POPPING UP MECHANISM FOR VIDEO SLOT GAMES

Abstract

 A computer-implemented method for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game. The computer-implemented method comprises providing a first view of a slot game, wherein the first view comprises a first number of symbols, determining a first winning combination of symbols shown in the first view of the slot game, and providing a second view of the slot game, in response to the determined first winning combination of symbols, wherein the second view comprises a second number of symbols different from the first number of symbols.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to slot games. In particular, the present disclosure relates to providing winning combinations in video slot games.

Background

[0002] A famous nickname for a type of slot machines is the "one-armed bandit". The reference to 'one-armed' and 'bandit' has been used, since these machines consist of a lever (looking like a single arm) and may make the players feel robbed, when they lose. Slots or slot machines have evolved into the most popular type of game at both land-based and online casinos. In a slot machine, players place a bet on an outcome of spinning reels. Conventionally, slot machines consist of three or more reels, which may spin and display an outcome, once the player clicks on a 'spin' button or pushes a lever. The first slot machines presented a single, solitary payline that could potentially render the coveted winning combination in the middle of the reels.

[0003] Video slot games or video slot machines, such as online slot games, do not use mechanical reels. Instead, video slot machines may use graphical reels on a computerized display. Conventional games often use at least five reels, and may use non-standard layouts. As there are no mechanical constraints on the design of video slot machines, the number of possibilities for a specific combination of symbols can be increased. A video slot machine can have 50 or more symbols on a reel, giving odds as high as 300 million to 1 against.

[0004] However, it is difficult for a developer to determine how many rows and reels should be provided to a user or player, since a player can process only a certain amount of information at a certain time. For example, on the one hand, if the number of rows and reels is too high, a player may be physiology unable to process the information. On the other hand, if the number of rows and reels is too low the functionality of the game is limited to only a few features and a player may lose interest in the game.

[0005] Another problem of conventional video slot machines is that the player may miss a winning combination, if the winning combination is not indicated or highlighted in a sufficient manner. This problem becomes particularly apparent when a player plays for hours and the player's concentration decreases. In this scenario, it is not guaranteed that the player sees the win immediately, which may result in the player losing interest in the game.

[0006] Dopamine is commonly associated with video gaming as it makes the player feel happy. Dopamine is what spurs on a gamer's reward-motivated behavior. Advanced video slots come with an impressive number of paylines, and may present a plurality of visual effects to the player. These effects may comprise animations in response to a highscore. This is to reward the player and is intended to keep players interested in the game. Video slot machines may feature minigames as bonuses and have use of multimedia. However, these minigames or the use of multimedia may interrupt the gameplay of a player.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art to address the problems of conventional slot games regarding the complexity of the slot game and the associated physiological information reception difficulties for a player. It is therefore desirable to provide an improved method for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game that overcomes the above disadvantages of the prior art. Further, it is desirable to provide a method that efficiently and effectively rewards a player playing a slot game, e.g. without interrupting the gameplay, and, thus, releases dopamine in a player's body.

Summary

[0008] To collectively address the challenges and problems of state-of-the-art slot games or slot machines, a novel approach for providing a winning combination in a slot game is disclosed. The present disclosure presents methods and apparatuses for providing a winning combination in a slot game.

[0009] In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game is provided. The method comprises providing a first view of a slot game and determining a first winning combination of symbols shown in the first view of the slot game. The first view comprises a first number of symbols. The method further comprises providing a second view of the slot game, in response to the determined first winning combination of symbols. The second view comprises a second number of symbols, which may be provided in a different size and/or resolution compared to the symbols of the first view. The second number of symbols is different from the first number of symbols.

[0010] By modifying a view of a slot game with respect to the number of symbols in response to a determined winning combination, an improved slot game mechanic is provided, which strikes a balance between physiologically difficult reception of information (where too many symbols would be displayed all the time) and allowing for having enough symbols in the game to meet minimum standards so that the slot game can be motivating for long periods of time.

[0011] Furthermore, by changing a number of symbols in response to a winning combination shown in a first view, a winning combination is indicated in an improved manner. An indication of a winning combination can reward a player, since dopamine may be released in response to noticing the winning combination.

