Patent Publication Number: US-2022215717-A1

Title: Electronic gaming machine archway with overhead display devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/890,634, filed Jun. 2, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/913,504, filed Oct. 10, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/869,452, filed Jul. 1, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming, and more particularly, to an electronic gaming machine (EGM) archway that includes an overhead display device that can be combined with one or more other EGM archways to form a plurality of EGM archways with overhead displays. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, a player may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondary game, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, or after the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, the player is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awarded during play, the game credits are typically added to a credit meter total on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” 
     “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded. 
     Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random. 
     In addition, casinos typically include stand-alone EGMs and/or EGMs arranged in groups, along walls, or in clusters often referred to as “banks.” However, even in clusters or banks, traditional arrangements of EGMs are typically limited to stand-alone or independently generated graphics, and conventional systems do not include any mechanism for displaying continuous graphics between EGMs. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) archway is provided. The EGM archway includes a first EGM including at least one first curved display device, the at least one first curved display device defining a first portion of the archway. The EGM archway also includes a second EGM including at least one second curved display device, the at least one second curved display device defining a second portion of the archway, the second EGM spaced apart from and diametrically opposing the first EGM. In addition, the EGM archway includes an overhead display portion including at least one third display device, the at least one third display device defining a third portion of the archway, the overhead display portion extending overhead between the at least one first curved display device and the at least one second curved display device. 
     In another aspect, an electronic gaming system is described. The system includes a first EGM including a first display device, a second EGM including a second display device, the second EGM spaced apart from and opposing the first EGM, and an overhead display portion including a third display device. The overhead display portion extends overhead between the first display device of the first EGM and the second display device of the second EGM, whereby the first display device, the second display device, and the third display device form at least a portion of an archway that players are able to enter under. The system also includes a processor and a memory device configured to store computer-readable instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to at least: control the first display device, the second display device, and the third display device to display a graphic that moves between at least two of the first display device, the second display device, and the third display device, whereby the graphic appears to traverse at least a portion of the archway. 
     In yet another aspect, an EGM archway is described. The EGM archway includes a first EGM receptacle configured to receive a first EGM, a second EGM receptacle configured to receive a second EGM, the second EGM receptacle spaced apart from and opposing the first EGM receptacle. The EGM archway also includes an overhead display portion including an overhead display device, the overhead display portion configured to be positioned overhead between the first EGM receptacle and the second EGM receptacle, whereby the first EGM receptacle, the second EGM receptacle, and the overhead display device form at least a portion of the EGM archway. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       An example embodiment of the subject matter disclosed will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an example diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an example EGM; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the first example embodiment of the EGM archway shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the second example embodiment of the EGM archway shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the third example embodiment of the EGM archway shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an interior view, taken along the cross-section  9 - 9 ′, of the third example embodiment of the EGM archway shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the third example embodiment of the EGM archway shown in  FIG. 7 , including a plurality of integrated chairs; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 12 - FIG. 29  show different views of the third example embodiment of the EGM archway shown and described with reference to  FIG. 7 - FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 30 - FIG. 38  show different views of a fifth example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs, as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , in which the plurality of EGMs and the EGM archway form a tunnel-shaped archway; and 
         FIG. 39 - FIG. 56  show different views of a sixth example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGM receptables, each EGM receptacle configured to receive an EGM. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several EGM archways are described herein. These EGM archways may include a plurality of EGMs, arranged in spatially opposing pairs, each having one or more curved display screens. The curved display screens of each EGM pair may form a lower portion of an arch of either archway, and a plurality of curved and/or planar display screens may be added between the two lower portions of either archway to complete the arch of the archways. In addition, EGMs may be positioned side-by-side to create longitudinally extending archways (e.g., longer or shorter archways), such as ring-shaped and tunnel-shaped archways. Many other shapes are also possible, as described herein. For example, two archways may be positioned perpendicular to one another to form a cluster of overhead archways. Furthermore, these side-by-side EGMS may be separated and/or interconnected by one or more intermediate or spacer display screens that are in communication with the archway. In operation, a variety of animations and graphics may be displayed within the archways, and EGMs forming the archways may interact or influence each other, such as by sending graphics or game awards across the archways to one or more other EGMs. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system  100  in a gaming environment including one or more server computers  102  (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices  104 A- 104 X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to form non-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games of chance that provide monetary awards. 
     Communication between the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102 , and among the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102  can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices  104 A- 104 X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers  102  using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like. 
     In some embodiments, server computers  102  may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device  104 A, gaming device  104 B or any of the other gaming devices  104 C- 104 X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers  102  described herein. 
     The server computers  102  may include a central determination gaming system server  106 , a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server  108 , a player tracking system server  110 , a progressive system server  112 , and/or a casino management system server  114 . Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server  106  and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices  104 A- 104 X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players. 
     Gaming device  104 A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device  104 A often includes a main door which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device  104 A typically includes a button area or button deck  120  accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons  122 , an access channel for a bill validator  124 , and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer  126 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , gaming device  104 A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device  104 A is a reel machine having a gaming display area  118  comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels  130  with various symbols displayed on them. The reels  130  are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area  118  which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. 
     In many configurations, the gaming device  104 A may have a main display  128  (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area  118 . The main display  128  can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor. 
     In some embodiments, the bill validator  124  may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device  104 A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device  104 A may also include a “ticket-out” printer  126  for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer  126  on the gaming device  104 A. The gaming device  104 A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device  104 A. 
     In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader  144 , a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player&#39;s smartphone), a keypad  146 , and/or an illuminated display  148  for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM  104 A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device  104 A can communicate with the player tracking system server  110  to send and receive player tracking information. 
