Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Gaming Apparatus and Systems
The present application claims priority from Australian Patent Application
No. 2005901694 filed on 6 April 2005 and entitled "Gaming Apparatus and
Systems", the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
The present invention relates to gaming apparatus and systems. It
relates for example to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and to networked
gaming systems, such as Intranet and/or Internet-based gaming systems.
Gaming machines have been a popular form of entertainment for many
years. This popularity has been enhanced by the advent of electronic gaming
machines, and by computer-based gaming systems, such as are provided over
the Internet.
Many different types of game are playable. They include for example
standard slot-machine type games with spinning reels, and casino-type games.
They may include games such as poker, keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette,
pachinko, Sic Bo and the like.
A user will typically place a bet, press a button or pull a lever to begin a
game, and will win or lose based upon the gaming machine's play algorithm and
random number generator.
An aim of the present invention is to provide gaming apparatus having
novel features for enhancing gameplay.
Viewed from one aspect, the present invention provides gaming
apparatus including:
game means for playing a basic game;
trigger means for triggering a feature game of the basic game; and
feature means for playing a feature game when a feature game is
triggered, wherein a winner of a previous feature game is included to play in
a
subsequent feature game.
A feature game may be seen as an extraneous or bonus game to a main
game that a user of the apparatus is playing.
The feature game may be triggered from time to time, and typically,
although not necessarily, provides a game that pays out at a higher rate than
a
main game. A feature game may be triggered randomly, periodically, or when
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set conditions occur in a main game. It may for example be triggered by a
particular game event, e.g. the appearance of a particular set of symbols or a
certain type of win or the like. It may also be triggered based on gameplay,
e.g.
the amount of gameplay, such as the number of games played or the amount
bet or won or the like. A feature game may also be triggered from within
another feature game, e.g. a first feature game may be triggered from a basic
game, and during play of the first feature game, a second feature game may be
triggered, both such feature games may be said to be feature games of the
basic game.
The present invention allows for a "champion" to be established in a
feature game, and for that champion to continue playing in the feature game
until they are defeated or reach a goal, or some other appropriate event
occurs.
If a player wins a feature game, then they are automatically included in the
next
feature game.
Thus, the present invention adds a new game play experience to gaming
apparatus, which can provide added excitement and involvement in a game,
and can involve a player participating in a contest over a number of separate
feature game rounds.
By including a "champion" aspect to a feature game, the feature game
may allow a player to accumulate extra winnings across a number of triggered
games. Thus, a champion may continue to accumulate wins until no longer a
champion.
The champion feature game may be played in relation to all of the
feature games of a main game, or only in relation to a particular feature
game,
so that a player may play standard feature games as well as a champion
feature game, dependent on the trigger activated. The champion feature game
may also be supplemental to standard feature games, so that a feature trigger
may trigger both a standard feature game and a champion feature game, which
a player may play concurrently.
The gaming apparatus may be a stand-alone machine, in which case,
during a feature game, a player of the machine may play against themselves
and/or against a virtual opponent generated by the gaming machine. In this
case, if the player wins a feature game against the machine, the player will
play
the next game as champion, whilst if the player loses a feature game, they
will
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no longer be champion, and will play the next triggered feature game as a
contender against the machine's virtual champion. If a player triggers a
feature
game whilst the current champion, the player may play the triggered feature
both as the champion and as a contender. The player thus effectively
participates in the feature game as two players. The machine may include one
or more other virtual players in the feature game, which are run by the
machine.
In one particularly preferred embodiment, the gaming apparatus includes
two or more gaming machines/terminals that are linked together to provide a
linked feature game between the machines, so that two or more real players
can compete against one another in a feature game. The machines may be
linked via a central controller to which the machines are connected.
In this embodiment, if one player's machine triggers a feature game or if
the central control triggers a feature game for that player's machine, then
both
that player and a player who is designated as a champion at that time will
play
against one another in the feature game.
If no designated champion currently exists, a player triggering the feature
game may contest against a virtual opponent, and would become the
designated champion if they won the contest.
If it is the current champion who triggers the feature game, then they may
play as both the champion and as a contender. Alternatively, they may play in
a
game by themselves or against a virtual opponent. The apparatus may also
prevent a champion player from triggering a feature game, and may for example
provide an alternative event to the trigger game, which could be e.g. a bonus
prize.