[0012] The change of the number of symbols shown in a view produces the technical effect that a winning combination is more or less guaranteed to be seen immediately (compared e.g. with a slot machine that merely shows an increase of credits for a winning combination or only provides visual effects when high value symbols provide for a winning combination) due to a modification of the game board or a view of the slot game. This is also achieved when a player plays for hours and the player's concentration decreases. Accordingly, by changing the number of symbols, a player can process the information of a winning combination in a fast and efficient manner. Additionally, the present invention allows rewarding a player in an efficient and effective manner, since a winning combination can be indicated and/or highlighted without interrupting the game for a special animation.

[0013] According to aspects, each symbol of the first winning combination of symbols in the first view is replaced by two or more symbols in the second view. This increases the chances of further winning combinations, which further motivates a player to continue playing, and increases the complexity of the slot game.

[0014] According to aspects, the two or more symbols may be selected from a set of symbols comprising at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols. The special symbols may provide for bonus features in the game. The set of symbols may be different to a second set of symbols from which the symbols of the first view are selected. The difference may be that at least some of the at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols are not comprised in the second set or that the probability for selecting one of the at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols may be different, e.g. lower, in the second set. This further increases the complexity of the slot game.

[0015] In a further embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon is provided. When executed by one or more processors, the computer-executable instructions perform the method for providing a winning combination in a slot game as described above.

[0016] In a further embodiment, an apparatus comprising processing circuitry is provided. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the method for indicating a winning combination in a slot game as described above.

[0017] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings provide a more detailed understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0018] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification for the purpose of explaining the principles of the embodiments. The drawings are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments to only the illustrated and described embodiments of how they can be made and used. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particularly from the description of the embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG 1A and FIG 1B illustrates examples of views in accordance with an embodiment,

FIG 2 illustrates a process flow diagram of a method for providing a winning combination in a slot game in accordance with at least one embodiment, and

FIG 3 illustrates an example apparatus for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description

[0019] Described herein are systems and methods for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game. For purposes of explanation, numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. Embodiments as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below, and may further include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein. The illustrative embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings wherein elements and structures are indicated by reference numbers. Further, where an embodiment is a method, steps and elements of the method may be combinable in parallel or sequential execution. As far as they are not contradictory, all embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

[0020] Fig. 1A shows a first view 100 of a of a slot game. In a slot game, a player places a bet on an outcome of spinning reels or an outcome of displayed symbols, e.g. the arrangement of these symbols. The game may start by receiving a player input, e.g. a player clicks on 'spin' button or pushes a lever. A slot game may comprise a slot machine, a video slot game or an online slot game. The slot game may be played online or may be comprised in a physical slot machine, e.g. a slot machine in a land-based casino. The icons appearing on slot reels are symbols. The first view 100 comprises a plurality of symbols, which are shown as letters "A" to "L" and the term "WIN" in the first view 100. The symbols may be of different types of symbols, each type of symbol may have a different value assigned to it. Some symbols may activate features, such as bonus features of the slot game. The symbols may be arranged in two or more reels 110 or columns, e.g. five reels, and one or more rows 120, e.g. 3 rows.

[0021] A reel is the vertical section of a slot game or slot, on which different symbols may be displayed in different combinations. This may appear in response to an input of a player, e.g. the player may click on a button, such as a virtual or physical button. A 'row' in slots represents a horizontal line that consists of symbols aligned on the reels, side by side. The number of rows in different slots may vary. A view may show the same number of symbols in each reel of the two or more reels. Alternatively, a view may comprise a reel that comprises a different number of symbols compared to a different reel of the two or more reels. For example, at least two reels of the two or more reels may comprise a different number of symbols. The number of rows and reels may depend on the game. For example, a slot game may be 3-reel slot. This type of slot has a 3 x 3 reel set, i.e. three reels and three rows. Alternatively, the slot game may be 5-reel slot. These slot machines have three rows and five reels.

