Patent Publication Number: US-2020302754-A1

Title: Gaming System with Splittable Symbol Positions

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2019900937, filed Mar. 20, 2019, and Australian Patent Application No. 2019232947, filed Sep. 20, 2019. Both applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     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 many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” 
     “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded. 
     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 (RTP=return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore 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. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the disclosure provide split symbol positions that enable larger winning combinations or winning combinations to be formed within a number of columns of symbol positions. 
     In an embodiment a gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) symbol data, (b) a pay table, and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to receive a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation, select symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions, display the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions, and evaluate the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     Another embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) symbol data, and (b) a pay table. The method comprises receiving a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation, selecting symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions, displaying the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions, and evaluating the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     Another embodiment provides a gaming system comprising: a display; one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) symbol data, (b) a pay table, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation; select symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions; display the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions; and evaluate the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example reel strip layout. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a symbol selection method. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are flow charts of embodiments of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a game processing architecture that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example payline arrangement. 
         FIG. 8  is an example screen display. 
         FIG. 9  is a further example screen display. 
         FIGS. 10A to 10I  illustrate example symbol evaluations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure represent an improvement in the art of electronic gaming machines, systems, and software for such electronic gaming machines or systems. For example, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure employ a display that provides a visual modification of a symbol position arrangements in rows and columns to display more symbols per row or column available to be evaluated. In such embodiments, a symbol position is split into multiple sub-positions, for example, an array of sub-options arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of symbols are randomly selected for display at the plurality of symbol positions and at the multiple sub-positions. The symbols displayed on a payline are evaluated for winnings. As the visual modification shows the player that he/she is expanding to accommodate more symbols than expected, the game display is enhanced for the player. 
     Further, the visual modification also provides a simplified player experience such that the player may only need to focus on selecting payline, without being overly burdened by complicated calculations. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide certain payout combinations that are not conventional, as those that utilize memory to store symbol data for multiple symbol sets, such that one or more of these multiple sets is used to determine symbols to be selected in various split symbol positions. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not merely new game rules or simply new display patterns, but provide technologic improvements in the art of electronic gaming machines and software for such electronic gaming machines. Moreover, the above example is not intended to be limiting, but merely exemplary of technologic improvements provided by some embodiments of the present disclosure. Technological improvements of other embodiments are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different models of EGMs, which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present disclosure can be configured to work as a system  100  in a gaming environment including one or more server computers  102  (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices  104 A- 104 X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. 
     Communication between the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102 , and among the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers  102  over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like. 
     In some embodiments, server computers  102  may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present disclosure may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device  104 A, gaming device  104 B or any of the other gaming devices  104 C- 104 X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers  102  described herein. 
     The server computers  102  may include a central determination gaming system server  106 , a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server  108 , a player tracking system server  110 , a progressive system server  112 , and/or a casino management system server  114 . Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server  106  and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices  104 A- 104 X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players. 
     Gaming device  104 A is often of a cabinet construction, which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device  104 A often includes a main door  116 , which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device  104 A typically includes a button area or button deck  120  accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons  122 , an access channel for a bill validator  124 , and/or an access channel for a ticket printer  126 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , gaming device  104 A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device  104 A is a reel machine having a gaming display area  118  comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels  130  with various symbols displayed on them. The reels  130  are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area  118 , which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area  118  may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels  130 . For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area  118  may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area  118  and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s). 
     In many configurations, the gaming machine  104 A may have a main display  128  (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area  118 . The main display  128  can 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, the bill validator  124  may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device  104 A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device  104 A may also include a “ticket-out” printer  126  for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique barcodes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer  126  on the gaming device  104 A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card. 
     In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader  144 , a transceiver for wireless communication with a player&#39;s smartphone, a keypad  146 , and/or an illuminated display  148  for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM  104 A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device  104 A can communicate with the player tracking server system  110  to send and receive player-tracking information. 
     Gaming device  104 A may also include a bonus topper wheel  134 . When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel  134  is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow  136  indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel  134  is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game. 
     A candle  138  may be mounted on the top of gaming device  104 A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons  122 ) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device  104 A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle  138  is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed. 
     There may also be one or more information panels  152  which may be a backlit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), paylines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s)  152  may be implemented as an additional video display. 
