Patent Publication Number: US-2023144671-A1

Title: Systems and methods for playing an electronic game including merge and unmerge operations

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/066,079, filed Oct. 8, 2020, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/439,119, filed Jun. 12, 2019, and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,818,141, which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/483,647, filed Apr. 10, 2017, and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,373,439, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to electronic gaming, and more particularly to methods of playing an electronic game including merge and unmerge operations. 
     At least some gaming machines are configured to present a bonus game in response to the occurrence of a bonus condition or bonus trigger in a base, or primary, game. Specifically, a player may qualify for a bonus game based upon one or more base game outcomes. A bonus game may be played in accordance with rules that are different from the rules of the base game, and prizes or awards generated during the bonus game may be different from prizes and awards generated during the base game. 
     As the number and variety of available gaming systems increases, gaming systems operators, such as casinos, continue to strive for the design and implementation of new and exciting gaming systems. The present disclosure is therefore directed to such gaming systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to gaming systems and methods in which a plurality of adjacent symbol display positions may be merged and/or unmerged. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, an article of manufacture is provided. The article includes a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to at least: cause a plurality of reel strips to be displayed, each reel strip including a plurality of symbol display positions, the plurality of reel strips defining a matrix of symbol display positions; and identify a first merged combination of adjacent symbol display positions in the matrix of symbol display positions, the first merged combination of adjacent symbol display positions including a first symbol display position from the plurality of reel strips and a second symbol display position from the plurality of reel strips, the first merged combination of adjacent symbol display positions represented by a first oversized symbol display position. The instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to at least identify a third symbol display position from the plurality of reel strips adjacent the first merged combination of adjacent symbol display positions; evaluate combinations of the first symbol display position, the second symbol display position, and the third symbol display position; and cause an unmerge operation to be displayed, in response to the evaluation, that unmerges the first merged combination of adjacent symbol display positions. 
     In another aspect, an electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine includes a memory, and at least one processor, wherein the memory stores instructions, which when executed, cause the at least one processor to at least: display a plurality of reel strips located within a matrix of symbol display positions; and present, in the matrix of symbol display positions, a first oversized symbol associated with a first game award, wherein the first oversized symbol occupies at least a first symbol display position of the matrix of symbol display positions and a second symbol display position of the matrix of symbol display positions. The instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to present a third symbol in a third symbol display position within the matrix of symbol display positions, the third symbol display position located adjacent at least one of the first symbol display position or the second symbol display position; divide the first oversized symbol display position to display separate symbols in at least the first symbol display position and the second display position; and merge the third symbol display position with at least one of the first symbol display position or the second symbol display position to display a second oversized symbol in the matrix of symbol display positions, wherein the second oversized symbol is associated with a second game award that is greater than the first game award. 
     In yet another aspect, a method is provided. The method includes causing, by at least one processor, a plurality of reel strips to be displayed, each reel strip including a plurality of symbol display positions, the plurality of reel strips defining a matrix of symbol display positions; selecting, by the at least one processor, a starting symbol display position from the matrix of symbol display positions; and defining, by the at least one processor, a starting region from the starting symbol display position, the starting region having a starting height and a starting width, the starting region including at least one symbol display position of the matrix of symbol display positions. The method also includes defining, by the at least one processor, a plurality of expanded regions from the starting region by incrementally increasing a size of the starting region, each expanded region including an incrementally greater number of symbol display positions than a preceding expanded region; determining, by the at least one processor, a plurality of game awards, each game award associated with a combination of symbol display positions in one of the starting region or an expanded region of the plurality of expanded regions; and causing, by the at least one processor, the plurality of game awards to be stored in a memory device. In addition, the method includes determining, by the at least one processor, a game award of the plurality of game awards having a greatest award value; and causing, by the at least one processor, a merge operation to be displayed that merges the symbol display positions associated with the game award having the greatest award value. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An exemplary embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of exemplary components of a gaming machine. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine. 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of exemplary components of a gaming machine. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic diagram of exemplary components of a memory. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network gaming system. 
         FIG.  6    is a flowchart of an exemplary method of electronic gaming. 
         FIG.  7    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which a first plurality of symbol display positions are selected. 
         FIG.  8    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which a symbol is displayed in each of the first plurality of symbol display positions as shown at  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which a second plurality of symbol display positions are selected. 
         FIG.  10    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which adjacent selected symbol display positions are merged. 
         FIG.  11    is a screenshot of an exemplary embodiment in which a third symbol display position is selected. 
