JP3272943B2 - Game system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an improvement in a game system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game device, especially a business game device, has been required to have a high operating rate without being tired of a player for a long time.

For this reason, various game systems have conventionally been developed and put into practical use, and a high customer attracting effect has been realized.

However, once the conventional game device is once shipped and installed in a game center or the like, the game content is basically unchanged. For this reason, as the players repeatedly challenge the game and become proficient in the contents of the game, even if the game is interesting at first, there is a problem that the player gradually gets tired, and the operating rate of the game often decreases. .

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a game system in which a player can repeatedly play a game without getting tired for a long time.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing version upgrade information of game contents, and automatically reading the version upgrade information based on predetermined conditions. Version upgrade means for upgrading the game content. As described above, according to the present invention, the game content is automatically upgraded based on a predetermined condition, so that the player can be bored for a long time and a game system with a high operating rate can be realized.

[0007] Here, it is preferable that the version upgrade information is formed in relation to the essential game content, whereby the essential content of the game changes each time the version is upgraded, and the player is provided with the game upgrade information. Strong motivation to take on new challenges.

Particularly, the present invention is preferably applied to a game system for business use, whereby a game system having a high operating rate for a long period of time and a high profitability can be realized.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, there is provided a time counting means having a time counting function, wherein the version upgrading means performs the version upgrading operation when the time counted reaches a predetermined version upgrading condition. It is characterized by the following.

The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the version upgrade means has set a predetermined date and time as the version upgrade condition.

The game system according to the second and third aspects of the present invention calls up the version upgrade information from the storage unit when the time measured by the clocking unit meets a predetermined version upgrade condition, and upgrades the game content. This makes it possible to determine, based on the time condition, the point in time at which the player has become proficient in the game content and is no longer motivated to re-challenge the game based on the time condition, and the game content can be automatically upgraded. .

In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, by setting a predetermined date and time as a version upgrade condition,
For example, the game content of the game system shipped to the market can be automatically upgraded on a specific date and time (for example, Christmas Eve on December 24). By doing so, the game contents of each game system individually shipped to a plurality of game centers can be upgraded simultaneously and uniformly regardless of the difference in the shipping time. Variations in content can be prevented.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the date when the version of the game content is upgraded can be converted into an event in advance to enhance the fun of the game. For example, one month prior to the game version upgrade, a notice that the game content will be upgraded will be displayed on the display of the game system on an attract screen, etc., to attract the player's interest in the game after the version upgrade, and again. You can give a strong motivation to take on the challenge.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the information processing apparatus further includes a storage means for storing the play information of the player, and the upgrade means converts the stored play information to a predetermined upgrade condition. When it becomes
The version upgrade operation is performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the storage means includes means for storing the number of plays as the play information, wherein the version upgrade means sets a predetermined number of plays as the version upgrade condition. It is characterized by having.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the storage means includes means for storing a game result of each player as the play information, and the upgrade means includes a reference average game result as the upgrade condition. Is set, and the version upgrade operation is performed when the average game result within a predetermined period stored in the storage means exceeds the reference average game result.

The game system according to the fourth to sixth aspects of the present invention,
The player's play information is stored, and when the stored play information satisfies a predetermined version upgrade condition, the version of the game content is upgraded.

[0018] Thus, when there are a plurality of shipped game systems, it is possible to upgrade the version reflecting the play situation for each game system.

That is, in general, in a game system, there is often a difference in the level of a player for each area where the game system is installed. For example, a game system installed in a game center in a city center and a game system installed in a suburb often have different proficiency levels of players. In such a case, if the version upgrade operation of the game system is performed in accordance with the game center in the city center where the level of the player is often improved in a short period of time, the game system installed in the suburban game center or the like often becomes a problem. At a stage where the player has not yet mastered the game content, a situation may occur in which the game content is upgraded.

On the other hand, according to the invention of claims 4 to 6, the play information of the player is stored for each game system, and when the play information becomes a predetermined version-up condition, the game contents are individually set. Version up operation. By doing so, it is possible to upgrade the game content according to the area of the installed game center, the level of the player who challenges the game system, and the like.

