Abstract: A gaming device having a display and a processor storing instructions. When executed, the processor conducts a base game in symbols from reel strips are selected using a random number generator. When triggered in the base game with a first game play characteristic, the processor conducts concurrent game instances with the first game play characteristic and separate game outcomes for in at least two game windows using the random number generator. When an upgrade condition corresponding to a second game play characteristic is met in one of the at least two game windows, the processor conducts, for each game window, each remaining feature game instance of the plurality of feature game instances and an additional feature game instance with the second game play characteristic added with separate game outcomes for each game window.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a memory, and processor that when executed by the processor to cause the processor to cause a selection of symbols to display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where the selection for each column is performed from a corresponding reel strip that includes symbols including award value symbols; cause a display of a current first award total stored in the memory and associated with a first column of symbol positions, and determine a threshold value for the first column. In response to the selected symbols of the first column including an award value symbol, the processor may increase the current first award total by a value of the award value symbol, determine if the current first award total meets or exceeds the threshold value, and if so, output an award that includes at least the current first award total.