         FIG.  12    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which adjacent selected symbol display positions are unmerged and remerged based on the selected third symbol display position shown in  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is an exemplary screenshot that may be displayed in which a final game outcome is displayed. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart of an exemplary method for selecting a combination of adjacent symbol display to identify an optimal game award. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for an electronic game, such as, for example, an electronic bonus game provided as a result of a base game outcome. A game or bonus game is facilitated in which a plurality of symbol display positions are selected, evaluated, merged, and/or unmerged to generate an optimal and/or maximum game outcome and/or game award. Selected symbol display positions may be merged with and/or unmerged from other, adjacent, selected symbol display positions during gameplay, to facilitate an optimal and/or maximum game award being represented or displayed during gameplay. 
     The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming machines, including but not limited to: (1) a gaming machine in which the computerized instructions for controlling one or more games are stored within the gaming machine prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and/or (2) a changeable gaming machine in which the computerized instructions for controlling one or more games are subsequently downloaded to the gaming machine through a data network after the gaming machine is installed within in a gaming establishment. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling one or more games may be executed by a server, such as, for example, a central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client” architecture, the server may remotely control one or more games, or other suitable interfaces, via a gaming network, and the gaming machine may be used to display the games, or suitable interfaces, and to receive inputs or commands from a player. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the instructions for controlling one or more games are communicated from a server to a local processor and memory coupled within a gaming machine. In such a “thick client” architecture, a processor of the gaming machine may execute the communicated instructions to control the game or games and/or other suitable interfaces provided to a player. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, one or more gaming machines within a gaming machine network may utilize a thin client architecture and one or more gaming machines within a gaming machine network may utilize a thick client architecture. Similarly, in various exemplary embodiments, certain functions of a particular gaming machine may be implemented in a thin client architecture and certain other functions of the gaming machine may be implemented in a thick client architecture. For instance, instructions for controlling a game or games may be communicated from a server to one or more network gaming machines operating in a thick client configuration, while instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus gaming functions may executed by the server in a thin client configuration. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine  10 . Gaming machine  10  may include a support structure, housing, console or cabinet  12  that provides support for a plurality of interface units, displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. Gaming machine  10  may be configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. Moreover, gaming machine  10  may be positioned on a base or stand, or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) that a player can operate while seated. Gaming machine  10  may include varying numbers and styles of cabinets  12 , display configurations, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  10  may include a display  14 . Gaming machine  10  may further include a mid-trim  20 , which may house a bank of buttons  22  for enabling a player to interact with gaming machine  10  and/or a credit input mechanism  24 . 
     Gaming machine  10  may also include a player marketing module configured to scan or read a player tracking device, such as, for example a loyalty or player tracking card implemented within a casino as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive, and/or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may be configured to transfer credits between gaming machine  10  and the player tracking device. 
     Gaming machine  10  may further include a top box  26 , which may, in turn, include artwork, such as, for example, artwork depicting one or more pay tables, bonus award information, an upper display (not shown), and/or other game information or imagery. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel  29  of console  12 . A coin tray  30  may be mounted beneath front panel  29  for dispensing cash payouts from gaming machine  10 . 
     Display  14  may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In an exemplary embodiment, display  14  includes a touch-screen or touch-sensitive screen. In various embodiments, display  14  may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as any circular, square, rectangular, or other geometric configuration. 
     Display  14  may be further configured to provide haptic feedback. Top box  26  may also include a display, which may be of the same or different from display  14 . 
     Display  14  may, in various embodiments, display a game and/or accept game play data from a player. Moreover, display  14  may also display information relating to an interactive game, wager triggering event, or wagering outcome. In an exemplary embodiment, an upper display (not shown) mounted in top box  26  may display any wagering outcome, any suitable secondary game associated or not associated with the interactive game, or any information relating to the interactive games. The upper display may also be configured to accept game play data from a player. 
     Display  14  may, in addition, serve as digital signage operable to advertise one or more games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  10  may also include a credit or fund display  20 , which may display a player&#39;s current number of credits, cash accumulated, account balance, an original number of credits the player funded the gaming machine with, or an equivalent of any of the aforementioned, and the like. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, display  14  may display an amount being wagered or a player&#39;s accumulated winnings. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, and as described in greater detail herein, display  14  may display at least one game or game image, game symbol or symbols, and game indicia, such as any visual representation or exhibition of a movement of objects, including, for example, any mechanical, virtual, or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, and the like. In various embodiments, the symbols, images and indicia described above may be displayed mechanically, such as by one or more mechanical or physical reels. In other words, display  14  may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable or spinning wheels, reels or dice, any of which may be configured to display at least one or a plurality of games or other suitable images, symbols or indicia. 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram of an exemplary player interface  50  and game controller  60  of gaming machine  10 . Player interface  50  and game controller  60  may be housed within gaming machine  10 , such as on a printed circuit board located within cabinet  12  of gaming machine  10 . As described herein, player interface  50  may be arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes various input/output components required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes. 
     Components of player interface  50  may include at least one credit input mechanism  24 , at least one display  14 , a game play mechanism  56  (including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions or place a wager), and/or one or more audio output devices  58  (e.g., one or more speakers). 