     Gaming device  104 A may also include a bonus topper wheel  134 . When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel  134  is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow  136  indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel  134  is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game. 
     A candle  138  may be mounted on the top of gaming device  104 A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons  122 ) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device  104 A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle  138  is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed. 
     There may also be one or more information panels  152  which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s)  152  may be implemented as an additional video display. 
     Gaming devices  104 A have traditionally also included a handle  132  typically mounted to the side of main cabinet  116  which may be used to initiate game play. 
     Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet  116  of the gaming device  104 A, the details of which are shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     An alternative example gaming device  104 B illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device  104 A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device  104 B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device  104 B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display  128 . An optional topper screen  140  may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen  140  may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device  104 B. 
     Example gaming device  104 B includes a main cabinet  116  including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device  104 B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer  126  and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator  124 . The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations. 
     Another example gaming device  104 C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device  104 C includes a main display  128 A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display  128 A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display  128 A is a flat panel display. Main display  128 A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display  128 B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, example gaming device  104 C may also include speakers  142  to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc. 
     Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices  104 A- 104 C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class  2  or Class  3 , etc. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device  200  connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device  200  shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices  104 A-X depicted in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , gaming device  200  includes a topper display  216  or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) that sits above cabinet  218 . Cabinet  218  or topper display  216  may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device  200 , including speakers  220 , a ticket printer  222  which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, a ticket reader  224  which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, and a player tracking interface  232 . Player tracking interface  232  may include a keypad  226  for entering information, a player tracking display  228  for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader  230  for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking.  FIG. 2  also depicts utilizing a ticket printer  222  to print tickets for a TITO system server  108 . Gaming device  200  may further include a bill validator  234 , player-input buttons  236  for player input, cabinet security sensors  238  to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet  218 , a primary game display  240 , and a secondary game display  242 , each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller  202 . 
     The games available for play on the gaming device  200  are controlled by a game controller  202  that includes one or more processors  204 . Processor  204  represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor  204  can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor  204  can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor  204  is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. Although  FIG. 2  illustrates that game controller  202  includes a single processor  204 , game controller  202  is not limited to this representation and instead can include multiple processors  204  (e.g., two or more processors). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates that processor  204  is operatively coupled to memory  208 . Memory  208  is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatile memory and other types of non-transitory data storage components. Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss of power. Nonvolatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss of power. Examples of memory  208  include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. In addition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even though  FIG. 2  illustrates that game controller  202  includes a single memory  208 , game controller  202  could include multiple memories  208  for storing program instructions and/or data. 
     Memory  208  can store one or more game programs  206  that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various embodiments (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program  206  represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory  208 . In one or more embodiments, game program  206  is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor  204  in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory  208  and run by processor  204 ; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory  208  and executed by processor  204 ; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory  208  to be executed by processor  204 . 
     Alternatively, game programs  206  can be setup to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device  200  exchange with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server  106  (not shown in  FIG. 2  but shown in  FIG. 1 ). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance” refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device  200  presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance is communicated to gaming device  200  via the network  214  and then displayed on gaming device  200 . For example, gaming device  200  may execute game program  206  as video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device  200 . When a game is stored on gaming device  200 , it may be loaded from memory  208  (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server  106  to memory  208 . 
     Gaming devices, such as gaming device  200 , are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device  200  is operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices  200  that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices  200  is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices  200 , (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices  200  operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements, and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, game mechanics, hardware components, and software. 
     One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device  200  generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices  200  satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device  200  should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,  FIG. 2  illustrates that gaming device  200  includes an RNG  212  that utilizes hardware and/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNG operations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply with regulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a reel game, game program  206  can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG  212  to generate RNG outcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcome for a reel. In another example, gaming device  200  can be a Class II gaming device where RNG  212  generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingo cards. In one or more embodiments, RNG  212  could be one of a set of RNGs operating on gaming device  200 . More generally, an output of the RNG  212  can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by the game controller  202 . Game developers could vary the degree of true randomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending on game requirements. The output of the RNG  212  can include a random number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to as a “random number”). 
     Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device  200  includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device  200  provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extra reels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; or card selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates that gaming device  200  includes an RNG conversion engine  210  that translates the RNG outcome from RNG  212  to a game outcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a game developer can setup the RNG conversion engine  210  to utilize one or more lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element, stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of a game feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device  200  pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine  210  could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mapping between the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts. 
       FIG. 2  also depicts that gaming device  200  is connected over network  214  to player tracking system server  110 . Player tracking system server  110  may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server  110  is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface  232  to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player&#39;s level of patronage (e.g., to the player&#39;s playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system. 
     When a player wishes to play the gaming device  200 , he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator  234  to establish a credit balance on the gamine device. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader  230 . During the game, the player views with one or more Uls, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display  240  and secondary game display  242 . Other game and prize information may also be displayed. 
     For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons  236 , the primary game display  240  which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device  200 . 
     During certain game events, the gaming device  200  may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers  220 . Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device  200  or from lights behind the information panel  152  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer  222 ). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play. 
     Although  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates specific embodiments of a gaming device (e.g., gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200 ), the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or tabletops and have displays that face upwards. Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  can include credit transceivers that wirelessly communicate (e.g., Bluetooth or other near-field communication technology) with one or more mobile devices to perform credit transactions. As an example, bill validator  234  could contain or be coupled to the credit transceiver that output credits from and/or load credits onto the gaming device  104 A by communicating with a player&#39;s smartphone (e.g., a digital wallet interface). Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  may also include other processors that are not separately shown. Using  FIG. 2  as an example, gaming device  200  could include display controllers (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) configured to receive video input signals or instructions to display images on game displays  240  and  242 . Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the game controller  202 . The use and discussion of  FIGS. 1 and 2  are examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of an EGM archway  300 . Likewise,  FIG. 4  is a side view of the first example embodiment of EGM archway  300 . EGM archway  300  extends axially along a centerline A-A′. 
