JP2010252863A - Game system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a game including a virtual player controlled by a computer without being recognized by general players. <P>SOLUTION: A relay server 10 (10-1 to 10-n) receives a requirement of entry into a game which is sent from a game device 16, and determines whether the number of players required to perform the game is completed or not. When the number of players required to perform the game is not completed, the relay server 10 sends a requirement of entry of the virtual player controlled by the computer to a client device 24. The client device 24 sends a requirement of entry of a client player (virtual player) into the game responding to the requirement of entry of the virtual player, to the relay server 10. When the game in the relay server 10 is started, the virtual player is controlled and game data is output to the relay server 10. The relay server 10 performs the game based on data inputted from the game device 16 and data inputted by control of the client device 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and a program for executing a game in which a plurality of players participate.

  In recent years, game systems that execute games in which a plurality of players participate (multiplayer games) have become widespread. For example, in a car racing game, cars corresponding to a plurality of players are displayed on the game screen (on the course), and the game is executed by controlling the running operation according to the operation of the steering wheel, accelerator, etc. of each player. .

  In a multiplayer game, a game entry is made to a player who intends to participate in the game, and the game is started when a necessary number of players are prepared. Even if the required number of people is not available, the game can be executed by causing a car whose operation is simulated by computer control to participate in the game.

  For example, in the multiplayer device described in Patent Document 1, when a player who has participated in a multiplayer game stops a game match or is absent, a simulation of the absent player is started and the game is started. Can continue. In order to improve the performance of the simulation, the multiplayer device can monitor a single player's action pattern through a plurality of games or through a plurality of different games to determine a representative action pattern and a solution method.

JP-T-2006-509548

  In the conventional electronic multiplayer game described in Patent Document 1, when the player is absent, the absent player can be simulated to continue the game. However, it is intended to simulate a player that actually exists, and does not replace a player that does not exist.

  Conventionally, there is a game in which a computer controls a character (for example, a car in a car race) on a game screen instead of a player. However, since it is a computer character prepared for the game, time has passed. However, the same behavior is performed in each game. Therefore, other players can easily recognize that the opponent is not a human but a computer, and the game will not be heated.

  Also, particularly when a multiplayer game is executed by a game machine installed in a game center or the like, if another user recognizes that a computer character controlled by a computer is participating in the game, the popularity of the game itself is increased. It gives the impression that there is no, and invites a decrease in the willingness to participate in the game.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and the object thereof is a game system capable of executing a game including a virtual player controlled by a computer without being conscious of general players, To provide a program.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a participation request receiving means for receiving a game entry request transmitted from a plurality of game machines in a game system for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate. According to the entry request received by the entry request receiving means, it is determined that there is a player that is necessary for the game execution and a player that is required for the game execution is determined by the determination means. A participation request transmitting means for transmitting a virtual player participation request controlled by a computer, and an entry request to the game by the virtual player in response to the participation request transmitted by the game participation request transmitting means. Transmitted by the game entry request transmitting means and the game entry request transmitting means. Based on player control means for controlling the virtual player in response to an entry request and outputting game data, data input from the game machine and data input by control of the player control means, Game control processing means for executing a game in which the player and the virtual player participate is provided.

  According to the present invention, a game including a virtual player controlled by a computer can be executed without being conscious of general players.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the game system in this embodiment. The figure which shows the data structural example of the database 20 managed in the management server 18. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the player management data for managing a client player recorded in the client apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the client player control parameter in the player management data shown in FIG. The flowchart explaining the game control process performed in the relay server 10. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining client player control processing executed in the client device 24. The figure which shows the condition of the game entry in the relay server 10. FIG. The figure which shows the condition of another game entry in the relay server 10. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the game screen displayed in the game machine 16. FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen showing the game result displayed after completion | finish of a game.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game system in the present embodiment. The game system shown in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting a server (relay server 10 and management server 18) and a client device 24 via a network 12, and provides an online game for a player who uses the game machine 16. Provide service.

