JP2014217466A - Game system, play control method, and computer program used for them - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of performing appropriate coordination of use situation of a plurality of game machines which allow the same game to be played.SOLUTION: A game system includes a business-use game machine 3 allowing a predetermined game to be played, and a virtual game machine 7 allowing the same game as the game of the game machine 3 to be played, both connected to a network. The game system includes a means for discriminating use situation of respective users for the business-use game machine 3, and a means for controlling use of the virtual game machine 7 by respective users so that a limit corresponding to the use situation of the business-use game machine 3 is imposed on the use of the virtual game machine 7 by the respective users.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system capable of playing the same game on each of a plurality of game machines.

  A game system is known in which game data and the like are shared by a plurality of game machines having different platforms such as a commercial game machine and a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

Japanese Patent No. 3578344

  It is preferable in terms of user convenience to construct an environment in which the same game can be played on a plurality of types of game machines. However, inconvenience may occur depending on the combination of the types of game machines. For example, there is a restriction that a game machine for business use cannot be played unless it goes to a game store or the like and cannot be played outside the business hours of the store or the like. On the other hand, in a mobile device such as a home-use game machine, a personal computer, or a mobile phone, the user can easily play according to the circumstances. When such a difference exists, the user tends to play a game with a relatively less restrictive game machine, and there is a possibility that the use of the game machine with relatively more restrictions may decline.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a game system and the like that can appropriately harmonize the usage status of each type of game machine even when an environment in which the same game can be played on multiple types of game machines is prepared. The purpose is to do.

  A game system (1) according to the present invention includes a first game machine (3) capable of playing a predetermined game, and a second game machine (playing the same game as the game of the first game machine) 7), and a game system in which these game machines are connected to the network (5), and usage status discrimination means (24, S11 to S17) for discriminating the usage status of each user with respect to the first game machine. ) And the use of the second game machine by each user so that a restriction is imposed on the use of the second game machine by each user according to the use situation of the first game machine. Use control means (25, S31 to S35) for controlling.

  The game play control method according to the present invention includes a first game machine (3) capable of playing a predetermined game, and a second game machine capable of playing the same game as the game of the first game machine ( 7), and a game play control method applied to the game system (1) in which those game machines are connected to the network (5), and the usage status of each user with respect to the first game machine is The first step by each user is performed so that restrictions are imposed on the procedure (S11 to S17) to be determined and the use of the second game machine by each user according to the use situation of the first game machine. And a procedure (S31 to S35) for controlling the use of the second game machine.

  The computer program (PG) of the game system according to the present invention includes a group of a plurality of computer devices (2, 3, 4) connected to a network (5), and the group of the plurality of computer devices includes a predetermined number. A first computer device functioning as a first game machine (3) capable of playing the game of the above, and a second game machine (7) capable of playing the same game as the game of the first game machine A computer program applied to a game system (1) including a second computer device (3, 4), wherein at least one computer device (2) included in the group of the plurality of computer devices is Usage status determining means (24, S11 to S17) for determining the usage status of each user with respect to the first game machine, and the second game by each user. Usage control means (25, S311-S31) for controlling the use of the second game machine by each user so that a restriction is imposed on the use of the first game machine according to the use situation of the first game machine. S35), and is configured to function.

  According to the present invention, the use of the second game machine is controlled so that a restriction is imposed on the use of the second game machine by the user in accordance with the use situation of the first game machine. Therefore, if there is a relatively high need to encourage the use of the first game machine because the usage situation of the first game machine is relatively low, the restriction on the use of the second game machine is strengthened. When the necessity of prompting the use of the first game machine is relatively low due to the relatively high usage situation of the first game machine, it is possible to control such that the restriction on the use of the second game machine is relaxed. Become. Thereby, the usage status of the first game machine and the usage status of the second game machine can be appropriately harmonized.

