JP2013138750A - Game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system allowing even a user having few friends to enjoy a game.SOLUTION: A game system can set a group relationship based on the mutual agreement of a plurality of users. The game system includes an evaluation means of evaluating each user according to a predetermined evaluation criterion, and a game control means of progressing a predetermined game utilizing the group relationship with a user in a group as a target. The game control means controls the progress of the game so that higher the evaluation is, the further a specific user can advance based on the evaluation for a group of users within a predetermined range including a specific user and group users for the specific user, when one user is selected as a specific user from users having a set group relationship. The configuration of the group is managed to control the progress of the game of the specific user while a user except a user in the group has been added to a group for the specific user in exchange for the payment of predetermined additional charges by the specific user.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system that associates fellow relationships set between users with the progress of a game.

  As a game system in which a plurality of users can participate, a cooperative game system in which a plurality of users cooperate to advance a game is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). There is also known a game system in which friend relationships are set between users and control such as special effects corresponding to the friend relationships is possible (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

JP 2011-055981 A JP 2009-189591 A JP 2007-082614 A JP 2011-206484 A

  In recent years, communication services such as SNS that provide a place for users to interact with each other through a network have rapidly spread, and the same kind of communication service functions are being implemented in game systems. In these services, friendships are set based on mutual user agreement. Therefore, when the game system is configured so that each user is evaluated according to some standard and the game is advanced as the evaluation of the group including the user and his / her friends increases, There is a tendency to be avoided. Such a user may not be able to gather friends as expected and may lose the willingness to participate in the game. Or since the user who has just started using the game system has few friends, the user cannot proceed as he / she thinks about the game and may lose the willingness to participate in the game.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the game system which can enjoy a game even with a user with few friends.

  The present invention provides an evaluation means (12) for evaluating each user according to a predetermined evaluation standard in a game system (1) capable of setting a friendship relationship between users based on mutual agreement among a plurality of users. , S151 to S153) and a game control means (12, 22) for advancing a predetermined game using the relation of the friends for the user who has the friends, the game control means includes the When one user is selected as a specific user from the users in which the relationship of the fellow is set, based on the evaluation of the evaluation unit regarding a group of users within a predetermined range including the specific user and the fellow user for the specific user , A progress control means for controlling the progress of the game so that the higher the evaluation is, the more the specific user advances in the predetermined game. 2, 22, S154 to S158, S231, S232) and, in exchange for payment of a predetermined additional fee by the specific user, the user other than the friend is added to the group related to the specific user in the state of the specific user. Group management means (12, 22, S214 to S217, S114 to S120, S135 to S138) for managing the configuration of the group so that progress in a predetermined game is controlled.

  According to the present invention, based on the evaluation of a group including the user and his / her friends, the progress of the game is controlled such that the higher the evaluation is, the more the user proceeds. Therefore, each user can advance a game advantageously by adding another highly evaluated user to a friend. Furthermore, when a user pays an additional fee, a user other than a friend can be added to the group, and the game can be advanced using the evaluation of the friend. Therefore, the game can be advantageously advanced even for users who have low evaluations or users who still have few friends, as compared to the case where the game is advanced alone. Therefore, even a user with few friends can fully enjoy the game. Furthermore, users who have gathered enough friends can also pay additional fees to add more non-friend users to their group, thereby allowing the game to proceed more advantageously.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the group management means grants a right to include a user other than the friend in the group in exchange for payment of the additional fee by the user (12, 22, S214 to S214). S217, S135 to S138), and a user adding means (12, S119) for adding a user other than the mate to the group when predetermined rights exercising conditions are satisfied. According to this, a right is first granted in exchange for payment of an additional fee, and a user other than a friend is added to the group when a predetermined right exercising condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately manage the addition of users other than friends to the group by appropriately setting the exercise conditions.

  The group management means may include user erasure means (12, S175) for erasing a user other than the friend from the group when a predetermined erasure condition is satisfied. According to this, a user other than a friend can be temporarily added as a member of a group within a range commensurate with the additional fee. In response to a single payment of the additional fee, users other than friends will not be included in the group indefinitely, so the benefits obtained by setting the relationship of friends and the benefits of non-friend users by paying the additional fee It is possible to entertain the game for the user by clearly distinguishing the benefits obtained by the addition.

  The erasing condition may be set in association with the number of times that the specific user has advanced in the second game by the progress control means. According to this, the effect of adding users other than friends to the group can be exhibited only a predetermined number of times.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the additional fee may be paid by consuming virtual currency owned by the user. The fee collection using the virtual currency is different from the fee collection using a physical medium such as coins and bills, and the unit for collecting the fee is not restricted by the physical mechanism. Accordingly, the unit of charge collection can be set flexibly, and a small charge can be set. This increases the degree of freedom in designing a function for adding users other than friends. In addition, charges can be collected through the network, and there is an advantage that users can easily use additional functions of users other than friends.

  The progress control means is configured such that when the result of payment of the additional fee in the virtual currency by the specific user satisfies a predetermined additional condition, the specific user enters the game compared to a case where the additional condition is not satisfied. The progress of the game may be controlled so as to advance further. According to this, the motivation to pay an additional fee in virtual currency can be given to the user.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the game system may include a server device (3) and a user personal terminal device (8) connected via a network (5). In that case, payment of the additional fee is made possible at the personal terminal device, and the group management means sends a user other than the associate to the user in response to the payment of the additional fee using the personal terminal device. Until the user adding means adds a user other than the friend to the group based on the right, and associates information indicating the existence of the right with the identification information of the user. The information may be erased in exchange for the addition of the user. According to this, when the user pays an additional fee through the personal terminal device, the right to include the user other than the associate in the group is given to the user, and based on the right, the user other than the associate That right is retained until it is added to the group. Therefore, the user can easily purchase the right at any time through the network and later exercise the right.

  A “personal terminal device” is a terminal device that is assigned or rented to a user mainly on the premise of personal use, regardless of whether the transfer or loan is paid or free of charge. Any name can be used as long as it can be connected to the server device via the server. For example, various personal information communication terminal devices such as personal computers, home game machines, and mobile phones (including so-called smartphones) can be used as personal terminal devices.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the game system includes a game machine (2) that allows the user to play the first game in exchange for payment of a play fee by the user, and the evaluation means includes the user of each user in the game machine. The game control means evaluates a play result relating to the first game, and the game control means advances the second game associated with the first game as a predetermined game using the friend relationship, and the specific user Is allowed to pay the additional fee when playing the first game on the game machine, and the group management means, when the additional fee is paid on the game machine, In the control of the progress of the second game to be executed by the progress control means corresponding to the play of one game, a user other than the friend is assigned to the specific user group. It may be configured to be added to The.

  In the above embodiment, when the user pays an additional fee when playing the first game on the game machine, the user other than the friend is added to the user's group, and the evaluation of the added user is also taken into consideration. Thus, the progress of the second game is controlled. Accordingly, the user can be surely grasped the correspondence between the play of the first game on the game machine and the effect corresponding to the payment of the additional fee. The “game machine” is sufficient if it allows the user to play the game in exchange for payment of the play fee by the user, as represented by a commercial game machine. In addition, “commercial game consoles” are installed in a predetermined facility on the assumption that an operator receives or transfers all or part of hardware and software and allows them to use them for a fee. Means a game console. The “facility” means a place equipped with a facility for operating a commercial game machine, regardless of whether the facility itself is commercial, public, or private.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a game system includes a game machine (2) that allows a user to play a first game in exchange for payment of a play fee by the user, the user's personal terminal device (8), and the game And a server device (3) that provides a predetermined service to the personal terminal device may be connected via a network (5). In that case, in the service provided to the personal terminal device by the server device, the service providing information related to the first game and the friend relationship between the plurality of users are set. And a service that provides a place where users who have the relationship of the friends set up interact with each other via the network, and the evaluation means evaluates a play result regarding the first game of each user in the game machine. Then, the game control means advances the second game associated with the first game as a predetermined game using the friend relationship, and the evaluation means is based on a play result of each user. Ranking creation means (22) for creating rankings for ranking users is provided, and the server device includes Rankine created by the ranking creation means. Can be provided to the personal terminal device, and the game control means can determine the ranking from a group of fellow users for the specific user. And selecting a predetermined number of users relatively higher in the group as users to be included in the group, and based on the evaluation for the specific user and the evaluation for the user included in the group, The progress of the second game may be controlled.