  A plurality of relay servers 10 (10-1, 10-2,..., 10-n) are respectively connected to a plurality of game centers 14 (14-1, 14-2,..., 14-m) provided in various places. Are connected to a plurality of game machines 16 installed in the network 12. The plurality of relay servers 10 provide an online game service in cooperation with each other, receive entry requests to the game from the plurality of game machines 16, and match the number of players necessary for the multi-play game to play the game. Execute. The plurality of relay servers 10 can receive game entry requests from the plurality of game machines 16 in cooperation with each other, and can independently execute the game. In the game system according to the present embodiment, for example, a car racing game in which a battle is performed by a plurality of players will be described.

  The relay server 10 is implemented with a computer having a communication function. In addition to a basic program (OS), a game control program for executing a game control process, which will be described later, is executed by a processor. Implement various functions to provide services. The relay server 10 controls the game while recording various data related to the program and the game being executed in the memory.

  The relay server 10 receives the entry request to the game by the player transmitted from the plurality of game machines 16 by executing the game control program, and the received entry request is necessary for executing the game. It is determined whether or not players are available. In the present embodiment, for example, it is determined whether or not the number of players necessary for executing the game is available within a predetermined time after an entry request is made by the first player. The relay server 10 is controlled by the client device 24 when it is determined that there are not enough players necessary to execute the game, or when it is determined that there are not enough players necessary to execute the game. A function of transmitting a participation request of a client player (virtual player) to the client device 24 is realized. For example, the relay server 10 transmits, to the client device 24, a virtual player participation request for the number of players that are lacking.

  Further, in the game system according to the present embodiment, messages can be exchanged between players during the execution of the game. The relay server 10 is provided with a message exchange function for transmitting and receiving (exchange) message data between game machines 16 of players participating in the game, and a message received from any game machine 16 participating in the game. Data can be transmitted to other game machines 16 participating in the game. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that chat for transmitting and receiving text data is performed as message exchange. When a client player controlled by the client device 24 is participating in the game, message data is also exchanged between the game machine 16 and the client device 24.

  When the game is started, the relay server 10 is based on data (operation data and the like) input from the game machines 16 participating in the game and data input by the client device 24 by control of the client player. A game in which a player operating the game machine 16 and a client player controlled by the client device 24 participate is executed.

  The game machine 16 is configured for business use installed in the game center 14, and is mounted with a computer having a communication function. In addition to the basic program (OS), the game machine 16 competes with a player who operates another game machine 16 or a client player (details will be described later) controlled by the client device 24 through the relay server 10. An online game service provided by the relay server 10 can be used by executing a game program for performing the game by the processor.

  The game machine 16 in the present embodiment is provided with various input devices for car racing (handle, brake / accelerator / clutch pedal, lever, button, etc.). The game machine 16 transmits operation data for various input devices of the player to the relay server 10 when participating in the game.

  The management server 18 records and manages data related to games executed in the plurality of relay servers 10 in the database 20. Data managed in the database 20 will be described later (see FIG. 2). The management server 18 establishes a site for game users on the Internet 26. For example, in response to an instruction input through a device such as a personal computer (PC) 28 or a mobile phone, the individual management user 18 records individual users. You can view, add, and change data. The management server 18 can also provide other services.

  The client device 24 executes processing for providing a client player (virtual player) that replaces the player of the game machine 16 to the game executed on the relay server 10. And connected to the management server 18. The client device 24 is implemented with a computer having a communication function. In addition to a basic program (OS), a client player control program for executing a client player control process described later is executed by a processor. A function for providing a client player is realized. The client player control program is changed to change or add a thinking pattern indicating what operation is performed in accordance with the level of the client player and control data, and participate in the game at the relay server 10. The control content for the client player can be adjusted.

  In response to the participation request transmitted from the relay server 10, the client device 24 transmits an entry request to the game by the client player. When a game is started in the relay server 10 by this entry request, the client player in response to the entry request is controlled to be the same as the game data, that is, the operation data transmitted from the game machine 16 to the relay server 10. Output data. The client device 24 records individually set control data (player management data (client player control parameters), see FIGS. 3 and 4) for controlling the client player, and based on this control data By controlling the client player, the client player has individuality, and other players are recognized as if a general player is participating in the game through the game machine 16. The client device 24 updates the control data in accordance with the result of the game process executed in the relay server 10, and when the client player subsequently participates in the game, the client device 24 is updated based on the updated control data. Control and output game data. As a result, it is possible to indicate that the game player 16 changes according to participation in the game, like a general player using the game machine 16.

