Multi-player game in which individual player games may be linked to form multi-player combined wins
In a multi-player game, individual players each play their own individual games, which individual games may yield winning outcomes for those individual players and associated awards. In addition, at one or more times, two or more individual player's individual games may be linked or combined to form a multi-player outcome, which outcome may comprise a winning multi-player outcome having an associated award. Such linking may comprise combining symbols, such as cards, from the two or more players' individual games to form a multi-player outcome.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/024,118, filed Feb. 9, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/580,728, filed on Oct. 13, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/786,857, filed on Mar. 29, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This non-provisional application is related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,935,002 and 5,647,798. The entire contents of both U.S. patents are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to games and gaming devices, and particularly to wagering games and devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONNumerous casino-style games exist. A common type of casino-style games are those presented at gaming machines. Traditionally these games comprised “slot” games presented at spinning reel slot machines. Later, video poker and other gaming machines were developed which were capable of presenting a wide variety of other types of games.
These gaming machines offer fun and excitement to the player, such as the chance for large winning payouts. One problem with these gaming machines, however, is that they isolate the player. In particular, each player plays their own individual gaming machine. Each player thus tends to get absorbed in the play of their own gaming machine. Even though gaming machines may be located right next to one another, players may thus feel somewhat isolated, even if another player is playing an adjacent gaming machine.
Casinos are thus continually seeking ways to heighted the player's gaming experience, such as to make them feel more engaged and entertained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-player game. In one embodiment, individual players each play their own individual games, which games may yield winning outcomes for those individual players and associated awards. In addition, at one or more times, two or more individual player's individual games may be linked or combined to form a multi-player outcome, which multi-player outcome may comprise a winning outcome having an associated award.
The individual games played by the individual players may comprise any of a variety of different games. As one example, the individual games may comprise a matching or bingo-like game where a player attempts to achieve matches of base symbols to two or more sets of player symbols. In one embodiment, the player symbols are displayed in at least two matrices and the player attempts to match displayed base symbols to the player symbols displayed in the at least two matrices. As one aspect of the invention, a winning result may be declared if the player successfully matches a predetermined combination or pattern of player symbols in the at least two matrices. In a preferred embodiment, a winning result is declared for matches of all player symbols in a contiguous row, column or diagonal spanning at least two player matrices.
In such a configuration, the individual games may be presented to individual players via one or more gaming machines. In one embodiment, a gaming device may include an input device for receiving user inputs from a player and a display for displaying game information, such as a graphic user interface (GUI) containing game information. In one embodiment, the GUI includes at least two n column by n row random number (or symbol) display matrices, a first set of n random number display regions, at least one actuation icon. The device further includes a processor, responsive to the user inputs, for executing an application program to cause the display of the GUI. The processor includes a first random number generator for generating random numbers to be displayed in at least one of the at least two n column by n row random number display matrices and a second random number generator for generating a first set of random numbers responsive to actuation of the at least one actuation icon. Each random number of the first set is displayed by a respective one of the first of the n random number display regions. Each random number of the first set of random numbers corresponds to two display matrices of the at least two n column by n row random number display matrices. The processor further includes comparing means for comparing each of the first set of random numbers with the numbers displayed by the display matrices, and, for each match, the processor automatically covers the corresponding matching numbers displayed by the display matrices; and determining means for determining whether at least one of the at least two display matrices displays a predetermined pattern of matches, such as an amount of numbers contiguously matched in a row, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a column, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers of the at least two display matrices have been matched, and, if so, generating a signal for indicating a winning condition.
The device further includes a second set of n random number display regions and a third random number generator for generating a second set of random numbers, responsive to actuation of the at least one actuation icon. Each random number of the second set is displayed by a respective one of the second set of the n random number display region. Each random number of the second set of random numbers corresponds to two additional display matrices of the at least two n column by n row random number display matrices.
Additionally, the device includes comparing means for comparing each of the second set of random numbers with the numbers displayed by the display matrices, and, for each match, the processor automatically covers the corresponding matching number displayed by the display matrices; and determining means for determining whether at least one of the at least two additional display matrices displays a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a row, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a column, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers of the at least two additional display matrices have been matched, and, if so, generating a signal for indicating a winning condition.
A random number of the first set of n random number display regions can match a random number in any column of the respective at least two n column by n row random number display matrices. The first set of n random numbers includes random numbers within a predetermined range and without repetition within the first set.
A random number of the second set of n random number display regions can match a random number in any column of the respective at least two additional n column by n row random number display matrices. The second set of n random numbers includes random numbers within a predetermined range and without repetition within the second set.
