US Patent 11270552 Symbol frame mechanics for random based game outcomes

A symbol frame mechanic for a gaming device is described. The symbol frame mechanic generates a random based game outcome in a first game instance that includes a special symbol and determines that the special symbol lands within a symbol window position with a preexisting symbol frame. The symbol frame mechanic generates an upgraded symbol frame at the symbol window position. The symbol frame mechanic resets a count indicative of a number of remaining spins left before the preexisting symbol frame expires to a designated number of remaining spins. The symbol frame mechanic generates a random based game outcome in a second game instance that includes a credit symbol. The symbol frame mechanic determines that the credit symbol lands within the symbol window position with the upgraded symbol frame and triggers a payout for the credit symbol that lands in the upgraded symbol frame.