  In the above form, the first game corresponds to a game executed on a game machine in a general game system, and in addition to this, a second game associated with the first game is added, The progress is controlled by the game control means. Thereby, in addition to the first game, the second game can be provided to the user as additional enjoyment. The progress of the second game affects not only the evaluation obtained by the user in the first game but also the evaluation obtained by the fellow user in the first game. Not only when the user himself / herself received a high evaluation in the first game, but if the fellow user included in the group of the specific user received a high evaluation in the first game, the second The game can be advanced further. In other words, adding a user who is highly evaluated in the first game as a friend is also advantageous in advancing the second game. The relationship between the friends is set based on mutual agreement between the users, and users who have a high evaluation in the first game are highly attractive to add to the friends as viewed by other users, and on the contrary, the user has a low evaluation in the first game. Users are less attractive to add to their peers. Therefore, in order to advance the second game advantageously, it is necessary for the user himself / herself to repeatedly play the first game with a game machine to obtain a high evaluation. As a result, it is possible to create a favorable situation in gathering highly evaluated friends. Thereby, the setting of the relationship of the companion based on the mutual mutual agreement provided by the server device to the personal terminal device and the evaluation of each user with respect to the play of the first game in the game machine are organically linked to the game machine. Motivation to play the game can be effectively given to the user. Furthermore, when the user pays an additional fee, a user other than a friend can be added to the group, and the second game can be advanced using the evaluation of the first game related to the added user. Therefore, even for a user who has few friends, the second game can be progressed by adding a user other than the friend to his / her group in exchange for payment of the additional fee. Even for users who already have enough friends, the second game can be further advanced by paying an additional fee.

  Furthermore, an upper limit may be set for the number of users for whom the relationship of the associate can be set, and the number of associate users to be included in the group may be limited to be smaller than the upper limit. According to this, since there is an upper limit on the number of friends and the number of fellow users who are related to the progress of the second game is further restricted, the first game of each user in setting the relation of the friends Can be made to be more conscious of the rankings. Therefore, it is possible to give each user strong motivation to repeatedly play the first game on the game machine in order to improve his / her ranking.

  The evaluation means includes individual evaluation means (12, S151 to S153) for evaluating a user's play result in the predetermined range every time the first game is played in the predetermined range, and the ranking generating means. May create the ranking based on an evaluation result for each user of the individual evaluation means in a predetermined period. According to this, the ranking of each user can be changed by reflecting the accumulation of individual evaluations by the individual evaluation means in the ranking. Therefore, in order to increase the user's ranking or prevent the ranking from falling, each user is made aware of the necessity of playing the game on the game machine repeatedly within a predetermined period, and is more motivated to play the game on the game machine. It can be given to a user strongly and reliably.

  In addition, the individual evaluation means calculates an evaluation score obtained by quantifying the user's play result in the predetermined range so that the higher the evaluation, the higher the score, and the ranking creation means The ranking is created based on an evaluation score, and the game control means evaluates the specific user when the first game is played in the predetermined range, and the fellow users included in the evaluation target group. The progress of the second game may be controlled so that the higher the evaluation score in the predetermined period, the more the specific user advances in the second game. If the play result of the first game is quantified in this way, the user can easily understand the level of the evaluation, and the user can be attracted to the game of the game machine in order to obtain a higher evaluation score.

  The game control means may advance the specific user in the second game on the condition that the specific user has achieved a result exceeding a predetermined level in the first game. Further, the first game is configured as a battle game in which a battle is performed for each predetermined range, and the game control means is configured such that when the specific user wins in the battle of the predetermined range, the specific user has the predetermined level. The specific user may be advanced in the second game as a result exceeding the above. According to these forms, the second game cannot be advanced unless the score exceeding a predetermined level, such as winning the battle in the first game, is given. As described above, the user can be directed to repeatedly play the first game in order to increase the skill and strength of the first game.

  As described above, according to the game system of the present invention, based on the evaluation of the group including the user and the companion, the progress of the game is controlled so that the user advances more as the evaluation is higher, The user added other users to the group by paying an additional fee, so that the game can be advanced using the evaluation of the friend, so the user with low evaluation or the friend is still few For the user, the game can be advantageously advanced as compared to the case where the game is advanced independently. Therefore, even a user with few friends can fully enjoy the game. Furthermore, users who have gathered enough friends can also pay additional fees to add more non-friend users to their group, thereby allowing the game to proceed more advantageously.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The functional block diagram in the principal part of a game system. The figure which shows the mutual relationship of the main game as a 1st game played with a game machine, and the side game as a 2nd game linked | related with it. The figure which shows the mechanism which advances a side game. The figure which shows an example of a structure of play data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of community data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of ranking data. The figure which shows the relationship between the kind of ticket used in order to temporarily employ users other than a friend, and the probability of the lottery. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the login process performed when accessing a center server from a user terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the ticket purchase process performed when purchasing a ticket on a user terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the login process performed when starting a main game with a game machine. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the employment process performed as a subroutine process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the ticket purchase process performed as a subroutine process of FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the battle | competition result management process performed when one battle | competition is complete | finished with the main game of a game machine. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the employer management process performed when one battle | competition is complete | finished by the main game of a game machine.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a plurality of game machines 2 and a center server 3. Each game machine 2 is installed in a facility such as a store 4 and is configured as a commercial (business) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of the play fee. Yes. An appropriate number of game machines 2 are installed in each store 4. In FIG. 1, the game machine 2 is drawn without distinction, but the content of the game executed on the game machine 2 may be appropriately selected. The game may be different between the game machines 2. The game machine 2 may be configured as a dedicated machine having a physical configuration (for example, an operation unit) suitable for a specific game, or a general-purpose machine capable of playing various games by rewriting software. It may be configured as. The center server 3 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 3A, 3B. However, the center server 3 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 3 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

  The game machine 2 and the center server 3 are connected via a network 5 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 5 accommodates a WAN (wide area network) 5A, a LAN (local area network) 5B that is constructed for each store 4 and accommodates these game machines 2, and server units 3A, 3B,. LAN 5C for connecting these server units 3A and 3B to each other. As an example of the WAN 5A, the Internet that implements network communication using the TCP / IP protocol is used. The LANs 5B and 5C are also constructed by an intranet using the TCP / IP protocol. The LANs 5B and 5C are connected to the WAN 5A via the router 6. In addition, a local server may be installed between the game machine 2 and the router 6 of the store 4, and the game machine 2 may be connected to the center server 3 via the local server. The server units 3A, 3B... Of the center server 3 may be connected to each other by the WAN 5A instead of or in addition to the LAN 5C.

  A management PC (abbreviation of personal computer, the same shall apply hereinafter) 7 may be connected to the LAN 5B of the store 4 as well. The management PC 7 is provided for the purpose of an operator (sometimes called an operator) of the store 4 managing the game machine 2 or transmitting / receiving various information by accessing the center server 3. In the game system 1, the user terminal 8 can access the center server 3 via the network 5. The user terminal 8 may be appropriately used as long as it is a computer device that functions as a personal terminal device capable of network connection, such as a PC 8a or a mobile phone (including a smartphone) 8b. In the present specification, the user is a person who can be a player of the game machine 2. When the user operates the game machine 2, the user may be particularly referred to as a player. In addition, an operator that operates the center server 3 and provides various services directed to the game machine 2 or the user terminal 8 may be referred to as a service operator. The operator is a business operator who operates the game machine 2 in the store 4 and is conceptually classified as a service business operator.