In one embodiment, the first, second and third random number generators generate at least one random number selected from the group consisting of a first set of random numbers ranging from 1 to 15; a second set of random numbers ranging from 16 to 30; a third set of random numbers ranging from 31 to 45; a fourth set of random numbers ranging from 46 to 60; and a fifth set of random numbers ranging from 61 to 75.
The second and third random number generators can randomly select symbols selected from the group consisting of a symbol which awards the player a predetermined number of points; a symbol which causes a number displayed by a display matrix of the at least two display matrices to be covered; a symbol which awards the player a free spin; and a symbol which enables the player to play a bonus round.
The device further includes means for receiving a bet from the player prior to actuation of the at least one actuation icon, and means for awarding a progressive jackpot to the player upon display by the first and second set of n random number display regions of a predetermined symbol and based on the player having placed a bet greater than a predetermined number and having selected at least four display matrices of the at least two display matrices. The means for awarding the progressive jackpot can include awarding credits equal to the amount of the progressive jackpot to the player by storing the credits on a card having a magnetic stripe and inserted within the device as known in the art.
The individual games may comprise various other types of games such as slot games, card games such as poker or blackjack games, bingo or other games now known or later developed. In addition, the configuration of the one or more gaming devices which are configured to present such games may vary. For example, if the individual games comprise slot games, the gaming devices may comprise video or spinning reel slot machines.
As indicated, as one aspect of the invention, two or more individual player's individual games may be linked or combined at one or more times in an attempt to form multi-player winning combinations or outcomes. In an embodiment where each player's individual game comprises the matching game described above, winning results are declared if combinations of matches of player symbols are achieved which span the matrices of two or more players. In one embodiment, a winning result may be declared for matches of player symbols along a contiguous row extending through two adjacent matrices belonging to two different players. Other winning combinations may include matches of player symbols along two, three or four contiguous rows, columns or diagonals through adjacent player matrices.
In other embodiments, such as where the individual games comprise slot games, a winning outcome may be declared if combinations of slot symbols spanning two or more players' slot games comprise winning slot outcomes. In an embodiment where the individual games comprise games of video poker, a winning outcome may be declared if combinations of two or more player's individual game cards comprise a winning hand of cards.
The games of the invention may be presented as base games or bonus events to other games.
The features of the disclosed device and methods will become more readily apparent and may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
One embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-player game. In one embodiment, individual players each play their own individual games, which individual games may yield winning outcomes for those individual players and associated awards. In addition, at one or more times, two or more individual player's individual games may be linked or combined to form a multi-player outcome, which outcome may comprise a winning outcome having an associated award.
The individual games played by the individual players may comprise any of a variety of different games. As one example, the individual games may comprise a matching or bingo-like game where a player attempts to achieve matches of base symbols to two or more sets of player symbols.
As detailed herein, the game methods of the invention can be implemented via a computing device, such as a slot machine, and a stand-alone video game console, and as a computer-readable medium for downloading the game to a computing device, such as a slot machine, television set top box, video game console, cell phone, PDA, personal computer, etc. Hence, the display screens shown by the various figures are display screens as viewed by a player looking at a personal computer monitor, LCD display of a PDA, television screen, etc.
As shown by
The user or player has the option of choosing to play any one or all of display matrices 104, 106, 108 and/or 110. For example, the player can choose to play one, two, three, or four (or more, depending on the implementation of the game) 5×5 display matrices during a series of game plays. The user or player chooses which display matrices 104, 106, 108 and/or 110, he/she wants to play for the series of game plays by touching the GUI (touch screen GUI) or by other means, such as pushing buttons 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 (see
In one embodiment, the device according to the present disclosure includes a processor, responsive to a user input via an actuation icon 112 labeled “START GAME”, for executing an application program to cause a first random number generator of the processor to generate five sets of random numbers (or other indicia, as described below) for each matrix chosen by the player. The five sets of random numbers are displayed by the five columns of each matrix chosen by the player. The five sets of random numbers are generated such that each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other four sets.
As indicated herein, player or game indicia are displayed in the cells C. Such indicia or symbols may have various forms, including letters, numbers, pictures, dots or the like. In one embodiment, the symbols comprise numbers. The numbers range for each set of random numbers generated by the first random number generator is 1 to 75. Each set, however, is limited to a range within the range of 1 to 75. For example, of the five blocks or cells C corresponding to the leftmost column of the display matrices 104, 106, 108, and 110, the limited range is 1 to 15. The limited range for the second leftmost column of blocks or cells C of the display matrices 104, 106, 108, and 110 is 16 to 30. The limited range for the center column of blocks or cells C of the display matrices 104, 106, 108, and 110 is 31 through 45. The limited range for the second rightmost column of blocks or cells C of the display matrices 104, 106, 108, and 110 is 46 through 60. The limited range for the rightmost column of blocks or cells C of the display matrices 104, 106, 108, and 110 is 61 through 75. As in the game of Bingo, the first random number generator is designed such that a number is not displayed more than once by the display matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110 which are analogous to Bingo game cards.
