment, the number of scores determined for each gaming machine in the first round may be dependent on the number of first outcomes that are recorded in the electronic record as having occurred.

In one embodiment, the trigger event occurs when the electronic record indicates that a certain number of first outcomes has occurred, the number being measured by the number of occurrences on any one of the gaming machines or by the total number of occurrences across the plurality of gaming machines.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use with a plurality of linked gaming machines, the method including monitoring on each of a plurality of linked gaming machines for the occurrence of a first event during play of a game in which a plurality of symbols are presented and if a winning combination occurs the gaming machine awards an award, and monitoring the number of occurrences of the first event on each said gaming machine, wherein following at least one monitored occurrence of the first event on at least one of the gaming machines, the method further includes monitoring play of the game for the occurrence of a second event, and on the occurrence of the second event awarding a bonus award on each said gaming machine on which at least one monitored occurrence of the first event has occurred, the bonus award being dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

In one embodiment, the method includes only awarding the bonus award after at least one monitored occurrence of the first event has occurred on at least two of the gaming machines.

In one embodiment, the first event may be different for at least two of the plurality of linked gaming machines. The second event may also be different for at least two of the plurality of linked gaming machines.

In one embodiment, the first event occurs with constant and substantially equal probability on each said gaming machine. The value of the bonus award or potential value of the bonus award may be dependent on the size of a wager placed immediately before the second event occurred. Alternatively, the probability of occurrence of the first event in any given game play is dependent on the size of a wager placed in that game play. The probability of occurrence of the first event may occur with substantially equal probability on each said gaming machine when equal sized wagers are placed. The size of a wager may be determined solely by the credits wagered per outcome.

In one embodiment, the bonus award is entry into a competition between the gaming machines for a second award, wherein the bonus award is dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event due to the number of occurrences of the first event affecting the likelihood of winning the competition. The method may include allowing each gaming machine to have a plurality of entries in the competition, the number of said entries determined by the number of occurrences of the first event on that gaming machine. Each entry of a gaming machine may be treated separately in the competition. Alternatively, the entries may be combined into a single collective entry.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for use with a gaming machine, the method including monitoring on the gaming machine for the occurrence of a first event during play of a game in which a plurality of symbols are presented and if a winning combination occurs the gaming machine awards an award, and monitoring the number of occurrences of the first event, wherein following at least one monitored occurrence of the first event the method further includes monitoring play of the game for the occurrence of a second event, and on the occurrence of the second event awarding a bonus award, the bonus award being dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

In one embodiment, an award is always awarded following the occurrence of the second event, but the value of the award is determined dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

In one embodiment, the award is a bonus game including at least one game play, wherein the method includes determining the number of game plays awarded in the second game dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event. The number of game plays awarded in the second game may be determined as being equal to the number of occurrences of the first event.

In one embodiment, the method includes awarding a second award dependent on the outcome of the bonus game. The second award may be at least one award selected from the group including: a fixed number of credits, a progressive prize, a physical prize and a monetary pay out.

In one embodiment, the second award can have any one of a plurality of values and the method includes determining a score from the outcome of the bonus game, and determining the value of the second award dependent on the value of the score. The method may include determining an interim score for each game play in the bonus game and the score determined from the outcome of the bonus game may be the highest interim score, or the sum or other mathematical combination of the interim scores or a selection of interim scores.

In one embodiment, the first event is at least one event or combination of events selected from the group: the occurrence of a particular symbol in the plurality of symbols that are presented, the passage of a randomly determined period of time, a recurring event related to game play of the game, for example a particular turnover on the gaming machine, or the purchase of a special symbol by a player of the gaming machine.

In one embodiment, the second event is at least one event or combination of events selected from the group: the occurrence of a particular combination of symbols in the game, the passage of a randomly determined period of time, an event related to game play of the game, for example turnover on the gaming machine or the value of a progressive prize, but independent of the occurrence of any particular combination of symbols, and the occurrence of a predetermined number of occurrences of the first event.

In one embodiment, the method includes only monitoring the number of occurrences of the first event during eligible periods of play. The eligible periods of play may include at least one of: game plays in which a predefined minimum wager has been staked, game plays in which the player has wagered an ante bet, game plays during a period defined by an operator or event related to game play of the game but independent of the occurrence of the first event.