  In the present invention, the concept of “same game” is sufficient if the game contents match to the extent that they are recognized as the same from the viewpoint of the user, and the game contents do not necessarily match completely at the program level. I don't need it. For example, if the game title, the character appearing in the game, the way the game proceeds, the operation method, the evaluation method, and the like match, the user can be recognized as the same game. The use restriction in the second game machine means that there is some restriction in the usable range as compared to the case where no restriction is imposed in the second game machine. For example, it is possible to limit playable stages, levels, play times, and the like. The restriction in this case does not necessarily mean a restriction on the range of use in the first game machine. Furthermore, the use range itself when no restriction is imposed on the use of the second game machine may be restricted with respect to the use range of the first game machine. For example, the maximum range of games that can be played on the second game machine may be set narrower than the range of games that can be played on the first game machine. In other words, the concept of “same game” does not necessarily require a complete match between a game that can be played on the first game machine and a game that can be played on the second game machine, and is at least partially the same. If there is a range where the sex is maintained, it may be regarded as “the same game”. “Usage status” of each user related to the first game machine is a concept that means how much each user uses the first game machine. The usage status can be determined by discriminating the amount of usage by using the number of usages, usage time, usage frequency, amount paid for usage, etc. for each user as an index.

  In the present invention, when the usage of the first game machine is relatively high, the usage control means is configured so that the usage of the second game machine is less than when the usage of the first game machine is relatively low. The use may be controlled so that restrictions on use are relaxed. According to this, when it is determined that the use of the first game machine is relatively large, the restriction on the use of the second game machine is relaxed to encourage the use of the second game machine, When it is determined that the usage of the game machine is relatively low, the restriction on the use of the second game machine can be strengthened and the user can be guided to the first game machine.

  In the present invention, the usage status determining means determines the usage status of the first game machine by each user for each predetermined period, and the usage control means uses the first game machine in one period. Depending on the situation, the use of the second game machine may be controlled in the subsequent period with respect to the one period. In this case, the usage status of the first game machine is discriminated for each period, and the use restriction according to the discrimination result is applied for the next or subsequent period. When the restriction on the use is relatively relaxed or it is desired to continue using the application without restriction, it is necessary to continue to use the first game machine appropriately and regularly. Thereby, the usage status of the first game machine and the usage status of the second game machine can be harmonized appropriately and continuously.

  In the present invention, when the usage of the first game machine is relatively high, the usage control means controls the second game machine than when the usage of the first game machine is relatively low. It is good also as what restrict | limits the time which can use said 2nd game machine according to the utilization condition of said 1st game machine so that usable time may become long. According to this, the restriction | limiting with respect to utilization of a 2nd game machine can be changed by changing the time which can use a 2nd game machine according to the utilization condition of a 1st game machine. In this case, the time restriction may be an aspect in which an available time zone is restricted, or an aspect in which only an available time length is restricted.

  In the present invention, an arcade game machine (3) is provided as the first game machine, and the second game machine is played on a user terminal device (4) that can be personally used by the user. A possible game machine (7) may be provided. While there is a restriction that a game machine for business use cannot be used unless the user goes to the installation location, there is no such restriction when playing a game using a user terminal device. Therefore, the user may prefer to play a game using the user terminal device. Therefore, if the game machine that uses the user terminal device is set as the second game machine and the use of the second game machine is restricted according to the use situation of the game machine for business use, the game machine for business use is used. Motivation to perform is given to the user, and the bias of use with respect to the game machine using the user terminal device can be suppressed or eliminated.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the second game machine executes the game calculation processing in the server device (2B) connected to the network while using the user terminal device as a remote input / output device. It may be a game machine configured as follows. Further, as one form thereof, the server device causes the game of the first game machine to operate by operating a game program as an application program used for playing the game in the first game. Virtual game machine control means (26) for allowing the user of the user terminal device to play the same game as the remote input / output device as a combination of the user terminal device and the virtual game machine control means. Two game machines may be realized. In the game machine having such a configuration, the server device is in charge of arithmetic processing with a relatively large processing load, so that the user terminal device can be used by a user in a suitable environment even in a portable terminal device having a relatively low processing capability. You can play the game. Therefore, the user may prefer to play a game using the user terminal device. If the present invention is applied in such a case, it is possible to more effectively exhibit the effect of suppressing or eliminating the bias in use of the game machine using the user terminal device.

  In addition, in the above description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when there is a relatively high necessity for prompting the use of the first game machine, restrictions on the use of the second game machine are strengthened, Control the restriction on the use of the second game machine according to the use situation of the first game machine, such as relaxing the restriction on the use of the second game machine when the necessity for prompting the use is relatively low Therefore, it is possible to appropriately harmonize the usage situation of the first game machine and the usage situation of the second game machine.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the mechanism which controls the restriction | limiting with respect to the play of the game by a user terminal device according to the utilization condition of the game machine for business. The functional block diagram of the principal part in the control system of the game system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which determines each user's rank according to the utilization condition of a game machine for business use. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which controls the propriety of the game play by a virtual game machine according to a user's rank.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a business (commercial) game machine operated at a game store is set as the first game machine, while a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) used by the user personally. ) Or the like is used as a remote input / output device, and a network-type game machine is set as the second game machine, and the use of the second game machine, that is, the game play by the second game machine. This is an example in which the use of the second game machine is controlled so that a restriction according to the use situation of the first game machine is imposed.

