Patent Publication Number: US-11393294-B2

Title: System and method of providing a hold and spin feature game with reel specific multipliers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/566,446, filed Sep. 10, 2019, and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A HOLD AND SPIN FEATURE GAME WITH REEL SPECIFIC MULTIPLIERS,” which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/731,511, filed on Sep. 14, 2018 and entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING A HOLD AND SPIN FEATURE GAME WITH REEL SPECIFIC MULTIPLIERS,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes. 
    
    
     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 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 wagering games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The wagering 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. 
     In existing gaming systems, feature games, secondary or bonus games, may be triggered for players in addition to the base game. A feature game gives players an additional opportunity to win prizes, or the opportunity to win larger prizes, than would otherwise be available in the base game. Feature games can also offer altered game play to enhance player enjoyment. 
     The popularity of such gaming machines with players is heavily dependent on the entertainment value of the machine relative to other gaming options and the player&#39;s gambling experience. Operators of gaming businesses therefore strive to provide the most entertaining, engaging, and exciting machines to attract customers to use the machines while also providing a machine that allows the player to enjoy their gambling experience. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to develop new games in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to gaming machines and electronic gaming methods in which a feature game may be triggered during play of a base game. 
     In an embodiment, a video slot machine includes a base game and a feature game that may be triggered by the base game. 
     In some embodiments, the base game may use a plurality of symbol display positions arranged in a matrix or an array of rows and columns. In some embodiments, the columns may be reels that spin and stop to populate the display matrix with game symbols. 
     In some embodiments, the symbols appearing in the display positions can produce a scatter pay award. In some embodiments, the scatter pay award may be based on the appearance of special symbols (“scatter symbols”) in the display matrix. The particular symbols do not need to appear in any predefined order or orientation relative to the symbol positions of the array. 
     In response to the appearance of the special symbols to form a scatter pay award, a scatter pay bonus feature may be conducted to determine the amount of the award to the player. 
     In some embodiments, the appearance of a number, such as six (6) or more, of special symbols in a base game outcome in the display matrix will trigger the scatter pay bonus feature. 
     In an embodiment, the special symbols may include configurable symbols that have at least a common component and a variable component, wherein the variable component is indicative of a value of a prize that is associated with a respective configurable symbol. 
     In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include value symbols, which each display a respective numeric value, e.g., a number of credits or currency. 
     In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include jackpot symbols, which each display the name of a particular jackpot, e.g., a MINI jackpot, MINOR jackpot, MAXI jackpot, MAJOR jackpot or GRAND jackpot. In some embodiments, at least some of the jackpots may have fixed values. In some other embodiments, at least some of the jackpots may be progressive jackpots whose value increases for each wager that is placed on a base game by the amount proportional to said wager. 
     In various embodiments, a predetermined number of spins are awarded to the player in the scatter pay bonus feature. In some embodiments, the scatter pay bonus feature game may be a hold and spin feature game where all of the configurable symbols are held in place in the display matrix for the predetermined number of spins and the symbols in the remaining symbol positions are spun. The spin of symbols in the remaining symbol positions may be accomplished by individual reel strips. The resulting spin may produce additional configurable symbols which are, in turn, added to the “hold” symbols and remain fixed for any remaining spins. After the predetermined number of spins are completed, the sum total value of all “hold” symbols is awarded to the player. 
     In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include repeater symbols whose value is not determined until a feature game is triggered. In an embodiment, the value of the repeater symbol is generated based on the value(s) of one or more of the configurable symbols that trigger a respective feature game. In an embodiment, the value of the repeater symbol is determined by summing the values of the configurable symbols that trigger a respective feature game. For example, in an instance where a feature game is triggered by configurable symbols having values of 10 credits, 10 credits, 10 credits, 20 credits, 20 credits, 50 credits, 40 credits, and the repeater symbol&#39;s value would be 160 credits. Any repeater symbols that spin up during the ensuing feature game would be set to 160 credits in this example. 
     In some embodiments, the value of the repeater symbols may change across feature spins: i) at random, ii) according to defined table/order, iii) based upon results of a feature spin, iv) wager level, v) number of initiating feature initiating symbols, vi) number of symbols collected in feature, vii) based upon the combined result of multiple players game events, wager level or other criteria across multiple linked gaming units (i.e., progressive repeater value), and/or viii) any combination of the foregoing. 
     In some embodiments, the configurable symbols may include mystery symbols whose value is not revealed at the time the mystery symbol is displayed. In an embodiment, the value of a mystery symbol may be determined, e.g., randomly, and any time following its display. The mystery symbol may then be modified to display its determined value. 
     In some embodiments, mystery symbols may be displayed in connection with play of both the base game and the feature game. Accordingly, in some embodiments, it is possible for a mystery symbol to be part of the defined number of triggering symbols in a base game. For example, a base game result could include a mystery symbol along with five other configurable symbols. In such instance, the value of the mystery symbol may be determined and displayed prior to determining the value of the repeater symbol. If additional mystery symbols are awarded during the assigned value ensuing feature game, the value could be assigned this same value or other values may be separately determined. 
     In some embodiments, the value of a mystery symbol may be determined and awarded to the player during play of the base game if the base game outcome does not trigger the feature game. For example, assuming 6 (six) configurable symbols are required to trigger a feature game, the appearance of a mystery symbol in a base game outcome with fewer than 6 configurable symbols may result in the award of the determined mystery symbol value to the player even though the feature game would not be triggered. 
     In some embodiments, the awards assigned to mystery symbols may be selected from a set of awards that includes (1) credit values, e.g., 10 credits, 20 credits, 50 credits, 100 credits, 500 credits, etc., (2) jackpot values, e.g., MINI, MINOR, MAXI, and GRAND, and/or (3) fixed prizes, e.g., cars, electronics, etc. In some embodiments, the awards assigned to mystery symbols during the base and feature games may be selected from the same set of possible awards. In some other embodiments, different sets of possible awards may be available during the base and feature games. For example, in some embodiments, the mystery symbol awards may be limited to jackpot awards and/or fixed prizes during the base game, while the possible awards during the feature game may also include credit values. 
     In some embodiments, a first valuation game may be provided to determine the value of the mystery symbols. The first valuation game may be in the form of a first spinning wheel game, where a wheel spins and randomly stops to determine a value for one or more mystery symbols. The wheel may include of a plurality of sections that each display a respective value, such as a numeric value (e.g., a number of credits or currency), or jackpot label (e.g., mini, minor, major maxi, or grand) that is associated with a jackpot amount (e.g., $50, $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000). The wheel may, for example, spin vertically or horizontally across a game screen forming part of the slot machine device. 
     In some embodiments, a single wheel spin may be used to determine the value for any displayed mystery symbols. For example, where the triggering base game outcome has four value symbols and three mystery symbols, the first valuation game is triggered. If the first valuation game results in a value of $100, then each of the three mystery symbols are converted from a question mark symbol to $100. 
     In other embodiments, the wheel may be separately spun for each displayed mystery symbol. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the example may result in three wheel spins (one for each mystery symbol) during the first valuation game. 
     In various embodiments, the first valuation game may not display a wheel, but instead may display the values in a different arrangement such as a reel, a grid, etc. In certain embodiments, the first valuation game may not display a wheel, a reel, or values and instead may make a random determination to select one value from a range or group of values and display the selected value and use it for the one or more mystery symbols. 
     In various embodiments, one or more mystery symbols may be replaced with a sum of the values of symbols displaying a value. 
     In other embodiments, the value of the mystery symbols may be set in other ways. For example, a random event may cause a value to be set on a mystery symbol. Also, there may be a player skill feature where the skill level of the player is determined or is based on particular data regarding the particular player, and the value of the mystery symbol is set accordingly. Also, pick n′ pop may be used to set the value of the mystery symbol. 
     Also, different levels of mystery symbols may be used, such that some levels are of higher average values than others. For example, blue mystery symbols may use a blue wheel with lower average values and gold mystery symbols may use a gold wheel with higher average values. 
     The first valuation game may also be used to determine the value of any additional mystery symbols that are collected during the feature game. In some embodiments, the first valuation game may be triggered following any spin that produces one or more new mystery symbols. Alternatively, the first valuation game may be conducted upon completion of the feature game. As discussed above, a single spin may be used to determine the value of all newly awarded mystery symbols. Alternatively, individual spins may be conducted to separately determine the value of each respective mystery symbol. 
     In some embodiments, an enhanced award may be awarded if the display matrix is completely filled with configurable symbols during the hold and spin feature game. For example, in some embodiments, the enhanced award may be a multiplier, such as a 2× or 3× multiplier of the “held” symbols, or an award of a jackpot value. 
     In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be determined using a second valuation game. The second valuation game may be a second spinning wheel game that provides different and/or enhanced values from those used in the first spinning wheel game. For example, the second spinning wheel game may include multipliers (i.e., 2× or 3×) or multipliers with jackpots (i.e., 2×+Grand or 3×+Major). The multiplier value indicated by the spin of the second display wheel affects the sum total value of all “hold” configurable symbols collected in the hold and spin game (i.e., “2×” will double the sum total value); the jackpot enhances the hold and spin award by the amount of the jackpot (i.e., $50, $500 or $5000 will be added to the sum total value). 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a hold and spin feature game with one or more multiplier meters. The multiplier meters may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) during play of the base game and used to determine a feature game award when a feature game is triggered and completed. In some embodiments, a respective multiplier meter is associated with each reel (or column) on the display matrix that operate as spinning reels. For example, an embodiment with five reels may include five multiplier meters, where each meter is associated with a respective reel. 
     In other embodiments, one or more multiplier meters may be associated with multiple reels. For example, in some embodiments, a first multiplier meter may be associated with a first reel, a second multiplier meter may be associated with the second, third and fourth reels, and a third multiplier meter may be associated with a fifth reel. In such an embodiment, the first and third meters may be adjusted based on multiplier symbols that appear in the first and fifth reels respectively, while the second multiplier meter may be adjusted based on multiplier symbols that appear in any of the middle, i.e., second, third and fourth reels. 
     In some embodiments, each multiplier meters may be initially set to a default value, such as a 1× (e.g., no) multiplier value. In some embodiments, the same default value is used for each multiplier meter. In other embodiments, different default values may be used for one or more of the multiplier meters. 
     The multiplier meters may be adjusted in response to events occurring during play of a base game. In some embodiments, the base game may include multiplier symbols that adjust one or more of the multiplier meters when they appear in a base game outcome. Some embodiments may include dynamic multiplier symbols that may cause an associated multiplier meter to be incremented by a determined amount (e.g., by one). In some embodiments, a multiplier meter is incremented each time a dynamic multiplier symbol is displayed in its respective reel in a base game outcome. For example, if a dynamic multiplier symbol is displayed in the first column/reel of the matrix, it may increment a first multiplier meter that is associated with the first column. Likewise, when a dynamic multiplier symbol is displayed in other columns, it will increment the respective meters for that column. 
     In some embodiments, the dynamic multiplier symbols may include both incrementing dynamic multiplier symbols and decrementing dynamic multiplier symbols. In such embodiments, the dynamic multiplier symbols may include further indicia to designate whether they function to increment or decrement a multiplier meter. For example, a dynamic multiplier symbol may display a + (plus) sign to indicate that it increments a multiplier meter or a − (minus) sign to indicate that it decrements a multiplier meter. 
     Some embodiments may include static multiplier symbols that each provides a defined multiplier value, such as 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×. In some embodiments, a static multiplier symbol value may “lock” a multiplier meter at the awarded multiplier value until the multiplier meter is reset (e.g., following the triggering and completion of a feature game) or otherwise unlocked. A locked multiplier meter may be visually altered, e.g., by highlighting a symbol, or other indicia, to indicate its locked status. In some embodiments, the game is controlled such that multiplier symbols are not displayed in respective columns until the locked multiplier meter is reset or otherwise unlocked. In other embodiments, multiplier symbols may still be displayed in the respective column but their appearance may not result in any adjustment of the respective multiplier meter until the meter is reset or otherwise unlocked. 
     In some embodiments, the multipliers may be used to enhance awards during base game play. For example, in some embodiments, a multiplier may be applied to a base game when that includes a symbol displayed in the column of a respective column. 
