(19)
(11) EP 1 205 894 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
12.11.2003 Bulletin 2003/46

(43) Date of publication A2:
15.05.2002 Bulletin 2002/20

(21) Application number: 01402538.1

(22) Date of filing: 02.10.2001
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G07F 17/32
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 14.11.2000 US 711970

(71) Applicant: WMS Gaming Inc
Waukegan, Illinois 60085 (US)

(72) Inventor:
  • Rothschild, Wayne H.
    Northbrook, Illinois 60062 (US)

(74) Representative: Loisel, Bertrand 
Cabinet Plasseraud, 84, rue d'Amsterdam
75440 Paris Cédex 09
75440 Paris Cédex 09 (FR)

   


(54) Gaming machine with interacting symbols on symbol array.


(57) A gaming machine comprises a visual display and a game of chance shown on the display. In connection with the game of chance, the visual display shows an array of symbols in visual association with at least one pay line. The array includes one or more special symbols. Each of the special symbols is associated with at least one of the other special symbols. The game of chance includes a plurality of game rounds. During each of the game rounds one or more of the special symbols appear in the array. In one embodiment, an interplay between two special symbols occurs if the symbols land in adjacent positions on a pay line. The interplay between the special symbols can occur as a part of a basic game round or may comprise a bonus round. The game of chance awards a payout during the round if the symbols along the pay line correspond to a winning game outcome. An interplay between special symbols may affect the location of one or more symbols in the array, thus affecting the game outcome and payout. Additionally, the interplay between special symbols may initiate a different payout schedule based on the results of the interaction.






Search report