AU2020200891A1

AU2020200891A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2020200891A1
Application number: AU2020200891A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George Roukis
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-11
Filing date: 2020-02-07
Publication date: 2020-02-27
Also published as: AU2016202315A1; US20100029366A1; AU2018201156A1; AU2008229803B2; AU2008229803A1

Abstract

A method of gaming in a gaming system, the method comprising: selecting, using a processor of the gaming 5 system, a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, displaying, using the processor, selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations, on a display of the gaming system, from which game outcomes for the at least 10 one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at the display locations, defining, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least 15 one second game, determining, using the processor the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, defining, using the processor, before play of the at least one second game, each of the determined respective 20 display locations as display locations which will result in a winning outcome being enhanced and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations on the display during play of the at least one second game, and enhancing, using the processor, an award made in respect 25 of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations. 30 12--9-J 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292

Description

Title

A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING

Related Application

This application is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2018201156, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2016202315, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2013266977, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2010202913, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2008229803. The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Field

The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming, a game controller and computer program code.

Related Application

This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2016202315, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2013266977, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2010202913, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2008229803. The disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Background to the Invention

It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to conduct a game that includes a base game and a feature game which is triggered from the base game, for example if a symbol combination occurs.

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2

While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming in a gaming system, the method comprising: selecting, using a processor of the gaming system, a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, displaying, using the processor, selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations, on a display of the gaming system, from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at the display locations, defining, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determining, using the processor the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, defining, using the processor, before play of the at least one second game, each of the determined respective display locations as display locations which will result in a winning outcome being enhanced and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations on the display during play of the at least one second game, and enhancing, using the processor, an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations.

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292

In an embodiment, the method also requires the concurrent occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one or more further locations, and wherein an award is made in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger symbol.

In an embodiment, the method includes the number of locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol to trigger the feature game is determined by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.

In an embodiment, the method includes that the enhance award is based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value, ii. an additional award prize, iii. a feature game.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: select a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, display selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations, on a display of the gaming system, for game play from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at display locations, define, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determine the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, define before play of the at least one second game, each of the determined respective display locations

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 as display locations which will result in a winning outcome being enhanced and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations on the display during play of the at least one second game, and enhance an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to require the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations in the at least one first game before an award is made in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game.

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to determine a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv. by rules of game play, v. variable according to bets placed.

In an embodiment the game controller is arranged to determine the number of the locations to for occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising a player interface comprising a display for displaying game outcomes to a player, and a game controller as set out as above.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 program code which when executed by a processor in a computer implements the above method.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the program code.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides (i) a computer readable medium comprising the program code, (ii) a data signal comprising the program code, and (iii) a method comprising transmitting the data signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory; Figure 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system; and Figure 7 is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment.

Embodiment

An embodiment provides a gaming system where a player plays, at least one game, and preferably a sequence of games.

A plurality of symbols are provided for game play and a plurality of locations are provided from which game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at locations. One of the symbols is allocated as a trigger symbol and during play of an initial game, on the occurrence of the trigger symbol there is triggering of the playing of a feature game. When a game outcome occurs in the feature game, an award is made if a symbol in the

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 outcome occurs at that particular location.

The gaming system may be provided in a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module may be provided having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of

12-AnA 1 /-IH attord P72A1 A I I R 7/122-2 reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for

12-AnA 1 /-IH attord P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

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It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101.

Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot game. A loyalty

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 program server 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

The embodiment may be implemented in relation to a game with multiple columns such as a spinning reel type game. Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being "stepper" machines which have a separate motor for each reel. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be implemented in respect if other forms of games, including: card games; ball draw games (e.g. bingo or keno); dice games; and pin and ball games.

In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming machines select symbols by employing a stop determining function that randomly determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a "window" visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position.

Spinning reel type games typically allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a number of reels to play. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be non-linear combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window. A game outcome is determined based on the symbols on the win lines and a prize table that specifies awards.

The game controller 60 of the embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 6. It will apparent that the processor 62 implements a number of modules, namely random number generator module 621, symbol selector module 622, outcome determiner module 623, award determiner module 624, sequence monitoring module 625, entitlement module 627 and display controller module 626 based on data stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not all modules need be implemented by processor 62. For example, the random number generator module 621 could be implemented by a separate circuit or by a random number generator server.