The trigger player and champion may be the sole players in a feature
game, so as to go "head-to-head" against each other. In another embodiment,
one or more additional players may also take part in the feature game. These
additional players may be chosen in any suitable manner. For example, they
may be chosen randomly and/or they may be chosen based on qualification
criteria, e.g. based on their gameplay history. In one preferred embodiment,
additional players may include players that have previously qualified for the
feature game contest, but failed to become champion, or were champion, but
were subsequently defeated.
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In order to be eligible for entry into a champion feature game, a player
may need to fulfil certain criteria. If a player does not fulfil these
criteria, then
the player may merely play standard feature games that do not include a
champion player aspect. For example, a player may need to play a side bet in
order to be eligible for the championship feature game. Eligibility may also
be
decided based on gameplay, e.g. dependent upon a player betting a certain
amount or winning or losing a certain amount (in the latter case, entry into
the
feature game could be a consolation prize).
When a player is a champion, then they may not need to play a side bet
or the like, in order to ensure that they qualify. Alternatively, the champion
may
still need to play the side bet, and will forfeit their champion position if
they do
not play the side bet, e.g. they may be deemed to have retired.
In another possible embodiment, the playing of the side bet or the like by
a champion may result in the champion receiving the chance of extra bonus
prizes or the like in the main game. These prizes may be paid out randomly or
based on a win event in the main game.
If a player is a champion, then they may receive extra bonuses and the
like in the main game for as long as they are champion, irrespective of any
side
bet or the like. Thus, a player that becomes a champion may be assigned extra
advantages in the main game, whilst they are champions in the feature game.
The main game may take any suitable form, and for example may be a
slot machine or casino type game. Where machines are linked together in a
linked feature game, the basic games of the machines, from which the feature
games may trigger, may be the same on all machines or may differ between
machines.
The feature game may also take any suitable form. In a preferred form it
is a game that emphasises a contest between players, especially a head-to-
head, one-on-one type of game.
The feature game may be a luck/chance-based game, e.g. won in
accordance with a random number generator. It may include some element of
player choice, which may influence the outcome, e.g. a selection, e.g. the
choice of opening one of a number of doors or the like.
Luck-based games may for example include a standard slot machine or
casino-based game or the like, where the winner is the player achieving the
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highest score or a particular type of win event. A game could take the form of
a
card game, e.g. a card draw between the participants from the same or
different
decks of cards. The feature games could also be a virtual sporting or virtual
talent contest, with the apparatus generating players in the contest and
5 determining the outcome appropriately. For example, the game could be a
boxing match, racquet sport, race or other such contest. Player interaction,
e.g.
a landed punch, a winning shot, a miss or the like may be determined based on
a random number generator, and after a set number of hits, a player may win.
Players of a feature game may play together in the same single game, or
may play in separate games the results of which are then compared in order to
determine the winner.
The feature game may vary between triggers, with the consistent
element being that in each game there is a champion from a previous game.
The feature game may include biasing relating to the outcome. Thus, a
champion in a feature game may be given an advantage over another player or
players. Similarly, a player triggering a feature may be given an advantage
over
other players besides a champion. This advantage may take any suitable form,
e.g. a player may be given better win odds by the win algorithm of the
apparatus, and/or may be allowed to play first where this is appropriate.
It is also possible to give a champion a disadvantage, e.g. to make it
more difficult to win as they continue as champion.
Biasing may also be based on other criteria. For example, a player may
increase their odds of winning if they have a particular gameplay history,
e.g. a
higher number of games played and/or a higher number of wins or losses or the
like, or may increase their odds with a large side-bet. Players may be asked
to
place bets during the feature game contest, and these bets may alter the odds
of winning.
Prizes may be awarded as appropriate. A losing player, e.g. the trigger
player, may receive a reward as a consolation prize for reaching the feature
game. A winning player may be awarded a prize each time that they win or
defend their title, or may receive an accumulated prize at the end of their
run as
champion. Each time that they win, the prize won may increase in value.
In one preferred embodiment, the player or players compete for a jackpot
prize, and a player may win the jackpot if they successfully defend their
title a
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set number of times. The jackpot may be a progressive jackpot that increases
over time and/or with gameplay. Thus, a jackpot may continue to increase
whilst a number of champions are defeated before they reach the required
number of wins. More than one jackpot may be provided.