The processor further includes a second random number (or symbols/indicia) generator, responsive to a user input, such as actuation or selection of the actuation icon 112, for generating at least one set of random numbers for display by the n display regions 102 and/or 120. As shown by the figures, the exemplary embodiment described herein has n equal to five.
The processor further includes a comparator, such as a comparator module having programmable instructions executable by the processor for comparing the at least one set of random numbers displayed by the n display regions 102 and/or 120 with the numbers displayed in the corresponding columns of the display matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110, and, if there is a match, allowing the processor to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110 to indicate a match. In some embodiments, a player could be required to “daub” or indicate matches in order to claim them, rather than having such accomplished automatically by the gaming device.
More particularly, each block or cell C of the display regions 102 and 120 corresponds to a respective column of two of the display matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110. The leftmost display region of display regions 102 corresponds to the leftmost column of the display matrices 104 and 106. The second leftmost display region of display regions 102 corresponds to the second leftmost column of the display matrices 104 and 106. The center display region of the display regions 102 corresponds to the center column of the display matrices 104 and 106. The second rightmost display region of the display regions 102 corresponds to the second rightmost column of the display matrices 104 and 106. The rightmost display region of the display regions 102 corresponds to the rightmost column of the display matrices 104 and 106.
Similarly, the leftmost display region of display regions 120 corresponds to the leftmost column of the display matrices 108 and 110. The second leftmost display region of display regions 120 corresponds to the second leftmost column of the display matrices 108 and 110. The center display region of the display regions 120 corresponds to the center column of the display matrices 108 and 110. The second rightmost display region of the display regions 120 corresponds to the second rightmost column of the display matrices 108 and 110. The rightmost display region of the display regions 120 corresponds to the rightmost column of the display matrices 108 and 110.
The processor further includes determining means, such as a determining module having programmable instructions executable by the processor for determining whether the display matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110 has a predetermined amount of numbers matched in a matrix—i.e. a winning pattern of matches. In one embodiment, a winning pattern of matches comprises (but is not limited to) a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a row of one matrix, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a column of one matrix, and/or a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a diagonal of one matrix. In one embodiment, the determining means also determines when the player has selected to play two or more matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110, whether there are a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a row spanning two matrices, a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a column spanning two matrices, and/or a predetermined amount of numbers contiguously matched in a diagonal spanning two matrices. The determining means preferably also determines whether all of the numbers of one or more matrices being played have been matched. Of course, the determining means might be configured to determine if other combinations or patterns of matches have been achieved relative to one or more of the matrices. If one or more of the above conditions are determined to have occurred by the determining means, the processor generates a win or Bingo indication signal for indicating a win or Bingo condition to the player. The Bingo indication signal can include an audiovisual indication signal, an audio indication signal or a visual indication signal for alerting the player of the Bingo condition, and/or the one or more rows and/or columns which caused the Bingo condition. In the embodiment shown by the figures, the predetermined number for obtaining a Bingo condition in one matrix is five, and the predetermined number for obtaining a Bingo condition by matching numbers spanning a row, a column and/or a diagonal of two matrices is ten.
The first and second random number generators are preferably comprised of a set of programmable instructions executable by the processor.
It has been found that a Bingo game played on a gaming machine in this and similar embodiments can be enhanced when the random number display regions include special symbols in addition to the random numbers. Examples of special symbols which have been found to enhance the game include a “Free Spin” symbol 230 as shown in
Exemplary plays of a preferred embodiment are now described in detail with reference to
As described above, the GUI 100 is configured with actuation icon 112 for starting the game after placing a bet and selecting which matrices to play. The GUI 100 further includes two sets of five random number display regions 102, 120. Each display region of the display regions 102 corresponds to a column of display matrices 104 and 106; each display region of the display regions 120 corresponds to a column of display matrices 108 and 110.
With reference to the figures, the GUI 100 also includes “Free Spin” displays 124 and 124a which indicate the cumulative total number of free spin symbols 230 displayed by random number display regions 102 and 120, respectively, during the series of game plays. The available free spins as displayed by display 124 can only be played using matrices 104 and 106, and the available free spins as displayed by display 124a can only be played using matrices 108 and 110.