     In some embodiments, the multipliers may be used to determine an award following completion of the feature game. In some embodiments, the feature game is a hold and spin feature game in which the player is awarded an additional number of spins during which the player tries to accumulate more of the configurable symbols. In some embodiments, the multipliers carried by the meters may be applied to the values of the held symbols in a respective reel to determine the amount to be awarded to the player. For example, in some embodiments, the value held on each reel is multiplied by it respective multiplier to determine a feature game award. 
     The multiplier meters may be reset in response to one or more events. In some embodiments, the multiplier meters are reset to their default values upon completion of the feature game. In other embodiments, the multiplier meters may alternatively or additionally be reset following a determined number base game spins. In other embodiments, the multiplier meters may be reset to their default value upon reaching a defined upper limit. In other embodiments, the multiplier meters may decrement upon reaching the upper limit. For example, if the upper limit is 8×, upon reaching the upper limit, the multiplier meter may be decremented, e.g., by one, each time a multiplier symbol is displayed in that column. Upon reaching the lower limit or reset value, e.g., 1×, the multiplier meter may thereafter increment up to the defined upper limit. 
     Some embodiments may include one or more value meters instead of or in addition to the multiplier meters. In some embodiments, a respective value meter is associated with each reel in the display. In other embodiments, one or more value meters may be associated with multiple reels. 
     In some embodiments, each value meter may be initially set to a default value, such as zero. In some embodiments, the value meters all have the same default value. In other embodiments, different default values may be used for some or all of the value meters. 
     The value meters may be adjusted in response to events occurring during play of a base game. For example, in some embodiments, the value meters may be adjusted based on values carried (e.g., credit values and/or jackpots) by configurable symbols appearing in base game outcomes that do not trigger the feature game, e.g., a base game outcome with five (5) or fewer configurable symbols. In such instances, the values carried by any displayed configurable symbols may be credited to the appropriate value meters before another play of the base game. 
     In some embodiments, the symbol set may include symbols that cause the value meters to decrease and/or reset to zero. For example, some embodiments may include BUST symbols that reset a value meter to zero when displayed on a respective reel in a base game outcome. 
     In some embodiments, the value meter may be continuously adjusted during base game play until a feature game is triggered, e.g., by the appearance of 6 or more configurable symbols in a base game outcome. In some embodiments, the credit values from configurable symbols in a triggering base game outcome may not be added to the value meters. 
     During play of the feature game, the player may be awarded the values carried by one or more of the value meters. For example, in some embodiments, a player may be awarded the value carried on a value meter by filling a respective reel with configurable symbols during the hold and spin feature game. 
     In some embodiments, one or more additional reels may be provided to enhance the player&#39;s chance of triggering the feature game and/or resulting in a feature game award. Some embodiments include an additional reel that may be selectively activated during play of the base game. In certain embodiments, the player may activate the additional reel by placing an additional wager, e.g., an ante bet, in connection with play of the base game. In some embodiments, the ante wager may, for example, be a fixed dollar or credit amount. In other embodiments, the ante wager may be a determined percentage (e.g., 50%, 75%, or 100%) of the base game wager. 
     In some embodiments, the additional reel may provide for additional configurable symbols that increase the frequency and value of the hold and spin feature game. In certain embodiments, the extra reel may contain only configurable symbols and blank symbols. When purchased, the extra reel may spin and work with the base game reels to trigger the feature game in the manner described above. 
     In some embodiments, when the extra reel is not purchased, it may remain stationary or may not be displayed. In other embodiments, the extra reel may still spin when it is not purchased but it does not work with the base game reels, e.g., to trigger the feature game. 
     In alternative embodiments, the game may use any number of extra reels (e.g., extra reels), charge any amount for each extra reel (e.g., 50% of the base game wager), put any number or type of symbols on an extra reel (e.g., only value symbols with jackpots), change symbols from spin to spin (e.g., value symbols may increase in value every 20 spins), and work with base game reels at any frequency (e.g., activates without ante bet every other spin). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; 
         FIG. 1  is an example diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming-related servers. 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an example EGM. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. 
         FIG. 2C  is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system for providing online gaming according to some aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a further block diagram showing various functional elements of an embodiment of the game controller of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram for an example embodiment of a process for operating the EGM of  FIG. 2A  in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a representation of an example screen of the feature game of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 6A to 6C  are screenshots of an embodiment of the feature game of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are screenshots of an embodiment of the feature game of  FIG. 4 , showing one of the progressive jackpots being awarded. 
         FIGS. 8A to 8M  are screen shots of another embodiment of a feature game. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are screenshots of first and second spinning wheel games that may be employed in certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are flow diagrams for an example embodiment of a process for operating the EGM of  FIG. 2A  in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 11A to 11I  represent screen shots illustrating certain aspects of embodiments that include reel specific multiplier meters. 
         FIG. 11J  is a block diagram that shows blocks of an apparatus according to one example. 
         FIG. 11K  is a flow diagram that shows blocks of a method according to one example. 
         FIGS. 12A to 12C  represent screen shots illustrating certain aspects of embodiments that include reel-specific value meters. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the drawings, there are shown example embodiments of gaming machines having components which enable the implementation of a base game from which a hold and spin feature game may be triggered. In some examples, each column of slot game display symbols may have a corresponding multiplier meter. The multiplier value shown on the multiplier meter may be adjusted in response to a multiplier symbol being displayed on the reel in a base game outcome. In some examples, the multiplier symbols include dynamic multiplier symbols that increment the multiplier meters by a defined amount. Some implementations provide static multiplier symbols that lock a meter at a defined multiplier value. At the end of a hold and spin feature game, the multiplier values carried by each of the meters may be applied to the values of WYSIWYG symbols (which may also be referred to herein as configurable symbols or “prize on” symbols) in a corresponding column to determine the amount to be awarded to the player. Following completion of the feature game, the multiplier meters may be reset. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is 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.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. 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, although such devices may require specialized software and/or hardware to comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games of chance in which monetary awards are provided. 
     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, in one or more embodiments, 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 can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the server computers  102  described herein. 
     Moreover, in some implementations at least some of the EGMs may be “thin-client” or “thick-client” EGMs that are not configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes, etc. Such client EGMs may be configured for communication with one or more of the different server computers  102  described herein, including but not limited to the central determination gaming system server  106 . Some such client EGMs may, for example, be configured to accept tickets and/or cash (e.g., via a bill validator that also functions as a ticket reader) to load credits onto the client EGM, a “ticket-out” printer for outputting a credit ticket when a cash out button is pressed, a player tracking card reader, etc. Some client EGMs may include a transceiver for wireless communication with a player&#39;s mobile device, (e.g., for communication with a player&#39;s smartphone, tablet and/or mobile gaming device) a keypad  146 , and/or an illuminated display  148  for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information. A client EGM may include a display system, an audio system, etc., for presenting attract sequences, game presentations, etc. The game presentations may include game outcomes determined by another device, such as the central determination gaming system server  106 . 
     The server computers  102  also may include 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 a 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  117  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  127  which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. 
     In many configurations, the gaming device  104 A may have a main display  128  (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area  127 . The main display  128  can be, e.g., 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. The main display  128  may be of one or more various orientations (i.e., landscape or portrait), aspect ratios and resolutions. In some implementations, the main display  128  may include a touchscreen. 
     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 may be 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. The gaming device  104 A may have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming machine, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, and total amount of winnings on gaming device  104 A. 
     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 the EGM  104 A. In such embodiments, a game controller (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) within the gaming device  104 A can communicate with the player tracking system server  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 of 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. 2A . 
     Note that not all gaming devices that are suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices may 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, but 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  117  which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device  104 B. The main or service door  117  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  117  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-style main display  128 A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively, from side to side. In some embodiments, main 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 a 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. In some embodiments, example gaming device  104 C may also include speakers  142  to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc. 
     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 II or Class III, etc. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram depicting examples of 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. 
     Alternatively, a game instance (a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as the central determination gaming system server  106  (not shown in  FIG. 2A  but shown in  FIG. 1 ). The game instance may be 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 the 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 random access memory (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 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), and 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. 
     Some gaming devices, such as gaming devices  104 A- 104 X, 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 device  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 gaming 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 can view the game outcome on the primary game display  240  and/or the secondary game display  242 . Other game and prize information may also be displayed. 
     For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using a player interface system, which may include the player input buttons  236 , the primary game display  240  (which may include a touch screen), or some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device  200 . 
     During certain game events, the gaming device  200  may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers  220 . Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device  200  or from lights behind the information panel  152  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     In this example, the gaming device  200  is also configured for communication with a gaming signage system  250  via the network  214 . Various examples of gaming signage systems  250  are provided herein. According to some examples, the gaming signage system  250  may be configured for communication with other elements of a gaming system via the network  214 , such as the central determination gaming system server  106 , the progressive system server  112 , the player tracking system server  110  the casino management system server  114  and/or the TITO system server  108 . 
     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 redeemed for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play. 
     While an example gaming device  200  has been described in regard to  FIG. 2A , certain aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented by gaming devices that lack one or more of the above-described components. For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing aspects of the present disclosure necessarily include top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices may include a single game display having mechanical reels or a video display. Moreover, other embodiments may be designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards. 
     Many different types of wagering games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided by the gaming device  200 . In particular, the gaming device  200  may be operable to provide many different instances of games of chance. The instances 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, class 2 or class 3, etc. 
     The gaming device  200  may allow a player to select a game of chance, skill, or combination thereof, to play from a plurality of instances available on the gaming device  200 . For example, the gaming device  200  may provide a menu with a list of the instances of games that are available for play on the gaming device  200  and a player may be able to select, from the list, a game that they wish to play. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. In this example, the casino  251  includes banks  252  of EGMs  104 . In this example, each bank  252  of EGMs  104  includes a corresponding gaming signage system  254 . According to this implementation, the casino  251  also includes mobile gaming devices  256 , which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. The mobile gaming devices  256  may, for example, include tablet devices, cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In this example, the mobile gaming devices  256  are configured for communication with one or more other devices in the casino  251 , including but not limited to one or more of the server computers  102 , via wireless access points  258 . 
     According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server  106 , one of the EGMs  104 , etc. 
     Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices  256  may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices  256  may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices  256  may not, depending on the particular implementation. 
     In some implementations, the casino  251  may include one or more kiosks  260  that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices  256 , which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks  260  may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices  256 . The kiosks  260  may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons  262  and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons  262  via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks  260  may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device  256  for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron  262  is ready to cash out, the casino patron  262  may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device  256 , which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device  256  may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk  260  via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk  260  may provide monetary credits to the patron  262  corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc. 
     In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server  108 . For example, the TITO system server  108  may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device  256  and/or a kiosk  260 . 
     Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server  110 . Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron&#39;s player loyalty card, a patron&#39;s smartphone, etc. 
     According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device  256  may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device  256  from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices  256  may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area. 
       FIG. 2C  is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system for providing online gaming according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, the numbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown in  FIG. 2C  are merely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices, including but not limited to end user devices (EUDs)  264   a,    264   b  and  264   c  are capable of communication via one or more networks  417 . The networks  417  may, for example, include one or more cellular telephone networks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs  264   a  and  264   b  are mobile devices: according to this example the EUD  264   a  is a tablet device and the EUD  264   b  is a smart phone. In this implementation, the EUD  264   c  is a laptop computer that is located within a residence  266  at the time depicted in  FIG. 2C . Accordingly, in this example the hardware of EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although each EUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUD may be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may include other types of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured for online gaming. 
     In this example, a gaming data center  276  includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks  417 . The gaming data center  276  is capable of communication with the networks  417  via the gateway  272 . In this example, switches  278  and routers  280  are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center  276 , including storage devices  282   a,  servers  284   a  and one or more workstations  570   a.  The servers  284   a  may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices  282   a.  The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server  284   a  after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks  417 . The server  284   a  onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player&#39;s EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers  284   a.  Although only one gaming data center  276  is shown in  FIG. 2C , some implementations may include multiple gaming data centers  276 . 