In one embodiment, the method includes awarding the bonus award in the form of entry into a competition with at least one other gaming machine, wherein the number of occurrences of the first event on the gaming machine affects the likelihood of winning the competition.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming system including a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine providing a game in which a plurality of symbols are presented on a display and if a winning combination occurs in the presented plurality of symbols, the gaming machine awards an award, the gaming system including an electronic processing system including one or more game controllers operable to, for each gaming machine:monitor for the occurrence of a first and a second event on the gaming machine and maintain a counter of the number of occurrences of the first event; andwhen the counter indicates that there has been at least one occurrence of the first event, award a bonus award following the occurrence of the second event in the gaming system, the bonus award being dependent on the value of the counter.

In one embodiment, the bonus award includes at least one game play that results in an at least one outcome having a value, the likely value or value range of each said outcome being dependent on the value of the counter and wherein the game controller uses the value of the at least one outcome as a variable in awarding a second bonus award.

In one embodiment, the bonus award includes a number of game plays, each of which results in an outcome, and the number of game plays including the bonus award is determined by the number of occurrences of the first event, wherein the game controller uses the value of the outcomes as a variable in awarding a second bonus award.

In one embodiment, the game controller awards the bonus award to a selection of said gaming machines and compares the outcome or outcomes resulting from the game play or game plays of the selection of gaming machines and determines the second award to each gaming machine dependent on the comparison. The comparison may define winning and losing outcomes, wherein for gaming machines having a winning outcome, the second bonus award is the award of a second bonus game and for gaming machine having a losing outcome the second bonus award is the award of a prize. The second bonus game may be a competitive event between gaming machines with a winning outcome to determine which gaming machine is awarded which of a plurality of prizes.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming machine having a game controller in communication with a display and a user interface that cooperate to provide a game in which a plurality of symbols are presented on the display and if a winning combination occurs in the presented plurality of symbols, the gaming machine awards an award, the game controller operable to:monitor for the occurrence of a first and a second event during play of a game on each said gaming machine and maintain a counter of the number of occurrences of the first event; andwhen the counter indicates that there has been at least one occurrence of the first event, award a bonus award following the occurrence of the second event, the bonus award being dependent on the value of the counter.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method implemented on a gaming system including a plurality of linked gaming machines, the method including defining for each gaming machine a first event and a second event that may occur during play of that gaming machine, monitoring the number of occurrences of the first event during play of each gaming machine and following the occurrence of the second event on one of the gaming machines awarding an award to one of the gaming machines, wherein the probability of a said gaming machine winning the award is dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system including a plurality of linked gaming machines each operable to provide a game during which a first event and a second event may occur during play of that gaming machine, the gaming system including at least one game controller that maintains a counter for each gaming machine and increases the counter on the occurrence of a first event during play of the game on that gaming machine, the at least one game controller awarding a competitive bonus game between at least two of the gaming machines following the occurrence of the second event, the competitive bonus game arranged so that the probability of a gaming machine winning the bonus game is dependent on the value of its respective counter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG. 1of the accompanying drawings, one example of a gaming machine suitable for implementing certain embodiments of the present invention is generally referenced by arrow10.

The gaming machine10includes a console12having a display14on which is displayed representations of a game16, that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of the gaming machine10houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to play the game16. The mid-trim20also houses a credit input mechanism24including a coin input chute24A and a bill collector24B. A top box26may carry artwork28, including for example, pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on the front panel29of the console12. A coin tray30is mounted beneath the console12for cash payouts from the gaming machine10.

The display14shown inFIG. 1is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box26may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display14, or a different type of display.

FIG. 2shows a block diagram of a gaming apparatus, generally referenced by arrow100, suitable for implementing certain embodiments of the present invention. The gaming apparatus100may, for example, operate as a standalone gaming machine of the type shown inFIG. 1. However, the gaming apparatus100may alternatively operate as a networked gaming machine, communicating with other network devices, such as one or more servers or other gaming machines. The gaming apparatus100may also have distributed hardware and software components that communicate with each other directly or through a network. Accordingly, different reference numerals have been used inFIG. 2fromFIG. 1for components that may be equivalent.

