Patent Publication Number: US-11640744-B2

Title: Gaming system with symbol-driven approach to randomly-selected trigger value for feature

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/069,743, filed Oct. 13, 2020, which claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2019903852, filed Oct. 14, 2019, and Australian Patent Application No. 2020244390, filed Sep. 28, 2020, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present application relates to a gaming system, a gaming device and methods of operating the gaming system and the gaming device. 
     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 
     One described embodiment provides a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device, and a gaming system where a feature game is triggered if the collection of designated symbols across a plurality of game instances results in a mystery trigger value being reached. In an example, the feature game is selected at random from a plurality of feature games. 
     Another described embodiment provides a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming devices and a link controller, and a method of operating the gaming system. The gaming devices are configured to notify the link controller of wins satisfying a criterion, e.g., a jackpot win at a gaming device, after which the link controller, controls at least the non-winning gaming devices to output a win celebration, preferably a win celebration sound in synchronization. 
     In one example embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (i) data defining a set of reel strips, and (ii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to initialize a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by randomly selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable symbol counter initial values having an upper limit, and randomly select a trigger value from a range defined between the selected symbol counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value is greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values. In each game instance, the processor controls the display to display a current value of the symbol counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, selects symbols from the set of reel strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and increments the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the selected symbols. Responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, the processor awards a feature game. 
     Another example embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display. The method comprises initializing a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by randomly selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable symbol counter initial values having an upper limit, and randomly selecting a trigger value from a range defined between the selected symbol counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value is greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values. In each game instance, the method comprises controlling the display to display a current value of the symbol counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, selecting symbols from a set of reel strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and incrementing the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the selected symbols. The method also comprises, responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, awarding a feature game. 
     Another example embodiment provides a gaming system comprising one or more processors and at least one memory storing (i) data defining a set of reel strips; and (ii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they cause the one or more processors to initialize a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by randomly selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable symbol counter initial values having an upper limit, and randomly select a trigger value from a range defined between the selected symbol counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value is greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values. In each game instance, the one or more processors control a display to display a current value of the symbol counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, select symbols from the set of reel strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and increment the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the selected symbols. Responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, the one or more processors award a feature game. 
     Another example embodiment provides a gaming system comprising a link controller comprising a processor, and a memory storing link controller instructions, and a plurality of gaming devices. Each gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing gaming device instructions which when executed cause the respective gaming device processors to (i) conduct a game including by displaying game outcomes on the respective displays, and (ii) responsive to a defined winning condition being met, communicate occurrence of the winning condition being met to the link controller. When the link controller instructions are executed by the processor of the link controller, they cause the link controller to respond to a communication of the occurrence of the winning condition from one of the plurality of gaming devices by communicating a win celebration command to at least each other gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices. When the gaming device instructions are executed by the gaming device processor, they cause at least each other gaming device to respond to receipt of the win celebration command by outputting a win celebration. 
     Another example embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming system comprising a link controller and a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a display. The method comprises operating each active gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices to conduct a game including displaying game outcomes on the display of the respective gaming device, responsive to a defined winning condition being met at one of the gaming devices, communicating occurrence of the winning condition being met to the link controller, responding, by the link controller, to a communication of the occurrence of the winning condition from one of the plurality of gaming devices by communicating a win celebration command to each other gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices, and responding by at least each other gaming device to receipt of the win celebration command, by outputting a win celebration. 
    
    
     