  First, the overall configuration of the game system will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a server group 2, a large number of game machines 3 that can be connected to the server group 2 via a predetermined network 5, and a large number of user terminal devices 4 that can also be connected to the server group 2 via the network 5. Including. The server group 2 is a set of computer devices that function as the server device of the present invention. The server group 2 includes a game server unit 2A according to functions to be provided to the game machine 3 as the first game machine and the user terminal device 4 as the remote input / output device in the second game machine. Various server units such as the virtual game machine server unit 2B are included. Functions provided by the server units 2A and 2B will be described later. Each of the server units 2A, 2B,... May be configured by a single physical server unit, or may be configured as a logical device that combines a plurality of physical server units.

  The game machine 3 is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer device installed in a game store 6 as an example of a predetermined facility for the purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play a game to increase profits. One or more appropriate number of game machines 3 are installed in the store 6. In FIG. 1, the game machine 3 is drawn without distinction, but the hardware configuration and game content may be appropriately selected. The game machine 3 may be configured as a dedicated machine having a physical configuration (for example, an operation unit) suitable for a specific game, or may be configured as a general-purpose machine that can handle various games by rewriting software. May be.

  On the other hand, the user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for a user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as stationary home game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. It's okay. The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the server group 2 by installing various computer software.

  The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the server units 2A, 2B,. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN and the LANs 5B and 5C that connect the Internet 5A to each of the server group 2 and the game machine 3 via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. A local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the server group 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B... Of the server group 2 may be connected to each other by the WAN 5A instead of or in addition to the LAN 5C.

  The game server unit 2 </ b> A provides various services necessary for playing a predetermined game to each user of the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4. For example, the game server unit 2A receives user authentication information (for example, user identification information and password) from the game machine 3 or the like and authenticates the user, and the user's game play history (play date, play count) , Play time, etc.) and play results (progress status, results, scores, acquired items, etc.) recorded from the game machine 3 and stored, or provided to the user of the game machine 3, the network 5 Thus, a service for matching users when a plurality of users play a common game, a service for updating a program or data of the game machine 3 via the network 5, and the like can be provided. The user identification information may be anything that can uniquely identify the user. For example, a user ID uniquely set for each user, a medium ID recorded on a storage medium such as a card possessed by the user, and the like are used as the user identification information.

  On the other hand, the virtual game machine server unit 2 </ b> B provides a service that allows the user of the user terminal device 4 to play the same game as the game that can be played on the game machine 3. In order to realize the service, the virtual game machine server unit 2B constructs the same application operating environment as the game machine 3 on the server operating system, and as an application program used in the game machine 3 in the operating environment Run the game application program. By executing the program, the virtual game machine server unit 2B receives information on the user's input operation from the user terminal device 4, and executes arithmetic processing necessary for the progress of the game while referring to the information. Further, the virtual game machine server unit 2B transmits the game image and sound data obtained as a result of the arithmetic processing to the user terminal device 4, and the game image and game sound are transmitted to the display device and the sound reproduction device of the user terminal device 4. Is output. That is, the virtual game machine server unit 2B generates a virtual game machine that uses the user terminal device 4 as a remote input / output device, and plays a game to the user of the user terminal device 4 under the control of the virtual game machine. It has a function to play the same game as the machine 3. The user of the user terminal device 4 can enjoy the above-described service provided by the game server unit 2A in the same manner as the game machine 3 via the virtual game machine server unit 2B. Therefore, the user of the user terminal device 4 can participate in a common game with other users by using the service of the game server unit 2A, and enjoy the battle play and the cooperative play, like the user of the game machine 3. .