“Bet Per Card” display 116 indicates different credits the user can bet, i.e., in the embodiment illustrated such may comprise either 3, 6 or 9 credits, per matrix or “card” selected to be played (though in other embodiments, other amounts of credits might be wagered). “Total Bet” display 126 indicates the cumulative bet for all matrices 104, 106, 108 and 110.
“Credits” display 128 indicates the amount of credits the player has and the “Won” display 136 indicates the amount of credits won by the player during the series of game plays or spins. “Spins Remaining” display 122 indicates the number of game plays or spins remaining. In the preferred embodiment, there is a minimum of five spins or game plays per game. That is, there are five game spins and the player can be awarded an infinite number of free spins. In other embodiments, the game may permit or include other numbers of spins (including greater or lesser numbers of spins).
“Bonus” display 118 indicates whether the user has obtained at least one bonus round play. One embodiment of a bonus round play is described below with reference to
Other displays on the GUI 100 include a “Cash Out” display 101 which cashes out your winnings, a “Pay Table” display 103 which shows a pay table layout with respect to the amount bet per display matrix 104, 106, 108 and 110 (as shown in
Further, during the game play as shown by
The “Joker” symbols 232 cause the processor to randomly select and cover a number displayed by a block of the leftmost, center, second rightmost and rightmost columns of display matrices 104 and 106. The “Joker” symbols 232 displayed by display regions 120 cause the processor to randomly select and cover a number in the leftmost and rightmost columns of matrix 110. The covered blocks will be displayed in a subsequent display screen following the display screen shown by
Further, during the game play as shown by
As shown by
In
In
A description will now be provided regarding qualifying for a bonus round and playing a bonus round game with reference to
In
As described above, the object of the game is to be awarded credits by revealing “Gold coin” and “Joker” symbols, as well as achieving Bingo and “big Slingo” conditions by matching and covering numbers on the display matrices with a minimum of 5 game spins and any free spins obtained.
In one embodiment, there exist 64 possible winning Bingo and “big Slingo” combinations or outcomes. These are covering a complete row of five blocks (five combinations) of a matrix, covering a complete column of five blocks (five combinations) of a matrix, covering a diagonal line of five blocks in either direction (two combinations) of a matrix, covering a complete row of ten blocks (ten combinations) spanning two matrices, covering a diagonal line of ten blocks in either direction (two combinations) spanning two matrices, and completely covering an individual matrix (four possibilities). It is envisioned that one or more of the above winning outcomes can be removed as a winning outcome. Credits are also awarded for winning the progressive jackpot. The credits can be redeemed for prizes, cash, or points, such as frequent flyer mileage points, etc. It is also envisioned that other winning combinations can be added to the above winning combinations, such as covering a complete column of ten blocks spanning two matrices.
In a preferred embodiment, the game is played as a wagering game in which a player wagers monies or credits having associated monetary value. In such embodiments, as indicated, winnings may be paid for winning outcome(s), which winnings comprise monies or credits having associated monetary value. In other embodiments, however, the game may be played for points or other prizes.
The disclosed device may also be configured as a slot machine 2000 having an activating arm 2012 and a coin slot 2014 for receiving bets from a player as typically found in a slot machine as shown in
The game can be implemented as a set of programmable instructions and game resources (graphics, audio, video, alphanumeric text, etc.) capable of being executed by a general purpose processor or a hard-wired special-purpose processor of a computer system, hand-held computing device, or other computing device, machine or apparatus for playing the game. The set of programmable instructions and game resources can be stored on a computer-readable medium, including optical, magnetic and opto-magnetic media.
In additional embodiments, a plurality of input devices is provided to the device for enabling multiple players to play the game simultaneously. The device receives user inputs from a plurality of players playing the Bingo-like game via the plurality of input devices. In other embodiments, multiple gaming devices might be linked, thus permitting the multiple players to play games of the invention in a multi-player format. As also described herein, games of the invention may be implemented as base games or bonus events/secondary games.
As indicated above, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, two of more individual player's individual games may be linked or combined in an attempt to form a winning outcome or combinations. For example, relative to players who are playing the Bingo-like game described above, two or more players may play different individual matching games, such as via different gaming machines, but one or more winning results are defined by outcomes which span or include at least two different player's individual games and where the players sharing in the winning combination also share in awards for the winning outcome.