[0022] Each symbol may be associated with a value. For example, a first value may be assigned to a first symbol and a second value may be assigned to a second symbol. The first and the second values may be the same values or different values. Accordingly, the symbols of a view may comprise at least one of low-value symbols and high-value symbols. In an embodiment, the high-value symbols can only be comprised in a second view or comprised in symbols that replace symbols of a winning combination. Symbols appearing on the reels are assigned certain values, which may be high or low. So, the symbols whose payout is lesser than what is offered by others are known as low-value symbols. Some of these symbols may include A, K, and J. High-value symbols may pay out the maximum amount or a higher amount compared to the low-value symbols, when a winning combination appears.

[0023] A winning combination is a pattern in which matching or identical symbols land on a payline. After a winning combination has been achieved, the player is rewarded accordingly. A payline is a line that displays the winning combinations of symbols, and accordingly, a payout is awarded. A payline may be a winning line or betting line. The paylines move from left to right, or move both ways. The number of the paylines may be fixed or a player can select or activate one or more paylines for betting. In one embodiment, the slot game comprises 243 paylines. With 243 paylines in a 3 x 5 slot, layers can collect a payout as long as they land several identical symbols on consecutive reels. What type of line the symbols form is irrelevant in this case, because all symbols on the 243 paylines slot function as adjacent scatters. In Fig. 1A, the three symbols "WIN" provide for a winning combination. In the slot game, a few identical or matching symbols, e.g. three or more, which may land next to one another, may be counted or determined as a win.

[0024] In response to determining a first winning combination of symbols, which are shown in the first view 100, a second view 102, as shown in Fig. 1B, is provided. The second view 102 comprises a different number of symbols compared to the first view 100. In the example of Fig. 1B, three more symbols appear in the view 102 compared to the view 100.

[0025] In an embodiment, each symbol, such as symbol 140, of a winning combination of symbols is replaced by two or more symbols, such as symbols 150 and the other "NEW" symbols of view 102. The replacement may comprise a "popping" animation, in which the symbols of the winning combination disappear or pop in a first step and two or more symbols appear or pop up in a second step at the position of the symbols of the winning combination so that this mechanic may be referred to as a "Pop-Win". In an embodiment, symbols, which did not provide for a winning combination, of the same reel as a symbol of the winning combination may be displayed at a different position in the new view to make room for the new symbols. Accordingly, the new view 102 may comprise the same number of reels as the first view 100, but at least some reels of the reels 120, e.g. the reels that comprised the winning combination, may comprise a different number of rows compared to the reels 110 of the first view 100.

[0026] The symbols that pop up as new symbols in the second view 102 may be selected from a set of symbols. The set of symbols may comprise symbols of different value and/or at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols. Wild symbols may expand wildly to cover an entire reel. This increases the chances of winning. Moreover, the winning combination may provide for bonus features, which may include (but are not limited to) re-spins, free spins and modified wilds, like cascading and expanding.

[0027] The slot game may comprise a video slot machine or a mobile slot / mobile optimized slot. The mobile slot allows mobile gaming and gambling on a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The slot game may then be accessed from anywhere, at any time, and from any mobile device. The slot game may use a random number generator (RNG) software, which produces a random combination of numbers, symbols, or other patterns, after each spin. Hence, there is no fixed pattern that appears as the outcome. In one example, the slot game is stringently checked through an audit test to analyze if the software is up-to-date. The slot game may be a 3D slot game, wherein at least one of animations, a graphical user interface, symbols, an introduction is in 3D.

[0028] As shown in Figs 1A and 1B, symbols, e.g. the symbols of a winning combination, may 'pop' and may be replaced by two or more new symbols, which in turn may cause one or more reels to expand. In case the new symbols provide a further winning combination, the reels may further expand. This may be repeated until a maximum number of reels and rows, e.g. 5 reels and 7 rows, is reached. Then, only one symbol may appear in the place of a symbol of a winning combination, instead of two or more. In an example, a winning combination may cause a chain reaction, wherein the replacing of symbols provides for further winning combinations. Each winning combination may provide a new number of symbols that are shown to the player. The symbols of the second view 102 may be provided in a different size and/or resolution compared to the symbols of the first view 100. In one example, whenever a symbol is part of a winning combination, the symbol is removed and replaced by two or more symbols, e.g. two symbols. This may be repeated until no more winning combinations can be determined. Then a new view may be provided with the initial number of symbols.

