AU2019200563A1

AU2019200563A1 - A gaming system, a method of gaming and a linked game controller

Info

Publication number: AU2019200563A1
Application number: AU2019200563A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Thomas Kup-Ferroth
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-08
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2019-02-14
Also published as: AU2015200666A1; AU2017200778A1

Abstract

A gaming system (1) comprising a plurality of gaming devices (10); and a linked game controller (150) in data 5 communication with the plurality of gaming devices(10), the linked game controller (150) arranged to conduct a linked game in which eligible ones of the gaming devices(10) participate and any award is shared between the participating gaming devices(10), wherein the linked 10 game controller (150) is arranged to conduct the linked game by generating at least one game outcome, and evaluating each game outcome to determine any award associated with the linked game to share based on the number of participating gaming devices(10). 11038320_1 (GHMatters) P79639.AU.5 29/01/19

Description

A GAMING SYSTEM, A METHOD OF GAMING AND A LINKED GAME CONTROLLER

Related Application

This application is a divisional application of Australian application number 2017200778, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application number 2015200666, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application number 2012261481, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2010201823, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Field

The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming and a linked game controller.

In some gaming systems, a player of an individual gaming machine can qualify to play a bonus game conducted by another gaming apparatus. For example, a particular gaming outcome may entitle the player to the bonus game.

In other gaming systems a plurality of players may qualify to play a bonus game where players compete against one another, with one or more players receiving an award based on their placing in the bonus game.

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

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Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising:

a plurality of gaming devices; and a linked game controller in data communication with the plurality of gaming devices, the linked game controller arranged to:

conduct a linked game in response to a trigger signal 10 being received from one of the plurality of gaming devices;

determine eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which 15 enables the linked game controller to determine which of the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

generate at least one linked game outcome for display on a communal display or displays of the individual gaming devices;

determine at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least one additional predetermined criterion is applied to evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each additional gaming device that participates in said linked game;

evaluate the at least one linked game outcome based on the determined at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria; and determine an award associated with the at least one linked game outcome to be shared by the eligible ones of the gaming devices .

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In an embodiment, in each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective ones of a plurality of display positions, and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in evaluation of the linked game outcome.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is configured such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of gaming devices .

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is configured 15 such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is configured 20 such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of credits wagered on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is configured such that any award is based on a number of games played on each gaming device in a designated period.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of gaming devices is individually operable to play at least one game and the linked game is played in addition to the at least one o game.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller comprises a data communications interface for communicating with at least participating ones of the gaming devices and a participation module for determining from the communication with at least participating ones of the

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 gaming devices, the number of participating gaming devices .

In an embodiment, the data communication interface is arranged to poll each of the gaming devices whereby the participation module can determine based on any response to the polling whether a gaming device is participating.

In an embodiment, the data communication interface is arranged to monitor for a communication from each of the gaming devices indicative that the gaming device is participating whereby the participation module can determine based on monitored communication whether a gaming device is participating.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller comprises a memory storing game program code specifying game rules for generation and evaluation of a game outcome and a processor for executing the game program code.

In an embodiment, each gaming device comprises a communication module arranged to communicate with the linked game controller to enable the game controller to determine whether a gaming device is participating.

In an embodiment, each gaming device comprises a game controller operable to enable at least a base game to be played with the gaming device.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising conducting a linked game in which eligible ones of a plurality of gaming devices participate and any award is shared between the participating gaming devices , by:

conducting a linked game at a linked game controller in response to a trigger signal being received at the

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 linked game controller from one of the plurality of gaming devices;

determining eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which enables the linked game controller to determine which of the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

generating at least one linked game outcome for display on a communal display or displays of the individual gaming devices;

determining at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least 15 one additional predetermined criterion is applied to evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each additional gaming device that participates in said linked game;

evaluating the at least one linked game outcome based 20 on the determined at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria; and determining an award associated with the at least one linked game outcome to be shared by the eligible ones of the gaming devices .

In an embodiment, in each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective ones of a plurality of display positions , and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in evaluation of the linked game outcome.

In an embodiment, the method comprises sharing any award in proportion to the number of gaming devices.

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In an embodiment, the method comprises sharing any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the method comprises sharing any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the method comprises sharing any award based on a number of games played on each gaming device in a designated period.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a linked game controller arranged to conduct a linked game in which eligible ones of a plurality of gaming devices participate and any award is shared between the participating gaming devices, the linked game controller arranged to:

conduct a linked game in response to a trigger signal 20 being received from one of the plurality of gaming devices;

determine eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which 25 enables the linked game controller to determine which of the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

determine at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least one additional predetermined criterion is applied to evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each additional gaming device that participates in said linked

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 game;

In an embodiment, the linked game controller comprises a data communications interface for communicating with at least participating ones of the gaming devices and a participation module for determining from the communication the number of participating gaming devices.