       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. 
         FIG.  5    is flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device. 
         FIGS.  6  to  12    are example screen displays. 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram of a gaming system of an embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is flow chart of a method of operating the gaming system of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is flow chart of another method of operating the gaming system of  FIG.  13   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A gaming system randomly selects a trigger value for a feature, which starts when the current value of a symbol counter reaches the trigger value. For example, a gaming system includes memory that stores data defining a set of reel strips and further stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include initializing a symbol counter. When the symbol counter is initialized, an initial value of the symbol counter is randomly selected from a range of allowable initial values having an upper limit. The operations further include randomly selecting a trigger value from a range between the initial value and a ceiling value, which is greater than the upper limit. For an instance of a base game, the operations include selecting symbols from the set of reel strips for display. For the instance of the base game, the operations further include incrementing the current value of the symbol counter based on the count of designated symbols, if any, among the selected symbols. Responsive to the current value of the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, the feature is started. 
     This mechanism for triggering a feature can improve usability of electronic gaming devices in the gaming system and enhance the user experience. In some cases, the symbol counter tracks the cumulative count of designated symbols across multiple instances of the base game, while the trigger value remains hidden, which can increase user anticipation as the current value of the symbol counter increases. By controlling the range for the randomly-selected initial value of the symbol counter and controlling the range for the trigger value, this mechanism provides a useful tool for managing volatility and return to player (“RTP”) in a computationally-effective way, while also improving usability and enhancing the user experience. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention 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 website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, 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 invention 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 well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes 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 back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, 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 invention 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. 
     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. 
       FIG.  5    is a flow chart of an embodiment of operating a gaming device  200 . In one example, at step  505 , the method starts responsive to a player starting a gaming session at the gaming device, e.g., by establishing a credit balance or inserting a player card. In other examples, the method may start when the gaming device is initialized. 
     At step  510 , processor  204 , determines whether a reset condition is met. In an example, there are two reset conditions other than when the gaming device is first initialized: (i) that a new gaming session has been started, and (ii) that a feature game has been awarded. In other examples, a new gaming session may not be a reset condition such that the value of the designated symbol counter described below persists until it is reset by a feature game being awarded. 
     Where the reset condition is met, the processor  204  proceeds to step  515  and randomly selects an initial value for a designated symbol counter using random number generator  212 . In one example, a routine implemented by RNG is configured to receive data defining a range from the processor  204  (e.g., data defining that the RNG should return an integer between a start number and an end number) and return a value within the defined range. In an example, processor  204  request RNG  212  to return a value between 1100 and 1400. 
     At step  520 , processor sets the value returned from RNG  212  as the symbol counter initial value. The counter initial value will be displayed on display  240  at step  530 . 
       FIG.  6    is an example screen display where the counter graphic  660  is displayed in conjunction with a spinning reel game having five columns of symbol positions  641 - 645 , each having four symbol positions. 
     Counter graphic  660  displays a current counter value  662 , which in this example is an initial value “1133.” Counter graphic  660  also shows the designated symbol  661  (a “Buffalo” symbol) and has a message  663  indicating that a “Free feature must be won before 1800 [designates symbols] collected.” 
     At step  525 , processor uses RNG  212  to select a trigger value. To do so, the processor supplies data defining a range between the initial value (e.g., 1133) and a defined ceiling value (e.g., 1800). RNG  212  returns a value in this range and processor  204  stores the returned value as a hidden trigger value in memory  208 . 
     At step  532 , the processor  204  receives a wager and hence initiates a game instance (typically called a “base game”). At step  535 , processor  204  selects symbols from a set of reel strips stored in memory  208  that include the designated symbol. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates an example of a set  300  of five reel strips  341 ,  342 ,  343 ,  344 ,  345 . In the example, each reel strip has thirty reel strip positions  301 - 330 . Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a “Wild” symbol  331  occupies the twenty-eighth reel strip position  328  of the fourth reel  344 . 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 game reel strips depends 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). In this example, the reel strips have “stacks” of the designated symbol, here the “Pic  1 ” symbol. That is, each reel strip has a number of consecutive reel strip positions occupied by the Pic  1  symbol, thus forming a stack. See, for example, the first to fourth reel strip positions  301 - 304  of the first reel  341 . Stacks of symbols enable the symbol to be more readily seen during spinning of the reel strips and also allow more than one of the symbol that is stacked (here, Pic  1 ) to be selected. In the example, the Pic  1  symbol takes the form of a Buffalo, and an example of the symbol  661  is included within counter graphic  660  to communicate to the player that this is the designated symbol to be collected in order to trigger a feature game. 