In the embodiment, the entitlement module 627 determines when a player is entitled to a feature game comprising a sequence of games and initiates the feature. In other embodiments a player may be entitled to a single subsequent game. In this game, the subsequent game sequence is started by the symbol occurring in the base game, or a location where a particular symbol occurs in the base game sets a position for a subsequent game, so that if there is a designated symbol combination on a game outcome in the subsequent game that includes the position where the particular symbol occurred in the base game then the award is made. In a particular example, the player is entitled a subsequent game (which may or may not be a feature game) when a designated symbol combination occurs

12-AnA 1 /-IH attord P72A1 A I I R 7/122-2 in the base game. For example, a combination of three scatter symbols. In the sequence of subsequent or feature games the positions occupied by the symbols when the feature was triggered become particular locations to which special prize awards attach.

When the entitlement is established, the entitlement module 627 instructs the sequence monitor 625 to initiate a feature game having a sequence of games based on a number of games specified in sequence data 643. The sequence monitor 625 is arranged to keep track of the sequence to ensure that all games of the sequence are carried out accordingly after each game in the sequence, and the sequence monitor 625 updates the sequence data 643 to indicate how many games remain in the sequence.

During each game of a sequence, the symbol selector 622 selects the symbols to appear based on symbol data 641 which specifies the available symbols. The symbols are selected by the symbol selector using a random number obtained from the random number generator 621. The outcome determiner module 623 determines the game outcomes. The award pay scale adjuster 624 then adjusts an award for outcomes using pay scale data 644. The adjustment is based on the number of win lines the player is playing and the symbol combinations. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the game outcomes and their associated prizes are displayed on the display 54 or under control of the display controller 626.

The method 700 of an example of an embodiment of the invention is summarised in Figure 7. At step 710 it is determined game sequence should commence. The game controller 60 then carries out a sequence of initial games 720, provides locations 730 from which initial game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at the locations, allocates at least one symbol as a trigger symbol 740, determines if a trigger symbol appears 750 which will trigger a feature game 760, and determines if a

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 winning outcome occurs in feature game at 770 if there is a feature game outcome that includes the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol, and provides an award allocation in the feature game at 780.

If an award winning combination then occurs with one of the symbols occurring at the particular location, then the award is increased.

One or more particular locations can be nominated in any of the usual ways such as: - By outcomes on a machine - At random - By player selection - Specified by rules of the game - Variable due to bets placed

The number of particular locations can be determined by the usual ways such as: - Specified by the rules of the game - Variable due to bets placed - Variable due to outcomes

The award can be increased in the usual ways such as: - Multiply the advertised value - Pay an additional bonus prize - Award an additional feature game

A feature game is triggered by a certain symbol combination. The feature game is played with feature wins interacting with the locations which triggered the feature game.

1. 3 or more "scatters" in an initial game triggers the feature game 2. The particular locations of the "scatters" are "highlighted". 3. Free Games begin to play.

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2

4. After each free game an evaluation is made. 5. Any game win outcome that passes through one or more of the "highlighted" locations is multiplied by 5. 6. If the "feature" is retriggered in the feature game then the new scatter locations are also highlighted. 7. The original trigger locations remain highlighted.

TABLE 1 3 scatter symbols appear on the reels in an initial game. This triggers the feature game and in the next 3 free games any winning combinations landing on those particular locations are multiplied by 5.

12AQ-2AA 1 / HMNAtt-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 scat A K Q J 10 9 scat A K Q J 10 9 scat

TABLE 2 The particular locations where the "scatter" symbol appear are now highlighted

scat A K J 10 9 scat A K Q J 10 9 scat

TABLE 3 - the first free game shows

A A A 10 K K 10 9 K J Q _ 9 10 9 9

This pays 3 * A on the top row which pays 5 times the normal prize because one of the A is on a highlighted particular location.

TABLE 4 - the second free game shows

9 10 K J 10 Q A 9 K 9 A J 10 9 Q

There is no prize winning combination, no prize is payable.

