JP2015058139A - Game system, and control method and computer program used for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of adjusting a related information provision time related to a game element, and a use period of the game element.SOLUTION: A game system 1 provides a card game to each player. The game system 1 acquires information on a provision time (provision day) when related information related to a new character image MGs used in the card game is provided to each player, and based on the acquired information on the provision time, controls a use period of the new character image MGs.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system that provides a game to each player.

  There are game systems that provide a game to each player. As one of such games, a game played through a play medium defined by parameters may be used. As an example, a game machine is known that provides a game in which a parameter of a character is acquired through a barcode in a character card and a character reproduced based on the parameter is used as a play medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).

JP 2009-160117 A

  In a game machine such as Patent Document 1, a plurality of types of cards on which character images are printed in advance are used as character cards. And these cards may be provided according to a game result. In this case, those cards are prepared in advance in the game for provision. In such a game machine, when a new character image (game element) is used, it is necessary to replace the cards in the game machine in advance so that the card on which the new character image is printed is included. On the other hand, a new character image may be notified through television broadcasting or streaming distribution (using communication means such as the Internet). In such a case, if the card corresponding to the image of the character is provided to the player earlier than the notification time, the player's interest is impaired. The same is true when the card provision start time is too late than the notice time. In other words, the card corresponding to the new character image needs to be provided at an appropriate time, such as immediately after the notification time. And the time of the notification may differ according to the position where game machines are arranged, such as an area. In such a case, in a game machine such as Patent Document 1, it is necessary to perform card replacement work at an appropriate time for each region, and it is difficult to adjust the use start time of the new character image and the notification time. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can adjust the provision time of related information related to a game element and the usage period of the game element.

  The game system of the present invention is a game system that provides a game to each player, and obtains time information for obtaining information on a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player. Means, and period control means for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision time acquired by the time information acquisition means.

  The control method of the present invention is applied to a game system that provides a game to each player, and obtains timing information for obtaining information on a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player. And a period control procedure for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision time acquired by the time information acquisition procedure.

  The computer program for a game system according to the present invention provides a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game to each player, and a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player. A time information acquisition means for acquiring the information of the game element, and a period control means for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision time acquired by the time information acquisition means It is.

The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows schematically the external appearance of the game machine which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the content of a character card. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow from use of a character card to a new character card being produced | generated. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the provision date of the information regarding a new character, and the time when the character becomes usable. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the provision start date of a new character card etc. in case the provision date of related information differs for every area. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the use period of a new character image. The figure which shows an example of the content of provision date data. The figure which shows an example of the content of area management data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a data provision process routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a use period setting process routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a card | curd issuing process routine.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device and a plurality of game machines GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The game machine GM is a commercial (commercial) game machine that allows a player to play a game within a range according to the price in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. As an example, the game machine GM provides a card game in exchange for consumption of a predetermined price. An appropriate number of game machines GM are installed in a commercial facility such as the store 4. The center server 2 is not limited to an example configured by a single physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a server group as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

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

  As an example, the network 3 is configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the network 3 is configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and an intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b. The network 3 is not limited to a form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication or a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless), for example. It may be realized using code generated in this way. Specifically, for example, transmission / reception of information is performed between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like through provision or reading of a two-dimensional code generated so as to include necessary information. May be. Therefore, the term “network (or communication line)” includes a form of transmitting and receiving information without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

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

  Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The web service includes, for example, a game information service that provides various types of information related to a game provided by the game machine GM. The Web service also includes a distribution service that distributes various data or software to each user terminal 5 (including data update). Further, the Web service includes other services such as a community service that provides a place for information exchange, exchange, and sharing by users, and a service that provides a user ID for identifying each user. In the present specification, when the user of the user terminal 5 uses the game machine GM, the user is particularly referred to as a player.

