Patent attributes
A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) reel strip data defining a set of reel strips, each reel of the set of reel strips comprising prize value symbols and non-prize value symbols, wherein at least one reel strip of the set of reel strips comprises a designated symbol and (b) instructions. When the instructions are when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, in each of a series of game instances, control the display to display a plurality of symbol positions including by displaying any prize value symbols held from a prior game instance, select a symbol from the set of reel strips for each symbol position not occupied by a held prize value symbol, control the display to display the newly selected symbols at their respective symbol positions in conjunction with any held prize value symbols, and upon the displayed symbols including the designated symbol, modify display of the designated symbol to be a new prize value symbol representing the sum of currently displayed prize symbols and to be held for at least a next game instance, and remove each other prize value symbol from the display to thereby enable symbols to be selected for the symbol positions at which they were displayed in the next game instance. The instructions cause the processor to award, at the end of the series of game instances, at least the prize values represented by each designated symbol.