The gaming apparatus100includes a game controller101, which in the illustrated example includes a computational device102, which may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other suitable device. Instructions and data to control operation of the computational device102are stored in a memory103, which is in data communication with or forms a part of the computational device102. Typically, the gaming apparatus100will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory103. The instructions to cause the game controller101to implement the present invention will be stored in the memory103.

The gaming apparatus may include hardware meters104for the purposes of regulatory compliance and also include an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with the peripheral devices of the gaming apparatus100. The input/output interface105and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for instructions and data.

In the example shown inFIG. 2, the peripheral devices that communicate with the controller are one or more displays106, user input devices107, a card and/or ticket reader108, a printer109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism110and a coin output mechanism111. One or more of the displays106may include a touch screen106A, forming part of the user input devices107. Additional devices may be included as part of the gaming machine100, or devices omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example a network card112. The network card, may for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from a the central controller, server or database. One or more of the peripheral devices, for example the card/ticket reader108may be able to communicate directly with the network card112.

The game controller101may also include a random number generator113, which generates a series of random numbers that determine the outcome of a series of random game events played as part of a game on the gaming apparatus100. As explained in more detail in relation toFIG. 4, the computational device102may include two or more controllers or processors, which may be local or remote from each other and the displays106.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary block diagram of the main components of the memory103. The RAM103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the computational controller102and related data. The EPROM103B may hold be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the computational controller102using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

FIG. 4shows a gaming system200. The gaming system200includes a network201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming devices202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming devices202inFIG. 4, are connected to the network201. The gaming devices202may be gaming machines10, as shown inFIG. 1or form part or all of another gaming apparatus100. Single gaming devices202and banks203containing three or more gaming devices202may also be connected to the network201.

One or more displays204may also be connected to the network201. The displays204may, for example, be associated with a bank203of gaming devices. The displays204may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming devices202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

Servers may also be connected to the network201. For example, a game server205may generate game outcomes for games played on the gaming devices202, a database management server206may manage the storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices202in a database206A, and a jackpot server207may control one or more jackpots associated with the gaming devices202.

Further servers may be provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system200, including for example a gaming floor management server208, and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run the network201and the devices connected to the network. The various servers described in the gaming200may be separate physical servers or individual server processes run on the same physical device.

The gaming system200may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network and/or a wide area network such as the Internet through a firewall211.

FIGS. 5 to 9show process flow diagrams of a process performed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process may be performed by and within the network gaming system200, in which the gaming devices202may each include part or all of a gaming apparatus100and the following description assumes this implementation. However, those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the process will also be able to be implemented by other gaming systems.

The process is described with reference to a game that is a spinning reel game of the type well known in the gaming industry. However, certain embodiments of the present invention have application to other types of games including card and dice games.

FIG. 5shows a process flow diagram of play of a game16, during the play of which the gaming system200, suitably the game controller101associated with each gaming device202, monitors for the occurrence of a first event and a second event. A definition of these events may be stored in the memory103.

In the following example, the first event is the spinning up of a special symbol in a spinning reel game. However, other events may be used, including the passage of a randomly determined period of time or a recurring event related to game play of the game, for example a particular turnover on the gaming machine. The event may be determined dynamically, so that for example for every game play results in a 1/100 chance of the event occurring. A combination of two or more events may be used, the occurrence of either one of them resulting in advantage in the competition mode. Although in some embodiments it may be possible for a player to lose special symbols, for example by spinning a losing symbol, the preferred embodiment does not have this function.

The player may be required to make a payment, qualify through the achievement of a qualification criterion or set of criteria, or otherwise become eligible before monitoring for the first event occurs.

For example, the player may have to place an ante-bet to be eligible for recognition of the special symbol as a first event. The special symbol could be ‘special’ solely for the reason that it is recognized as the first event. Alternatively the designated special symbol may have other particular characteristics, such as operating as a WILD symbol.

Instead, the first event may only occur when the player has qualified or otherwise become eligible. For example, when there is a 1 in 100 chance of occurrence of the first event when the player is eligible, the gaming controller101may simply not make the determination of whether the event occurs unless the player is eligible.