       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 n th  reel strip to an n th  column of symbol display 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 three other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at three 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  341 , “Pic  1 ” symbol  353  is mapped to a bottom symbol position, “10” symbol  352  is mapped to the symbol position immediately above, “Pic  2 ” symbol  351  is mapped to the next symbol position, and “9” symbol is mapped to a top symbol position of the column. 
     At step  460 , the processor  460  determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor  204  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 . In other examples, different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions, e.g., 3 symbols to 3 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. 
     At step  537 , processor  204  evaluates the selected symbols for winning combinations based on the received wager and a pay table stored in memory  208 . 
     At step  540 , processor  204  determines whether the selected symbols include one or more designated symbols and, if they do, at step  545  updates the designated symbol counter. In an example, processor  204  updates the symbol counter dynamically as the symbols land. In this respect,  FIG.  7    is an example screen display  700  where a current counter value  762  is “1438” and the reel strips corresponding to each of the columns  641 - 645  are simulated as spinning. 
       FIG.  8    is an example screen display  800  that shows that the first to third reels (first to third columns  641 - 643 ) have stopped spinning and that three designated symbols  851 - 853  have landed in the third column  643 . Fourth and fifth reels  644 , 645  continue to spin. Current counter value  862  is updated to the value “1441” to reflect the landing of three designated symbols relative to  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  9    is an example screen display  900  after the fourth and fifth reels (corresponding to fourth and fifth columns) have stopped spinning, and five further designated symbols  954 - 958  have landed in the fourth and fifth columns. Current counter value  962  has been updated by processor  204  to the value “1446” to reflect the landing of five designated symbols relative to  FIG.  8   . 
     If at step  540 , there are no designated symbols, processor  204  reverts to step  532  and waits for receipt of a further wager before conducting a further game instance. In some examples, other game instances such as a free-games-based feature game may be triggered following the selection of the symbols, and the processor  204  checks whether the feature game is triggered before reverting to step  532 . 
     At step  550 , processor  204  determines whether updating the designated symbol counter has caused the trigger value stored in memory  208  to be reached (i.e., equaled or exceeded) and, if not, reverts to step  532 . 
     If the trigger value is reached at step  550 , processor  204  proceeds to step  555  and awards a feature game (i.e., some form of additional game play), in this example by randomly selecting a feature game from among a plurality of feature games, each having different characteristics. In other examples, processor  204  may award a fixed feature game. In an example, each of the feature games are triggerable from a game instance independently of the symbol counter reaching the trigger value. 
     In one example, processor  204  uses RNG  212  and a weighted table stored in memory to select from among three feature games. In one example, each of the feature games has the same probability of being awarded; in other examples, award of the feature games is weighted so that there are different probabilities of the feature games being selected. 
     In one example, when processor  204  awards a feature game, the identity of the awarded feature game is not immediately apparent to the player.  FIG.  10    shows an example screen display  1000 , wherein following the award of a feature game being triggered, processor  204  control display  240  to display the message “Press start feature button” and it is only after the player presses the button that the feature game is revealed. 
       FIGS.  11  and  12    are example screen displays  1100 , 1200  for a hold and spin feature as indicated by “Hold &amp; Spin Feature” message  1120  and a free games feature as indicated by “Free Game  1  of  6 ” message  1210  respectively. 
     At step  560 , processor  204  conducts the awarded feature game before reverting to step  510 , which will result in processor  204  determining at step  510  that a reset condition has been met. In other examples (not shown), the processor  204  conducts the awarded feature game after resetting the counter and controlling the display  240  to display the reset counter. By resetting the counter first (before conducting the awarded feature game), the collection of designated symbols re-commences during the awarded feature game (where this is part of the game play of the feature game), rather than after completion of the awarded feature game. 
     Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the designated symbol is collected across a plurality of game instances until the trigger value is reached and a feature game is awarded. In other examples, more than one symbol may be a designated symbol. 
       FIG.  13    is an example of a gaming system  1300  in which the gaming device  200  may be deployed. In the example, four gaming devices  1321 - 1324  implement the method of operating a gaming device described above with reference to  FIGS.  5  to  12   . 
