Patent Publication Number: US-10319196-B2

Title: Systems and methods for slot-style games

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is a Divisional of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/657,323 titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLOT-STYLE GAMES” and filed on Jul. 24, 2017, which itself claims benefit and priority to and is a Divisional of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/504,717 titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLOT-STYLE GAMES” and filed on Oct. 2, 2014 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,728,050 on Aug. 8, 2017, which itself claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to, and is a non-provisional of, (i) U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/885,557 titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLOT-STYLE GAMES” and filed on Oct. 2, 2013, and (ii) U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62/046,231 titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLOT-STYLE GAMES” and filed on Sep. 5, 2014, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Social and/or wagering games of various types of such as online, offline, skill-based, games of chance, and games of mixed skill and chance are a continued source of entertainment to game players, and are often a source of great revenue for gaming companies. One of the most popular styles of games, and one of the most consistently lucrative for the gaming industry, are those games having actual and/or simulated slot reels—i.e., “slot-style” games. A great many variants of slot style games have been introduced in the marketplace in an attempt to capture player excitement and maintain player enthusiasm and involvement. Accordingly, there is a desire to provide players with increasingly newer, more interesting, engaging, or entertaining slot-style games. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An understanding of embodiments described herein and many of the attendant advantages thereof may be readily obtained by reference to the following detailed description when considered with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a system according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B , and  FIG. 7C  are diagrams of example slot-style interfaces according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are diagrams of example slot-style interfaces according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram of an example slot-style interface according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram of an example slot-style interface according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of a method according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C , and  FIG. 15D  are diagrams of example slot-style interfaces according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 17A ,  FIG. 17B ,  FIG. 17C ,  FIG. 17D , and  FIG. 17E  are perspective diagrams of exemplary data storage devices according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     I. Introduction 
     Embodiments presented herein are descriptive of systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for new features and functionality of slot-style games. In some embodiments, a slot-style game may comprise a free spin (or free partial spin) mechanism that causes slot reels to rotate (e.g., slowly, such as in a “nudging” manner) based on symbol elements that pass into, through, or out of designated reel positions. According to some embodiments, reel symbols of a slot-style game may comprise multiple states (e.g., a primary state and a secondary state). In some embodiments, one or more of such states (e.g., the secondary state) may be utilized to define symbol behavior, such as with respect to symbol removal mechanics. In some embodiments, a three-dimensional array of reel symbols may be determined. According to some embodiments, removal of reel symbols may cause reel symbols to be shifted from one portion of the three-dimensional array to, e.g., a position from which a reel symbol has been removed. In some embodiments, symbols removed from a primary matrix of a slot-style game may be populated in a secondary matrix of the slot-style game. In some embodiments, the secondary matrix may be resolved to produce game results in a manner different than the primary matrix. 
     II. Terms and Definitions 
     Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise specified, the following terms may include and/or encompass the example meanings provided in this section. These terms and illustrative example meanings are provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodiments both in the specification and in the appended claims, and accordingly, are not intended to be limiting. While not generally limiting and while not limiting for all described embodiments, in some embodiments, the terms are specifically limited to the example definitions and/or examples provided. Other terms are defined generally throughout the present description. 
     A “game”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally comprise any game (e.g., wagering or non-wagering, skill-based, chance-based, playable by hand (e.g., utilizing non-electric physical components, boards, and/or pieces), and/or electronically playable over a network) playable by one or more players in accordance with specified rules. An electronic game may be playable on a Personal Computer (PC), online in web browsers, on a game console, and/or on a mobile device such as a smart-phone or tablet computer. “Gaming” thus generally refers to play of a game (e.g., by one or more players). 
     A “slot-style game”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), generally refers to a game comprising one or more physical and/or virtual (e.g., simulated) slot reels and/or positions. While physical and/or simulated reels may “spin” or cycle through a plurality of possible outcomes before landing or stopping on specific symbols representing an outcome of an instance of the game, other electronic slot-style games may comprise a matrix of outcome positions that are filled or populated with symbols representing an outcome of the instance of the game (e.g., typically referred to as “cascading” or “tumbling reel” slots). Slot reel outcomes may be populated randomly or pseudo-randomly or may be predetermined (and/or determined based on a predetermined and/or desired result) and made to appear random. Slot-style games are typically games of chance and may comprise “casual games”, “social network games”, and/or “wagering games”. 
     A “casual game”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally comprise a game with simple rules with little or no time commitment on the time of a player to play. A casual game may feature, for example, very simple game play such as a puzzle or Scrabble™ game, may allow for short bursts of play (e.g., during work breaks), an ability to quickly reach a final stage and/or continuous play without a need to save the game. 
     A “social network game”, as utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), generally refers to a type of online game that is played through a social network, and in some embodiments may feature multiplayer and/or asynchronous game play mechanics. A “social network” may refer to an online service, online community, platform, and/or site that focuses on facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people. A social network service may, for example, consist of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and a variety of additional services. A social network may be web-based and provide means for users to interact over the Internet, such as e-mail and instant messaging. A social network game may in some embodiments be implemented as a web browser and/or web-client game, a Flash®, or Java®-scripted game, and/or may be implemented on one or more mobile platforms such as on portable electronic devices. 
     A “wagering game”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally comprise a game in which a player can risk a wager or other consideration, such as, but not limited to: slot-style games, poker games, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, lottery, bingo, keno, casino war, etc. A wager may comprise a monetary wager in the form of an amount of currency or any other tangible or intangible article having some value which may be risked on an outcome of a wagering game. “Gambling” or “wagering” generally refers to play of a wagering game. 
     The term “game provider”, as utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), generally refers to an entity or system of components which provides games for play and facilitates play of such game by use of a network such as the Internet or a proprietary or closed networks (e.g., an intranet or local or wide area network). For example, a game provider may operate a website which provides games in a digital format over the Internet. In some embodiments in which a game comprising a wagering game is provided, a game provider may operate a gambling website over which wagers are accepted and results (e.g., winnings) of wagering games are provided. 
     As utilized herein, the term “player” may generally refer to any type, quantity, and or manner of entity associated with the play of a game. In some embodiments, a player may comprise an entity conducting play of an online game, for example, may comprise an entity that desires to play a game (e.g., an entity registered and/or scheduled to play and/or an entity having expressed interest in the play of the game—e.g., a spectator) and/or may comprise an entity that configures, manages, and/or conducts a game. A player may be currently playing a game or have previously played the game, or may not yet have initiated play—i.e., a “player” may comprise a “potential player” (e.g., in general and/or with respect to a specific game). In some embodiments, a player may comprise a user of an interface (e.g., whether or not such a player participates in a game or seeks to participate in the game). In some embodiments, a player may comprise an individual (or group) that enters, joins, logs into, registers for, and/or otherwise access an online game room, session, server, and/or other particular instance and/or segmentation of an online game. 
     Some embodiments described herein are associated with a “player device” or a “network device”. As utilized herein, a “player device” is a subset of a “network device”. The “network device”, for example, may generally refer to any device that can communicate via a network, while the “player device” may comprise a network device that is owned and/or operated by or otherwise associated with a player (e.g., a network device specifically configured to permit use thereof by the player, such as by receiving login credentials from the player). Examples of player and/or network devices may include, but are not limited to: a PC, a computer workstation, a computer server, a printer, a scanner, a facsimile machine, a copier, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a storage device (e.g., a disk drive), a hub, a router, a switch, and a modem, a video game console, or a wireless or cellular telephone. Player and/or network devices may, in some embodiments, comprise one or more network components. In some embodiments, a player device may comprise an electronic device configured to initiate, conduct, facilitate, and/or otherwise permit player participation in an electronic game. 
     As utilized herein, the term “network component” may refer to a player or network device, or a component, piece, portion, or combination of player or network devices. Examples of network components may include a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) device or module, a network processor, and a network communication path, connection, port, or cable. 
     In addition, some embodiments are associated with a “network” or a “communication network.” As utilized herein, the terms “network” and “communication network” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any object, entity, component, device, and/or any combination thereof that permits, facilitates, and/or otherwise contributes to or is associated with the transmission of messages, packets, signals, and/or other forms of information between and/or within one or more network devices. Networks may be or include a plurality of interconnected network devices. In some embodiments, networks may be hard-wired, wireless, virtual, neural, and/or any other configuration or type that is or becomes known. Communication networks may include, for example, devices that communicate directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as the Internet, intranet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a cellular telephone network, a Bluetooth® network, a Near-Field Communication (NFC) network, a Radio Frequency (RF) network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), Token Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of communications means. Exemplary protocols include but are not limited to: Bluetooth™, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Digital AMPS (D-AMPS), IEEE 802.11 (WI-FI), IEEE 802.3, SAP, the best of breed (BOB), and/or system to system (S2S). 
     As utilized herein, the terms “information” and “data” may be used interchangeably and may refer to any data, text, voice, video, image, message, bit, packet, pulse, tone, waveform, and/or other type or configuration of signal and/or information. Information may comprise information packets transmitted, for example, in accordance with the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) standard. Information may, according to some embodiments, be compressed, encoded, encrypted, and/or otherwise packaged or manipulated in accordance with any method that is or becomes known or practicable. 
     The term “indication”, as utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally refer to any indicia and/or other information indicative of or associated with a subject, item, entity, and/or other object and/or idea. As utilized herein, the phrases “information indicative of” and “indicia” may be used to refer to any information that represents, describes, and/or is otherwise associated with a related entity, subject, or object. Indicia of information may include, for example, a code, a reference, a link, a signal, an identifier, and/or any combination thereof and/or any other informative representation associated with the information. In some embodiments, indicia of information (or indicative of the information) may be or include the information itself and/or any portion or component of the information. In some embodiments, an indication may include a request, a solicitation, a broadcast, and/or any other form of information gathering and/or dissemination. 
     A “session”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally comprise a period of time spanning a plurality of event instances (e.g., with respect to a communication and/or game session) or turns of a game, the session having a defined start and defined end. An event instance or turn is triggered upon an initiation of, or request for, at least one result of the game by a player, such as an actuation of a “start” or “spin” mechanism, which initiation causes an outcome to be determined or generated (e.g., a random number generator is contacted or communicated with to identify, generate or determine a random number to be used to determine a result for the event instance). 
     As utilized herein, the terms “outcome” and “result” should be differentiated in the present description in that an “outcome” is generally a representation of a “result”, typically comprising one or more game elements or game symbols. For example, in a “fruit themed” slot-style game, a winning outcome (i.e., an outcome corresponding to some kind of award, prize or payout) may comprise a combination of three “cherry” symbols. The “result” of this outcome may be a payout of X credits awarded to the player associated with the game. In another example, in a game in which a character moves along a game interface from a starting position to a finish position, an “outcome” of the game may comprise a symbol representing one or more movements along the interface and the “result” corresponding to this outcome may be the particular number and direction of the character&#39;s movement (e.g., three (3) spaces backwards such that the character ends up further away from the finish line). In a session embodiment, a session result may comprise a binary result (e.g., a player or game character wins or loses the session) and/or the particular award (or magnitude of award) won or earned by the player based on the session (e.g., the number of credits awarded to the player). It should be noted that the embodiments described herein encompass awards, prizes and payouts which are monetary, non-monetary, tangible or intangible. 
     As utilized herein, the term “virtual currency” may generally refer to an in-game currency that may be utilized as part of a game or one or more games provided by a game provider as (i) currency for making wagers, and/or (ii) to purchase or access various in-game items, features or powers (e.g., “freemium” upgrades and/or options). 
     A “credit balance”, as the term is utilized herein (unless otherwise specified), may generally refer to (i) a balance of currency, whether virtual currency and/or real currency, usable for making wagers and/or purchases in a game and/or (ii) another tracking mechanism for tracking a player&#39;s success or advancement in a game by deducting there from points or value for unsuccessful attempts at advancement and adding thereto points or value for successful attempts at advancement. 
     Some embodiments are descriptive of an “array” or “matrix” of symbols or game outcomes. As utilized herein, the terms “array” and “matrix” generally refer to a group of symbols, numbers, and/or expressions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns (or that can be readily and appropriately represented mathematically as being so arranged). In some embodiments, the term “array” is utilized to refer to a multi-dimensional matrix or combination of matrices while the term “matrix” is utilized to refer to a two-dimensional set of symbols or numbers (e.g., slot reel symbols and/or mathematical representations thereof). According to some embodiments, such as in the case that an array and/or matrix is populated with graphical game symbols, the array or matrix may be output and/or displayed (e.g., transmit to and/or rendered on a player device) as part of a game session. 
     III. Systems 
     Turning first to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of a system  100  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system  100  may comprise a gaming platform such as a gaming platform via which one or more multiplayer and/or online games may be played (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). In some embodiments, the system  100  may comprise a plurality of player devices  102   a - n  in communication with and/or via a network  104 . In some embodiments, a game server  110  may be in communication with the network  104  and/or one or more of the player devices  102   a - n . In some embodiments, the game server  110  (and/or the player devices  102   a - n ) may be in communication with a database  140 . The database  140  may store, for example, game date (e.g., processed and/or defined by the game server  110 ), data associated with players (not explicitly shown) owning and/or operating the player devices  102   a - n , and/or instructions that cause various devices (e.g., the game server  110  and/or the player devices  102   a - n ) to operate in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140  of the system  100  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140  (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140  may be included in the system  100  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. While multiple instances of some components  102   a - n  are depicted and while single instances of other components  104 ,  110 ,  140  are depicted, for example, any component  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140  depicted in the system  100  may comprise a single device, a combination of devices and/or components  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140 , and/or a plurality of devices, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the various components  102   a - n ,  104 ,  110 ,  140  may not be needed and/or desired in the system  100 . 
     The player devices  102   a - n , in some embodiments, may comprise any type or configuration of electronic, mobile electronic, and or other network and/or communication devices (or combinations thereof) that are or become known or practicable. A first player device  102   a  may, for example, comprise one or more PC devices, computer workstations (e.g., game consoles and/or gaming computers), tablet computers, such as an iPad® manufactured by Apple®, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., and/or cellular and/or wireless telephones such as an iPhone® (also manufactured by Apple®, Inc.) or an Optimus™ S smart phone manufactured by LG® Electronics, Inc. of San Diego, Calif., and running the Android® operating system from Google®, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. In some embodiments, one or more of the player devices  102   a - n  may be specifically utilized and/or configured (e.g., via specially-programmed and/or stored instructions such as may define or comprise a software application) to communicate with the game server  110  (e.g., via the network  104 ). 