  The game machine 2 and the center server 3 are assigned unique IP addresses for identifying them on the network 5. In communication between the game machines 2 or between the game machine 2 and the center server 3, a communication partner is specified using the IP address. When the WAN 5A is a public network such as the Internet, a unique fixed address on the WAN 5A is set in each router 6. In the game machine 2, a private address for uniquely identifying the game machine 2 on the network 5 is set as an IP address in combination with the fixed address. In this case, a virtual private network (VPN) is constructed between the game machine 2 and the center server 3 or between the game machines 2, and each game machine 2 is uniquely identified using a private address on the VPN. Is done. The same applies to the management PC 7. The user terminal 8 is also given a unique IP address for uniquely identifying the user terminal 8 on the network 5. The IP address may be a so-called dynamic address that changes every time it is connected to the network 5 or may be a fixed address that does not change. Hereinafter, information for identifying the game machine 2, the center server 3, the management PC 7, and the user terminal 8 on the network 5 is referred to as address information. In communication via the network 5, it is assumed that a communication partner is specified based on the address information unless otherwise specified. In the game system 1, apart from the address information described above, a unique store ID is set for each store 4 for each store 4, and a unique housing ID for each game device 2 for each game device 2. Is set. The center server 3 can uniquely identify the store 4 to which the communication partner game machine 2 belongs and the game machine 2 by receiving the store ID and the case ID from the communication partner game machine 2.

  The center server 3 provides various services via the network 5 to the game machine 2, users (players), and operators. For example, the center server 3 provides various game services to the game machine 2 or its players. As the game service, for example, a service that receives player identification information from the game machine 2 and authenticates the player, receives and stores the play data of the player from the game machine 2, or provides the game machine 2, a network 5 There is a service for updating a program or data of the game machine 2 via the network, a service for matching users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 5, and the like. The center server 3 also provides various Web services to the user terminal 8 that is accessed via the network 5. Examples of the web service include a service such as a game information service that provides various kinds of information regarding the game to the user through the website, and a community service that provides an exchange place such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by the user. Further, the center server 3 provides a service for a user to select and sell items that can be used in a game on the game machine 2 as a kind of Web service.

  The center server 3 is also provided with a billing service function that charges the user as a fee for providing a paid service and collects the fee from the user. In order to realize the charging service, a virtual currency account for each user is provided on the center server 3. When a user pays a charge fee using a settlement means such as cash or a credit card, an amount of virtual currency corresponding to the charge fee is charged to the user's account. On the other hand, when a user uses a paid service, an amount of virtual currency corresponding to the usage fee is consumed from the user's account.

  In the game system 1, various hardware and software are prepared as components necessary for allowing the user to use various services. At least some of those components are transferred or loaned from the service provider to the operator. As an example, the game machine 2 is transferred from a service provider to an operator for a fee. On the other hand, so-called content such as a game program or data to be executed on the game machine 2 is lent (provided) to the operator from the service provider.

  The operator collects a play fee as a consideration when the user plays the game. On the other hand, the service provider uses the play fee paid by the user as the consideration for lending the content, in other words, the fee according to the monetary value consumed when the user plays the game as the consideration for lending the content. To charge. In other words, the game system 1 employs a mechanism in which the play fee consumed by the player in the game machine 2 is used as revenue, and the revenue is distributed between the operator of the store 4 where the game machine 2 is installed and the service provider. ing. In order to realize such a mechanism, the game machine 2 is provided with a function for providing the center server 3 with timely information necessary for specifying the actual consumption of the play fee for each content. In addition, the center server 3 identifies the consumption amount of the play fee for each store 4 based on the information provided from the game machine 2, and the service provider informs the operator of a predetermined rate for the obtained consumption amount. A function for calculating the usage fee to be charged is implemented. By providing such a function, the play fee collected from the player can be distributed between the service provider and the operator.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the principal part of the control system regarding the game machine 2, the center server 3, and the user terminal 8 of the game system 1 is demonstrated. First, the center server 3 will be described. The center server 3 is provided with a control unit 20 and a storage device 21. The control unit 20 includes a microprocessor, a ROM in which a program such as an operating system to be executed by the microprocessor is recorded, and an internal storage device (not shown) such as a RAM that provides a work area for the microprocessor. A computer unit provided. Although an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor are connected to the control unit 20, they are not shown. The storage device 21 stores a server program to be executed by the control unit 20 and various data to be referred to by the program. Data recorded in the storage device 21 will be described later.

  Inside the control unit 20, a game service management unit 22, a Web service management unit 23, and an account management unit 24 are provided. Each of the units 22 to 24 is a logical device that is realized by a combination of computer hardware of the control unit 20 and predetermined software. The game service management unit 22 executes processing related to the game service described above, and the Web service management unit 23 executes processing related to the Web service described above. In accordance with a request from the game service management unit 22 or the Web service management unit 23, the account management unit 24 executes a process of consuming an amount of virtual currency corresponding to the service usage fee from the user's account. Further, the account management unit 24 executes a process of charging virtual currency to the user's account in accordance with a request from the Web service management unit 23. In addition to the above, the center server 3 is also equipped with a function for calculating a usage fee to be charged to the operator by the service provider based on the consumption record sent from the game machine 2. Omitted.

  Next, the game machine 2 is provided with a control unit 10 and a storage device 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit that combines a microprocessor and peripheral devices such as an internal storage device necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. The storage device 11 is a storage device capable of storing data, such as a hard disk storage device. The storage device 11 stores a game machine program to be executed by the control unit 10 and various data to be referred to by the program. As an example, when the game is executed, play data 41 associated with the player is provided from the center server 3 to the game machine 2 and recorded in the storage device 11. The play data 41 will be described later.

  In addition to the above, the control unit 10 is provided with various input / output devices such as an input operation device, a display device, a sound reproduction device, a card reader, and a coin authentication device, as in known game machines, but these are not shown. did. The card reader is provided for reading information on the card 9 possessed by the player and outputting a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 10. The card 9 is provided with a non-volatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe, and the medium has a unique ID for each card 9 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a card ID). It is recorded. The card ID is used to call play data 41 stored on the center server 3. The center server 3 identifies a user (player) using a unique user ID for each user, and the play data 41 is also recorded in a one-to-one correspondence with the user ID. The card ID is associated with the user ID one-to-one or many-to-one. By referring to the ID management data 40, the center server 3 can determine the correspondence between the card ID and the user ID and specify the user ID of the player. That is, in this embodiment, both the card ID and the user ID function as user identification information. The card ID may be recorded on the card 9 in the form of a barcode or the like. Alternatively, instead of the card 9, the card ID may be recorded on a storage medium such as an IC chip mounted on a mobile phone or the like.

  A game service processing unit 12 is provided inside the control unit 10. The game service processing unit 12 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware of the control unit 10 and predetermined software. The game service processing unit 12 executes various processes related to game play such as management of game start, progress, and end in the game machine 2 and collection of play fees. A part of the game service is realized by the cooperation of the game service processing unit 112 and the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3.

  As a method for causing the player to consume a monetary value equivalent to a play fee, a method using coins and a method using the charging service function of the center server 3 described above can be selected. In the former method, when the player inserts coins lent to the player for a fee into the game machine 2, “credit” having a value corresponding to the number of inserted coins is counted as a monetary value held by the player. As an example, one credit is recorded when one 100-yen coin is inserted. When the player instructs the game machine 2 to consume 1 credit, it is determined that a monetary value equivalent to 100 yen has been consumed in the game machine 2, and game play is permitted within a range corresponding to the amount consumed. The That is, when a play fee is paid through a coin, the consumption of monetary value is counted in units of one credit. On the other hand, in the latter method, that is, when the virtual currency is consumed, the consumption amount of the monetary value by the player is counted in a unit smaller than “credit”. Assuming that the unit for counting the amount (or amount) of virtual currency is “points”, for example, one point is set equivalent to one yen. In that case, when a play fee of 100 yen is required, 100 points of virtual currency is consumed. One point does not necessarily correspond to one yen, but one point (that is, a virtual currency consumption unit) is set to correspond to a monetary value that is one digit or more smaller than one credit.

  Further, the user terminal 8 is also provided with a control unit 30 as a computer unit. The control unit 30 is provided with a Web service processing unit 31 as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and predetermined software. The Web service processing unit 31 performs processing necessary for causing the user to use the Web service in cooperation with the Web service management unit 23 of the center server 3. For example, the web service processing unit 31 operates the user terminal 8 as a terminal device for causing the user to use a web service such as a community service in cooperation with the web service management unit 23 of the center server 3. The community service function may be realized by using software installed in each of the Web server and the user terminal in order to realize a known communication service such as SNS. In the community service, a plurality of users can set friendships based on mutual agreement. “Buddy” is a term used as a concept indicating that a predetermined connection exists between users.

