Abstract: In a gaming system, a first player and one or more second player(s) contribute respective player reels. At least one game outcome is determined from an array of symbols randomly generated from the combination of the player reels. The at least one game outcome is shared by all players and used to determine awards for all players. The first player may subsequently join one or more third player(s) to determine new game outcomes from a new combination of player reels. In another gaming system, players select a combination of player reels from a pool of player reels to compete against each other. At least one game outcome is determined for each player from an array of symbols randomly generated from the player's selected subset of player reels. The players are ranked according to the game outcomes for the players, and awards are determined for the players according to the ranking.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving an input indicative of a wager to play a wagering game. The method also includes displaying a play counter, a win condition, and an award for achieving the win condition in the wagering game. The play counter indicates a possible number of plays of the wagering game for which the award can be won by achieving the win condition. The method further includes, for each play of the wagering game, using a processor(s) to determine an outcome of the wagering game, advance the play counter in the absence of a reset condition, and provide the award if the win condition occurs in the wagering game. The method still further includes, in response to the reset condition, using a processor(s) to reset the play counter, modify the win condition, and modify the award for achieving the modified win condition in the wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering game initiated by a wager. The wagering game further includes an ascending-feature game outcome that triggers an ascending feature in which symbols displayed in a symbol array are changed into different symbols, including higher-value symbols, that may be subsequently evaluated for winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering game initiated by a wager. The wagering game further includes an ascending-feature game outcome that triggers an ascending feature in which symbols displayed in a symbol array are changed into different symbols, including higher-value symbols, that may be subsequently evaluated for winning symbol combinations.