System and method for providing a feature game

A gaming machine includes a game controller that initiates play of a base game in response to a first input received via a player interface. The game controller spins base game virtual reels to select and display a first symbols at display positions on a display device. The game controller, in response determining that a quantity of configurable symbols in the first symbols has a predetermined relationship to a predetermined quantity, triggers display of a feature game. The game controller further sets a quantity of remaining games for the feature game to an initial quantity. For each remaining game of the feature game, the game controller spins one or more feature game virtual reels to select and display symbols for one or more of the display positions with non-configurable symbols while holding configurable symbols at their respective display positions.