[0029] FIG 2 is a process flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game. At step 210, the method comprises providing a first view of a slot game. The first view comprises a first number of symbols.

[0030] At step 220, the method comprises determining a first winning combination of symbols shown in the first view of the slot game. Step 220 may be performed before, after, or at the same time as step 210.

[0031] In step 230, a second view of the reel-type game is provided, in response to the determined first winning combination of symbols. The second view comprises a second number of symbols, which may be provided in a different size and/or resolution compared to the symbols of the first view, different from the first number of symbols. For example, each symbol of the first winning combination of symbols in the first view may be replaced by two or more symbols in the second view. The two or more symbols may be selected from a set of symbols comprising at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols. The special symbols may provide bonus features in the game. The set of symbols may be different to a second set of symbols from which the symbols of the first view are selected. The difference may be that at least some of the at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols are not comprised in the second set or that the probability for selecting one of the at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers and special symbols may be different, e.g. lower, in the second set.

[0032] The first view and the second view may comprise a same number of two or more reels, wherein the two or more reels of the first view comprise the first number of symbols and the two or more reels of the second view comprise the second number of symbols, wherein a number of symbols shown in a reel of the first view is different to a number of symbols shown in a corresponding reel of the second view, when the reel is part of the winning combination. Alternatively, the first view and the second view may comprise a same number of two or more rows, wherein the two or more rows of the first view comprise the first number of symbols and the two or more rows of the second view comprise the second number of symbols, wherein a number of symbols shown in a row of the first view is different to a number of symbols shown in a corresponding row of the second view, when the row is part of the winning combination. This may cause an expansion of rows or reels in the second view, respectively.

[0033] While some specific embodiments have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, variations, and improvements of the embodiments may be made in the light of the above teachings and within the content of the appended claims without departing from the intended scope of the embodiments. In addition, those areas in which it is believed that those of ordinary skill in the art are familiar have not been described herein in order not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0034] Although the above embodiments have been described in the context of method steps, they also represent a description of a corresponding component, module, or feature of a corresponding apparatus or system.

[0035] Some or all of the method steps may be implemented by a computer in that they are executed by (or using) a processor, a microprocessor, an electronic circuit, or processing circuitry.

[0036] The embodiments described above may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be performed using a non-transitory storage medium such as a computer-readable storage medium, for example a floppy disc, a DVD, a Blu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, and EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Generally, embodiments can be implemented as a computer program product with a program code or computer-executable instructions, the program code or computer-executable instructions being operative for performing one of the methods when the computer program product runs on a computer or server. The program code or the computer-executable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0037] In an embodiment, a storage medium (or a data carrier, or a computer-readable medium) comprises, stored thereon, the computer program or the computer-executable instructions for performing one of the methods described herein when it is performed by a processor. In a further embodiment, an apparatus comprises one or more processors and the storage medium mentioned above.

[0038] In a further embodiment, an apparatus comprises means, for example processing circuitry like e.g. a processor communicating with a memory, the means being configured to, or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment comprises a computer having installed thereon the computer program or instructions for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0039] The above-mentioned methods and embodiments may be performed at apparatus 300 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Apparatus 300 may comprise one or more processors 310, a computer-readable storage medium 320 and at least one of means 330 for receiving a player input, means 340 for displaying a view to a player and means 350 for providing an output to a player. The means 340 for displaying a view to a player may comprise a flat-panel display or a curved display, which can provide a more immersive experience for the player.

[0040] The apparatus 300 may be any device, such as a land-based slot machine, a server, a mobile computer, such as a smartphone, or another computing device. More precisely in an embodiment, the method according to the embodiments of Fig. 2 may be performed at apparatus 300.

