Gaming, System, Method and Device Including a Symbol Changing or Augmenting Feature

Abstract

Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome. Different sets of modifiers may be accessed randomly or under different conditions and event

1 . An gaming device of the type having a display to display game symbols of N game reels and apparatus for the player to make a wager and initiate play, the device comprising:
 a data structure storing for at least one reel data corresponding to a plurality of sets of modifiers;   a game controller configured to randomly select and display at said display at least one game symbol for each reel to define one or more winning or losing outcomes and to randomly select from one of said one or more sets one or more modifiers to apply to at least one reel, the selection of at least one modifier altering said outcome.   
     
     
         2 . The gaming device of  claim 1  comprising a data structure storing data corresponding to a plurality of modifier sets, said controller configured to (1) select a modifier set based upon predetermined criteria and (2) randomly select one or more modifiers to apply to at least one reel from said selected modifier set. 
     
     
         3 . The gaming device of  claim 2  comprising said game including a feature providing a set of X free games, said controller configured to detect a predetermined free game triggering condition, to select a modifier set to apply to one or more free spins and for each free spin to randomly select a modifier to apply to said at least one reel. 
     
     
         4 . The gaming device of  claim 1  comprising said data structure storing a data corresponding to plurality of modifier sets for each reel. 
     
     
         5 . The gaming device of  claim 1  comprising said data structure storing data corresponding to a plurality of modifier sets, at least one set including one or more of (i) a modifier to confer a wild attribute, (ii) a modifier which is a multiplier, (iii) a modifier which alters one or more base game symbols or their position, (iv) a modifier which triggers a predetermined feature for the game or (v) a modifier which triggers an award. 
     
     
         6 . The gaming device of  claim 1  comprising at least one of said reels N X  including a number S X  of stops, said data structure including data corresponding to a modifier symbol set for said at least one reel having a number of symbols corresponding to said number S X  of stops. 
     
     
         7 . The gaming device of  claim 1  comprising at least one of said reels N X  including a number S X  of stops, said data structure including data corresponding to a modifier symbol set for said at least one reel having a number of symbols greater than or less than said number S X  of stops. 
     
     
         8 . A method for operating a gaming device of the type having a display to display for a game symbols of N game reels comprising:
 accepting a wager and initiating play of a game;   storing in a data structure data corresponding to a plurality of modifier sets;   selecting and displaying at said display game symbols for each reel to define one or more winning or losing game outcomes and selecting from one of said one or more modifier sets one or more modifiers to apply to at least one reel, the selection of at least one modifier altering said outcome.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  comprising storing in a data structure data corresponding to a plurality of modifier sets, selecting a modifier set based upon predetermined criteria and selecting one or more modifiers to apply to at least one reel. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  comprising operating said game to a feature providing a set of X free games, detecting a predetermined free game triggering condition, selecting a modifier set to apply to one or more free spins and selecting a modifier to apply to said at least one reel. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8  comprising storing in a data structure a data corresponding to plurality of modifier sets for each reel. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  comprising storing in a data structure data corresponding to a plurality of modifier sets, at least one set including one or more of (i) a modifier which confers a wild function, (ii) a modifier which is a multiplier, (iii) a modifier which changes one or more base game symbols, (iv) a modifier triggers a predetermined feature for the game or (v) a modifier which triggers an award. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8  where at least one of said reels N X  including a number S X  of stops, said method comprising storing in a data structure data corresponding to a modifier symbol set for said at least one reel having a number of symbols corresponding to said number S x  of stops. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8  where at least one of said reels N X  including a number S X  of stops, said method comprising storing in a data structure data corresponding to a modifier symbol set for said at least one reel having a number of symbols greater than or less than said number S X  of stops. 
     
     
         15 . A system for modifying outcomes on gaming devices connected to a network where each gaming device is configured to select and display game symbols to define a winning or losing outcome, said system comprising:
 a host processor;   a data structure storing data corresponding to trigger criteria;   a communication network providing communication between gaming machines and the host processor;   one or more data structures storing data corresponding to a plurality of sets of modifier data;   said host processor configured to determine satisfaction with said trigger criteria and to issue a signal in response to one or more gaming devices; and   in response to said signal, one or more of said gaming devices and host processor configured to select from at least one of said one or more data structures storing data corresponding to a plurality of sets of modifier data, a modifier to apply to said outcome.