     Gaming devices  104 A have traditionally also included a handle  132  typically mounted to the side of main cabinet  116  which may be used to initiate game play. 
     Many or all the above-described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet  116  of the gaming device  104 A, the details of which are shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Note that 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 table tops and have displays that face upwards. 
     An alternative example gaming device  104 B illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device  104 A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device  104 B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device  104 B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display  128 . An optional topper screen  140  may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen  140  may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device  104 B. 
     Example gaming device  104 B includes a main cabinet  116  including a main door  118 , which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device  104 B. The main or service door  118  is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer  126 , and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator  124 . The door  118  may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations. 
     Another example gaming device  104 C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device  104 C includes a main display  128 A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display  128 A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display  128 A is a flat panel display. Main display  128 A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display  128 B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. 
     Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices  104 A- 104 C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device  200  connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device  200  shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices  104 A-X depicted in  FIG. 1 . The games available for play on the gaming device  200  are controlled by a game controller  202  that includes one or more processors  204  and a game that may be stored as game software or a program  206  in a memory  208  coupled to the processor  204 . The memory  208  may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device  200 . Within the mass storage devices and/or memory  208 , one or more databases  210  may be provided for use by the program  206 . A random number generator (RNG)  212  that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator  212  is a pseudo-random number generator. 
     Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server  106  (not shown in  FIG. 2  but see  FIG. 1 ). The game instance is communicated to gaming device  200  via the network  214  and then displayed on gaming device  200 . Gaming device  200  may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device  200 . When a game is stored on gaming device  200 , it may be loaded from a memory  208  (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server  106  to memory  208 . The memory  208  may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor  204 . 
     The gaming device  200  may include a topper display  216  or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet  218 . The gaming cabinet  218  or topper display  216  may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device  200 , including speakers  220 , a ticket printer  222  which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, a ticket reader  224  which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, and a player tracking interface  232 . The player-tracking interface  232  may include a keypad  226  for entering information, a player tracking display  228  for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader  230  for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone-enabling player tracking. Ticket printer  222  may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server  108 . The gaming device  200  may further include a bill validator  234 , buttons  236  for player input, cabinet security sensors  238  to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet  218 , a primary game display  240 , and a secondary game display  242 , each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller  202 . 
     Gaming device  200  may be connected over network  214  to player tracking system server  110 . Player tracking system server  110  may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server  110  is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player-tracking interface  232  to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player&#39;s level of patronage (e.g., to the player&#39;s playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system. 
     Gaming devices, such as gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200 , are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200  are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices  104 A- 104 X,  200  that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general-purpose computers to function as gaming devices  200  is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices  200 , 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices  200  operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software. 
     When a player wishes to play the gaming device  200 , he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator  234  to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader  230 . During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays  240 ,  242 . Other game and prize information may also be displayed. 
     For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons  236 , the primary game display  240  which may be a touch screen, or using some other input device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device  200 . In some embodiments, a player&#39;s selection may apply across a plurality of game instances. For example, if the player is awarded additional game instances in the form of free games, the player&#39;s prior selection of the amount bet per line and the number of lines played may apply to the free games. The selections available to a player will vary depending on the embodiment. For example, in some embodiments a number of paylines may be fixed. In other embodiments, the available selections may include different numbers of ways to win instead of different numbers of paylines. 
     During certain game events, the gaming device  200  may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers  220 . Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device  200  or from lights behind the information panel  152  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer  222 ). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an example of how symbols can be selected for display at symbol positions by the processor of a gaming machine that offers a spinning reel game.  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a set  300  of five reel strips  321 ,  322 ,  323 ,  324 ,  325 . In the example, each reel strip has fifteen reel strip positions  301 - 315 . Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol For example, a “Wild” symbol  331  occupies the sixth reel strip position  306  of the fourth reel  324 . Other reels strips to those illustrated in  FIG. 3  can be used, for example, reel strips where two or more wild symbols are placed at consecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, the reel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. The actual length of the reel strips would depend on factors such as the number of wild symbols (in general, the more wilds there are, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP), and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longer the reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the target RTP). 
