SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLAYING AN ELECTRONIC GAME INCLUDING MERGE AND UNMERGE OPERATIONS

An electronic gaming system includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored on the memory which cause the processor to cause display of an initial game instance outcome including a plurality of symbols from a plurality of reel strips displayed in a matrix of symbol display positions. The instructions further cause the processor to identify a first combination and a second combination of adjacent symbol display positions in the matrix. The first combination is associated with a first game award and the second combination is associated with a second game award. The instructions further cause the processor to cause display of a merging of one of: i) the first combination of symbol display positions where the first game award is greater than the second game award or ii) the second combination of symbol display positions where the second game award is greater than the first game award.