WO2017141959A1

WO2017141959A1 - Game system, computer program used thereupon, and server device

Info

Publication number: WO2017141959A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/005507
Authority: WO
Inventors: 岡　隆史; 昌宏清本; 知希塩川; 崇博河村; 良彦肥塚; 藤原　豊; 仁美磯野; 周佑輔大山; 海斗田中; 誠中嶋
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2016-02-16
Filing date: 2017-02-15
Publication date: 2017-08-24
Also published as: JP2017143990A; JP6369950B2

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a game system which is capable of charging different shares from a plurality of players as a cost for playing a game. Provided is game system (1), which causes a group (UG) which includes a plurality of users (U) to jointly play a music game. The game system (1): sets, as an overall cost for the group (UG) for playing the music game as a group, a group fee which applies in common to each of the users (U) in the group (UG) such that it is possible for the allotment of the fee amounts to vary among the users in the group (UG); and, if the group fee has been paid by at least one of the users in the group (UG), allows the group play of the music game jointly by each of the users (U) in the group (UG) such that the group play is provided to all of the users (U) in the group (UG).

Description

GAME SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM USED FOR THE SAME, AND SERVER DEVICE

The present invention relates to a game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game.

There are game systems that allow multiple users to play a common game. For example, as such a game system, there is a game system that allows two users who share one game machine to play a common game (so-called two-player). There is also a game system that allows such a game to be played in exchange for collection of a predetermined value. As one of these game systems, when one additional coin is collected from one player of two players in addition to two coins as a predetermined consideration, that one player There is a known game system that gives benefits not only to the other player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5318508

In the game system of Patent Document 1, a benefit is given to both players in the two-player game with advance payment of additional coins for so-called continue. However, the consideration for each player required for play is uniform, and there is no difference between players. For this reason, for example, even if there is a difference in the allowable amount of consideration that can be borne between two players, at least the system requires the same burden amount for both players. Even in such a case, for example, when a single game machine is shared, it may be possible to cause a difference in operation between players in the actual burden amount through lending and borrowing between players. However, for example, when a plurality of players such as two-player play are determined by matching, there are many cases in which a physical distance exists between the two players, and such operation tends to be difficult. . As a result, collecting different burdens is often difficult.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can collect different burden amounts from a plurality of users as consideration for playing a game.

The game system of the present invention is a game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game, and the total play fee of the plurality of users is different between the plurality of users as a consideration for playing the game. A fee setting means that is commonly set for the plurality of users so that the amount can be shared, and the game is played when the entire play fee is paid by at least some of the plurality of users. Play permission means for allowing the plurality of users to play the game in common so as to be provided to the user.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the output device for providing the game to function as each means of the above-described game system.

The server device of the present invention is connected to an output device that provides the game via a network and functions as each means of the above-described game system.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the fee structure of a music game. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the payment method of a group fee. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of group charge data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a charge notification process routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a privilege provision process routine.

Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As an example, the game machine GM is configured as a business (commercial) game machine. Commercial game machines are game machines that allow a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or free of charge. As an example, the game machine GM provides a music game for a fee. Specifically, the game machine GM, for example, provides a music game in a range corresponding to the price in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. An appropriate number of game machines GM are installed in a commercial facility such as the store 4.

The center server 2 is not limited to an example constituted by a single physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a server group as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

Also, the user terminal 5 is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The user terminal 5 is a type of network terminal device that exhibits various functions by executing software distributed from the center server 2. In the example of FIG. 1, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as an example of the user terminal 5. In addition, as the user terminal 5, for example, various network terminal devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as a personal computer, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device, are used. Good.

As an example, the network 3 may be configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and an intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b.