  The game machine GM will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine GM includes a housing 6. A control panel CP, a monitor MO, and a speaker SP are provided on the top of the housing 6. The monitor MO is disposed above the control panel CP. Further, the speaker SP is disposed further above the monitor MO. In addition to the control panel CP, the game machine GM is provided with various input devices and output devices provided in a normal business game machine such as a volume operation switch, a power switch, and a power lamp. FIG. 2 does not show them.

  The control panel CP is provided with a direction selection operation section CP1 that can select a direction, a button CP2 that can be used for determination, a code reader 7 as medium information acquisition means, and a coin insertion slot SO. The code reader 7 is configured to be able to read a two-dimensional code and output a signal according to the read result. Various game cards 8 are inserted into the code reader 7. A two-dimensional code is printed on the game card 8. The code reader 7 reads this two-dimensional code. A card discharge port EO1 and a coin discharge port EO2 are provided on the front surface of the housing 6. The card outlet EO1 is used for discharging the game card 8 generated inside the housing 6. The control panel CP is provided with various operation units such as buttons that can be used for determining the operation, etc., but these are not shown.

  Next, the game card 8 generated by the game machine GM will be described. As the game card 8, for example, a character card as a game recording medium is used. Various kinds of game information are recorded on the character card for card games. The game information includes parameter information for defining characters used in the card game. That is, the character card functions as a card that defines the character used in the card game via the parameter information. When a character card is used, a character corresponding to the character defined by the character card is reproduced as a play medium in the card game. Details of the card game will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the character card KC. As shown in FIG. 3, the composite image CI is printed on the character card KC. The composite image CI includes a basic information area BA, a code information area CA, an image area IA, and a feature information area FA. In these areas BA, CA, IA, and FA, information on each item that functions as a parameter that defines a character is displayed. That is, the parameter includes a plurality of items, and the composite image CI includes information corresponding to each item.

  Specifically, in the basic information area BA, an item of the name of the character (“Kiku”), an item of the name of the player who owns the card (“Shoji”), or attack power (“HP”, “AT”) , "SP") character basic item information and the like are displayed. In the image area IA, a character image MG as a character image is displayed as a character image item. The character image MG corresponds to an image of a character (character) reproduced during the game by the character card KC. In the game, the character image MG or the composite image CI itself is displayed as the character of the play medium. In the feature information area FA, information on items characterizing the character, such as option items (“Koweki”, etc.) that can be executed by the character in the game, and character level items (“Lv11”) are displayed.

  Note that the information on the option item (such as “Kogeki”) is used as a lottery candidate for an option (game progress action) executed by the character, for example. Therefore, an option that is displayed in duplicate, such as “Kojigeki”, is more likely to be selected than a single option. As an example, each option may be classified and managed as “I” or “II”. A lottery range is set for each classification. For example, when the option “LV2” in “I” is selected, the lottery range may be changed to the classification “II”. Each option of the option item may be used in this way as an example.

  Similarly, in the code information area CA, a two-dimensional code CG generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include parameter information is displayed. Through this two-dimensional code CG, the character card KC provides the game machine GM with information on each area, that is, information on each parameter item. Further, the content of the parameter for defining the character changes according to the game result. And the character card KC is produced | generated based on the content of the parameter after the change after the change. For this reason, these areas BA, CA, IA, and FA are configured as variable areas. That is, information (or images) to be displayed in these areas BA, CA, IA, and FA changes according to the game result.

  On the other hand, the positions and ranges of these areas BA, CA, IA, and FA do not change. These areas BA, CA, IA, and FA are fixedly defined by the basic format FI. More specifically, the boundary lines that delimit these areas BA, CA, IA, and FA are defined by the basic format FI as a fixed part. The composite image CI is configured by combining the parameter information and the image of the basic format FI so that the parameter information is arranged in the variable areas of the areas BA, CA, IA, and FA. .