  Next, in relation to the features of the present invention, an outline of services provided by the center server 3 to the game machine 2 and the user terminal 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the first game played on the game machine 2 is referred to as a main game, and the second game whose progress is controlled in association with the main game is referred to as a side game. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the mutual relationship between the main game and the side game. As shown in FIG. 3, when the main game is played on the game machine 2, the play result of the main game is provided from the game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 to the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3. . The game service management unit 22 creates a ranking that ranks the users based on the play results of each user. The main game is a game configured to compete for the ranking as one of its purposes. As the main game, a battle game, an action game, and other various games can be employed. As an example, the main game is a type of game that competes for making a role on a turn basis, such as mahjong, playing cards, and shogi.

  On the other hand, the web service management unit 23 includes a game cooperation site and a community site that can be accessed from the user terminal 8. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the user terminal 8, the Web service processing unit 31 accesses the game cooperation site or the community site, and processing corresponding to the service requested by the user is executed by the Web service management unit 23. The For example, in response to a request from the user terminal 8, the Web service management unit 23 executes a process of browsing the ranking created by the game service management unit 22 on the user terminal 8 via the game cooperation site. In addition, the web service management unit 23 sets a fellow relationship between users according to access to the community site from the user terminal 8, a process for canceling the setting, and users who have a fellow relationship set. Executes processing for exchanging messages.

  As described above, the setting of the friend relationship may be processed in the same manner as a known communication service, but the condition for the setting is based on mutual agreement between users. For example, in order to set a friendship relationship, as in a general community service, the user terminal 8 accesses the community site of the center server 3 and sends an invitation as a friend to another user. When an agreement is obtained, a process of recording the other party's community ID in each user's fellow ID is performed. Detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, an upper limit is set for the number of people who can set friendship relationships. When a user who has reached the upper limit of the number of friends wants to make a new user a friend, it is necessary to select a user who does not wish to maintain the relationship of the fellow and cancel the setting from the users who are already friends. is there.

  Furthermore, the game service management unit 22 advances the side game in parallel with the main game. In the side game, the progress is managed for each user. When one user who advances the game is a specific user, the side game progresses according to the play result of the specific user in the main game. The progress is influenced by the ranking among users and the setting status of friendships at community sites. Further, when a special right related to the side game is set from the user terminal 8 via the game cooperation site, the exercise of the right affects the progress of the side game. The special right can be set from the game machine 2, and the right can be exercised on the game machine 2.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the progress of the side game in detail. First, in the main game, the user's play result is scored according to a predetermined evaluation standard, and a special item is given to the user according to the score (evaluation score) obtained by the user. For example, when the main game is a mahjong game, when a user creates a winning combination in a single battle and wins, the rising role that is the play result is evaluated, and the beauty of the rising role is a predetermined evaluation. The score is calculated by scoring according to the standard. And when an evaluation score exceeds a predetermined threshold value, a special item is given. From the game machine 2, the user's evaluation point and the number of special items acquired by the user are provided to the center server 3 as at least a part of the play result. In the center server 3, the number of special items acquired by the user is accumulated, and the ranking is managed so that the higher the number of acquired special items (accumulated value), the higher the ranking. Assuming that the users whose friendships are set with the user A using the community service are users F1, F2,... Fn, the play results of the main game are similarly evaluated with respect to those users F1 to Fn. Ranking is determined. The same applies to other users who are not affiliated.

  Next, the progress of the side game related to the user A will be described with the user A as a specific user. Here, the progress of the side game is expressed by “achievement level”. The higher the achievement level, the more advanced the side game is. The degree of achievement of the side game related to the user A is related to the evaluation of other users in the main game in a predetermined range in addition to the play result of the user A. A set of other users in the predetermined range and the user A is referred to as a group of the user A. For the members of the group, a predetermined number of users X are selected in descending order of ranking from a group of users F1 to Fn in which fellow relationships with the user A are set. The number of people X is set to be smaller than the upper limit value of the number of users who can set a friendship relationship.

  Further, as the special right described above, the user A may set a right to temporarily employ a user who is ranked higher in the ranking as a member of the group from a group of users who are not in a relationship with the self. it can. The right to hire can be generated in exchange for the user consuming a predetermined amount of monetary value. In other words, the right to hire can be purchased by the user. The right to hire can be purchased from either the game machine 2 or the user terminal 8. The game machine 2 can purchase the right to employ through consumption of cash or virtual currency, and the user terminal 8 can purchase the right to employ through consumption of virtual currency. However, in FIG.3 and FIG.4, the process relevant to the purchase is abbreviate | omitting illustration.

  As a result of exercising the right to hire, user E1 and user E2 are hired by user A's group in FIG. In the situation where the group is configured as described above, when the user A plays the main game and the play result satisfies a predetermined condition, an evaluation score for the play result of the user A is calculated. Next, the calculated evaluation score of user A is multiplied by the total number of special items of all users belonging to the group. The multiplication value (product) is added to the achievement level of the user A in the side game. Thereby, the achievement level in the side game of the user A increases. The progress of the side game (including the achievement level) can be confirmed by the user accessing the game cooperation site from the user terminal 8. Note that the added value of the achievement level in the side game may further increase beyond the multiplication value described above when a predetermined additional condition is satisfied. Examples thereof will be described later.

  As described above, the achievement level of each user in the side game affects not only the play result in the user's own main game but also the evaluation in the main game of other users to which each user has set a friendship. Therefore, in order to advance the side game efficiently, it is advantageous for the user to increase the number of friends and add users who are ranked high in the main game to the members of the group. However, fellow relationships are set based on mutual user agreements, and there is an upper limit on the number of people. Therefore, a user with a low rank in the ranking of the main game becomes an unattractive user who sets a friendship relationship as viewed from other users, whereas a user with a high rank is an attractive user who sets a friendship relationship. Become. Therefore, in order for each user to advance the side game advantageously, by playing many main games and raising the ranking, it creates a situation where it is easy to set up the relationship of friends by increasing their attractiveness, Increasing and adding higher ranking users to the group is required. On the other hand, if the user's play frequency in the main game decreases, the ranking in the ranking will naturally decrease and the risk of canceling the friendship relationship will increase. Therefore, it is essential for the user to frequently play the main game to maintain or improve his / her ranking. As described above, in this embodiment, in order to control the progress of the side game in association with the evaluation of the user's fellow main game, the main game is directed to the user as one of the purposes to increase the number of friends and advance the side game advantageously. Motivation to play the game can be given.

  In addition, for users who have a low evaluation in the main game, it is possible to create an advantageous situation for the progress of the side game by purchasing the right to hire and temporarily hiring users with high rankings. Therefore, not only a user who is familiar with the game but also a user who is unfamiliar with the game can enjoy the side game, and the side game does not proceed unless the main game is played. Motivation to play the game can be given.

  Next, data and processing of the game system 1 for realizing the relationship shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described. First, returning to FIG. 2, details of data recorded in the storage device 21 of the center server 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, ID management data 40, a group of play data 41, a group of community data 42, and a group of account data 44 are recorded in the storage device 21 of the center server 3. The ID management data ID 40 is data describing the correspondence between various IDs used in the game system 1. For example, the correspondence relationship between the card ID and the user ID described above is recorded in the ID management data 40. In the community service provided by the center server 3, a community ID different from the user ID is set. The correspondence relationship between the community ID and the user ID is also recorded in the ID management data 40. The account data 44 is data in which the user ID and the amount (balance) of the virtual currency held by the user are recorded in association with each other.

  The play data 41 is created for each user ID. A set of play data 41 for each user ID is a group of play data 41. A group of play data 41 exists for each type of game, but FIG. 2 shows only a group corresponding to one type of game. All the following explanations also relate to games of the same type. When a player plays a game on any of the game machines 2, the card ID that the player has recognized by the game machine 2 is provided to the center server 3, and a play corresponding to the user ID associated with the card ID. Play data 41 corresponding to the game type of the game machine 2 is provided from the center server 3 to the game machine 2 and stored in the storage device 11 of the game machine 2. An example of the play data 41 is shown in FIG. In the play data 41 of FIG. 5, information about the user (user information), main game data, and side game data are recorded in association with the user ID. The user information is information for identifying a user on the game, such as a user attribute (age or age group, gender) and a nickname.