Note that the network 3 is not limited to a form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication or a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless), for example. It may be realized using a code (for example, a two-dimensional code) generated in this way. Therefore, the term “network (or communication line)” may include a form of transmitting and receiving information without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its user. For example, a service for receiving user identification information from the game machine GM and authenticating the user may be provided as the game machine service. Further, a service may be provided in which the play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and stored, or the play data to be stored is provided to the game machine GM. Furthermore, the game machine service distributes and updates the game machine GM program or data via the network 3, and matches users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. A matching service or the like may be included.

Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various types of information related to a game provided by the game machine GM. Further, for example, the web service may include a distribution service that distributes various data or software to each user terminal 5 (including updates of data and the like). Further, the Web service may include other services such as a community service that provides a place for information exchange, exchange, and sharing by users, and a service that provides a user ID for identifying each user.

Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 for providing a music game will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit combining a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Note that an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor can be connected to the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The storage unit 11 is connected to a control unit 10 as a computer. The storage unit 11 may be configured by a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape, for example, so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The storage unit 11 stores server data 14 and a server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program necessary for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the like. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

The game machine service management unit 16 executes a process for providing the game machine service described above. On the other hand, the web service management unit 17 executes processing necessary to provide the above-described web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include group fee data 14a. Details of the group fee data 14a will be described later.

In addition, the server data 14 may include various data for realizing a game. For example, such data may include play data and ID management data. The play data is data in which information related to past play results of each user is described. The play data may be used, for example, to take over the previous play results (past results) from the next time onward, or to take over the settings specific to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, those illustrations are omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30 as a computer, a storage unit 31, a monitor MO as an output device, an input device 7, a speaker 8, and a reader 9. The storage unit 31, the monitor MO, the input device 7, the speaker 8 and the reader 9 are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. In addition, for example, various devices for providing a game can be connected to the control unit 30. For example, such a device may include a known device for collecting a predetermined value such as a coin authentication device. Then, for example, a coin as a predetermined consideration may be collected through such a coin authentication device. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The monitor MO is a known display device for displaying various images based on an output signal from the control unit 30. As an example, the monitor MO displays a game screen for playing a music game in accordance with an output signal from the control unit 30. The input device 7 is a known device for inputting a user's play action. The input device 7 outputs a signal corresponding to the play action executed by the user to the control unit 30. For example, as the input device 7, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to the contact position when the user touches with a finger or the like may be used. The touch panel may output a signal corresponding to the touch position to the control unit 30 based on the user's touch operation. Similarly, the speaker 8 is a well-known output device (sound reproduction device) for reproducing various sounds based on an output signal from the control unit 30. The speaker 8 reproduces various sounds used in a game such as BGM in accordance with an output signal from the control unit 30, for example.

The reader 9 is a known device that reads various information recorded in a storage medium in a non-contact state using, for example, short-range wireless communication. The reader 9 may be used for reading information on a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, for example, the reader 9 may read information on the card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

Further, the card CD may be provided with a non-volatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe. Various types of information may be recorded on the card CD via such a nonvolatile storage medium. For example, various types of information may include user ID information (including information that can identify the user ID). That is, the card CD may be used for specifying each user corresponding to the ID card, for example, as an ID card. Furthermore, the various types of information may include, for example, information on the amount of value used as a predetermined consideration (including information for specifying the amount of value). Then, a predetermined consideration may be collected by consuming the value amount. That is, the card CD may be used for payment of a predetermined price as an example.

Note that the card CD is not limited to a form in which various types of information are recorded electronically. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader 9 may be configured to be able to read such a code by including a code reader capable of reading such a code. That is, the reader 9 may be used for reading such a code.

On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without power supply. The storage unit 31 stores a game program 34 and game data 35. The game program 34 is a computer program necessary for the game machine GM to provide a game. Along with the execution of the game program 34, a game providing unit 37 is provided inside the control unit 30. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary for providing a game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, those illustrations are omitted.