     In this example, a financial institution data center  270  is also configured for communication via the networks  417 . Here, the financial institution data center  270  includes servers  284   b,  storage devices  282   b,  and one or more workstations  286   b.  According to this example, the financial institution data center  270  is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users  274   a - 274   c  may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center  270 . 
     According to some implementations, the gaming data center  276  may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers  284   a  may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s)  284   a  may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player&#39;s “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player&#39;s “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s)  284   a  may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center  270 . The server(s)  284   a  may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions. 
     In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center  276  may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center  270  and the gaming data center  276  include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center  270  and/or the gaming data center  276  may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center  270  and/or the gaming data center  276  may rely entirely on cloud-based servers. 
     One or more types of devices in the gaming data center  276  (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs  264  and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs  264  (including but not limited to the authorized users  274   a - 274   c ), may be stored on storage devices  282  and/or servers  284 . Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices  282  and/or servers  284 . In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center  276 ) by authorized users. 
     In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center  276 . One or more other devices (such EUDs  264  or devices of the gaming data center  276 ) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the processor  204  of game controller  202  of gaming device  200  is shown implementing a number of modules based on game program code  206  stored in memory  208 . Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that several of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example, by a dedicated circuit. The game controller  202  is an example of what may be referred to herein as a “control system.” In some implementations, the control system also may include the memory  208 . Other examples of control systems are disclosed herein. 
     According to this example, these modules include an outcome generator  322  which operates in response to the player&#39;s operation of player input buttons  236  to place a wager and initiate a play of the game and generates a game outcome which will then be evaluated by outcome evaluator  323 . In some examples, the first part of forming the game outcome may be for a symbol selector  322 A to select symbols from a set of symbols specified by symbol data  342  using a random number generator  321 . The selected symbols may be advised to the display controller  325 , which causes them to be displayed as a symbol display on primary game display  240  at a set of display positions. 
     In certain embodiments, the symbol data  342  includes one or more virtual reels that correspond to one or more reels displayed by the primary game display  240 . The virtual reels may include an arrangement of symbols selected from symbol data  342  in, for example, a predetermined or random manner. The symbol selector  322 A may select a stop position for the one or more virtual reels based on one or more outcomes of the random number generator  321 . The stop position of the one or more reels then determines the symbols that are selected on the primary game display  240 . In some alternative implementations, the functionality of one or more of the modules shown in  FIG. 3  may be implemented in another device, e.g., in a server. For example, the functionality of the RNG  321 , the outcome generator  322 , the outcome evaluator  323  and/or the game round controller  324  may be implemented in a device that is configured for communication with the gaming device  200 . 
     In the embodiment described below, the display positions of the symbol display are arranged in a rectangular matrix comprising a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. However, other arrangements known in the gaming industry could be employed in embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in some arrangements, there are more symbols in some columns than in others, such as 3-4-3-4-3 arrangement of seventeen display positions corresponding to respective ones of five reels. In such arrangements, the columns of four symbols can be arranged so that they are off-set or staggered relative to the columns having two symbols so that the middle two symbols in the columns of four symbols share boundaries with two symbols of each neighboring reel. 
       FIG. 4  shows a flow diagram of one embodiment in which a feature game may be triggered from play of the base game at step  402 . In this embodiment, the base game comprises using symbol selector  322 A of  FIG. 3  to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols to display at the respective display positions arranged on primary game display  240  at step  404 . The set of symbols, which are stored as symbol data  342  in memory  208  according to this example, comprises a plurality of configurable symbols and non-configurable symbols. 
     In an embodiment, the configurable symbols each comprise at least a common component and at least a variable component. The variable component is indicative of a value of a prize that is associated with each of the configurable symbols. An example of a configurable symbol is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  in the form of a pearl symbol. The common component is the pearl itself  602 , while the variable component is the indicia  604  overlaying pearl  602 . In this case, indicia are numerals directly indicative of the value of the prize. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the indicia indirectly indicates the value of the prize, such as “major” indicia  702 , “minor” indicia  704  or “mini” indicia  706 . It will be appreciated that the indicia can also be in other forms which may also be indicative of a prize. For example, a car icon may indicate that the player has the opportunity to win, or has won, a car. In some embodiments, the indicia may indicate only a portion of a prize. Continuing with the car example, the car icon may be split into four portions, each portion being assigned to a different configurable symbol. In such embodiments, all four portions of the car icon are required to be selected for display in order for the car prize to be won. 
     In some embodiments, at least one value of the respective prizes is generated by randomly selecting one of a plurality of defined multipliers that is applied to an amount wagered on the base game from which the feature is game triggered. According to some such embodiments, this may be accomplished at step  406  using value assigner  322 C, which selects the predefined multipliers from value data  344  using a value obtained from the random number generator (RNG)  321 , applies the multiplier to the initial wager to obtain a prize value and assigns the prize value to each of the configurable symbols selected by symbol selector  322 A. The plurality of defined multipliers in some such embodiments may be selected at random according to a weighted probability based at least in part on the amount wagered on the base game. That is, the value assigner  322 C may obtain a value from RNG  321  and may use this value to determine from the weighted table which value to assign to a configurable symbol. In an embodiment, the assignment of values to the configurable symbols is performed by the value assigner  322 C after the symbols have been selected and the game controller knows they will be displayed but before they are displayed on the display. In another embodiment, the assignment occurs after the symbols have been displayed on display  240 . In another embodiment, values are assigned to all configurable symbols irrespective of whether they will be displayed. 
     In this or other embodiments, at least one value of the respective prizes may comprise a defined value and/or a jackpot. As used herein, the term “jackpot,” as opposed to “prize,” refers to a progressive prize which accumulates over multiple plays of the base game and/or the feature game. As will be appreciated, the jackpot may be funded from a variety of sources including from only the gaming machine  200  itself, or from a plurality of gaming devices  200 —a so-called “link”. Furthermore, the jackpot may be triggered by any means known in the art, such as by using a mystery trigger or by using the Hyperlink™ system developed by the applicant. 
     In another embodiment, the variable prizes may be randomly selected (e.g., under the control of value assigner  322 C) from a set of available prizes. Specific prizes may be weighted so as to control the probability of certain prizes occurring. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of sets of prizes and the value assigner  322 C may be configured to choose the set of prizes from which values will be randomly selected on the basis of a player&#39;s wager in the base game. 
     Returning to  FIG. 4 , at step  410 , play of the base game is monitored (e.g., by the outcome evaluator  323 ) and it is determined whether a trigger event has occurred. In this embodiment, a trigger event occurs when six configurable symbols appear on primary game display  240 . If a trigger event has not occurred, play of the base game continues and control reverts to step  402  once any awards are paid at step  408 . However, if a trigger event does occur, the feature game (which may also be referred to herein as a “feature” or a “feature game round”) initiates by first holding the configurable symbols in their respective display positions  524  at step  411 . In this example, outcome generator  322  causes the feature game to be displayed on display  240  by retrieving symbol data  342  from memory  208  and passing the data to display controller  325 , which controls display  240  to display the feature game. In other embodiments, more than or less than six symbols will be required to trigger the feature game. Alternatively, or additionally, the feature game may be modified in a way that is proportional to the number of configurable symbols that are displayed to trigger the feature game. For example, the average or total prize achievable in the feature game may be increased in proportion to the number of configurable symbols appearing. 
     When the feature game starts, in various embodiments, the configurable symbol counter  510  of  FIG. 5  is set to the number of configurable symbols that are held on reels  514 - 522  at step  412 . In some embodiments, this is also the number of configurable symbols which originally triggered the feature game. That is, in some such embodiments, the configurable symbol counter  510  is initially set to 6, as six configurable symbols trigger the feature game. Alternatively, for example, if seven configurable symbols are selected for display, but only six are required for triggering the feature game, the configurable symbol counter  510  may be initially set to seven. 
     Once configurable symbol counter  510  is set, control moves to step  414  ( FIG. 4 ) which sets free game counter  512  to the defined number of free games. In an embodiment, the preferred number of free games is three, so free game counter  512  is set to three. In other embodiments, the number of free games may be more than or less than three. For example, in some embodiments the number of free games may be 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 of 8. According to some implementations, the number of free games may be derived (e.g., by the game controller) from the number of configurable symbols that appear. For example, an additional free game may be offered for each configurable symbol that appears in addition to a predefined minimum number of configurable symbols (for example, six) that may be required to trigger the feature game. 
     Then, similar to the base game, symbols may be selected from symbol data (e.g., the symbol selector  322 A may select symbols from symbol data  342 ) to be displayed in the other display positions  524  not already displaying a configurable symbol (e.g., via display controller  325 ) at step  416 . Note that in certain embodiments, symbols in the feature game may be selected from a full set of available symbols (e.g., the full set of symbols defined by symbol data  342 ), including any configurable symbols. In other embodiments, the symbols may be selected from a reduced set of symbols taking into account any configurable symbols already held. For example, in one or more embodiments, only value symbols and blank symbols, i.e., a reel strip position not having any symbol, may be available for selection (e.g., by the symbol selector  322 A). In an alternative embodiment, the symbols may be selected from an increased set of symbols. For example, symbols may be purchased or otherwise awarded for addition to the reel strip prior to initiating the feature game round. If one or more configurable symbols are selected, in this example value assigner  322 C assigns randomly selected values to each configurable symbol. 
     According to this example, outcome evaluator  323  then monitors play of the feature game to determine whether a configurable symbol is selected and displayed at step  418 . If an additional configurable symbol is not displayed, free game counter  512  is decremented by a defined amount, such as one, at step  420  in this example. In other embodiments, the free game counter  512  may be decremented by an amount, such as one, regardless of whether a configurable symbol is displayed. 
     If there are a number of free games remaining (for example, as determined by controller  202 ) at step  422 , control returns to step  416  to continue the feature game round. On the other hand, once the number of free games is depleted, that is, when the free game counter  512  reaches zero, the feature game round ends and control returns to step  402  after any prizes are paid at step  428 . In one embodiment, the accumulated value of all the individual prizes as indicated by the variable components of the collected configurable symbol is paid at step  428 . 
     Returning to step  418 , if it is determined (e.g., by outcome evaluator  323 ) that at least one configurable symbol is displayed on reels  514 - 522 , then that symbol is held on the reel, at step  423 , and the configurable symbol counter  510  is incremented at step  424 . According to this example, it is then determined (e.g., by outcome evaluator  323 ) whether a defined number of configurable symbols has been displayed on reels  514 - 522  at step  426  and, if the defined number has been reached, a jackpot is paid at step  428 . 
     The defined number of configurable symbols required to trigger a jackpot in certain embodiments is fifteen. That is, in certain embodiments in which a game is implemented using a 5×3 matrix, configurable symbols must be selected and displayed in all the matrix positions of reels  514 - 522 . In other embodiments, the defined number may be more than or less than fifteen. For example, in a 3-4-3-4-3 matrix configuration as discussed above, the number of configurable symbols required to fill all matrix positions would be  17 . In yet other embodiments, not all of the matrix positions need to necessarily be filled, and the number of configurable symbols required may be determined randomly. 
     In the above embodiments, the feature game ends when the Grand jackpot  502  is triggered at step  426 . In other embodiments, the feature game round does not necessarily end at this point. In such embodiments, one or more of reels  514 - 522  are configured to expand and display additional configurable or non-configurable symbols when configurable symbol counter  510  reaches the defined number. For example, a game implemented using a 5×3 matrix may expand to a different configuration such as a 3-4-3-4-3 configuration. In such embodiments, a prize in addition to the Grand jackpot  502  is paid if configurable symbols are also selected for display in those additional positions. 
     Alternatively, if it is determined (e.g., by outcome evaluator  323 ) that the defined number of configurable symbols has not been reached at step  426 , the feature game round may continue in some examples. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , each time a configurable symbol is displayed and the jackpot is not won, free game counter  512  is reset to the initial quantity by returning control to step  414 , which, in this embodiment, is three as noted above. Therefore, the number of free games awarded by the outcome evaluator  323  is indefinite and is not determined by a defined limit. 