     The network  104  may, according to some embodiments, comprise a LAN, WAN, cellular telephone network, Bluetooth® network, NFC network, and/or RF network with communication links between the player devices  102   a - n , the game server  110 , and/or the database  140 . In some embodiments, the network  104  may comprise direct communications links between any or all of the components  102   a - n ,  110 ,  140  of the system  100 . The game server  110  may, for example, be directly interfaced or connected to the database  140  via one or more wires, cables, wireless links, and/or other network components, such network components (e.g., communication links) comprising portions of the network  104 . In some embodiments, the network  104  may comprise one or many other links or network components other than those depicted in  FIG. 1 . A second player device  102   b  may, for example, be connected to the game server  110  via various cell towers, routers, repeaters, ports, switches, and/or other network components that comprise the Internet and/or a cellular telephone (and/or Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)) network, and which comprise portions of the network  104 . 
     While the network  104  is depicted in  FIG. 1  as a single object, the network  104  may comprise any number, type, and/or configuration of networks that is or becomes known or practicable. According to some embodiments, the network  104  may comprise a conglomeration of different sub-networks and/or network components interconnected, directly or indirectly, by the components  102   a - n ,  110 ,  140  of the system  100 . The network  104  may comprise one or more cellular telephone networks with communication links between the player devices  102   a - n  and the game server  110 , for example, and/or may comprise the Internet, with communication links between the player devices  102   a - n  and the database  140 , for example. 
     According to some embodiments, the game server  110  may comprise a device (and/or system) owned and/or operated by or on behalf of or for the benefit of a game provider (not explicitly shown). The game provider may utilize player and/or game information or instructions (e.g., stored by the database  140 ), in some embodiments, to host, manage, analyze, design, define, price, conduct, and/or otherwise provide (or cause to be provided) one or more games such as online single-player or multiplayer games (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). In some embodiments, the game provider (and/or a third-party; not explicitly shown) may provide an interface (not shown in  FIG. 1 ; such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein) to and/or via the player devices  102   a - n . The interface(s) may be configured, according to some embodiments, to allow and/or facilitate electronic game play by one or more players. In some embodiments, the system  100  (and/or interface provided by the game server  110 ) may present game data (e.g., from the database  140 ) in such a manner that allows players to participate in one or more online games (singularly, in/with groups, and/or otherwise). According to some embodiments, the game server  110  may cause and/or facilitate various functionality and/or features of one or more slot-style games, each as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the database  140  may comprise any type, configuration, and/or quantity of data storage devices that are or become known or practicable. The database  140  may, for example, comprise an array of optical and/or solid-state hard drives configured to store player and/or game data, and/or various operating instructions, drivers, etc. While the database  140  is depicted as a stand-alone component of the system  100  in  FIG. 1 , the database  140  may comprise multiple components. In some embodiments, a multi-component database  140  may be distributed across various devices and/or may comprise remotely dispersed components. Any or all of the player devices  102   a - n  may comprise the database  140  or a portion thereof, for example, and/or the game server  110  may comprise the database  140  or a portion thereof. 
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the player devices  102   a - n  in conjunction with one or more of the game server  110  and/or the database  140  (e.g., via the network  104 ) may conduct (in whole or in part), facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with execution of one or more stored procedures, applications, processes, and/or methods (e.g., the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof) as described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram of a system  200  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system  200  may comprise a gaming platform such as a platform via which social, single-player, multiplayer, and/or online games may be played (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). In some embodiments, the system  200  may comprise a plurality of player devices  202   a - n , the Internet  204 , a load balancer  206 , and/or a game server cluster  210 . The game server cluster  210  may, in some embodiments, comprise a plurality of game servers  210   a - n . In some embodiments, the system  200  may comprise a cache persistor  220 , a Simple Queuing Service (SQS) device  222 , a task scheduler  224 , an e-mail service device  226 , and/or a query service device  228 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , any or all of the various components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  may be in communication with and/or coupled to one or more databases  240   a - f . The system  200  may comprise, for example, a dynamic DataBase (DB)  240   a , a cloud-based cache cluster  240   b  (e.g., comprising a game state cache  240   b - 1 , a slot state cache  240   b - 2 , and/or a “hydra” cache  240   b - 3 ), a non-relational DB  240   c , a remote DB service  240   d , a persistence DB  240   e , and/or a reporting DB  240   f.    
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f  of the system  200  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f  (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f  may be included in the system  200  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. While multiple instances of some components  202   a - n ,  210   a - n ,  240   a - f  are depicted and while single instances of other components  204 ,  206 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  are depicted, for example, any component  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f  depicted in the system  200  may comprise a single device, a combination of devices and/or components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f , and/or a plurality of devices, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the various components  202   a - n ,  204 ,  206 ,  210   a - n ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 ,  240   a - f  may not be needed and/or desired in the system  200 . 
     According to some embodiments, the player devices  202   a - n  may be utilized to access (e.g., via the Internet  204  and/or one or more other networks not explicitly shown) content provided by the game server cluster  210 . The game server cluster  210  may, for example, provide, manage, host, and/or conduct various online and/or otherwise electronic games such as online bingo, slot-style games, poker, and/or other games of chance, skill, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the various game servers  210   a - n  (virtual and/or physical) of the game server cluster  210  may be configured to provide, manage, host, and/or conduct individual instances and/or sessions of available game types. A first game server  210   a , for example, may host a first particular session of an online bingo game (or tournament), a second game server  210   c  may host a second particular session of an online bingo game (or tournament), a third game server  210   c  may facilitate an online poker tournament (e.g., and a corresponding plurality of game sessions that comprise the tournament), and/or a fourth game server  210   d  may provide an online slots game (e.g., by hosting one or more slot game sessions). 
     In some embodiments, the player devices  202   a - n  may comprise various components (hardware, firmware, and/or software; not explicitly shown) that facilitate game play and/or interaction with the game server cluster  210 . The player device  202   a - n  may, for example, comprise a gaming client such as a software application programmed in Adobe® Flash® and/or HTML 5 that is configured to send requests to, and receive responses from, one or more of the game servers  210   a - n  of the game server cluster  210 . In some embodiments, such an application operating on and/or via the player devices  202   a - n  may be configured in Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture with a communication manager layer responsible for managing the requests to/responses from the game server cluster  210 . In some embodiments, one or more of the game servers  210   a - n  may also or alternatively be configured in a MVC architecture with a communication manager and/or communications management layer (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, communications between the player devices  202   a - n  and the game server cluster  210  may be conducted in accordance with the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) version 1.1 (HTTP/1.1) as published by the Internet Engineering Taskforce (IET) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in RFC 2616 (June 1999). 
     According to some embodiments, communications between the player devices  202   a - n  and the game server cluster  210  may be managed and/or facilitated by the load balancer  206 . The load balancer  206  may, for example, route communications from player devices  202   a - n  to one or more of the specific game servers  210   a - n  depending upon various attributes and/or variables such as bandwidth availability (e.g., traffic management/volumetric load balancing), server load (e.g., processing load balancing), server functionality (e.g., contextual awareness/availability), and/or player-server history (e.g., session awareness/“stickiness”). In some embodiments, the load balancer  206  may comprise one or more devices and/or services provided by a third-party (not separately shown in  FIG. 2 ). The load balancer  206  may, for example, comprise an Elastic Load Balancer (ELB) service provided by Amazon® Web Services, LLC of Seattle, Wash. According to some embodiments, such as in the case that the load balancer  206  comprises the ELB or a similar service, the load balancer  206  may manage, set, determine, define, and/or otherwise influence the number of game servers  210   a - n  within the game server cluster  210 . In the case that traffic and/or requests from the player devices  202   a - n  only require the first and second game servers  210   a - b , for example, all other game servers  210   c - n  may be taken off-line, may not be initiated and/or called, and/or may otherwise not be required and/or utilized in the system  200 . As demand increases (and/or if performance, security, and/or other issues cause one or more of the first and second game servers  210   a - b  to experience detrimental issues), the load balancer  206  may call and/or bring online one or more of the other game servers  210   c - n  depicted in  FIG. 2 . In the case that each game server  210   a - n  comprises an instance of an Amazon® Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) service, the load balancer  206  may add or remove instances as is or becomes practicable and/or desirable. 
     In some embodiments, the load balancer  206  and/or the Internet  204  may comprise one or more proxy servers and/or devices (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) via which communications between the player devices  202   a - n  and the game server cluster  210  are conducted and/or routed. Such proxy servers and/or devices may comprise one or more regional game hosting centers, for example, which may be geographically dispersed and addressable by player devices  202   a - n  in a given geographic proximity. In some embodiments, the proxy servers and/or devices may be located in one or more geographic areas and/or jurisdictions while the game server cluster  210  (and/or certain game servers  210   a - n  and/or groups of game servers  210   a - n  thereof) is located in a separate and/or remote geographic area and/or jurisdiction. 
     According to some embodiments, for specific game types such as bingo, the game server cluster  210  may provide game results (such as a full set of drawn bingo numbers and/or bonus metrics) to a controller device (not separately shown in  FIG. 2 ) that times the release of game result information to the player devices  202   a - n  such as by utilizing a broadcaster device (also not separately shown in  FIG. 2 ) that transmits the time-released game results to the player devices  202   a - n  (e.g., in accordance with the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) suite of communications protocols (TCP/IP), version 4, as defined by “Transmission Control Protocol” RFC 793 and/or “Internet Protocol” RFC 791, Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA), published by the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, J. Postel, ed. (September 1981)). 
     In some embodiments, the game server cluster  210  (and/or one or more of the game servers  210   a - n  thereof) may be in communication with the dynamic DB  240   a . According to some embodiments, the dynamic DB  240   a  may comprise a dynamically-scalable database service such as the DyanmoDB™ service provided by Amazon® Web Services, LLC. The dynamic DB  240   a  may, for example, store information specific to one or more certain game types (e.g., slot-style games) provided by the game server cluster  210  such as to allow, permit, and/or facilitate reporting and/or analysis of such information. 
     According to some embodiments, the game server cluster  210  (and/or one or more of the game servers  210   a - n  thereof) may be in communication with the cloud-based cache cluster  240   b . Game state information from the game server cluster  210  may be stored in the game state cache  240   b - 1 , for example, slot state (e.g., slot-game specific state) data may be stored in the slot state cache  240   b - 2 , and/or other game and/or player information (e.g., progressive data, referral data, player rankings, audit data) may be stored in the hydra cache  240   b - 3 . In some embodiments, the cache persistor  220  may move and/or copy data stored in the cloud-based cache cluster  240   b  to the non-relational DB  240   c . The non-relational DB  240   c  may, for example, comprise a SimpleDB™ service provided by Amazon® Wed Services, LLC. According to some embodiments, the game server cluster  210  may generally access the cloud-based cache cluster  240   b  as-needed to store and/or retrieve game-related information. The data stored in the cloud-based cache cluster  240   b  may generally comprise a subset of the newest or freshest data, while the cache persistior  220  may archive and/or store or move such data to the non-relational DB  240   c  as it ages and/or becomes less relevant (e.g., once a player logs-off, once a game session and/or tournament ends). The game server cluster  210  may, in accordance with some embodiments, have access to the non-relational DB  240   c  as-needed and/or desired. The game servers  210   a - n  may, for example, be initialized with data from the non-relational DB  240   c  and/or may store and/or retrieve low frequency and/or low priority data via the non-relational DB  240   c.    
     In some embodiments, the SQS device  222  may queue and/or otherwise manage requests, messages, events, and/or other tasks or calls to and/or from the server cluster  210 . The SQS device  222  may, for example, prioritize and/or route requests between the game server cluster  210  and the task scheduler  224 . In some embodiments, the SQS device  222  may provide mini-game and/or tournament information to the server cluster  210 . According to some embodiments, the task scheduler  224  may initiate communications with the SQS device  222 , the e-mail service provider  226  (e.g., providing e-mail lists), the remote DB service  240   d  (e.g., providing inserts and/or updates), and/or the persistence DB  240   e  (e.g., providing and/or updating game, player, and/or other reporting data), e.g., in accordance with one or more schedules. 
     According to some embodiments, the persistence DB  240   e  may comprise a data store of live environment game and/or player data. The game server cluster  210  and/or the task scheduler  224  or SQS device  222  may, for example, store game and/or player data to the persistence DB  240   e  and/or may pull and/or retrieve data from the persistence DB  240   e , as-needed and/or desired. The server cluster  210  may, according to some embodiments, provide and/or retrieve spin and/or other game event info and/or configuration information via the persistence DB  240   e.    
     In some embodiments, the reporting DB  240   f  may be created and/or populated based on the persistence DB  240   e . On a scheduled and/or other basis, for example, a data transformation and/or mapping program may be utilized to pull data from the live environment (e.g., the persistence DB  240   e ) into the reporting DB  240   f . The query service  228  may then be utilized, for example, to query the reporting DB  240   f , without taxing the live environment and/or production system directly accessible by the game server cluster  210 . 
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the player devices  202   a - n  in conjunction with one or more of the game servers  210   a - n  and/or the databases  240   a - f  (e.g., via the network  204 ) may conduct (in whole or in part), facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with execution of one or more stored procedures, applications, processes, and/or methods (e.g., the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof) as described herein. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a system  300  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system  300  may comprise and/or define a “front-end” architecture of a gaming platform such as a platform via which social, single-player, multiplayer, and/or online games may be played (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). In some embodiments, the system  300  may comprise a plurality of user devices  302   a - b , a plurality of networks  304   a - b  (e.g., a primary service provider network  304   a , a secondary service provider network  304   b , a production network  304   c , and/or a VPN  304   d ), a plurality of routers  306   a - b , a plurality of firewall devices  308   a - b , a plurality of game servers  310   a - g  (e.g., web servers  310   a , application servers  310   b , messaging broker servers  310   c , game broadcaster servers  310   d , chat servers  310   e , database servers  310   f , and/or management and monitoring servers  310   g ), and/or an application delivery controller cluster  322 . 
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322  of the system  300  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322  (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322  may be included in the system  300  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. While multiple instances of some components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g  are depicted and while single instances of other components  322  are depicted, for example, any component  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322  depicted in the system  300  may comprise a single device, a combination of devices and/or components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322 , and/or a plurality of devices, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the various components  302   a - b ,  304   a - b ,  306   a - b ,  308   a - b ,  310   a - g ,  322  may not be needed and/or desired in the system  300 . 
     In some embodiments, a first user device  302   a  may comprise an electronic device owned and/or operated by a player of an online game (not explicitly shown) and/or by an entity that otherwise accesses online game content and/or services externally (e.g., requiring external login and/or access credentials and/or procedures). The first user device  302   a  may, for example, be utilized to access content provided by and/or via the application delivery controller cluster  322 . In some embodiments, the first user device  302   a  may interface with and/or connect to the production network  304   c  via the primary service provider network  304   a  and/or the secondary service provider network  304   b . The primary service provider network  304   a  and the secondary service provider network  304   b  may, for example, load balance and/or provide redundant coverage for outage recovery by utilization of a first primary service provider network router  306   a - 1 , a second primary service provider network router  306   a - 2 , a first secondary service provider network router  306   b - 1 , and/or a second secondary service provider network router  306   b - 2 . 