In particular, in the invention of claim 5, the number of plays is stored as play information, and when the total number of plays reaches a predetermined number set as a version upgrade condition, a game version up operation is performed. It is configured as follows. For example, if the total number of games played is 1000
When the number of times has been reached, a version upgrade operation is automatically performed. This allows a simple configuration,
The game contents can be reliably upgraded.

On the other hand, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a reference average game score is set as a version upgrade condition, and when a player's average game score within a certain period exceeds the reference average game score, a game is executed. The content is upgraded. As a result, from the average performance of players who challenge the game,
The game version can be upgraded in anticipation of the timing when the percentage of players who are familiar with the game increases, so whether to perform an efficient version upgrade operation that accurately reflects the playing situation of each game system it can.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the moving object controlled by the player moves a predetermined game course. Information is stored.

According to the present invention, information for adding or changing a course is stored as version upgrade information. Thereby, for example, a course can be added from a certain time, or a course can be changed from a summer course to a winter course in which the road surface is frozen, or a version upgrade can be performed such as replacing a certain section with an advanced course, Strong motivation to re-challenge the game can be given to a player who is accustomed to the content of the game.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, the additional or changed course information is formed as gradually growing course information, and the version upgrading means gradually enters the game space based on the course information. Forming a growing under construction course for additions or modifications.

According to the present invention, a course to be added or changed does not suddenly occur at the time of version upgrade, but a course under construction for addition or change gradually grows in the game space, and a predetermined condition (for example, construction) Completion) is released as an upgrade condition to the player of the added or changed course.

As a result, even before the version upgrade, the players are more willing to challenge the upgraded game while watching the course under construction, and as a result, many players re-challenge the game after the version upgrade. You can give a strong motivation to

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the game system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the moving object controlled by the player performs a game in which the moving object moves on a predetermined game course. The version-up information is formed as information of a third course that gradually grows from a predetermined position of the game course, and the version-up means is based on the course-out information.
The third course that gradually grows in the game space is formed.

According to the present invention, in a game course, for example, course-out information of a moving body at a predetermined position at which the player easily goes out of the course is stored in a storage means.

Then, based on the course out information,
A third course extending in a predetermined direction from a course-out position of the game course is formed in the game space.
The course will gradually grow based on the course-out information. Then, under predetermined conditions (for example, completion of the third course)
Is released to the player as a condition for version upgrade.

Thus, for example, when many players go out of the course due to a hairpin curve or the like, a course like an animal path is gradually formed. Course will be completed. If the third course is effectively used, the time of the game can be reduced by, for example, a time attack, and an interesting game environment can be provided to the player.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A game device that races on a racing course set in a three-dimensional game space will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 shows a circuit race type game system according to the embodiment. The game system according to the embodiment includes a plurality of independent game devices 1-1, 1-2,.
They are connected to one another via data transmission lines.

Each game device is formed such that a player's racing car controlled by a player competes with another player or a racing car controlled by a computer in a virtual three-dimensional game space.

Each game device is formed similarly to the driver's seat of an actual racing car. And the player
While sitting on the seat 18 and looking at the pseudo three-dimensional image (game screen) 200 displayed on the display 32, the user operates the handle 14, the accelerator 15, the shift lever 16, the brake, and the like provided on the operation unit 10 to create an imaginary image. Drive the racing car and play the game.

On the game screen 200, a scene in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the viewpoint of a virtual player located at the driver's seat of the player car is displayed in a realistic manner.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the game apparatus.

The arcade video game device according to the embodiment has an operation unit 10, an operation unit 20, a ROM 22, and a RAM 24.
, An image synthesizing unit 30, a display 32, and a speaker 42 of a voice synthesizing unit 40.

The operation unit 10 includes a handle 14 shown in FIG.
A member operated by the player, such as the shift lever 16 and other pedals.

The ROM 22 stores map data of a three-dimensional game space including a predetermined racing course and other terrain, a predetermined game program, and the like.