  The client device 24 can control a plurality of client players. The client device 24 records control data corresponding to each of a plurality of client players, and can control the corresponding client player according to each control data. The client device 24 allows a plurality of client players to participate in a game executed on one relay server 10 or allows a client player to participate in a plurality of games executed on the plurality of relay servers 10. Can do.

Next, a data configuration example of the database 20 managed by the management server 18 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the database 20, various types of user data related to each user are managed in association with user identification data (user ID) for identifying the user. The user data includes the name of the player used in the game (nickname), the setting data including the car selection content (manufacturer, vehicle type, gear type, etc.) used in the car racing game, and the results of games played in the past (Ranking and time) and results (history) data including classes determined according to game results, time series operation data for accelerator / brake / clutch pedals, handles, levers, etc. by the user during game processing, etc. Can be included.

  The management server 18 manages not only user data of general players using the game machine 16 but also user data related to client players participating in the game under the control of the client device 24 in the database 20. To do.

FIG. 3 shows an example of player management data recorded in the client device 24 for managing the client player.
The client device 24 provides a client player that replaces a general player when there are not enough entries from the player through the game machine 16 for games executed in the plurality of relay servers 10. The client device 24 can provide a plurality of client players A, B, C,... And manage each client player A, B, C,.

  In the player management data, client control parameters for controlling the client player during the game and user data recorded in the database 20 of the management server 18 corresponding to each of the client players A, B, C,. Some (for example, class and name) are set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the client player control parameter in the player management data shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the client player control parameters include, for example, data such as setting data, running parameters, chat management parameters, battle history data (not shown), and the like.

  The setting data includes various data indicating the setting contents of the car used in the racing game, such as a manufacturer, a vehicle type, a gear type, coloring, aero parts, and the like.

  The driving parameter is for controlling the movement of the car during the game, and is data representing the individuality of the client player. For example, in the data related to line drawing, a basic travel line on the course is set, and corners that are good at or not good are created so that features can be displayed during travel. In addition, various setting objects are included such as points on the course to be played, braking points, and how to block when overtaking.

  The chat management parameter is data relating to a message (here, text data) transmitted to another game machine 16 by the message exchange function (chat function) of the relay server 10. Here, data indicating sentences (text data) used for chatting, the frequency and timing of issuing chats (messages) (for example, before the game starts, after finishing, and the like) are prepared. For example, in order to greet other players before the game starts, a message with a tone and content that matches the personality set in the client player is prepared.

  In the chat management parameters, message data corresponding to various scenes in the game as well as before the game is started is prepared, and corresponding message data is selected and used for messages received from other players. Shall.

  In this embodiment, the chat is performed between the players. However, message data may be exchanged for other message data such as voice and video. In this case, data related to message data such as voice and video is set in the chat management parameter.

Next, the operation of the game system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the game control process executed in the relay server 10, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the client player control process executed in the client device 24.

  In the game center 14, by using the game machine 16, it is possible to participate in a multiplayer game including players of other game centers 14. When the player uses the game machine 16, for example, the user identification data recorded in a key (for example, a card type or a key type) issued in advance for using the game machine 16 in the game center 14 is stored in the game machine 16. To load. When it is determined from the user identification data that the game machine 16 is a registered player, the game machine 16 can read the data recorded in the key and use the past setting data.

  When the player is instructed to participate in the car racing game, the game machine 16 transmits an entry request for the player indicated by the user recognition data to the relay server 10. When there is a game entry request (step A1, Yes), the relay server 10 enters the player into the game and displays an entry screen on the game machine 16 that is the entry request source. For example, a car image, a user name (nickname), a class, and the like registered in advance are displayed on the entry screen as data about the entered player. The data displayed on the entry screen may be the one recorded together with the user identification data, or the management server 18 is inquired based on the user identification data, and the setting data read from the database 20 is obtained. May be used.