  Further, although not shown in the figure, the server group 2 has a server unit that provides various Web services to users who access from the user terminal device 4, and a fee as a price for providing paid services to the users. A server unit that provides a service to be collected is also provided. 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. Also, the billing service corresponds to, for example, when a virtual currency account for each user is opened on the server group 2 and the user pays a predetermined price using a payment means such as cash or a credit card. An amount of virtual currency is added to the user's account. On the other hand, when a user uses a paid service, it is realized by a technique of consuming an amount of virtual currency corresponding to a usage fee from the user's account. A game play fee is also included in the usage fee. Therefore, the user can pay the game play fee by consuming the virtual currency held in his / her account. When playing a game using the user terminal device 4, payment of a play fee is required in the virtual currency. That is, the game play using the user terminal device 4 is also paid for, like the game of the game machine 3.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an outline of a mechanism for restricting the play of the game using the user terminal device 4 according to the use situation of the business game machine 3 will be described. In FIG. 2, the game machine 3 is realized by an arcade game machine 3, a user terminal device 4, and a virtual game machine server unit 2 </ b> B (more specifically, a logical device in charge of game calculation processing). Although each of them is displayed as a game machine 7, these expressions are also used as appropriate in the following description. When a user U (users U1 to U3 are illustrated in the figure) plays a game on the arcade game machine 3, play data PD storing the play result and the like is generated for each user U, and the play data PD is Provided from the arcade game machine 3 to the game server unit 2A. The play data PD is stored in a predetermined storage unit in association with the user identification information. Since the game server unit 2A supports a plurality of types of games, actual play data PD is created for each type of game. Here, each of the arcade game machine 3 and the virtual game machine 7 is used. A description will be given of play data PD corresponding to one type of game that can be played. Incidentally, the type of game is a concept for identifying differences between games, and is appropriately classified according to, for example, the title and version of the game.

  The game server unit 2A refers to the play history recorded in the play data PD of each user, and determines the usage status of the arcade game machine 3 of each user U for each predetermined counting period. The usage status can be determined using various indicators such as the number of times the game is played on the arcade game machine 3, the time, and the frequency. It is also possible to determine the usage status using the amount (total amount) of the play fee consumed by the user in the arcade game machine 3 as an index. Here, the number of days (the number of days played) Da played by the user U on the arcade game machine 3 is used as an index for determining the usage status. The play days Da are determined for each user U. Moreover, the total period of the play days Da is set to an appropriate length, for example, weekly or monthly. Here, as an example, the aggregation period is a week unit.

  When the play days Da for each user U are determined, the rank is determined for each user U based on the play days Da. As ranks, three levels of ranks A, B, and C are set with predetermined threshold values Dth1 and Dth2 (where Dth1> Dth2) as boundaries. A user U whose play days Da is equal to or greater than the first threshold Dth1 is rank A, a user U whose play days Da is less than the first threshold Dth1, and whose user U is greater than or equal to the second threshold Dth2 is rank B, and whose play days Da is less than the second threshold Dth2. U is rank C.

  The determined rank is recorded in the play data PD of the user U. The rank information is updated every time the play days Da are updated, that is, every counting period. When the rank of the user U is determined, a restriction on the play of the game using the virtual game machine 7 is set based on the rank. The restriction of play is realized by providing a time zone (prohibited time zone) in which playing of the game on the virtual game machine 7 is prohibited during the day. For example, for the user B of rank B, a restriction is set such that the daytime time zone is a prohibited time zone, and the night time zone is a permitted time zone in which the restriction is released. For the user U of rank C, the time zone from morning to midnight is set as a prohibited time zone, and only the morning time zone after midnight is the permitted time zone. No restriction is set for the user U of rank A. That is, the user U of rank A can play the game on the virtual game machine 7 at any time 24 hours a day. When the user U requests the game play by the virtual game machine 7, the game server unit 2A determines the rank recorded in the play data PD of the user U, and then the current time is determined by the user U. It is determined whether it belongs to a permitted time period or a prohibited time period set for the rank. Then, the game play by the virtual game machine 7 is permitted in the permitted time zone, and the game play by the virtual game machine 7 is prohibited in the prohibited time zone.

  According to the above mechanism, when the number of days Da that the user U played the game on the arcade game machine 3 is relatively large in one counting period, the user U is ranked higher, and the next The restriction on the use of the virtual game machine 7 is relaxed so that the time during which the game can be played on the virtual game machine 7 becomes longer during the counting period. On the other hand, if the user is playing a game biased toward the virtual game machine 7, the rank is lowered, and the restriction on the use of the virtual game machine 7 is strengthened so that the time that the game can be played on the virtual game machine 7 is shortened. The That is, when the use of the arcade game machine 3 is relatively high, the restriction on the use of the virtual game machine 7 is relaxed compared to the case where the use is relatively low.