The game data 35 is data that is referred to when the game program 34 is executed. The game data 35 includes music data 36 and sequence data 38, for example. The music data 36 is data necessary for causing the speaker 8 to reproduce various sounds such as music used in the music game. The sequence data 38 is data necessary for guiding the user when to perform an appropriate play action in the music game. For example, the sequence data 38 may describe in advance an operation time when an appropriate position is to be touched. For example, in a music game, the position and time when an appropriate touch operation should be performed may be guided based on each operation time described in the sequence data 38. Since the music data 36 and the sequence data 38 may be configured in the same manner as a well-known music game, detailed description thereof is omitted.

In addition, the game data 35 may include various data for executing the game. For example, such data may include the above-described collective fee data 14a. For example, at least a part of the group fee data 14a may be provided from the center server 2 so that a necessary part is included. Similarly, such various data may include image data and sound effect data, for example. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds necessary for the game, such as BGM. However, those illustrations are omitted.

Next, a music game provided by the game machine GM will be described. A music game is a type of timing game. The timing game is a type of game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, the execution time when the appropriate play action is to be executed is provided together with the music. In the music game, the time coincident with the rhythm of the music is used as the execution time. In other words, the music game is a type of game that guides the user when an appropriate play action should be performed in accordance with the rhythm of the music and evaluates the time when the play action is actually executed. Further, for example, a plurality of music pieces may be prepared for play in a music game, and a music piece selected from them may be used for actual play.

For example, such a music game may be provided through a game screen displayed on the monitor MO. Specifically, for example, the game screen may include an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign that functions as a reference for the current time. Then, for example, each execution time may be guided by the movement of the instruction sign that moves so as to coincide with the position of the reference sign at each execution time. Further, as an appropriate play action, a touch operation of touching the coincidence position according to the coincidence between the instruction sign and the reference sign may be employed. For example, the game machine GM may provide a music game through such a game screen.

In addition, the music game may be provided not only in units of users (for each user) but also in units of groups (for each of a plurality of users). When a music game is provided in a group unit, the music game may be played in common by a plurality of users who form the group. That is, the game machine GM may provide a common music game so that a plurality of users participate in one play opportunity. And the game machine GM is, for example, a mode in which a single or a plurality of groups cooperate to play a common music game, and a common music so that a battle is realized between users in the same group or between a plurality of groups. You may provide the music game of a group unit with various forms, such as a form which plays a game.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a method of paying a predetermined price (fee) when playing a music game will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a music game fee system. As shown in FIG. 3, the game range of the music game includes individual play (play for each user) and group play (play for each group).

An individual fee is set for individual play. The individual fee is a predetermined price required for each user U to play a music game individually. On the other hand, a group fee is set for group play. The group fee is a predetermined consideration necessary for the group UG to play a music game. That is, the group fee is a fee that is commonly set for each user U of the group UG as a consideration for all the users U of the group UG to play the music game. For example, the group fee may be configured as a set of individual fees. Specifically, for example, the group fee may be configured as a set of individual fees corresponding to the number of users U forming the group UG. That is, the sum of the individual charges for each user U forming the group UG may be used as the group charge. The group fee may be collected in units of group UG.

In the example of FIG. 3, with the payment of the individual fee by the first user U1, an individual play of the music game is provided to the first user U1. On the other hand, in the group UG, a total of individual charges for each user U forming the group UG is set as a group charge. Specifically, the group UG is formed by the second user U2 and the third user U3. That is, a group UG is formed by two users U. For this reason, the total of individual charges when two users U play an individual play, that is, an individual charge for two persons is set as a group charge. The group fee is paid in units of group UG. That is, a charge is not set individually for each user U forming the group UG, but a common group charge is set for the entire group UG, and the group charge is borne by the group UG. Then, with the payment of the group fee by the group UG, the group play of the music game is provided to the group UG, that is, the second user U2 and the third user U3. As an example, a music game may be provided with such a fee structure. In this case, the group fee functions as the overall play fee of the present invention. Further, the second user U2 and the third user U3 forming the group UG function as a plurality of users of the present invention.