A champion's reign may end if a challenger defeats them, if they resign,
or if they reach a goal, e.g. a jackpot.
Should a champion lose to a contender, the champion may retain their
winnings to date, may take a reduction in winnings, or may lose everything. If
a
champion resigns their title, they may take their winnings to date. Thus, in
one
embodiment, a champion may need to decide at some point, e.g. immediately
after a contest, whether they wish to continue and win more prizes or risk
some
or all of their winnings on further prizes.
When there is no current champion, e.g. when a champion resigns or
completes a goal, or when no feature game has yet been played, a player who
triggers a feature game may be automatically designated as the champion.
Alternatively, the player may compete against a virtual champion generated by
the gaming apparatus.
Prizes may take any suitable form, e.g. a money win and/or extra games
or features in the main game, e.g. extra wild cards or the like.
In one embodiment, there may be more than one champion at any one
time. In one multi-player embodiment, a number of players may begin a feature
game, and a number of these players may win. When any of the winners or
anyone else triggers a new feature game, then all of the winners from the
previous game may be included in the resulting feature game, and those that
win may proceed forward to the next game until the end of the game sequence,
e.g. until only one or a set number of ultimate winners remain. The remaining
players will be given a winning prize, and prizes may also be awarded
throughout the various rounds of play.
Multiple champions and/or other competitors could also play in
successive feature games in other ways. For example, a number of the most
recently defeated feature game qualifiers may remain as competitors in one or
more subsequently triggered feature games. For example, if a player enters a
feature game, e.g. a race, and loses to a champion or defeats the champion,
both players may compete again in the next feature game against the player
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that triggers the next feature game. This would allow a champion player or
players to obtain wins and pursue other prizes, e.g. jackpots, whilst the
other
player or players would still be able to play in the next feature game round.
This
may continue with e.g. a fourth player and the like. Players, e.g. lowest
placed
players, may also be removed from the feature game after a set number of
players exists.
A player may be involved simultaneously in more than one feature game,
and may be given the option of selecting which feature game or games they
wish to be eligible to enter.
The main game from which the feature game is triggered may be
continued with whilst the feature game is being played, or may be suspended
whilst the feature game is being played.
A champion may be informed of an impending feature game in any
suitable manner. They may receive a message that a feature game has been
triggered elsewhere, and may then be transferred to the triggered feature game
at a suitable time in the champion's main game, e.g. once a particular main
game round has ended. Alternatively, the transfer may be immediate, with the
main game being paused at whatever point coincides with the triggering of the
feature game. The champion may also play the feature game simultaneously
with their main game, e.g. in a split screen, side window or the like. The
champion may be given the option of resigning before being transferred to a
feature game, in case they wish to concentrate on the main game.
The present invention may be applied to any suitable type of gaming
apparatus or system. It can apply to stand-alone gaming apparatus, e.g.
electronic gaming machines, such as video gaming machines. It may also
apply to gaming machines that are linked together, e.g. via a network such as
an intranet, and/or to gaming systems provided through computing or other
electronic devices, e.g. personal computers, PDAs, mobile telephones, digital
televisions and the like, e.g. provided over the Internet or other
communications
networks.
In a stand-alone machine, all win/lose and feature trigger decisions can
be conducted internally.
In some networked or linked games, the normal win/lose decisions and
the like may be determined internally by each individual machine in the
network,
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whilst decisions regarding a linked feature game may be determined by an
external controller that runs the linked game. One of the machines may be
configured to also act as an external controller.
In other networked or linked games, all controls may be vested in a
central control, and the player terminals may be merely for input and display
purposes. For example, in Internet-based gaming systems conducted on a
personal computer or other data-processing system, e.g. a PDA, mobile
telephone, digital television or the like, the apparatus may include a central
control for conducting the games and for managing the accounting and the like,
and a number of remote terminals/clients that provide user input and display
mechanisms.
The present invention extends to central controls/servers and to remote
terminals/clients that are configured to carry out feature games according to
the
present invention.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a gaming
system including:
game means for playing a basic game;
trigger means for triggering a feature game of the basic game; and
feature means for playing a feature game when a feature game is
triggered, wherein a winner of a previous feature game is included to play in
a
subsequent feature game.