One such aspect of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15A-K. As illustrated in
At one or more times, a bonus event of the invention may be implemented. Such a bonus event might be triggered by a specific outcome or event at one or more of the gaming devices 3000a-d (such as receipt of a particular symbol, a particular winning or losing outcome, etc.), or otherwise, such as randomly, based upon a number of games played at the gaming devices 3000a-d, amounts wagered at the devices or other criteria. Preferably, information regarding the bonus event is displayed on one or more bonus displays, such as the two bonus displays 3002a,b illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bonus event comprises a symbol matching or Bingo-like event such as that described above, which event further comprises a feature which permits winning combinations to be achieved across multiple sets of player game indicia, such as a plurality of different players' game number matrices.
In one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in
In addition, sets of base symbols 3006a-d is displayed relative to the matrices 3004a-d. These base symbols 3006a-d comprise randomly displayed sets of numbers or other symbols in like manner to the numbers in the n display regions 102/120 as described above. In a preferred embodiment, a different set of base symbols 3006a-d is displayed relative to each matrix, but as with the embodiment described above, it is possible for one set of base symbols 3006a-d to correspond to more than one matrix.
In a preferred embodiment, once the bonus event begins, each player receives a plurality of “spins” of their base symbols 3006a-d for matching to their corresponding matrix 3004a-d, in like manner to that described above. The number of spins or turns may be fixed or be randomly determined within a range of spins each time the bonus event begins. In this arrangement, each player attempts to obtain patterns of matches of their base symbols to the game symbols in their matrix (preferably using positional comparison as described above). As indicated above, a winning outcome may comprise matches of all symbols in at least one row, at least one diagonal and/or at least one column of the game symbols in their matrix 3004a-d, i.e. a “Slingo”. Such a configuration is illustrated in
As with the embodiments described above, certain of the base symbols may comprise not only numbers but other special symbols. Such special symbols might have various properties or effects, such as to cause the matching of all symbols in a particular column of the player's matrix or the like.
Most importantly, however, and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, players may achieve winning results by achieving patterns of matches which span multiple of the matrices 3004a-d. Preferably, such patterns comprise combinations of matches of two or more rows or two or more diagonals.
For example, a winning outcome may be declared if all symbols are matched along contiguous rows of two players' matrices.
In a preferred embodiment, the matrices 3004a,d at either end are treated as being adjacent to the other (as if the matrices were wrapped around a cylinder). Thus, as illustrated in
As another example, a winning outcome may be declared if all symbols are matched on contiguous rows of three players' matrices.
Likewise, as illustrated in
As yet another example, a wining outcome may be declared in all symbols are matched on contiguous rows of all four players' matrices 3004a-d. One example of such a configuration is illustrated in
As indicated above, winning combinations may be achieved for contiguous diagonal matches. One such example is illustrated in
As yet another example, a Triple Diagonal Slingo may be declared when three diagonal Slingos are obtained and they are contiguous. One example of such a configuration is illustrated in
In one embodiment, the awards for different winning combinations may vary. For example, the award for harder to achieve or less probable combinations may be higher than those for easier to achieve or more probable combinations. As one example, the award for a winning Double Slingo may be less than the win for a Triple Slingo.
As indicated, when an individual player achieves a winning pattern of matches relative to their own matrix 3004a-d, such as an individual Slingo outcome, they may be paid winnings, such as points or credits. In addition, each player whose matrix forms a part of a contiguous winning combination may participate in or receive winnings. For example, relative to the example illustrated in
In one embodiment, each player plays their spins or turns until either the player matches all of the symbols in their matrix 3004a-d (a “full card”) or they have exhausted their turns. In one embodiment, for example, once an individual player's card is fully matched, that player's matrix may be blacked out or taken off of the display and can no longer be used in combination with the other matrices to form winning combinations. In a preferred embodiment, matching cards continue to be displayed so that they may continue to be used to form winning outcomes with other of the matrices. In one embodiment, individual players might be awarded free or additional spins (such as by revealing them from under a matched symbol in their matrix). In this arrangement, the players may end up having different numbers of spins or turns.
In one embodiment, each player is awarded the points or credits which they collect or achieve during the play of the bonus or multi-player event or portion of the game. For example, an individual player might achieve an individual Slingo and be paid 100 credits and then later achieve a Triple Slingo with two other players and be paid 200 credits, for a total award of 300 credits.
In addition, as with the game described earlier, individual players might win other awards, such as by revealing Gold Coins or the like during the play of their individual matrix.
In one embodiment, a bonus award may be paid based upon the outcome or ranking of each player's winning at the end of the bonus event. For example, the player who received the highest aggregate points or credits during the bonus event might be paid a bonus ranking award of 2500 credits, the second ranked player might receive 750 credits, the third ranked player might receive 500 credits, and the lowest or last ranked player might receive 250 credits. Of course, not all players necessarily have to be paid a ranking bonus (for example, only the highest ranked player might receive the bonus). Further, the amounts of the awards might vary.