     Game controller  60  may be in data communication with player interface  50  and may include at least one processor  62  or other suitable controller, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Processor  62  may be coupled in communication with, or may be operable to access or to exchange signals with, at least one data storage module or memory  64 . Processor  62  may thus be configured to retrieve game play instructions from memory  64 , process the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules, and output one or more game play outcomes to display  54 . 
     Memory  64  may include any suitable tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium. Memory  64  may store program code and instructions, executable by processor  62 , to control gaming machine  10 . Memory  64  may also store other data, such as, for example, image data, one or more pay tables or pay table data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, or numbers generated by a random number of pseudo-random number generator, look-up table data, and/or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of gaming machine  10 . 
     With brief attention to  FIG.  3   , a block diagram of memory  64  is shown. Memory  64  may, in various embodiments, include a memory  103  (as described herein with reference to  FIG.  3   ). Memory  103  may include random access memory (RAM)  103 A, such as non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. Memory  103  may further include read only memory (ROM), such as EPROM  103 B or electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Memory  64  may further include one or more mass storage devices  103 C, such as one or more hard drives, one or more solid state or flash memory components, one or more CD and/or DVD drives, and the like. Any other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory may be used to operate in conjunction with gaming machine  10  that enables gaming machine  10  to function as described herein. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, RAM  103 A may temporarily store one or more program files (and/or other related data) for execution by processor  62 . EPROM  103 B may include a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. Mass storage device  103 C may store one or more game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor  62  through the use of protected or encrypted code stored, for example, on EPROM  103 B. 
     In various embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above is stored in a detachable or removable memory, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In addition, in various embodiments, all or part of the program code and/or operating data described above may be downloadable to memory  64  by way of any suitable computer network. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a tablet computing device or other portable computing device, and/or any other computerized platform may implement the computing operations of the present disclosure. For example, any suitable mobile computing device, such as any smartphone or tablet computing device, may implement and enable gameplay as described herein. It should be appreciated that each gaming machine  10  disclosed herein may include a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should also be appreciated that processor  62  and memory  64  may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.” 
     Returning to  FIG.  1   , in an exemplary embodiment, credit input mechanism  24  may be coupled in communication with processor  62 . Credit input mechanism  24  may include any suitable credit input mechanism or device, such as a coin input chute  24 A, a bill or ticket collector  24 B, and the like. Credit input mechanism may be configured to receive any suitable monetary credit, such as money, coins, tokens, tickets, and the like. In various embodiments, credit input mechanism  24  may further include card reader devices, such as credit or debit card readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards, printed ticket printers and/or readers, and the like. 
     In various embodiments, a player may insert an identification card (not shown) into a card reader of gaming machine  10 . The identification card may be a smart card that includes a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player&#39;s identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information. A player may further carry a portable device, such as a cell phone or smart phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless communication device, which communicates a player&#39;s identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to gaming machine  10 . In an embodiment, money may be transferred to gaming machine  10  via an electronic funds transfer process. When a player funds gaming machine  10 , processor  62  may determine an amount of funds entered and display the corresponding amount on the display  14 . 
     Game play mechanism  56  may include at least one input device that is coupled in communication with processor  62 . An input device may include any device that enables a player to produce an input signal that is receivable by processor  62 . For example, in one embodiment, after funding gaming machine  10 , the input device may include a game activation device, such as a pull arm or one or more play button  22  that enables the player to start the game or a sequence of events in gaming machine  10 . Play button  22  may include any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button, or a repeat the bet button. In an embodiment, after appropriate funding of gaming machine  10 , game play may begin automatically. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one input device may include a “Bet One” button. A player may place a wager or bet by pushing the Bet One button and may increase the wager by repeatedly depressing or selecting the Bet One button. In various embodiments, an input device includes a “Bet Max” button that enables a player to place a maximum wager permitted during a particular game or game session. 
     In various embodiments, an input device may also include a “Cash Out” button. A player may depress or select a Cash Out button to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of credits remaining. In an embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. A player may further receive tickets or credit slips, or the player&#39; s electronically recordable identification card may be funded, in response to selection of a Cash Out button. 
     In various embodiments, an input device may include a touch-screen that is coupled to a touch-screen controller, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay, to enable player interaction with images presented on display  14 . A touch-screen and/or touch-screen controller may be communicatively coupled to a video controller, such that a player may provide input signals to gaming machine  10  by physically manipulating or interacting with the touch-screen. 