  The relay server 10 starts measuring time after an entry request is made by the first player. During this time, if there is an entry request from another game machine 16, the player is entered into the game and added to the entry screen of the already-entered game machine 16 in the same manner as described above (steps A1 to A4). . When a player is entered into a game, for example, players of the same class are matched with the same game based on the class (level) set by the user. Thereby, it is possible to expect a heated game by playing games between players having the same level of technology, and to give satisfaction to the players. Further, the players may be arranged indefinitely, or the players corresponding to a predetermined condition other than the class may be arranged.

  The relay server 10 starts a game with a plurality of entered players (step A8) when the number of players necessary for the game is prepared within a predetermined time (step A3, Yes).

  On the other hand, if a predetermined time elapses before the number of players necessary for the game has gathered (step A4, Yes), the relay server 10 transmits a player participation request to the client device 24 ( Step A5). This player participation request includes, for example, data indicating the class and number of players necessary for the game.

  When the client device 24 receives a player participation request from the game machine 16, the client device 24 selects an appropriate client player from a plurality of client players managed in the player management data. For example, a client player that can refer to the player management data (client player control parameters) based on the class of other players in the entry, the past battle history, the current situation, etc., and can make an opponent with an appropriate difficulty level Select.

  The client device 24 transmits a game entry request similar to that of the game machine 16 to the relay server 10 that has requested the participation of the player (step B3).

  FIG. 7 shows the game entry status in the relay server 10. In the example shown in FIG. 7, there are four players required for the game, but there are only three entries from the game machine 16 by general players. In this case, the relay server 10 requests the client device 24 to participate for one player.

  In response to this, the client device 24 selects, for example, the client player A corresponding to the already-entered player class, and makes an entry request to the relay server 10.

  FIG. 8 shows the situation of another game entry in the relay server 10. In the example shown in FIG. 8, there are four players required for the game, but there are only two entries from the game machine 16 by a general player. In this case, the relay server 10 requests the client device 24 to join two players.

  On the other hand, similarly, the client device 24 selects two client players A and B corresponding to the already-entered player class, and makes an entry request to the relay server 10.

  Therefore, even if the number of players necessary for the game is not entered, the client device 24 can select the appropriate level of the client player to substitute for the player and request entry, thereby allowing the game. The state can be changed.

  In FIG. 8, the client device 24 shows a situation in which a plurality of client players are provided for a game executed on one relay server 10. It is also possible to provide different client players.

  When the relay server 10 receives the game entry request of the client player from the client device 24 (step A6), the relay server 10 enters the client player and adds it to the entry screen of the already-entered game machine 16 (step A7). On the entry screen, by handling the entry by the client player exactly the same as the entry of a general player, other players are not recognized as being a player controlled by the client device 24.

  The relay server 10 starts a game by the entered player and client player. The relay server 10 receives operation data corresponding to the operation of the player with respect to each input device (handle, etc.) from each game machine 16 by game processing, and controls the running of the car in the game space according to this operation data. To advance the game.

  On the other hand, the client device 24 controls the operation during the game for each client player entered in the game according to the corresponding client control parameter, and sends operation data similar to that of the game machine 16 to the relay server 10. Since the client player control parameter to be transmitted (step B7) is set corresponding to each client player, even if the operation is controlled by the same control program (algorithm), the operation in the game space (on the course) Have different personalities for each client parameter. Therefore, the player who operates the game machine 16 cannot recognize that it is controlled by the client device 24 (computer).

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a game screen displayed on the game machine 16.
In FIG. 9, the car with the name “ZEED” is operated by the player of the game machine 16. In this game screen, a car with the name “KOBA” whose operation is controlled by the client device 24 is displayed. The operation of this vehicle is controlled based on the client control parameter (running parameter) of the client player A, and the vehicle operates in the same manner as the vehicle controlled by the other player so as to respond to the movement of the other vehicle. To do. The player who operates the “ZEED” car does not perform computer control of the “KOBA” car, but the game is executed as if another player is operating on the game machine 16, so the player is motivated to compete. In the game system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to chat between players participating in the game, that is, to exchange messages using text data.