     Each gaming device  1321 - 1324  is connected to a Vertex jackpot controller  1310  (also referred to herein as a “link controller”). As indicated schematically in  FIG.  13   , the gaming devices  1321 - 1324  are arranged in close proximity to one another and in proximity to an overhead sign  1330  which is also connected to the link controller  1310 . In one example, the gaming devices  1321 - 1324  may be arranged in a bank under a horizontal sign. In another example, the gaming devices  1321 - 1324  may be arranged in a cross-shaped arrangement under a circular overhead sign. 
     Additional functionality is incorporated into the controller  1310  and the gaming devices  1321 - 1324  in order to enable shared win celebrations across the gaming devices  1321 - 1324  and also the overhead sign  1330 . As shown in  FIG.  14   , a method of operating  1400  the gaming system  1300  comprises the processor (not shown) of controller  1310  executing instructions of program code stored in memory (not shown) of controller  1310 , in order to control the overhead sign at step  1410  to be in an “attract loop”—e.g., displaying the name of the game and/or information about the game and/or graphics related to the game to attract players to the gaming devices. 
     Meanwhile each active gaming deice is conducting games and displaying outcomes on their respective displays. 
     At step  1420 , one of the gaming devices has a large win, in this example, a “Grand jackpot win,” processor  204  of the respective gaming device, determines whether the win meets a defined winning condition (e.g., a category of win, a win above a threshold amount, etc.) and as a Grand jackpot win satisfies a win condition communicates occurrence of the winning condition being met at step  1430  by notifying the controller  1310  of the jackpot win. 
     At step  1440 , the program code executed by the processor of the link controller  1310  causes the link controller  1310  to respond to a communication of the occurrence of the winning condition from one of the gaming device by communicating a win celebration command to each of the gaming devices of the plurality of gaming devices  1321 - 1324 . In some examples, controller  1310  only outputs the win celebration command to the gaming devices other than the gaming device that had the jackpot win because the winning gaming device will already be outputting a win celebration in the form of graphics and/or sound. 
     The processor  204  has a routine for monitoring for communications from the link controller and responds to receipt of a win notification command by outputting a win celebration. In one example, by outputting a win celebration sound stored in memory via a speaker. In this example, the controller also controls the sign  1330  to output a win celebration sound via an associated speaker. In other examples, one or more gaming devices may output win celebration graphics, for example, if the gaming devices are inactive. In an example, the win celebration command contains data that enables gaming devices  1321 - 1324  to synchronize output of the win celebration. In one example, controller  1310  maintains a clock cycle corresponding to a duration of an attract sequence and outputs the current value of the clock so that gaming devices can synchronize play of an attract sequence as described below. In one example, the win celebration command includes a clock value at which the celebration sequence should be output. 
     At step  1450 , the controller controls the sign  1330  to play an animation sequence celebrating the win. After the animation sequence completes at step  1460 , controller reverts to controlling the sign  1330  to play the attract sequence at step  1410 . 
       FIG.  15    is a method of operating  1500  the gaming system  1300  to synchronize play of an attract sequence on any inactive gaming devices of gaming devices  1321 - 1324  and sign. As indicated above, sign  1330  is controlled by controller  1310  to output an attract sequence. The attract sequence has a defined duration (e.g., 20 seconds), and controller  1310  maintains a clock cycle corresponding to the duration of the attract sequence that counts down from the defined duration to zero then restarts. Controller  1310  is configured to output the current value of the clock so that gaming devices, for example as part of a polling process for checking communications are working properly, receive the current clock value output. In one example, where the attract sequence is 30 seconds in duration, controller  1310  outputs the clock value every second as follows: 29, 28 . . . 3, 2, 1, 0, 29, 28, etc. In another example the clock value increases, for example: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 . . . . 28, 29, 0, 1, 2, 3, etc. 
     At step  1510 , responsive to the processor of an individual gaming device determining that it is no longer being played (e.g., after a cash-out process is completed) the processor enters an attract mode. At step  1520 , processor  204  controls the display of the respective gaming device to display an attract sequence that has the same length as the defined duration. 
     At step  1530 , after a first loop of attract sequence is complete, the gaming device determines based on the clock value output by the controller  1310 , whether the condition that a time modification required to be in synchronization with the attract sequence output by the controller  1310  is zero. While this remains false at step  1550  (e.g., because the attract sequence is still playing on the sign  1330 ), the processor  204  of the gaming device pauses the attract loop on the display of the gaming device. Once it becomes true at step  1540 , the processor  204  resumes playing the attract loop but now in synchronization with the sign. For example, if a gaming device completes the first loop of attract sequence at clock value 5, the next loop of attract sequence does not commence for four further time notification from the controller  1310  (i.e., clock values 4, 3, 2, 1). Then on the next time notification (i.e., clock value 0) from the controller  1310 , the gaming device commences the next loop of the attract sequence. 
     In addition to the claims, innovative features described herein include, but are not limited to the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Feature 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 A1 
                 A gaming device comprising: 
               