     Accordingly, in the first example embodiment, EGM archway  300  includes a first EGM  302 , a second EGM  304 , a third EGM  306 , and a fourth EGM  308 . In general, EGMs  302 - 308  may include any suitable electronic gaming machine or gaming device, such as any of EGMs  104 A- 104 X, as described herein. EGMs  302 - 308  may also include any of the computer architecture shown in  FIG. 2  (with reference to gaming device or EGM  200 ). EGMs  302 - 308  are illustrated as including curved display screens in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, EGMs  302 - 308  include curved display screens positioned in a different orientation than the portrait orientation shown in  FIG. 3  (e.g., a landscape orientation). In some embodiments, EGMs  302 - 308  may include flat display screens (e.g., in a portrait or landscape orientation) in addition to, or in place of, the curved display screens shown in  FIG. 3 . In various embodiments, EGMs  302 - 308 , and other EGMs described herein, may include any combination of displays of different shapes, sizes, and orientations. 
     As described in additional detail herein, although archway  300  includes side-by-side EGMs (i.e., EGMs  302  and  306  on one side and EGMs  304  and  308  on another side), in various embodiments, archways of the present disclosure, including archway  300 , may only include a single pair of opposing or spatially opposite EGMs (e.g., EGMs  302  and  304 ). Likewise, as described herein, any of archways described herein, such as archway  300 , may include multiple pairs of spatially opposite EGMs to create tunnel- and other-shaped archways. 
     First EGM  302  includes at least a first curved display device  310  and a second curved display device  312 . Second EGM  304  includes at least a first curved display device  314  and a second curved display device  316 . Third EGM  306  includes at least a first curved display device  318  and a second curved display device  320 . Fourth EGM  308  includes at least a first curved display device  322  and a second curved display device  324 . Although in this example embodiment, each EGM  302 - 308  includes two curved display devices (e.g., two curved display screens), in other embodiments, any other number of curved display devices may be included in any of EGMs  302 - 308 . 
     In some embodiments, the curved display devices of each EGM  302 - 308  may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to create a larger curved display of each EGM  302 - 308 . For example, first curved display device  310  and second curved display device  312  may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to create a larger curved display of EGM  302 . The same may be true for the remaining EGMs  304 - 308 . Although each EGM  302 - 308  includes two curved display devices in this example, it will be appreciated that any number of curved display devices may be provided in association with an EGM  302 - 308  (including a single curved display device), and that as a number of curved display devices are adjusted or changed, a curvature or arc associated with each EGM  302 - 308  may also be changed or adjusted (e.g., to increase and/or decrease, as the case may be). 
     In addition, in at least some embodiments, first EGM  302  may be spaced apart from and diametrically opposed to second EGM  304 , such that EGMs  302  and  304  are spatially opposite and facing one another. Similarly, third EGM  306  may be spaced apart from and diametrically opposed to fourth EGM  308 , such that EGMs  306  and  308  are spatially opposite and facing one another. 
     As a result, first EGM  302  and second EGM  304  may together define opposing lower or non-overhead portions of a first archway section  326 , and third EGM  306  and fourth EGM  308  may together define opposing lower or non-overhead portions of a second archway section  328 . As shown, first archway section  326  and second archway section  328  may abut one another, such that archway  300  is substantially continuous in a direction extending parallel to axis A-A′. For convenience, as used herein, the axis A-A′ may be referred to as extending “longitudinally” or in a “longitudinal direction.” A direction substantially orthogonal to axis A-A′ may be referred to as extending “latitudinally,” where the curvature of archway  300  thus generally follows or extends along the latitudinal direction. 
     In addition, it will be appreciated that any number of EGMs may be arranged along axis A-A′ to create an archway  300  of any length along axis A-A′. For example, in some embodiments, archway  300  may include only a single pair of EGMs, such as EGMs  302  and  304 , to define a ring-shaped archway. In another embodiment, archway  300  includes EGMs  302 - 308  to define a short tunnel-shaped archway having two sections  326  and  328 , and in yet another embodiment, archway  300  includes greater than four EGMs to define a longer tunnel-shaped archway (extending longitudinally along the axis A-A′) having, for example, greater than two sections. 
     In addition to the portions of each archway section  326  and  328  defined by EGMs  302 - 308  (e.g., the lower or substantially non-overhead portions), in various embodiments, one or more display devices may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled between first EGM  302  and second EGM  304 . Likewise, one or more display devices may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled between third EGM  306  and fourth EGM  308 . 
     More particularly, in at least the first example embodiment, a first overhead display device  330 , a second overhead display device  332 , and a third overhead display device  334  may extend between first EGM  302  and second EGM  304 . Similarly, a fourth overhead display device  336 , a fifth overhead display device  338 , and a sixth overhead display device  340  may extend between third EGM  306  and fourth EGM  308 . 
     Overhead display devices  330 - 340  may include a variety of shapes and may be joined or coupled, as shown and described, between respective EGMs  302 - 308  to define one or more overhead portions of archway  300 . Specifically, first overhead display device  330 , second overhead display device  332 , and third overhead display device  334  may extend between first EGM  302  and second EGM  304  to define a first overhead display portion  342 . Similarly, fourth overhead display device  336 , fifth overhead display device  338 , and sixth overhead display device  340  may extend between third EGM  306  and fourth EGM  308  to define a second overhead display portion  344 . 