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a method  400  carried out by the processor  204  to select symbols from reel strips. At step  410 , the processor  204  starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips. At step  420 , the processor  204  increments the counter. In the first iteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip. At step  430 , the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator  212 . At step  440 , the processor maps the generated number to one of the reel positions of the n th  reel strip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map the generated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values that can be returned from the RNG  212  are divided into ranges and associated with specific ones of the reel positions in memory  208 . In one example, these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the ranges are each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has the same chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may be arranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strip positions. The reel strips may be of different lengths. 
     At step  450 , the processor  204  maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol positions based on the mapped reel position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighboring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of  FIG. 3 , if the value returned by the RNG  212  is mapped to reel position  313 , then for the first reel strip  321 , “Pic3” symbol  343  is mapped to a bottom symbol position, “10” symbol  342  is mapped to a middle symbol position, and “J” symbol is mapped to a top symbol position. 
     At step  460 , the processor  204  determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor reverts to step  420  and iterates through steps  430 ,  440  and  450  until it is determined at step  460  that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends  470 . Different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions. 
     After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol position, the processor  204  controls display  240  to display them at the symbol positions. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate methods in which a gaming machine operates in order to enable it to incorporate a number of symbol positions that are split into sub-positions from which symbols are selected in order to enable the provision of winning combinations having more symbols than there are symbol position. The embodiment of  FIG. 5A  employs modified reels, which incorporate “split symbols” and selects symbols using the technique described in relation to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The embodiment of  FIG. 5B  employs a modification of the symbol selection technique described in relation to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in order to separately select symbols for both symbol positions and sub-positions. In the embodiments, the processor evaluates the symbols in a manner that enables larger winning combinations. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a game processing architecture  300  that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments described herein. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the gaming processing pipeline starts with having a UI system  1302  receive one or more player inputs for the game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system  1302  generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system  1314 . Game processing backend system  1314  then processes the RNG calls with RNG engine  1316  to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNG outcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine  1320  to generate one or more game outcomes for the UI system  1302  to display to a player. The game processing architecture  1300  can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively. Alternatively, portions of the gaming processing architecture  1300  can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices, such as central determination gaming system server  106  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The UI system  1302  includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system  1302  could include one or more game play UIs  1304 , one or more bonus game play UIs  1304 , and one or more multiplayer UIs  1306 , where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI  1304 , bonus game play UI  1304 , and the multiplayer UI  1304  may 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. Using  FIG. 6  as an example, the different UI elements are shown as game play UI elements  1306 A- 1306 N and bonus game play UI elements  1310 A- 1310 N. 
     The game play UI  1304  represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements  1306 A- 1306 N (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 system  1302  could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI  1308  represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements  1310 A- 1310 N 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 element  1306 A- 1306 N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements  1310 A- 1310 N. In other embodiments, the game play UI element  1306 A- 1306 N can differ from to the bonus game play UI elements  1310 A- 1310 N. 
       FIG. 6  also illustrates that UI system  1302  could include a multiplayer UI  1312  purposed for game play that differ or is separate from the typical base game. For example, multiplayer UI  1302  could 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 engines  1316  corresponding to each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine a tournament outcome. To enhance a player&#39;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. Although  FIG. 6  does not explicitly depict that multiplayer UI  1312  includes UI elements, multiplayer UI  1312  could also include one or more multiplayer UI elements. 