  Game play by the virtual game machine 7 is considered to have relatively few restrictions on play in that the user U does not have to go to the store 6 where the arcade game machine 3 is installed. For this reason, the user U may prefer to select a game played by the virtual game machine 7. However, if the restriction is set as described above, the user U who continues to play the game with a bias toward the virtual game machine 7 is set to rank C, and the user U is only in the time zone after midnight and until the morning. The virtual game machine 7 cannot be used. In order to eliminate such a state, the user U needs to go to the store 6 and use the arcade game machine 3. Moreover, since the rank of the user U is updated every counting period, even if a higher rank is obtained for one counting period, if the game is not played by the arcade game machine 3 thereafter, the rank will be lowered. The restrictions on the use of the virtual game machine 7 are strengthened again. Therefore, it is possible to give the user U strong motivation to use the arcade game machine 3 periodically. Thereby, the usage situation of the arcade game machine 3 by each user U and the usage situation of the virtual game machine 7 can be appropriately harmonized.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the permitted time zones for rank B and rank C are set in association with the operating status of the arcade game machine 3. Generally, business hours are set in the store 6, and the user U cannot play a game on the arcade game machine 3 outside the business hours. Therefore, in order to increase the operating rate of the arcade game machine 3 (here, the rate that the user U actually plays the game with respect to the business hours), the use of the virtual game machine 7 is changed in the store 6. It is preferable to limit to outside business hours and guide the user U to the store 6 by restricting the use of the virtual game machine 7 during business hours. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 2, the general business hours of the store 6 are set as the operating hours of the arcade game machine 3, while the hours outside the business hours are set as the pause hours of the arcade game machine 3. The permitted time zone of use of the virtual game machine 7 for rank B and rank C users U is set so as to overlap the pause time zone of the arcade game machine 3. Thereby, the usage situation of the arcade game machine 3 by each user U and the usage situation of the virtual game machine 7 can be more appropriately harmonized. However, the setting of the permission time zone and the prohibition time zone for use of the virtual game machine 7 is not limited to such an example, and the restriction is strengthened as the rank is lowered, that is, if the available time length is shortened as appropriate, Can be changed.

  The start and end of the counting period may be set in common among users, or may be set at different times between at least some users and other users. For example, when the rank is updated on a weekly basis, some user groups can be set to start at midnight on Sundays, and other user groups can start at midnight on Saturdays at the start of the aggregation period. . Alternatively, when there is a time difference between the areas where the user resides, the aggregation period may be set according to the date and time of each area.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the principal part of the control system of the game system 1 for controlling the use of the virtual game machine 7 will be described. Hereinafter, the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 3, the game server unit 2 </ b> A is provided with a game service management unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The game service management unit 21 is logically realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) of the game server unit 2A and a predetermined server computer program PG. Device. The game service management unit 21 provides the above-described various game services (services such as user authentication and matching) to the arcade game machine 3 and the virtual game machine 7. The game service management unit 21 is provided with a play data management unit 23, a rank control unit 24, and a restriction management unit 25 as further logical devices.

  The play data management unit 23 stores the play data PD in the storage unit 22 in response to a request from the arcade game machine 3 or the virtual game machine server unit 2B, and stores the play data PD in the game machine 3 or the virtual game machine server unit 2B. provide. The rank control unit 24 is in charge of processing for determining the rank of the user for each predetermined counting period. The restriction management unit 25 is in charge of processing for determining whether or not to allow the user to play a game using the virtual game machine in response to a play request from the virtual game machine server unit 2B. The processing procedures of the rank control unit 24 and the restriction management unit 25 will be described later.

  The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data on a single storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store data in a plurality of storage units. The storage unit 22 stores a server program PG and various data for causing the game server unit 2A to function as the game service management unit 21. In FIG. 3, play data PD corresponding to one user is illustrated as data to be recorded in the storage unit 22. As described above, the play data PD includes user play history information and rank information. In the information of the play history, a history that the user has played the game on the arcade game machine 3 and a history that has played the game on the virtual game machine 7 are recorded so that they can be distinguished from each other. The play data PD is provided from the game machines 3 and 7 to the game server unit 2A every time the game is played up to a predetermined break in the arcade game machine 3 or the virtual game machine 7, and the play data stored in the storage unit 22 is played. The PD is updated and stored in the storage unit 22. That is, the play data PD held in the storage unit 22 is updated to the latest data every time the user plays the game. Although the storage unit 22 is illustrated as a part of the game server unit 2A, the storage unit 22 may be stored in a file server unit or the like different from the game server unit 2A and may be referred to as appropriate by the game service management unit 21.