Based on the game program and an operation signal input from the operation unit 10, the arithmetic unit 20 performs a control of a player car operated by the player and another racing car on a racing course set in the game space. Perform game operations to compete. In the present embodiment, a plurality of game apparatuses 1-1, 1-2,... Are connected to each other via a data transmission line. There will be competition with the driving computer cars. The calculation results of the position and state of the player car and other computer cars in the game space are:
The signal is output to the image synthesizing unit 30 and the voice synthesizing unit 40, and is transmitted to another game device via a transmission line (not shown). The RAM 24 is used for a work area for the calculation at this time and other uses.

The image synthesizing unit 30 calculates image data of the scenery of the virtual three-dimensional game space viewed from the viewpoint of the virtual player located at the driver's seat of the player car, based on the input signal from the arithmetic unit 20. The game screen 200 is displayed on the display 32.

The voice synthesizing section 40 synthesizes a voice signal for a game effect based on the input signal from the arithmetic section 20 and outputs the voice from a speaker 42.

As a result, the player can operate the display 32
While watching the game screen 200 displayed above, and while listening to the sound output from the speaker 42, a racing game having a sense of reality similar to that of an actual racing course can be played.

FIG. 3A shows an example of a racing course 210 used in the embodiment. At the shipping stage of the game apparatus 1, the racing course 210 is set in the game space, and the player can run on the course 210 while competing with other racing cars and enjoy the game.

This embodiment is characterized in that version upgrade information of the game contents is stored in the ROM 22, and the arithmetic unit 20 automatically calls up the version upgrade information based on predetermined conditions to upgrade the game contents. It is characterized by doing.

Therefore, in the game device of the embodiment, the RO
FIG. 3 (A) as information for version upgrade in M22
And the predetermined version upgrade conditions are stored. This version upgrade condition can be set arbitrarily as needed. In the present embodiment, a time condition is set as the version upgrade condition. For this reason, the game device of the embodiment is provided with a timekeeping unit 50 having a timekeeping function, and its output is input to the arithmetic unit 20.

Further, a specific date and time is set as the version upgrade condition. For example, 1996
Christmas Eve on December 24, 2012 is set as a version upgrade condition.

Thus, when the date and time output from the timer 50 reaches the date and time set as the version upgrade condition, the arithmetic unit 20 calls the upgrade information stored in the ROM 22 and calls the additional course 220
In the game space. Accordingly, the player can run not only the normal racing course 210 but also the additional course 220, and as a result, it is possible to realize a game device that keeps the player's interest in the game and does not tire the player for a long time. it can.

In particular, when the version upgrade date and time are set in advance as in the present embodiment, the version upgrade itself is converted into an event before the version upgrade and appeals to the player, thereby increasing interest in the game. .

Further, in this embodiment, the additional course 220 for version upgrade is stored as a form of a course under construction scheduled to connect two places 210a and 210b of the course 210, and the course 220 itself has a plurality of courses. Are configured as a combination of the segment courses 220-1, 220-2. That is, when the game device is shipped, the arithmetic unit 20 calls the segment courses of the additional course 220 from the ROM 22 in the order of 220-1, 220-2,... Based on the date and time data output from the clock unit 50. A course under construction constructed up to the date and time is set in the game space. At this time, a road sign of closing road is provided at the entrance of the course 220 under construction,
The game is set so that each racing car cannot enter this course 220.

The course 220 under construction is extended day by day to completion. In other words, the course 220 for version upgrade that is gradually completed
Can be viewed from a player car traveling on the racing course 210, thereby increasing the player's interest in the upgraded game.

The course 220 is completed on the version upgrade date and time, here, on December 24, 1996, and is opened so that the player can run as shown in FIG. 3B, and the version upgrade is completed.

At this time, each player car can selectively pass both the old course of the racing course 210 and the added version-up course 210.

If necessary, the racing course 21
Course 220 upgraded version 0
And the course itself may be changed.

Also, if necessary, the racing course 210
The whole may be formed so as to be replaced with an upgraded racing course.