     Based on the player inputs, the UI system  1302  could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system  1314 . As an example, the UI system  1302  could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine  1316  could utilize gaming RNG  1318  and/or non-gaming RNGs  1319 A- 1319 N. Gaming RNG  1318  corresponds to RNG  212  shown in  FIG. 2 . As previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 2 , gaming RNG  1318  often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply with regulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, gaming RNG  1318  could 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 RNG  1318  could collect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from an operating system (OS). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs  1319 A- 1319 N may not be cryptographically secure and/or be computational less expensive. Non-gaming RNGS  1319 A- 1319 N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes for non-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs  1319 A- 1319 N can generate random numbers for such as generating random messages that appear on the gaming device. The RNG conversion engine  1320  processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine  1316  and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system  1302 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , RNG conversion engine  1320  corresponds to RNG conversion engine  210  used for game play. As previously described, RNG conversion engine  1320  translates the RNG outcome from the RNG  212  to a game outcome presented to a player. RNG conversion engine  1320  utilizes one or more lookup tables  1322 A- 1322 N 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 engine  1320  could 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 to 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 system  1314  sends the UI outcome to the UI system  1302 . 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 system  1302  updates one or more game play UI elements  1306 A- 1306 N, such as symbols, for the game play UI  1304 . In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements  1310 A- 1310 N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI  1308 . In response to the 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. 8  illustrates an example of a set of symbol positions  700  having a plurality of symbol positions  701 - 715  of which symbol positions  702 ,  705 ,  706 ,  707 ,  708 ,  709 ,  710 , and  714  are split symbol positions each having two columns and two rows of sub-positions. In other embodiments, there may be, for example, two columns of three sub-positions or three columns of three sub-positions. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5A , in one embodiment, at step  510  the processor  206  receives a player selection that specifies a number of paylines. For example, the player may select from a number of different options that specify different numbers of paylines using buttons  236  (of  FIG. 2 ). In another example, the number of paylines may be fixed and specified by the player selecting an amount to wager. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , memory  208  stores reels that have some reel strip positions having a single symbol and some reel strip positions that have multiple symbols arrange in an array of two columns and two rows and the processor  204  selects  530  the symbols for display using the method of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     At step  540 , the processor evaluates the selected set of symbols based on the specified paylines.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a set of five paylines  601 - 605 . From  FIG. 7 , it will be apparent that each payline passes through one symbol position of each column  611 - 615  to indicate which symbol position of each column will be used in the evaluation of winning combinations for that payline as described in further detail below in relation to the examples. Where a symbol position is split, the processor  204  evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination. This enables larger winning combinations to be formed, including winning combinations that include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     The manner in which the processor  204  evaluates symbols can vary from embodiment to embodiment as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 10A to 10I . In each of  FIGS. 10A to 10I  only a line formed from the middle row  911  of symbol positions is evaluated by way of example. In each example, underlined symbols ACE (A) symbols are those that are determined by the processor to form part of a combination. The combinations are then compared to a pay table in memory  208  to determine if they are winning combinations and the prize that applies. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10A , there is shown an example, where the processor evaluates sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations can be formed by symbols being in either one or both of the columns of sub-positions of a split symbol position. In this example, as there is an ACE (A) symbol in the left hand column  921  of sub-positions of the symbol position of the third column  903  as well as symbols in the first, second and fourth columns, the processor  204  evaluates  550  that there are four aces which is a winning combination and hence determines  560  an award from pay table in memory  208  before the game ends  570 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B , there is shown an alternative example, where the processor evaluates sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations can only be formed by a symbol of a winning combination being in a column of the sub-positions that is consecutive with another sub-position or a symbol position having the symbol of the winning combination. As there is no Ace in the right hand column  922  of symbol positions, only 3 Aces are in the winning combination. 
       FIG. 10C  shows a further example of applying the evaluation of  FIG. 10B  where an Ace symbol is in the right hand column of sub-positions  922 . As a result, there are only two Aces which in this example is insufficient for there to be a winning combination. 
       FIG. 10D  shows the same arrangement of symbols as  FIG. 10C  but with the evaluation of  FIG. 10A  applied resulting in a combination of four ACES. 
       FIG. 10E  shows and example, where as there are ACES in both columns  921 ,  922  of sub-positions, there are combinations of four ACES irrespective of whether the evaluation of  FIG. 10A or 10B  is applied. 
       FIG. 10F  shows and example, where as there are ACES in both columns  921 ,  922  of sub-positions, there are combinations of five ACES irrespective of whether the evaluation of  FIG. 10A or 10B  is applied. 
       FIG. 10G  shows an example, where an Ace is in the right hand column  924  of sub-positions where the evaluation of  FIG. 10A  is applied with the result of a combination of five ACES. 
       FIG. 10H  shows an example, where an Ace is in the right hand column  924  of sub-positions where the evaluation of  FIG. 10B  is applied with the result of a combination of four ACES. 
       FIG. 10I  shows and example, where as there are ACES in both columns  923 ,  924  of sub-positions of the third and fourth columns  903 ,  904 , there are combinations of five ACES irrespective of whether the evaluation of  FIG. 10A or 10B  is applied. 
