Systems and methods for playing an electronic game including merge and unmerge operations

An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to at least display a plurality of reel strips located within a matrix of symbol display positions, and present a first oversized symbol associated with a first game award in the matrix, where the first oversized symbol occupies at least a first symbol display position and a second symbol display position. The processor is also configured to present a third symbol in a third symbol display position adjacent at least one of the first symbol display position or the second symbol display position, and divide the first oversized symbol display position to display separate symbols in at least the first symbol display position and the second display position. In addition, the processor is configured to merge the third symbol display position with at least one of the first symbol display position or the second symbol display position to display a second oversized symbol in the matrix of symbol display positions, where the second oversized symbol is associated with a second game award that is greater than the first game award.