The player may be given the option to purchase a special symbol, in which case the first event includes that purchase. For example, the player may purchase a special symbol, which may then be displayed on a display106as if it was spun up on a reel. Alternatively, the player may only be given the option to purchase a special symbol when it is spun up on a spinning reel, so that if the player does not purchase the special symbol they do not get the benefit of the special symbol when the competition mode is entered and if the player does purchase the special symbol, then they do get the benefit of the symbol.

In the following example, the second event is the occurrence of a particular number of the first event during a gaming session on a gaming device202. The particular number may be evaluated against each gaming device202individually, or against a plurality of gaming devices202collectively. However, other events may be used, including the occurrence of a particular combination of symbols in a game played on a gaming device202, the passage of a randomly determined period of time, being long enough so that it is likely that one or more occurrences of the first event can be expected to have happened during the period, an event related to game play of games on the gaming devices202, for example collective turnover on the gaming devices202, or the value of a linked progressive prize.

Occurrence of the first event is preferably dependent on game play at a gaming device202, but the second event may be initiated either due to play of the game16, or due to a game system parameter that does not distinguish between gaming devices202. The definition of the first event may vary between gaming devices202. It may be advantageous from a perspective of ease of game design that the first event occurs with equal probability on each gaming device202, particularly in embodiments where there is competition between the gaming devices202for an award.

The process commences at step50and a bonus controller is initialized and network communications between the bonus controller and the gaming devices202are established. The bonus controller may be the jackpot server207, which then effectively forms part of a game controller101for a gaming device202. Initialization of the bonus controller may include setting a jackpot pool to a seed value, and clearing any counters associated with game play. Once the initialization procedures have been completed, the process proceeds to step51, in which a game16is implemented on a gaming device202.FIGS. 5 to 8show the process as implemented from the viewpoint of a particular gaming device202, which is referred to herein as “machine A”.

In step51, a player on machine A makes a wager of x credits and commences a game play of the game16. The player may indicate the wager by operating the user interface107. Machine A records the value of the amount bet and communicates this to the jackpot server207using its network card112. The jackpot server207receives the communication and increments a jackpot pool associated with machine A by, in this example, 5% of the value of the wager. The computation of the increment amount may alternatively be made locally and communicated to the jackpot server207.

Following play of the game play commenced at step51, machine A evaluates if the player has won a prize (step53). In the case of a spinning reel game, a prize may be won by the spinning up of a winning combination of symbols in a pay line that the player has purchased by placing their wager. In this case, machine A looks up the winning combination in a pay table and pays the appropriate prize (step54) and then proceeds to step55. If the player of machine A did not win a prize, then the process proceeds directly from step53to step55.

In step55, machine A evaluates whether the player has acquired a special symbol. Special symbols may be acquired when they appear on the displayed part of a reel in a spinning reel game played on the gaming device202. The special symbols may need to appear on a pay line that has been purchased by the player of the gaming device202, or may be acquired regardless of whether they appear on a purchased pay line. The accumulation of the special symbol may be related to the number of credits bet per pay line. For example, if two bets are made per line, then a single occurrence of a special symbol may result in two special symbols being accumulated. Alternatively, the expected accumulation rate per game play may be independent of the bet size. When the accumulation rate is independent of the bet size, in some embodiments one or more of the prizes available to be won from the competition mode may be varied, for example multiplied by the wager made per line in a spinning reel game.

The special symbols may be any identifiable symbol in the game. If the player has not acquired a special symbol, the process returns to step51and play of the game16continues. If the player has acquired one or more special symbols, each acquired special symbol is displayed on machine A, for example in a section of the display14, or in a display provided in the top box26(step56). The special symbol is also displayed on an overhead display associated with machine A, suitably a display204. The images displayed on the display204may be controlled by the jackpot controller207, whereas the display of the symbol on machine A may be either controlled by the jackpot controller207or controlled by a graphics controller local to the gaming device202.

Special symbols may optionally only be able to be acquired for eligible game plays. Eligible game plays may be game plays in which a certain minimum wager has been staked, game plays in which the player has wagered an ante bet, game plays during a period defined by an operator or otherwise. Alternatively, the special symbols could be acquired, but the gaming device202may not be eligible to enter the competition (see herein below), and may display a message that a competition would have been able to have been entered if they had played in a manner to make them eligible. The gaming device202could then play a bonus game the outcome of which is not dependent on the acquisition of special symbols, the potential awards from this other bonus game, if provided, preferably being small in comparison to the awards available in the competition. This may encourage participation in the competition, participation in which may increase the enjoyment of a player of the gaming device202.

