Gameplay Method with Connected Image Segments

A method of operating a gaming machine, the gaming machine comprising a display causing to be displayed a plurality of symbol positions arranged in an array of symbol positions having a plurality of rows and columns, and a game controller including a processor and a memory storing a) a set of symbols comprising a plurality of game symbols that further include a plurality of image segments, and wherein a subset of the plurality of image segments forms a contiguous image when displayed in a predetermined arrangement on the array of symbol positions, and b) instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to at least initiate a game, the method comprising:

• generating a random outcome using a random number generator;
• selecting, via the game controller, a plurality of symbols for display based on the random outcome;
• display on the display the plurality of symbols selected on the array of symbol positions;
• determining, via the game controller, if the plurality of symbols selected include the subset of the plurality of image segments that forms the contiguous image;
• and
• displaying on the display an animation of the contiguous image to reveal an award, upon determining that the plurality of symbols selected include the subset of the plurality of image segments that forms the contiguous image, the animation including displaying a winning message formed from the game symbols whose image segments form the contiguous image.

A method of operating a gaming machine, the gaming machine comprising a display causing to be displayed a plurality of symbol positions arranged in an array of symbol positions having a plurality of rows and columns, and a game controller including a processor and a memory storing a) a set of symbols comprising a plurality of game symbols that further include a plurality of image segments, and wherein a subset of the plurality of image segments forms a contiguous image when displayed in a predetermined arrangement on the array of symbol positions, and b) instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor to at least initiate a game, the method comprising:

• displaying on the display a plurality of symbols selected on the array of symbol positions a random outcome using a random number generator;
• determining if the plurality of symbols selected include the subset of the plurality of image segments that forms the contiguous image;
• and
• displaying on the display an animation of the contiguous image to reveal an award, upon determining that the plurality of symbols selected include the subset of the plurality of image segments that forms the contiguous image, the animation including displaying a winning message formed from the game symbols whose image segments form the contiguous image.