  The data of the main game includes user ranking (rank) and class information in the main game, play history information, and the number of special items. The rank is the rank of the user in the ranking created by the game service management unit 22. In the ranking, the user's rank is classified into a plurality of classes, and information indicating which class the user's rank (rank) is classified in the main game data is also recorded. The play history is information in which the user's past play contents such as the user's past play count and competition results are recorded. As part of the play history, for example, information indicating a skill or strength index acquired by the user repeatedly playing the game, information such as an experience value acquired by the user in the past play may be included. The number of special items is the cumulative number of special items acquired by the user in the main game.

  The side game data includes ticket information, ticket purchase history information, and side game achievement information. The ticket information is information indicating the type and quantity of tickets owned by the user. Tickets are used in the game system 1 as a concept that symbolizes the right of a user to hire other users than friends in a side game. Having a ticket gives the user the right to hire other users, and using the ticket exercises the right to hire. Details such as ticket type, ticket generation and consumption will be described later. The ticket purchase history information is information that describes the history of the purchase of a ticket by the user. The information on the degree of achievement of the side game is information that quantitatively indicates the progress of the user in the side game according to a predetermined unit. For example, when the user climbs a high-rise building as the side game progresses, the achievement level can be expressed by the number of floors where the user is located. In this case, the user moves to the upper floor as the side game progresses.

  The community data 42 shown in FIG. 2 is data in which various types of information to be referred to when the user uses the community service, and is created for each community ID. A set of these data is a group of community data 42. An example of the community data 42 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 6, the community data 42 includes comment data that records a friend ID that identifies a user for whom the user has set a friend relationship, and a comment that the user has sent to or received from the friend user. Etc. are recorded in association with the community ID of the user. The fellow ID is a community ID of another user for whom the user has set a fellow relation.

  The ranking data 43 shown in FIG. 2 is data that ranks all users in the main game. An example of the ranking data 43 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 7, the ranking data 43 is configured as a set of records in which the user rank, class, user ID, user information, and number of special items are associated with each other. The rank, class, user information, and number of special items are as described above. The user information may be information on a range to be displayed when browsing the ranking using the user terminal 8. For example, only the user's nickname may be recorded in the ranking data as user information.

  Each of the data described above is merely an example of data recorded in the storage devices 11 and 21. In addition to the illustrated data, the storage devices 11 and 21 record various data necessary for processing such as game execution, collection of play fees, and distribution of revenue between the operator and the service provider. Those explanations are omitted.

  Next, ticket types will be described with reference to FIG. There are free versions of tickets that can be obtained free of charge and paid versions that are purchased by the user. The free ticket is limited to once a day when the user accesses the center server 3 from the game machine 2 or the user terminal 8 and executes a login process for authenticating his / her card ID or user ID to the center server 3. It is given to users free of charge. On the other hand, the paid ticket is given to the user in exchange for payment of a predetermined purchase fee. Regardless of whether the ticket is a free version or a paid version, multiple classes are set. The class has a one-to-one correspondence with the ranking class in the main game. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when a ticket is divided into six levels from class A to F, the ranking of users in the main game is also divided into six levels from class A to F. Here, class A is the class of the user group with the highest ranking in the ranking of the main game, class B is the class of the user group with the next highest ranking, and thereafter, the class F is gradually lowered and class F is the highest ranking. This is a low user class. However, the correspondence relationship is not limited to one-to-one, and tickets associated with a plurality of classes in the ranking may exist.

  When a ticket is given to the user, a lottery regarding the class is performed, and a ticket of the winning class is given to the user. The lottery is executed according to the probability shown in FIG. 8, but the probability of the lottery is different between the free version and the paid version. If the probability of the lottery is P1, P2 to P4 in descending order, the class F has the highest probability in the free version, the probabilities of classes D and E are lower than those of class F, and the probabilities of classes A and B Is the lowest. On the other hand, in the paid version, the probability of class F is zero. That is, when a user purchases a ticket, a class F ticket is not won. In the paid version, the probability of class E is the highest, and the probability of classes A and B is higher than the probability in the free version. In this way, when a user purchases a ticket, the winning probability of each class ticket is set so that it is easier to win a ticket of a relatively higher class than when a free version ticket is obtained. Has been. One ticket is given in one lottery. The set values of the probabilities in FIG. 8 are recorded in appropriate forms in the storage devices 11 and 21 of the two games and the center server 3. For example, the probability setting value may be described in the program for executing the lottery of tickets, or as the data to be referred to when the lottery is executed, the storage device 11 as probability setting data different from the program, The setting value of FIG.

  Next, processes executed by the control unit 10 of the game machine 2, the control unit 20 of the center server 3, and the control unit 30 of the user terminal 8 in relation to the progress of the side game will be described with reference to FIGS. To do. First, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, processing for enabling a user to obtain an employment ticket using the user terminal 8 will be described.

  FIG. 9 shows that the Web service processing unit 31 of the user terminal 8 and the Web service management unit 23 of the center server 3 respectively execute when the user browses the game cooperation site on the center server 3 using the user terminal 8. The login process is shown. When the user activates the Web client software of the user terminal 8, the Web service processing unit 31 requests the Web service management unit 23 of the center server 3 to log in (Step S301). In the request, the user ID input by the user or stored in the user terminal 8 is provided to the center server 3. The web service management unit 23 of the center server 3 starts a login process in response to a login request from the user terminal 8, and first identifies the user with reference to the user ID provided from the user terminal 8 (step S201). Thereafter, the Web service management unit 23 refers to the login history stored in association with the user ID, and determines whether or not there is a history of logins by users with the same user ID at the same time (step). S202). If there is no history, the Web service management unit 23 draws a free version ticket to be given to the user (step S203). The lottery is performed according to the probability of the free version shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the Web service management unit 23 updates the ticket information of the play data 41 associated with the user ID so that the class ticket assigned in the lottery is recorded as the user's property (step S204). . After updating the data, the Web service management unit 23 provides the user terminal 8 with information necessary for processing after login (step S205). For example, the content etc. which should be browsed only by the user who logged in with respect to the game cooperation site are provided as information. When a ticket is given to the user, the lottery result, that is, information for specifying the class of the winning ticket is also provided to the user terminal 8. After providing the information, the Web service management unit 23 finishes the login process. If it is determined in step S202 that there is a login history of the same user ID, the processing of steps S203 and S204 related to the ticket is skipped and the processing proceeds to step S205. When the information is provided from the center server 3, the Web service processing unit 31 of the user terminal 8 acquires the information and displays the information of the game cooperation site after login to the user (Step S302). When a ticket is granted, this is also displayed to the user. Thereafter, the Web service processing unit 31 finishes the login process.

  FIG. 10 illustrates a ticket purchase process executed by the Web service management unit 23 of the center server 3 when the user purchases a paid version ticket by accessing the game cooperation site from the user terminal 8. The process of FIG. 10 is a process performed after the user completes the login according to FIG. 9, that is, in a state where the center server 3 can identify the user ID of the user who requests the purchase. When the user performs a purchase operation such as a user clicking a purchase button on the game cooperation site displayed on the user terminal 8, the user terminal 8 requests the center server 3 for purchase processing, and the purchase of the ticket shown in FIG. Processing is started. In the ticket purchase process, the Web service management unit 23 first causes the user to operate the user terminal 8 to set the ticket purchase number (step S211), and calculates the ticket purchase fee corresponding to the set number (step S211). S212). For example, if one ticket is 100 points, a value obtained by multiplying the number of purchases by a unit price of 100 points is calculated as the purchase fee. Next, the Web service management unit 23 consumes an amount of virtual currency corresponding to the calculated purchase fee (step S213).