  Note that the two-dimensional code CG may include information on parameter items that are not displayed in the composite image CI. That is, some items of parameters defining the character may not be displayed in the composite image CI. Accordingly, the two-dimensional code CG may include information other than information on each item of parameters displayed on the composite image CI. Similarly, the composite image CI may include parameter information that is not included in the two-dimensional code CG. In this case, parameter items not included in the two-dimensional code CG may not be used in the game. Accordingly, the parameters may include items or information that are not used in the game.

  Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 for realizing the above card game will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit combining a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor. Note that an input device such as a keyboard and an output device such as a monitor can be connected to the control unit 10, but these are not shown.

  The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 is configured by a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk or a magnetic tape so that the storage can be held without power supply. The storage unit 11 stores a server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program necessary for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the user terminal 5. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 are provided inside the control unit 10. The game machine service management unit 16 executes processing for providing the game machine service described above. On the other hand, the web service management unit 17 executes processing necessary to provide the above-described web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10, but these are not shown.

  The storage unit 11 stores various data that can be referred to as the server program 15 is executed. Such various data includes, for example, image data 22, provision date data PD, and area management data LD. The image data 22 is data for displaying various images (including the character image MG) necessary for the game. The image data includes, for example, format data. The format data is data for expressing the basic format FI of the character card KC. That is, the format data defines the variable area and fixed part of the character card KC. Details of the provision date data PD and the area management data LD will be described later.

  On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30 as a computer, a storage unit 31, the above-described code reader 7, and a printer 32. The storage unit 31, the code reader 7 and the printer 32 are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. In addition to the control panel CP, the monitor MO, and the speaker SP, the control unit 30 includes various input devices or output devices such as a coin authentication device or a card reading device as well as known game machines. Although they can be connected, their illustration is omitted.

  The code reader 7 is a known device for reading a two-dimensional code. For example, the code reader 7 reads a two-dimensional code of the game card 8 (for example, a two-dimensional code CG of the character card KC) and outputs a signal corresponding to the read result to the control unit 30. For example, the two-dimensional code CG includes parameter information and the like. Accordingly, the code reader 7 acquires information on parameters recorded on the character card KC through reading of the two-dimensional code CG, for example. The printer 32 is a known printing apparatus for printing images, symbols (including a two-dimensional code), characters, and the like on a predetermined recording medium. The printer 32 prints a composite image CI including each two-dimensional code CG on a card-like paper medium (recording medium) based on an output signal from the control unit 30, thereby enabling game information (parameter parameters) through printing. Information is included), and for example, a character card KC is generated as the game card 8.

  The storage unit 31 is configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying power. A game program 34 is stored in the storage unit 31. The game program 34 is a computer program necessary for the game machine GM to provide a card game. Along with the execution of the game program 34, a game providing unit 35 is provided inside the control unit 30. The game providing unit 35 executes various processes necessary for providing a card game. The game providing unit 35 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30, but these are not shown.

  The storage unit 31 also stores various data that can be referred to as the game program 34 is executed. Such data includes, for example, sound effect data, image data 22, initial character data, provision date data PD, image data 36, and the like. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds such as music. The initial character data is data for defining an initial character (at the start of use). The initial character data includes, for example, information on initial parameters of each character. The initial character data is used to define a character when the character is used in the initial (new) state, for example. The image data 36 is data for expressing the composite image CI printed on the character card KC. The image data 22 is as described above. At least a part of the image data 22 and the provision date data PD is provided from the center server 2 so as to include a part (for example, latest data) necessary for provision of the card game when the game is provided, and the storage unit 31.