In step58, the game controller101evaluates whether competition mode has been triggered. Competition mode is triggered either by machine A, or by another gaming device202, linked with machine A by virtue of also communicating with the jackpot controller207and contributing to the same jackpot as machine A, acquiring a certain number of special symbols, which may be the maximum number that can be acquired. If machine A is not in competition mode, the process returns to step51, otherwise the process proceeds to B (seeFIG. 6). If competition mode was triggered by another gaming device202(one that is not also controlled by the game controller101) or by a system event, the game controller101monitors for receipt of a signal at its network card112that indicates this occurrence.

If machine A is to enter competition mode due to acquiring the required number of special symbols itself, it communicates the acquisition of the special symbols to the jackpot controller207. The jackpot controller207then takes control of a display106to provide the competition mode, and instructs other gaming devices202linked to machine A by virtue of contributing to the same jackpot pool (refer to step52) to enter into competition mode. Alternatively the jackpot controller207could inform the gaming machine100of which the gaming device202is a part, that the competition mode is to be entered, in which case control of the display106may be retained by the game controller101of that gaming machine instead of by a separate controller in the jackpot controller207.

Referring now toFIG. 6, after a competition has been triggered, the game controller101evaluates whether machine A is eligible to participate in the competition (step59). Eligibility may be determined by machine A currently being played and having acquired a certain number of special symbols, for example one or more special symbols. If machine A is not eligible, then the process returns to step51to continue game play without participating in the competition. If machine A is eligible, the process proceeds to step60, in which a display106of the gaming device202is controlled to display the competition screen to provide entertainment to the player and provide visual feedback as to the result of the competition.

Alternatively all of the linked gaming devices202that are currently being played may be eligible, for example with those not having acquired any special symbols having one entry to the competition (see herein below), and those that have acquired special symbols having more, perhaps substantially more, entries.

The competition may also be implemented as a spinning reel game, but may be otherwise implemented, for example as a dice game, card game, a numbers game or a pin and ball type game. In step61, a message is displayed to the player to spin the reels (or stop the reels if they are already spinning). The number of reels that are spun (n) may be variable and determined dependent on the number of acquired special symbols. For example, if the player of machine A acquired only one special symbol, only one reel may spin, whereas acquiring five special symbols may result in five reels spinning. Although a one to one relationship between the number of special symbols acquired and the number of reels that are spun is described in this example, this is not necessary. Alternatively the number of reels could be fixed, with the outcome of the reel being multiplied by an amount specified by the number of acquired special symbols.

After the player presses a competition button in the user interface107, or after a predetermined short time period expires, the n reels spin (step62) and then stop to display one or more symbols that are used to determine one or more scores for the game play (step63). The score may be indicated by a number that is spun up on each of the reels or a number associated with a symbol that is spun up on the reels. The score may be the sum of the scores from the reels, or alternatively the game play could result in a number of scores, one for each reel. The exemplary process shown inFIGS. 6 to 8assume that the game play results in a score for each acquired special symbol, so that there are n scores S1, S2, . . . Sn. Alternative methods of computing a score from the game may be used.

Next, in step64, the score or scores resulting from the reel spin are displayed on the display106of machine A and on the display204. The scores resulting from special symbols acquired at other gaming devices202linked to machine A may also be displayed on the display204and/or on the display106. This may be performed by displaying a representation of a character for each special symbol and displaying above the character its score. Characters associated with different gaming devices202may be distinguished from each other, for example by being represented as dressed in different color clothes. The characters may participate in a game scenario, which is affected by the outcome of the competition.

The scores of machine A are ranked in relation to the scores of other machines to which machine A is linked (step65). A determination is then made whether any score, Si, of machine A is one of the top three ranked scores. If it is, the process proceeds to C (seeFIG. 7). If not, a prize is paid to the player of machine A (step67). The prize may be determined in a number of ways and may be a fixed monetary prize, which is optionally multiplied by the number of special symbols that were acquired, may be a prize depending on where in the ranking the score or scores of machine A were situated, may be a split of a consolation prize of fixed value or consolation jackpot incremented at a lower rate than the jackpot pool contributed to in step52, or other prize. Alternatively no consolation prize is paid. In addition or alternatively, play in the competition may result in awards being awarded, such awards having no influence on the outcome of the competition.