     According to some embodiments, the application delivery controller cluster  322  may be insulated and/or protected from the production network  304   c  by an external firewall cluster  308   a . The first user device  302   a  may, for example, be required to provide credentials to and/or otherwise access the application delivery controller cluster  322  via the external firewall cluster  308   a.    
     In some embodiments, the application delivery controller cluster  322  may receive via and/or from the external firewall cluster  308   a  and/or the production network  304   c , one or more requests, calls, transmissions, and/or commands from the first user device  302   a . The first user device  302   a  may, for example, submit a call for an online gaming interface to the application delivery controller cluster  322 . In some embodiments, the application delivery controller cluster  322  may comprise one or more hardware, software, and/or firmware devices and/or modules configured (e.g., specially-programmed) to route events and/or responses between the first user device  302   a  and one or more of the servers  310   a - g . In the case that the first user device  302   a  is utilized to access an online gaming interface (not explicitly shown; such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein) for example, one or more of the web servers  310   a  (e.g., that may provide graphical and/or rendering elements for an interface and/or other web services) and/or the application servers  310   b  (e.g., that may provide rule and/or logic-based programming routines, elements, and/or functions—e.g., game play engines) may be called and/or managed by the application delivery controller cluster  322 . 
     In some embodiments, the messaging broker servers  310   c  may receive and/or retrieve messages from the first user device  302   a  (and/or from one or more of the other servers  310   a - b ,  310   d - g ) and perform one or more inter-application processes in relation thereto. The messaging broker servers  310   c  may, for example, route, transform, consolidate, aggregate, store, augment, and/or otherwise process one or more requests in connection with provision of online gaming services to the first user device  302   a  (e.g., facilitating a decoupling of services provided by various applications on and/or from the various servers  310   a - b ,  310   d - g ). According to some embodiments, the game broadcaster servers  310   d  may provide scheduled releases of information descriptive of an online game. The game broadcaster servers  310   d  may, for example, provide a broadcast feed of bingo numbers, slot and/or other random (and/or pseudo-random) number results that may be accessed by (and/or transmitted to) the first user device  302   a  (e.g., in connection with the play of an online bingo, slots, and/or other game for which broadcast information may be utilized). In some embodiments, the chat servers  310   e  may provide, manage, and/or facilitate communications between the first user device  302   a  (and/or first user thereof) and one or more other player/user devices (such as a second user device  302   b  and/or other player/user devices not shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     According to some embodiments, the second user device  302   b  may generally comprise an electronic device owned and/or operated by a user (not shown) closely affiliated with an entity that operates the system  300  (such entity also not shown). An employee (e.g., programmer and/or Customer Service Representative (CSR)), contractor, and/or other agent of an online game provider may, for example, utilize the second user device  302   b  to interface with the privately-accessible VPN  304   d . The VPN  304   d  may, for example, provide direct access to the application servers  310   b , the database servers  310   f , the management and monitoring servers  310   g , and/or the application delivery controller cluster  322 . In some embodiments (as depicted in  FIG. 3 ), such access may be gated through and/or insulated or protected by an internal firewall cluster  308   b . The second user device  302   b  may, for example, be required to provide credentials to and/or otherwise access the application delivery controller cluster  322  and/or servers  310   a - g  via the internal firewall cluster  308   b.    
     In some embodiments, the database servers  310   f  may provide access to one or more databases and/or data stores (e.g., not shown in  FIG. 3 ; for data storage and/or retrieval). In some embodiments, the management and monitoring servers  310   g  may provide services such as monitoring, reporting, troubleshooting, analysis, configuring, etc. to the second user device  302   b . The second user device  302   b  may, for example, access the management and monitoring servers  310   g  and/or the database servers  310   f  to run reports descriptive of online gaming operations, game play, and/or game referral setup, management, and/or analysis. According to some embodiments, either or both of the user devices  302   a - b  in conjunction with one or more of the servers  310   a - g  and/or the application delivery controller cluster  322  may conduct (in whole or in part), facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with execution of one or more stored procedures, applications, processes, and/or methods (e.g., the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof) as described herein. 
     Utilization of the term “server” with respect to the servers  310   a - g  of the system  300  of  FIG. 3  is meant solely to ease description of the configuration and/or functionality of the servers  310   a - g . The term “server” is not intended to be limiting with respect to any particular hardware, software, firmware, and/or quantities thereof utilized to implement any or all of the servers  310   a - g  of the system  300 . Similarly, while multiple types and/or instances of the severs  310   a - g  are depicted in  FIG. 3 , any or all of the servers  310   a - g  may be implemented in, on, and/or by one or multiple computer server and/or other electronic devices. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a block diagram of a system  400  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system  400  may comprise and/or define a “front-end” architecture of a gaming platform such as a platform via which social, single-player, multiplayer, and/or online games may be played (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). The system  400  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality, for example, to the system  300  of  FIG. 3  and/or one or more portions thereof. In some embodiments, the system  400  may comprise a user device  402 , a plurality of networks (and/or environments and/or layers)  404   a - j  (e.g., the Internet  404   a , a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) protection layer  404   b , a primary transit provider layer  404   c , a secondary transit provider layer  404   d , a Pre-Production (PP) environment  404   e , a live environment  404   f , a LAN  404   g , a backend environment  404   h , a PP backend layer  404   i , and/or a live backend layer  404   j ), a plurality of routers  406   b - d , a plurality of firewall devices  408   e - g ,  408   i - j , a plurality of servers  410   e - f  (e.g., a PP server cluster  410   e  and/or a live server cluster  410   f ), a plurality of switching devices  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j , a Terminal Concentrator (TC)  424   f , a plurality of “hydra” services  430   i - j  (e.g., a PP hydra service  430   i  and/or a live hydra service  430   j ), and/or a plurality of Power Distribution Unit (PDU) devices  452   e - f.    
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  of the system  400  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  may be included in the system  400  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. While multiple instances of some components  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  are depicted and while single instances of other components  402 ,  424   f  are depicted, for example, any component  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  depicted in the system  400  may comprise a single device, a combination of devices and/or components  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f , and/or a plurality of devices, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the various components  402 ,  404   a - j ,  406   b - d ,  408   e - g ,  408   i - j ,  410   e - f ,  422   a ,  422   e - f ,  422   i - j ,  424   f ,  430   i - j ,  452   e - f  may not be needed and/or desired in the system  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the user device  402  may be utilized to access one or more of the PP environment  404   e , the live environment  404   f , and/or the backend environment  404   h  via the Internet  404   a . In some embodiments, the user device  402  may be utilized to access the backend environment  404   h  and/or the PP hydra service  430   i  via the PP backend layer  404   i . A PP backend switch device  422   i  and/or a PP backend firewall device  408   i  may, for example, gate and/or control access to the backend environment  404   h  and/or the PP hydra service  430   i , via the PP backend layer  404   i . In some embodiments, the user device  402  may be utilized to access the backend environment  404   h  and/or the live hydra service  430   j  via the live backend layer  404   j . A live backend switch device  422   j  and/or a live backend firewall device  408   j  may, for example, gate and/or control access to the backend environment  404   h  and/or the live hydra service  430   j , via the live backend layer  404   j.    
     According to some embodiments, any communications (e.g., requests, calls, and/or messages) from the user device  402  may be passed through the DDoS protection layer  404   b . The DDoS protection layer  404   b  may, for example, monitor and/or facilitate protection against various forms of cyber attacks including, but not limited to, DDoS attacks. In some embodiments, the DDoS protection layer  404   b  may comprise and/or be in communication with a plurality of DDoS router devices  406   b - 1 ,  406   b - 2 ,  406   b - 3 ,  406   b - 4  that may be utilized to route and/or direct incoming communications (e.g., from the user device  402 ) to appropriate portions of the system  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the DDoS protection layer  404   b  and/or a first DDoS router device  406   b - 1  may route communications from the user device  402  through and/or via a first switch device  422   a - 1  and/or to, through, and/or via a first primary transit provider router device  406   c - 1 . In some embodiments, the first switch device  422   a - 1  may comprise a device utilized for security switching such as may implement communications in accordance with the Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) communications tunneling protocol described in RFC 2784 “Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)” published by the Network Working Group (NWG) in March, 2000. The first primary transit provider router device  406   c - 1  may, for example, provide access to the PP environment  404   e  and/or the PP server cluster  410   e  thereof, such as via one or more PP firewall devices  408   e - 1 ,  408   e - 2  and/or one or more PP switch devices  422   e - 1 ,  422   e - 2 . According to some embodiments, the PP switch devices  422   e - 1 ,  422   e - 2  may comprise content switching devices that process and route data (e.g., in the data link layer) based on data content. In some embodiments, the first primary transit provider router device  406   c - 1  may direct communications to, through, and/or via a PP LAN switch device  422   e - 3  that provides and/or facilitates access to the LAN  404   g . The LAN  404   g  may, for example, provide private access to and/or between the PP environment  404   e , the live environment  404   f , and/or the backend environment  404   h . In some embodiments, the first primary transit provider router device  406   c - 1  and/or the PP LAN switch device  422   e - 3  may direct communications to, through, and/or via a LAN firewall device  408   g  that provides direct access to either or both of the PP server cluster  410   e  and the live server cluster  410   f.    
     According to some embodiments, the DDoS protection layer  404   b  and/or a second DDoS router device  406   b - 2  may route communications from the user device  402  through and/or via a second switch device  422   a - 2  and/or to, through, and/or via a first secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 1 . In some embodiments, the second switch device  422   a - 2  may comprise a device utilized for security switching such as may implement communications in accordance with the GRE communications tunneling protocol. The first secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 1  may, for example, provide access to the live environment  404   f  and/or the live server cluster  410   f  thereof, such as via one or more live firewall devices  408   f - 1 ,  408   f - 2  and/or one or more live switch devices  422   f - 1 ,  422   f - 2 . According to some embodiments, the live switch devices  422   f - 1 ,  422   f - 2  may comprise content switching devices that process and route data (e.g., in the data link layer) based on data content. In some embodiments, the first secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 1  may direct communications to, through, and/or via a live LAN switch device  422   f - 3  that provides and/or facilitates access to the LAN  404   g . In some embodiments, the first secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 1  and/or the live LAN switch device  422   f - 3  may direct communications to, through, and/or via the LAN firewall device  408   g  that provides direct access to either or both of the PP server cluster  410   e  and the live server cluster  410   f.    
     In some embodiments, the DDoS protection layer  404   b  and/or one or more of a third DDoS router device  406   b - 3  and/or a fourth DDoS router device  406   b - 4  may route communications from the user device  402  through and/or via one or more of the primary transit provider layer  404   c  and/or the secondary transit provider layer  404   d . In some embodiments, a transit provider switch device  422   a - 3  may direct, swap, route, and/or manage communications between the primary transit provider layer  404   c  and the secondary transit provider layer  404   d . According to some embodiments, the transit provider switch device  422   a - 3  may comprise a switching device that operates in accordance with an Exterior Border Gateway Protocol (EBGP)—e.g., the transit provider switch device  422   a - 3  may comprise one or more edge or border routers. In some embodiments, the first primary transit provider router device  406   c - 1 , the first secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 1 , a second primary transit provider router device  406   c - 2 , and/or a second secondary transit provider router device  406   d - 2  may be utilized to route and/or direct communications between (i) the primary transit provider layer  404   c  and/or the secondary transit provider layer  404   d  and (ii) the PP environment  404   e  and/or the live environment  404   f.    
     According to some embodiments, the PP server cluster  410   e  and/or the PP environment  404   e  may comprise various hardware, software, and/or firmware that permits a user (e.g., of the user device  402 ) to program, edit, manage, and/or otherwise interface with PP game elements and/or interfaces (e.g., for development and/or testing purposes; such as to define one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). In some embodiments, the PDU devices  452   e - 1 ,  452   e - 2  may generally provide power distribution, supply, management, backup, and/or conditioning services (e.g., to the PP server cluster  410   e ) as is or becomes desired. According to some embodiments, additional switch devices  422   e - 4 ,  422   e - 5  may be utilized to distribute, balance, manage and/or control communications to, from, and/or within the PP server cluster  410   e.    
     In some embodiments, the live server cluster  410   f  and/or the live environment  404   f  may comprise various hardware, software, and/or firmware that permits a user (e.g., of the user device  402 ) to program, edit, manage, and/or otherwise interface with live game elements and/or interfaces (e.g., for troubleshooting, corrective, and/or live environment management purposes; such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). In some embodiments, the PDU devices  452   f - 1 ,  452   f - 2  may generally provide power distribution, supply, management, backup, and/or conditioning services (e.g., to the live server cluster  410   f ) as is or becomes desired. According to some embodiments, additional switch devices  422   f - 4 ,  422   f - 5  may be utilized to distribute, balance, manage and/or control communications to, from, and/or within the live server cluster  410   f . In some embodiments, the TC device  424   f  may be utilized to manage communications from a variety of data sources such as by providing communication capability between various communications channels (not separately depicted in  FIG. 4 ). 
     According to some embodiments, the user device  402  in conjunction with the live server cluster  410   f  (e.g., via the Internet  404   a ) may conduct (in whole or in part), facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with execution of one or more stored procedures, applications, processes, and/or methods (e.g., the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof) as described herein. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of a system  500  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the system  500  may comprise and/or define a “back-end” architecture of a gaming platform such as a platform via which social, single-player, multiplayer, and/or online games may be played (e.g., one or more slot-style games as described herein). The system  500  may be utilized in conjunction with the systems  300 ,  400  if  FIG. 3  and/or  FIG. 4  herein, for example, and/or may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to the backend environment  404   h  of the system  400  of  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the system  500  may comprise a user device  502 , a plurality of networks (and/or environments and/or layers)  504   a - i  (e.g., the Internet  504   a , an ISP  504   b , an External Firewall-Router (EXTFW-RTR) Virtual LAN (VLAN)  504   c , an Internet VLAN  504   d , an Internal-External (INT-EXT) VLAN  504   e , a web VLAN  504   f , a database VLAN  504   g , an application VLAN  504   h , and/or an administrator VLAN  504   i ), an external router cluster  506 , a plurality of firewall clusters  508   a - b  (e.g., an external firewall cluster  508   a  and/or an internal firewall cluster  508   b ), a plurality of servers  510   a - j  (e.g., a server cluster  510   a , a first spare server pool  510   b , a second spare server pool  510   c , database servers  510   d , “hydra” servers  510   e , game controllers  510   f , ruby servers  510   g , admin servers  510   h , monitoring servers  510   i , and/or logging servers  510   j ), a plurality of switches  522   a - d  (e.g., content switches  522   a , Storage Area Network (SAN) switches  522   b , connectivity switches  522   c , and/or network switches  522   d ), a TC device  524 , a SAN storage device  540 , and/or one or more PDU devices  552 . 
