Method, Apparatus, and Program Product for Extending a Play in a Wagering Game

摘要

A method for extending a play in a reel-type wagering game includes first producing a game symbol array for a play in the wagering game. Any prizes indicated by the initial game symbol array are awarded. An evaluation is then be performed to determine if a triggering condition is associated with the initial game symbol array. Where the evaluation detects the triggering condition, at least one line of game symbols is shifted in a shifting direction by a selected number of symbol locations. This shift creates a new game symbol array for which additional prizes may be awarded. Then the evaluation for the triggering condition is conducted again for the new game symbol array and the process repeats. The process continues until no triggering condition is detected for a given symbol array or until some other condition terminates the play.

主权项

1. A method for extending a play in a reel-type wagering game, the method including:
(a) for a play in the wagering game, producing a game symbol array through a gaming machine display system, the game symbol array including a number of lines of symbol locations and being produced by controlling the display system to populate each of at least some of the symbol locations of the game symbol array with a respective game symbol selected from one or more game symbol sets; (b) awarding any prizes indicated by the game symbol array; (c) evaluating for a triggering condition associated with the then current state of game symbols in the symbol locations, and terminating the play in the wagering game when the triggering condition is not associated with the respective current state of the game symbols; (d) when the evaluation at step (c) of this claim for the then current state of game symbols in the symbol locations indicates that the triggering condition is associated with that current state of game symbols, producing a respective additional game symbol array through the gaming machine display system, the respective additional game symbol array being produced by shifting the game symbols populating each respective line of symbol locations in the respective current state of game symbols in a shifting direction by a selected number of symbol locations along that line of symbol locations; (e) awarding any prizes indicated by the respective additional game symbol array; and (f) repeating step (c) of this claim for the respective additional game symbol array, and then repeating steps (d) and (e) of this claim when the triggering condition is associated with the respective current state of game symbols in the symbol locations.