As described above, by configuring each of the game devices 1 to be simultaneously upgraded at a predetermined date and time, even if a plurality of game devices are shipped to a different game center, for example, each game device can be upgraded to a different game center. Since all the placed game devices 1 are upgraded at the same time on the same day, it is possible to avoid occurrence of variation in the game content of the game devices between the game centers.

As the version upgrade condition, various conditions other than the above can be adopted as needed. For example, when each game device is shipped, the timer unit 50 may be reset, and the content of the game may be upgraded three months after that. By doing so, a game device shipped earlier is upgraded earlier, and a game device shipped later is upgraded later. Version upgrade can be performed in consideration of variations.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a time condition is adopted as the version upgrade condition has been described as an example. However, a play data memory 26 is provided as shown in FIG. By sequentially writing the play information, the play information can be set as a version upgrade condition.

For example, in the play data memory 26,
It is also possible to write the total number of plays since the game apparatus 1 was installed, and to automatically upgrade the version when the number of plays reaches, for example, 10,000.

For example, in the play data memory 26, the game time and the game result for each play are sequentially accumulated, and when the total game time and the game result reach a predetermined reference value, the game time is automatically calculated. It can also be formed so that the version is upgraded.

Thus, it is possible to upgrade the version reflecting the playing situation of each game device.

The game data of each player is stored in the play data memory 26, and when the average game performance of the players within a predetermined period exceeds a predetermined reference result, the version is automatically upgraded. May be formed. For example, the average playing time of the player, the point at which the game progresses, and the like are stored in the memory 26 as performance data. For example, when the average performance per day exceeds the reference level, the version upgrade is automatically performed. It can be shaped to do so. As a result, the average player's game results are improved, and the version is automatically updated when the player is proficient in the game content, thereby providing the player with a new upgraded game environment. It is possible to realize a game device with a high operating rate that does not get tired for a long time by challenging the game again.

In a game system of a type in which a plurality of game apparatuses 1-1, 1-2,... 1-4 play a game while mutually transmitting data as shown in FIG. The game results of each game device are stored in the play data memory 26 of one game device, and the game devices 1-1, 1-2,..., 1-4 are configured to be upgraded at the same time. Is preferred.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention.

In this game device, the hairpin curve position 210 of the game course 210 stored in the ROM 22
In a, the course information of the third course 230 is set as version upgrade data. This third course 2
30 is configured as a shortcut course connecting the corners 210a and 210b of the hairpin curve, and the course itself has a plurality of segment courses 230-1 and 230-.
2 ... 230-6.

The arithmetic unit 20 stores the number of course outs in the memory 26 every time the racing car goes out of the course without being able to turn at the corner 210 a of the course 210.
To memorize it. And this hairpin curve 210
Each time the number of course outs at
The segment course information of the third course 230 is read from M22 and set in the game space.

Therefore, every time the number of course-outs reaches a certain number, the third course 230 moves from the hairpin curve 210 toward the corner part toward the segment courses 230-1 and 230-2 like an animal trail. , 230-3 ...
Formed in the order of 230-6.

The time when the last segment 230-6 is formed is a version upgrade condition for adding the third course 230. At this time, the course 210
The shortcut course 230 that connects the corner 210a of the vehicle and the corner 210b on the other side is opened.

As described above, in this embodiment, every time the player leaves the course at the corner section 210a, the player can play while watching the shortcut course 230 being gradually completed, and the player changes every time the player plays the game. In the game environment, you can challenge the racing course without getting tired of the game.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given by taking an example of additional change of the course as the version upgrade information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of courses having different conditions, such as an easy winter course, may be stored as version upgrade information.

In the above embodiment, the game device itself
Although the case of performing the version upgrade operation has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and each game device installed in the game center is directly connected to a host center that manages each game center via a communication line. It can also be applied to the game system. In this case, it is preferable that the host computer be configured to control the upgrade of each game terminal collectively.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a device for performing a racing game has been described by way of example. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to other various games.