Preferably, the system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines
and a central controller for conducting the feature game. Alternatively, the
system includes a central control for running a gaming algorithm, and a
plurality
of remote clients in communication with the central control over a
communications network, the remote clients including means for inputting bets
and displaying the results of bets.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a method of
operating a gaming machine, the method including the steps of:
playing a basic game;
monitoring for the triggering of a feature game of the basic game; and
playing a feature game when a feature game is triggered, wherein a
winner of a previous feature game is included to play in a subsequent feature
game.
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Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides gaming
software including:
a main game component for playing a basic game;
a trigger component for triggering a feature game of the basic game; and
a feature game component for playing a feature game when a feature
game is triggered, wherein a winner of a previous feature game is included to
play in a subsequent feature game.
The present invention extends to computer software products including a
data storage medium on which gaming software according to the present
invention is stored.
Viewed from a still further aspect, the present invention provides
electronic gaming apparatus including:
game means for playing a basic game;
trigger means for triggering a feature game of the basic game; and
feature means for playing a feature game when a feature game is
triggered, wherein a winner of a previous feature game is included to play in
a
subsequent feature game.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a gaming
system, including:
a plurality of electronic gaming machines that operate one or more basic
games from which a linked feature game can be played; and
a central controller that is in communication with the electronic gaming
machines, and that is configured to operate the linked feature game between
the electronic gaming machines when a feature game is triggered for one of the
electronic gaming machines;
and wherein the central controller records a winner of a linked feature
game as a champion, records win details associated with the champion, and
includes the champion in the next linked feature game that is triggered.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a gaming
system, including:
a central server for operating one or more basic games and one or more
linked feature games that can be played from the basic game;
and a plurality of remote terminals that communicate with the central
server for receiving player inputs and for displaying game results;
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wherein the central server records a winner of a linked feature game as a
champion, records win details associated with the champion, and includes the
champion in the next linked feature game that is triggered.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic
5 gaming machine, including:
means for running a basic game and a feature game that can be played
from the basic game;
means for recording a player of a feature game as a champion if the
player wins a feature game; and
10 means for recording win details associated with the champion, and for
including the champion in the next feature game triggered.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides an electronic
game in which the game includes a feature game in which a player that triggers
the game plays against a designated champion.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides gaming
apparatus including a feature game, wherein the identity of a player that wins
a
feature game is recorded, and wherein when a feature game is subsequently
triggered, the identified player takes part.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides gaming
apparatus including a feature game, wherein a player that wins a feature game
plays in the next feature game.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides a gaming
apparatus feature game, in which at least two players compete against one
another, and in which a winner of a feature game plays in the next feature
game.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides gaming
apparatus including a feature game associated with a main game, wherein one
or more competitors from a first feature game are automatically included to
play
in the next feature game.
Viewed from another aspect, the present invention provides gaming
apparatus, including:
game means for playing a basic game;
trigger means for playing a feature game of the basic game;
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player selection means for determining participants in a triggered feature
game, the selection means identifying a winner of a previous feature game, and
including the identified winner in the triggered game; and
feature playing means for playing the triggered feature game with the
selected players.
It should be noted that any of the aspects mentioned above may include
any of the features mentioned above in relation to the first aspect of the
present
invention.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood that the particularity of the drawings does not supersede the
generality of the preceding description of the invention.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of gaming apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a screen shot of a feature game according to an embodiment
of the present invention; and
Figures 3 and 4 are flow diagrams respectively of an EGM gaming
control process and a linked feature control process, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 1, gaming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of player
terminals 2, which in this case take the form of electronic gaming machines
(EGMs). The EGMs 2 are connected to a central control 3 by a
communications bus 4 to allow the EGMs 2 to take part in a linked feature
game.
The apparatus may include an overhead screen 5 to display selected
details of the linked feature game, e.g. a current jackpot, as appropriate.
The controller 3 may also be connected to a suitable communications
network 6, e.g. a LAN, a WAN or the Internet, so as to allow communication
with remote player terminals and/or with other central controllers. This would
allow the EGMs 2 to take part in linked feature games with other EGM banks in
a venue and/or with EGMs in other venues.
