Abstract: There is provided an example gaming system (and method) to perform operations that include presenting a plurality of reels for a base game. While conducting the base game, the plurality of reels bear a plurality value-bearing symbols, each value-bearing symbol being associated with one of a plurality of tiers for a feature game. The operations further include conducting a series of spins of the plurality of reels for the base game to land randomly selected sets of value-bearing symbols. The operations further include animating persistence of at least some of the randomly selected sets of value-bearing symbols in corresponding tiered, revolving persistence elements presented in a persistence area. The operations further include, in response to determining a random trigger of the feature game, using at least some persisted value-bearing symbols from the persistence area to populate one or more portions of a feature-game array.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a base game and a feature game including a plurality of persistent elements. In response to a base game outcome including a value-bearing symbol associated with a persistent element, award indicia of the persistent element is updated as a function of the value-bearing symbol. The feature game is triggered in response to a feature-triggering symbol in the base game outcome. During the feature game, in response to an award trigger, an award sequence is presented for an award indicated by the award indicia of the persistent element.

Abstract: A gaming system and method provide for a persistent element feature. Upon triggering a game feature associated with a persistent element, changes to game conditions are applied for a special set of bonus spins. This set of bonus spins has a defined sequence, initiating with a first subset of purchased spins and then transitioning to a second subset of free spins. The game feature, which includes a catalyst symbol mechanism for awarding values from value-bearing symbols when the catalyst symbol lands, remains active during both the purchased and free spin subsets of the bonus. The applied changes are removed after the bonus concludes. This structure offers a distinct bonus experience combining purchased and free play under enhanced game conditions.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, an array, and a plurality of persistent elements. The plurality of reels are spun and stopped to land symbols from the reels in the array. In response to the landed symbols including at least one accumulation symbol, an animation of addition of the accumulation symbol to one of the plurality of persistent elements is presented. A random determination whether or not to trigger one or more game features is made. If the determination is to trigger the one or more game features, a bonus mode is entered and the one or more game features are implemented via the game-logic circuitry for subsequent spins of the game, for any free games awarded during the subsequent spins, or any combination thereof until the bonus mode is terminated.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, an array, and a plurality of persistent elements. The plurality of reels are spun and stopped to land symbols in the base array. In response to the landed symbols including at least one accumulation symbol, an animation of addition of the accumulation symbol to one of the plurality of persistent elements is presented. A random determination whether or not to trigger one or more game features is made. Triggered game features are implemented, wherein the implementation includes designating a subset of the positions in the array as associated with each of the triggered game features and conducting a free spin bonus game during which rules associated with each of the triggered game features are applied when certain symbols land in their respective designated locations.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a base game and a feature game including a plurality of persistent elements. In response to a base game outcome including a value-bearing symbol associated with a persistent element, award indicia of the persistent element is updated as a function of the value-bearing symbol. The feature game is triggered in response to a feature-triggering symbol in the base game outcome. During the feature game, in response to an award trigger, an award sequence is presented for an award indicated by the award indicia of the persistent element.

Abstract: There is provided an example gaming system (and method) to perform operations that include presenting a plurality of reels for a base game. While conducting the base game, the plurality of reels bear a plurality value-bearing symbols, each value-bearing symbol being associated with one of a plurality of tiers for a feature game. The operations further include conducting a series of spins of the plurality of reels for the base game to land randomly selected sets of value-bearing symbols. The operations further include animating persistence of at least some of the randomly selected sets of value-bearing symbols in corresponding tiered, revolving persistence elements presented in a persistence area. The operations further include, in response to determining a random trigger of the feature game, using at least some persisted value-bearing symbols from the persistence area to populate one or more portions of a feature-game array.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, an array, and a plurality of persistent elements. The plurality of reels are spun and stopped to land symbols from the reels in the array. In response to the landed symbols including at least one accumulation symbol, an animation of addition of the accumulation symbol to one of the plurality of persistent elements is presented. A random determination whether or not to trigger one or more game features is made. If the determination is to trigger the one or more game features, a bonus mode is entered and the one or more game features are implemented via the game-logic circuitry for subsequent spins of the game, for any free games awarded during the subsequent spins, or any combination thereof until the bonus mode is terminated.

Abstract: There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, an array, and a plurality of persistent elements. The plurality of reels are spun and stopped to land symbols from the reels in the array. In response to the landed symbols including at least one accumulation symbol, an animation of addition of the accumulation symbol to one of the plurality of persistent elements is presented. A random determination whether or not to trigger one or more game features is made. If the determination is to trigger the one or more game features, a bonus mode is entered and the one or more game features are implemented via the game-logic circuitry for subsequent spins of the game, for any free games awarded during the subsequent spins, or any combination thereof until the bonus mode is terminated.