     According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  502 ,  504   a - l ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  of the system  500  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  502 ,  504   a - l ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  (and/or portions thereof) and/or various configurations of the components  502 ,  504   a - l ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  may be included in the system  500  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. While multiple instances of some components  504   a - l ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d  are depicted and while single instances of other components  502 ,  506 ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  are depicted, for example, any component  502 ,  504   a - 1 ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  depicted in the system  500  may comprise a single device, a combination of devices and/or components  502 ,  504   a - l ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552 , and/or a plurality of devices, as is or becomes desirable and/or practicable. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more of the various components  502 ,  504   a - l ,  506 ,  508   a - b ,  510   a - j ,  522   a - d ,  524 ,  540 ,  552  may not be needed and/or desired in the system  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the user device  502  may be utilized to access and/or interface with one or more of the servers  510   a - j  via the Internet  504   a . In some embodiments, the Internet  502   a  may be linked to the ISP  504   b  via multiple (e.g., redundant) connectivity paths  504   b - 1 ,  504   b - 2  (e.g., for load balancing, security, and/or failure recovery). According to some embodiments, the ISP  504   b  may be in communication with (and/or comprise) the external router cluster  506 . The external router cluster  506  may route certain requests, calls, and/or transmissions (and/or users—e.g., based on credentials and/or other information) through the EXTFW-RTR VLAN  504   c  and/or through the external firewall cluster  508   a , for example, and/or may route certain requests, calls, and/or transmissions (and/or users—e.g., based on credentials and/or other information) through the Internet VLAN  504   d  and/or through the internal firewall cluster  508   b.    
     In the case that a user (not shown) of the user device  502  comprises an online game player, consumer, and/or other member of the public, for example, the external router cluster  506  may direct communications through the EXTFW-RTR VLAN  504   c  and/or through the external firewall cluster  508   a . In the case that the user of the user device  502  comprises a programmer, tester, employee, and/or other agent of a game provider and/or other entity that operates the system  500 , for example, the external router cluster  506  may direct communications through the Internet VLAN  504   d  and/or through the internal firewall cluster  508   b . In some embodiments, access via either or both of the external firewall cluster  508   a  and/or the internal firewall cluster  508   b  may permit the user device  502  to communicate via the INT-EXT VLAN  504   e . The INT-EXT VLAN  504   e  may, for example, provide access to the content switches  522   a  which may, in some embodiments, serve content from any or all of the servers  510   a - j  to the user device  502 , as is or becomes appropriate or desired. In some embodiments, the content switches  522   a  may communicate with the first spare server pool  510   b  via the web LAN  504   f.    
     According to some embodiments, private and/or other specialized access to the system  500  via the internal firewall cluster  508   b  may permit the user device  502  to communicate via one or more of the database VLAN  504   g , the application VLAN  504   h , and/or the admin VLAN  504   i . The database VLAN  504   g  may be utilized, for example, to access and/or communicate with the database servers  510   d . In some embodiments, the application VLAN  504   h  may be utilized to access and/or communicate with any or all of the hydra servers  510   e , the game controllers  510   f , and/or the ruby servers  510   g.    
     The admin VLAN  504   i  may allow, promote, conduct, facilitate, and/or manage a wide variety of communications within the system  500 . The admin VLAN  504   i  may, for example, communicatively connect and/or couple any or all of the firewalls  508   a - b , the servers  510   a - j , the switches  522   a - d , the TC device  524 , the SAN storage  540 , and/or the PDU devices  552 . The user device  502  may be utilized, in conjunction with the admin servers  510   h  and/or via the admin VLAN  504   i  for example, to define, edit, adjust, manage, and/or otherwise access settings (and/or data) of the firewalls  508   a - b , any or all of the switches  522   a - d , the TC device  524 , and/or the PDU devices  552 . In some embodiments, the user device  502  (and/or the admin servers  510   h ) may be utilized to manage and/or access content, rules, settings, and/or performance characteristics or preferences for any or all of the servers  510   a - j.    
     In some embodiments, the server cluster  510   a  may comprise one or more servers and/or other electronic controller devices (e.g., blade servers) configured to provide online gaming data (e.g., interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein), outcomes, and/or results) to the user device  502 . According to some embodiments, the first spare server pool  510   b  and/or the second spare server pool  510   c  may comprise one or more server and/or other electronic controller devices configured to supplement and/or replace the server cluster  510   a  as needed and/or desired (e.g., to manage load and/or error recovery situations). In some embodiments, the database servers  510   c  may provide and/or manage access to stored data such as data stored in and/or by the SAN storage device  540 . In some embodiments, the hydra servers  510   e  and/or the game controllers  510   f  may provide online game information such as interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein), results, graphics, sounds, and/or other media to the user device  502  (e.g., via the application VLAN  504   h ). In some embodiments, the ruby servers  510   g  may comprise one or more processing devices configured to provide access to one or more programming languages (e.g., “Ruby”) and/or Application Programming Interface (API) mechanisms via which the servers  510   a - j  and/or other portions of the system  500  may be configured to operate (e.g., in accordance with specially and/or pre-programmed instructions written in the programming language and/or developed by the API provided by the ruby servers  510   g ). According to some embodiments, the admin servers  510   h , the monitoring servers  510   i , and/or the logging servers  510   j  may be utilized and/or configured to provide administrative, parameter and/or metric monitoring and/or reporting, and/or data logging and/or audit services, respectively. 
     According to some embodiments, the user device  502  in conjunction with one or more of the servers  510   a - j  (e.g., via the Internet  504   a ) may conduct (in whole or in part), facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with execution of one or more stored procedures, applications, processes, and/or methods (e.g., the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof) as described herein. 
     IV. Methods and Interfaces 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a flow diagram of a method  600  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method  600  may be descriptive of and/or result in an instance of a particular type or style of game such as a slot-style game titled “Cash Roll”, as depicted. According to some embodiments, the method  600  may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices (e.g., the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or more online game providers and/or online gaming player processing devices). In some embodiments, the method  600  may be embodied in, facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). 
     The process and/or flow diagrams described herein do not necessarily imply a fixed order to any depicted actions, steps, and/or procedures, and embodiments may generally be performed in any order that is practicable unless otherwise and specifically noted. While generally limiting with respect to order and/or timing, in some embodiments, the presented methods and processes may be specifically limited to and/or structured in accordance with any depicted and/or described order, hierarchy, timing, etc. Any of the processes and/or methods described herein may be performed and/or facilitated by hardware, software (including microcode), firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, a storage medium (e.g., a hard disk, Universal Serial Bus (USB) mass storage device, and/or Digital Video Disk (DVD)) may store thereon instructions that when executed by a machine (such as a computerized processing device) result in performance according to any one or more of the embodiments described herein. According to some embodiments, performance and/or execution of the methods herein may only be practicably effectuated by an electronic processing device. In the case that thousands of online game players are simultaneously participating on online gaming sessions, some or all of which are conducted in accordance with embodiments described herein for example, execution of particular gaming-related methods and/or processes may only be possible if conducted by a computerized device that has been specially-programmed to automatically execute thousands of commands or instructions (to effectuate disclosed embodiments) per second. In other words, any particular step or portion of a disclosed method or process may, in some embodiments, be conducted hundreds or thousands of times per minute or per second. 
     In some embodiments, the method  600  may comprise determining (e.g., by a processing device) a subset of a set of reel positions of a slot-style game, at  602 . The number and/or positioning of the subset of reel (e.g., matrix) positions may be determined randomly, for example, and/or may be at least partially based on player input (e.g., a player may select and the processing device may receive an indication of a player selection of one or more reel positions in a provided game matrix) and/or earned or purchased capabilities or achievements. In some embodiments, each position of the subset of reel positions may be highlighted, framed, bracketed, “popped-out”, recessed, and/or otherwise graphically altered and/or showcased to indicate to a player which reel positions have been determined and/or selected. In some embodiments, a single and/or central position of the reel(s) of a slot-style game may comprise the subset. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  600  may comprise causing (e.g., by the processing device), after the determining of the subset, at least a first reel of the slot-style game to rotate, at  604 . Once the subset of reel positions is selected and/or highlighted, for example, one or more reels associated with and/or comprising the positions may be “spun”, rotated, cycled, and/or otherwise progressed in a manner similar to normal slot-style game play (i.e., a first matrix of game symbols may be progressed to define a second, subsequent matrix of game symbols in one or more automatic and/or predetermined manners—the terms “rotate” and “spin” are utilized for convenience and are not intended to be limiting with respect to the manner in which the slot-style game progresses). In some embodiments, however, the spinning of the reel(s) may be conducted at a speed slower than a normal speed of the reels. In some embodiments, the reels may be spun in a “nudge” manner such that the reel progresses a single position at a time, with a substantial (e.g., single second or multi-second) pause in between progressions. In such a manner, for example, instead of the typical scenarios where reel symbols spin past or through matrix positions quickly, rendering a blurred visual effect, certain reels may, at certain times, be progressed or transitioned slowly (at least temporarily) such that individual reel symbols that pass into or through matrix positions (or a particular matrix position) on the reel are readily visible and/or identifiable to a player to whom output of the progression is provided). 
     In some embodiments, the method  600  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), for each reel position of the subset, a special attribute of a reel symbol that passes into (or through or out of) the reel position, at  606 . In some embodiments, the special attribute may comprise a “sub-symbol”—e.g., a secondary indicator (such as a graphical feature) of the symbol. In some embodiments, the special attribute may be distinct from the reel symbol itself. In other words, while certain reel symbols populated and/or progressed based on primary game play mechanics and/or rules may cause certain game events to occur (e.g., a “wild” symbol may have a particular effect on game play, such as enhancing the probability of a winning outcome), the special attribute may be affixed and/or assigned to any type of reel symbol and may not effect or alter any standard functionality attributed to a particular reel symbol type (e.g., a “wild” symbol may still function as a wild symbol regardless of whether it is associated with a special attribute). 
     According to some embodiments, the method  600  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), for each determined special attribute of the reel symbols that pass into (or through or out of) a reel position of the subset, a reel effect assigned to the special attribute, at  608 . Each special attribute (e.g., sub-symbol) may be associated, for example, with a particular (or random) functionality affecting the spinning of the reel(s). A number sub-symbol may indicate that the reel should advance that particular number of positions, for example, while a directional arrow attribute/sub-symbol may alter (e.g., reverse) the direction in which the reel(s) spins. In some embodiments, the applicable reel effect for any given special attribute (which may itself be graphically represented by a particular graphical symbol or icon) may be determined by querying a database utilizing an identifier of the special attribute identified at  606 . According to some embodiments, the reel effect(s) for any particular special attribute may be assigned and/or determined in a random and/or pseudo random manner (e.g., by utilizing an RNG to determine which pre-stored data record descriptive of reel effects is to be utilized or invoked). 
     In some embodiments, the method  600  may comprise causing (e.g., by the processing device), in accordance with each determined reel effect, a second reel of the slot-style game to rotate (and/or otherwise progress) in a particular manner, at  610 . Reel effects may cause, for example, an identified and/or selected reel (i.e., slot matrix column) to progress a certain number of spaces and/or progress through spaces in a particular direction and/or pattern of directions. According to some embodiments, the reel affected by the reel effect may be randomly determined, may comprise a predetermined reel (e.g., based on game play rules and/or special attribute features), and/or may be selected by the player (e.g., the player may provide and the processing device may receive an indication of a selection, by the player, of one or more reels). In some embodiments, the special attributes and/or reel effects may be “banked”, aggregated, collected, and/or otherwise stored and/or accumulated. According to some embodiments, a player may have control or influence over when and/or how such attributes are applied to affect the spinning of the reel(s). A player may transmit and the processing device may receive, for example, an indication of a selection of the player of one or more reels of the game along with a selection of one or more reel effects desired to be applied to the selected reel(s). In some embodiments, the aggregation of the special attributes and/or reel effects may be utilized to determine a secondary outcome and/or result for the game. Upon aggregation, accumulation, and/or achievement of a predetermined and/or threshold number, set, grouping, and/or combination of special attributes and/or reel effects, for example, certain benefits, rewards, and/or favorable game outcomes or results may be provided. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B , and  FIG. 7C , diagrams of example slot-style interfaces  720   a - c  according to some embodiments are shown. The example interfaces  720   a - c  may comprise, for example, one or more slot symbol matrices  722   a - c , a plurality of slot “reels” (e.g., columns of the matrices  722   a - c )  724   a - c , and/or a plurality of slot symbols  728 . As depicted, a first “reel”  724   a  may correspond to a first column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  722   a - c , a second “reel”  724   b  may correspond to a second column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  722   a - c , and/or a third “reel”  724   c  may correspond to a third column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  722   a - c . In some embodiments, one or more of the slot symbols  728  may not only comprise and/or be associated with or classified into a particular type of symbol (e.g., as depicted, four (4) different types of slot symbol  728  are populated in the slot symbol matrices  722   a - c;  “10”, “Q”, “K”, “A”) but may also comprise, be associated with, and/or be assigned a special attribute such as a first slot symbol  728   a  comprising a numeric special attribute  728 - 1  and/or a second slot symbol  728   b  comprising a logical special attribute  728 - 2 . As depicted, in some embodiments the special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  may be represented as sub-symbols and/or as portions or graphical attributes of the first and/or second slot symbols  728   a ,  728   b , respectively. 
     According to some embodiments, the interfaces  720   a - c  and/or the slot symbol matrices  722   a - c  may comprise and/or identify a subset of reel positions  730 . As depicted, for example, a single or central matrix position may be identified and/or selected as the subset of reel positions  730 . In some embodiments, the subset of reel positions  730  may be tied to and/or may implement special game play functionality. Slot symbols  728  that pass into, through, and/or out of (or even pass by) the subset of reel positions  730  (or portions thereof, such as in the case the subset or reel positions  730  comprises multiple reel positions) may, for example, interact with the subset of reel positions  730  to produce various game play effects. According to some embodiments, any special attribute  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  (or certain special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2 ) that are identified as having passed into, through, out of (or pass by) the subset of reel positions  730  may trigger certain game play actions—e.g., based on reel effects assigned to the special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2 . 