Also, as described above, the group fee may be paid in various ways as long as it is borne by the group. That is, in the case of group play, it is not necessary for each user U forming the group UG to pay an individual fee equally. Specifically, for example, each user U of the group UG may bear a different fee amount. That is, in the group UG, there may be a user U having a larger burden than other users U or a user U having a smaller burden. In addition, such a difference in the amount of burden may occur, for example, when some users U bear the consideration that other users U should bear. That is, the user U who does not bear the payment of the group fee may be included in the group UG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a group fee payment method. Further, the example of FIG. 4 shows an example of a payment method when the group UG of the example of FIG. 3 bears the group fee. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, among the two users U forming the group UG, the second user U2 may pay an individual fee for two people constituting the group fee. On the other hand, the third user U3 does not have to bear the payment of the group fee at all. That is, one (partial) user U of the group UG may bear the entire group fee. As a result, there may be a difference in the burden amount between the second user U2 and the third user U3. Also in this case, with the entire payment of the group fee by the second user U2, group play is provided to the group UG, that is, all users U of the group UG including not only the second user U2 but also the third user U3. In this way, as long as the entire group fee is paid by the group UG, the group fee is paid by various methods such as sharing a different fee amount by each user U (including the total burden of some users U). You may be broken. In this case, the 2nd user U2 who bears the price for two people functions as a part user and burden user of this invention. Similarly, the third user U3 functions as another user of the present invention. As a result, the second user U2 and the third user U3 function as users who share different amounts of charges.

Furthermore, privileges may be given to group play depending on the payment method. For example, such a privilege is obtained when a part of the user U (for example, the second user U2) bears a charge different from that of the other user U (for example, the third user U3) as in the example of FIG. May be granted. More specifically, for example, when some users U pay a larger amount of charges than other users U, each user U of the group UG pays a part of the group fee equally. Group play may be provided to include benefits that are not. That is, as an example, a privilege may be granted to all members of the group UG with the presence of the user U having a different burden amount. Further, as a privilege, for example, various game elements such as a decorative element such as a special background or an element advantageous for the progress of the game such as addition of an item or play time may be used.

Note that the group UG may be formed in an appropriate form. For example, the group UG may be formed based on various other conditions such as designation of the user U. Specifically, for example, the group UG may be formed by matching through a matching service. That is, the group UG may be formed by the user U of each matched game machine GM. Such matching may be executed so as to include the game machine GM requested based on the request (recruitment) of each game machine GM, or specified based on the request of the specific game machine GM. The game machine GM may be executed. Alternatively, the matching may be executed so as to include a specific game machine GM and a designated game machine GM designated by a specific user U who uses the specific game machine GM. And the group UG may be formed by the user U who uses the specific user U and the designated game machine GM. In these cases, a plurality of matched game machines GM function as a plurality of game machines of the present invention. Alternatively, the group UG may be formed by users U who commonly use one game machine GM. Similarly, the number of users U forming the group UG is not limited to two. The number of users U forming the group UG may be appropriate.

Next, the details of the group fee data 14a will be described. The group fee data 14a is data for managing the group fee. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the collective fee data 14a. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the group fee data 14a includes information on “group ID”, “number of users”, “individual fee”, “group fee”, “collection result”, and “requirement necessity”. You can leave.

“Group ID” is information indicating a unique group ID for each group UG. The group ID is used for identification (specification) of each group UG, for example. “Number of users” is information indicating the number of users U belonging to each group UG, and “Individual fee” is information indicating an individual fee set for individual play.

On the other hand, “group fee” is information indicating a group fee set for group play. As the group fee, as described above, for example, the sum of the individual fees of the users U forming the group UG may be used. For this reason, information indicating an integrated value of the number of users based on the “number of users” information and the individual price based on the “individual fee” information may be described in the “group fee”. In such a case, the “collective fee” information may be omitted. On the other hand, for example, when a charge different from the integrated charge is set as a group charge, such as higher or lower than the integrated value (integrated charge) of the individual charge, such group charge information is “group charge”. "May be described.