     In some embodiments, if no additional configurable symbols appear on reels  514 - 522  in any of the free games initially awarded, free games counter  512  is reset. Such embodiments ensure the player is guaranteed to win a prize over and above the prize payable for triggering the feature game. 
     In the above embodiments, the jackpot paid in response to configurable symbol counter  510  reaching the defined threshold is Grand prize  502 . The Grand prize in this embodiment is a linked jackpot which receives contributions from a plurality of linked gaming machines and incremented based on the turnover of the linked machines. A linked jackpot may be a single site progressive (SSP), a multiple site progressive (MSP) or a wide area progressive (WAP). In some embodiments, a lower threshold of configurable symbols may be required for Major prize  504 , Minor prize  506  or Mini prize  508  to be won. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , Major, Minor and Mini prizes may be paid by assignment of those prizes to one of the configurable symbols, such as “major” indicia  702 , “minor” indicia  704  or “mini” indicia  706 . 
     Note that in some embodiments, one or all of the Grand prize  502 , Major prize  504 , Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508  may be implemented as jackpots, as fixed bonus amounts that do not increment or as a mixture of both. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A to 7B , as noted above, Grand prize  502  is implemented as a linked progressive jackpot, while Major prize  504  is implemented as a stand-alone progressive (SAP) jackpot which only takes contributions from the gaming machine itself, incrementing the jackpot as a function of turnover. Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508  are implemented as fixed bonus amounts in proportion to the initial bet wagered. In some embodiments, Grand prize  502  may also be implemented as a SAP or the Major prize  504  may also be implemented as a linked jackpot. 
     This embodiment implements Grand prize  502  and Major prize  504  as jackpots and, while both may be awarded simultaneously, neither can be awarded more than once in the same feature game. However, in other embodiments, either jackpot may be won multiple times within the same feature game. In such embodiments, players are awarded a seed value (i.e., reset value) of the jackpot for subsequent triggers of that same jackpot. 
     As some embodiments of the feature game described above automatically adjust awards based on turnover and proportionality to the initial wager, such embodiments may be particularly suited to variable denomination games. Therefore, in some embodiments, controller  202  allows player selection of the minimum bet denomination. For example, before play of the game, controller  202  causes display controller  325  to output a message on display  240  requesting the player to select a minimum bet denomination. The player makes a selection through the game play mechanism  56  in response to which controller  202  adjusts the amount contributed to Grand prize  502  and Major prize  504  and the magnitude of Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508 . Controller  202  also adjusts the weightings of the values in value data  344  from which value assigner  322 C may assign to the configurable symbols. In one embodiment, there are four denominations available for selection, 1c, 2c, 5c, and 10c. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the denominations are not limited to four, but can include any suitable amount in any given currency. Note also that in this embodiment, while the selected denomination affects the magnitude of the Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508 , it does not affect the magnitude of the Grand prize  502  and Major prize  504 . 
     Examples 
     More specific examples of embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with reference to  FIGS. 6A to 7B . In general, as shown in these figures, the embodiment has a traditional 3×5 grid layout and is referred to in the examples below as the “hold and spin” feature. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the hold and spin feature is triggered when six (6) pearl symbols  602  are selected for display. When triggered, pearls  602  are held in their respective display positions, being all of column 1, column 2 at rows 1 and 2, and column 5 at row 1, and the controller  202  waits for a player instruction to initiate the game through player input buttons  236 . In some embodiments, controller  202  will wait indefinitely while in other embodiments, controller  202  will wait for a predefined period of time before automatically initiating the game. 
     At this point, configurable symbol counter  510  is set to 6, and the player is guaranteed to win the accumulated value as indicated by the indicia  604  of the six pearls  602 . That is, even before play of hold and spin starts, the player has won 3,600 credits in the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
     Moving on to  FIG. 6B , the player has spun an additional four (4) pearls  602 . Accordingly, configurable symbol counter  510  is incremented from 6 to 10 and free games counter  512  is reset to the initial quantity, which is 3 feature games in this embodiment. As compared to  FIG. 6A , the additional pearls  602  are selected for display at display positions C2R3, C3R1, C4R3 and C5R2, and are also held at those positions for the subsequent games. In various embodiments, instead of resetting the free games counter to the initial quantity, the free games counter is decremented by one for every spin that does not result in additional configurable symbols being displayed, and does not decrement by one when additional configurable symbols are displayed. 
     Over the remaining feature games, the player spins only one (1) additional pearl  602 , displayed at C4R1, as shown in  FIG. 6C . Accordingly, the free games end and the player wins the accumulated value of the values indicated on pearls  602 . In this case, the total award is the 3,600 credits for the six (6) pearls  602  that originally triggered the hold and spin game, plus the additional five (5) pearls  602  selected during play of the hold and spin game—5,100 credits. In this embodiment, the accumulated award is totaled at the end of the hold and spin game and first transferred to the win meter  608  before being transferred to the credit meter  610  by the controller  202 . Meter data  348  is adjusted accordingly before the next game can be initiated at step  402 . In alternative embodiments, the accumulated award may bypass the win meter and be credited directly to the credit meter. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are examples showing the jackpots being won. In  FIG. 7A , value assigner  322 C has assigned “Major” indicia  702  to pearl  602 , which has been selected for display at C4R1. This triggers Major prize  504  which, in one embodiment, is paid directly into credit meter  610  rather than first into win meter  608 . That is, jackpot wins may be paid immediately when they are won rather than being accumulated at the end of the hold and spin game as per the other prizes described above. Thus in the  FIG. 7A  embodiment, Major jackpot  504  is paid when the associated pearl  602  is selected, while the remaining 4,000 credits will be accumulated and paid at the completion of the feature game, in addition to any new pearls  602  that are selected and displayed in the remaining free games. In alternative embodiments, the Major jackpot may be accumulated at the end of the feature game along with the other 4,000 credits, and the accumulated total may be paid first into win meter  608  or directly into credit meter  610 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows Grand jackpot  502  being triggered, as fifteen (15) pearls  602  have been selected for display in the matrix by the end of the feature game. Again, the Grand prize  502  is first accounted for and paid directly into credit meter  610 , and the remaining prizes indicated by indicia  604  on pearls  602  are then accumulated and paid into win meter  608  before being transferred to credit meter  610 . Therefore, in this  FIG. 7B  embodiment, the total winnings is made up of the initial Grand jackpot  502 , plus 63,000 credits indicated by indicia  604  and Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508  indicated by “Minor” indicia  704  and “Mini” indicia  706 . Again, in alternative embodiments, the Grand jackpot may be accumulated at the end of the feature game along with the other 63,000 credits, Minor prize  506  and Mini prize  508 , and the accumulated total may be paid first into win meter  608  or directly into credit meter  610 . In various embodiments, since all available symbol display positions display the configurable symbols, e.g., pearls, at the end of the feature game, an additional prize such as a multiplier may be applied. The multiplier may be predetermined, such as a 2× multiplier, or randomly determined. 
     In another example, the configurable symbols may only be provided during part of the game, such as a feature game. In another example, after a feature game is triggered, a feature game may be initiated (e.g., by the game controller  202 ) using different reels to those used in the base game. Depending on the embodiment, the trigger may be the configurable symbol trigger described above or some other trigger, e.g., a symbol combination. In this example, in the feature game, individual reels are associated with each of the symbol display positions. That is, if there are fifteen symbol display positions, fifteen reels are used. Each of the reels may include a mixture of non-configurable symbols and configurable symbols. Before the free games, in some examples the configurable symbol counter is set to zero and none of the configurable symbols that trigger the free game are held over to the free game. In the first free game, the symbol selector determines stopping positions for all of the reels in some such examples. If any of the reels are stopped with a configurable symbol in place, that configurable symbol may be held in position by holding/locking the reel (i.e., not spinning the reels in a subsequent free game). That is, in subsequent free games according to this example, only the reels corresponding to symbol positions where a configurable symbol has not been displayed are re-spun. Each configurable symbol is assigned a value by value assigner by selecting a prize value from a set of prize values. The set of prize values from which values are selected depends on the player&#39;s wager in the base game. As in the example described above, a player is awarded the sum of the values of the configurable symbols at the end of the free games and may be awarded an additional prize such as a jackpot prize depending on what value the counter reaches during the free games. 
     In various embodiments, the prize value of each of the configurable symbols is predetermined on the basis of a selected wager amount and/or selected denomination value. In various embodiments, the prize value of each of the configurable symbols is determined (e.g., by the game controller  202 ) in response to a wager. In certain of these embodiments, the prize value may be determined on the basis of the selected wager amount and/or selected denomination. 
     In another example, the configurable symbol may have an alternative visual representation, for example, a door which opens once the configurable symbol is displayed in a display position to reveal the assigned prize value. 
     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 non-transitory 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 ). In some examples, the program code may be provided via data signals (for example, by transmitting the program code 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 a control system, e.g., via one or more processors. 
     Repeater Symbols &amp; Mystery Symbols 
       FIGS. 8A to 8M  are screen shots of a display, such as the primary game display  240 , at different phases during play of a base game and an ensuing feature game according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Instead of a pearl as described above, the configurable symbol in this embodiment is illustrated as a rectangle overlying a diamond. As will be appreciated, the configurable symbols can take a variety of other forms in accordance with the theme of the underlying game. 
     In this embodiment, there may be multiple types of configurable symbols, including value symbols  802  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ), repeater symbols  804  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8H ), mystery symbols  806  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ), and jackpot symbols  808  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ). Each value symbol  802  displays a numeric value, e.g., a number of credits or currency. The repeater symbol  804  and mystery symbol  806  each display a respective generic symbol but no associated value. In the illustrated embodiment, the repeater symbol  804  displays a lizard and the mystery symbol  806  displays question marks. Each jackpot symbol  808  displays the name of a particular jackpot, e.g., a MINI jackpot  820 , MINOR jackpot  822 , MAXI jackpot  824 , MAJOR jackpot  826  or GRAND jackpot  828 . 
     In various embodiments, there may be different levels of the configurable symbols that allow a player to play for different payout levels, for example. The illustrated embodiment, for example, includes 5 different levels of configurable symbols that are designated by different colored configurable symbols, namely, blue configurable symbols  810 , purple configurable symbols  812 , green configurable symbols  814 , red configurable symbols  816 , and gold configurable symbols  818 . 
     The color level that is played during a game may be selected based on a player input, such as a betting denomination or an ante bet. In an embodiment, the player places a base bet and in addition may make an ante bet, where the amount of the ante bet entitles the player to increased values on the value symbols and/or different levels of configurable symbols. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five different ante bets where each is associated with a different colored configurable symbol. Larger ante bets entitle the player to configurable symbols with larger credit values and larger jackpot symbols. For example, a first ante bet amount may be associated with blue configurable symbols that carry values up to 2000 credits and MINI jackpot symbols, a second ante bet amount may be associated with purple configurable symbols that carry values up to 3000 credits and MINOR jackpot symbols, a third ante amount bet may be associated with green configurable symbols that carry values up to 5000 credits and MAXI jackpot symbols, a fourth ante bet amount may be associated with red configurable symbols that carry values up to 5000 credits and MAJOR jackpot symbols, and a fifth ante bet amount may be associated with gold configurable symbols that carry values up to 7000 credits and Grand jackpot symbols. Other ranges of values may be used, as will suggest itself. Thus, the player makes an ante bet that causes the reels to carry configurable symbols in a particular range of values. 
     In addition, the player may select a particular denomination from a plurality of denominations. For example, the player may select a denomination of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents or 10 cents. In some embodiments, the number of configurable symbols required to trigger the feature game may vary depending on the denomination selected by the player. For example, a selection of a denomination of 1 cent or 2 cents may require 6 (six) configurable symbols to appear in the base outcome in order to trigger the feature game, while a denomination selection of 5 cents or 10 cents may cause the feature game to be triggered when 5 (five) configurable symbols appear in the base game outcome. 
     Alternatively, the selection of the denomination may provide some kind of incentive with respect to some element of the game. For example, a selection of a high denomination may add a new jackpot to the game, or may add more spins to the feature game. 