Following payment of the consolation prize (if any), the acquired special symbols associated with machine A are removed from the display106of machine A and the display204(step68), and the process returns to A (seeFIG. 5). In the case that the gaming device202has two displays106one display may be used to allow continued game play, and the other used to display the normal game or games provided by the gaming device202, allowing the player of machine A to view the result of the competition and continue playing a game, which may allow them to enter the next competition if they acquire the required number of special symbols. This may also allow longer period competition modes without substantially reducing the time available for players to play the game underlying the competition mode.

If at least one of the scores of machine A is determined to be one of the top ranked scores in step66, the player of machine A enters into a second round of the competition. This second round is shown inFIG. 7. In step69, the existing scores of the special symbols that have proceeded through to this round are removed from the display. The characters or other representations of the special symbols that have been eliminated from the competition are removed from the displays106and204and a consolation prize may be awarded to the player of machine A for each eliminated special symbol even if machine A has progressed to the second round. This leaves r special symbols represented for machine A, r being the number of scores that were in the top 3 scores as determined in step66and representations of the r special symbols are displayed on displays106,204(step70). r may be equal to three or may be greater than three because of the possibility of a plurality of scores from the same or different gaming devices202having the same value. In one embodiment, the range of available scores is specifically selected so that r is greater than three often.

A message is then displayed for the player to initiate the spin or stopping of reels (step71) and the player initiates the game play (step72). The number of reels that are spun, r, depends on the number of special symbols that the player has in this next round. When the reels stop, r scores S1, S2, . . . Sr are determined, one for each special symbol in the second round (step73) and these scores are displayed (step74) and ranked in relation to the scores of other special symbols (step75). Steps71to75may therefore be similar to steps61to65completed in the first round of the competition.

In step76, the jackpot controller207or other controller in the gaming system200identifies the top two scores. If none of the special symbols of machine A resulted in one of the top two scores, the process proceeds to steps77and78, in which case a consolation prize may be paid and the special symbols of machine A are removed from the displays106,204and the process returns to A (seeFIG. 5). If a special symbol of machine A is in the top two scores, the process proceeds to D (seeFIG. 8), representing a final round of the competition.

Referring now toFIG. 8, if the machine A enters into the final round, the scores are again removed from the special symbols (step79), eliminated special symbols are removed from the displays106and204(with optional associated payment of a consolation prize), leaving p special symbols, including at least one symbol of machine A competing in the final round. Representations of the p special symbols are displayed on the displays106,204(step80). The final round of play is completed in steps81to84in the same manner as for game play in steps61to64and71to74.

In step85, the jackpot controller207evaluates whether the special symbols of machine A represent the highest score and if so the process proceeds to steps86and87in which the jackpot prize that was contributed to in step52(seeFIG. 5) is paid to the player of machine A, the special symbols are removed from the screens and the process returns to A (seeFIG. 5). The jackpot prize may optionally be multiplied by the credits bet per pay line by the player of machine A in the game that immediately preceded the triggering of the competition mode.

If the special symbols of machine A do not represent the highest score, the process proceeds to step88in which the jackpot controller evaluates whether there has been a tie between the special symbols of machine A and the special symbols of another gaming device202. If there has been a tie, the process returns to steps79and another final round is played. If there is not a tie, this means that machine A has been defeated in the final round, in which case a consolation prize may be paid in step89, the special symbols are removed from the displays106,204(step87) and the process returns to A (seeFIG. 5).

FIGS. 10 to 13show schematic representations of four possible screen shots S1-S4respectively that may be displayed on one or more displays106(seeFIG. 2) and/or on one or more displays204of the gaming system200(seeFIG. 4). The screen shots S1-S4may be displayed as part of an animation or series of animations depicting how the competition plays out.

