EP-4738298-A1 - A METHOD FOR A GAMING SYSTEM

EP4738298A1EP 4738298 A1EP4738298 A1EP 4738298A1EP-4738298-A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method performed by a gaming system. In particular, the disclosure defines a method for operating an online game in which a server generates a game environment represented by a grid populated with symbols. The method includes applying a predefined matching scheme to determine a matching level between symbols within the grid based on adjacent connections between horizontally and vertically aligned symbols. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding gaming system and a computer program product.

Inventors

WIANDT, Péter
JONSSON, MIKAEL

Assignees

Play'n Go Marks Ltd

Dates

Publication Date: 20260506
Application Date: 20251104

Claims (14)

A computer-implemented method for operating an online game on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes a server arranged in communication with an electronic user device via a network connection, wherein the electronic user device comprises a display screen, the method comprising the steps of: generating, using the server, a game environment represented by a grid comprising a predefined number of cells arranged in a set number of columns, each column comprising an individually selected number of cells, each cell configured to accommodate one symbol, populating, using the server, at least a portion of the cells with a plurality of symbols, controlling, using the server, a first portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game environment, determining, using the server and by applying a predefined matching scheme, a matching level between the symbols within the grid and a first predefined criterion, wherein the first predefined criterion defines a cluster of horizontally and vertically matching symbols spanning at least two columns, calculating, using the server, a game outcome based on the matching level, and controlling, using the server, a second portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game outcome by rendering updated graphical elements based on the calculated game outcome.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first predefined criterion excludes diagonal adjacency between symbols.
The method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the individually selected number of cells in each column is between two and seven.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grid comprises more than two columns and the first predefined criterion defines a cluster spanning at least three columns.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of: removing the symbols forming the cluster after a win, thereby forming empty cells, and repopulating the grid with a new set of symbols.
The method according to claim 5, wherein the repopulation of the grid comprises cascading remaining or new symbols into empty cells.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each cell includes at least one side, and wherein the first predefined criterion defining a cluster requires at least two adjacent cells having at least a portion of a side in contact with each other.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of symbols includes a predefined set of distinct categories, each category associated with a different game function, prize value, or triggering event.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assignment of symbols to the grid is at least partly randomized for each spin in a series of games.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: triggering a bonus event when a cluster exceeds a predefined size threshold.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined matching scheme includes determining a proximity of matching elements within the grid, and the matching level is influenced by the spatial arrangement of the horizontally and vertically matching symbols.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the game is a slot game.
A gaming system arranged to operate an online game, the gaming system comprising a server arranged in communication with an electronic user device via a network connection, the electronic user device comprising a display screen, wherein the server is arranged to: generate a game environment represented by a grid comprising a predefined number of cells arranged in a set number of columns, each column comprising an individually selected number of cells, each cell configured to accommodate one symbol, populate at least a portion of the cells with a plurality of symbols, control a first portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game environment, determine, by applying a predefined matching scheme, a matching level between the symbols within the grid and a first predefined criterion, wherein the first predefined criterion defines a cluster of horizontally and vertically matching symbols spanning at least two columns, calculate a game outcome based on the matching level, and control a second portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game outcome by rendering updated graphical elements based on the calculated game outcome.
A computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer program means for operating a gaming system, the gaming system comprising a server arranged in communication with an electronic user device via a network connection, the electronic user device comprising a display screen, wherein the computer program product, when executed by the server, performs the steps of: generating, using the server, a game environment represented by a grid comprising a predefined number of cells arranged in a set number of columns, each column comprising an individually selected number of cells, each cell configured to accommodate one symbol, populating, using the server, at least a portion of the cells with a plurality of symbols, controlling, using the server, a first portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game environment, determining, using the server and by applying a predefined matching scheme, a matching level between the symbols within the grid and a first predefined criterion, wherein the first predefined criterion defines a cluster of horizontally and vertically matching symbols spanning at least two columns, calculating, using the server, a game outcome based on the matching level, and controlling, using the server, a second portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game outcome by rendering updated graphical elements based on the calculated game outcome.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method performed by a gaming system. In particular, the disclosure defines a method for operating an online game in which a server generates a game environment represented by a grid populated with symbols. The method includes applying a predefined matching scheme to determine a matching level between symbols within the grid based on adjacent connections between horizontally and vertically aligned symbols. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding gaming system and a computer program product. BACKGROUND Games of chance, particularly in the form of online gaming, have become a widely recognized form of entertainment. The sustained success of the gaming industry is heavily reliant on its ability to innovate, introducing novel games and gaming concepts that captivate the gaming audience. Such an innovative drive is notably evidenced by the industry's adaptation to the digital era, with the Internet and online gaming platforms spearheading a new era of game accessibility and diversity. In the online gaming realm, there is a continual pursuit to engage both new and existing players through inventive means, ensuring that they are drawn to, and retained by, the gaming operator's site. One such method involves the introduction of unexpected game scenarios, which hold the potential to both intrigue and motivate players. The attraction of these scenarios lies in their ability to emerge unexpectedly, thereby heightening the gaming experience with the prospect of novel and unforeseen outcomes. Introducing these elements of surprise within the game can further have the beneficial side effect of increasing the player's potential payout. Such scenarios can augment the value of a player's bet, providing an additional layer of excitement. However, this potential for increased payouts must be carefully regulated by the gaming operator to ensure that the payouts remain within manageable limits. There exists, therefore, a continuous need to balance the game's appeal, via the potential for enhanced payouts, with the imperative for the operator to maintain comprehensive control over the game's operational parameters. SUMMARY According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the above is at least partly met by a computer-implemented method for operating an online game on a gaming system, wherein the gaming system includes a server arranged in communication with an electronic user device via a network connection, wherein the electronic user device comprises a display screen, the method comprising the steps of generating, using the server, a game environment represented by a grid comprising a predefined number of cells arranged in a set number of columns, each column comprising an individually selected number of cells, each cell configured to accommodate one symbol, populating, using the server, at least a portion of the cells with a plurality of symbols, controlling, using the server, a first portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game environment, determining, using the server and by applying a predefined matching scheme, a matching level between the symbols within the grid and a first predefined criterion, wherein the first predefined criterion defines a cluster of horizontally and vertically matching symbols spanning at least two columns, calculating, using the server, a game outcome based on the matching level, and controlling, using the server, a second portion of the display of the electronic user device to reflect the game outcome by rendering updated graphical elements based on the calculated game outcome. In accordance with the present disclosure, the gaming interaction primarily involves a digital representation of a grid displayed on the electronic user device, structured as a network of multiple cells. Each cell is filled with an element associated with specific features and characteristics relevant to the game. For example, in the context of a slot game (possibly virtual), these elements may represent various symbols or images that interact with other symbols on the grid to determine the game's outcome. Furthermore, in line with the present disclosure, the operational scheme addresses the limitations of conventional gaming systems by introducing a dynamic and interactive grid structure. Such a dynamic interaction allows for more strategic depth, enhancing player engagement by ensuring that each game round offers a unique experience. As defined above, the role of the server is central to this enhanced solution. The server not only manages the generation and population of the grid but also executes the matching algorithms needed to evaluate the relationships between the elements and symbols. Server-side processing is in the present disclosure a key feature for determining the game outcome, which is then communicated to the electronic user device in real-time. By dynamically adjusting values and outcomes base