     Alternatively, when an ante bet is made, rather than providing configurable symbols of only one color level, e.g., blue, the ante bets may provide multiple levels of configurable symbols, e.g., both blue and purple. That is, an ante bet of 1 credit may cause a selection of blue configurable symbols, while an ante bet of 2 credits will cause a selection of both blue and purple configurable symbols; while an ante bet of 3 credits will cause a selection of blue, purple, and green configurable symbols. All 5 types of configurable symbols may be provided with a particular ante bet. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the primary game display  240  during play of the base game. Briefly, the display  240  presents a game outcome using a 3×5 display matrix  830 , where each column represents a different reel  832 - 840 . The reels  832 - 840  are displayed as spinning and then stopping to present the matrix of display symbols representing a game outcome.  FIG. 8A  illustrates the reels spinning and  FIG. 8B  illustrates the reels in their stopped position to provide a base game outcome. 
     While the display matrix  830  is described in the context of a spinning reel game, it will be appreciated that display matrix  830  may be used in other types of games. For example, particularly in the context of a video display, the display matrix  830  may be presented and populated by symbols without providing any representation of reels spinning. 
     During play of the base game, the gaming device  200  may utilize one or more paylines to determine whether the display matrix  830  contains any winning symbol combinations. In particular, a gaming device  200  may provide one or more paylines and may allow the player to make a wager on each payline in a play of the primary game. For example, the gaming device  200  may include 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 25, or some other number of paylines upon which the player may wager or otherwise activate. The gaming device  200  may allow players to make wagers of substantially different amounts on each play of the primary or base game ranging, for example, from one credit up to 125 credits (e.g., five credits on each of 25 separate paylines). 
     The paylines may be horizontal (see, e.g., paylines  801   1 ,  801   2 ,  801   3  of  FIG. 8B ), vertical, circular, diagonal, angled, zigzagged, or any combination thereof. Each payline identifies a subset of symbols or display positions of the display matrix  830 . For example,  FIG. 8B  depicts an embodiment having three horizontal paylines  801   1 ,  801   2 ,  801   3 . The top payline  800   1  corresponds to the top row of display positions in the display matrix. The center payline  800   2  corresponds to the center row of display positions in the display matrix. The bottom payline  80   3  corresponds to the bottom row of display positions. In some embodiments, paylines  801   1 ,  801   2 ,  801   3  are selectively activated based on, for example, a player&#39;s wager or gaming outcomes. In such embodiments, the gaming device  200  may only award prizes or trigger game events based on symbols aligned with activated paylines  801   1 ,  801   2 ,  801   3 . 
     The value of the mystery symbol may be determined and revealed at any time following its appearance in a game outcome. For example, in some embodiments, mystery symbols may be available during both the base game and the feature game. If a mystery symbol appears as part of a triggering game outcome in a base game, its value may be determined and revealed prior to initiation of the feature game so that the determined value of the mystery symbol may be included in the values accumulated to determine the repeater prize value. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the value of one or more of the mystery symbol(s) may not be determined and revealed until the feature game is completed. 
     In some embodiments, the value of the mystery symbol may be determined using a first valuation game, which may, for example, be in the form of a first spinning wheel game. The first spinning wheel game may be presented via a spinning wheel display  946  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9A ). The first spinning wheel display  946  includes a segmented wheel  948 , where each wheel segment displays a numeric value (e.g., a number of credits or currency) or a jackpot label (e.g., MINI, MINOR, MAXI, MAJOR, and GRAND). The wheel  948  is shown as spinning and stopping (randomly) at one of the segments to indicate the value that is to be awarded for the mystery symbol. The indicated value is then used to replace the question marks on one or more of the displayed mystery symbols. The spins during the first spinning wheel game may occur automatically or the player may be prompted to spin the wheel. In some embodiments, a single random determination (e.g., wheel spin) may be used to set the value for all of the displayed mystery symbols. Alternatively, the values of each mystery symbol may be separately determined or determined in subgroups. In some embodiments, the first spinning wheel display  946  (or other valuation game) may be displayed to the player on the secondary game display  242 , for example. Alternatively, the first spinning wheel display  946  (or other valuation game) may be presented on the primary game display  240 , for example. 
     In other embodiments, the value of the mystery symbols may be set in other ways. For example, there may be a player skill feature where the skill level of the player is determined or is based on particular data regarding the particular player, and the value of the mystery symbol is set accordingly. Also, a selection mechanic may be used to determine the value of the mystery symbol where a quantity of selections are displayed to the player and the player may select one or more of the displayed selections via the input device. Further, in various embodiments, the value of the mystery symbol may be randomly determined without any player input or a valuation game. Also, different levels of mystery symbols may be used, such that some levels are of higher average value than others. For example, red mystery symbols may use a red wheel with lower average values and gold mystery symbols may use a gold wheel with higher average values. 
     As discussed above, a hold and spin feature game is triggered when a determined number of configurable symbols appear in the outcome of a base game. For illustration purposes, a feature game is triggered when six (6) of the configurable symbols appear in the base game outcome. Accordingly, in addition to evaluating the base game outcomes for winning symbol combinations, the gaming device  200  also evaluates the base game outcome to determine whether the base game outcome triggers the feature game, e.g., because it includes at least six (6) configurable symbols. In this regard, the base game outcome shown in  FIG. 8B  triggers the feature game because it includes 6 (six) configurable symbols in the form of a mystery symbol  806 , a MINI jackpot symbol  808  and four value symbols  802  (10 credits, 10 credits, 10 credits and 20 credits). 
     As discussed above, the configurable symbols may also include repeater symbols whose value is not determined until a feature game is triggered. When a feature game is triggered, the gaming device  200  determines the value of repeater prize to be assigned to the repeater symbols based on the value(s) of one or more of the configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. In a preferred embodiment, the value of the repeater prize is determined by summing (accumulating) the values of the configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. 
     In various embodiments, the value of the repeater prize is determined by summing some of the values of the configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. In various other embodiments, the value of the repeater prize is determined by summing some or all of the values of the configurable symbols that are displayed at the conclusion of the feature game. In some of these embodiments, a multiplier may be randomly determined, predetermined, selected by a player using a selection mechanic, determined using a skill or pseudo-skill game. 
     In various embodiments, the feature game is triggered with configurable symbols except with the repeater symbol. During play of the feature game, one or more repeater symbols can be displayed. The value of the repeater prize can then be determined when the repeater symbol is first displayed in the feature game by summing the prize values of all of the other configurable symbols displayed in the feature game when the repeater symbol is first displayed. 
     When the triggering symbols include one or more mystery symbols, as in the illustrated example, the gaming device may determine the value(s) of any mystery symbols, e.g., via the first valuation game, before determining the value of the repeater prize. In this regard, the value of the mystery symbol  806  has been updated in  FIG. 8C  to reflect the awarding of a MINI jackpot by the mystery symbol valuation game. Accordingly, in the example, the value of the repeater prize is 3050 credits, which is the sum (1500+1500+10+10+10+20) of the six ( 6 ) configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. (Note, in the illustrated embodiment, the MINI jackpot has a value of $15.00 and the game is a 1 cent game where each credit has a value of 1 cent. Accordingly, the MINI jackpot symbol has a corresponding value of 1500 credits. 
     An animation may be provided to visually display the credits being accumulated (or summed) from the triggering symbols to determine the value of the repeater prize during the ensuing feature game. For example, as is shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , the animation may display rockets (not shown) or other elements sequentially moving from each respective configurable symbol to a repeater prize meter  846 . When a respective rocket reaches the meter, it may explode and the value from the originating configurable symbol may be added to the repeater prize meter. For example, in  FIG. 8C , a rocket moves from a MINI jackpot prize symbol  808  to the repeater prize meter  846  where it explodes.  FIG. 8D  shows the repeater prize meter  846  updated to reflect that the 1500 credits (the value of the MINI jackpot) have been accumulated towards the repeater prize. The animation may continue with rockets shooting from each of the individual configurable symbols until all of the credits have been accumulated to the repeater prize meter, see, e.g.,  FIG. 8E  where the repeater prize meter  846  displays 3050 credits. 
     The game then transitions to the feature game.  FIG. 8F  is a screen shot of a transition screen that may be shown on the display  240  when transitioning from the base game to the feature game. The transition screen may prompt the player to make an input, such as to press a start button to begin the feature game. 
       FIGS. 8G to 8M  are screen shots illustrating play of the feature game. The feature game is in the form of a hold and spin game in which any configurable symbols from the triggering game outcome are retained on the display and the player is awarded an additional number of spins (e.g., 6 in the illustrated example) during which the player tries to accumulate more of the configurable symbols. The display includes a spin counter  858  that displays an indication of the number of spins remaining in the feature game. The display may also include a configurable symbol counter  852  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8H ) that displays the number of configurable symbols that have been collected by the player. The configurable symbol counter may be initially set following the triggering game outcome and may be updated following each spin during the feature game. 
       FIG. 8G  shows the reels  832 - 840  spinning during a first spin of the feature game. As shown, the configurable symbols that appeared in the triggering game outcome are held in place on the display while the reels are shown spinning in the other symbol positions.  FIG. 8H  illustrates reels  832 - 840  in their stopped position to provide a game outcome following the first spin of the feature game. As shown in  FIG. 8H , the first spin has resulted in the award of two additional configurable symbols, namely, a 20 credit value symbol  802  and a repeater symbol  804 . The repeater symbol  804  may be modified to display its value (3050 credits in this example) before the next spin. For example, as is shown in  FIGS. 8I and 8J , an animation  850  may display a rocket (now shown) or other element moving from the repeater prize meter  846  to the repeater symbol  804  where it explodes to reveal the repeater symbol modified to display its value. When a spin results in the award of more than one repeater symbol, the repeater symbols may be modified simultaneously or sequentially to display their values. 
     The player is then prompted to initiate a second spin of the feature game. During the second spin, the configurable symbols that were previously awarded (collected) are held in place on the display matrix and the reels are shown spinning in the other symbol positions of the display matrix.  FIG. 8K  shows the display during the second spin of the feature game, and  FIG. 8L  shows the reels in their stopped position to provide a game outcome following the second spin of the feature game. As shown in  FIG. 8L , the second spin has resulted in the award of two additional configurable symbols, namely, another repeater symbol  804  and a mystery symbol  806 . As discussed above, the value of the mystery symbol may be determined using a valuation game, such as a spinning wheel game. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
       FIG. 8M  shows the display after the repeater and mystery symbols that were awarded during the second spin have been modified to show their determined values, e.g., 3050 credits for the repeater symbol and 30 credits for the mystery symbol. 
     The feature game continues in the manner described until all of the spins have been completed. Once the feature game is completed, the controller determines and pays out a feature game award. For example, if the matrix  830  is not fully populated with configurable symbols, the player may be awarded a prize amount corresponding to the accumulated value of the displayed configurable symbols. 
     In various embodiments, if the display matrix  330  is completely filled with configurable symbols, the player may be awarded an enhanced award. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be a fixed prize such as a 2× multiplier of the accumulated value or the award of a jackpot, such as the Grand jackpot. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be determined via a second valuation game. The second valuation game may be similar to the first valuation game, but may provide different and/or enhanced values from those used in the first valuation game. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9B , the second valuation game may be conducted using a second spinning wheel display  950  with a segmented wheel  952  that may include multipliers (i.e., 2× or 3×) or multipliers with jackpots (i.e., 2×+Grand or 3×+Major). The multiplier value indicated by the spin of the second spinning wheel display affects the sum total value of all “hold” value symbols collected in the hold and spin game (i.e., “2×” will double the sum total value); the jackpot enhances the hold and spin award by the amount of the jackpot (i.e., $50, $500 or $5000 will be added to the sum total value). 
     In certain embodiments, once the play of all the spins of the feature game is completed, the gaming device  200  may determine whether to provide an additional quantity of spins of the feature game. In one or more embodiments, the gaming device  200  can randomly select the additional quantity of spins to be provided. In certain other embodiments, the gaming device  200  can present a quantity of picks and receive player input. The selected pick is then revealed by the gaming device  200  and the additional quantity of spins corresponding to the player pick is provided. In certain embodiments, the gaming device  200  can first determine whether to provide the additional quantity of spins and then do a second determination to determine the quantity to be provided. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are various ways, such as a wheel game, etc., that may be used to determine and present the additional quantity of plays. 