[0041] A novel approach for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved method for presenting a slot game mechanic such that it strikes a balance between physiologically difficult reception of information (where too many symbols would be displayed all the time) and allowing for having enough symbols in the game to meet minimum standards so that the slot game can be motivating for long periods of time.

[0042] The inventors of the present invention have recognized that methods according to embodiments of the present invention produce the technical effect that a winning combination is more or less guaranteed to be seen immediately (compared e.g. with a slot machine that merely shows an increase of credits for a winning combination or only provides visual effects when high value symbols provide for a winning combination) due to a modification of the game board or a view of the slot game. This allows a player to process the information of a winning combination in a fast and efficient manner. Additionally, the present invention motivates a player to continue playing the slot game due to a modification of the complexity of the game, e.g. due to an increase of the number of symbols in response to a winning combination. Further, the present invention allows rewarding a player in an efficient and effective manner, since a winning combination can be indicated and/or highlighted without interrupting the game for a special animation. An indication of a winning combination may increase a dopamine level in a player and motivate the player to continue playing.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method (200) for providing a winning combination in a graphical user interface of a slot game, the computer-implemented method (200) comprising:

providing (210) a first view (100) of a slot game, wherein the first view (100) comprises a first number of symbols (130, 140);

determining (220) a first winning combination of symbols (140) shown in the first view (100) of the slot game; and

providing (230) a second view (102) of the slot game, in response to the determined first winning combination of symbols (140), wherein the second view comprises a second number of symbols (130, 150) different from the first number of symbols (130, 140).

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein each symbol (140) of the first winning combination of symbols (140) in the first view (100) is replaced by two or more symbols (150) in the second view (102).

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the two or more symbols (150) are selected from a set of symbols comprising at least one of high-value symbols, wild symbols, multipliers, and special symbols.

4. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising providing a third view of the slot game, in response to a second winning combination shown in the second view (102) of the slot game, wherein the third view (102) comprises a third number of symbols different from the first number of symbols (130, 140) and different from the second number of symbols (130, 140).

5. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first view (100) and the second view (102) comprise a same number of two or more reels (110), wherein the two or more reels (110) of the first view (100) comprise the first number of symbols (130, 140) and the two or more reels (110) of the second view (102) comprise the second number of symbols (130, 150), wherein a number of symbols shown in a reel of the first view (100) is different to a number of symbols shown in a corresponding reel of the second view (102), when the reel is part of the winning combination, or
wherein the first view (100) and the second view (102) comprise a same number of two or more rows (120), wherein the two or more rows (120) of the first view (100) comprise the first number of symbols and the two or more rows (120) of the second view (102) comprise the second number of symbols, wherein a number of symbols shown in a row of the first view (100) is different to a number of symbols shown in a corresponding row of the second view (102), when the row is part of the winning combination.

6. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein all symbols of the second number of symbols are provided in a different size and/or resolution compared to the symbols of the first view (100).

7. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one symbol of the first number of symbols corresponds to at least one symbol of the second number of symbols, wherein the at least one symbol of the first number of symbols is not part of the winning combination and/or wherein the at least one symbol of the second number of symbols has a different size compared to the at least one corresponding symbol of the first number of symbols.

8. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more reels (110) expand between the first view (100) and the second view (102).

9. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the winning combination comprises two or more matching symbols in a view.

10. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the winning combination comprises that the matching symbols are arranged along a payline, in a predefined or user-selected arrangement and/or adjacent to each other.

11. The computer-implemented method of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second number of symbols corresponds to a predefined maximum number of symbols, and wherein a winning combination in the second view does not result in an increased number of symbols in a subsequent view.

12. A computer-readable storage medium (320) having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors (310) perform the method (200) of one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An apparatus (300) comprising one or more processors (310), the one or more processors (310) being configured to perform the method (200) of one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a graphical user interface, GUI, to provide the first view and the second view to a user, and/or
wherein the apparatus comprises one of a computer, a smartphone and a video slot machine.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising at least one of means (330) for receiving a player input, means (340) for displaying a view to a player and means (350) for providing an output to a player.

Drawing