     In some embodiments, overhead display devices  330 - 340  may include any of a variety of active display devices (e.g., LED panels, OLED devices, plasma or other displays, and the like). However, in at least some embodiments, overhead display devices  330 - 340  may include projection surfaces rather than active display devices. In such embodiments, one or more projectors within archway  300  may display a projection image within archway  300 . One technical improvement facilitated by such embodiments is that a weight of archway  300  is substantially reduced, making installation more convenient and reliable, and improving the safety of the overhead archway. Further, a total cost of archway  300  may be reduced. 
     As shown, in at least one embodiment, first overhead display device  330  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  312  of first EGM  302 . Likewise, third overhead display device  334  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  316  of second EGM  304 . Second overhead display device  332  is substantially planar and extends overhead between first overhead display device  330  and third overhead display device  334  to complete first section  326  of archway  300  between first EGM  302  and second EGM  304 . In other embodiments, second overhead display device  332  may also include a curvature. 
     Similarly, fourth overhead display device  336  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  320  of third EGM  306 . Likewise, sixth overhead display device  340  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  324  of fourth EGM  308 . Fifth overhead display device  338  is substantially planar and extends overhead between fourth overhead display device  336  and sixth overhead display device  340  to complete second section  328  of archway  300  between third EGM  306  and fourth EGM  308 . In other embodiments, fifth overhead display device  338  may also include a curvature. 
     In addition, to suspend or mount overhead display devices  330 - 340 , an external frame  346  may be provided. External frame  346  may attach to one or more EGMs, such as EGMs  302 - 308 . In some embodiments, a plurality of such external frames may be provided and may attach to one or more EGMs  302 - 308  as well. In either case, each overhead display device  330 - 340  may be mechanically coupled to and supported in an overhead position by external frame  346 . In other embodiments, one or more overhead display devices  330 - 340  may be suspended from a ceiling or overhead surface. 
     To couple overhead display devices  330 - 340 , any of a variety of mounting brackets may be used. For instance, in at least one embodiment, mounting brackets having a first flange and a second flange spaced apart from the first flange by a small distance may be used to sandwich, clamp, or otherwise mechanically couple each overhead display device  330 - 340  to external frame  346 . In at least one embodiment, these mounting brackets may include a “hamburger” shape. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable mounting structure may be used to hang, mount, support, or otherwise couple display devices  330 - 340  to external frame  346 . 
     For example, in yet another embodiment, overhead display devices  330 - 340  may be pressure-fit or snap-fit into an interlocking arrangement of overhead display devices  330 - 340 . For instance, archway  300  may be configured to function in a manner similar to an arch bridge by transferring at least some of the weight of archway  300  and its loads (if any) at least partially into a horizontal thrust that is restrained at either side by one or more abutments, where the abutments in this case include EGMs  302 - 308 . As a result, EGMs  302 - 308  may contribute to the support structure of archway  300  in a manner that eliminates or reduces the necessity of including a secondary load-bearing structure (e.g., external frame  346 ). 
     In some embodiments, archway  300  may include a plurality of side-mounted display devices (e.g., side-mounted LED panels). Although not shown in  FIG. 3 , side-mounted display devices may be included on one or more edges of archway  300 , such as along a first edge  352  and/or along a second edge  354 . As a result, in at least some embodiments, an edge  352  and/or  354  of archway  300  may also be configured to provide graphics. Similarly, in at least some embodiments, archway  300  may include additional display devices (e.g., LED panels) disposed between EGM pairs  302  and  306  and/or  304  and  308 . Such additional display devices may extend further between first archway section  326  and second archway section  328 . 
     In addition, although ring and tunnel shaped archways are primarily described herein, in various embodiments, any of a variety of shapes may be created using the materials, techniques, methods, and systems described herein. For example, in at least one embodiment, a T-shaped archway may be created. Likewise, in another embodiment, a plus-shaped, cross-shaped, and/or any other bisecting-shaped archway may be created. Further still, in at least some embodiments, a ring or tunnel shaped archway may be created to circle back on itself to form a tunnel or ring shaped archway in the shape of a circle or an oval (e.g., a tunnel that players may walk through by traveling in a circle or another concentric shape). In some embodiments, the archways may be substantially flat (e.g., rather than the arc shape primarily described herein). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any of a variety of complex shapes and archway patterns may be created using systems and methods of the present disclosure. 
     In addition, in at least some embodiments, archway  300  may include one or more candles  138 , as described herein. For example, a candle  138  may be mounted on the top of archway  300  and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons  122 ) to indicate to operations staff that an EGM  302 - 308  has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle  138  is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second example embodiment of an EGM archway  500 .  FIG. 6  is a side view of the second example embodiment of EGM archway  500 . EGM archway  500  extends axially along a centerline A-A′. 
     As described in additional detail below, EGM archway  500  is substantially similar to EGM archway  300 , except, for example, that all overhead portions of archway  500  are, in the second example embodiment, curved. In contrast, as described above, at least some overhead portions (or overhead display devices) of archway  300  are substantially planar. 
     Accordingly, in the second example embodiment, EGM archway  500  includes a first EGM  502 , a second EGM  504 , a third EGM  506 , and a fourth EGM  508 . As in the first example embodiment, in the second example embodiment, first EGM  302  includes at least a first curved display device  510  and a second curved display device  512 . Second EGM  504  includes at least a first curved display device  514  and a second curved display device  516 . Third EGM  506  includes at least a first curved display device  518  and a second curved display device  520 . Fourth EGM  508  includes at least a first curved display device  522  and a second curved display device  524 . 