  On the other hand, a virtual game machine control unit (virtual game machine control means) 26 is provided in the virtual game machine server unit 2B. The virtual game machine control unit 26 is a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) of the virtual game machine server unit 2B and a predetermined server computer program (not shown). Is a logical device realized by As described above, the virtual game machine control unit 26 generates a virtual game machine 7 similar to the arcade game machine 3 and operates the virtual game machine 7 according to the user operation information acquired from the user terminal device 4. This is a logical device that performs the arithmetic control required for the game and provides the user terminal device 4 with game images and the like as calculation results. Further, the virtual game machine control unit 26 appropriately accesses the game service management unit 21 of the game server unit 2A in the same manner as the game machine 3 in order to provide the game service of the game server unit 2A to the user of the user terminal device 4. To do. Thereby, the user of the user terminal device 4 can also receive user authentication according to the process of the game server unit 2A and use the matching service or the like, like the user of the arcade game machine 3.

  The game machine 3 includes a game control unit as a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) and a predetermined game application program. 31 is provided. The game control unit 31 executes various arithmetic processes necessary for causing the user to play a game on the game machine 3, and accesses the game service management unit 21 as necessary to perform transmission and reception of play data. To do. On the other hand, the user terminal device 4 is provided with a game input / output control unit (denoted as a game IO control unit in the figure) 41. The game input / output control unit 41 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware of the user terminal device 4 (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) and a predetermined application program. is there. The game input / output control unit 41 executes processes necessary for operating the user terminal device 4 as an input / output terminal device for the virtual game machine control unit 26.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a process executed in the game server unit 2 </ b> A in order to control the use of the virtual game machine 7 for each user will be described. FIG. 4 shows a rank determination process executed by the rank control unit 24 of the game server unit 2A. The rank control unit 24 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 4 every time a predetermined counting period comes. Note that rank determination processing is performed for each user, and FIG. 4 shows processing corresponding to one user. When the rank determination process of FIG. 4 is started, the rank control unit 24 first aggregates the user's play days Da in the current aggregation period with reference to the play history information recorded in the user's play data PD ( Step S11). In this case, the play days Da is the number of days the game is played on the arcade game machine 3. If a game is played on the arcade game machine 3 at least once a day, that day is included in the total number of play days Da.

  Next, the rank control unit 24 determines whether or not the number of days of play Da is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Dth1 (step S12), and if it is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Dth1, determines the rank of the user as rank A (step S13). . On the other hand, when the play days Da is less than the first threshold Dth1 in step S12, the rank control unit 24 determines whether or not the play days Da is equal to or greater than the second threshold Dth2 (step S14). If it is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Dth2, the rank control unit 24 determines the rank of the user as rank B (step S15). On the other hand, when the play days Da are less than the second threshold value Dth2 in step S14, the rank control unit 24 determines the rank of the user as rank C (step S16). After the rank is determined in steps S14 to S16, the rank control unit 24 records a new rank in the rank information recorded in the user's play data PD (step S17). Thereafter, the rank control unit 24 ends the process of FIG. By executing the above processing for each counting period, a rank corresponding to the usage status of the arcade game machine 3 in the latest counting period is recorded in the user's play data PD.

  FIG. 5 shows a play restriction control process executed by the virtual game machine server unit 2B and the game server unit 2A in order to control the use of the virtual game machine 7 according to the rank of the user. 5 is processing after the user accesses the game server unit 2A from the user terminal device 4 via the virtual game machine server unit 2B and receives user authentication by the game service management unit 21. When the user instructs the virtual game machine server unit 2B to play a game from the user terminal device 4, the virtual game machine control unit 26 of the virtual game machine server unit 2B starts the play restriction control process of FIG. Then, the game server unit 2A is requested to play a game (step S21).