The EGMs 2 include various standard components, such as a controller
7 for controlling the operation of the EGM 2 and for operating the games run
on
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it. They may include a credit input device 8 for receiving monies, e.g. in the
form of coin, token or card inputs, a win output device 9 for paying out
winnings,
e.g. again in the form of coin, token or card outputs, a screen 10 for
displaying
various game screens, and a user input 11, which may include e.g. buttons 12
for allowing user interaction. The buttons 12 could in one embodiment be
provided as part of a touchscreen of the screen 10. The EGMs 2 also include
an input/output interface 13 for connecting with the communications bus 4.
In use, a player will insert coins, tokens or the like into an EGM credit
input device 8 to obtain a suitable number of credits, and will press the
buttons
12 to initiate play and otherwise interact with the basic game. How matters
proceed in any specific circumstance will depend on the game being played.
Generally, the EGM 2 will display a basic gaming screen, and the player
will select e.g. the amount to bet and the type of bet. Once a bet has been
placed, the EGM controller 7 will determine the outcome of a playing round in
accordance with a stored gaming algorithm and random number generator, and
will e.g. provide an animation of the outcome for the particular game being
played. The EGM 2 then pays out any winnings in accordance with the bets
laid.
The basic game may take any suitable form, and may be any of the
known forms of game, e.g. a slot machine type game or a casino type game. It
could be for example a game of poker, keno, bingo, blackjack, roulette,
pachinko, Sic Bo or the like.
The basic game includes one or more feature games associated with it.
A feature game may be a bonus game that is extraneous to the basic main
game. It may for example allow a player to win a bonus prize, possibly at a
higher rate than is usual in the main game. The prize may take any suitable
form and may be e.g. a monetary prize, a number of free games, a wild card or
some other valuable symbol in the main game, or the like.
A feature game may be triggered in a number of ways. For example, it
may be triggered randomly, or in accordance with a specific event occurring in
the basic game, e.g. the appearance of a symbol or combination of symbols on
a win line or the like. The feature game could also be triggered in other
ways,
e.g. based on a time trigger or on gameplay. It could for example be triggered
based on the amount of gameplay, e.g. the accumulated amount bet or number
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of plays, and/or the number of wins and/or losses. A feature game may also be
triggered from within another feature game.
The gaming apparatus provides a linked-feature in which a player can
compete in a feature game against another player for a prize, and in which a
winner of the feature game is designated as a champion and will play in the
next triggered game of the linked feature.
Thus, someone playing on one of the EGMs 2 may opt to participate in a
linked feature game with the other EGMs. If that person triggers the linked
feature game, they then become a contender and go "head-to-head" with a
current champion of the linked-feature. If the contender beats the champion,
then they themselves become the champion, and if the linked feature is
triggered by another player, then the new champion is notified of the trigger
and
goes into the head-to-head against the new contender. Whilst a player is
champion, they will win suitable prizes, and may accumulate a running reward
that increments on each successful defence. They may also attempt to achieve
a set goal, such as to win a jackpot, e.g. after a set number of successive
wins.
A champion's reign may end when they lose a feature game to a
contender, when they reach a final jackpot amount or other feature limit, or
when they decide to retire.
A player may join a linked-feature game in any suitable manner. For
example, they may place a side-bet to enter the linked-feature. For example,
they may place a 30-credit bet, 25 credits being on a main game outcome and 5
credits entering them into the linked-feature should it be triggered for them.
In one embodiment, the controller 7 of each EGM 2 will run a basic main
game and will pay out suitable winnings as normal. However, when a player
triggers a linked feature game, e.g. when the controller 7 generates a
particular
combination of symbols or the like in the basic game, the controller 7 sends a
message to the central controller 3 to advise of the trigger. The central
controller 3 then runs the linked-feature.
Triggers for the feature game could be random or based on gameplay on
the machines, and may be initiated by the central controller 3 rather than or
as
well as the EGMs 2.
When a feature game is triggered, the central controller 3 will first
determine the players of the game. These will be at least the current
champion,
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as recorded in the central controller's memory 14, and the player that
triggered
the current feature game.
The central controller 3 then informs the machines 2 which are to play in
the feature game and communicates with them to run the game and determine
a winner.
When the feature game is concluded, the central controller 3 will record
the winning player/machine as the champion in a designated memory location
in its memory 14. It will also allocate prizes as appropriate, and e.g. update
the
current winnings of the champion and the jackpot amount in further designated
memory locations in the memory 14.
