Gaming machine displaying special symbol having randomly selected functions

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a special symbol that offers various special functions. The special symbol switches between two or more states, where each state provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved in the array or provides other functions.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method performed by a gaming device comprising: 
 displaying an array of symbols on a display screen, certain combinations of symbols along pay lines providing an award for a player, at least one of the symbols displayed being a special symbol;    changing states of the special symbol, each state being associated with a different function to be performed by the special symbol;    stopping the changing of states of the special symbol to achieve a stopped state; and    performing the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein stopping the changing of states of the special symbol comprises the gaming device randomly selecting one of the states of the special symbol.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein stopping the changing of states of the special symbol comprises the player actuating a control element to stop the changing of states.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol causes at least one other symbol in the array of symbols to change.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol is that of a wild card.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol is to multiply an award to the player.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol is to change symbols in a pay line to match another symbol in the pay line.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol is to change symbols in a pay line to be of a certain symbol.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol is a trigger for an additional feature.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol initiates a bonus game.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol causes an award to be granted to the player.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the function associated with the stopped state of the special symbol allows the special symbol to be moved to one or more other positions in the array.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the gaming device allows the player to move the special symbol to another position in the array.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the gaming device randomly moves the special symbol to another position in the array.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the states of the special symbol provides no additional benefit to the player.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the states of the special symbol comprise only two states.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein changing states of the special symbol comprises changing colors of the special symbol.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein changing states of the special symbol comprising flashing the special symbol between states.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the states of the special symbol comprise one or more of the states including a multiplier state, a wild card state, a scatter state, a higher value symbol state, and a no-benefit state.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1  wherein there are three or more states of the special symbol.  
     
     
         21 . A method performed by a gaming device comprising: 
 displaying an array of symbols on a display screen in an initial game, certain combinations of symbols along pay lines providing an award to a player, at least one of the symbols displayed being a special symbol; and    as a reward for obtaining the special symbol, providing the player the option of whether to take an award granted in the initial game or play again for free but forfeit any award in the initial game.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  further comprising changing the function of the special symbol in any additional game.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the special symbol becomes another symbol randomly selected.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the special symbol becomes a symbol selected by the player.  
     
     
         25 . A method performed by a gaming device comprising: 
 displaying an array of symbols on a display screen in a game, certain combinations of symbols along pay lines providing an award for a player, at least one of the symbols displayed being a special symbol;    changing a position of the special symbol in the array one or more times to provide the player additional opportunities to win; and    performing a function associated with the special symbol.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising allowing the player to attempt to touch the special symbol in the array, using a touch screen, as the special symbol changes position, wherein, if the player touches the special symbol, the special symbol remains in that position and performs the function.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the function changes depending on certain factors.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the factors comprise a random selection of the function of the special symbol by the gaming machine.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the function is dependent upon a changing state of the special symbol at the time that the player touches the special symbol in the array on the touch screen.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 25  further comprising providing the player an election to again allow the special symbol to change positions in an attempt to increase any award to the player.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25  wherein changing a position of the special symbol in the array comprises the gaming device automatically moving the special symbol, the method further comprising randomly stopping the symbol from moving by the gaming device.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 25  wherein changing a position of the special symbol in the array comprises the gaming device allowing the player to move the special symbol to any other position in the array using a control device.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the control device is a touch screen.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 25  wherein the special symbol provides a wild card function.