SLOT GAMES WITH CONNECTED PAYGROUPS ACTING ON SYMBOLS IN A SYMBOL ARRAY

摘要

A slot machine game includes connected paygroups in a symbol array that causes prizes to be awarded, as an alternative or supplement to traditional paylines. The connected paygroups are defined in a reel spin result by counting symbols of a designated type that are contiguous horizontally or vertically. Preferably the designated type is matching symbols. The connected paygroups may be enhanced by wild symbols increasing their size or linking two or more groups to form a larger single group of contiguous symbols. To receive an award, groups must meet a minimum designated size. Players can wager on different sets of connected paygroup sizes like traditional games allow wagering for numbers of paylines. Bonus rounds are provided with special features that enhance connected paygroup sizes.

主权项

1. A method of providing a wagering game on a gaming machine having a display, a wager input device, and at least one electronic controller operatively coupled to the wager input device and the display and configured to execute instructions related to the wagering game, the method comprising:
displaying a matrix of symbol location on the display, with every symbol location in the matrix having a symbol therein; receiving a wager from a player at the wager input device, receiving a game activation at the gaming machine, and in response initiating the wagering game; after initiating the wagering game, updating matrix of symbols locations to show a new set of symbols with every symbol location in the matrix having a symbol therein; evaluating the game outcome to determine any prizes to be awarded by: (a) defining zero or more groups of symbols by locating groups of horizontally or vertically contiguous symbols of designated types; (b) counting the size of each defined group; (c) highlighting or otherwise visually emphasizing each group of a designated minimum size; (d) providing a prize for each group above the minimum size threshold, the prize based directly upon the size of the group.