     As an example, the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  of the first slot symbol  728   a  (a “K” symbol in the second column  724   b  of a first symbol matrix  722   a  in a first version of the interface  720   a ), upon passing into, through, or out of the subset of reel positions  730  may cause a counter to increment and/or may cause one or more reels  724   a - c  to progress (e.g., “rotate” or “spin”) is a particular manner. As depicted, the first version of the interface  720   a  and/or a second version of the interface  720   b  may comprise one or more of a numeric attribute counter  732 - 1  (e.g., labeled “Skip Ahead”) and a logical attribute counter  732 - 2  (e.g., labeled “Change Direction”). As shown for example purposes in  FIG. 7A , the numeric attribute counter  732 - 1  represents a value of twenty-seven (27) and the logical attribute counter  732 - 2  represents a value of three (3). In some embodiments, the slot symbols  728  of the first matrix  722   a  may be reconfigured or progress to a different configuration depicted by a second symbol matrix  722   b  in  FIG. 7B . For ease of illustration, for example, all slot symbols  728  depicted in the first symbol matrix  722   a  progress (or move) one position downward to arrive at their positions in the second slot matrix  722   b . In some embodiments, slot symbols  728  that progress downward out of the matrices  722   a - c  are removed, while empty spaces created at the top of each reel  724   a - c  are occupied by new slot symbols  728 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  of the first slot symbol  728   a  (the “K” symbol in the second column  724   b ) causes an increment in the numeric attribute counter  732 - 1  from twenty-seven (27) to twenty-eight (28)—e.g., a value of one (1), which is the assigned value of the particular instance of the numeric special attribute  728 - 1 . This may occur, for example due to the particular first slot symbol  728   a  progressing through or out of the subset of reel positions  730  as part of the progression from the first symbol matrix  722   a  to the second symbol matrix  722   b . In some embodiments, the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  may also or alternatively cause one or more of the reels  724   a - c  to progress in a particular manner. Also as depicted in  FIG. 7B , a second slot symbol  728   b  (a “10” symbol also in the second column  724   b ) comprising the logical special attribute  728 - 2  may pass into the subset of reel positions  730 . In some embodiments, the logical special attribute  728 - 2  may, upon entering the subset of reel positions  730 , cause one of the reels  724   a - c  to, for example, reverse progression direction. The logical special attribute  728 - 2  may, for example, cause the second reel  724   b  to progress upwards instead of downwards. Such a progression is depicted in the change from the second slot matrix  722   b  in  FIG. 7B  to a third slot matrix  722   c  in  FIG. 7C . 
     As depicted, the second slot symbol  728   b  moves up one position as does the first slot symbol  728   a , both on the second reel  724   b . In some embodiments, such as depicted by the return of an third slot symbol  728   c  (an “A” symbol) to the bottom position of the second reel  724   b  in the third slot matrix  722   c , in the case of a direction of progression reversal or change, previously discarded or removed slot symbols  728  may be returned to their previous position(s). According to some embodiments, new slot symbols  728  may instead fill empty positions of the matrices  722   a - c  due to progression. In some embodiments, the reversal of the second reel  724   b  may cause the first slot symbol  728   a  with the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  to re-enter the subset of reel positions  730 . In some embodiments, such a re-entry may cause a second counter increment and/or a second reel progression alteration (e.g., multi-use or “perennial” special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2 ). In some embodiments, the re-entry may have no effect, as a special attribute  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  may expire or become spent after any initial use (e.g., single-use special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2 ). As depicted in  FIG. 7C , for example, upon re-entry into (or through, out of, or passing by) the subset of reel positions  730 , the first slot symbol  728   a  in the second reel  724   b  may lose the numeric special attribute  728 - 1 . 
     According to some embodiments, the various special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  may be additive or cumulative and/or may otherwise operate simultaneously or consecutively upon the various reels  724   a - c . In the case that both the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  having the value of one (1) and the logical special attribute  728 - 2  referencing the upward direction each pass through the subset of reel positions  730  (e.g., within a predetermined time window and/or in accordance with a certain sequence, such as consecutively), each respective reel effect may be applied to one or more of the reels  724   a - c . As depicted in the progression from the second slot matrix  722   b  to the third slot matrix  722   c , for example, the second reel  724   b  has progressed one (1) position upwards (e.g., based on the values and/or other characteristics of the reel effects attributable to the special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  that have passed into, through, out of, and/or passed by the subset of reel positions  730 ). In the case that the numeric special attribute  728 - 1  had a value of two (2), for example, the second progression may instead have been two (2) positions upward. 
     According to some embodiments, such as depicted in  FIG. 7C , a user of a third version of the interface  722   c  may utilize an input device such as a pointer  734  to select one or more of the slot reels  724   a - c  (the third reel  724   c  having been selected and/or identified in  FIG. 7C , as indicated by the graphical highlighting). The user of the third version of the interface  722   c  (e.g., a player of the slot-style game represented by the third version of the interface  722   c ) may, for example, select the third reel  724   c  as the reel to which reel effects gathered by the subset of reel positions  730  (e.g., on the second reel  724   b ) should be applied. According to some embodiments, the third version of the interface  722   c  may comprise a progression direction tool  736  and/or a progression increment tool  738 . The user may provide input utilizing the pointer  734  to interact with either or both of the progression direction tool  736  and the progression increment tool  738 , for example, to specify (e.g., transmit, and a processing device may accordingly receive an indication of) desired progression parameters for the selected reel (e.g., the third reel  724   c , as depicted). In some embodiments, the progression tools  736 ,  738  may be provided upon occurrence of one or more special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  passing into, through, out of, and/or passing by the subset of reel positions  730 . The user may, for example, be permitted to allocate associated reel effects to various reels  724   a - c  as desired. According to some embodiments, the progression tools  736 ,  738  may be utilized to allocate and/or utilize some or all banked or accumulated reel effects, such as those represented by the counters  732 - 1 ,  732 - 2  of  FIG. 7A  and/or  FIG. 7B . 
     While certain slot symbols  728 ,  728   a ,  728   b ,  728   c , certain size and/or configuration of slot symbol matrices  722   a - c , certain numbers and/or locations of subset of reel positions  730 , and/or certain special attributes  728 - 1 ,  728 - 2  (and/or associated reel effects) are depicted in  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B , and  FIG. 7C  for convenience and ease of illustration, other quantities, types, and/or configurations of such elements may be implemented without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. While reel progression is described simplistically as typically progressing in a downward fashion unless and/or until acted upon by an upward logical special attribute  728 - 2 , for example, default progression may be otherwise configured and/or reel effects associated with logical special attributes  782 - 2  may comprise any logical parameter. Reel progression may, for example, be or be changed to downward, upward, left, right, and/or various diagonal directions, or combinations thereof (e.g., an up two (2) positions, left four (4) positions pattern or sequence). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a flow diagram of a method  800  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method  800  may be descriptive of and/or result in an instance of a particular type or style of game such as a slot-style game titled “FreeFall”, as depicted. According to some embodiments, the method  800  may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices (e.g., the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or more online game providers and/or online gaming player processing devices). In some embodiments, the method  800  may be embodied in, facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  may comprise determining (e.g., by a processing device) a matrix of reel symbols for a slot-style game, each reel symbol comprising a primary state, at  802 . In some embodiments, each primary state may be represented visually by different graphical elements of a symbol. The overall symbol type (e.g., “cherry”) may represent the primary state utilized to determine outcomes in a primary game, for example. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  800  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device) a subset of the matrix of reel symbols that have secondary states, at  804 . A sub-symbol (e.g., a “parachute” or “padlock”) attached or superimposed to or on a primary symbol (e.g., to or on the “cherry”) or a particular feature of the main symbol (e.g., dual stems as opposed to a single stem), for example, may represent the secondary state and/or may be utilized to determine outcomes in a secondary game. According to some embodiments, the secondary states may be hidden from players (e.g., even after determined). The secondary states (or a portion thereof) may be revealed to a player, for example, after a determination of a primary outcome (and/or result) based on the primary states. 
     In some embodiments, the method  800  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), based on the secondary states, a first reel symbol of the subset to remove from the matrix, at  806 . According to some embodiments, the secondary states may be utilized to determine which symbols to remove from the matrix and/or which symbols to maintain on the matrix, e.g., as part of game progression from a first matrix of symbols to a second matrix of symbols. In some embodiments, this removal/maintenance may occur prior to any primary outcome resolution—i.e., the removal/maintenance may affect primary game outcomes and/or results. In some embodiments, the secondary states may also or alternatively define how an associated symbol should be removed or moved with respect to the first matrix. While a parachute symbol and/or assigned secondary state progression mechanic may define that an associated symbol should be cascaded or tumbled off the matrix, for example, a different sub-symbol and/or assigned secondary state progression mechanic may define that the symbol should be removed from the matrix laterally (or moved within the matrix laterally). 
     According to some embodiments, the method  800  may comprise causing (e.g., by the processing device), based on the determination of the first reel symbol to remove from the matrix, a removal of the first reel symbol from the matrix, at  808 . The first matrix may be altered, for example, based on one or more of the secondary states of the symbols from the original matrix to define a second matrix—i.e., a matrix progression in accordance with slot-style game play. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B , diagrams of example slot-style interfaces  920   a - b  according to some embodiments are shown. The example interfaces  920   a - c  may comprise, for example, one or more slot symbol matrices  922   a - b , a plurality of slot “reels” (e.g., columns of the matrices  922   a - b )  924   a - c , and/or a plurality of slot symbols  928 . As depicted, a first “reel”  924   a  may correspond to a first column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  922   a - b , a second “reel”  924   b  may correspond to a second column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  922   a - b , and/or a third “reel”  924   c  may correspond to a third column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  922   a - b . In some embodiments, one or more of the slot symbols  928  (such as first, second, and/or third slot symbols  928   a ,  928   b ,  928   c ) may not only comprise and/or be associated with or classified into a particular type of symbol and/or a particular primary state (e.g., as depicted, four (4) different types/states of slot symbol  928  are populated in the slot symbol matrices  922   a - b;  “10”, “Q”, “K”, “A”) but may also comprise, be associated with, and/or be assigned one or more secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 . As depicted, in some embodiments the one or more secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  may be represented as sub-symbols and/or as portions or graphical attributes of the first, second, and/or third slot symbols  928   a ,  928   b ,  928   c.    
     According to some embodiments, the one or more secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  may define one or more features of slot-style game progression. In the case that a first slot matrix  922   a  of a first version of the interface  920   a  in  FIG. 9A  progresses to a second slot matrix  922   b  in the course of game play, for example, the one or more secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  may define how the first, second, and/or third slot symbols  928   a ,  928   b ,  928   c  to which they are attached or assigned are to be progressed. As depicted, a first slot symbol  928   a  on the first reel  924   a  may comprise a primary slot state and/or symbol type depicted by the symbol “10” and may also comprise and/or be associated with a first secondary state  928   a - 1  (represented by the parachute icon in  FIG. 9A ). Upon progression of the first slot matrix  922   a  to the second slot matrix  922   b , instead of the first slot symbol  928   a  simply progressing downward to the lowest position on the first reel  924   a  (e.g., a standard downward “spinning” progression), the first secondary state  928   a - 1  may cause or trigger the first slot symbol  928   a  to exit the first matrix  922   a  and/or the first reel  924   a  to the side, or simply disappear or be removed. As depicted, for example, the first slot symbol  928   a  “parachutes” away from the second slot matrix  922   b , such as represented by an animated and/or video sequence during game play. 
     In some embodiments, a second slot symbol  928   b  may comprise a primary state and/or type (e.g., the symbol type “10” and/or associated functionality) as well as a second secondary state  928   b - 1 , represented by the “lock” icon (e.g., in the first version of the interface  920   a  of  FIG. 9A  as well as in a second version of the interface  920   b  of  FIG. 9B ). According to some embodiments, the second secondary state  928   b - 1  may cause the second slot symbol  928   b  to remain in its original position in the first slot matrix  922   a  upon progression to the second slot matrix  922   b —e.g., the second slot symbol  928   b  may be “locked” in-place. In some embodiments, the second secondary state  928   b - 1  (or any secondary state  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 ) may remain active and/or attached or assigned to the second slot symbol  928   b  for a predetermined amount of time or a through a predetermined number of progressions (e.g., number of matrix positions progressed and/or number of “spins”, plays, etc.). 
     According to some embodiments, a third slot symbol  928   c  may comprise a primary state and/or type (e.g., the symbol type “10” and/or associated functionality) as well as a third secondary state  928   c - 1 , represented by the “hammer” or pick icon. In some embodiments, the third secondary state  928   c - 1  may cause the third slot symbol  928   c  to progress laterally (e.g., to the left as depicted) from the third reel  924   c  in the first slot matrix  922   a  to the second reel  924   b  in the second slot matrix  922   b . The third slot symbol  928   c  may “hammer” a fourth slot symbol  928   d  (the “A” symbol in the middle position of the second slot matrix  922   b ) into non-existence, for example, and take its place. The third secondary state  928   c - 1  of the third slot symbol  928   c  may, effectively, define a symbol removal mechanic for one or more other symbols (e.g., the fourth slot symbol  928   d ) and/or may define a slot progression mechanic such as progressing the third slot symbol  928   c  laterally. In some embodiments, various secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  may interact with other secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  that occur in the same slot matrix  922   a - b  and/or that occur in specific patterns or orientations (e.g., in adjacent positions, or three different types of secondary state instances forming a sequence across a predetermined number and/or pattern of positions—e.g., in a row).  10   s    
     While certain slot symbols  928 ,  928   a ,  928   b ,  928   c ,  928   d , certain size and/or configuration of slot symbol matrices  922   a - b , and/or certain secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  (and/or associated reel effects) are depicted in  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  for convenience and ease of illustration, other quantities, types, and/or configurations of such elements may be implemented without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. While reel progression is described simplistically as typically progressing in a downward fashion unless and/or until acted upon by a particular secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 , for example, default progression may be otherwise configured and/or reel effects associated with secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  may comprise any logical parameter. Reel progression and/or symbol progression may, for example, be or be changed to downward, upward, left, right, and/or various diagonal directions, or combinations thereof (e.g., an up two (2) positions, left four (4) positions pattern or sequence). While a single type of slot symbol  928 , namely “10” symbols, are depicted as comprising secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 , and such may be the case in some embodiments, in other embodiments, different types of slot symbols  928  may also or alternatively comprise secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 , or different types of slot symbols  928  may comprise different types of secondary states  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1  (e.g., only certain occurrences of a certain slot symbol type may comprise a certain type of secondary state  928   a - 1 ,  928   b - 1 ,  928   c - 1 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a flow diagram of a method  1000  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method  1000  may be descriptive of and/or result in an instance of a particular type or style of game such as a slot-style game titled “WinWall”, as depicted. According to some embodiments, the method  1000  may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices (e.g., the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or more online gaming company and/or online gaming player processing devices). In some embodiments, the method  1000  may be embodied in, facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). 
     In some embodiments, the method  1000  may comprise determining (e.g., by a processing device) a three-dimensional array of reel symbols for a slot-style game, the array comprising, for each layer of depth in the array, a two-dimensional reel symbol matrix, each reel symbol in each matrix being identifiable by a particular two-dimensional position, at  1002 . In some embodiments, a first two-dimensional matrix may be associated with a first depth in the three-dimensional array and a second two-dimensional matrix may be associated with a second depth in the three-dimensional array (and so on). The first and second depths may comprise, for example, adjacent depths. In some embodiments, the first depth may comprise a game result datum. Outcomes associated with the first matrix at the first depth/datum may, for example, be utilized to determine a result of a primary game (or a primary result of a game) and/or may be displayed in a dominant manner to players (e.g., overlaying—at least partially—other matrices at other depths). 