FIG. 10shows a screen shot S1as it may appear at step60inFIG. 6. At this stage six special symbols have been accumulated through the play of four different gaming devices202. Characters C1-C4representing these special symbols are included in the screen shot S1. Two special symbols occurred on a first gaming device202since the last competition and is therefore allocated two characters C1. A second and a third gaming device202both had a single occurrence of a special symbol and are therefore allocated characters C2and C3respectively. A fourth gaming device202had two occurrences of a special symbol and therefore is allocated two characters C4.

Screen shot S1may continue to be displayed while steps61to63are completed, with the reels involved in these steps displayed on the individual gaming devices202on a different screen to the screen shot S1if the screen shot S1is displayed on a display106of the gaming device202. Alternatively the display may change during this process to represent the competition, for example to show a race between the characters.

The screen shot S1includes a sidewalk300on which the characters C1-C4are located and a road301next to the sidewalk. On the road301is shown two cars302.

Referring toFIG. 11, screen shot S2may be displayed at step64. The scores resulting from step63are displayed above each character C1-C4. In the example the two characters C1achieved scores of 90 and 70, characters C2and C3achieved scores of 40 and 80 respectively and the two characters C4achieved scores of 60 and 80. Therefore, in step66it is determined that both characters C1, character C3and one of the characters C4have the top 3 ranked scores. These four characters progress to the next round whereas character C2and one of the characters C4do not progress. The display of the scores may be omitted in some embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 12, screen shot S3may be displayed following step66. The characters not progressing are shown to enter one of the cars302, which may drive off screen, leaving only the characters that progress to the next round. If a consolation prize is paid at step67, images representing this may be displayed, for example the characters taking a small money bag with them into the cars302.

Referring toFIG. 13, screen shot S4may be displayed at the end of the competition. All but one of the remaining characters enter a car302, optionally taking a consolation prize with them, which may be represented as larger than the prize, if any, shown in screen shot S2. The cars302in subsequent rounds may be larger or otherwise visibly more valuable than the cars302displayed in earlier rounds.

The winning character C4is the only one left on the display and the main prize is paid to the fourth gaming device202, being the gaming device202on which the special symbol occurred that is represented by the character C4. The main prize may be, but is not necessarily, a progressive prize. A further animation may indicate the winner. For example a limousine may be shown to pick up the character C4. In some embodiments more than one winner may be possible, for example if there is no provision to break a tie in the last round of the competition, or if a tie-breaker process still results in a tie. IN this embodiment the main prize may be selected to be divisible and may be shared between the players.

While the example screen shots S1-S4show the progressing characters remaining in place, in an alternative implementation the progressing players could enter the cars and travel to new location, where the next round of the competition is played. The locations and/or the cars transporting the player may become progressively more exclusive through the rounds. The characters that do not progress may not be animated, or alternatively could be animated as travelling off screen by ‘walking’ along the sidewalk300, taking any consolation prize with them.

The process shown inFIGS. 5 to 8implements a gaming system where players of gaming devices compete against each other for the jackpot prize. However, alternatively, a player of a gaming device202may compete against the gaming venue for a prize without regard to the outcomes for any other players. In this alternative, steps50to58(seeFIG. 5) are completed as described herein above and the bonus controller may as described above be the game controller101, which may include the jackpot server207, depending on the particular implementation and depending on whether multiple linked gaming machines can win the same jackpot prizes.

When competition mode has been determined to have been triggered in step58, the process proceeds to step90(seeFIG. 9). The machine A displays n special symbols, dependent on the number accumulated through game play and the display changes to the competition screen (step91). Steps92to94are played in the same manner as for steps61to63(seeFIG. 6). In step95the bonus controller matches the scores, or a single score, which may be the highest score S1, S2, . . . Sn, a sum, product or other mathematical combination of the scores S1, S2, . . . Sn or a score that is otherwise determined with a plurality of scores or ranges of scores associated with a corresponding plurality of prizes. For example a score between 1-10 may result in a first prize, a score between 11 and 20 a second level prize and so on. Depending on the score achieved, the matching award is then awarded (step96).

While the foregoing description has been provided by way of example of certain embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated, which utilize gaming apparatus and machines, those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the present invention also may have application to internet gaming and/or have application to gaming over a telecommunications network, where handsets are used to display game outcomes and receive player inputs.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers having known equivalents, then those equivalents are hereby incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that modifications and additions to the embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.