     Examples of play of the base and feature game with repeater and mystery symbols will now be described with additional reference to the flowchart  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . At  1002 , the gaming device  200  may establish an associated credit value on a credit meter. To this end, a player may insert a physical item having monetary value into a credit input mechanism, such as the ticket reader  224  or bill validator  234 , of the gaming device  200 . In response to the received physical item, the gaming device  200  may increase a credit value of the credit meter  815  (see  FIG. 8A ) based on the monetary value of the physical item. 
     At  1004 , the gaming device  200  may receive a wager and may activate one or more paylines, such as paylines  801   1 ,  801   2 ,  801   3 . For example, in some embodiments, the gaming device  200  allows the player to selectively activate a number of paylines via the player input buttons  236 . In other embodiments, the paylines may be automatically activated by the gaming device  200  without player input. A player may also use the player input buttons  236  to specify a value of an amount to be wagered on each active payline with the wager being funded by the credit value of the credit meter. 
     The gaming device  200  may display a message such as “Press SPIN to play” in a message box, e.g., on the primary game display  240 . When the player presses a SPIN button, e.g., in the player input buttons  236 , the gaming device  200 , at  1006 , may decrease the player&#39;s credit balance by the specified wager and initiate play of a spinning reel game by spinning reels  832 - 840 . (See, e.g.  FIG. 8A ). 
     Next, at  1008 , the gaming device  200  may stop the reels  832 - 840  based on one or more random values generated by RNG  212  to obtain a base game outcome comprising a matrix  830  of symbols. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 8B ). In other embodiments, the gaming device  200  may stop the reels  832 - 840  based on information received from central determination gaming system server  106 . 
     The gaming device  200 , at  1010 , may then determine whether the symbols displayed in the display matrix  830  include one or more winning symbol combination. For example, at  1010 , the gaming device  200  may determine if there are any winning combinations of symbols along one of the activated paylines. Winning symbol combinations along the activated paylines may result in the award of prize(s) by increasing the credit value of the credit meter based on the prize(s) for such winning combination(s). 
     At  1012 , the gaming device  200  may adjust the credit balance on the credit meter  535  in accordance with any winning symbol combinations that were identified in  1006 . The gaming device  200  may also control the display  240  to provide a message reflective of the game outcome. For example, when the game outcome includes one or more winning symbol combinations, the display  240  may display a message such as “Congratulations—You Won X Credits!” (where X is the number of credits won by the player). Conversely, when the game outcome does not include any winning symbol combinations, a message such as “Sorry—You Didn&#39;t Win—Spin Again” may be displayed to the player. 
     At  1014 , the gaming device  200  determines whether a feature triggering event occurred. The game triggering event may occur, for example, on the occurrence of a predetermined combination of symbols, or at random, or by some other process. As discussed above, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 8A-8I , a feature game is triggered by the appearance of 6 or more configurable symbols in a base game outcome. For example, the base game outcome shown in  FIG. 8B  triggers the feature game because it includes at least six (6) configurable, i.e., symbols, in the form of a mystery symbol, a MINI jackpot symbol, and four value symbols (10 credits, 10 credits, 10 credits, and 20 credits). When a trigger event occurs, the gaming device  200  displays a message such as “Congratulations, You Triggered The HOLD AND SPIN FEATURE Game” on the primary game display  240 . In various embodiments, the minimum number of configurable symbols needed to trigger the feature game may be predetermined, randomly determined, based on a wager amount, or based on a denomination, etc. 
     If the feature game is not triggered, the process returns to  1004  to allow the player to continue playing the base game. Alternatively, when a feature trigger occurs, the gaming device  200  may transition to a feature game as described below. 
     Prior to transitioning to the feature game, the gaming device  200  may, at  1016  and  1018 , determine the value(s) of any mystery symbols that were displayed in the base game outcome that triggered the feature game. As discussed above, the gaming device  200  may determine the values to be assigned to the mystery symbols using a valuation game that may be displayed, for example, on the spinning wheel display  946  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9A ). Upon determining values for any displayed mystery symbols, the gaming device  200  may cause the display  240  to replace the mystery symbols with their respective determined values. (See, e.g.,  FIGS. 8B and 8C , which illustrate the mystery symbol  806  being updated to MINI jackpot symbol). Although not illustrated, an animation may be shown when updating the display matrix  830  to show values assigned to mystery symbols. 
     At  1019 , the gaming device  200  determines the repeater prize value and sets the repeater prize meter  846  in accordance with the determined value. In the illustrated embodiment, the repeater prize value is determined as the sum of the configurable symbols (including the determined value of any mystery symbols) that triggered the feature game. Accordingly, in the above example, the repeater prize meter  846  is set to 3050 credits, which is the sum (1500+1500+10+10+10+20) of the six (6) configurable symbols that triggered the feature game. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 8E ). 
     Before beginning the hold and spin feature game, the gaming device  200  also resets the spin counter  858  to its starting value at  1020 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feature game provides 6 (six) rounds/spins, so the spin counter  858  is reset to indicate that this is spin 1 of 6. 
     In transitioning from the base game to the feature game, the gaming device  200  may cause the display  240  to provide a transition screen. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 8F ). When the player presses a Start Feature button, e.g., on the player input buttons  236 , the game transitions the display  240  to present the hold and spin feature game. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 8G ). 
     The gaming device  200  may display a message such as “Press SPIN to Play” on the display  240 . When the player presses the SPIN button, the gaming device  200 , at  1024 , controls the display matrix  830  to show reels  310 A- 310 E as spinning (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8G ) and stopping (based on one or more random values generated by RNG  212 ) to obtain a game outcome. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 8H ). As noted above, the symbol set in the feature game utilizes configurable and non-configurable symbols. 
     The gaming device  200 , at  1026 , may then determine whether the feature game outcome from the first spin includes any new configurable symbols. In the illustrated example, the first spin has resulted in the award of two additional configurable symbols, namely, a 20 credit value symbol  802  and a mystery symbol  806 . (See  FIG. 8H ). 
     Next, at  1028 , any configurable symbols shown in the game outcome are held on the display matrix  830 . 
     At  1030 , the gaming device  200  determines if the game outcome includes any mystery symbols. If no mystery symbols are present, control moves to  1034 . Conversely, if the displayed game outcome incudes one or more mystery symbols, control moves to  1032  where the gaming device  200  determines the value(s) to be assigned to the mystery symbols. The value of the mystery symbol may, for example, be determined using a valuation game, such as the first spinning wheel game. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 9A ). 
     At  1033 , the gaming device  200  determines if the spin resulted in the award of any new repeater symbols. Any new repeater symbols  804  may be modified to display its value (3050 credits in this example) before the next spin. (See, e.g.,  FIGS. 8I and 8J ). As noted above, when a spin results in the award of more than one repeater symbol, the repeater symbols may be modified simultaneously or sequentially to display their values 
     At  1034 , the gaming device increments the configurable symbol counter  852  to reflect the number of configurable symbols that have been collected thus far by the player. Next, at  1036 , the gaming device  200  optionally increments the feature game spin counter  858 . 
     Next, at  1036 , the gaming device  200  optionally increments the feature game spin counter  858 . At  1038 , the gaming device  200  determines if the feature game is over. Specifically, the feature game ends in this example if no spins remain or if the matrix  330  has been filled with configurable symbols. 
     If the feature game is not over, control returns to  1024  where the gaming device  200  waits for the player to press the spin button to generate another feature game outcome. The feature game continues in the manner described until all of the spins have been completed or the display matrix is filled with configurable symbols. 
     Once the feature game is completed, control moves to  1040  where the gaming device  200  determines the award to be paid to the player in connection with the feature game. If the matrix is not completely filled with configurable symbols, the award may be determined by summing the credits of the configurable symbols that were awarded and held during the feature game. An enhanced award may be provided for completely filling the display matrix  830  with configurable symbols. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be a fixed prize such as a 2× multiplier of the accumulated value. In some embodiments, the enhanced award may be determined via a second valuation game, such as the second spinning wheel game. (See, e.g.,  FIG. 9B ). 
     Upon determining the award, control moves to  1042  where the gaming device  200  pays out any awards to the player, e.g., by adding the awarded credits to the credit balance on the credit meter  535 . Next, at  1044 , the gaming device  200  clears the held configurable symbols and control returns to  1002  where the player may continue to play the base game. 
     Reel-Specific Multipliers 
       FIGS. 11A to 11I  represent screen shots of a display, such as the primary game display  240 , at different phases during play of a base game and an ensuing hold and spin feature game according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The game in these embodiments is illustrated as having a glamor theme, where the game symbols display glamor-related elements. In this regard, the non-configurable symbols may, for example, include people, watches, diamonds, lips, lipstick, ear rings, etc. (See, e.g.  FIG. 11A ). As in the prior embodiments, the configurable symbols  1102  are illustrated as a rectangle overlying a diamond (See, e.g.,  FIG. 11A ). As discussed above, some embodiments may include multiple types of configurable symbols, such as value symbols, repeater symbols, mystery symbols, and/or jackpot symbols. 
     These embodiments are similar to the embodiments described above with reference to  FIGS. 6A-8M , except that these embodiment include one or more reel-specific multipliers that are accumulated during play of the base game and are applied to determine an award amount at the end of the hold and spin feature game. 
       FIG. 11A to 11E  illustrate the primary game display  240  during play of the base game. Briefly, the display  240  presents a game outcome using a 3×5 display matrix  1104 , where each column represents a different reel  1108   a,    1108   b,    1108   c,    1108   d,    1108   e.  The reels  1108   a - 1108   e  are displayed as spinning and then stopping to present a matrix of display symbols representing a game outcome. 
     The display  240  also includes a plurality of multiplier meters  1112   a - 1112   e.  In the illustrated embodiment, each multiplier meter  1112   a - 1112   e  is associated with a respective reel  1108   a - 1108   e  of the display matrix  1104 . In particular, a first multiplier meter  1112   a  is associated with the first reel  1108   a,  a second multiplier meter  1112   b  is associated with the second reel  1108   b , a third multiplier meter  1112   c  is associated with the third reel  1108   c,  a fourth multiplier meter  1112   d  is associated with the fourth reel  1108   d,  and a fifth multiplier meter  1112   e  is associated with the fifth reel  1108   e.  As shown, each meter  1112   a - 1112   e  is displayed above its respective reel  1108   a - 1108   e  to visually indicate that a given meter is associated with a specific reel. 
     In other embodiments, one or more multiplier meters may be associated with multiple reels. For example, in some embodiments, a first multiplier meter may be associated with the first reel, a second multiplier meter may be associated with the second, third and fourth reels, and a third multiplier meter may be associated with the fifth reel. In such an embodiment, the first and third meters may be adjusted based on multiplier symbols that appear in the first and fifth reels, respectively, while the second multiplier meter may be adjusted based on multiplier symbols that appear in any of the middle, i.e., second, third, and fourth reels. In some embodiments, only certain reels may be associated with a multiplier meter. For example, reels  1108   b,    1108   c,  and  1108  may be associated with multiplier meters  1112   b,    1112   c,  and  1112   d,  while reels  1108   a  and  1108   e  are not associated with multiplier meters. Further, in certain embodiments, only one multiplier meter may be provided that may apply a multiplier value to some or all of the reels. 
     In some embodiments, each of the multiplier meters  1112   a - 1112   e  may be initially set to a default value, such as a 1× (e.g., no) multiplier value. For example, in  FIG. 11A  each multiplier meter  1112   a - 1112   e  displays a star symbol (or other indicia) to indicate that no multiplier has been accumulated for a respective reel. However, in some implementations each of the multiplier meters  1112   a - 1112   e  may be initially set to randomly-determined values. 