[0075]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of an external appearance of a game system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game system of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a version upgrade of the game system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of a racing course before the version upgrade, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of a racing course after the version upgrade.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a version upgrade of the game system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a course before the version upgrade, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a course after the version upgrade.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4 Game device 10 Operation unit 20 Operation unit 22 ROM 24 RAM 26 Play data memory 50 Clock unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 13/00-13/12

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A game system in which a moving body controlled by a player moves a predetermined game course in a game system, wherein storage means for storing information for adding or changing a course as version upgrade information of game contents; by adding or rerouting reading the upgrade information based on the version-up condition, seen including a version-up means for upgrading the game content, the course information for the added or changed, grows gradually
Formed as course information, and the version upgrade means gradually grows in the game space based on the course information.
A game system characterized by forming an under construction course for addition or change . 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the moving object controlled by the player is a predetermined game.
Game system for playing games that move
And add a course as version upgrade information of game contents
Or, a storage means storing information for change, and the version upgrade based on a predetermined version upgrade condition.
Read the information of the top-up and add or change the course
To upgrade the game content.
Means for moving the mobile object at a predetermined position on the game course.
Storage means for storing game-out information , wherein the version-up information includes a predetermined
Formed as information of a third course that grows gradually from the position
The version-up means gradually enters the game space based on the course-out information.
Forming the growing third course.
Game system. 3. Oite to claim 1, comprising a storage means for off the track information of the movable body at a predetermined position of the game course is stored, the upgrade information is gradually grown from a predetermined position of the game course A game system formed as information of a third course, wherein the version-up means forms the third course that gradually grows in a game space based on the course-out information. 4. A means for storing version upgrade information of a game content, a means for storing player play information, and a version upgrade for reading the version upgrade information based on a predetermined version upgrade condition to upgrade the game content. Means, wherein the version upgrade means sets a reference average game score as the version upgrade condition, and performs the version upgrade when an average game score within a predetermined period exceeds the reference average game score. And a game system. 5. The claim 1-3, comprising a timer means having a timer function, the version-up means, when measured time becomes a predetermined upgrade condition, the version-up operation A game system characterized by performing. 6. The claim 1-3, wherein the version-up means, a game system characterized in that a predetermined time as the version-up condition is set. 7. A method for controlling a game system in which a moving body controlled by a player moves through a predetermined game course, the method comprising preparing information for adding or changing a course as version upgrade information of the game content. If, by adding or changing the course reading the upgrade information based on a predetermined upgrade conditions, see contains a procedure for bar John up game content, the course information for the added or changed, grows gradually
In the version upgrade procedure, which is formed as course information, the version gradually grows in the game space based on the course information.
A method for controlling a game system, comprising forming a course during construction for addition or change . 8. A moving object controlled by a player is provided with a predetermined game.
Control of a game system that plays a game that moves through a course
Method, add course as version upgrade information of game content
Or, a procedure for preparing information for change, and the version upgrade based on predetermined version upgrade conditions.
Read the information of the top-up and add or change the course
In, and a procedure for upgrading game content, code of the moving body at a predetermined position of the game course
Storage information, and the upgrade information is a predetermined information of the game course.
Formed as information of a third course that grows gradually from the position
In the version upgrade procedure, based on the course out information, the game space is gradually increased.
Forming the growing third course.
Game system control method. 9. The game machine according to claim 7, wherein course-out information of the moving body at a predetermined position of the game course is stored, and the version-up information is information of a third course that gradually grows from the predetermined position of the game course. The method of controlling a game system, wherein the step of upgrading includes forming the third course that gradually grows in a game space based on the course-out information. 10. A procedure for preparing version upgrade information of a game content, and a version upgrade procedure for reading out the version upgrade information based on a predetermined version upgrade condition and upgrading the game content, wherein the version upgrade procedure includes: A control method of a game system, wherein a reference average game score is set as the version upgrade condition, and the version upgrade is performed when an average game score within a predetermined period exceeds the reference average game score. 11. The method according to claim 7 , further comprising the step of timing using a timing function, wherein in the version upgrade procedure, when the time counted becomes a predetermined version upgrade condition, the version upgrade is performed. A control method for a game system, which performs an operation. 12. The game system control method according to claim 7 , wherein in the version upgrade procedure, a predetermined date and time is set as the version upgrade condition.