               
                   
                 a display; 
               
               
                   
                 a processor; and 
               
               
                   
                 a memory storing (i) data defining a set of reel strips; and (ii) instructions which when 
               
               
                   
                 executed cause the processor to: 
               
               
                   
                 initialize a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by randomly 
               
               
                   
                 selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable symbol counter 
               
               
                   
                 initial values having an upper limit; 
               
               
                   
                 randomly select a trigger value from a range defined between the selected symbol 
               
               
                   
                 counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value is 
               
               
                   
                 greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values; 
               
               
                   
                 in each game instance, control the display to display a current value of the symbol 
               
               
                   
                 counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, select symbols from the set of reel 
               
               
                   
                 strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and 
               
               
                   
                 increment the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the 
               
               
                   
                 selected symbols; and 
               
               
                   
                 responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, award a feature game. 
               
               
                 A2 
                 The gaming device as in A1, wherein awarding a feature game comprises the processor 
               
               
                   
                 randomly selecting between a plurality of feature games, each having different 
               
               
                   
                 characteristics. 
               
               
                 A3 
                 The gaming device as in A2, wherein each of the feature games are triggerable from a 
               
               
                   
                 game instance independently of the symbol counter reaching the trigger value. 
               
               
                 A4 
                 The gaming device as in any one of A1 to A3, wherein a reset condition is the symbol 
               
               
                   
                 counter reaching the trigger value. 
               
               
                 A5 
                 The gaming device as in any one of A1 to A3, wherein a reset condition is the processor 
               
               
                   
                 detecting a new gaming session. 
               
               
                 A6 
                 A method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, the method comprising: 
               
               
                   
                 initializing a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by 
               
               
                   
                 randomly selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable 
               
               
                   
                 symbol counter initial values having an upper limit; 
               
               
                   
                 randomly selecting a trigger value from a range defined between the selected 
               
               
                   
                 symbol counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value 
               
               
                   
                 is greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values; 
               
               
                   
                 in each game instance, controlling the display to display a current value of the 
               
               
                   
                 symbol counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, select symbols from a set of 
               
               
                   
                 reel strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and 
               
               
                   
                 incrementing the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the 
               
               
                   
                 selected symbols; and 
               
               
                   
                 responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, awarding a feature 
               
               
                   
                 game. 
               
               
                 A7 
                 The method as in A6, wherein awarding a feature game comprises the processor randomly 
               
               
                   
                 selecting between a plurality of feature games, each having different characteristics. 
               
               
                 A8 
                 The method as in A7, wherein each of the feature games are triggerable from a game 
               
               
                   
                 instance independently of the symbol counter reaching the trigger value. 
               
               
                 A9 
                 The method as in any one of A6 to A8, wherein a reset condition is the symbol counter 
               
               
                   
                 reaching the trigger value. 
               
               
                 A10 
                 The method as in any one of A6 to A8, wherein a reset condition is the processor detecting 
               
               
                   
                 a new gaming session. 
               