  The restriction management unit 25 of the game server unit 2A starts the play restriction control process of FIG. 5 in response to the play request from the virtual game machine server unit 2B, and first refers to the play data PD of the user requesting the play. Then, the rank of the user is determined (step S31). Next, the restriction management unit 25 determines whether or not the current time belongs to the permission time zone set for the rank of the user (step S32). When it is determined that the time is permitted, the restriction management unit 25 sets the processing result to be notified to the virtual game machine server unit 2B to “play permission” (step S33). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S32 that it is not the permitted time zone, the restriction management unit 25 sets the processing result to be notified to the virtual game machine server unit 2B to “play prohibited” (step S33). Thereafter, the restriction management unit 25 notifies the processing result set in step S33 or S34 to the virtual game machine control unit 26 that has requested play of the game (step S35). Thus, the restriction management unit 25 finishes the process of FIG.

  The virtual game machine control unit 26 obtains the processing result sent from the game server unit 2A after the play request in step S21 (step S22), and determines whether or not play permission has been notified (step S23). When the play permission is notified, the virtual game machine control unit 26 requests various processes necessary for causing the user to play the game (for example, a process for acquiring the user play data PD from the game server unit 2A, matching). The processing of FIG. 5 is terminated after that (step S24). On the other hand, when play prohibition is notified, the virtual game machine control unit 26 notifies the user that play is not possible via the user terminal device 4 without starting the game processing (step S25). Thereafter, the process of FIG.

  In the above embodiment, the rank control unit 24 functions as a usage status determination unit of the present invention by executing the processing of steps S11 to S17 in FIG. 4, and the restriction management unit 25 performs the processing of steps S31 to S35 in FIG. By executing this, it functions as a usage control means of the present invention. However, the usage status determination means and the usage control means in the present invention are not limited to logical devices to be realized by hardware resources and computer programs of one or more computer devices constituting the server device, As a computer device and a server device that function as hardware resources and a computer program of a computer device that functions as at least one of the first or second game machine, or that function as at least one of the game devices You may implement | achieve by the combination of each hardware resource of the functioning computer apparatus, and the computer program which should be mounted in those computer apparatuses. For example, the rank setting information shown in FIG. 2 is provided to the arcade game machine 3, and the user's rank is determined by the arcade game machine 3, whereby the computer device of the arcade game machine 3 is used as the usage status determination means. Can function. Further, when a game play using the virtual game machine 7 is requested, the play data PD is provided to the virtual game machine server unit 2B, and the play restriction setting information of FIG. It is also possible to cause the computer device of the virtual game machine server unit 2B to function as use control means by determining whether or not the user should be allowed to play the game in the server unit 2B (or its virtual game machine control unit 26). it can.

  This invention is not limited to the form mentioned above, It can implement with the form changed or deform | transformed suitably. For example, in the above embodiment, the number of days Da played by the arcade game machine 3 in a predetermined counting period is totaled to determine the usage status of the first game machine by the user, but instead of or in addition to this, the user's play The usage status may be determined using the number of times, play time, play fee payment, and the like as indices. Further, the restriction on the use of the second game machine by the user is not limited to the example of setting the time zone in which the play itself is prohibited as in the above-described form, but for the play of the game using the second game machine. Anything that imposes some restrictions. For example, it is possible to make a setting such as limiting the game modes and levels that can be selected by the second game machine, and limiting the data that can be used by the second game machine. In such a case, the restriction on the use of the second game machine does not necessarily have to be imposed for a limited time, and may be imposed without a limited time.

  In the above form, the users are ranked according to the usage status of the first game machine within a predetermined period of time, and the restrictions on the use of the second game machine are changed according to the user's rank. The method for restricting the use of the second game machine according to the use situation of the first game machine is not limited to such an example. For example, when the user requests to play a game with the second game machine, the use situation of the first game machine within a predetermined period in the past is determined from that point, and the use is relatively determined according to the determination result. If the number is too large, the restriction content may be dynamically changed so that the restriction is relaxed as compared with the case where the number is small. That is, the usage status is not limited to an example in which the usage status is determined every predetermined period, and the usage status may be determined as needed. Further, the use restriction is not limited to the example of selecting from a predetermined mode, and appropriate restriction contents may be set as needed according to the use situation. In the case where the usage status of the first game machine is determined every predetermined period, the limitation on the use of the second game machine based on the determination result is applied only to the period following the determined period. It does not have to be done. For example, in the above-described form, the use restriction according to the determination result of the number of play days Da in one counting period may be applied to the counting period after one or more times.