     Gaming machine  10  may include a sensor, such as a camera (not shown) coupled in communication with processor  62 . The camera may, in various embodiments, be controlled by processor  62 , such that a player may direct the orientation and focus of the camera to acquire an image of a player actively playing gaming machine  10  and/or a surrounding area of gaming machine  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the camera may selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital, or other suitable format. Display  14  may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera, as well as to display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and processor  62  may incorporate that image into the interactive and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a more detailed block diagram of various exemplary functional components of a gaming machine  100 , which may be the same as or different from gaming machine  10  (as shown in  FIG.  2   ). The foregoing description of components (e.g., display  14 , player interface  50 , and game controller  60 ) may therefore apply to the description of similar components in gaming machine  100 . For instance, processor  62  may be the same as or different from  102 , as described below. Similarly, memory  64  may be the same as or different from memory  103  as described below. 
     Accordingly, gaming machine  100  may include a game controller  101  (which may include a processor  102  mounted on a circuit board, as described in greater detail above). Instructions and data to control operation of processor  102  may be stored in a memory  103  that is in data communication with processor  102 . Gaming machine  100  may include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by memory  103 . 
     Gaming machine  100  may further include hardware meters  104  (to ensure regulatory compliance and to monitor player credit) and/or an input/output (I/O) interface  105  (for communicating with peripheral devices of gaming machine  100 ). Input/output interface  105  and/or the peripheral devices may include intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data. A random number generator module  113  may generate random numbers for use by processor  102 . Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that random number generator module  113  includes a pseudo-random number generator. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a player interface  120  includes peripheral devices that communicate with game controller  101  including one or more displays  106 , a touch screen and/or input buttons  107  (which provide a game play mechanism), and a credit input mechanism, such as a card and/or ticket reader  108 , a printer  109 , a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism  110 , and a coin output mechanism  111 . The credit input mechanism is configured to receive a credit wager to initiate play of a base game, and establish a credit balance (e.g., using the received credit wager) that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity within a game. Player interface  120  also includes a payout mechanism such as a printer  109  and/or a coin output mechanism  111 . The payout mechanism is configured to output a payout to a player of gaming machine  100  based on an outcome of the game (e.g., a base game and/or a feature game). 
     Additional hardware may be included as part of gaming machine  100 , or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, although buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and to initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle may be used to initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a touch screen can be used to emulate other input devices, such as, for example, a touch screen that can display virtual buttons that a player can “press” by touching the screen where they are displayed. 
     In addition, gaming machine  100  may include a communications interface, such as, for example a network card  112 . Network card  112  may, for example, send status information, accounting information and/or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, an/or server or database. In various embodiments (e.g., embodiments that employ a player marketing module), communications over a network may be via the player marketing module—e.g., the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices. 
     In various embodiments, components of gaming machine  100  may be distributed. For example, in an embodiment, input/output devices  106 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110 , and  111  may be provided remotely from game controller  101 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates such an exemplary distributed gaming system  200 . Gaming system  200  may include a network  201 , which, for example, may include a wired or wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH network, an Ethernet network, an RS-232 network, and/or any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machines  202 , shown arranged in three banks  203  of two gaming machines  202 , are connected to network  201 . Gaming machines  202  may provide a player operable interface and may be the same as (or substantially similar to) the gaming machines  10  and  100  (as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ), or may have simplified functionality depending, for example, on various game play requirements. 
     One or more displays  204  may also be connected to network  201 . For example, displays  204  may be associated with one or more banks  203  of gaming machines. Displays  204  may be used to display representations associated with game play on gaming machines  202  and/or used to display other representations, such as, for example promotional or informational material. Displays  204  may be the same as or substantially similar to display  14 , as described above. 
     In a thick client embodiment, game server  205  may implement part of the game played by a player using gaming machine  202 , and gaming machine  202  may implement part of the game. In such an embodiment, insofar as both game server  205  and gaming machine  202  may implement part of the game, they may collectively include a game controller. A database management server  206  may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by gaming machines  202  in a database  206 A. Typically, if gaming system  200  enables players to participate in a jackpot game, a jackpot server  207  may be provided to perform accounting functions for the jackpot game. A loyalty program server  212  may also be provided. 
     In a thin client embodiment, game server  205  may implement most or all of the game played by a player using gaming machine  202 , and gaming machine  202  may, in essence, function provide little more than the player interface. In such an embodiment, game server  205  may include the game controller. Gaming machine  202  may thus receive player instructions and transmit those instructions to game server  205 . Further, in a thin client embodiment, gaming machines  202  may be computer terminals, such as, for example, personal computers, laptop computers, tablet computing devices, smartphones, and the like running software that provides a player interface. Other client/server configurations are contemplated and are within the scope of this disclosure. Additional details of a client/server architecture may be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     One or more servers may be provided to assist in the administration of gaming system  200 . Such servers may include, for example, a gaming floor management server  208 , and a licensing server  209  to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal  210  may be provided to allow an administrator to run network  201  and the devices connected to network  201 . 