“Collection result” is information indicating the collection result of the group fee. Specifically, the “collection result” may include, for example, collected information indicating that the group fee has been collected or uncollected information indicating that the group fee has not been collected. The “collection result” may include information on a payment method. Specifically, the “collection result” is, for example, information on equal payment indicating that each user U in the group UG has equally paid a part of the group fee, or a part of the user U receives another user U. Inclination payment information indicating that a different fee was paid may be included.

“Privilege required / unnecessary” is information indicating whether or not a privilege is required for group play. “Necessity of privilege” may be used, for example, for determining whether or not a privilege should be granted when providing group play. Further, for example, as described above, when a group fee is paid so that some users U bear a fee different from other users U, a privilege is given to the group play. For this reason, for example, information indicating necessity when the “collection result” indicates equal payment and information indicating necessity when indicating the inclined payment may be described in the “requirement of necessity”. As an example, the group fee data 14a may be configured as a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other.

Next, fee notification processing and privilege grant processing will be described. The charge notification process is a process for notifying a group charge when a music game is played in groups. The charge notification process may be realized by the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through the routine of FIG. 6, for example. More specifically, the routine of FIG. 6 may be executed through the Web service management unit 17 of the control unit 10.

On the other hand, the privilege grant process is a process for granting a privilege to the group play. For example, the privilege grant process may be realized through the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by either the control unit 30 of the game machine GM or the control unit 10 of the center server 2. Specifically, for example, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM. In this case, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed through the game providing unit 37 of the control unit 30 as an example. Note that the control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 10 of the center server 2 execute various kinds of well-known processes alone or in cooperation with each other in addition to these processes. However, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a charge notification processing routine for realizing the charge notification process. More specifically, the example of FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a charge notification processing routine when the group UG is formed by matching. The routine of FIG. 6 may be executed, for example, when a group fee setting is requested from each game machine GM. Further, for example, each game machine GM may request the center server 2 to set a group fee when, for example, a group play is selected among the play of a music game. When the group UG can be formed by one game machine GM, for example, when the group UG is formed by users U who commonly use one game machine GM, the routine of FIG. May be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM.

When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the Web service management unit 17 first specifies the number of users U who play group play in step S11, in other words, the number of users U that form a group UG. This specification may be realized based on a matching result, for example. In addition, when the group UG is formed by a setting other than the matching service such as the setting of the user U, for example, the number of the users U may be specified based on the input result of the user U.

In subsequent step S12, the Web service management unit 17 sets a group fee common to the group UGs so that different fees can be shared by each user U of the group UG as a play fee for the entire group UG required for group play. To do. For example, when the sum of the individual charges of the users U forming the group UG is used as the group charge, this setting may be acquired by integrating the number of users U specified in step S11 and the individual charges.

In the next step S13, the Web service management unit 17 notifies the group fee set to each user U so that the group fee set in step S12 is notified to each user U.

In subsequent step S14, the Web service management unit 17 determines whether or not the group fee notified in step S13 has been paid by the group UG. This determination may be realized, for example, by acquiring information on the fee collection status from each game machine GM. More specifically, for example, the Web service management unit 17 may determine whether or not the sum of the charges collected from each game machine GM has reached the group charge based on the collection status from each game machine GM. . Then, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group fee has been paid when the total has reached the group fee (including the case where it exceeds the group fee). On the other hand, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group fee is not paid when the total fee collected from each game machine GM has not reached the group fee. In these cases, the individual payment amount of each game machine GM forming the group UG may not be considered. In other words, some game machines GM of the group UG may pay a larger fee than other game machines GM. Specifically, for example, the entire group fee may be paid by some game machines GM (for example, the game machine GM used by the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4).