     The multiplier meters  1112   a - 1112   e  may be adjusted in response to events occurring during play of a base game. For example, in some embodiments, the base game may include multiplier symbols that increment (or decrement) one or more of the multiplier meters when they appear in a base game outcome. In this regard,  FIG. 11B  shows the reels spinning during a play of the base game and  FIG. 11C  shows the reels stopped to display a first base game outcome. Referring to  FIG. 11C , the multiplier symbols may include dynamic multiplier symbols  1114 , which are shown as star symbols in the illustrated example. When a dynamic multiplier symbol  1114  appears in a base game outcome, it causes an associated multiplier meter to be incremented by a determined amount (e.g., by one, by two, by three, etc.). In the illustrated, each multiplier, a multiplier meter  1112   a - 1112   e  is incremented each time a dynamic multiplier symbol is displayed on its respective reel  1108   a - 1108   e  in a base game outcome. For example, the base game outcome in  FIG. 11C  includes one dynamic multiplier symbol (star)  1114  in the first reel  1108   a.  As a result, the gaming device increments the first multiplier meter  1112   a  by one, i.e., from no multiplier to a 2× multiplier. Likewise, the third reel  1108   c  displays two dynamic multiplier symbols  1114 , which causes the third multiplier meter  1112   c  to be incremented by two, i.e., from no multiplier to a 3× multiplier. Another dynamic multiplier symbol is displayed on the fourth reel  1108   d,  which causes the fourth multiplier meter  1112   d  to increment by one, i.e., from no multiplier to a 2× multiplier. In some examples, the value of each configurable symbol in a display symbol column will change according to an adjustment of the multiplier value of the multiplier meter associated with the display symbol column. For example, a control system of a gaming device may cause the display  240  to change the value of the upper configurable symbol on the first reel  1108   a  from 100 to 200, corresponding with the 2× multiplier shown in the first multiplier meter  1112   a.  The control system may cause the display  240  to change the value of the configurable symbol on the fourth reel  1108   d  from 200 to 400, corresponding with the 2× multiplier shown in the fourth multiplier meter  1112   d.  In some such examples, the control system may cause the display  240  to change the value of the lower configurable symbol on the first reel  1108   a  from MINI to 2× MINI, corresponding with the 2× multiplier shown in the first multiplier meter  1112   a . The second and fifth reels  1108   b,    1108   e  do not include any multiplier symbols. Accordingly, the second and fifth display meters  1112   d,    1112   e  remain unchanged, e.g., from their default settings. 
       FIG. 11D  shows a second base game outcome which occurs following the first base game outcome of  FIG. 11C . As shown in  FIG. 11D , some embodiments may also include static multiplier symbols  1118 . In the illustrated example, a static multiplier symbol  1118  is designated by a star symbol overlaid by a circle that displays a respective multiplier value, such as 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, etc. In this regard, the second base game outcome includes a 5× static multiplier symbol  1118  on the fifth reel  1108   e.  As a result, the fifth multiplier meter  1112   e  is updated to indicate that a 5× multiplier is associated with the fifth reel  1108   e.  In some such embodiments, a static multiplier symbol value may “lock” the respective multiplier meter at the awarded multiplier until the multiplier meter is reset (e.g., following the triggering and completion of a feature game) or otherwise unlocked. A locked multiplier meter may be visually altered, e.g., by highlighting, a color, indicia, or otherwise, to indicate its locked status. For example, in the illustrated example, the fifth multiplier meter  1112   e  displays the 5× multiplier in a circle to indicate that this value is locked. A meter may be “locked” at a static multiplier value in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the game is controlled such that multiplier symbols are not displayed in a column with a locked meter until the locked multiplier meter is reset or otherwise unlocked. In other embodiments, multiplier symbols may still be displayed or a reel with a locked meter, but their appearance may not result in any adjustment of the locked multiplier meter until the meter is reset or otherwise unlocked. 
     In some embodiments, the dynamic multiplier symbols  1114  may include both incrementing dynamic multiplier symbols and decrementing dynamic multiplier symbols. In such embodiments, the dynamic multiplier symbols may include further indicia to designate whether they function to increment or decrement a multiplier meter. For example, a dynamic multiplier (e.g., star) symbol may display a + (plus) sign to indicate that it increments a multiplier meter or a − (minus) sign to indicate that it decrements a multiplier meter. For example, the second base game outcome shown in  FIG. 11D  includes a decrementing dynamic multiplier symbol  1114  in the third reel  1108   c,  which causes the third multiplier meter  1112   c  to be decremented by one, e.g., from a 3× multiplier to a 2× multiplier. 
     Some implementations may involve decrementing or re-setting a multiplier value after presenting a predetermined number of base game instances. For example, after presenting the predetermined number of base game instances, a control system may control the display  240  to cause the fourth multiplier meter  1112   d  to be decremented by one, e.g., from a 3× multiplier to a 2× multiplier. The predetermined number may vary according to the particular implementation. In some examples, the predetermined number may be 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 base game instances. Alternatively, or additionally, some implementations may involve re-setting the multiplier value after presenting a predetermined number of base game instances. Some such implementations may involve re-setting the multiplier value to a default value (such as a 1× value), whereas other such implementations may involve re-setting the multiplier value to a randomly-determined value. Embodiments that include both decrementing and re-setting may, in some examples, reference one predetermined number of base game instances for decrementing and another predetermined number of base game instances for re-setting. According to some examples, if the predetermined number of base game instances results in a trigger of a feature game round, multiplier values will not be decremented or re-set until after the feature game round has been completed. 
     During play of the base game, in some examples the multiplier meters may continue to be adjusted in response to the appearance of multiplier symbols in one of the ways just described. When a feature game is triggered, the multipliers shown on the meters  1112   a - 1112   e  may be applied to determine an award in connection with play of the feature game. By way of example,  FIG. 11E  shows a third base game outcome that triggers the feature game because it includes the determined number of configurable symbols, e.g., at least 6 (six) in this example. The third base game outcome also includes two dynamic multiplier symbols  1114  in the first reel  1108   a.  As a result, the first multiplier meter is incremented by two, i.e., from a 2× multiplier to a 4× multiplier. 
     The game then transitions to the feature game.  FIGS. 11F to 11I  represent screen shots illustrating play of feature game that was triggered in  FIG. 11E . The feature game is in the form of a hold and spin game in which any configurable symbols from the triggering base game outcome are retained on the display matrix  1104  and the player is awarded an additional number of spins (e.g., 8 in the illustrated example) during which the player tries to accumulate more of the configurable symbols. A spin meter  1130  may be displayed to indicate the number of spins remaining in the feature game. 
       FIG. 11F  shows the display  240  at the start of the hold and spin feature,  FIG. 11G  shows the display during the first spin of the feature, and  FIG. 11H  shows the display following completion of the first spin of the feature. In this example, the player collected a total of 13 configurable symbols, including seven during the triggering base game outcome and an additional six during the hold and spin feature. 
     Once the feature game is completed, in this example the controller determines and pays out a feature game award. In some embodiments, the multiplier values carried by the meters may be applied to the values of the held symbols in a respective reel to determine the amount to be awarded to the player. In the illustrated example, the 250 credits carried by the held symbols on the first reel  1108   a  are multiplied by the 4× multiplier from the first multiplier meter  1112   a , resulting an award of 1000 credits. The 300 held credits on the second reel  1108   b  are not enhanced because the second multiplier meter  1112   b  does not carry a multiplier. The third reel  1108   c  displays 150 held credits and the associated third multiplier meter  1112   e  is set at a 2× multiplier, resulting in an award of 300 credits. The 200 credits held on the reel  1108   d  are multiplied by the 3× multiplier carried on the fourth multiplier meter  1112   d,  resulting in an award of 600 more credits. Likewise, the 200 credits held on the fifth reel  1108   e  are multiplied by the 3× multiplier carried on the fifth multiplier meter  1112   e,  resulting in an award of 600 more credits. Accordingly, after applying the multipliers, the feature game in this example results in an award of 3200 credits (e.g., $32.00 in the example where each credit is valued at 1 cent as shown in  FIG. 11I ). 
     An animation may be provided to visually display the credits from the held symbols being accumulated on a credit meter  1140  before the display matrix  1104  is cleared. For example, an animation may display rockets (not shown) or other elements sequentially moving from each respective configurable symbol to the credit meter  1140 . When a respective rocket reaches the meter, it may explode and the value from the originating configurable symbol may be added to the prize meter. When a multiplier is applicable, the animation may be repeated, e.g., twice for a 2× multiplier, three times for a 3× multiplier, etc. The award meter  1140  may show the collected credits or the cash equivalent to the collected credits. 
       FIG. 11J  is a block diagram that shows blocks of an apparatus according to one example. According to some examples, the apparatus  1150  may be, or may include, a gaming device. In some examples, the apparatus  1150  may be an EGM such as those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2A . However, in alternative examples, the apparatus  1150  may be a mobile device such as described above with reference to  FIG. 2B  or an EUD as described above with reference to  FIG. 2C . 
     In this example, the apparatus  1150  includes a display system  1152  and a control system  1154  that is configured to communicate with the display system  1152 . In this example, the control system  1154  is configured to communicate with the display system  1152  via wired communication, e.g., via electrical signals. In alternative implementations, the control system  1154  may be configured to communicate with the display system  1152  via wireless communication. Accordingly, at least a portion of the control system  1154  may be coupled to the display system  1152 . As used herein, the term “coupled to” has a meaning that could include being physically coupled for wired communication or being configured for wireless communication. 
     The control system  1154  may include one or more general purpose single- or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. Although the interface system  1156  is shown as being separate from the control system  1154 , in some implementations the interface system  1156  may be part of the control system  1154 . In some implementations, the interface system  1156  may include the entire control system  1154 . The control system  1154  also may include (and/or be configured for communication with) one or more memory devices, such as one or more random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices and/or other types of non-transitory media. In some implementations, at least a portion of the control system  1154  may be implemented as a register. Accordingly, the apparatus  1150  may have a memory system that includes one or more memory devices, though the memory system is not shown in  FIG. 11J . 
     The control system  1154  may be capable of performing, at least in part, the methods disclosed herein. In some examples, the control system  1154  may be capable of performing at least some of the methods described herein according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more non-transitory media. For example, the control system  1154  may be configured for controlling the display system  1152  and/or for receiving and processing data from at least a portion of the display system  1152 , e.g., as described below. 
     The display system  1152  may include, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, microLED displays or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. According to some implementations, the display system  1152  may include at least one flexible display, such as a flexible OLED. Although shown as separate components in  FIG. 11J , the display system  1152  may, in some examples, include at least a portion of the control system  1154 . For example, the display system  1152  may include one or more processors, microprocessors, programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, etc. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 11J , the apparatus  1150  includes an interface system  1156 . In some examples, the interface system may include a wireless interface system. In some implementations, the interface system  1156  may include a network interface, an interface between the control system  1154  and the display system  1152 , an interface between the control system  1154  and a memory system and/or an interface between the control system  1154  and an external device interface (e.g., a port or an applications processor). In some examples, the interface system  1156  may include one or more user interfaces, such as a touch screen, one or more buttons, a gesture recognition system, a voice recognition system, etc. 
     According to some implementations, the apparatus  1150  may be a single device, whereas in other implementations the apparatus  1150  may be a system that includes more than one device. Accordingly, the terms “apparatus” and “system” may sometimes be used interchangeably herein. In other examples, the apparatus  1150  may be a component of another device. For example, in some implementations at least a portion of the display system  1152  and/or the control system  1154  may be included in more than one apparatus. For example, in some implementations at least part of the control system  1154  may reside in a server, such as a central determination server, a server that tracks feature award credits, etc. Some implementations of the apparatus  1150  may not include a display system. In some such implementations, the control system  1154  may be configured for controlling the display system of another device. 
       FIG. 11K  is a flow diagram that shows blocks of a method according to one example. In some examples method  1160  may be performed, at least in part, by an apparatus such as that described above with reference to  FIG. 11J . In some examples, the method  1160  may be performed by a control system (e.g., the control system  1154  of  FIG. 11J ) according to software stored upon one or more non-transitory storage media. As with other methods described herein, the number and sequence of blocks shown in  FIG. 11K  are merely examples. Similar disclosed methods may include more or fewer blocks. Moreover, at least some of the blocks may occur in a different sequence than the sequence that is shown in a flow diagram. 