  When the relay server 10 receives chat data (text) from the game machine 16 or the client device 24 (step A9), the relay server 10 transmits the chat data to another game machine 16 or the client device 24 (step A10). When it is time to transmit chat data according to the chat management parameter (step B8, Yes), the client device 24 sends chat data prepared in advance for transmission at this timing to the relay server 10. (Step B9).

  When the relay server 10 receives chat data from the client device 24 (step A9, Yes), the relay server 10 transmits the chat data to another game machine 16 (step A10).

  Further, when the chat server receives chat data from the game machine 16, the relay server 10 transmits the chat data not only to the game machine 16 but also to the client device 24.

  When the client device 24 receives chat data from the relay server 10 (step B5, Yes), it sends chat data to the relay server 10 in response to the message according to the received timing and the content of the chat data. To do. Since the response chat data is transmitted to the game machine 16 as described above, the player of the game machine 16 can recognize that the client player is a general player.

  In addition, when there is no restriction | limiting in the chat data (message) transmitted from the game machine 16, the client apparatus 24 may not be able to respond appropriately. For this reason, in the game machine 16, for example, a plurality of messages that can be transmitted for each scene (before the game is started) are prepared in advance, and a message to be transmitted can be arbitrarily selected from the plurality of messages. The client device 24 prepares a plurality of messages that are appropriate responses to messages prepared in advance in the game machine 16, and selects and responds to a message corresponding to the individuality indicated by the client control parameter.

  As described above, the client device 24 executes processing corresponding to the client player until the game by the relay server 10 ends (step B10).

  When the game ends, the relay server 10 displays the game results for each player including the client player on the game machine 16, and transmits the game processing results for the client player and the general player to the management server 18 (step A12). ).

  The management server 18 updates the data for each player recorded in the database 20 in accordance with the game processing result received from the relay server 10. For example, processing such as raising the class is performed depending on game results. Since the management server 18 handles the client player in the same way as a general player, the client player actually exists by controlling the client player by taking over the data managed by the management server 18 in the subsequent game. Can be recognized in the same manner as the player who performs.

  For example, if a client player with the same name participates in another game, while running with the same personality, if the class is up, it will be controlled to run better than before, so it actually exists You can feel like a player.

FIG. 10 is an example of a screen showing a game result displayed after the game is over.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the game result screen, player names are listed according to the race order. Here, “KOBA” corresponding to the client player is displayed in the same manner as other general players.

  As described above, in the game system according to the present embodiment, a client player is provided by the client device 24 even when the number of players necessary for executing the game is not available in a game executed by a plurality of players participating. Can do. By controlling based on the client control parameters, the client player is controlled to have individuality in the same way as a general player, so that it is possible to enjoy the game without thinking that other players are playing against the computer. I can do it. In addition, since the game machine 16 and the client device 24 can chat through the message exchange function provided in the relay server 10, it is possible to make the client player appear more like an actual player. .

  Further, by providing the client device 24, it is possible to always establish a game, so that it can be prevented from being viewed as an unpopular game with few entries. Furthermore, since the client device 24 can provide an appropriate client player according to other players who have entered the game, it can give the player a sense of satisfaction.

  In the above description, the client device 24 provided independently of the relay server 10 and the management server 18 controls the client player participating in the multiplayer game. However, in the relay server 10 or the management server 18, The client player may participate in the game by executing the same processing (client player control processing) as the client device 24 described above. Further, in any of the game machines 16, the same processing as that of the client device 24 may be executed. In this case, the number of game machines 16 that control the client player is not limited to one and may be plural.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the relay server 10, the management server 18, and the client device 24 are described as being realized by independent computers. If it is configured as a game system provided, it is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

  In the above description, the game machine 16 installed in the game center 14 is configured for business use. However, the game machine 16 is realized in various devices that can be connected to other devices via the network 12. Game machines can be targeted. For example, it is possible to target home-use game machines, portable game machines, personal computers, mobile phones, and the like.