If the determination result in step S14 is a negative result, that is, if the group fee has not been paid, the Web service management unit 17 skips the process in step S15 and ends the current routine. In this case, group play is not permitted. That is, group play is not permitted and any user U of the group UG cannot play a music game. In this case, the web service management unit 17 may notify each game machine GM that group play is not permitted. Note that the Web service management unit 17 may also determine that the negative result (no group fee has been paid) in step S14 even when a predetermined time has elapsed after notification of the group fee by each game machine GM.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 is a positive result, that is, if the group fee is paid, the web service management unit 17 proceeds to step S15. In step S <b> 15, the web service management unit 17 permits group play in common to the game machines GM of the group UG so that the group play of the music game is provided by the game machines GM forming the group UG. When the processing in step S15 is completed, the web service management unit 17 ends the current routine. The web service management unit 17 may update (including generation) the collective fee data 14a so as to reflect the processing result of FIG. 6 in accordance with the routine of FIG.

When the group play is selected by the routine of FIG. 6, a group fee corresponding to the number of users of the group UG who plays the group play is set in common to the group UG. Further, whether or not the group fee is paid is determined in units of the group UG, and when the payment is made, the group play of the music game is permitted in common to the game machines GM of the group UG. That is, with the payment of the group fee in units of groups, group play is provided in common to the group UG.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a privilege grant processing routine for realizing the privilege grant processing. The routine of FIG. 7 may be executed, for example, every time group play of a music game is permitted in the routine of FIG.

7 is started, the game providing unit 37 first obtains a group fee collection result in step S21. This acquisition may be realized, for example, by acquiring the processing result of the center server 2 shown in FIG. More specifically, for example, this acquisition may be realized by acquiring the group fee data 14a reflecting the processing result from the center server 2.

In subsequent step S23, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the privilege condition is satisfied. The privilege condition is, for example, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than other users U, that is, when there is a user U who bears more than the amount obtained by dividing the group fee equally by the number of users in the group UG. May be satisfied. In other words, the privilege condition may be determined in the same manner as the “privilege availability” of the group fee data 14a. Therefore, for example, the determination in step S23 may be performed based on “privilege availability” of the group fee data 14a. Specifically, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is satisfied when, for example, information on “privilege availability” indicates necessity. On the other hand, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is not satisfied, for example, when the information about “privilege availability” indicates unnecessary. And when this determination result is a negative result, ie, when privilege conditions are not satisfy | filled, the game provision part 37 skips subsequent processes and complete | finishes this routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S22 is a positive result, that is, if the privilege condition is satisfied, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the game providing unit 37 grants a privilege. That is, the game providing unit 37 provides a group play so as to include a privilege. And the game provision part 37 complete | finishes this routine, after finishing the process of step S23. Thereby, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than other users U, a privilege is given to the group play. In addition, since the privilege condition is satisfied on a group basis, not only the user U sharing the group fee more than the other users U but also the entire group UG including other users U (users U with less burden) has the benefit. Given.

As described above, according to this embodiment, in the case of group play, the group fee is set to the group UG so that each user U of the group UG can share a different fee amount as a consideration for playing the group play. It is set in common to the whole. For this reason, it is possible to cause other users U to bear at least a part of the consideration (for example, a fee corresponding to an individual fee) that each user U of the group UG should pay equally. And if a group fee is paid by the unit of group UG, group play of all users U of group UG is permitted in common even if there are users who share different fee amounts. That is, some users U pay at least a part of the payments of other users U and pay an amount equal to or more than the equal amount when the play fee is evenly divided (in other words, other users U are equal To pay less than the amount).

More specifically, for example, some users U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4) bear the consideration of other users U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4). Can do. That is, it is possible to allow some users U to pay the entire play fee (in other words, the existence of the user U who does not bear the play fee). Accordingly, it is possible to collect a different burden amount from each user U of the group UG as a burden amount of the group fee (a consideration for playing the group play) including the presence of the user U who has paid the play fee.