TABLE 5- the third free game shows

10 9 K A Q Q Q Q 9 9 A K J 10

12Q'-7A 1 MKA -tre 1P79AR1 Al I R-7Mo/n2

This pays 4 * Q on the centre row which pays 5 times the normal prize because one of the Q is on a highlighted particular location.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the above examples provide locations from which game outcomes can be determined by symbols occurring at locations. At least one symbol is allocated as a trigger symbol. On the occurrence of the at least one trigger symbol at a location in an initial game there is triggering of a feature game. An award is then made in the feature game if there is a game outcome that includes the particular location where the trigger symbol appeared in the initial game. Should the trigger symbol occur at the particular location the feature game may not be triggered unless there is a concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations.

Whilst the above example has been described in relation to a five reel spinning game with three win lines, the spinning wheels may be replaced with columns where the symbols selectively appear at particular columns and wherein there is one or more win lines. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that when the feature game is played, the occurrence of an outcome can occur not only in particular rows as indicated in the preferred example but across multiple rows according to known game patterns.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or

12AQ-2AA 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292

"comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

12AQ-2AA 1 / HMNAtt-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of gaming in a gaming system, the method comprising: selecting, using a processor of the gaming system, a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, displaying, using the processor, selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations, on a display of the gaming system, from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at the display locations, defining, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determining, using the processor the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, defining, using the processor, before play of the at least one second game, each of the determined respective display locations as display locations which will result in a winning outcome being enhanced and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations on the display during play of the at least one second game, and enhancing, using the processor, an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 also requiring the concurrent occurrence of a further trigger symbol at one or more further locations, and wherein an award is made in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome

12-QAlR 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of a trigger symbol.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a location for the occurrence of the trigger symbol is determined by one of: i. outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv. by rules of game play v. variable according to bets placed.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the number of locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol is determined by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the enhanced award is based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value, ii. an additional award prize, iii. a feature game.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising triggering a feature game if the trigger symbol occurs at the same particular location during play of the at least one second game as the particular location in the at least one first game.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: configuring the at least one first game and at least one second game to be multiple spinning reel type games.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, comprising:

12-QAlR 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2 configuring the multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple win lines.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one second game is a feature game triggered on the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game.

10. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: select a plurality of symbols from a set of available symbols for playing at least one first game, display selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display locations, on a display of the gaming system, for game play from which game outcomes for the at least one first game can be determined by symbols occurring at display locations, define, before play of the first game, at least one symbol as a trigger symbol, wherein predefined combinations of the trigger symbol selected for display in the at least one first game trigger at least one second game, determine the respective display locations at which each of the at least one trigger symbol is displayed in the at least one first game, define before play of the at least one second game, each of the determined respective display locations as display locations which will result in a winning outcome being enhanced and highlighting each of the determined respective display locations on the display during play of the at least one second game, and enhance an award made in respect of a winning outcome in the at least one second game only if the winning outcome in the at least one second game includes a combination having one or more symbols respectively displayed at one or more of the highlighted display locations.

11. A game controller as claimed in claim 10,

12-QAlR 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292 arranged so that on the concurrent occurrence of the trigger symbol at one or more further locations in the at least one first game making an award in the at least one second game if there is a game outcome that includes any one of the particular locations where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol in the at least one first game.

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, arranged to determine a location for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. outcome of game play, ii. randomly, iii. by player selection, iv. by rules of game play, v. variable according to bets placed.

13. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, arranged to determine the number of the locations for the occurrence of a trigger symbol by one of: i. by rules of game play, ii. variable according to bets placed, iii. variable due to a game outcome.

14. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, arranged to make the enhanced award based on one of: i. a change to an advertised award value ii. an additional award prize iii. a feature game

15. A game controller as claimed in claim 10, arranged to: trigger a feature game if during play of the at least one second game the trigger symbol should occur at the same particular location as in the at least one first game.

12-QAlR 1 /-IH Att-r P72-AR AI I R 7/12/292

16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, arranged to: configure the game and at least one second game to be multiple spinning reel type games.

17. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, arranged to: configure the multiple spinning reel type games to have multiple win lines.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, arranged to configure the at least one second game as a feature game.

19. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18 implemented by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.

20. A gaming system comprising: a player interface comprising a display for displaying game outcomes to a player, and a game controller according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

21. Computer program code which when executed by a process in a computer implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 9.

22. A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 21.

12-QAlR 1 /-IH Att-r P72R1 A I I R 7/122-2