  The consumption of the virtual currency is realized when the Web service management unit 23 requests the account management unit 24 to consume the virtual currency equivalent to the purchase fee. The account management unit 24 specifies the account data 44 corresponding to the user ID, and attempts to withdraw the designated consumption amount from the balance held in the account data 44. If the withdrawal (consumption) is successful, the account management unit 24 notifies the Web service management unit 23 of success, and if it fails, the Web service management unit 23 is notified of the failure. The Web service management unit 23 determines whether or not the purchase fee has been successfully collected based on the notification from the account management unit 24 (step S214), and if successful, executes a lottery of tickets (step S215). ). In this case, the lottery is performed according to the setting of the probability of the paid version shown in FIG. The lottery is repeated the same number of times as the number of purchases set by the user.

  When the ticket lottery is completed, the Web service management unit 23 uses the ticket information of the play data 41 corresponding to the user ID of the user who requested the purchase of the ticket as the property of the class assigned by the current lottery. Update to be recorded (step S216). Subsequently, the Web service management unit 23 records the class and number of tickets purchased this time and the purchase date and time in the ticket purchase history of the play data 41 (step S217). Thereafter, the Web service management unit 23 notifies the purchase result of this time, that is, the class and number of tickets recorded as ticket information in the user's play data 41 to the user terminal 8 that requested the purchase (step S218). Thereafter, the ticket purchase process is completed. If it is determined in step S214 that the consumption of the virtual currency has failed, the Web service management unit 23 executes a predetermined error process (step S219), and then ends the ticket purchase process. As the error process, a process of notifying the user terminal 8 of the shortage of balance and requesting the charge of the virtual currency may be executed.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15, processing executed in association with the progress of the side game among various types of processing performed when the user plays the main game on the game machine 2 will be described. . FIG. 11 shows login processing executed by the game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 and the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 when the user plays the main game on the game machine 2. When the user causes the game machine 2 to read the card 9 and requests login, the game service processing unit 12 requests the game service management unit 22 to log in (step S101). In the request, the card ID read from the card 9 is provided to the center server 3. The game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 starts a login process in response to a login request from the game machine 2, first refers to the ID management data 40, and a user corresponding to the card ID provided from the game machine 2 The user is identified by specifying the ID (step S221). Subsequently, the game service management unit 22 acquires the play data 41 stored in association with the user ID (step S222), and then refers to the ID management data 40 to correspond to the user ID of the user. The community ID is specified, and the fellow data (companion ID data) of the community data 42 corresponding to the community ID is acquired (step S223). Furthermore, the game service management unit 22 also acquires ranking data 43 (step S224). Thereafter, the game service management unit 22 provides the game machine 2 with the data acquired in steps S222 to S224 (step S225). By providing the data, the game service management unit 22 finishes the login process.

  The game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 acquires the data provided from the center server 3 and temporarily stores it in the storage device 11 (step S102). Thereafter, the game service processing unit 12 executes an employment process as a subroutine process (step S103). FIG. 12 shows the procedure of the employment process. When the game service processing unit 12 starts the employment process of FIG. 12, the game service processing unit 12 first searches the play history of the play data 41 provided from the center server 3, and whether there is a history of the user playing the main game during the same day. It is determined whether or not (step S111). If there is no play history during the same day, the game service processing unit 12 draws a free version ticket to be given to the user (step S112). The lottery is performed in accordance with the probability of the free version shown in FIG. 8, similarly to step S203 of FIG.

  Subsequently, the game service processing unit 12 updates the ticket information of the play data 41 held in the storage device 11 so that the ticket of the class assigned in the lottery is recorded as the user's property (step S113). . After the data is updated, the game service processing unit 12 confirms whether or not the user of the game machine 2 wishes to employ another user (step S114). If it is determined in step S111 that there is a history, the processes in steps S112 and S113 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S114. If it is determined in step S114 that the user wants to hire, the game service processing unit 12 refers to the ticket information in the play data 41 of the storage device 11 to determine whether the user owns the ticket. It discriminate | determines (step S115). When it is determined that the ticket is owned, the game service processing unit 12 confirms with the user whether or not to use the ticket (step S116).

  If it is determined in step S116 that the user does not wish to use a ticket that the user already owns, or if it is determined in step S115 that there is no ticket, the game service processing unit 12 purchases a ticket for the user. Whether or not (step S117). If it is determined that the user does not wish to purchase a ticket, the game service processing unit 12 skips the following processing, finishes the employment processing, and returns to the login processing in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user wishes to purchase a ticket, the game service processing unit 12 executes a ticket purchase process as a subroutine process (step S118). FIG. 13 shows the procedure of the ticket purchase process.

  When starting the ticket purchase process of FIG. 13, the game service processing unit 12 first causes the user to select a payment method of the ticket purchase fee between payment by coins (cash) and payment by virtual currency (step S131). Note that the ticket purchase in the game machine 2 can be limited to one ticket at the time of one login, and the purchase fee here is the purchase fee of one ticket. Subsequently, the game service processing unit 12 determines whether or not the user has selected payment by coins (step S132). If payment by coins is selected, the game service processing unit 12 accepts insertion of an amount of coins corresponding to the ticket purchase fee (step S133). On the other hand, when payment by virtual currency is selected, the game service processing unit 12 consumes an amount of virtual currency corresponding to the ticket purchase fee (step S134). In this case, the game service processing unit 12 designates the user ID of the play data 41 recorded in the storage device 11 and the consumption amount of the virtual currency, and consumes the virtual currency to the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3. Request. The game service management unit 22 notifies the account management unit 24 of the user ID and the consumption amount of the virtual currency, requests the withdrawal of the virtual currency from the balance of the account data 44 corresponding to the user ID, and displays the withdrawal result. Received from the account management unit 24 and notifies the game machine 2.

  Subsequently, the game service processing unit 12 determines whether or not the ticket purchase fee has been successfully collected in step S133 or S134 (step S135), and if successful, executes a lottery of tickets (step S135). S136). If successful, ticket lottery is executed (step S215). In this case, one ticket is drawn in accordance with the setting of the probability of the paid version shown in FIG. When the ticket lottery is completed, the game service processing unit 12 records the ticket information of the play data 41 held in the storage device 11 so that the ticket of the class assigned in the current lottery is recorded as the user's property. Update (step S139). Subsequently, the game service processing unit 12 records the class and number (one) of the ticket purchased this time and the purchase date and time in the ticket purchase history of the play data 41 on the storage device 11 (step). S138). Thereafter, the game service processing unit 12 notifies the user of the game machine 2 of the current purchase result, that is, the ticket class recorded as ticket information in the user's play data 41 (step S139). Thereafter, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the ticket purchase process of FIG. 13 and returns to the process of FIG. If it is determined in step S135 that the purchase fee collection has failed, the game service processing unit 12 executes a predetermined error process (step S140), and then ends the ticket purchase process. As the error process, it is sufficient to notify that the ticket cannot be purchased due to a shortage of charges and to further recommend charging of the virtual currency if the balance of the virtual currency is insufficient.

  Returning to FIG. 12, when the ticket purchase process (step S <b> 118) ends, or when the user selects to use the ticket in step S <b> 116, the game service processing unit 12 temporarily stores the user group of the game machine 2. A user (employer) to be hired is determined, and the result is recorded in the storage device 11 (step S119). The employer is determined based on the ticket used by the user and the ranking data 43 acquired by the game machine 2. Specifically, when the user selects to use a specific ticket in step S116, the user is classified into the ticket class, and a friendship relationship is set with the user of the game machine 2. Users to be hired are determined randomly from a group of users who do not. When the user purchases a ticket through the ticket purchase process in step S118, it is considered that the ticket purchased this time by the user is used as it is instead of the ticket selected in step S116, and the same applies from the ticket class. The employer is determined. However, if the purchase of the ticket fails, it is determined that there is no employer and that fact is recorded.

  After the employer is determined, the game service processing unit 12 determines whether or not the number of employers has reached a predetermined upper limit (step S120), and if not, the process returns to step S114. That is, when the user owns a plurality of tickets, the plurality of tickets can be used in one main game by a number of people within a range not exceeding the upper limit of the number of employers. On the other hand, when the number of employers reaches the upper limit, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the employment process of FIG. 12 and returns to the login process of FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 11, after the employment processing in step S <b> 103 is completed, the game service processing unit 12 determines the configuration of the user group and records the result in the storage device 11. As described above, the group is the user who plays the main game on the game machine 2, and other users for whom a friendship relationship is set for the user, and is ranked highest in the ranking data 43. To a predetermined number of users X and users of employers determined in the employment process in step S103. The fellow user can be determined from the fellow data acquired by the game machine 2 in step S102, and the level of the ranking can be determined from the ranking data acquired in step S103. In addition, when there is no employer, a group is comprised by the user himself and fellow users within the range of the number of people X. After the group is determined, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the login process of FIG.