In an embodiment, in each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective ones of a plurality of display positions, and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in evaluation of the linked game outcome.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is arranged to share any award in proportion to the number of gaming devices .

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is arranged 10 to share any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is arranged to share any award in proportion to the number of credits 15 wagered on each gaming device.

In an embodiment, the linked game controller is arranged to share any award based on a number of games played on each gaming device in a designated period.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed implements the above method.

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

Brief Description of Drawings

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system with a linked game controller;

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Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system;

Figure 6 is a block diagram of a linked game controller;

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of a linked game controller;

Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment;

Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of a gaming device in the form of a standalone gaming machine; and

Figures 10A to 10C are exemplary screen shots of a linked 2 5 game.

Detailed Description

Overview of exemplary gaming system

Figure 1 shows an exemplary gaming system 1 where a linked game controller 150 is in data communication over a network 2, such as an Ethernet, with a bank of five gaming devices in the form of standalone gaming machines 10. The 35 linked game controller 150 is arranged to communicate with the gaming devices to determine how many are

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 participating. The linked game controller 150 implements a game where participating ones of the plurality of gaming devices 10 are entitled to share in any awards from the game and the manner in which the game is evaluated depends 5 on the number of participating gaming devices 10.

Gaming devices

Gaming devices capable of participating in the method of gaming of the embodiment can take any suitable form including stand alone gaming machines and server based gaming terminals .

A gaming device in the form of a gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are 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. Other gaming machines may be configured for ticket in that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticker. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of 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. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either by transferring

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module.

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 10 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 15 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 20 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 25 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 mounted on a circuit board.

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 nonvolatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

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The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for 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 10 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 including one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107 (which provide a game play mechanism), 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. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used.

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 bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module - i.e. the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine.

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 10 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.

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.

In a client server architecture a gaming device is 25 provided by a gaming client and game server (and optionally other gaming network components). A gaming client has a similar outward appearance to gaming machine 10 but the game server implements most or all of the game and as such acts as the game controller while the terminal 30 operated by the player essentially provides only the player interface. The gaming terminal receives player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. Further details of a client/server 35 gaming architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and

PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 incorporated herein by reference. In such an embodiment, a linked game controller can be provided, for example, by a dedicated server in data communication with the game server.

Figure 5 shows that a gaming device may be connected within a gaming network 200 which provides additional and/or enhanced functionality. The gaming network 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. While 15 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. For example, the displays 204 may 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 25 promotional or informational material.

A linked game controller can be provided within such a network 200 by linked game server 205, such that the linked game server may implement a linked game for a 30 plurality of different banks of gaming machines rather than a specific controller being provide for each bank of gaming machines .

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.

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Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

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 10 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 game servers could be 30 provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals .

Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of a gaming device 35 in the form of a stand alone gaming machine. The gaming device 900 may be the same or different to gaming machine

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10,100 described above. In Figure 9, the processor 930 of game controller 920 is shown implementing a number of modules based on program code and data stored in memory 940. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example by a dedicated circuit.

The gaming device 900 includes a player interface 910 having a display 911 for displaying game outcomes to a player and a game play mechanism 912 including input devices such as touch screen or buttons to enable the player to interact with the game by placing wagers and entering any other instructions required to play the game. Game play mechanism 912 also enables the player to interact with the game to learn game rules etc. The player interface 910 includes a credit mechanism 913 allowing the player to input credit into the gaming device 900 and/or be paid out any winnings or remaining credit. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other components will be present in a gaming device 900 such as those described in relation to Figures 2 to 4 above. The memory 940 includes program code for implementing a game including base game rule data 941 for implementing the rules of a base game.

The processor 930 when executing the program code stored in memory 940 is arranged to generate outcomes of the game in response to the operation of the game play mechanism 912. The outcomes are generated with the outcome generator 931. The outcome evaluator 932 evaluates the game outcomes that are generated based on the wager specified with the game play mechanism 912 and updates credit data 942 which stores a credit meter and a win meter for the game. The processor 930 also implements a communication module 933 which is intended to communicate by communication interface 950 with a linked game

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 controller. As will be described in further detail below the communication module is arranged to indicate to the linked game controller whether the gaming device 900 is eligible to participate in a linked game.

