Gaming Machine and Method Including a Multi-Step Ladder feature

Abstract

Wagering games, gaming machines, gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a multi-step ladder feature. One disclosed aspect provides that an indicator be positioned on a ladder or scale when like indicia are displayed by the game. Another disclosed aspect provides that an award be paid based on the position of the indicator at the end of the game.

1 . A gaming machine comprising:
 a processor operatively coupled to a set of player-operable controls;   a first game and a second game operable by the processor in accordance with the player-operable controls, each game having a set of possible outcomes, the second game initiated upon a triggering event associated with the first game;   a scale with an indicator movable on the scale according to one or more second game outcomes determined from the set of possible second game outcomes; and   a payout mechanism for paying an award based on the position of the indicator on the scale at the conclusion of the second game.   
   
   
       2 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  further comprising a wager input mechanism operatively coupled to the processor, wherein play of the second game is restricted by an amount of a wager placed by way of the wager input mechanism. 
   
   
       3 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  further comprising a wager input mechanism operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the award paid by the payout mechanism is scaled according to the amount of a wager placed by way of the wager input mechanism. 
   
   
       4 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  further comprising a wide-screen video display operatively coupled to the processor. 
   
   
       5 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the scale is a video representation of a scale. 
   
   
       6 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the scale comprises lights. 
   
   
       7 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the indicator comprises a moving pointer. 
   
   
       8 . A method of operating a gaming machine including a first game and a second game played by a player, the method including the steps of:
 accepting a wager from a wager-input mechanism;   initiating play of the first game according to the wager;   upon a triggering event, initiating play of a second game;   determining one or more second game outcomes;   displaying indicia corresponding to each second game outcome;   positioning an indicator on a scale as a result of matching like displayed indicia; and   paying an award based on the position of the indicator on the scale when a predetermined condition has been met.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the triggering event comprises a predefined one of a set of possible first game outcomes. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising the step of restricting play of the second game based on the amount of the wager.