               
                 A11 
                 A gaming system comprising: 
               
               
                   
                 one or more processors; and 
               
               
                   
                 at least one memory storing (i) data defining a set of reel strips; and (ii) instructions which 
               
               
                   
                 when executed cause the one or more processors to: 
               
               
                   
                 initialize a symbol counter in response to a reset condition being met by randomly 
               
               
                   
                 selecting a symbol counter initial value from a defined range of allowable symbol counter 
               
               
                   
                 initial values having an upper limit; 
               
               
                   
                 randomly select a trigger value from a range defined between the selected symbol 
               
               
                   
                 counter initial value and a symbol counter ceiling value, wherein the ceiling value is 
               
               
                   
                 greater than the upper limit of the range of allowable symbol counter initial values; 
               
               
                   
                 in each game instance, control a display to display a current value of the symbol 
               
               
                   
                 counter and the ceiling value of the symbol counter, select symbols from the set of reel 
               
               
                   
                 strips for display on the display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, and 
               
               
                   
                 increment the symbol counter based on a number of designated symbols included in the 
               
               
                   
                 selected symbols; and 
               
               
                   
                 responsive to the symbol counter reaching the trigger value, award a feature game. 
               
               
                 B1 
                 A gaming system comprising: 
               
               
                   
                 a link controller comprising a processor, and a memory storing link controller 
               
               
                   
                 instructions; 
               
               
                   
                 a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a display, a 
               
               
                   
                 processor, and a memory storing gaming device instructions which when executed cause 
               
               
                   
                 the respective gaming device processors to (i) conduct a game including by displaying 
               
               
                   
                 game outcomes on the respective displays, and (ii) responsive to a defined winning 
               
               
                   
                 condition being met, communicate occurrence of the winning condition being met to the 
               
               
                   
                 link controller, 
               
               
                   
                 wherein when the link controller instructions are executed by the processor of the 
               
               
                   
                 link controller, they cause the link controller to respond to a communication of the 
               
               
                   
                 occurrence of the winning condition from one of the plurality of gaming devices by 
               
               
                   
                 communicating a win celebration command to at least each other gaming device of the 
               
               
                   
                 plurality of gaming devices, and 
               
               
                   
                 wherein when the gaming device instructions are executed by the gaming device 
               
               
                   
                 processors, they cause at least each other gaming device to respond to receipt of the win 
               
               
                   
                 celebration command by outputting a win celebration. 
               
               
                 B2 
                 The gaming system as in B1, wherein each gaming device comprises at least one speaker, 
               
               
                   
                 and when the gaming device instructions are executed they cause at least each other 
               
               
                   
                 gaming device to output the win celebration by outputting a celebration sound via their 
               
               
                   
                 respective at least one speaker. 
               
               
                 B3 
                 The gaming system as in B1 or B2, wherein the win celebration command comprises data 
               
               
                   
                 to enable the plurality of gaming devices to output the win celebration in synchronization. 
               
               
                 B4 
                 The gaming system as in any one of B1 to B3, wherein the win celebration command is 
               
               
                   
                 sent to all of the plurality of gaming devices. 
               
               
                 B5 
                 A method of operating a gaming system comprising a link controller and a plurality of 
               
               
                   
                 gaming devices, each gaming device comprising a display, the method comprising: 
               
               
                   
                 operating each active gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices to conduct 
               
               
                   
                 a game including by displaying game outcomes on the display of the respective gaming 
               
               
                   
                 device; 
               
               
                   
                 responsive to a defined winning condition being met at one of the gaming devices, 
               
               
                   
                 communicating occurrence of the winning condition being met to the link controller; 
               
               
                   
                 responding, by the link controller, to a communication of the occurrence of the 
               
               
                   
                 winning condition from one of the plurality of gaming devices by communicating a win 
               
               
                   
                 celebration command to each other gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices; and 
               
               
                   
                 responding, by at least each other gaming device to receipt of the win celebration 
               
               
                   
                 command, by outputting a win celebration. 
               
               
                 B6 
                 The method as in B5, wherein each gaming device comprises at least one speaker, and 
               
               
                   
                 wherein outputting the win celebration comprises outputting a celebration sound via the at 
               
               
                   
                 least one speaker of the respective gaming devices. 
               
               
                 B7 
                 The method as in B5 or B6, comprising outputting the win celebration in synchronization 
               
               
                   
                 based on data of the win celebration command. 
               
               
                 B8 
                 The method as in any one of B5 to B7, comprising sending the win celebration command 
               
               
                   
                 to all of the plurality of gaming devices. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     While the invention 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 invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.