In one embodiment, the size of the rank bonus or individual outcome awards might depend upon an award multiplier which the player pays for at the beginning of the bonus event. For example, at the beginning of the bonus event, each player might be given the opportunity to place a 1 credit wager up to a maximum credit wager, such as 5 credits. The size of the player's wager may be used as a multiplier or otherwise change the size of awards for winning outcomes. In other embodiments, the size of a multiplier or the like may be determined by the size of the player's wager in the individual game or if the game is being played as a bonus event, the size of the wager in the base game.
In the above example, four players were playing the four gaming devices 3000a-d and thus participated in the bonus event. In one embodiment, the bonus event can be triggered and played by a minimum of one active player. In such an embodiment, the other matrices may be “played” by the computer or gaming device. In such an embodiment, of course, the other gaming devices then do not collect winnings. However, by activating the other matrices and playing them, the single player can participate in outcomes which span multiple matrices.
In other embodiments, the game need not be presented as a bonus event. For example, the game might simply be presented as a base game in similar fashion to that described above.
The game or bonus event might have other formats or variations. For example, instead of four players each playing a single matrix, two players might play a single matrix. In another example, two players might each play more than one matrix. Relative to the variation illustrated in
Also, the plurality of matrices may be arranged in various configurations, thus permitting different arrangements of contiguous matches through multiple player matrices. For example, relative to the configuration illustrated in
As indicated herein, the games of the invention are preferably played with numbers. However, the games could be played with other indicia, such as symbols.
While the player symbols are preferably displayed in matrix format, they could be displayed in other fashions, such as in a pyramid or other grids, etc. As also indicated above, the number of player symbols may vary and do not have to comprise 25 symbols in a 5×5 matrix.
Alternate variations on the game can be made. For example, one can vary the occurrence of the symbols which can be displayed by the display regions 102 and 120, as well as the minimum or maximum bet per card allowed and/or the amount of credits awarded for the various winning combinations.
It will thus be appreciated that the feature of linking or connecting two or more players' individual games for potential winning combinations may have various forms. For example,
As illustrated, Player 1 has received a winning hand comprising a Pair (of Aces) and has been paid an award of 10 credits. Player 2 has received a losing hand.
In addition, however, the cards in each of Player 1 and Player 2's hands are combinable to form a “super” winning hand. In particular, the King, Ace and 3 of Diamonds from Player 1's hand and the 10 and 6 of Diamonds from Player 2's hand may be combined to form a Flush hand (five cards in the suit of Diamonds). In this configuration, the combination of cards from the two players' hands may thus result in a multi-player winning award. This combination of cards might be displayed, for example, on a bonus or additional display 4000c which is located adjacent to the gaming machines 4000a,4000b which Players 1 and 2 are playing.
Yet another example of the invention is illustrated in
The symbols may be evaluated for potential winning combinations, such as against a pay table of winning combinations having associated awards. In one embodiment, for example, three of the same symbol along any pay line may comprise a winning outcome. In this case, none of the players received a winning combination as a result of their individual game play.
In accordance with the invention, the one or more symbols of two or more players might be combined in an attempt to form a multi-player winning combination. For example, as illustrated, each player's set of individual game symbols might be displayed on a bonus display 5000d which is located adjacent to the gaming machines which the players are playing. In this example, each player's set of individual game symbols may be displayed as a row of a multi-row and column matrix. This combination of symbols may be evaluated along one or more pay lines, or otherwise, for potential multi-player winning combinations. For example, sets of three of the same symbols along any pay line may again comprise a winning combination.
In this example, the players' combined symbols are evaluated along three vertical pay lines P1, P2 and P3, and along two diagonal pay lines P4 and P5. In this example, three 7 symbols are aligned along pay lines P2 and P4, thus resulting in two multi-player winning combinations. In one embodiment, each of these winning combinations may yield 100 credits to each of the participating players.
Of course, the figures merely illustrate examples of the invention and the invention is not limited to these configurations.
As is apparent from the examples described above, different numbers of players might participate in the multi-player aspect of the game. For example, aspects of the individual game play of 2, 3 or more players might be combined as part of the multi-player aspect of the game.