     Although in this example embodiment, each EGM  502 - 508  includes two curved display devices (e.g., two curved display screens), in other embodiments, any other number of curved display devices may be included in any of EGMs  502 - 508 . Further, curved display devices  510 - 524  may be the same as or different from curved display devices  310 - 324  of EGM archway  300  in the first example embodiment. Likewise, EGMs  502 - 508  may be the same as or different from EGMs  302 - 304 . 
     First EGM  502  and second EGM  504  may together define opposing lower or non-overhead portions of a first archway section  526 , and third EGM  506  and fourth EGM  508  may together define opposing lower or non-overhead portions of a second archway section  528 . As shown, first archway section  526  and second archway section  528  may abut one another, such that EGM archway  500  is substantially continuous along axis A-A′. 
     In addition, it will be appreciated that any number of EGMs may be arranged along axis A-A′ to create an archway  500  of any length along axis A-A′. For example, in some embodiments, archway  500  may include only a single pair of EGMs, such as EGMs  502  and  504 , to define a ring-shaped archway. In another embodiment, archway  500  includes EGMs  502 - 508  to define a short tunnel-shaped archway (e.g., extending in a longitudinal direction) having two sections  526  and  528 , and in yet another embodiment, archway  500  includes greater than four EGMs to define a longer tunnel-shaped archway having, for example, greater than two sections. 
     In addition to the portions of each archway section  526  and  528  defined by EGMs  502 - 508  (e.g., the lower or substantially non-overhead portions), in various embodiments, one or more display devices may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled between first EGM  502  and second EGM  504 . Likewise, one or more display devices may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled between third EGM  506  and fourth EGM  508 . 
     More particularly, in at least the second example embodiment, a first overhead display device  530 , a second overhead display device  532 , and a third overhead display device  534  may extend between first EGM  502  and second EGM  504 . Similarly, a fourth overhead display device  536 , a fifth overhead display device  538 , and a sixth overhead display device  540  may extend between third EGM  506  and fourth EGM  508 . 
     Overhead display devices  530 - 540  may include a variety of shapes and may be joined or coupled, as shown and described, between respective EGMs  502 - 508  to define overhead portions of archway  500 . Specifically, first overhead display device  530 , second overhead display device  532 , and third overhead display device  534  may extend between first EGM  502  and second EGM  504  to define a first overhead portion  542 . Similarly, fourth overhead display device  536 , fifth overhead display device  538 , and sixth overhead display device  540  may extend between third EGM  506  and fourth EGM  508  to define a second overhead portion  544 . 
     As shown, in at least one embodiment, first overhead display device  530  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  512  of first EGM  502 . Likewise, third overhead display device  534  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  516  of second EGM  504 . Second overhead display device  532  also includes a curvature and extends overhead between first overhead display device  530  and third overhead display device  534  to complete first section  526  of archway  500  between first EGM  502  and second EGM  504 . 
     Similarly, fourth overhead display device  536  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  520  of third EGM  506 . Likewise, sixth overhead display device  540  includes a curvature and extends from an edge of second display device  524  of fourth EGM  508 . Fifth overhead display device  538  also includes a curvature and extends overhead between fourth overhead display device  536  and sixth overhead display device  540  to complete second section  528  of archway  500  between third EGM  506  and fourth EGM  508 . 
     In addition, to suspend or mount overhead display devices  530 - 540 , an external frame  546  may be provided. External frame  546  may attach to one or more EGMs, such as EGMs  502 - 508 . In some embodiments, a plurality of such external frames may be provided and may attached to one or more EGMs  502 - 508  as well. In either case, each overhead display device  530 - 540  may be mechanically coupled to and supported in an overhead position by external frame  546 . In other embodiments, one or more overhead display devices  530 - 540  may be suspended from a ceiling or overhead surface. 
     Further, as described above, overhead display devices  530 - 540  may be mechanically coupled to external frame  546  using any of a variety of mounting brackets, such as mounting brackets having a first flange and a second flange spaced apart from the first flange by a small distance. These brackets, which may in at least some cases be referred to as “hamburger” brackets, may be used to sandwich, clamp, or otherwise mechanically couple each overhead display device  530 - 540  to external frame  546 . It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable mounting structure may be used to hang, mount, support, or otherwise couple display devices  530 - 540  to external frame  546 . 
     In yet another embodiment, and as described in additional detail above, overhead display devices  530 - 540  may be pressure-fit or snap-fit into an interlocking arrangement of overhead display devices  530 - 540 . For example, archway  500  may be configured to function in a manner similar to an arch bridge by transferring at least some of the weight of archway  500  and its loads (if any) at least partially into a horizontal thrust that is restrained at either side by one or more abutments, where the abutments in this case include EGMs  502 - 508 . 
     In some embodiments, archway  500  may include a plurality of side-mounted display devices (e.g., LED panels). Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , side-mounted display devices may be included on one or more edges of archway  500 , such as along a first edge  552  and/or along a second edge  554 . As a result, in at least some embodiments, an edge  552  and/or  554  of archway  500  may also be configured to provide graphics. Similarly, as described above, archway  500  may also include a plurality of display devices (e.g., LED panels) extending between “tunnel sections,” such as between first archway section  526  and second archway section  528 . 
     In addition to the embodiments described above, display devices (curved and planar) may be added in a variety of other embodiments to achieve substantially similar effects. For example, in at least one embodiment, one or more display devices may be added in a different or rotated orientation (e.g., a “landscape” orientation), whereby one or more display devices are rotated or positioned in a same or different plane at one or more angles (e.g., such as in a same plane by 180 degrees) to the display devices  330 - 340  and  530 - 340  described above). In another embodiment, smaller or larger display devices may be implemented, whereby greater or fewer display devices may be used to create either of archway  300  or archway  500 . 