  Further, in the above description, when there are not enough players who make a game entry request, the client players controlled by the client device 24 are allowed to participate in the game. However, the client players are selected according to other conditions. You may make it participate in a game. For example, regardless of the number of general players who entered the game, the same applies when a predetermined number of client players participate in the game or players who have played against the client player in past games have entered. Client players can participate in the game. In the case of playing against the same client player, the player who played in the game is recorded as a history in the database 20 of the management server 18, for example. Then, the relay server 10 inquires the management server 18 about past players for the player who entered the game, and makes a request for participation of the client player corresponding to the client device 24 accordingly.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  In addition, the method described in the embodiment is, for example, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc. It can also be stored in a recording medium such as (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or transmitted and distributed via a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side also includes a setting program that configures in the computer software means (including not only the execution program but also a table and data structure) that is executed by the computer. A computer that implements the present apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium, constructs software means by a setting program in some cases, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by the software means. The recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to distribution, but includes a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory provided in a computer or a device connected via a network.

  10 (10-1, 10-2, 10-n) ... relay server, 12 ... network, 14 (14-1, 14-2, 14-m) ... game center, 16 ... game machine, 18 ... management server, 20 ... Database, 24 ... Client device, 26 ... Internet, 28 ... PC.

Claims (8)

In a game system for controlling a game in which a plurality of players participate,
Participation request receiving means for receiving an entry request for a game by a player transmitted from a plurality of game machines;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not players necessary for executing the game are prepared according to the entry request received by the entry request receiving means;
Participation request transmission means for transmitting a participation request of a virtual player controlled by a computer when it is determined by the determination means that the players necessary for executing the game are not available;
Game entry request transmitting means for transmitting an entry request to the game by the virtual player in response to the participation request transmitted by the game participation request transmitting means;
Player control means for controlling the virtual player in response to the entry request transmitted by the game entry request transmitting means and outputting game data;
Game control processing means for executing a game in which the player and the virtual player participate based on data input from the game machine and data input by control of the player control means is provided. A game system. Recording means for recording control data for controlling the virtual player;
Data updating means for updating the control data recorded by the recording means according to the result of the game processing executed by the game control processing means;
The player control means controls the virtual player based on control data recorded in the recording means to output game data when the virtual player participates in a game. The game system according to claim 1. The player control means controls the plurality of virtual players in response to the entry request;
The game system according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit records control data corresponding to each of the plurality of virtual players. The determination means determines whether or not the number of players necessary for executing the game is prepared within a predetermined time period,
The participation request transmitting means transmits a virtual player participation request for the number of players that are insufficient when the determining means determines that there are not enough players necessary to execute the game. The game system according to claim 1. A plurality of game machines used by the plurality of players and a client device whose virtual player is controlled by the player control means are connected to a server on which a game is executed by the game control processing means via a network,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the client device transmits the game data to the server in accordance with control of the virtual player by the player control means. The game control processing means executes an independent game in each of the plurality of server devices,
6. The game system according to claim 5, wherein the player control means controls the virtual player for a game executed in a plurality of the server devices in the client device. Message exchange means for transmitting and receiving message data between the game device and the client device;
The game system according to claim 5, wherein the client device transmits message data determined according to the control data to the game device by the message exchange unit. Computer
Participation request receiving means for receiving an entry request for a game by a player transmitted from a plurality of game machines;
Discriminating means for discriminating whether or not players necessary for executing the game are prepared according to the entry request received by the entry request receiving means;
Participation request transmission means for transmitting a participation request of a virtual player controlled by a computer when it is determined by the determination means that the players necessary for executing the game are not available;
Game entry request transmitting means for transmitting an entry request to the game by the virtual player in response to the participation request transmitted by the game participation request transmitting means;
Player control means for controlling the virtual player in response to the entry request transmitted by the game entry request transmitting means and outputting game data;
A program for functioning as game control processing means for executing a game in which the player and the virtual player participate based on data input from the game machine and data input by control of the player control means.

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