     In some embodiments, the first two-dimensional matrix may be populated with reel symbols based on a first Return-To-Player (RTP) probability and the second two-dimensional matrix may be populated with reel symbols based on a second RTP probability different than the first RTP probability. Different depths (e.g., layers) of reel symbol matrices may, for example, be associated with different payout probabilities and/or may be populated with symbols based on such differing probabilities. In some embodiments, the deeper the matrix, the higher the probability of a winning outcome, of a particular result, and/or of a payout. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1000  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), based on a reel symbol removal mechanic, a first reel symbol to remove from a first two-dimensional matrix of the three-dimensional array, at  1004 . Various symbol removal mechanics/rules/processes may be utilized, for example, to determine one or more symbols to remove from the first matrix (e.g., standard removal mechanics and/or one or more of the novel removal mechanics described herein). In some embodiments, one or more of the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14 , and/or portions or combinations thereof, may be employed to determine which symbol(s) to remove. 
     In some embodiments, the method  1000  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device) a second reel symbol from a second two-dimensional matrix of the three-dimensional array, the second reel symbol having the same two-dimensional position as the first reel symbol, at  1006 . In the case of two overlaid and/or associated matrices at different depths, for example, a symbol having the same row and column position as an overlaid symbol at a higher depth (e.g., deeper depth) may be selected to replace the overlaid symbol. In such a manner, for example, symbols underneath removed symbols may move up into the empty positions. In some embodiments, the removal and replacement may be replicated to deeper depths—e.g., a symbol in the same position at a third depth may move up to replace the symbol that was previously in the same position at the second depth. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1000  may comprise causing (e.g., by the processing device) the second reel symbol to replace the first reel symbol, at  1008 . The first reel symbol may be removed from the first two-dimensional matrix of the three-dimensional array, for example, and replaced with the second reel symbol from the second two-dimensional matrix of the three-dimensional array. In some embodiments, the first reel symbol, instead of being removed from the three-dimensional array, may be shifted to a new position in either the first two-dimensional matrix of the three-dimensional array or a different matrix of the three-dimensional array. According to some embodiments, the first reel symbol may “swap” positions with the second reel symbol, and thus take the second reel symbol&#39;s previous position in the second two-dimensional matrix. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a diagram of an example interface  1120  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the example interface  1120  may be facilitated, implemented, and/or effectuated by one or more of the systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5 , and/or one or more components, portions, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the example interface  1120  may comprise a plurality of symbol matrices  1102   a - d  overlaid upon one another. 
     According to some embodiments (as depicted), the matrices  1102   a - d  may be populated and/or represented in a particular fashion—e.g., a “spin” comprising any sort of physical and/or virtual animation of the “reels” (e.g., columns) comprising the matrices  1102   a - d . A first “spin” event  1104   a  may comprise a spinning (at “1”) of a first matrix  1102   a , for example, that results in a population of the first matrix  1102   a  (at “2”). A second “spin” event  1104   b  may then, for example, comprise a spinning (at “3”) of a second matrix  1102   b  and/or a population of the second matrix  1102   b  (at “4”). As depicted, in some embodiments, the second matrix  1102   b  may be overlaid at least partially on top of (e.g., graphically) the first matrix  1102   a  (e.g., at “3” or “4”). In some embodiments, the overlay may be partial (e.g., at “3”), such as during spinning/populating of the second matrix  1102   b  (at “3”). In some embodiments, such as in the case that the spinning has completed, the second matrix  1102   b  may be superimposed on and/or replace (e.g., graphically) the first matrix  1102   a  (at “4”). According to some embodiments, this spinning, populating, and overlying/replacing may continue (e.g., for a third spin  1104   c  (at “5”) and/or population (at “6”) of a third matrix  1102   c  and/or for a fourth spin  1104   d  (at “7”) and/or population (at “8”) of a fourth matrix  1102   d ) until a final or game datum matrix (in the case of the example of  FIG. 11 , the fourth matrix  1102   d ) is populated. In some embodiments, even though the under-laid matrices  1102   a - c  may not be visible (or entirely visible), their symbols and/or outcomes may be known and/or stored by the gaming system. In such a manner, for example, should one of the symbols of the fourth matrix  1102   d  be removed (e.g., in accordance with a symbol removal mechanism, some of which are described herein), one of the corresponding symbols from one of the underlying matrices  1102   a - c  may be moved up to fill the vacated position. 
     While the connections between the matrices  1102   a - d  are generally described as being rectilinearly paired (e.g., position 1:2 in the first matrix  1102   a  is connected to position 1:2 in the second matrix  1102   b ), other connection arrangements may be implemented without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. Positional connections may be more complex in accordance with various patterns or mathematical formulas, for example, may be randomly defined, and/or may be at least partially defined (even wholly defined) by a player of the game. According to some embodiments, the connections may also or alternatively join reel positions between matrices  1102   a - d  that are not arranged and/or situated adjacently in the three-dimensional array. One or more positions of the first matrix  1102   a  may join or connect to one or more positions of the third matrix  1102   c  and/or the fourth matrix  1102   d , for example. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a flow diagram of a method  1200  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method  1200  may be descriptive of and/or result in an instance of a particular type or style of game such as a slot-style game titled “DropLine”, as depicted. According to some embodiments, the method  1200  may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices (e.g., the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or more online gaming company and/or online gaming player processing devices). In some embodiments, the method  1200  may be embodied in, facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). 
     In some embodiments, the method  1200  may comprise determining (e.g., by a processing device) a primary matrix of reel symbols for a slot-style game, at  1202 . A primary matrix defining various reel positions may be populated with randomly-selected and/or derived symbols or values, for example, in accordance with one or more of various potential matrix population mechanics and/or algorithms. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1200  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), based on a reel symbol removal mechanic, a first reel symbol to remove from the primary matrix, at  1204 . In some embodiments, any of the method  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 , and/or  FIG. 14 , and/or portions or combinations thereof, may be employed to determine which symbol(s) to remove. In some embodiments, the removal mechanic may comprise a rule that the first reel symbol comprises a random reel symbol from one of the columns of the primary matrix. According to some embodiments, the removal mechanic may comprise a rule that the first reel symbol comprises a random reel symbol from one of the rows of the primary matrix. 
     In some embodiments, the method  1200  may comprise causing (e.g., by the processing device) the first reel symbol to be removed from the primary matrix and placed in a secondary matrix, at  1206 . According to some embodiments, the method  1200  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), after the causing of the removal and based on the primary matrix, a primary outcome of the game. In some embodiments, the method  1200  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device), after the determining of the primary outcome, and based on the secondary matrix, a secondary outcome of the game. In some embodiments, the primary outcome may comprise an outcome of a primary game and the secondary outcome may comprise an outcome of a secondary game. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 13 , a diagram of an example slot-style interface  1320  according to some embodiments is shown. The example interface  1320  may comprise, for example, one or more slot symbol matrices  1322   a - b , a plurality of slot “reels” (e.g., columns of the matrices  1322   a - b )  1324   a - c , and/or a plurality of slot symbols  1328 . In some embodiments, one or more of the reel symbols  1328  may be removed from a primary or first slot matrix  1322   a  as a slot-style game progression mechanic. One or more removal mechanic rules may, for example, govern how and/or when certain reel symbols  1328  and/or reel symbols  1328  in certain positions in the first matrix  1322   a  are to be removed. According to some embodiments, it may be determined that a first slot symbol  1328   a  should be removed from the first matrix  1322   a . In some embodiments, the removal may be based on the type of the first reel symbol  1328   a  (e.g., as depicted, a double “A”), the position of the first reel symbol  1328   a  (e.g., in the central position of the first matrix  1322   a  and/or in the middle or second position of the second reel  1324   b ), a relationship between the first reel symbol  1328   a  and/or its position with respect to other reel symbols  1328  (such as those that are adjacent and/or of a certain type), and/or based on a sub-symbol  1328 - 1  that represents a secondary state and/or special symbol or reel attribute, as described herein. 
     According to some embodiments, the first reel symbol  1328   a  may be removed from the first matrix  1322   a  and placed in or moved to a secondary or second matrix  1322   b . The first reel symbol  1328   a  may be randomly allocated to one (or more) of the positions of the second matrix  1322   b , for example, or may be assigned to a particular position in the second matrix  1322   b . As depicted in  FIG. 13 , the first reel symbol  1328   a  may itself be propagated and/or moved into the second matrix  1322   b , as depicted by dotted path “A”, for example, or may cause a population of a different type of symbol  1328  into the second matrix  1322   b , as depicted by the dotted path “B”. In some embodiments, the first symbol  1328   a  may not be removed from the first matrix  1322   a , but may instead alter form or type as a result of and/or in connection with the associated population of the second matrix  1322   b . The double “A” of the first reel symbol  1328   a  may, for example, lose one of the “A”s to the second matrix  1322   b  (e.g., via path “A”) while one of the “A”s remains—effectively transforming the first reel symbol  1328   a  in the first matrix  1322   a  from a double “A” type to a single “A” type. 
     In some embodiments, the first matrix  1322   a  may be utilized to resolve and/or determine an outcome of a primary or first game such as a slot-style game, while the second matrix  1322   b  may be utilized to resolve and/or determine an outcome of a secondary or second game, such as a bonus game or a stand-alone secondary game. In the case that the removal occurs prior to a primary game outcome determination, the removal may affect such outcome of the primary game. 
     While certain slot symbols  1328 ,  1328   a , certain size and/or configuration of slot symbol matrices  1322   a - b , and/or certain special attributes  1328 - 1  (and/or associated reel effects) are depicted in  FIG. 13  for convenience and ease of illustration, other quantities, types, and/or configurations of such elements may be implemented without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a flow diagram of a method  1400  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the method  1400  may be descriptive of and/or result in an instance of a particular type or style of game such as a slot-style game titled “DropSpots”, as depicted. According to some embodiments, the method  1400  may be performed and/or implemented by and/or otherwise associated with one or more specialized and/or computerized processing devices (e.g., the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein), specialized computers, computer terminals, computer servers, computer systems and/or networks, and/or any combinations thereof (e.g., by one or more online gaming company and/or online gaming player processing devices). In some embodiments, the method  1400  may be embodied in, facilitated by, and/or otherwise associated with various input mechanisms and/or interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein). 
     In some embodiments, the method  1400  may comprise identifying (e.g., by a processing device) one of a plurality of slot symbol matrix positions as a special matrix position, at  1402 . A predetermined position, randomly-determined position, and/or player-selected position may, for example, be identified as being different from the other slot symbol matrix positions. In some embodiments, this difference may cause changes in game play and/or game outcomes or results. In the example case of a three-by-three (3×3) matrix, for example, the center matrix position (i.e., column two, row two, or “2:2”) may be automatically selected and/or identified as the special matrix position. In some embodiments, more than one special position may be chosen, selected, identified, and/or otherwise determined. In some embodiments, different locations of a special matrix position may occur at different times, times of day, days of the week, seasonally, based on player identifying information (e.g., identity, player value, location, demographics), and/or based on player performance and/or game play parameters. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1400  may proceed in accordance with one or more alternate progressions, such as either a first progression “A” or a second progression “B” as depicted. While in some embodiments such progressions may be mutually exclusive, in other embodiments such progressions are not mutually exclusive (e.g., both the first progression “A” and the second progression “B” may be effectuated in concert, together, sequentially, consecutively, and/or in accordance with one or more related processes). The method  1400  may, for example, proceed in accordance with the first progression “A” to effectuate a determining (e.g., by the processing device) that an occurrence of a slot symbol has passed into the special matrix position(s), at  1404 . Upon a reel spin, simulated spin, virtual spin, and/or cascade or other slot symbol matrix population mechanic, for example, it may be determined that the special matrix position(s) is populated and/or that one or more symbols ‘pass through’ the special matrix position(s)—e.g., such as in the case of a cascading slot symbol matrix population mechanic where symbols destined to the bottom row, for example, fall or pass through matrix positions of higher-positioned rows prior to arriving at their ultimate destination for a particular slot symbol matrix population event. In some embodiments, any symbol instances or occurrences passing into, out of, and/or through the special matrix position(s) may be flagged, tagged, tabulated, and/or otherwise noted or recorded. 
     In some embodiments, the method  1400  may comprise (e.g., in accordance with a furtherance of the first progression “A”) altering (e.g., by the processing device) the occurrence of the slot symbol, at  1406 . The slot symbol(s) determined to have passed into, out of, and/or through the special matrix position(s) at  1404 , for example, may be altered based on the occurrence of the special position pass through/into/out of event. A first slot symbol occurrence of a first symbol type “CHERRY”, for example, may be transformed (e.g., after having passed into, through, and/or out of the special matrix position(s)) into a second symbol type “ORANGE”. In some embodiments, merely the icon and/or graphical representation of the symbol occurrence may be transformed, while the underlying odds, value, state (primary and/or secondary), and/or effect (e.g., on payline outcome determinations) of the occurrence of the symbol may remain the same as it originally was. According to some embodiments, the occurrence of the symbol may be fully transformed into and/or replaced by a different symbol type (e.g., of a different value and/or effect). In some embodiments, the altering of the symbol occurrence may comprise an altering of the ‘population path’ of the symbol occurrence. In the case of a cascading symbol population mechanic, for example, the symbol occurrence may be initially destined for a matrix position underneath the position of the special matrix position and upon passing into, through, and/or out of the special matrix position, the trajectory and accordingly the ultimate destination of the occurrence of the symbol may change. The symbol may be ‘deflected’ diagonally to a different column, for example, or may even reverse direction and be utilized to populate a matrix position occurring previous to the special matrix position in accordance with any particular symbol population mechanic utilized. According to some embodiments, the altering may comprise a setting, changing, and/or addition of a slot sub-symbol, value, state, special attribute, and/or parameter. In some embodiments, the sub-symbol, value, state, special attribute, and/or parameter may be utilized to alter, define, and/or effect primary game (e.g., slot-style game) outcomes and/or secondary game outcomes. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1400  may also or alternatively proceed in accordance with the second progression “B” to effectuate a determining (e.g., by the processing device) of a number of slot symbols that pass into the special matrix position(s), at  1408 . The number of slot symbols (total, broken-down and/or tabulated by type) may be recorded, for example, for a specific period and/or window of time and/or for a particular number of spins, game plays, and/or based on other game play parameters (e.g., coin-in, credit balance, loss and/or win amounts). According to some embodiments, symbols and/or symbol types may be scored and/or ranked based on how many pass into the special matrix position(s) to populate the position, how many pass through the special matrix position (in accordance with a population mechanic that places those symbols in different positions other than the special position(s)), and/or how many pass out of the special position(s) (such as in the case that symbols can be generated within and/or emanate from the special position(s). 