  Next, a card game provided by the game machine GM will be described. For example, the game machine GM provides a card game using a character card KC as the game card 8. The card game is a type of game in which a character defined by a character card KC prepared by a player is reproduced during the game and used as a play medium. In the game, battles, missions, and the like are executed through characters reproduced by the character card KC. A battle or mission may be executed by a plurality of characters. In such a case, a plurality of character cards KC may be used for character reproduction. Furthermore, the character grows through such battles and missions. That is, the breeding of characters reproduced by the character card KC is also provided as a game element. Then, a character that has grown through the game play is further generated as a character card KC. Therefore, characters in the game are continuously nurtured through the character card KC. Further, since the character card KC is generated based on the game result, it is highly unique.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flow from use of the character card KC to generation of a new character card KC. As shown in FIG. 5, when a character card KC (hereinafter may be referred to as an initial character card KC) is used, the initial character card KC is a character parameter (hereinafter referred to as an initial character) defined by the game machine GM. (Sometimes called parameters). And game machine GM reproduces a character in a game based on the initial parameter, and provides a card game by using the character as a play medium. Further, the game machine GM uses a result of a mission or the like in the card game to give a change to the initial parameter. Based on the changed parameters, a new character card KC (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a changed character card KC) is generated separately from the initial character card KC. Specifically, the game machine GM generates a post-change character card KC by printing a composite image CI including post-change parameter information on the recording medium HM through the printer 32. In this way, the character card KC is used, and a new character card KC reflecting the game result is generated.

  The contents of the card game are updated as appropriate. As an example, an update for adding a new character (game element) to the card game may be executed. Also, related information related to the new character is provided at any time. Such related information is provided to the user terminal 5 through a Web service, for example. Alternatively, it may be provided to the player through a television broadcast (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a TV broadcast). In such cases, the game machine GM starts using the character in accordance with the provision date (information of provision period) of the related information regarding the new character. For example, when a new character appears in a TV broadcast program on the provision date, an image of the new character (for example, an image of an existing character is changed or a new character Will be available as a new game element from the date of offer). In this case, the program itself in which a new character appears may function as related information. Alternatively, when information indicating that a new character is added to the card game or notification information such as a date when the character is added is provided, the notification information may function as related information.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the provision date of information about a new character and the time when the character becomes usable. An arrow T in FIG. 6 indicates the passage of time. As shown in FIG. 6, a character image MGs (hereinafter also referred to as a new character image MGs) as an image of another character corresponding to the new character and a character card KC (hereinafter referred to as a new character card) corresponding to the character. The related information related to (which may be referred to as KCs) is provided to the player (user) on the date of provision (which may include time) through the user terminal 5 or the TV receiver TV, for example. The related information includes, for example, the appearance of a new character in a TV broadcast program as described above.

  On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with image data 22 including a new character image MGs from the center server 2 before the provision date. The image data 22 including the new character image MGs is also used for generating new character cards KCs. On the other hand, the game machine GM starts using the new character image MGs and providing the new character card KCs after the provision date. That is, in the game machine GM, the new character image MGs and the new character card KCs are not provided before the related information provision date. The use of the image data 22 including the new character image MGs is managed by the game machine GM so that it is not used before the provision date. On the other hand, the game machine GM naturally uses characters other than new characters and provides the corresponding character card KC even before the related information provision date. Similar to the image data 22, various data corresponding to the new character, such as initial character data including information on the parameters of the new character, may be provided before the provision date, and may be used after the provision date.

  Moreover, a provision day may differ for every area. Therefore, the provision date is managed for each region through the provision date data PD. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a provision start date of a new character card KCs (and a new character image MGs) in a case where the provision date of related information is different for each region. The example of FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the provision date of related information is different in the A district, the B district, and the C district. As shown in FIG. 7, based on the provision date data PD and the regional management data LD, the center server 2 provides the provision date data PD corresponding to each region to the game machines GM belonging to each region. Specifically, first, each store 4 and the region to which the game machine GM arranged in the store 4 belongs is managed by the region management data LD. That is, the center server 2 specifies the game machine GM belonging to each region based on the region management data LD. Then, the center server 2 provides the provision date data PD so that the game machines GM belonging to each region include at least information regarding the provision date of the region. Thereby, the information on the provision date according to each area is provided to the game machine GM of each area. The provision date data PD and the area management data LD may be provided by an administrator of the center server 2, for example.