In addition, when there are users who share different charges, the burdened user U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4) who has paid at least a part of the consideration that should be borne by himself or herself Reward awareness can be generated for the burdening user U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4). As a result, the next group play (returning play) accompanying the reward by the burdened user U can be promoted. Thereby, the play of a music game can be promoted.

Further, when a privilege is given to all users U of the group UG due to the existence of users who share different fee amounts, that is, the burdening user U and the burdened user U (in other words, the presence of users who share different fee amounts (in other words, For example, it is possible to provide a benefit to the burdened user U). Thereby, each user U can be urged to become a burden for the consideration of other users U, that is, the burden user U. As a result, since the formation of the reward relationship is promoted, the play of the music game can be further promoted.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as a fee setting means and a play permission means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. On the other hand, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as a privilege giving means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and can be implemented in an appropriate form. For example, in the above-described form, an arbitrary user U may bear a price to be paid by another user U. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden user may be determined in advance by a specific user U. Further, for example, a specific user U may be determined by designation by each user U, self-application (designation by self), or the like. Alternatively, when the group UG is determined by matching, the user U of the game machine GM that requested the matching may function as a specific user U. Similarly, when matching is performed so as to match each game machine GM designated by the user U, the user U designating each game machine GM may function as a specific user U. That is, it may be determined in advance that these specific users U function as burden users U. Furthermore, the burden user U may be determined at random by lottery or the like.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned form, the burden amount which the burden user U bears may be paid by the burden user suitably. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden amount borne by the burden user U may be determined in advance, such as for a plurality of people. For example, such a burden amount of each user U may be determined by selection of each user U. Specifically, for example, group play includes special modes with various advantageous developments and game elements compared to the normal mode and the normal mode. Different amounts of consideration may be set to increase the amount. Then, the amount of consideration corresponding to the normal mode may be set as the burden amount to be borne by the user U who has selected the normal mode, and the amount of consideration corresponding to the special mode may be set for the user U who has selected the special mode. . That is, the burden amount of each user U may be determined through selection of modes with different amounts of consideration. Further, for example, when at least some users U in the group UG select the special mode and pay the corresponding price, the special mode may be provided to all the members in the group UG. That is, an advantageous development or the like of the special mode may be used as a privilege associated with the presence of a user U (user U who has selected the special mode) having a different burden. In this case, the target of this privilege may be regarded as all members of the group UG, or may be regarded as other than the user U who has selected the special mode. As a result, for example, a privilege associated with the presence of a user U with a different burden may be given to a part (including a case where the burden is limited to the user U with a large burden) instead of all the members of the group UG. Further, when the burden user U is determined in advance by the selection or lottery of each user U, in other words, when the burden amount to be paid by each user U is determined in advance by the center server 2 or the like, each user U should pay The burden amount may be notified to each user U through each game machine GM or the like. Each user U may be requested to pay the notified burden amount.

In the above-described form, the game machine GM provides a music game. However, the game provided by the game machine GM is not limited to such a form. For example, various other games such as an action game, a role playing game, an adventure game, a simulation game, a puzzle game, a card game, a shooting game, a sports game, and a composite game may be provided by the game machine GM.

Similarly, in the above-described form, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine GM of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Furthermore, the game system according to the present invention is realized by a single game machine GM without the center server 2 in the case where a group UG is formed by a plurality of users U using a single game machine GM. Also good.

Hereinafter, an example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described. In addition, in the following description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) that allows a plurality of users (UGs) to play a common game, and the total play charges of the plurality of users are paid as the consideration for playing the game. A fee setting means (10) that is commonly set for the plurality of users so that different fee amounts can be shared among the users, and the total play fee is at least a part of the plurality of users (U2) And a play permission means (10) for allowing the plurality of users to play the game in common so that the game is provided to the plurality of users when paid by the user.

