US Patent 8465358 Video slot gaming machine

A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a slot game to a player. The slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The game is played and an initial outcome is established and any payouts based on a winning outcome are paid. If a catalyst symbol appears in the initial outcome, any reactant symbols which appear in the outcome in a predetermined relationship with the catalyst symbol may be changed into a resultant symbol which is treated as wild. The resultant symbols and the other symbols form a secondary outcome. The player may be awarded an award or payout based on the secondary outcome.