In one embodiment, all players who are playing the game may participate in a winning multi-player outcome. In another, preferred embodiment, only those players who contribute to the multi-player win participate in any award. For example, relative to
In addition, the multi-player awards need not be the same for each participating player. For example, relative to the example illustrated in
It will also be appreciated that the pay tables of winning outcomes and awards for individual game play may differ from those for the multi-player portion of the game. For example, relative to
It will be appreciated that the two or more players' individual games may be combined or linked in various manners. For example, relative to
In one embodiment, the individual games of sets of two or more players might be combined for a first level multi-player win and then those outcomes might be merged with one another for higher level multi-player outcomes. For example, four players P1, P2, P3 and P4 might play individual games. The outcomes of individual games played by players P1 and P2 might be combined, as may the outcomes of players P3 and P4, and that first level of combination might be evaluated for a first level multi-player win. Those first level combinations might be further combined and evaluated for a second level multi-player win.
As indicated above, the game of the invention may be presented in various ways, including by various devices. For example, a gaming machine may comprise a desk-top computer, a lap-top computer or even a mobile device such as a hand-held or mobile unit. For example, a game of the invention might be presented via a mobile phone or at a personal computer. In such a configuration, the processor of the computer may execute code which presents game information via a display associated with the computer. A player might provide input via a touch screen, computer mouse or keyboard. A player might place a wager by providing credit card information to provide one or more credits and by then using an input to place a wager of those credits. In another embodiment, some or all of the game information might be generated remotely, such as at a remote game server, and be transmitted over a communication link to the player's computer. In regard, in one embodiment, the game of the invention may be implemented as an “on-line” game. Such a game may be presented as a wager-based game or an amusement game. Such a game may be presented by a player utilizing their computer to access a game server via the Internet. The game server may transmit game code for execution by the user's computer for presenting the game. For example, two or more players might play individual games at a single game station or at two linked gaming machines. The multi-player aspect of the game might be displayed at each gaming machine which the individual players are playing and/or via one or more additional devices such as secondary displays, such as associated video displays. It is also possible for the game of the invention to be played on-line. For example, first and second players might play video poker in a web-environment via their personal computers. Those player's individual game outcomes might be combined for potential multi-player wins. The gaming machines or devices may also be linked to a server, such as in well-known server based gaming configurations.
Of course, as indicated above, the configurations of the gaming machines or devices may vary depending upon the games being presented. For example, players might play individual spinning reel slot games at individual slot gaming machines each having one or more physical spinning reels. If the individual games comprise video poker, the gaming machines might each have one or more electronic video displays configured to display images of cards.
It will be appreciated that depending on the environment or the number of linked gaming machines, the game could involve the potential linking of large numbers of players. Such linking could result in numerous multi-player combinations and thus the potential for large numbers of game wins.
The game of the invention could also be played at a table, such as using physical cards or the like. For example, two players P1 and P2 might be dealt physical cards at a gaming table and the players' individual card hands might be evaluated. In addition, the players might combine their cards to form a super-hand of winning cards. The players might be paid winnings by the house in accordance with a pay table. In another embodiment, teams of players might play against one another, such as playing for a pot where the team which forms the highest winning multi-player hand wins the pot.
In one embodiment, the outcomes of the individual games are combined for potential multi-player winning combinations. However, it is possible for other aspects of the individual games to be combined. For example, relative to a video poker embodiment as illustrated in
The multi-player aspect of the game might also be initiated at various times. For example, in one embodiment only those players who place a wager of a certain size might participate in the multi-player aspect of the game. For example, a player might be required to place a base wager in order to play the individual game and a larger wager to play both the individual game and participate in the multi-player aspect of the game. In such a configuration, only those players who placed the larger wager would participate in the game and thus have a chance at multi-player game winnings.
In one embodiment, the multi-player aspect of the game may be played or presented at the end of each round of individual game play (for example, each player may be required to play an individual game during a time period or before a cut-off time so that the player's individual games remained “synced” relative to the multi-player aspect of the game). In another embodiment, the multi-player aspect of the game might only be presented at certain times, such as during a bonus mode which is randomly triggered, triggered by a certain individual game outcome or triggered by a coin-in value or other criteria. Thus, in some embodiments, players might play individual games without any multi-player aspect of the game being presented.
The games and gaming devices/systems of the invention have numerous advantages. One particular advantage of the invention is a game in which players each play their own individual game, but where the game has a multi-player aspect. The multi-player aspect involves multiple players, thus causing individual players to become involved with one another. This creates a stimulating and engaging environment which involves multiple players. The players may, for example, converse to strategize on how to cooperate to achieve multi-player wins.
Another aspect of the invention is a game where multiple players' individual games are combined or linked as part of a multi-player game. In the prior art, bonus events are known where players may play one game and then enter a bonus mode or event which involves an entirely different game using an entirely different set of symbols or events than those used in the first game. In accordance with the invention, two or more players' individual games are linked or combined as part of the multi-player portion of the game. As a result, each player may play their individual game so as to try and improve the probability of a multi-player win. In addition, because the player's individual game is directly used in the multi-player game, each player can quickly and easily appreciate how their individual game contributes to the multi-player portion of the game.