  After the group is determined as described above, when the user plays the main game on the game machine 2, the play result is evaluated every time the main game is played in a predetermined range, and the calculation related to the progress of the side game is performed. This is performed by the game service processing unit 12. For example, when the main game is a mahjong game, a single-game battle is set as a predetermined range. Then, each time the match of one station is completed, the result of the match of the song is evaluated, and the progress of the side game is controlled according to the result of the evaluation. The range of the main game to be evaluated once can be set as appropriate according to the type and configuration of the main game. For example, when the main game is set so that the user advances the game by sequentially playing selection elements on the game such as a plurality of stages, modes, and music, the evaluation is performed each time a predetermined number of selection elements are played. Can be performed to advance the side game.

  FIG. 14 shows a battle result management process executed by the game service processing unit 12 every time the main game is played within a predetermined range. Here, it is assumed that the process of FIG. 14 is performed every time a plurality of users repeat a plurality of battles and one battle is completed. In the battle result management process of FIG. 14, when one battle is completed, the game service processing unit 12 first determines whether or not the user has won the battle (step S151). If the user loses, all subsequent processes are skipped, and the process of FIG. That is, when the user loses, the achievement level of the side game does not change. On the other hand, if the user wins, the user's evaluation score in the main game is calculated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion (step S152). As an example, as described above, when a user wins a single-game match of mahjong, the beauty of the rising role of the user is calculated according to a predetermined standard. When losing a match, the evaluation score itself is not calculated, but the result of the match is evaluated by determining that the evaluation score is not calculated.

  After the evaluation score of the main game is calculated, the game service processing unit 12 gives a special item to the user according to the calculated evaluation score (step S153). The number of special items given is added to the number of special items held in the play data 41 of the storage device 11. Subsequently, the game service processing unit 12 calculates an addition value of the achievement level related to the side game of the user of the game machine 2 (step S154). The calculation of the added value is as shown in FIG. Specifically, the added value is calculated by multiplying the evaluation score calculated in step S152 by the total number of special items of all users included in the group determined in step S104 of FIG. The The total value of the number of special items is calculated by the game service processing unit 12 by referring to the user ID and the number of special items included in the ranking data 43 acquired by the game machine 2 in step S102 of FIG. Can do.

  After calculating the added value, the game service processing unit 12 determines whether or not the ticket purchase history of the user of the game machine 2 satisfies a predetermined additional condition (step S155). The additional condition is satisfied when the cumulative value of the number of times the ticket is purchased using the virtual currency exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Once the addition condition is satisfied, the accumulated value for determining whether or not the addition condition is satisfied is reset to an initial value. The number of purchases in virtual currency can be determined by referring to the ticket purchase history of the play data 41 held in the storage device 11 of the game machine 2.

  When it is determined in step S155 that the additional condition is satisfied, the game service processing unit 12 increases the added value calculated in step S154 according to a predetermined calculation method (step S156). For example, the added value can be increased by a method of multiplying the calculated value in step S154 by a predetermined correction coefficient to increase the added value, or adding a certain bonus value to the added value. After increasing the added value, the game service processing unit 12 updates the play data 41 so that the added value is added to the side game achievement level of the play data 41 recorded in the storage device 11. If the additional condition is not satisfied in step S155, the game service processing unit 12 skips the process in step S156 and proceeds to step S157.

  After adding the achievement degree of the side game, the game service processing unit 12 holds the updated content (the number of special items and the achievement degree of the side game) of the play data 41 executed in this process in the center server 3. As reflected in the play data 41, the center server 3 is instructed to update the play data 41 of the user through the user ID and update contents of the user (step S158). After the instruction, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the battle result management process of FIG. When the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 receives a data update instruction from the game machine 2, the game service management unit 22 starts the data update process of FIG. 14 and extracts play data 41 corresponding to the user ID notified from the game machine 2. (Step S231), the play data 41 is updated according to the update content notified from the game machine 2 (step S232). Thereafter, the game service management unit 22 ends the data update process. Thereby, the achievement degree of the side game increases every time the user wins in one battle of the main game, and the change is reflected in the play data on the center server 3. The game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 searches the achievement level of the side game in the play data 41 of each user and presents the user with a situation in which each user competes for the achievement level on the user terminal 8 through the game cooperation site. Thereby, in addition to the ranking of the main game, the user can check his / her achievement level in the side game while comparing with the achievement levels of other users. As a result, the interest of the game is enhanced by the synergistic effect of the main game and the side game.

  The game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 executes the employer management process of FIG. 15 in parallel with the process of FIG. 14 when one battle of the main game is completed. The employer management process is a process performed to manage a user who is hired in connection with the progress of the side game. In the employer management process of FIG. 15, the game service processing unit 12 first determines whether or not the user has won a battle (step S171). When the user wins, the game service processing unit 12 adds 1 to the number of wins of the user held as data in the internal storage device of the control unit 10 (step S172), and then the number of wins is a predetermined upper limit number. Is determined (step S173). The upper limit number is set to a value moderately smaller than the M times, for example, when M battles are performed in one play of the main game.

  When the number of wins of the user has not reached the upper limit, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the main game, that is, plays within the permitted range corresponding to the play fee paid by the user in exchange for the play of the main game. It is determined whether or not the process has been completed (step S174). If it is determined in step S171 that the user has lost, the processes in steps S172 and S173 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S174. If it is determined in step S174 that play has ended, or if it is determined in step S173 that the number of wins of the user has reached the upper limit, the game service processing unit 12 deletes the employer user from the user group ( Step S175). Thereafter, the game service processing unit 12 deletes all tickets used by the user in the current game from the ticket information recorded in the play data 41 of the storage device 11 (step S176). After erasing the ticket information, the game service processing unit 12 finishes the process of FIG. If it is not determined in step S174 that the game has ended, the processes in steps S175 and S176 are skipped, and the process in FIG. 15 ends. When the used ticket information is deleted in step S176, the update is also reflected in the play data 41 of the center server 3 at an appropriate timing. For example, in step S158 of the process of FIG. 14 that is executed in parallel, an update of ticket information may be instructed, or when the process of FIG. 14 is executed next, an update of the ticket information is instructed. May be. Furthermore, since the play data 41 is stored in the center server 3 when the main game ends, the ticket information is updated at the latest at that time. Therefore, the tickets used in the past main game remain without being deleted, and are not used again in the main game after the next time.

  In the above embodiment, the game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 functions as the individual evaluation means in the evaluation means of the present invention by executing the processing of steps S151 to S153 in FIG. The management unit 22 creates ranking data based on the number of special items received from the game machine 2, thereby functioning as ranking creation means in the evaluation means of the present invention. Further, the game service processing unit 12 of the game machine 2 and the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 cooperate to function as the game control means of the present invention. Further, the game service processing unit 12 executes the processes of steps S154 to S158 in FIG. 14, and the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 executes the processes of steps S231 and S232, whereby the game service processing unit 12 and the game The service management unit 22 functions as a progress control means, the game service processing unit 12 executes the processes of steps S114 to S120 in FIG. 12 and steps S135 to S138 in FIG. 13, and the game service management unit 22 performs the steps in FIG. By executing the processes of S214 to S217, the game service processing unit 12 and the game service management unit 22 function as a group management unit.