     From the foregoing examples, it should be apparent that the symbol display of  FIG. 8  results in a combination of 5 Eskimos, if the evaluation of  FIG. 10A  is applied, or 7 Eskimos, if the evaluation of  FIG. 10B  is applied. Where the evaluation of  FIG. 10A  is applied, combinations of up to m*N symbols may result, where N represents the number of columns of symbol positions, and m represents the number of columns of symbol sub-positions. For example, the symbol array of  FIG. 8 , which displays 5 columns of symbol positions and 2 columns symbol sub-positions in the middle row, can result in 10-of-a-kind combinations. 
     The evaluation to be applied may be selectable by the player. In embodiments, step  510  includes receiving from the player, e.g. via buttons  236 , a selected bet amount per line associated with a corresponding evaluation. For example, higher bet amounts are associated with the evaluation of  FIG. 10A , whereas lower bet amounts are associated with the evaluation of  FIG. 10B . 
       FIG. 5B  shows an alternative embodiment which incorporates and additional step  520  of designating at least one symbol position to be a split symbol position. In one example, the processor  204  uses RNG  212  to select from a weighted table of options that correspond to different combinations of one or more symbol positions being split into sub-positions. Ranges of values that can be returned to by RNG are assigned to the different combinations. 
     In one example, the processor  204  selects symbols for each symbol position using the technique described above but for each split position the selected symbol is not displayed and is overridden by a separate selection for the sub-positions. An advantage of this embodiment, is that outcomes are less predictable than where the symbols at sub-positions of a reel strip position are fixed. In one example, the processor  204  selects stopping positions of a reel strip corresponding to each column of sub-positions. In one example, the processor uses the same reel strip as applies to the column within which the split position is located for each column of sub-positions. In another example, different reel strips are used for columns of sub-positions. In a further example, individual reel strips can be used for each symbol position or sub-position. 
     A number of features employed can be combined with the above embodiments, including: “stacked” symbols as shown at symbol positions  801 ,  802  of  FIG. 9 ; cash on reels; repeat wins; free games; “sticky” or held wild; etc. 
     An example embodiment provides a gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (a) symbol data, (b) a pay table, and (c) instructions which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation; select symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions; display the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions; and evaluate the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, when executed, the instructions cause the processor to evaluate paylines in a defined order of symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, when executed, the instructions cause the processor to evaluate symbol positions of respective paylines from left to right on the basis that symbols of winning symbol combinations must be at consecutive symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, when executed, the instructions cause the processor to evaluate sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations must be formed from a symbol of a winning combination be in a column of the sub-positions that is consecutive with another sub-position or a symbol position having the symbol of the winning combination. 
     In an example embodiment, when executed, the instructions cause the processor to evaluate sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations may be formed by symbols in either one or both of the columns of sub-positions of a split symbol position. 
     In another example embodiment, a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (a) symbol data, and (b) a pay table, the method comprising: receiving a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation; selecting symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions; displaying the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions, and evaluating the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, the method comprises evaluating paylines in a defined order of symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, the method comprises evaluating symbol positions of respective paylines from left to right on the basis that symbols of winning symbol combinations must be at consecutive symbol positions. 
     In an example embodiment, the method comprises evaluating sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations must be formed from a symbol of a winning combination be in a column of the sub-positions that is consecutive with another sub-position or a symbol position having the symbol of the winning combination. 
     In an example embodiment, the method comprises evaluating sub-positions of split symbol positions on the basis that winning symbol combinations may be formed by symbols in either one or both of the columns of sub-positions of a split symbol position. 
     Another example embodiment provides a gaming system comprising: a display; one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (a) symbol data, (b) a pay table, and (c) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a player selection for play of a game, wherein the player selection specifies paylines to be used in an evaluation; select symbols for a set of symbol positions, the set of symbol positions comprising a plurality of columns of symbol positions, wherein each payline is formed from a symbol position of each column, wherein at least one symbol position is split into a set of sub-positions comprising at least two columns of sub-positions, and symbols are selected from the symbol data for each of the sub-positions; display the selected symbols on the display at respective symbol positions and sub-positions; and evaluate the displayed symbols based on the symbol positions on specified paylines and the pay table, wherein, for each split symbol position and each specified payline that includes the respective split symbol position, the processor evaluates whether a symbol from each column of sub-positions contributes to a winning combination, whereby winning combinations can include more symbols than symbol positions. 
     Another example embodiment provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements the above method. 
     Another example embodiment provides a computer readable medium comprising the computer program code. 
     While the disclosure has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.