  And each game machine GM starts provision of the new character card KCs on the basis of the provision day of the area where self belongs. Specifically, the game machine GM in the A district has a new character on the provision date of the A district, the game machine GM in the B district has a delivery date on the B district, and the game machine GM in the C district has a new character on the delivery date of the C district. Start providing card KCs. Accordingly, in the game machine GM in the A area, new character cards KCs are not provided before the provision date in the A area. Similarly, in the game machine GM in the B district, even if provision of new character cards KCs is started in the A district, new character cards KCs are not provided before the provision date of the B district. The same applies to the game machine GM in the C district. In this way, the provision date of related information is managed for each region, and provision of new character cards KCs (new game elements related to related information) is started for each region.

  The new game element of provision of new character images MGs and new character cards KCs corresponding to the new character images MGs can be used after the provision start date as described above. That is, the usage period (including the provision period of the new character card KCs) is set for the new character card KCs and the new character image MGs. The period of use is controlled based on the provision date of each region. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a usage period of new character images MGs and the like. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, the following three patterns are set as the usage period of the new character image MGs and the like. In the first pattern, use of the new character image MGs or the like starts at the same time as the related information provision date (including the time when the provision date includes the time). That is, the use start date is set at the same time as the provision date. In this case, the use end date when the use of the new character image MGs or the like is ended may not be set. Therefore, an indefinite period after the use start date functions as a use period.

  In the second pattern, the use start date comes a little later than the provision date of related information. That is, the related information provision date does not match the use start date. In the second pattern, a use end date is set. Accordingly, in this case, the period from the use start date to the use end date functions as the use period. On the other hand, the third pattern includes an unusable period in which new character images MGs and the like are temporarily not used after the use start date. Specifically, a temporary use stop date is provided in which use of a new character image MGs or the like is temporarily stopped after the use start date. The use of the new character image MGs or the like is temporarily ended depending on the temporary use stop date. That is, new character images MGs and the like are not temporarily used after the temporary use stop date. Therefore, the period from the use start date to the temporary use stop date first functions as a use period. The period from the temporary use stop date to the use resuming date when the use of the new character image MGs is resumed corresponds to the unusable period. Furthermore, after the use resumption date functions again as a use period. Thus, various use periods may be set for the new character image MGs and the like. Moreover, this use period may be managed by the provision date data PD, for example.

  Next, details of the provision date data PD and the area management data LD will be described. The provision date data PD is data for managing the provision date of related information for each region as described above. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the provision date data PD. As shown in FIG. 9, the provision date data PD includes, for example, information on a region, a provision date, and a game element. The provision date data PD is a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other. The area information is information for identifying each area. As the area information, for example, a unique area ID may be used for each area. The information on the provision date (provision time) is information indicating the date (may include the time) when the related information is provided to the player through TV broadcasting or the like. The game element information is information indicating (identifying) a game element related to the related information. That is, the game element information indicates a new game element (for example, a new character image MGs in the example of FIG. 6 or a record of initial character data defining initial parameters of the new character) that is started to be used on the basis of the provision date. ing. For example, when the above-mentioned new character image MGs is used as a new game element, unique information (for example, a unique ID for each character image MG) for identifying the new character image MGs is the game element. May be used as information. The provision date data PD may include other information such as a use start date, a use end date, a temporary use stop date, and a use resumption date.

  On the other hand, the region management data LD is data for managing the stores 4 belonging to each region and the game machines GM arranged in the stores 4 as described above. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the contents of the area management data LD. As shown in FIG. 10, the area management data LD includes information on areas, stores, and game machines, for example. The regional management data LD is a set of records described so that these pieces of information are associated with each other. The regional information is the same as the regional information included in the provision date data PD described above. The store information is information for identifying each store 4. As store information, for example, a unique store ID may be used for each store 4. Similarly, the game machine information is information for identifying each game machine GM. Information for identifying the game machine GM arranged in each store 4 is associated with the store information. As game machine information, for example, a unique terminal ID (including a MAC address and an IP address) may be used for each game machine GM. Further, the position of each game machine GM is specified based on the area and game machine information in the area management data LD. Therefore, by including these pieces of information, the area management data LD functions as the position information of the present invention. In addition, various IDs, such as area ID, shop ID, terminal ID, may be managed by ID management data (not shown), for example.