Accordingly, the communication module may include a participation sub-module 933A which is intended to determine based on participation rule data whether the gaming device 900 is eligible to participate in the linked 10 game. In one example, participation rule data 943 specifies a time period and participation sub-module 933A determines whether a game has been concluded within a defined time period prior to receipt of a polling request from the linked game controller. Alternatively participation sub-module communicates when the last game is completed. In this manner, the linked game controller 150 can determine whether the gaming device 900 is currently being played and is eligible to participate in the linked game.

Linked game controller and its operation within the gaming system

Referring to Figure 6 there is shown further detail of the 25 link game controller 150. From Figure 6 it will be apparent that link game controller 150 is in data communication with a communal display 160 on which game outcomes can be displayed to the players playing the bank of gaming machines 10 shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the gaming outcomes could be displayed on a top box of the individual gaming machines 10, rather than being displayed on a communal display, or in addition to such a display 160.

Referring to Figure 6, the constitution of the linked game controller 150 is similar to that of the gaming device

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 illustrated in relation to Figures 2 to 4 and 9 in that it has a processor 151 arranged to implement the linked game based on program code stored in memory 152 and a display driver 154 for driving the display 160 to show the linked game outcome. The linked game controller 150 also includes a communication interface 153 which is designed to enable the processor 151 to communicate with each of the gaming devices 10.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the above components are the core components for implementing a linked game but other components may be present in a linked game controller. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the implementation of the linked game controller is analogous to the implementation of bonus controllers in existing gaming systems and reference may be made to such bonus controllers for further details of implementation.

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the linked gaming controller 150 which shows that the processor 151 implements a number of modules in a similar manner to the processor of the gaming device shown in Figure 9. The processor executes program code stored in memory 152 to instantiate a participation module 703 which communicates via data communication interface 153 with each of the gaming devices. In one example, this communication includes polling each of the gaming devices. In another example this may be by listening to output on the network 30 from each of the individual gaming devices. In any event, the participation module 703 determines based on participation rule data 712 the number of gaming machines which currently participating. That is, participation rule data 712 may specify how often the participation module should poll individual gaming machines or the time period within which the gaming machines need to have last

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 indicated that they are active in order to participate in the game outcome.

In the specific example shown in Figure 8, the participation module 703A includes a trigger monitor 703 which is designed to monitor for receipt of a trigger signal from one of the gaming devices. Such a trigger signal being output by communication interface 950 by trigger monitor 932A of outcome evaluator 932. The trigger 10 monitor is arranged to determine based on the base game rule data 941 whether a trigger condition has been met. The trigger condition can be one of any known trigger condition in the art such as a particular symbol combination being achieved in the underlying base game.

When the trigger is received by the trigger monitor 703A, participation module 703 polls each of the gaming machines to determine whether they have been active within a defined period. The participation sub module 933A of each gaming device 900 outputs whether they are active at the time based on the participation rule data 943 as well as data allowing the gaming machine to be identified and data required to determine how to share any award (if necessary). From these responses, participation module 703 determines the identity and number of active gaming devices to share in any award of the game conducted by the linked game controller and determines from the evaluation rules 710A of the game rule data 710 for the linked game the evaluation entitlement to be applied by the award evaluator 702.

The embodiment is described in relation to the evaluation of games where symbols are selected for display in a manner equivalent to a conventional spinning reel type game. In such embodiments, the evaluation entitlement may 35 be based on how many lines are played in each game. Such win lines are typically formed by a combination of symbol

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 display positions, one from each reel, the symbol display positions being located relative to one another such that they form a line.

In many games, the entitlement is not strictly limited to the selected win lines for example, scatter pays are awarded independently of a players selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the evaluation entitlement.

Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, an evaluation entitlement may be based on a number of reels to play such as in games are marketed under the trade name Reel Power by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each displayed symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with symbols displayed at a designated, symbol display positions of the other reels. For example, if there are five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel such that the symbol display positions comprise three rows of five symbol display positions, the symbols displayed in the centre row are used for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of active display positions of each reel, the active display positions being all display positions of each selected reel and the designated display position of the non-selected reels. As a result for five reels and fifteen display positions there are 243 ways to win.

Once the linked game controller establishes the evaluation entitlement, outcome generator 701 generates a game outcome to be evaluated which is displayed on display 160.