  In the above embodiment, the restriction on the use of the second game machine by the user is controlled according to the use situation of the first game machine by one user. The restriction on the use of the second game machine does not necessarily require that each user is individually controlled. For example, even if the usage situation of each user is determined for the group of first game machines, and based on the determination result, uniform restrictions are set for the use of the second game machine by each user. Good. For example, an average operating rate in the group of first game machines is acquired as an index for determining the usage status by each user, and when the operating rate is relatively high, the restriction on the use of the second game machine is restricted. Control may be performed such as relieving and strengthening restrictions on the use of the second game machine when the operation rate is relatively low.

  In the present invention, the first game machine is not limited to a commercial game machine, and various game machines that need to prompt the user to use the game machine as appropriate can be set as the first game machine. For example, a game device (including a PC, a portable terminal device, etc.) that is lent to a user for a fixed time is set as the first game machine, and the first game machine is selected according to the usage status of the first game machine. Limits on the use of the second game may be controlled. The second game machine is not limited to a virtual game machine that uses the user terminal device as a remote input / output device and executes game calculation processing on the server device side as in the above embodiment. The present invention can be applied by setting an appropriate computer device having a function or performance for executing at least a part of the arithmetic processing of the game as the second game machine. Either the first game machine or the second game machine is not limited to a game machine that allows the game to be played for a fee, and an appropriate game machine that can be connected to the network is set as the first game machine or the second game machine. be able to.

The computer program according to the present invention may be provided in a state stored in a recording medium. By using this recording medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, the user interface device of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The recording medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Server group 2A Game server part 2B Virtual game machine server part 3 Game machine (1st game machine, game machine for business)
4 User terminal device 5 Network 6 Store 7 Virtual game machine (second game machine)
24 rank control part (use status discrimination means)
25 Restriction management unit (use control means)
26 Virtual game machine control unit (virtual game machine control means)

Claims (9)

A game including a first game machine capable of playing a predetermined game and a second game machine capable of playing the same game as the game of the first game machine, the game machines being connected to a network A system,
Usage status determining means for determining the usage status of each user for the first game machine;
Use for controlling the use of the second game machine by each user so that the use according to the use situation of the first game machine is imposed on the use of the second game machine by each user. Control means;
A game system with   The usage control means limits the usage of the second game machine when the usage of the first game machine is relatively high compared to when the usage of the first game machine is relatively low. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the use is controlled to be relaxed. The usage status determining means determines the usage status of the first game machine by each user for each predetermined period,
The usage control means controls the usage of the second game machine in a subsequent period with respect to the one period according to a usage situation of the first game machine in the one period. The described game system.   When the usage of the first game machine is relatively high, the usage control means can use the second game machine more than when the usage of the first game machine is relatively low. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a time period during which the second game machine can be used is limited in accordance with a use situation of the first game machine so that the time becomes longer.   An arcade game machine is provided as the first game machine, and a game machine that can be played on a user terminal device that can be personally used by the user is provided as the second game machine. The game system as described in any one of 1-4.   The second game machine is a game machine configured to execute a calculation process of the game on a server device connected to the network while using the user terminal device as a remote input / output device. 5. The game system according to 5.   The server device operates a game program as an application program used to play the game in the first game, thereby playing the same game as the game of the first game machine. Virtual game machine control means for allowing the user of the user terminal device to play is provided, and the second game machine is realized by a combination of the user terminal device as the remote input / output device and the virtual game machine control means. The game system according to claim 6. A game including a first game machine capable of playing a predetermined game and a second game machine capable of playing the same game as the game of the first game machine, the game machines being connected to a network A game play control method applied to a system,
A procedure for determining the usage status of each user for the first game machine;
A procedure for controlling the use of the second game machine by each user so that the use according to the use situation of the first game machine is imposed on the use of the second game machine by each user. When,
A game play control method comprising: A group of a plurality of computer devices connected to a network, wherein the group of the plurality of computer devices includes a first computer device functioning as a first game machine capable of playing a predetermined game, and the first A computer program applied to a game system including a second computer device functioning as a second game device capable of playing the same game as the game of the game device, wherein the computer program is included in the group of the plurality of computer devices. At least one computer device included,
Usage status determining means for determining the usage status of each user with respect to the first game machine, and use of the second game machine by each user is restricted according to the usage status of the first game machine. A game system computer program configured to function as usage control means for controlling usage of the second game machine by each user as imposed.

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