     In some embodiments, the method  1400  may comprise determining (e.g., by the processing device) an outcome of a slot-style game based on a winning payline, at  1410 . The matrix of symbol positions populated with slot symbols may, for example, be evaluated to determine if any winning combinations of symbols exist along one or more paylines through the matrix. According to some embodiments, the evaluation of a winning payline may cause and/or be succeeded by one or more of a plurality of possible progressions, such as the third progression “C” and/or the fourth progression “D” depicted in  FIG. 14 . While in some embodiments such progressions may be mutually exclusive, in other embodiments such progressions are not mutually exclusive (e.g., both the third progression “C” and the fourth progression “D” may be effectuated in concert, together, sequentially, consecutively, and/or in accordance with one or more related processes). In some embodiments, the method  1400  may proceed in accordance with the third progression “C” to effectuate a determining (e.g., by the processing device) of an outcome of a secondary game based on the number of slot symbols that have passed into the special matrix position(s), at  1412 . The outcome of the slot-style game, such as a primary game for example, may be provided to a player and the outcome of the secondary game (e.g., a bonus game or entirely separate game) may also or alternatively be provided to the player—the outcome of the secondary game being based on the ‘pass-through’ symbol count, score, ranking, etc. In some embodiments, the outcomes of the primary and secondary games may be combined and provided to the player. 
     According to some embodiments, the method  1400  may proceed in accordance with the fourth progression “D” to effectuate an adjusting (e.g., by the processing device) of the outcome of the slot-style game based on the number of slot symbols that have passed into the special matrix position(s), at  1414 . In the case that no secondary game is involved with or effected by the special matrix position(s), for example, the ‘pass-through’ activity of the special matrix position(s) may be utilized to adjust and/or otherwise effect the outcome of the primary game. The outcome may be enhanced, multiplied, magnified, reduced, delayed, and/or otherwise adjusted. In some embodiments, the number of ‘pass-through’ symbols (and/or number of ‘pas-through’ symbols of one or more particular types and/or having one or more particular attributes). According to some embodiments, the number of ‘pass-through’ symbols may affect the outcome of the primary game (pursuant to the fourth progression “D”) as well as affect and/or define a secondary game outcome (pursuant to the third progression “C”). The ‘pass-through’ activity of one or more special matrix positions, for example, may mathematically affect or define the primary game outcome (such as a multiplier applied to the base primary game outcome) in one manner, while also mathematically affecting or defining the secondary game outcome (such as a bonus achievement based on the number of a certain type of symbol that have passed into the special matrix position(s)). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C , and  FIG. 15D , diagrams of example slot-style interfaces  1520   a - d  according to some embodiments are shown. The example interfaces  1520   a - d  may comprise, for example, one or more slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d , a plurality of slot “reels” (e.g., columns of the matrices  1522   a - d )  1524   a - c , one or more paylines  1526   a - b , and/or a plurality of slot symbols  1528 ,  1528   a ,  1528   b ,  1528   c ,  1528   d . As depicted, a first “reel”  1524   a  may correspond to a first column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d , a second “reel”  1524   b  may correspond to a second column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d , and/or a third “reel”  1524   c  may correspond to a third column of one or more of the slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d . In some embodiments, one or more of the slot symbols  1528  may not only comprise and/or be associated with or classified into a particular type of symbol (e.g., as depicted, four (4) different types of slot symbol  1528  are populated in the slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d;  “10”, “Q”, “K”, “A”) but may also comprise, be associated with, and/or be assigned a special attribute such as a first slot symbol  1528   a  comprising a numeric special attribute  1528   a - 1 . As depicted, in some embodiments the numeric special attribute  1528   a - 1  may be represented as a sub-symbol and/or as a portion or graphical attribute of the first slot symbol  1528   a.    
     According to some embodiments, the interfaces  1520   a - d  and/or the slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d  may comprise and/or identify a subset of reel positions  1530   a - c  which may, for example, be referred to as one or more “special” matrix positions. As depicted in  FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B , for example, a single or central matrix position may be identified and/or selected as a first (or only) special reel position  1530   a . In some embodiments, any or all special reel positions  1530   a - c  may be tied to and/or may implement special game play functionality. Slot symbols  1528  that pass into, through, and/or out of (or even pass by) any or all of the special reel positions  1530   a - c  (or portions thereof, such as in the case the any or all special reel positions  1530   a - c  comprise multiple reel positions; e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 15C  and  FIG. 15D ) may, for example, interact with the any or all special reel positions  1530   a - c  to produce various game play effects. 
     In some embodiments, a first version of the interface  1520   a  (in  FIG. 15A ) comprising a first slot matrix  1522   a  may represent a first stage and/or time during the slot-style game while a second version of the interface  1520   b  (in  FIG. 15B ) comprising a second slot matrix  1522   b  may represent a second stage and/or time during the slot-style game. The first and second versions of the interface  1520   a - b  may, for example, depict a game play progression from the first slot matrix  1522   a  to the second slot matrix  1522   b . For ease of illustration, the depicted progression shows the slot symbols  1528  moving one position downward from initial (or first) positions in the first slot matrix  1522   a  to second positions in the second slot matrix  1522   b . In some embodiments, a first payline  1526   a  may be evaluated with respect to the first slot matrix  1522   a . Resolution of the first payline  1526   a  may, for example, comprise a first outcome of the game (e.g., a primary game) and may cause and/or lead to a first result and/or payout (not shown). In some embodiments, the first payout/result or outcome may be modified based on a number associated with the first special matrix position  1530   a . Slot symbols  1528  passing into, through, out of, and/or by the first special matrix position  1530   a , for example, may increment and/or otherwise affect a counter  1532 . As depicted in  FIG. 15A  with respect to the first slot matrix  1522   a , the counter  1532  has a value of zero (0). In some embodiments, the value of the counter  1532  may be mathematically (or logically) interacted with the first outcome or result. The zero (0) may, for example, be added to a value of the first outcome or result, defining a first modified outcome or result. 
     According to some embodiments, once the first slot symbol  1528   a  passes into (and/or through, out of, or passes by) the first special matrix position  1530   a , such as depicted in  FIG. 15B  with respect to the second slot matrix  1522   b , the counter  1532  may be incremented or altered such as by changing from the value of zero (0) to a value of one (1) (not shown), to represent the occurrence of a single slot symbol  1528  (e.g., any slot symbol  1528  or a slot symbol  1528  of a certain type, such as the first slot symbol  1528   a  being a “10” symbol) passing into the first special matrix position  1530   a . In some embodiments, the value of the counter  1532  may be set and/or incremented of altered based on a secondary state and/or special attribute such as the first special attribute  1528   a - 1  of the first slot symbol  1528   a  passing into the first special matrix position  1530   a . The value of the first special attribute  1528   a - 1  being fifty (50) for purposes of example, may cause the value of the counter  1532  to increase from zero (0) to fifty (50). 
     In some embodiments, the updated, incremented, and/or adjusted value of the counter  1532  may be utilized to affect either or both of an outcome or result of the primary slot-style game or an outcome or result of a secondary game (not explicitly shown). At the second time and/or state of the primary slot-style game depicted in the second version of the interface  1520   b  and comprising the second slot matrix  1522   b , for example, a second payline  1526   b  may be resolved. According to some embodiments, the second payline  1526   b  may be resolved in a standard fashion, such as by taking into account the three “10” slot symbols  1528  (including the first slot symbol  1528   a ) disposed along the horizontally-oriented second payline  1526   b  and resolving (e.g., determining a result for the primary game) the achieved pattern (e.g., the achieved outcome) with a pay table (not shown). According to some embodiments, the outcome and/or the result of the primary game may be modified by mathematically and/or logically applying the value of the counter  1532 . The value of the counter  1532 , after having been set or adjusted based on the first special attribute  1528   a - 1  (and/or the first slot symbol  1528   a ) may be fifty (50) as depicted and may be added to a result associated with the second payline  1528   b . In some embodiments, the value of the counter  1532  may also or alternatively be multiplied (e.g., such as in the case that the counter  1532  tracks a number of slot symbols  1528  that interact with the first special reel position  1530   a ) and/or otherwise interacted with the result of the second payline  1526   b , thereby altering or adjusting a result of the primary game. In some embodiments, the value of the counter  1532  may also or alternatively define or adjust or affect a result from a secondary game. The player of the second version of the interface  1520   b  may earn or win, for example, a second result from the primary game based on the second payline  1526   b  as well as a secondary or bonus win of (or based on) fifty (50), based on the value of the counter  1532 . 
     According to some embodiments, multiple special matrix positions  1530   a - c  may be utilized and/or such special matrix positions  1530   a - c  may alter or affect slot symbols  1528  that interact with the special matrix positions  1530   a - c . As depicted in  FIG. 15C , for example, a particular state or progression of a slot-style game is shown with respect to a third version of the interface  1520   c  that comprises a third slot matrix  1522   c  and a plurality of special matrix positions  1530   a - c —e.g., a first special matrix position  1530   a  positioned similarly to the first and second versions of the interface  1520   a - b , a second special matrix position  1530   b  situated on the first reel  1524   a , and/or a third special matrix position  1530   c  situated on the third reel  1524   c . In some embodiments, the various special matrix positions  1530   a - c  may implement various different effects on game play as it progresses. According to some embodiments, game play may be depicted as progressing in an example manner as shown by  FIG. 15C  and  FIG. 15D . The third version of the interface  1520   c  (in  FIG. 15C ) may comprise the third slot matrix  1522   c  that may represent a third stage and/or time during the slot-style game, for example, while a fourth version of the interface  1520   d  (in  FIG. 15D ) may comprise a fourth slot matrix  1522   d  that may represent a fourth (or otherwise subsequent) stage and/or time during the slot-style game. The third and fourth versions of the interface  1520   c - d  may, for example, depict a game play progression from the third slot matrix  1522   c  to the fourth slot matrix  1522   d . For ease of illustration, the depicted progression shows the slot symbols  1528  moving one position downward from initial (or third) positions in the third slot matrix  1522   c  to fourth (or subsequent) positions in the fourth slot matrix  1522   d.    
     In some embodiments, an entry of the first slot symbol  1528   a  into the first special reel position  1530   a  may cause the first special attribute  1528   a - 1  to increment or adjust the counter  1532 , such as described with respect to the game progression of  FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B . The counter  1532  may be incremented by ten (10), for example, causing the value of the counter  1532  to progress from seventy (70) to eighty (80). According to some embodiments, the entry of the first slot symbol  1528   a  into the first special reel position  1530   a  may also or alternatively cause a symbol counter  1532 - 1  to increment by one (1)—representing a single symbol entry into one of the special reel positions  1530   a - c.    
     According to some embodiments, a second slot symbol  1528   b  may leave or pass out of the second special matrix position  1530   b . In some embodiments, this passing through or out of and/or interaction of the second slot symbol  1528   b  with the second special matrix position  1530   b  may also or alternative cause an incrementing of the symbol counter  1532 - 1  by one (1)—representing a single symbol pass through or exit from one of the special matrix positions  1530   a - c . According to some embodiments, the passing through or out of and/or interaction of the second slot symbol  1528   b  with the second special matrix position  1530   b  may also or alternative alter the second slot symbol  1528   b  itself. As depicted, for example, the second slot symbol  1528   b  “Q” may gain a second special attribute  1528   b - 1  upon leaving the second special matrix position  1530   b.    
     In some embodiments, a third slot symbol  1528   c  may enter or pass into the third special matrix position  1530   c . In some embodiments, this passing into and/or interaction of the third slot symbol  1528   c  with the third special matrix position  1530   c  may also or alternative cause an incrementing of the symbol counter  1532 - 1  by one (1)—representing a single symbol pass through or exit from one of the special matrix positions  1530   a - c . In such a manner, for example, as each of the first, second, and third symbols  1528   a - c  may increment the symbol counter  1532 - 1 , the value of the symbol counter  1532 - 1  may progress from zero (0) to three (3). In some embodiments, the passing into and/or interaction of the third slot symbol  1528   c  with the third special matrix position  1530   c  may also or alternative cause a multiplier counter  1532 - 2  to adjust. As depicted in  FIG. 15D , for example, a third special attribute  1528   c - 1  of the third slot symbol  1528   c  may cause the multiplier counter  1532 - 2  to change from a value of “1×” (e.g., a multiplier of one (1) times) to a value of “3×” (e.g., a multiplier of three (3) times). 
     According to some embodiments, the passing into and/or interaction of the third slot symbol  1528   c  with the third special matrix position  1530   c  may also or alternative alter the third slot symbol  1528   c  itself. As depicted, for example, the third slot symbol  1528   c “10” comprising the third special attribute  1528   c - 1 , upon entering the third special matrix position  1530   c , may (i) lose the third special attribute  1528   c - 1  (and/or have a value of the third special attribute  1528   c - 1  changed), and/or (ii) change or morph into a fourth slot symbol  1528   d . The third slot symbol  1528   c  of the type “10” may, for example, change into (represented by the dotted line “10” in the third special matrix position  1530   c  in the fourth version of the interface  1520   d  of  FIG. 15D ) the fourth slot symbol  1528   d  of the type “K”. In some embodiments, any paylines (not shown in  FIG. 15C  or  FIG. 15D ) or other outcomes or respective results of the primary slot-style game may be resolved either prior to the third slot symbol  1528   c  changing into the fourth slot symbol  1528   d , or after. 
     In some embodiments, an outcome and/or the result of the primary game may be modified by mathematically and/or logically applying any or all of the values of the counter  1532 , the symbol counter  1532 - 1 , and/or the multiplier counter  1532 - 2 . The values of the counters  1532 ,  1532 - 1 ,  1532 - 2  may be added and/or multiplied with a result and/or may otherwise interacted with the result, thereby altering or adjusting a result of the primary game. In some embodiments, the values of any or all of the counters  1532 ,  1532 - 1 ,  1532 - 2  may also or alternatively define or adjust or affect a result of a secondary game. 
     While certain slot symbols  1528 ,  1528   a ,  1528   b ,  1528   c ,  1528   d , certain size and/or configuration of slot symbol matrices  1522   a - d , certain numbers and/or locations of special reel positions  1530   a - c , certain special attributes  1528   a - 1 ,  1528   b - 1 ,  1528   c - 1  (and/or associated reel effects), and/or certain counters  1532 ,  1532 - 1 ,  1532 - 2  are depicted in  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C , and  FIG. 15D  for convenience and ease of illustration, other quantities, types, and/or configurations of such elements may be implemented without deviating from the scope of some embodiments. 