The central controller 3 may also display the feature game on the
overhead screen 5, so that players other than the champion and competitor
may see the contest take place, and to show the current champion and their
current accumulated winnings, as well as an overall jackpot that may be aimed
for. This information could also be provided on each of the individual EGMs 2,
e.g. in a side bar or window.
Whilst the central control 3 is playing the feature game, the EGMs 2 that
are not involved in the linked-feature may continue with their own basic
games.
The EGMs 2 that are involved in the feature game may also allow their players
to continue with the basic game simultaneously with the feature game, or may
delay the basic game until the feature game is over. The EGMs 2 may also
allow a player to play a standard feature game and the champion feature game
concurrently, e.g. a feature trigger may trigger a standard feature game at
the
same time as a champion feature, with both games being played at the same
ti me.
The linked feature games generated by the central control 3 may take
many different forms. They may for example be variations on the basic game,
but with the inclusion of inter-player competition. They may also take on
other
forms that emphasise the contest or head-to-head aspect of the feature game
and that one player is playing against another.
The feature game may for example take the form of a virtual sports
contest, e.g. a boxing match, a racquet game such as a tennis match, or a race
or the like. It could also for example take the form of a virtual talent
contest,
e.g. a virtual music contest.
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The result of the contest may be determined by chance/luck, e.g. through
the use of a random number generator and a suitable gaming algorithm in the
central controller 3. For example, the central controller 3 may determine
randomly who is to win, and may then generate a contest sequence which
5 eventually shows the determined result. The central controller 3 may also
generate a number of separate elements of contest action or rounds based on a
random number generator, e.g. a number of hits or misses, and may determine
the result of the contest based on the cumulative results of the actions
during
the feature game, e.g. based on the player with the most hits.
10 The determination of the result may also include an element of choice,
e.g. through the use of the buttons 12 on the players' EGMs 2. This may be for
example through the selection of one of a number of options, such as a choice
between a score that is behind one of a number of doors.
When a player is a champion, they may still need to continue to play a
15 side-bet in order to remain in the feature game, and may be deemed to have
resigned if they do not. Alternatively, they may not need to play the side-bet
to
continue as champion, or, if they do, then this may enable them to qualify for
the feature game twice, i.e. in order to play themselves as champion. It is
also
possible to prevent them from triggering the feature game, and instead to have
them win other prizes for their side-bet, e.g. win a bonus prize or the like
that is
provided randomly during the course of the main game.
In another possibility, a champion is provided with extra advantages in
the main game, whether or not a side-bet is placed, e.g. the potential to win
a
random prize.
Fig. 2 is a screen shot for one embodiment of how a head-to-head
feature game may be implemented. The screen shot shows a music talent
contest, in which a character 20 represents a current champion, and a
character
22 represents a contender, who would represent the player that has triggered
this particular feature game.
The central controller 3 generates an animation and sound for the
champion and the contender, and generates an "applause" intensity value
randomly for each player, which will register on an "applause meter" 24 after
each player's character has played their instrument. The results are provided
at
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score indicators 26, and, in the case shown, the winner is the challenger, as
they have obtained the highest applause value.
A banner 28 indicates that the loser will win 50 credits, whilst a credit
meter 30 shows that the current champion has won four times in a row and has
reached a win of 1000 credits. It also shows that if the champion were to win
another three games, then they would win a jackpot 32.
If the challenger 22 loses, then they win 50 credits for reaching the
feature game. The champion 20 then remains the champion, and the credit
meter 30 increments to the next stage, e.g. from 1000 credits to 2000 credits.
If the challenger 22 wins, as is the outcome shown in the screen shot,
then they are made champion, and their character is placed in the champion's
position. The credit meter 30 is reset, and the challenger (now champion)
receives 100 credits, the lowest amount on the credit meter 30. The new
champion will play in the next feature game that is triggered, and will win
the
next credit increment on the credit meter 30 at each successive win.
The defeated champion will have received all of the credits shown on the
credit meter 30 (at the end of each game that they won), and will receive the
50
credits as the loser. The defeated champion will become an ordinary player in
the linked feature, and, e.g. may only play in the feature game again if they
themselves trigger the feature game.
