Gaming system and method with a persistent element feature

Abstract

There are provided a gaming machine and method that utilize game-logic circuitry and a presentation assembly configured to present a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, an array, and a plurality of persistent elements. The plurality of reels are spun and stopped to land symbols from the reels in the array. In response to the landed symbols including at least one accumulation condition, an animation portraying an increase in size or value of at least one of the plurality of persistent elements is presented. A random determination is made whether or not to award one or more of three game features associated with the persistent elements, the game features affecting either a determined outcome of the game, affecting the next purchased spin of the game, or initiating free spins of the game.