As disclosed herein, the individual players may play individual games and participate in a multi-player game. The individual player games may comprise base games (i.e. an original or originating game, such as the first portion of a game which is initiated after a wager), or may comprise games which are presented as part of a bonus event. For example, multiple players might play base games and, as a result of a triggering event, enter a bonus mode. During that bonus mode, each player may play their own individual game and have the opportunity to participate in the multi-player portion of the game (in that situation, each player's individual game may be referred to a base game relative to the multi-player portion of the game, though each player's “base” game is really being presented as part of a bonus event off of another game).
In one embodiment, it is possible for two or more players to participate in each individual game (i.e. a first group) and then have the outcome of that game be combined with the outcome of one or more other games in a multi-player aspect of the game. Further, while the game has been described as players playing a base or individual game and then potentially participating in a multi-player portion of the game, one or more players may play one or more first games and then the outcomes of the first games of two or more players may be utilized in a second or multi-player game or aspect of a game.
As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations of the present method and device can be designed and built without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. For example, various embodiments can be fully incorporated into software and played on a computer or similar device.
Accordingly, while the disclosed device and method have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A method for playing a game by at least two players comprising the steps of:
- accepting a wager from each player;
- presenting a individual game to each player, each individual game comprising the steps of: generating and displaying one or more individual game symbols; and determining if said individual game symbols comprise a winning individual game outcome and, if so, awarding to said player an award for said winning individual game outcome; and
- combining one or more symbols from said two or more players' individual games; and
- determining if any of said combined symbols form a winning multi-player outcome and, if so, awarding a multi-player award for said multi-player outcome.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said individual games comprise poker games, said step of generating and displaying one or more individual game symbols comprises displaying a hand of cards, and said step of determining if said individual game symbols comprise a winning individual game outcome comprises determining if said hand of cards comprises a winning combination of cards.
3. The method in accordance with claim 2 further comprising the step of generating and displaying cards comprising a first hands of cards, receiving input from each player as to one or more or all of said cards comprising said first hand of cards to be discarded and replaced, replacing any discarded cards, and evaluating a final hand of cards for winning individual game outcomes.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said individual games comprise slot-type games and said individual game symbols comprise slot symbols.
5. The method in accordance with claim 4 wherein each player's slot symbols are displayed in combination and evaluated along one or more pay lines for potential multi-player winning combinations.
6. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein each player plays a gaming machine and said individual game symbols corresponding to each player are displayed on at least one display of each gaming machine and wherein said combination of one or more symbols are displayed on at least one secondary display.
7. The method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said at least one secondary display comprises at least one video display located above said gaming machines.
8. A gaming system comprising:
- at least a first player playing a first gaming machine and a second player playing a second gaming machine;
- accepting a wager from said player of said first gaming machine;
- accepting a wager from said player of said second gaming machine;
- presenting a individual game to said first player of said first gaming machine, said individual game comprising generating and displaying one or more individual game symbols and evaluating those symbols for potential individual game winning combinations;
- presenting a individual game to said second player of said second gaming machine, said individual game comprising generating and displaying one or more individual game symbols and evaluating those symbols for potential individual game winning combinations; and
- combining one or more of the individual game symbols from said individual games presented at said first and second gaming machines and determining if said combined individual game symbols comprise a multi-player game winning outcome, and displaying the results of said multi-player game.
9. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said results of said multi-player game are displayed upon at least one electronic display associated with said first and second gaming machines.
10. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said individual games comprise slot type games and said first and second gaming machines each comprise at least one spinning reel configured to display slot symbols.
11. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said individual games comprise video poker games and said first and second gaming machines each comprise at least one electronic video display configured to display images of playing cards.
12. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said first and second gaming machines are located adjacent to one another.
13. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein said one or more individual game symbols are combined in the event of a triggering event.
14. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 further comprising awarding a individual game award for a individual game winning outcome.
15. The gaming system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising awarding a multi-player award for a multi-player game winning outcome.
16. The gaming system in accordance with claim 8 wherein each player's gaming machine comprises a personal computer.
17. The gaming system in accordance with claim 16 wherein said player's computers are linked by at least one communication network.
18. The gaming system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said communication network comprises the Internet.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 4, 2011
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2011
Inventor: Sal Falciglia, SR. (Ridgewood, NJ)
Application Number: 13/136,612
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);