The jackpot 32 may be set at a constant value, or may be a progressive
jackpot, so that it will increase, e.g. with each game played or the like,
until the
jackpot is actually won. Therefore, the jackpot 32 may increase over a number
of games and a number of champions, until one of the champions actually wins
enough successive games to win the jackpot. The jackpot may then be reset to
a base amount.
Minor jackpots could also be provided on the credit meter 30, e.g. at level
3, which a champion may win without losing their title.
Various other payout regimes would also be possible. For example, the
champion may only be paid their full winnings if they resign without defeat,
or if
they reach the jackpot, and may forfeit some or all if they are defeated
before
then. This would require the champion to consider at each stage whether they
wished to risk their accumulated winnings for a chance at the jackpot.
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Besides losing, a champion may lose their champion status by voluntarily
retiring, e.g. by pressing an appropriate button on their EGM or not playing
any
side-bets, or by reaching the jackpot 32.
Where there is no winning contender to take the place of a retiring
champion, a new champion may be chosen in any suitable way. For example,
the central controller may generate a virtual champion that will play until a
real
challenger wins. Alternatively, one of the eligible players may be chosen as
the
champion, e.g. randomly and/or based on their play history or the like. These
methods may also be applied to provide an initial champion, when the linked-
feature is first initialised.
The possible triggering of the feature by the reigning champion may be
dealt with in a number of ways. The champion may for example be prevented
from triggering the feature during their reign. Alternatively, the feature may
trigger with them as champions, and they may play against another player
chosen in any suitable manner, e.g. randomly or based on game play, or they
may play a virtual player, e.g. generated by the machine. The champion may
also be able to play as both champion and contender, in which case they would
clearly prefer to win as the champion, but may still win as the contender, in
which case their progress on the credit meter 30 would be reset to the start.
The challenger and champion may have an equal chance of winning. It
would also however be possible to provide a bias in their respective chances.
For example, the champion may be given a better chance of winning than the
challenger or vice versa. The biasing could change depending on how the
number of games that a player has been champion. For example, it could
become easier or harder for the champion to win as the champion progresses
up the credit meter 30. Biasing may also depend for example on the amount of
the side-bet that a player bets in order to enter the linked-feature or may
depend on a bet placed during a game.
As well as two player feature games, it would also be possible to play
with three or more players. In this case, as well as the champion and the
trigger
player, other players may also be involved. The other players may be chosen in
any suitable manner, e.g. randomly or based on their play history. Suitable
biasing may be applied to these extra players, e.g. they might have a lower
chance of success than the champion and trigger player.
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More than one champion or competitors may progress from one feature
game to another. For example, two players may compete against one another
to give a winner and loser, e.g. in a car race, but both players may go
through to
the next feature game, in which they would play another player who has
triggered the feature game. All three would then compete, with perhaps one
then dropping out (so that only two or some other maximum number of players
can proceed) or all three may proceed to await a fourth player triggering the
feature game. Suitable winnings may be allocated based on player position and
the like.
In a further embodiment, a single player may play the feature game.
This may apply where the EGM 2 is a stand-alone machine. The EGM 2 may
have all of the features of the EGM 2 shown in Fig. 1, but need not connect
with
a central controller 3. Instead, the controller 7 may run the feature game. In
this case, the player may compete against the machine, i.e. a virtual player,
either as the champion or competitor. Thus, each time the player triggers the
feature, they will player against the virtual player as the contender or will
play as
the champion against a virtual competitor. Alternatively, or also, the player
may qualify for the feature more than once. Thus, they may play themselves as
both a champion and a contender.
Figs. 3 and 4 show flowcharts of control processes for an EGM controller
7 and for a central controller 3 for one implementation of a linked feature
game.
Thus, in one embodiment, a linked-feature game may be put into effect by the
controllers 7 and 3 running software that incorporates routines executing in
the
manner shown.
At step S10, the EGM 2 conducts processes in accordance with a basic
game. Thus, the EGM 2 will display a start screen, and will await the input of
coins, tokens, cards or the like. When the user has deposited a sufficient
balance in the machine, the EGM 2 prompts for e.g. the amount to be bet in the
current round of play in the main game and the type of bet to be made.
Prompting may occur e.g. through the flashing of relevant buttons and the
like.
Thus, a user would select the bet types and amounts that they would like to
place.
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The EGM 2 then waits for the "start" button to be pressed by the user,
and, in response to the button's activation, generates the outcome of the
round
and provides an animation in accordance with the results.