     According to this example, block  1162  involves receiving, via a user interface of a gaming device, at least one indication to initiate one or more instances of a base game. In this example, the base game is, or includes, a slot game. For example, the user input may be received by the control system  1154  of  FIG. 11J , via a user interface of the interface system  1156 . Block  1162  may, for example, involve receiving an indication that a user has pressed a “play” button of an EGM, receiving an indication that the user has touched an area of a touch screen that corresponds to a displayed image of a “play” button, etc. In some such implementations, block  1162  may involve verifying that there is sufficient credit for at least one instance of the base game. 
     According to this implementation, block  1164  involves controlling, via a control system of the gaming device, the gaming device to present the one or more instances of the base game. In some examples, block  1164  may involve determining a base game outcome and corresponding display symbols. The display symbols may, for example, be selected from a symbol set that includes configurable symbols, non-configurable symbols and multiplier symbols In some instances the configurable symbols, non-configurable symbols and multiplier symbols may be such as those disclosed herein, whereas in other examples one or more of these symbols may differ from those disclosed herein. In some instances, block  1164  may involve controlling the display system of the gaming device to display the corresponding display symbols at a plurality of display symbol positions on a display device of the display system. The plurality of display symbol positions may be arranged in a plurality of display symbol columns. According to some implementations, block  1164  may involve determining a multiplier value for the display symbol column. The determination may be correspond with, and/or be in response to, a multiplier symbol being displayed in a display symbol position of a display symbol column. 
     In some instances, block  1164  may involve adjusting the multiplier value of a multiplier meter when a base game outcome displays a multiplier symbol in a display symbol column associated with the multiplier meter. Adjusting the multiplier value may involve incrementing or decrementing the multiplier value. The multiplier symbol may, in some instances, be a dynamic multiplier symbol that corresponds with incrementing the multiplier value by a determined amount. The multiplier symbol may, in some instances, be a static multiplier symbol. Some such instances may involve locking a multiplier meter at a multiplier value corresponding to the static multiplier symbol. For example, the multiplier meter may be locked until the multiplier meter is reset following completion of a feature game round. 
     In some examples, block  1164  may involve changing a value of each configurable symbol in a display symbol column according to an adjustment of the multiplier value of the multiplier meter associated with the display symbol column. For example, if the multiplier value associated with the display symbol column increments from 1× to 2×, the displayed value of a configurable symbol in the display symbol column may double. 
     According to some implementations, block  1164  may involve decrementing or re-setting the multiplier value after presenting a predetermined number of base game instances. For example, block  1164  may involve decrementing or re-setting the multiplier value if no feature game is triggered after presenting the predetermined number of base game instances. 
     According to this example, block  1166  involves determining, via the control system, that a triggering number of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. As noted elsewhere in this disclosure, the triggering number of configurable symbols may vary according to the particular implementation. In some instances, the triggering number of configurable symbols may be 6, whereas in other examples the triggering number of configurable symbols may be more than 6 or fewer than 6. 
     In this example, block  1168  involves controlling, via the control system, the gaming device to present one or more instances of a feature game. Presenting an instance of the feature game may involve holding each displayed configurable symbol at its corresponding display symbol position. Presenting an instance of the feature game may involve selecting and displaying replacement symbols for non-configurable symbols in a plurality of display symbol positions not occupied by the held configurable symbols. 
     According to this implementation, block  1170  involves determining, via the control system and after presenting all instances of the feature game, a feature game award based, at least in part, on one or more currently displayed multiplier values. The feature game award may, for example, be determined (at least in part) by multiplying the multiplier value of a multiplier meter by a value of each configurable symbol in the display symbol column associated with the multiplier meter. 
     According to some implementations, the control system may be configured for re-setting the multiplier value after completing the presentation of the feature game. In some instances, the re-setting process may involve re-setting the multiplier value to a default multiplier value, such as a 1× multiplier value. In some examples, the re-setting process may involve re-setting the multiplier value to a randomly-determined multiplier value. 
     In various embodiments, the reel specific multipliers may be applied to the hold and spin feature game as described in  FIGS. 6A-7B . Further, in some embodiments, only a single multiplier meter may be used which may apply to the values of all configurable symbols displayed at the end of the feature game. Further, in some embodiments, the multiplier increment symbols (static or dynamic) may only be displayed during the play of the feature game. Further, they may only be displayed on certain of the reels. In certain embodiments, the multiplier increment symbol is also a configurable symbol and is held in place for the remaining plays of the feature game, when it is selected and displayed as part of the play of the feature game. 
     Reel Specific Value Meters 
     As will be appreciated, the concepts just described are not limited to reel specific multipliers. For example,  FIG. 12A  shows the primary game display  240  of a gaming device that includes reel specific value meters. Briefly, the display  240  presents a game outcome using a 3×5 display matrix  1204 , where each column represents a different reel  1208   a,    1208   b,    1208   c,    1208   d ,  1208   e.  The display  240  also includes a plurality of value meters  1212   a - 1212   e.  In the illustrated embodiment, each value meter  1212   a - 1212   e  is associated with a respective reel  1208   a - 1208   e.  In particular, a first value meter  1212   a  is associated with a first reel  1208   a,  a second value meter  1212   b  is associated with a second reel  1208   b,  a third value meter  1212   c  is associated with a third reel  1208   c,  a fourth value meter  1212   d  is associated with a fourth reel  1208   d,  and a fifth value meter  1212   e  is associated with a fifth reel  1208   e.  In other embodiments, one or more value meters may be associated with multiple reels. 
     In some embodiments, each of value meter  1212   a - 1212   e  may be initially set to a default value, such as zero, as is shown in  FIG. 12A . In some embodiments, the value meters all have the same default value. In other embodiments, different default values may be used for some or all of the value meters. 
     The value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  may be adjusted in response to events occurring during play of a base game. For example, in some embodiments, the value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  may be adjusted based on values carried (e.g., credit values and or jackpots) by configurable symbols appearing in base game outcomes that do not trigger the feature game, e.g., base game outcomes with five (5) or fewer configurable symbols. 
       FIG. 12B  is a non-triggering base game outcome that includes four configurable symbols, namely, two 100 credit configurable symbols on the first reel  1208   a,  a 250 credit value symbol on the second reel  1208   b,  and a MINI jackpot configurable symbol on the fifth reel  1208   e . In such instances, the gaming device may add the value carried by a configurable symbol to the value meter associated with the reel that displays the configurable symbol. Accordingly, in this example, the first value meter  1212   a  is updated to 200 credits, the second value meter  1212   b  is updated to 250 credits, and the fifth value meter  1212   e  is updated to 1500 credits based on the $15.00 value of the MINI jackpot and a 1 cent bet denomination. 
     During ongoing play of the base game, the value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  may continue to be adjusted in response to the appearance of value symbols in the manner just described.  FIG. 12C  shows a second base game outcome that follows the base game outcome of  FIG. 12B . This second base game outcome also does not include enough configurable symbols to trigger the feature game. Accordingly, the values carried by any displayed configurable symbols are credited to the appropriate value meters before another play of the base game. In this example, the first value meter  1212   a  is updated to 450 credits (based on the additional 250 credits carried by the configurable symbol on the first reel  1208   a ), while the other value meters  1212   b - 1212   e  remain unchanged. 
     In some embodiments, the symbol set may include symbols that cause the value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  to decrease and/or reset to zero. For example, some embodiments may include BUST symbols that reset a respective meter to zero when displayed on a respective reel in a base game outcome. 
     The gaming device may continue to update the value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  in this manner until a feature game is triggered, e.g., by the appearance of 6 or more configurable symbols in a base game outcome. In some embodiments, the credit values from a triggering base game outcome are not added to the value meters  1212   a - 1212   e,  e.g., because the player may be awarded such values in connection with a feature game award as described above. During play of the feature game, the player may also be awarded the values carried by one or more of the value meters. For example, in some embodiments, a player may be awarded the value carried by a value meter  1212   a - 1212   e  by filling a respective reel  1208   a - 1208   e  with configurable symbols during the hold and spin feature game. 
     In various embodiments, multiplier meters  1112   a - 1112   e  and/or value meters  1212   a - 1212   e  are maintained for each wager denomination offered by the gaming device For example, if the game is configured with three wager denominations, e.g., 1c, 5c and 25c, each wager configuration will have corresponding value meters  1112   a - 1112   e  and/or  1212   a - 1212   e.    
     Enhanced Trigger Reel Feature 
     In some embodiments, one or more additional enhancing reels may be provided to enhance the player&#39;s chances of triggering the feature game and/or a resulting feature game award. For example, some embodiments may include an additional reel that may be selectively activated during play of the base game. In certain embodiments, the player may activate the additional reel by placing an additional wager, e.g., an ante bet, in connection with play of the base game. In some embodiments, the ante wager may, for example, be a fixed dollar or credit amount. In other embodiments, the ante wager may be a determined percentage (e.g., 50%, 75%, or 100%) of the base game wager. 
     The additional reel may provide for additional configurable symbols that increase the frequency and value of the hold and spin feature game. In some embodiments, the extra reel may contain only configurable symbols and blank symbols. In some embodiments, the extra reel may contain only configurable symbols. In some embodiments, in addition to the configurable symbols, the extra reel may contain high value symbols, scatter symbols, wild symbols, or any combination of these. When purchased, the extra reel may spin and work with the base game reels to trigger the feature game in the manner described above. In some embodiments, when the extra reel is not purchased, it remains stationary or is not displayed during base game play. In other embodiments, the extra reel may still spin when it is not purchased but it does not work with the base game reels, e.g., to trigger the feature game. 
     In some examples, an extra reel may include one or more multiplier symbols. According to some such examples, the extra reel may have a corresponding multiplier meter. In some such examples, the multiplier meters may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) during play of a base game, e.g., according to the multiplier symbols. According to some instances, the multiplier meter values may be used to determine a feature game award when a feature game is triggered and completed. 
     In alternative embodiments, the base game may use any number of extra reels (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or 5 extra reels), charge any amount for each extra reel (e.g., 50% of the base game wager), put any number or type of symbols on an extra reel (e.g., only value symbols with jackpots), change symbols from spin to spin (e.g., value symbols may increase in value every 20 spins), and work with base game reels at any frequency (e.g., activates without ante bet every other spin). 
     Increasing Matrix Size 
     In various embodiments, the size of the matrix for the play of the feature game and/or the base game may increase or decrease based on certain trigger conditions. For example, the play of the feature game may include certain trigger symbols that trigger the increase and/or the decrease of the matrix, or certain reels. For example, a reel growth trigger symbol, when selected, may increase the reel height of certain reels, such as reels  2 ,  3 , and  4 . In some embodiments, the reel growth trigger symbol may only occur during the play of the feature game. In some embodiments, the reel growth trigger symbol may only occur on certain reels, for example reel  1 . Further, in some embodiments, the reel growth trigger symbol may be considered as a configurable symbol, such that it may be assigned to certain configurable symbol prior to the reels spinning for the next play of the base and/or feature game. Additionally, the reel growth trigger symbol, when occurring during the play of the feature game, may be held in place for the remaining plays of the feature game. In some embodiments, in addition to functioning as a trigger for reel growth, the reel growth trigger symbol may also have an assigned value, multiplier, additional spins, etc. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that (1) the number of configurable symbols required to trigger the feature game; (2) the number of free games awarded; (3) number of decrements of free game counter; (4) the number of configurable symbols that have to be displayed to win a prize or jackpot in the feature game; (5) the multiplier to apply; (6) the value of the mystery symbol; (7) the additional quantity of spins; (8) the prize value of the configurable symbols; (9) the number of increments or decrements of the progressive free spin counter; (10) the value of the multiplier on the multiplier symbol; (11) the value on the value symbols; (12) the number of extra reels; or (13) any other determination or variable described or contemplated in the present disclosure may at least in part be (a) randomly determined; (b) predetermined; (c) determined based on a wager amount and/or level; (d) centrally determined; (e) determined based on a generated symbol or symbol combinations; (f) determined based on player selection; (g) determined based on player skill; (h) determined based on a side wager or ante bet; (i) determined based on a status of the player; (j) determined as a combination of two or more determinations disclosed herein; etc. 
     It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. 
     In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.