     V. Apparatus and Article of Manufacture 
     Turning to  FIG. 16 , a block diagram of an apparatus  1610  according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, the apparatus  1610  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any of the player and/or user devices  102   a - n ,  202   a - n ,  302   a - b ,  402 ,  502  and/or the servers and/or controller devices  110 ,  210   a - n ,  310   a - g ,  410   e - f ,  510   a - j  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein, and/or may otherwise comprise a portion of the systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and/or  FIG. 5  herein. The apparatus  1610  may, for example, execute, process, facilitate, and/or otherwise be associated with the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the apparatus  1610  may comprise a processing device  1612 , an input device  1614 , an output device  1616 , a communication device  1618 , an interface  1620 , a memory device  1640  (storing various programs and/or instructions  1642  and data  1644 ), and/or a cooling device  1650 . According to some embodiments, any or all of the components  1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 ,  1618 ,  1620 ,  1640 ,  1642 ,  1644 ,  1650  of the apparatus  1610  may be similar in configuration and/or functionality to any similarly named and/or numbered components described herein. Fewer or more components  1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 ,  1618 ,  1620 ,  1640 ,  1642 ,  1644 ,  1650  and/or various configurations of the components  1612 ,  1614 ,  1616 ,  1618 ,  1620 ,  1640 ,  1642 ,  1644 ,  1650  be included in the apparatus  1610  without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. 
     According to some embodiments, the processing device  1612  may be or include any type, quantity, and/or configuration of electronic and/or computerized processor that is or becomes known. The processing device  1612  may comprise, for example, an Intel® IXP 2800 network processor or an Intel® XEON™ Processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset. In some embodiments, the processing device  1612  may comprise multiple inter-connected processors, microprocessors, and/or micro-engines. According to some embodiments, the processing device  1612  (and/or the apparatus  1610  and/or portions thereof) may be supplied power via a power supply (not shown) such as a battery, an Alternating Current (AC) source, a Direct Current (DC) source, an AC/DC adapter, solar cells, and/or an inertial generator. In the case that the apparatus  1610  comprises a server such as a blade server, necessary power may be supplied via a standard AC outlet, power strip, surge protector, a PDU, and/or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) device. 
     In some embodiments, the input device  1614  and/or the output device  1616  are communicatively coupled to the processing device  1612  (e.g., via wired and/or wireless connections and/or pathways) and they may generally comprise any types or configurations of input and output components and/or devices that are or become known, respectively. The input device  1614  may comprise, for example, a keyboard that allows an operator of the apparatus  1610  to interface with the apparatus  1610  (e.g., by a player, such as to participate in a slot-style game as described herein). In some embodiments, the input device  1614  may comprise a sensor configured to provide information such as player input to the apparatus  1610  and/or the processing device  1612 . The output device  1616  may, according to some embodiments, comprise a display screen and/or other practicable output component and/or device. The output device  1616  may, for example, provide a game interface (such as the interface  1620  and/or one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C , and/or  FIG. 15D  herein) to a player (e.g., via a website). According to some embodiments, the input device  1614  and/or the output device  1616  may comprise and/or be embodied in a single device such as a touch-screen monitor. 
     In some embodiments, the communication device  1618  may comprise any type or configuration of communication device that is or becomes known or practicable. The communication device  1618  may, for example, comprise a network interface card (NIC), a telephonic device, a cellular network device, a router, a hub, a modem, and/or a communications port or cable. In some embodiments, the communication device  1618  may be coupled to provide data to a player device (not shown in  FIG. 16 , in the case that the apparatus  1610  does not itself comprise a player device), such as in the case that the apparatus  1610  is utilized to provide a game interface to a player as described herein. The communication device  1618  may, for example, comprise a cellular telephone network transmission device that sends signals indicative of game interface components to customer and/or subscriber handheld, mobile, and/or telephone device. According to some embodiments, the communication device  1618  may also or alternatively be coupled to the processing device  1612 . In some embodiments, the communication device  1618  may comprise an IR, RF, Bluetooth™, and/or Wi-Fi® network device coupled to facilitate communications between the processing device  1612  and another device (such as a player device and/or a third-party device). 
     The memory device  1640  may comprise any appropriate information storage device that is or becomes known or available, including, but not limited to, units and/or combinations of magnetic storage devices (e.g., a hard disk drive), optical storage devices, and/or semiconductor memory devices such as RAM devices, Read Only Memory (ROM) devices, Single Data Rate Random Access Memory (SDR-RAM), Double Data Rate Random Access Memory (DDR-RAM), and/or Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). The memory device  1640  may, according to some embodiments, store one or more of game instructions  1642 - 1 , interface instructions  1642 - 2 , player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4 . In some embodiments, the game instructions  1642 - 1 , interface instructions  1642 - 2 , player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4  may be utilized by the processing device  1612  to provide output information via the output device  1616  and/or the communication device  1618 . 
     According to some embodiments, the game instructions  1642 - 1  may be operable to cause the processing device  1612  to process player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4 . Player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4  received via the input device  1614  and/or the communication device  1618  may, for example, be analyzed, sorted, filtered, decoded, decompressed, ranked, scored, plotted, and/or otherwise processed by the processing device  1612  in accordance with the game instructions  1642 - 1 . In some embodiments, player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4  may be fed by the processing device  1612  through one or more mathematical and/or statistical formulas and/or models in accordance with the game instructions  1642 - 1  to provide slot-style games having features and/or functionality in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the interface instructions  1642 - 2  may be operable to cause the processing device  1612  to process player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4 . Player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4  received via the input device  1614  and/or the communication device  1618  may, for example, be analyzed, sorted, filtered, decoded, decompressed, ranked, scored, plotted, and/or otherwise processed by the processing device  1612  in accordance with the interface instructions  1642 - 2 . In some embodiments, player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4  may be fed by the processing device  1612  through one or more mathematical and/or statistical formulas and/or models in accordance with the interface instructions  1642 - 2  to provide one or more game interfaces (such as one or more of the interfaces  720   a - c ,  920   a - b ,  1120 ,  1320 ,  1520   a - d ,  1620  of  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ,  FIG. 7C ,  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ,  FIG. 15C ,  FIG. 15D , and/or  FIG. 16  herein) such as to provide slot-style games having functionality in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
     Any or all of the exemplary instructions and data types described herein and other practicable types of data may be stored in any number, type, and/or configuration of memory devices that is or becomes known. The memory device  1640  may, for example, comprise one or more data tables or files, databases, table spaces, registers, and/or other storage structures. In some embodiments, multiple databases and/or storage structures (and/or multiple memory devices  1640 ) may be utilized to store information associated with the apparatus  1610 . According to some embodiments, the memory device  1640  may be incorporated into and/or otherwise coupled to the apparatus  1610  (e.g., as shown) or may simply be accessible to the apparatus  1610  (e.g., externally located and/or situated). 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus  1610  may comprise a cooling device  1650 . According to some embodiments, the cooling device  1650  may be coupled (physically, thermally, and/or electrically) to the processing device  1612  and/or to the memory device  1640 . The cooling device  1650  may, for example, comprise a fan, heat sink, heat pipe, radiator, cold plate, and/or other cooling component or device or combinations thereof, configured to remove heat from portions or components of the apparatus  1610 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17A ,  FIG. 17B ,  FIG. 17C ,  FIG. 17D , and  FIG. 17E , perspective diagrams of exemplary data storage devices  1740   a - e  according to some embodiments are shown. The data storage devices  1740   a - e  may, for example, be utilized to store instructions and/or data such as the game instructions  1642 - 1 , interface instructions  1642 - 2 , player data  1644 - 1 , game data  1644 - 2 , tournament data  1644 - 3 , and/or prize data  1644 - 4 , each of which is described in reference to  FIG. 16  herein. In some embodiments, instructions stored on the data storage devices  1740   a - e  may, when executed by a processor, cause the implementation of and/or facilitate the methods  600 ,  800 ,  1000 ,  1200 ,  1400  of  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 12 , and/or  FIG. 14  herein, and/or one or more portions and/or combinations thereof described herein. 
     According to some embodiments, the first data storage device  1740   a  may comprise one or more various types of internal and/or external hard drives. The first data storage device  1740   a  may, for example, comprise a data storage medium  1746  that is read, interrogated, and/or otherwise communicatively coupled to and/or via a disk reading device  1748 . In some embodiments, the first data storage device  1740   a  and/or the data storage medium  1746  may be configured to store information utilizing one or more magnetic, inductive, and/or optical means (e.g., magnetic, inductive, and/or optical-encoding). The data storage medium  1746 , depicted as a first data storage medium  1746   a  for example (e.g., breakout cross-section “A”), may comprise one or more of a polymer layer  1746   a - 1 , a magnetic data storage layer  1746   a - 2 , a non-magnetic layer  1746   a - 3 , a magnetic base layer  1746   a - 4 , a contact layer  1746   a - 5 , and/or a substrate layer  1746   a - 6 . According to some embodiments, a magnetic read head  1746   a  may be coupled and/or disposed to read data from the magnetic data storage layer  1746   a - 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the data storage medium  1746 , depicted as a second data storage medium  1746   b  for example (e.g., breakout cross-section “B”), may comprise a plurality of data points  1746   b - 2  disposed with the second data storage medium  1746   b . The data points  1746   b - 2  may, in some embodiments, be read and/or otherwise interfaced with via a laser-enabled read head  1748   b  disposed and/or coupled to direct a laser beam through the second data storage medium  1746   b.    
     In some embodiments, the second data storage device  1740   b  may comprise a CD, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-Ray™ Disc, and/or other type of optically-encoded disk and/or other storage medium that is or becomes known or practicable. In some embodiments, the third data storage device  1740   c  may comprise a USB keyfob, dongle, and/or other type of flash memory data storage device that is or becomes know or practicable. In some embodiments, the fourth data storage device  1740   d  may comprise RAM of any type, quantity, and/or configuration that is or becomes practicable and/or desirable. In some embodiments, the fourth data storage device  1740   d  may comprise an off-chip cache such as a Level 2 (L2) cache memory device. According to some embodiments, the fifth data storage device  1740   e  may comprise an on-chip memory device such as a Level 1 (L1) cache memory device. 
     The data storage devices  1740   a - e  may generally store program instructions, code, and/or modules that, when executed by a processing device cause a particular machine to function in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The data storage devices  1740   a - e  depicted in  FIG. 17A ,  FIG. 17B ,  FIG. 17C ,  FIG. 17D , and  FIG. 17E  are representative of a class and/or subset of computer-readable media that are defined herein as “computer-readable memory” (e.g., non-transitory memory devices as opposed to transmission devices or media). 
     The terms “computer-readable medium” and “computer-readable memory” refer to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer and/or a processor. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and other specific types of transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically constitutes the main memory. Other types of transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. 
     Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, Digital Video Disc (DVD), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, a USB memory stick, a dongle, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The terms “computer-readable medium” and/or “tangible media” specifically exclude signals, waves, and wave forms or other intangible or transitory media that may nevertheless be readable by a computer. 
     Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols. For a more exhaustive list of protocols, the term “network” is defined above and includes many exemplary protocols that are also applicable here. 
     In some embodiments, one or more specialized machines such as a computerized processing device, a server, a remote terminal, and/or a customer device may implement the various practices described herein. A computer system of an game provider may, for example, comprise various specialized computers that interact to provide for slot-style games as described herein. 
     VI. Rules of Interpretation 
     Numerous embodiments are described in this patent application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of the invention nor a listing of features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments. It is contemplated, however, that while some embodiment are not limited by the examples provided herein, some embodiments may be specifically bounded or limited by provided examples, structures, method steps, and/or sequences. Embodiments having scopes limited by provided examples may also specifically exclude features not explicitly described or contemplated. 
     Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of this patent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of this patent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way the scope of the disclosed invention(s). 
     The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition of matter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. § 101, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) disclosed embodiments”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise. Similarly, any reference to an “alternate”, “alternative”, and/or “alternate embodiment” is intended to connote one or more possible variations—not mutual exclusivity. In other words, it is expressly contemplated that “alternatives” described herein may be utilized and/or implemented together, unless they inherently are incapable of being utilized together. 
     The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “herein” means “in the present application, including the specification, its claims and figures, and anything which may be incorporated by reference, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel means (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. 
     The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on”. In some embodiments, a first thing being “based on” a second thing refers specifically to the first thing taking into account the second thing in an explicit manner. In such embodiments, for example, a processing step based on the local weather, which itself is in some manner based on or affected by (for example) human activity in the rainforests, is not “based on” such human activities because it is not those activities that being explicitly analyzed, included, taken into account, and/or processed. 
     The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that express only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when the term “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that the term “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim. 
     The term “wherein”, as utilized herein, does not evidence intended use. The term “wherein” expressly refers to one or more features inclusive in a particular embodiment and does not imply or include an optional or conditional limitation. 
     Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least one widget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses a definite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than one widget). 
     When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to allow for distinguishing that particular referenced feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a “first widget” may be so named merely to allow for distinguishing it in one or more claims from a “second widget”, so as to encompass embodiments in which (1) the “first widget” is or is the same as the “second widget” and (2) the “first widget” is different than or is not identical to the “second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or quality; and (4) does not indicate that the two referenced widgets are not identical or the same widget. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets. 
     When a single device or article is described herein, more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device or article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate). 
     Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device or article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single device or article. 
     The functionality and/or the features of a single device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality/features. 
     Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for weeks at a time. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. 
     A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any of such components and/or features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component and/or feature is essential or required. 
     Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to the invention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. 
     Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps, that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps are essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or required. 
     Although a product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, that does not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality. 
     An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, a PDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are comprehensive of any category. 
     Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way. 
     “Determining” something can be performed in a variety of manners and therefore the term “determining” (and like terms) includes calculating, computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database or data structure), ascertaining and the like. 
     It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately and/or specially-programmed general purpose computers and/or computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors) will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software 
     A “processor” generally means any one or more microprocessors, CPU devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices, as further described herein. According to some embodiments, a “processor” may primarily comprise and/or be limited to a specific class of processors referred to herein as “processing devices”. “Processing devices” are a subset of processors limited to physical devices such as CPU devices, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) devices, transistors, capacitors, logic gates, etc. “Processing devices”, for example, explicitly exclude biological, software-only, and/or biological or software-centric physical devices. While processing devices may include some degree of soft logic and/or programming, for example, such devices must include a predominant degree of physical structure in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 101. 
     The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions or other information) that may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during RF and IR data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     The term “computer-readable memory” may generally refer to a subset and/or class of computer-readable medium that does not include transmission media such as waveforms, carrier waves, electromagnetic emissions, etc. Computer-readable memory may typically include physical media upon which data (e.g., instructions or other information) are stored, such as optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory, DRAM, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, computer hard drives, backup tapes, Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory devices, and the like. 
     Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data, including sequences of instructions, to a processor. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth™, TDMA, CDMA, 3G. 
     Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those described herein. Further, despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implement various processes, such as the described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses data in such a database. 
     The present invention can be configured to work in a network environment including a computer that is in communication, via a communications network, with one or more devices. The computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of communications means. Each of the devices may comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™ processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of machines may be in communication with the computer. 
     The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application.