Once the round is finished, the EGM 2 determines any winnings for the
user. Before resetting to show the start screen again, the EGM 2 determines at
step S20 whether the outcome of the round has triggered a linked-feature, e.g.
checks whether a set combination of symbols has occurred on the screen. If
not, then the machine proceeds as with a normal game in step S10. If yes, then
the process passes to step S30, in which the EGM 2 sends a trigger message
to the linked-feature controller 3. When the controller 3 receives the trigger
message, it conducts a linked-feature game, and the EGM 2 acts in step S40 as
an input and display for the central controller 3. Once the feature game is
ended, game control passes back to the EGM 2 in step S50, and the EGM 2
updates winnings and the like, and resumes the basic game play of step S10. If
an EGM is advised during step S50 that it has won the feature game, the EGM
may generate a display message that remains visible during normal play, which
indicates that the player on the current machine is the current champion.
Referring to Fig. 4, the linked-feature controller 3 (a central control)
monitors the bus 4 in step S100. If no linked feature trigger signal is
detected at
step S200, then the central controller 3 continues to monitor the bus 4, and
the
EGMs 2 continue to play independently. If a linked-feature trigger message is
received, then in step S120 the central controller 3 advises all of the EGMs 2
that are associated with the linked feature that a trigger has activated. The
central controller 3 may then obtain any necessary information from the EGMs 2
in order to initialise the feature game in step S130. This information may be
combined with information that is already stored in the central controller 3.
This
information may be information obtained through regular updates from the
EGMs 3 and/or information stored in the central controller 3, e.g. in memory
14,
from a previous feature game, e.g. the name of the current feature champion
and their championship details, e.g. length as champion and details on
winnings.
Once the central controller 3 has all of the necessary information, it
determines, in step S140, which of the EGMs 2 are to play in the triggered
feature game, and informs them accordingly. On receipt of the instructions to
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play, the notified EGMs inform the player accordingly via the screens 10, and
go
into feature game mode, as in step S40 of Fig. 3.
The central controller 3 then, in step S150, begins a game and
communicates with the selected EGMs 2 to obtain user input and to provide the
5 EGMs 2 with display instructions. It may also operate the overhead display
5.
Once the feature game is ended, the central controller 3 will update its
records as to the current champion, the champion's winnings and the jackpot,
at
step S160, and will inform the EGMs 2 appropriately, who will return to
standard
play mode and resume their basic games.
10 The above routines may of course vary from the basic forms shown, and
may include various validity checks, bonus games and the like, and the step
order may change. Other communications, e.g. to provide linked jackpots and
the like may also occur. Further, the central control may initiate a feature
game,
e.g. randomly or through monitoring gameplay or the like of the EGMs 2. Step
15 S130 may not be required if a feature game is only played between a
champion
and the player for whom the feature game triggered
A machine may be involved in more than one linked-feature, and may
participate in more than one of these linked-features at a time. The user may
therefore be playing a first linked-feature with one group of EGMs and a
second
20 linked-feature with another group of EGMs at the same time.
The central controller 3 may communicate with various other EGMs 2
and various other controllers 3 through a suitable communications network 6,
e.g. the Internet or an intranet, so as to include EGMs in a linked feature
that
are remote from one another. EGMs or other player terminals could then be
linked to adjacent EGMs, to EGMs in the same bank of machines, to EGMs in
the same venue, e.g. casino, and/or to EGMs across a wider territory, e.g.
nationally.
Responsibility for running the basic games and the linked-feature games
may change depending upon the situation. For example, where the linked
feature is implemented in an Internet gaming system, all decisions may be
taken at a central server, and the player terminals may merely act to obtain
user
input and to display results.
In a single machine feature game, the EGM controller 7 may conduct all
proceedings itself.
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Instead of the gaming apparatus being an EGM, it may take any other
suitable form, and could for example comprise a game provided on a computing
or other electronic device, such as on a personal computer, PDA, mobile phone,
digital television or the like. The game may also be provided over an
intranet,
the Internet, or some other communications system, such as a mobile
telephone system.
Various other bonus and/or mystery events could also be included.
It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or
modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing
from the ambit of the present invention, and that, in the light of the above
teachings, the present invention may be implemented in software, firmware
and/or hardware in a variety of manners as would be understood by the skilled
person.