     In some embodiments, display devices may, in addition, be added to a floor surface of either archway  300  or  500 , whereby a fully immersive “tunnel” or other curving display enclosure may be created. In these embodiments, display devices making up a walking surface may be coated with or installed under a protective layer (e.g., a layer of plastic or durable glass) to permit walking on or overtop these surface display devices. 
     During operation, data, such as images and video may be displayed on any of the EGMs  302 - 308  and  502 - 508  described herein. Likewise, images and video may be displayed on any of the display devices extending between these EGMs  302 - 308  and  502 - 508 , such as any of overhead display devices  330 - 340  and  530 - 540 . 
     As a result, images and video may be controlled to flow in any desired manner, such as between EGMs  302 - 308  and  502 - 508  over or along the display devices of either archway  300  and/or  500 . In one example, a player of one EGM, such as EGM  302 , may receive a winning game outcome. In response, a celebration graphic may be displayed for the player on his or her EGM  302 . The same celebration graphic (or a related celebration graphic) may also be provided overhead within archway  300  for viewing by other players and/or casino patrons walking through archway  300 . 
     Likewise, in at least some embodiments, in response to the player of EGM  302  receiving the winning game outcome, one or more bonus awards may flow or otherwise travel (e.g., as lightning bolts or as dragons carrying bonus eggs) across archway  300  and be deposited (e.g., as lightning strikes or dragons dropping the bonus eggs) on one or more other EGMs  304 - 308  within archway  300 . In some example embodiments, one or more displays of archways  300  and  500  may display “attract mode” graphics (e.g., graphics intended to attract bystanders or other players) when no bonus feature is displayed by the archways  300  and  500 . 
     These are only a few examples and are only intended to illustrate several possibilities which may be available and/or implemented using archways  300  and  500 . More generally, it will be appreciated that any of a variety of flowing graphics and animations may be provided within and on the display devices of archways  300  and  500 , and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the several examples provided herein. 
     In addition, and in various embodiments, archways  300  and/or  500  may include one or more security cameras. For example, archway  300  may include a security camera  350 , and archway  500  may include a security camera  550 . Security cameras  350  and  550  may, as shown, be positioned on an inner surface of each archway  300  and/or  500 , which may allow security cameras  350  and  550  to look down on activity occurring within archways  300  and  500 . This feature may facilitate observation (e.g., surveillance) of activities occurring within archways  300  and  500 , which may otherwise be obscured from observation by standard ceiling-mounted casino camera systems. 
     Cameras  350  and  550  may, in addition, be networked with and communicatively coupled to standard casino security and monitoring systems, such as via any suitable wireless and/or wired connection. In one embodiment, cameras  350  and  550  are wirelessly connected to a casino security system via a BLUETOOTH or WIFI data communication protocol and/or system. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable communication system may be implemented. For instance, in at least some embodiments (e.g., if additional data security is desired), cameras  350  and  550  may be hardwired into the casino network through one or more of the EGMs making up the respective archway  300  and/or  500 . 
     Moreover, in at least some embodiments, one or more audio output devices (e.g., speakers) may be incorporated in an archway  300  and/or  500 . For example, in some embodiments, surround sound speakers may be incorporated in archways  300  and  500  to provide rich-sounding audio within archways  300  and  500 . In some embodiments, speakers may be directionally oriented within an archway  300  or  500  to provide enhanced or amplified sound within the archway  300  or  500 . For example, in at least one embodiment, speakers may be positioned within an archway  300  or  500  to provide a longitudinally traveling soundwave within the archway  300  or  500 , whereby persons within the archway  300  or  500  may experience a “wave of sound” that can be felt physically, such as, in the form of an air pressure wave traveling within the tunnel formed by the archways  300  or  500 . Archways  300  and  500  may, in these aspects, function similar to megaphones or other sound-amplification shapes/structures. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third example embodiment of archway  300 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Likewise,  FIG. 8  is a side view of the third example embodiment of EGM archway  300 . In addition,  FIG. 9  is an interior view, taken along the cross-section  9 - 9 ′, of the third example embodiment of EGM archway  300  (see  FIG. 8 ). In addition,  FIG. 12 - FIG. 29  show different views of the third example embodiment of EGM archway  300 , as shown and described primarily with reference to  FIG. 7 - FIG. 10 . 
     Accordingly, as described above, in the third example embodiment, EGM archway  300  includes the first EGM  302 , the second EGM  304 , the third EGM  306 , and the fourth EGM  308 . In general, EGMs  302 - 308  may include any suitable electronic gaming machine or gaming device, such as any of EGMs  104 A- 104 X, as described herein. EGMs  302 - 308  may also include any of the computer architecture shown in  FIG. 2  (with reference to gaming device or EGM  200 ). 
     As described herein, each EGM  302 - 308  may include one or more curved display devices. For example, in at least some embodiments, first EGM  302  includes at least a first curved display device  310  and a second curved display device  312 , second EGM  304  includes at least a first curved display device  314  and a second curved display device  316 , third EGM  306  includes at least a first curved display device  318  and a second curved display device  320 , and fourth EGM  308  includes at least a first curved display device  322  and a second curved display device  324 . Although in this example embodiment, each EGM  302 - 308  includes two curved display devices (e.g., two curved display screens), in other embodiments, any other number of curved display devices may be included in any of EGMs  302 - 308 . 
     In addition, in at least the third example embodiment, an intermediate display device (or spacer display device)  356  may extend (e.g., latitudinally) between first EGM  302  and adjacent third EGM  306 , such as, to define an intermediate display face. Similarly, another spacer display device (not shown) may extend between second EGM  304  and the fourth EGM  308 . In various embodiments, spacer display device  356  may include any suitable display device and/or any of a plurality of display devices, such as any of a plurality of LED panels, any OLED panels, and/or any other suitable display element or device. 