According to the game system of the present invention, the entire play fee is set in common for a plurality of users so that different fees can be shared as consideration for playing the game. As a result, at least a part of the consideration that should be equally borne by each user can be borne by other users. Further, when the entire play fee is paid by at least some users, a plurality of users are allowed to play in common. That is, even if all of a plurality of users do not bear the consideration, if all the users pay the entire play fee, all of the users are permitted to play. Thereby, the existence of a user who does not bear the consideration can be allowed. As a result, it is possible to collect different burden amounts from a plurality of users as consideration for playing the game, including the existence of users who do not bear the consideration. Furthermore, when there is a user who has paid the consideration that other users should bear, it is possible to generate a sense of reward for the user who has been burdened by the user who has been burdened (paid user). As a result, it is possible to prompt the next play (returning play) accompanied by a reward by the burdened user. Thereby, the play of a game can be promoted.

As one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when there are users (U2, U3) who share the different fee amounts, all of the plurality of users (U2, U3) are granted with permission to play the game. You may further provide the privilege provision means (30) which provides a privilege. In this case, a privilege is given to all of a plurality of users who play the game in common with the existence of users who share different fees. In other words, it is possible to provide a benefit to the existence of a user who bears the consideration to be borne by other users. Thereby, each user can be urged to pay for the consideration of other users. As a result, game play can be further promoted.

The multiple users may be determined in various ways. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, each game machine (GM) that provides each user with the game, and a server device (2) connected to each game machine via a network (3), And the plurality of users are determined by matching performed by the server device, and a plurality of users using the plurality of game machines matched via the server device function as the plurality of users. It may be adopted.

Similarly, various users such as arbitrary users and designated users may bear different fee amounts. For example, in the aspect in which a plurality of users are determined by the matching according to the present invention, among the users who share the different fee amount, the burden user (U2) who bears a larger fee amount than the other users is determined in advance. May be. Further, in this aspect, the matching is performed so as to match the plurality of users including the specific user based on a request of the specific user who uses the specific game machine, and the specific user as the burden user May function. Alternatively, in the matching, a specific game machine and a specified game machine specified by a specific user who uses the specific game machine function as the plurality of game machines, and the user who uses the specified game machine and the The specific user may be executed as matched with the plurality of users, and the specific user may function as the burden user.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computers (10, 30) connected to the output device (MO) that provides the game to function as each means of the above-described game system.

The server device of the present invention is connected to the output device (MO) that provides the game via the network (3) and functions as each means of the above-described game system. By executing the computer program or server device of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game system 2 Center server (server device)
3 Network 10 Control unit (computer, fee setting means, play permission means)
30 control unit (computer, privilege granting means)
U user U2 2nd user (some users, burden users)
U3 3rd user (other users)
UG group (multiple users)
MO monitor (output device)
GM game machine

Claims

A game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game,
A fee setting means for commonly setting the plurality of users as a consideration for playing the game, so that the total fee of the plurality of users can be shared among different users;
Play that allows the plurality of users to commonly play the game so that the game is provided to the plurality of users when the overall play fee is paid by at least some of the plurality of users. Permission means,
A game system comprising:
The game system according to claim 1, further comprising privilege granting means for granting a privilege to all of the plurality of users when permission to play the game exists when there are users who share the different fee amounts.
Each game machine providing the game to each user;
A server device connected to each game machine via a network;
With
The plurality of users are determined by matching performed by the server device,
The game system according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of users each using a plurality of game machines matched via the server device function as the plurality of users.
4. The game system according to claim 3, wherein among users who share the different fee amount, a burden user who bears a larger fee amount than other users is determined in advance.
The matching is performed to match the plurality of users including the specific user based on a request of the specific user using the specific game machine,
The game system according to claim 4, wherein the specific user functions as the burden user.
In the matching, a specific game machine and a specific game machine specified by a specific user who uses the specific game machine function as the plurality of game machines, and the user who uses the specified game machine and the specific user Is executed to be matched as the plurality of users,
The game system according to claim 4, wherein the specific user functions as the burden user.
A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to an output device that provides the game to function as each unit of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A server device that is connected to an output device that provides the game via a network and functions as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.