     Gaming system  200  may communicate with other gaming systems and/or other local networks, such as, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet Communications may be filtered through a firewall  211 . 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of network  201  may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, game server  205  may implement a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server may be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers may be provided to implement different games or a single game server may implement a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a player may place a wager using the game play mechanism  56 . A game (or game session) may be initiated in response to placement of the wager, a plurality of symbols randomly drawn, and a game (or game session) outcome determined based upon the symbols drawn. A game outcome may be compared to a pay table (which may be stored in a computer memory) to determine a payout or award (also referred to herein as a win entitlement). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player&#39;s wager can be varied from game to game dependent on player selections. 
     In various embodiments, a wager may include a selection of a number of lines to be played during a game session. Such lines may include an interconnected combination of symbol display positions. Each selected line may be evaluated to identify winning combinations of symbols. A pay table (e.g., a pay table stored in memory  64 ) may be referenced to identify a payout or award based upon an identified winning combination of symbols. In various embodiments, an award may be multiplied or increased by a multiplication factor as well. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  202  may generate an award that is not based solely upon a number of a lines selected. For example, “scatter” pays (e.g., randomly selected awards that are not identified based upon a plurality of adjacent symbols) may be awarded independently of a player&#39;s selection of pay lines. 
     Throughout this specification and in the claims, the terms “primary game” and “bonus game” refer to a game session that includes more than one game event or, simply, one or more games. The primary game may correspond to a primary or “base” game, as opposed to a bonus game, as described below. The primary game may be initiated in response to a wager or credit being received by or transferred to gaming machine  10  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). The primary game (as well as one or more games comprising the primary game) may also be initiated by other game events including, for example, a player selecting a “spin” button, a start button, a deal button, or any other such input selector designated for initiating a game session. The primary game may be terminated voluntarily in response to an input by the player indicating that the player wishes to stop the game or automatically by the gaming device in response to a termination event, such as a zero credit balance in the reel game. 
     Further, as used herein, the terms “bonus game,” “secondary game,” and “bonus game session” refer generally to a game or a component of a game involving procedures in addition to the primary game. The bonus game may be initiated after, or during, the primary game and in response to a particular condition occurring during the primary game. The bonus game may include a plurality of bonus game events. For example, where the primary game includes a slot machine game, the bonus game may allow players a possibility of winning more than the pay table for the primary game indicates. Typically, a bonus game outcome may depend upon a particular symbol being displayed when one of a plurality of final game events takes place. In addition, the bonus game outcome may depend upon winning a payout while gaming machine  10  is in a bonus mode or “zone.” In various embodiments, the outcome of the bonus game may be unrelated to the outcome of the primary game. 
     As used herein, the term “reel strip” may be used to refer to a column of symbol display positions. Each symbol display position may be displayed or located on a physical reel or a virtual reel. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine  10  may display six reel strips, each having six symbol display positions, for a total of thirty six symbol display positions. A symbol display position may further display a symbol, such as a symbol selected by game controller  60 . 
     An exemplary bonus game is described below with reference to  FIGS.  6 - 12   . Specifically,  FIG.  6    is a flowchart of an exemplary method  600  of implementing an electronic bonus game, and  FIGS.  7 - 13    are screenshots intended to illustrate gameplay. The symbol position selections described below with reference to the screenshots of  FIGS.  7 - 13    are merely illustrative, however, and many other combinations of selected, merged, and/or unmerged symbol display positions are contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the exemplary gameplay described below should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure but as generally illustrative of gameplay in accordance with method  600 . 
     Accordingly, with attention now to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , an exemplary method  600  of electronic gaming is shown in  FIG.  6    in conjunction with an exemplary screenshot  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ). Game controller  60  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) may execute method  600  as part of a bonus game, which may be triggered as a result of a base game outcome. In other words, in some embodiments, method  600  may be implemented as part of a bonus game. 
     A player may be allocated any number of initial spins during the bonus game. For example, in some embodiments, a player may be allocated three initial spins. The player may initiate each spin using a button or other input component of game play mechanism  56 . Further, in the event that game controller  60  selects at least one symbol display position (as described below) during one of the three initial spins, one or more additional spins may be added to the player&#39;s total number of bonus spins remaining, thereby increasing the duration of the bonus game implemented by method  600 . In one embodiment, selection of at least one symbol display position by game controller  60  during, one of the three initial spins, adds three additional spins to the total number of spins remaining. Further, in some embodiments, each time game controller  60  selects at least one symbol display position, one or more spins may be added to the number of spins remaining. Thus, the bonus game may continue indefinitely until the player exhausts the number of spins allocated during the bonus game and/or until the player hits a jackpot award (as described below). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, game controller  60  may generate  602  a plurality of reel strips in response to initiation of the bonus game (such as based upon a base game outcome, as described above). Each reel strip may be displayed on a display, such as display  14  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). For example, as shown, game controller  60  may generate six reel strips, such as reel strips  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712 , and  714 . However, in other embodiments, game controller  60  may generate any other suitable number of reel strips. 