     In some embodiments, spacer display device  356  may also be included between first archway section  326  and second archway section  328 , such that spacer display device  356  spans substantially the entire curvature of archway  300  (e.g., down to about the level of an EGM button deck). In some embodiments, spacer display device  356  is curved to match the curve of first curved display device  310 , a second curved display device  312 , first curved display device  318 , and second curved display device  320 . 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments, spacer display device  356  extends from the first overhead display device  330  down to about a level of an EGM button deck and/or, in at least some cases, to a greater or lesser level. In some further embodiments, spacer display device  356  is a part of one or more overhead display devices  330 - 340  (e.g., first overhead display device  330 ) and extends, as described herein, at least partially between first archway section  326  and second archway section  328 . In other embodiments, spacer display device  356  is in contact with or in communication with an overhead display device  330 - 340  (e.g., first overhead display device  330 ), such that objects displayed on first overhead display device  330  may travel to spacer display device  356 , and vice versa. In these embodiments, another spacer display device extends from, is in contact with, or is in communication with third overhead display device  334  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     In some embodiments, archway  300  may include a plurality of side-mounted display devices  358 . Side-mounted display devices  358  may be included on one or more edges of archway  300 , such as along a first edge  352  and/or along a second edge  354 . As a result, in at least some embodiments, an edge  352  and/or  354  of archway  300  may also be configured to provide graphics. 
     In at least some embodiments, archway  300  and/or overhead display portions  342  and/or  344  may include one or more display faces to define one or more edges, such as edges  352  and  354 . For example, first overhead display portion  342  may include a first display face that includes or is defined by at least one display device, such as display devices  330 - 334 . At least one additional display face may extend substantially orthogonally away from the first display face to define edge  352  of overhead display portion  342 . Likewise, an additional display face may extend substantially orthogonally away from a display face of second overhead display portion  344  that includes overhead display devices  336 - 340  to define edge  354 . 
     In some embodiments, archway  300  may include one or more back doors (or access doors)  360  to allow access to the back of EGMs  302 - 308 . Back doors  360  may be fastened to the archway  300  using a variety of fastening mechanisms, including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, locking bolts, and magnets. Furthermore, the back doors  360  may include one or more detection mechanisms for detected when the back doors  360  are opened to prevent unauthorized access. 
     In some embodiment, the back doors  360  are configured to allow for EGMs  302 - 308  to be removed from archway  300 , such as for replacing a defective EGM  302 - 308 , swapping an EGM  302 - 308  with another model, and the like. Furthermore, each EGM  302 - 308  may slide in and out of the archway  300 , such as on a wheeled or rolling carriage and/or using any other suitable sliding or rolling mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, archway  300  includes a series of rails or other guiding mechanisms to position the newly installed EGM. The EGM may then be mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively connected to archway  300  (and/or any other casino system, server, or network) to allow for communication and interoperation with archway  300 . 
     In some embodiments, each EGM  302 - 308  may communicate with archway  300  using one or more Ethernet or HDMI cables. These connections may allow the EGMs  302 - 308  to sync up with each other and to control archway  300 . In some embodiments, EGMs  302 - 308  may control each display device or archway  300  (e.g., overhead display devices  330 - 340 ) individually and/or in groups by dividing up or otherwise assigning control over various display devices  330 - 340  to one or more EGMs  302 - 308 . In other embodiments, EGMs  302 - 308  may control display devices  330 - 340  of archway  300  as a single display. In still further embodiments, one of the EGMs  302 - 308  may control the archway  300  and its corresponding display devices  330 - 340 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a main processor or controller (or a plurality of such processors/controllers) may control overhead display devices  330 - 340  over archway  300 . Likewise, the main processor may control display devices  310 - 324  of EGMs  302 - 308 . For example, during a bonus round, display devices  310 - 324  of EGMs  302 - 308  and display devices  330 - 340  of archway  300  may be controlled by the main processor or controller to provide a seamless animation that travels between one or more displays  310 - 324  and  330 - 340 , whereby the graphic may appear to travel between EGMs  302 - 308  and/or over or across archway  300 . 
     In some embodiments, multiple archways  300  may be positioned adjacent to each other to create a longer tunnel or tunnel-shaped archway. Each archway  300  may be in mechanical, electrical, and/or network communication with one or more other archways  300 , so that the display devices of each archway  300  are coordinated. 
     In some embodiments, the connected adjacent archways  300  are coordinated to allow continuous display over the adjacent display devices. For example, depicted objects, such as fireworks or birds may traverse the length of the tunnel, being displayed on multiple archways  300 . 
