Method of game play including timed bonus event

Abstract

A method of game play includes a base game and a bonus event. The outcome of the base game is determined and, if it is a bonus event initiating outcome, the bonus event is initiated. A bonus event time period is determined. As many bonus games as possible are presented or played during the bonus event time period. At the end of the time period, the bonus event is terminated. In one embodiment, a player is awarded credits for bonus game wins, with total win values aggregated during the bonus event period. A timer displays remaining bonus event time.

1 . A method of presenting a game at a gaming machine comprising the steps of: 
 presenting a base game having a plurality of possible outcomes, at least one of which is a bonus event initiating outcome;    determining the outcome of said base game, and if said outcome is said bonus event initiating outcome, initiating a bonus event comprising the steps of:    defining a bonus event time period;    starting the bonus event period;    (A) presenting a bonus game;    (B) determining the outcome of said bonus game; and    (C) repeating steps (A) and (B) until the period of time has expired; and    terminating said bonus event.    
   
   
       2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  including the step of displaying a time remaining in said time period of said bonus event.  
   
   
       3 . The method in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said step of displaying comprises displaying a remaining time with a timer.  
   
   
       4 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said bonus game comprises a slot game in which multiple symbols are displayed and predetermined combinations of symbols are defined as winning symbol sets.  
   
   
       5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  including the step of awarding credits for winning outcomes of said bonus game.  
   
   
       6 . The method in accordance with  claim 5  including the step of aggregating credits for winning outcomes of said bonus game during said bonus event.  
   
   
       7 . The method in accordance with  claim 6  including the step of awarding said aggregated credits for the play of said bonus event.  
   
   
       8 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said bonus game is initiated by a player input.