     Each reel strip  704 - 714  includes a plurality of symbol display positions, such as a first plurality of symbol display positions  705 , a second plurality of symbol display positions  707 , a third plurality of symbol display positions  709 , a fourth plurality of symbol display positions  711 , a fifth plurality of symbol display positions  713 , and a sixth plurality of symbol display positions  715 . In the exemplary embodiment, each reel strip  704 - 714  includes six symbol display positions. However, in other embodiments, each reel strip  704 - 714  may include any suitable number of symbol display positions. 
     Further, as shown, each symbol display position is adjacent to at least one other symbol display position. For example, symbol display position  716  is adjacent to symbol display positions  718 ,  720 , and  722 . Symbol display positions  718  and  722  are horizontally adjacent to symbol display position  716 , and symbol display position  720  is vertically adjacent to symbol display position  716 . The remaining symbol display positions are similarly disposed in horizontal and/or vertical alignment over display  14 . 
     Having generated reel strips  704 - 714 , game controller  60  may select  604  a first plurality of symbol display positions, such as, for example, symbol display positions  716 ,  724 ,  726 ,  728 , and  730 . Specifically, game controller  60  may select  604  the first plurality of symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730  based upon a random number (or pseudo-random number) generated by a random number generator that is coupled to game controller  60 , such as random number generator  113 . Each of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730  are associated with a credit value, such as a credit value of ten credits. In various embodiments, any suitable credit value may be associated with selected symbol display positions, and each selected symbol display position may be associated with a particular credit value, or different selected symbol display positions may be associated with different credit values. 
     Further, as shown with reference to  FIG.  8   , game controller  60  may also display  606  a symbol, such as symbol  802 , in each of selected symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730 . Symbol  802  may include any suitable symbol, such as, for example, and as shown, an image that is associated with a game theme or a bonus game theme. Symbol  802  may, in addition, be selected from a group of possible or available symbols, such that each selected symbol display position  716  and  724 - 730  displays a symbol from the group of available symbols. However, in some embodiments, and as shown, each selected symbol display position  716  and  724 - 730  may display an identical symbol  802 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, game controller  60  may evaluate  608  selected first plurality of symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730  to determine  610  whether any of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions are vertically and/or horizontally adjacent. If any selected symbol display positions are vertically and/or horizontally adjacent, game controller  60  may determine  610  which adjacent symbol display positions to merge (described in more detail below). 
     However, if none of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730  are adjacent to another one of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions  716  and  724 - 730 , game controller  60  may not merge any of the symbol display positions of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions. Rather, as shown with reference to  FIGS.  6  and  9   , if there are spins remaining  614 , game controller  60  may select  604  a second plurality of symbol display positions, such as second plurality of symbol display positions  902  and  904 . As described above, each of the selected second plurality of symbol display positions may be associated with one or more credit values. 
     In response to selecting the second plurality of symbol display positions  902  and  904 , game controller  60  may, as described above, display  606  a symbol in each of the selected second plurality of symbol display positions  902  and  904 , evaluate  608  each of the selected first plurality of symbol display positions  716 ,  724 - 730 ,  902 , and  904 , determine  610  which selected symbol display positions  716 ,  724 - 730 ,  902 , and  904 , if any, to merge based upon the relative locations between each of the selected symbol display positions  716 ,  724 - 730 ,  902 , and  904 , and/or merge  612  selected adjacent symbol display positions. 
     A merged symbol display position  1002 , which includes two selected, adjacent, symbol display positions  716  and  904 , is shown in  FIG.  10   . Merged symbol display position  1002  includes a merged symbol display position symbol  1004 , which may be different from and/or the same as symbol  802  (described above). Symbol  1004  is physically large enough, however, to span both of merged symbol display positions  716  and  904 . Thus, merged symbol display position  1002  and merged symbol  1004  are larger than the remaining unmerged symbol display positions and symbols. Merged symbol display position  1002  and/or merged symbol  1004  may, in addition, be associated with a particular credit value  1006 . Value  1006  may be any suitable value, such as twenty-five credits. In some embodiments, value  1006  may be greater than the value associated with unmerged selected symbol display positions and/or symbols. 
     As described above, game controller  60  may determine  610  which adjacent selected symbol display positions to merge. More particularly, when multiple combinations of adjacent symbol display positions exist, game controller  60  may calculate a game award for all, or a subset of all, possible combinations of merged symbol display positions. 
