Patent ID: 7896737

Claim:
A method performed by a gaming device comprising: displaying a first array of symbols in an array of symbol positions on a display screen that have been selected pseudo-randomly, the array of symbol positions being rows and columns of symbol positions, certain combinations of symbols along one or more pay lines providing an award for a player; receiving a signal designating at least one position in the array of symbol positions as the first array of symbols is displayed; after the step of receiving, displaying a second array of symbols on the display screen that have been selected pseudo-randomly to replace the first array of symbols, each symbol in a respective one of the designated at least one position in the array of symbol positions being converted to a scatter symbol along with any other identical symbols in the second array as a result of previously designating at least one position in the array of symbol positions, a scatter symbol being for use in a combination of symbols without regard to whether or not the scatter symbol is on a same pay line as other symbols in the combination; determining whether the second array of symbols, including all scatter symbols, results in an award; and granting any award to a player.