  Further, the game service processing unit 12 executes the processes of steps S135 to S138 in FIG. 13, and the game service management unit 22 executes the processes of steps S214 to S217 in FIG. The management unit 22 functions as a right grant unit of the group management unit, and the game service processing unit 12 functions as a user addition unit of the group management unit by executing the process of step S119 in FIG. In this case, the condition in step S116 in FIG. 12 corresponds to the right exercise condition, and the purchase of a ticket in the process in step S118 in FIG. 12 (the process in FIG. 13) also corresponds to the right exercise condition. Further, the game service processing unit 12 functions as a user erasure unit of the present invention by executing the process of step S175 in FIG. 15, and the conditions in steps S173 and S174 in the figure correspond to the erasure conditions. The game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 functions as ranking creation means in the evaluation means of the present invention by creating ranking data based on the number of special items received from the game machine 2. Also,

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be applied. For example, in the above embodiment, the first game is played on the game machine, and the progress of the second game is controlled based on the evaluation of the play result. However, the present invention is not limited to an example in which the first game and the second game are associated and executed in parallel, and the user's evaluation is not limited to the evaluation relating to the game play result. The present invention can be applied to a game system having an appropriate configuration as long as there is a relationship in which the user is evaluated from various viewpoints and the evaluation affects the evaluation of the group and consequently affects the progress of each user's game. Is possible. For example, a game played on a game machine (the first game in the above embodiment) can be set as a target for progress control using a friendship relationship. As an example, in the control of the progress of each user related to the game of the game machine, the evaluation in the same game of users included in the group (additional users and users other than the friends) may be reflected. Alternatively, the user may be evaluated based on indicators such as the frequency of playing the game, the accumulated amount of the fee paid for the game, and the frequency of interaction between friends, and the evaluation may be reflected in the progress of the game. . In addition, the present invention does not necessarily require creation of a ranking based on user evaluation. Even if the ranking is created, the creation method is not limited to an example in which the ranking is created based on the cumulative value of the parameters representing the evaluation on the game such as the evaluation score for each user or the number of special items. The ranking may be created based on the integrated value, average value, maximum value, etc. of the evaluation points for each user. The period for which the ranking should be created can also be set as appropriate. For example, settings such as monthly units or weekly units can be made.

  Even when the game play result is evaluated, the evaluation method can be variously changed. For example, in the above-described form, every time a match of the main game ends, winning / losing determination (step S151 in FIG. 14), evaluation score calculation (step S152), and provision of special items (step S153) 3 Although the play result is evaluated over the stages, the evaluation of the play result of the first game is not limited to such a multi-stage example. For example, the score itself acquired by the user in the main game may be used as an evaluation for the play result. Further, regarding the control of the progress of the game, in the above-described form, the game service processing unit 12 of the two games adds the value to the achievement degree of the side game in steps S154 to S158 of FIG. 14, that is, the second game. Although the values related to the progress of the game are calculated, the game service management unit 22 of the center server 3 may perform these calculations.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a game system in which a game machine and a personal terminal device are connected to a server device via a network. However, the present invention can execute a game with the personal terminal device and the server device. The present invention may be applied to a game system that can be executed by a game machine and a server device. Even when a game machine is included, the game machine is not limited to an example installed in a commercial facility. As long as the game console is configured to allow play in exchange for payment of the play fee, the location of the game console includes public facilities, personal facilities, and other various locations. Can be. Furthermore, a game machine is not restricted to the example which exists as a physically integrated apparatus. Even if it is a logical or virtual game machine realized by a combination of a plurality of computer devices connected via a network and software, a game is played to the user in exchange for payment of a play fee. Any device that is configured to be allowed to be included can be included in the concept of the game machine in the present invention. Regarding the setting of friends, in addition to the agreement between users, further conditions may be set in consideration of the difference in evaluation between users and other factors.

1 game system 2 game machine 3 center server (server device)
8 User terminal (personal terminal device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control unit of game machine 12 Game service processing part 20 Control unit of center server 22 Game service management part 23 Web service management part 30 Control unit of user terminal 31 Web service processing part

Claims (15)

In a game system in which it is possible to set a friendship relationship between users based on mutual agreement among a plurality of users,
Evaluation means for evaluating each user according to a predetermined evaluation standard, and game control means for proceeding a predetermined game using the relationship of the friends for the user in which the friends exist, the game control means comprising: ,
When one user is selected as a specific user from the users in which the relationship of the fellow is set, based on the evaluation of the evaluation unit regarding a group of users within a predetermined range including the specific user and a fellow user for the specific user A progress control means for controlling the progress of the game so that the higher the evaluation is, the more the specific user advances in the predetermined game;
In exchange for payment of a predetermined additional fee by the specific user, the progress of the specific user in the predetermined game is controlled in a state where a user other than the fellow is added to the group related to the specific user. A group management means for managing the configuration;
A game system. The group management means includes
A right granting means for granting the user the right to include a user other than the friend in the group in exchange for payment of the additional fee by the user;
The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: a user addition unit that adds a user other than the friend to the group when a predetermined right exercising condition is satisfied.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the group management unit includes a user deletion unit that deletes a user other than the fellow from the group when a predetermined deletion condition is satisfied.   The game system according to claim 3, wherein the erasing condition is set in association with the number of times that the specific user has advanced in the second game by the progress control means.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the additional fee can be paid by consuming virtual currency owned by a user.   The progress control means is configured such that when the result of payment of the additional fee in the virtual currency by the specific user satisfies a predetermined additional condition, the specific user enters the game compared to a case where the additional condition is not satisfied. The game system according to claim 5, wherein the progress of the game is controlled so as to proceed further. Including a server device connected through a network and a user's personal terminal device;
Payment of the additional fee is enabled at the personal terminal device, and the group management means assigns a user other than the friend to the group in response to the payment of the additional fee using the personal terminal device. Until the user adding means adds a user other than the friend to the group based on the right, and holds information indicating the existence of the right in association with the identification information of the user, The game system according to claim 1, wherein the information is deleted in exchange for the addition of the user. A game machine that allows the user to play the first game in exchange for payment of a play fee by the user;
The evaluation means evaluates a play result related to the first game of each user in the game machine,
The game control means causes the second game associated with the first game to proceed as a predetermined game using the friend relationship,
The additional fee can be paid when the specific user plays the first game on the game machine,
The group management means controls the progress of the second game to be executed by the progress control means corresponding to the play of the first game when the additional fee is paid by the game machine. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a user other than the friend is added to the specific user group.   The game system according to claim 8, wherein a user other than the friend is deleted from the group when the play of the first game by the specific user is completed. Provide a predetermined service to the game machine that allows the user to play the first game in exchange for the payment of the play fee by the user, the user's personal terminal device, the game machine, and the personal terminal device Server device is connected via network
In the service provided by the server device to the personal terminal device, a service for providing information related to the first game and a relationship of the friends among the plurality of users are set. And a service that provides a place for interaction between users with established relationships via the network,
The evaluation means evaluates a play result related to the first game of each user in the game machine,
The game control means causes the second game associated with the first game to proceed as a predetermined game using the friend relationship,
The evaluation means includes ranking creation means for creating a ranking in which users are ranked based on the play results of each user,
The server device can provide the personal terminal device with a service that allows the user to view the ranking created by the ranking creation means as information related to the first game,
The game control means selects a predetermined number of users positioned relatively higher in the ranking as a user to be included in the group from a group of fellow users for the specific user, and evaluates the specific user; The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the progress of the second game related to the specific user is controlled based on an evaluation with respect to the users included in the group.   The game system according to claim 10, wherein an upper limit is set for the number of users who can set the friend relationship, and the number of fellow users to be included in the group is limited to be smaller than the upper limit.   The evaluation means includes individual evaluation means for evaluating a user's play result in the predetermined range every time the first game is played in the predetermined range, and the ranking creation means includes the individual evaluation means for a predetermined period. The game system according to claim 10, wherein the ranking is created based on an evaluation result for each user. The individual evaluation means calculates a score obtained by quantifying the user's play result in the predetermined range so that the higher the evaluation is, the higher the score is,
The ranking creating means creates the ranking based on an evaluation score for each user in the predetermined period,
The game control means increases the evaluation score when the specific user plays the first game in the predetermined range, and the evaluation score for the user included in the group in the predetermined period increases. The game system of Claim 12 which controls progress of this 2nd game so that it may advance more in 2 games.   The game control means causes the specific user to progress in the second game on the condition that the specific user has achieved a result exceeding a predetermined level in the first game. A game system according to claim 1. The first game is configured as a battle game in which a battle is performed for each predetermined range,
The said game control means advances the said specific user in a said 2nd game as what the said specific user gave the result exceeding the said predetermined level when the said specific user wins by the battle | competition of the said predetermined range. Item 15. The game system according to Item 14.

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