     Such an embodiment is shown with reference to  FIG. 30 - FIG. 38 , which show different views of a fifth example embodiment of an EGM archway including a plurality of EGMs arranged in a tunnel shape or arranged to form a tunnel within which players may walk to enjoy a variety of longitudinally and/or latitudinally traveling graphics. It will be appreciated that tunnel-shaped archways may include any suitable number of EGMs and overhead display portions to create tunnels of any desired length (e.g., ranging from just a few meters to tens of meters or even further). 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the third example embodiment of the EGM archway  300  shown in  FIG. 7 . As described herein, archway  300  includes the first EGM  302 , the second EGM  304 , the third EGM  306 , and the fourth EGM  308 . In the illustration of  FIG. 10 , first EGM  302  is associated with a first chair  362 , second EGM  304  is associated with a second chair  364 , third EGM  306  is associated with a third chair  366 , and fourth EGM  308  is associated with a fourth chair  368 . It will be appreciated that chairs, such as chairs  362 - 368  may be supplied with any of the embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments, each chair  362 - 368  includes one or more output devices, such as, but not limited to, haptic feedback devices and speakers. In these embodiments, the output devices are controlled by one of the corresponding EGM  302 - 308  and the archway  300 . In other embodiments, a main processor or controller (as described herein) may also control the output devices of one or more chairs  362 - 368 . In some embodiments, the chair  362 - 368  is attached to the corresponding EGM  302 - 308 . In other embodiments, the chair  362 - 368  is attached to the archway  300 , such that if an EGM  302 - 308  is removed (as described herein), then the corresponding chair  362 - 368  remains attached to or otherwise proximate archway  300 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth example embodiment of the EGM archway  500 , as shown with reference to  FIG. 5 . In the fourth example embodiment, EGM archway  500  includes a more rounded curvature, as described above. In this embodiment, archway  500  also includes the first EGM  502 , the second EGM  504 , the third EGM  506 , and the fourth EGM  508 . In general, EGMs  502 - 508  may include any suitable electronic gaming machine or gaming device, such as any of EGMs  104 A- 104 X, as described herein. EGMs  502 - 508  may also include any of the computer architecture shown in  FIG. 2  (with reference to gaming device or EGM  200 ). 
     A spacer display device  556  (or intermediate display device) may extend between second EGM  504  and the adjacent fourth EGM  508 , substantially similarly to the third example embodiment described with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  above. Similarly, another spacer display device (not shown) may extend between first EGM  502  and the third EGM  506 . In some embodiments, spacer display device  556  is curved to match the curve of first curved display device  514 , a second curved display device  516 , first curved display device  522 , and second curved display device  524 . Further, in at least some embodiments, spacer display device  556  may span substantially an entire length or curvature of archway  500 , such as between a level of the button decks of EGMs  502  and  506  on one side of archway  500  and the button decks of EGMs  504  and  508  on the other side of archway  500 . 
     In some embodiments, spacer display device  556  extends from third overhead display device  534 . In some further embodiments, spacer display device  556  is a part of third overhead display device  534 . In other embodiments, spacer display device  556  is merely in contact with or in communication with third overhead display device  534 , such that objects displayed on third overhead display device  534  may travel to spacer display device  556 , and vice versa. In these embodiments, another spacer display device extends from, is in contact with, or is in communication with first overhead display device  530  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     In some embodiments, archway  500  may include a plurality of side-mounted display devices  558 . Side-mounted display devices  558  (e.g., LED panels) may be included on one or more edges of archway  500 , such as along a first edge  552  and/or along a second edge  554 , e.g., substantially as described above with reference to the third example embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 . As a result, in at least some embodiments, an edge  552  and/or  554  of archway  500  may also be configured to provide graphics. 
     In some embodiments, archway  500  may include back doors  560  (or access doors) to allow access to the back of EGMs  502 - 508 . Back doors  560  may be fastened to the archway  500  using a variety of fastening mechanisms, including, but not limited to, bolts, screws, locking bolts, and magnets. Furthermore, the back doors  560  may include one or more detection mechanisms for detected when the back doors  560  are opened to prevent unauthorized access. 
     In some embodiments, the back doors  560  are configured to allow for EGMs  502 - 508  to be removed from the archway  500 , such as for replacing a defective EGM, swapping an EGM  502 - 508  out for another EGM, and the like. Furthermore, each EGM  502 - 508  may slide in and out of the archway  500 , such as on a wheeled carriage and/or using any other suitable mechanism for relocating EGMs. In some embodiments, archway  500  includes a series of rails or other guiding mechanisms to position the newly installed EGM. The EGM may then be mechanically, electrically, and/or communicatively connected to the archway  500  to allow for communication with the archway  500 . 
       FIG. 39 - FIG. 56  show different views of a sixth example embodiment of an EGM archway  3900 , including a plurality of EGM receptacles, such as a first EGM receptacle  3902 , a second EGM receptacle  3904 , a third EGM receptacle  3906 , and a fourth EGM receptacle  3908 . Archway  3900  may be substantially similar to archway  300  and/or archway  500  (including a plurality of overhead display portions and/or overhead display devices), except that EGMs may be initially omitted from archway  3900 . 
     More particularly, each EGM receptacle  3902 - 3908  may be configured to receive an EGM (e.g., an EGM  302 - 308  and/or an EGM  502 - 508 ), such as by wheeling, sliding, and/or otherwise positioning an EGM within a respective receptacle. Each receptacle  3902 - 3908  may include one or more connection ports or connects (e.g., input/output ports) for electrically, mechanically, and/or communicatively coupling an EGM within a respective receptacle  3902 - 3908  to archway  3900 . 
     As a result, EGMs may be swapped in and out of archway  3900  in real time and/or on the fly. In addition, during installation, EGM archway  3900  may be positioned within a casino prior to including the one or more (heavier) EGMs within archway  3900 . As a result, one technical improvement embodied by the present invention is that archway  3900  may be more easily positioned within a casino. Further, archway  3900  may include input/output ports configured for communication with a variety of brands or types of EGM, whereby EGMs of a variety of manufacturers may be “plugged in” to archway  3900  and interoperable with archway  3900 . 
     EGM archways are thus described. These EGM archways may include a plurality of EGMs, arranged in spatially opposing pairs, each having one or more curved display screens. The curved display screens of each EGM pair may form a lower portion of an arc of either archway, and a plurality of curved and or planar display screens may be added between the two lower portions of either archway to complete a curvature of the archways. In addition, EGMs may be positioned side-by-side to create longer or shorter archways, such as ring-shaped and tunnel-shaped archways. In operation, a variety of animations and graphics may be displayed within the archways, and EGMs forming the archways may interact or influence each other, such as by sending graphics or game awards across the archways to one or more other EGMs. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.