     For example, game controller  60  may calculate a plurality of possible game awards for one or more combinations of adjacent symbol display positions. Game controller  60  may also evaluate or compare each of the calculated game awards, and based upon the evaluation or comparison, game controller  60  may select the combination of adjacent symbol display positions that yields the greatest, or maximum, possible game award based on the symbols displayed. Game controller  60  may, in addition, unmerge a plurality of merged symbol display positions, such that one or more unmerged symbol display positions are available for merger with one or more other adjacent symbol display positions. Thus, game controller  60  may iterate through all, or a subset of all, possible symbol position merges and unmerges, game outcomes and/or game awards, to facilitate the player receiving an optimal or maximum game award. An exemplary process for selecting the combination of adjacent symbol display positions yielding the maximum possible game award is described below with reference to  FIG.  14   . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  11  and  12   , exemplary screenshots  1100  and  1200  are shown in which an additional symbol display position is selected, and in which a plurality of previously merged adjacent symbol display positions are unmerged and remerged based upon the additional selected symbol display position. Specifically, at screenshot  1100 , a merged symbol display position  1102  is illustrated. Merged symbol display position  1102  has been, in this example, generated by game controller  60  during a previous bonus game round. Merged symbol display position  1102  includes selected symbol display positions  902  and  1104 . During gameplay, and as illustrated, game controller  60  selects  604  a third symbol display position  1106 . Game controller  60  evaluates  608  all of the selected symbol display positions (merged and unmerged), including symbol display positions  902 ,  1104 , and  1106 , and determines  610  which symbol display positions to unmerge and/or merge based upon a comparison of all possible game outcomes and/or awards that would result from each combination of unmerged and/or merged symbol display positions (as described above). 
     In some embodiments, game controller  60  may not compare all possible game outcomes and/or game awards. Rather, game controller  60  may randomly select a first group of adjacent selected symbol display positions for possible merger. Game controller  60  may evaluate the remaining adjacent selected symbol display positions for merge and/or unmerge operations as well, and based upon the evaluation, game controller  60  may select an optimal combination of merge and/or unmerge operations. Thus, in one embodiment, game controller  60  may evaluate  608  a limited set, or a subset, of all possible selected symbol combinations proceeding from a starting point represented by a first randomly selected combination of merged symbol display positions. One technical effect of such an embodiment is that gameplay may proceed at a more rapid pace, because every possible combination of adjacent symbol display positions is not considered. Another technical effect of such an embodiment is that evaluation of a subset of all possible symbol display position combinations further reduces the processing requirements placed on game controller  60 , which may improve the performance of game controller  60 . 
     In this instance, and with reference to  FIG.  12   , game controller  60  determines that a maximum or optimal game award and/or game outcome may be achieved by unmerging, based on the symbols displayed, symbol display positions  902  and  1104 , such that symbol display position  902  is available to be merged with adjacent symbol display position  1106 . Thus, game controller  60  unmerges symbol display positions  902  and  1104  and merges symbol display positions  902  and  1106 . Symbol display position  1104  is displayed as a single, unmerged, selected symbol display position, and its credit value is recalculated accordingly. 
     Method  600  may continue in the manner described above until there are no spins remaining in the bonus game, at which point game controller  60  may generate a final game outcome, based upon the final combination of merged and non-merged selected symbol display positions. For example, each selected symbol display position, including each set of merged symbol display positions, may be associated with a credit value (as described above). Game controller may add each credit value to calculate a total or sum representing the total game award or the total number of credits awarded as a result of the bonus game. Game controller  60  may further, in some embodiments, apply a multiplier, or multiplication factor, to the total number of credits awarded as a result of the base game. 
     An exemplary final game outcome is illustrated in  FIG.  13   . In the exemplary embodiment, the final game outcome includes a first group of merged symbol display positions  1302 , a second group of merged symbol display positions  1304 , a third group of merged symbol display positions  1306 , a fourth group of merged symbol display positions  1308 , and a fifth group of merged symbol display positions  1310 . The final game outcome also includes a single selected (non-merged) symbol display position  1312 , and a plurality of non-selected symbol display positions  1314 . Each group of merged symbol display positions  1302 - 1310  is associated with a credit value, such as, for example, six hundred credits, five hundred and fifty credits, eighty credits, twenty five credits, and five hundred and fifty credits, respectively. As described above, the credit value associated with each merged symbol display position  1302 - 1310  is, in the exemplary embodiment, equal to the sum of each of the symbol display positions combined to form a respective merged symbol display position  1302 - 1310 . Non-merged symbol display position  1312  is also associated with a credit value, such as, for example, a credit value of ten credits. Game controller  60  may sum each credit value to calculate a total game award, which is displayed, in this example, in the amount of one thousand eight hundred and fifteen credits, on a bonus meter  1316  of display  14 . 