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In this example, by selecting symbols with a symbol selector 701A. One example of selecting symbols is for the symbol selector 701A to select symbols for display from a plurality of symbol sets corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of spinning reels. The symbol sets 711 can specify a sequence of symbols for each reel such that the symbol selector 701A can select all of the symbols by selecting a stopping position in the sequence using random number generator 705. In one example, three symbols of each of five reels may be displayed such that symbols are displayed at fifteen display positions on display 160 under control of display controller 704. It is known to use a probability table stored in memory 152 to vary the odds of a particular stop 15 position being selected. Other techniques can be used to control the odds of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the game.

Accordingly, as described above, at the completion of the 20 outcome generation process controlled by the outcome generator 701 a plurality of symbols are displayed at display positions on display 160 under control of display controller 704. The previously determined evaluation entitlement is applied by the award evaluator 702. It is 25 determined whether any awards should be made based on game rule data 710 - for example whether the symbols of the display positions of an active win line or in an active way to win correspond to designated symbol combinations in a pay table. Any awards are then made under control of 30 award modules 705 applying award share rules 713. That is, an award is made proportionally to each player in accordance with any rules for sharing the prize. Depending on the embodiment the award may be made proportionally in a number of different of ways. For 35 example proportional to the number of machines in play;

proportional to the number of credits bet at each machine;

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 or proportional to the amount bet at each machine.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that while the above example describes the linked game being triggered, 5 the link game could instead be carried out periodically with each gaming device that played in a previous time period being entitled to share in any awards the linked game.

The method of embodiment is summarised in Figure 8 which shows that the method involves determining 810 a number of participating gaming machines, generating 820 a game outcome, determining 830 the evaluation to be used based on the determined number of gaming machines, applying 840 the determined evaluation. It is then determined 850 whether an award is to be made and when an award is to be made, it is made 860 in accordance with any rules for sharing the award.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory, or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server).

Example

An example of a game implemented in accordance with the embodiment is shown in relation to Figure 10. In this example, there are five gaming devices and the win entitlement is established using a reel power type game 35 such that a reel is added for each participating gaming device such that there are 243 ways to win when all five

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 gaming machines are active. Figure 10A shows an example of the display 160 showing a case where a single gaming device is determined to be active. Figure 10 shows that a set of symbols have been selected for display at 15 display positions arranged in five columns corresponding to respective ones of five reels 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 3 rows 91, 92, 93. In this reel power type game with a single active gaming device the first reel or column 81 shown as active with the central display position of the 10 central row 92 shown as active for the remaining reels.

That is, the light coloured or highlighted display positions represent the active display positions to be used in the evaluation of the game outcome such that with one gaming machine, there are only 3 ways to win.

Figure 10B shows a case where two gaming machines are active such that columns 81 and 82 are active in the evaluation of the game outcomes and there are nine ways to win. Figure 10C shows the case where five machines are active such that all columns 81 to 85 are active such that that the maximum number of ways for the gaming outcome to be evaluated will be evaluated in respect of the gaming outcome displayed on display 160 in Figure 10C.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there can be variations on the above embodiment, for example specific columns may be made active dependent on which gaming machine is active. However, the example given in Figure 10A has the advantage that it can be readily employed with existing games where players select reels to play which alternatively be presented as ways to win.

That is, an input derived from the number of participating games can readily be integrated with an existing game using this type of evaluation.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments .

For example, the linked game controller 150 is shown in

Figure 1 as a separate entity to the gaming devices 10. In an alternative embodiment, it could be provided by one of 10 the gaming devices incorporating a server module arranged to implement the linked game controller in the manner described in Australian patent application 2008205413 filed 13 August 2008.

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

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, 25 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.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A gaming system comprising:

a plurality of gaming devices; and

5 a linked game controller in data communication with the plurality of gaming devices, the linked game controller arranged to:

conduct a linked game in response to a trigger signal being received from one of the plurality of gaming

10 devices;

determine eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which enables the linked game controller to determine which of 15 the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

generate at least one linked game outcome for display on a communal display or displays of the individual gaming devices;

determine at least one of a plurality of predefined

20 criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least one additional predetermined criterion is applied to evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each

25 additional gaming device that participates in said linked game;

evaluate the at least one linked game outcome based on the determined at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria; and

30 determine an award associated with the at least one linked game outcome to be shared by the eligible ones of the gaming devices .
2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein in

35 each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective ones of a plurality of

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 display positions, and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in evaluation of the linked game outcome.
3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linked game controller is configured such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of gaming devices .
4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linked game controller is configured such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.
5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linked game controller is configured such that any award is shared in proportion to the number of credits wagered on each gaming device.
6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the linked game controller is configured such that any award is based on a number of games played on each gaming device in a designated period.
7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