     As described above, the final game outcome illustrated in  FIG.  13    is the result of many spins, at least some of which resulted in various merge and unmerge operations. Further, as described above, game controller  60  performs each merge and/or unmerge operation during game play to generate an optimal and/or maximum total game outcome and/or a maximum or optimal total game award based on the symbols displayed. In some embodiments, game controller  60  may, based upon a series of symbol selections occurring during the bonus game, merge every symbol display position shown on display  14 . In such an instance, game controller  60  may display a single, large, symbol (not shown) over the entire area of the single merged symbol display position and, in addition, may generate a jackpot award based upon the selection of every symbol display position. 
     With reference to  FIG.  14   , an exemplary process  1400  for selecting a combination of adjacent symbol display positions to identify an optimal game award is shown. Initially, a starting point, which may be labeled as “A,” is selected  1402  and a region height, “H,” may be set to initial values by controller  60 . In the exemplary embodiment, an initial height value may be set to “1,” such that H=1. The starting point may correspond to an upper left corner of a selected symbol display position. In the exemplary embodiment, a topmost, leftmost, symbol display position may be selected as an initial starting point. However, in various embodiments, any symbol display position, such as a bottommost, rightmost, symbol display position may be selected as a starting point. 
     Having selected a symbol display position as a starting point, controller  60  may determine  1404  a largest rectangular region, “R,” at starting point, A, such that there exist no wider regions at starting point, A, with height, H, and such that region, R, is not a subset of a larger rectangular region. Controller  60  may, in addition, record or store  1406  an award or value associated with region, R, and region, R, may be removed from further consideration, such as from a working copy of the grid, which may be generated and stored by controller  60  for evaluation purposes. For example, in some embodiments, the region, R, may be removed, or masked, from the working copy of the grid. During the evaluation process, controller  60  may ensure that the upper left corner of region, R, is associated with starting point, A, as well as that region, R, is at least as tall as the value currently associated with height, H, and that no wider rectangular region extends from starting point, A, with a height of H. Controller  60  may also ensure that the rectangular region is as tall as possible at a selected width, W, as well as that region, R, is not a subset of a larger rectangular region associated with a different starting point. 
     Next, controller  60  may determine  1408  whether additional regions may be evaluated. In general, width, W, may be incremented until the value associated with width, W, is equal to the number of columns of reel strips displayed by controller  60 . If width, W, can be incremented, controller  60  may increment width, W, by one symbol display position, and process  1400  returns to block  1402 . If, on the other hand, width, W, cannot be further incremented, controller  60  records  1410 , or stores, the award associated with the largest rectangular region, R, or group of adjacent symbol display positions and determines whether height, H, can be incremented  1412 . In general, height, H, may be incremented until the value associated with width, W, is equal to the number of rows of reel strips display by controller  60 . If height, H, can be incremented, controller  60  may increment  1414  H by a value of “1” and process  1400  may return to block  1404 . 
     If, on the other hand, height, H, cannot be incremented further, controller  60  may restore  1416  to the previous copy of the working grid and determine  1418  whether there are more starting points in region, R. For example, controller  60  may determine whether starting point, A, may be incremented. In general, A can be incremented until each symbol display position displayed by controller  60  on each of the reel strips has been used as a starting point. If starting point, A, can be incremented from its previous position, controller advances or increments  1420  A by a value of one symbol display position and process  1400  returns to block  1404 . If, on the other hand, A cannot be advanced or incremented further, controller  60  outputs  1422  a solution associated with a highest award. For example, controller  60  may compare each of the stored awards and select for output the group of symbol display positions associated with the greatest award. This group of symbol display positions is, in addition, merged, as described above, in display  14 . Symbol display positions that are merged by controller  60  may also be unmerged from previous combinations of symbol display positions, as described in greater detail above. 
     Embodiments of the gaming machines and systems, as described above, facilitate play of a bonus game in which one or more adjacent symbols are merged and/or unmerged based upon their relative positions with respect to one another. Embodiments further provide for optimal merge and unmerge operations during game play, to facilitate distribution of an optimal award to a player during the game. Hence, the gaming machines and systems described herein facilitate a new and exciting bonus game in which a player receives a bonus award based upon various merge and unmerge operations performed between adjacent symbols. 
     Embodiments of the systems and methods of electronic gaming, as described above, therefore facilitate a game or bonus game in which a plurality of symbol display positions are selected, evaluated, merged, and/or unmerged to generate an optimal and/or maximum game outcome and/or game award. Selected symbol display positions may be merged with and/or unmerged from other, adjacent, selected symbol display positions during gameplay, such that an optimal and/or maximum game award is always represented or displayed during gameplay. 
     As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory device, e.g. an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory  103 ) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server). Further different parts of the program code can be executed by different devices, for example in a client server relationship. Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that program code provides a series of instructions executable by the processor. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a system, method, and article of manufacture for electronic gaming and related components are described above in detail. The disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and/or articles and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the configuration of components described herein may also be used in combination with other processes, and is not limited to practice with the systems, articles, and related methods as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many applications in which a game or bonus game is desired. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.