6, wherein each of the plurality of gaming devices is individually operable to play at least one game and the linked game is played in addition to the at least one

3 o game.
8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

7, wherein the linked game controller comprises a data communications interface for communicating with at least

35 participating ones of the gaming devices and a participation module for determining from the communication with at least participating ones of the

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 gaming devices, the number of participating gaming devices .
9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the

5 data communication interface is arranged to poll each of the gaming devices whereby the participation module can determine based on any response to the polling whether a gaming device is participating.
10 10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the data communication interface is arranged to monitor for a communication from each of the gaming devices indicative that the gaming device is participating whereby the participation module can determine based on monitored

15 communication whether a gaming device is participating.
11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to

10, wherein the linked game controller comprises a memory storing game program code specifying game rules for

20 generation and evaluation of a game outcome and a processor for executing the game program code.
12. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each gaming device comprises a communication

25 module arranged to communicate with the linked game controller to enable the game controller to determine whether a gaming device is participating.
13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

30 12, wherein each gaming device comprises a game controller operable to enable at least a base game to be played with the gaming device.
14. A method of gaming comprising conducting a linked

35 game in which eligible ones of a plurality of gaming devices participate and any award is shared between the participating gaming devices , by:

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 conducting a linked game at a linked game controller in response to a trigger signal being received at the linked game controller from one of the plurality of gaming devices;

5 determining eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which enables the linked game controller to determine which of the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

10 generating at least one linked game outcome for display on a communal display or displays of the individual gaming devices;

determining at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to 15 be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least one additional predetermined criterion is applied to evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each additional gaming device that participates in said linked 2 o game ;

evaluating the at least one linked game outcome based on the determined at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria; and determining an award associated with the at least one 25 linked game outcome to be shared by the eligible ones of the gaming devices .
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein in each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected

30 by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective ones of a plurality of display positions, and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in

35 evaluation of the linked game outcome.
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15,

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17. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15,

5 comprising sharing any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.
18. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 sharing

10 any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered on each gaming device.
19. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, comprising sharing any award based on a number of games 15 played on each gaming device in a designated period.
20. A linked game controller arranged to conduct a linked game in which eligible ones of a plurality of gaming devices participate and any award is shared between the

20 participating gaming devices, the linked game controller arranged to:

conduct a linked game in response to a trigger signal being received from one of the plurality of gaming devices;

25 determine eligible ones of the gaming devices to participate in the triggered linked game based on data communicated from the respective gaming devices which enables the linked game controller to determine which of the respective gaming devices are currently being played;

30 generate at least one linked game outcome for display on a communal display or displays of the individual gaming devices;

determine at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria to apply, the number of predetermined criteria to 35 be applied being determined based on the determined number of eligible ones of the gaming devices such that at least one additional predetermined criterion is applied to

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2019200563 29 Jan 2019 evaluate the at least one linked game outcome for each additional gaming device that participates in said linked game;

evaluate the at least one linked game outcome based

5 on the determined at least one of a plurality of predefined criteria; and determine an award associated with the at least one linked game outcome to be shared by the eligible ones of the gaming devices .
21. A linked game controller as claimed in claim 20, comprising a data communications interface for communicating with at least participating ones of the gaming devices and a participation module for determining

15 from the communication the number of participating gaming devices .
22. A linked game controller as claimed in claim 21, wherein the data communication interface is arranged to

20 poll each of the gaming devices whereby the participation module can determine based on any response to the polling whether a gaming device is participating.
23. A linked game controller as claimed in claim 21,

25 wherein the data communication interface is arranged to monitor for a communication from each of the gaming devices indicative that the gaming device is participating whereby the participation module can determine based on monitored communication whether a gaming device is

30 participating.
24. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 comprising a memory storing game program code specifying game rules for generation and evaluation

35 of a game outcome and a processor for executing the game program code.

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25. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein in each linked game outcome, a plurality of symbols are selected by the linked game controller from a set of symbols for display in respective

5 ones of a plurality of display positions, and wherein respective ones of the plurality of predetermined criteria define different combinations of active display positions activated to be used in evaluation of the linked game outcome.
26. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, arranged to share any award in proportion to the number of gaming devices.

15
27. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, arranged to share any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered per evaluation entitlement on each gaming device.

20
28. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, arranged to share any award in proportion to the number of credits wagered on each gaming device.
29. A linked game controller as claimed in any one of

25 claims 20 to 25, arranged to share any award based on a number of games played on each gaming device in a designated period.