  Next, data provision processing, use period setting processing, and card issuing processing will be described. The data provision process is a process for providing the provision date data for each region to the game machine GM in each region. The use period setting process is a process for setting a use period of a game element whose use is started based on a provision date of related information. The card issuing process is a process for generating a post-change character card KC based on the changed parameters.

  For example, the data providing process is executed by the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routine of FIG. 11 is executed by the control unit 10 through the game machine service management unit 16. On the other hand, the use period setting process is executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM through the routine of FIG. 12, and the card issuing process is executed through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routines of FIGS. 12 and 13 are executed by the control unit 30 through the game providing unit 35. In addition to these processes, the control units 10 and 30 execute various known processes alone or in cooperation with each other. Such known processes include, for example, various processes for providing a card game, or various processes for providing a game machine service and a WEB service. However, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a data provision processing routine. The routine of FIG. 11 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle, for example. When the routine of FIG. 11 is started, the game machine service management unit 16 first acquires the area management data LD in step S11. In subsequent step S12, the game machine service management unit 16 acquires the provision date data PD.

  Then, in the next step S13, the game machine service management unit 16 assigns the game machine GM of each region to each region based on the region management data LD acquired in step S11 and the provision date data PD acquired in step S12. Provision date data PD is provided. This provision is performed as follows, for example. First, the game machine service management unit 16 specifies an area to which each game machine GM belongs based on the area management data LD acquired in step S11. Then, the provision date data PD is provided so that each game machine GM in each region includes a record corresponding to the specified region. At this time, various data for realizing a new game element (for example, image data 22 including new character image MGs or initial character data) may be provided together with the provision date data PD for each region. These various data may be managed in association with, for example, game element information (for example, a unique ID for each game element) of the provision date data PD. If the contents of these various data are different depending on the area, the contents may be provided with the contents corresponding to the area as in the provision date data PD. In this way, the game machine service management unit 16 provides the provision date data PD for each area to the game machines GM of each area. When the processing in step S13 is completed, the game machine service management unit 16 ends the current routine. Thereby, the provision date data PD of the contents according to the region is provided to each game machine GM in each region.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a use period setting process routine. The routine in FIG. 12 is executed, for example, every time a card game is requested (as a result, every time a card game is provided). If the routine of FIG. 12 is started, the game provision part 35 will acquire the provision date data PD provided from the center server 2 in step S21. In subsequent step S22, the game providing unit 35 acquires the current date and time.

  In the next step S23, the game providing unit 35 extracts usable data based on the provided date data PD acquired in step S21 and the current date and time acquired in step S22. Specifically, the game providing unit 35 first determines whether or not the current date / time has passed the provision date (or the use start date if there is information on the use start date) in the provision date data PD. When the determination result is a positive result, that is, when the provision date has passed, the game provision unit 35 can use a game element (for example, a new character image MGs) corresponding to the provision date of the provision date data PD. to decide. Then, the game providing unit 35 extracts the image data 22 including the new character image MGs or the initial character data including the new character as usable data so that the new game element is used. On the other hand, if the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the provision date has not elapsed, the game providing unit 35 determines that the game element corresponding to the provision date of the provision date data PD is unusable. And the game provision part 35 extracts the image data 22 etc. which do not contain a new character image MGs etc. as usable data so that a new game element may not be used. As an example, the game providing unit 35 extracts usable data in this way.

  In subsequent step S24, the game providing unit 35 provides the extraction result of step S24 so that the various types of data extracted in step S24 are used for providing the card game, and ends the current routine. Thereby, since the card game is provided based on, for example, the image data 22 that does not include the new character image MGs before the provision date elapses, the new character image MGs is not used. On the other hand, after the provision date has elapsed, for example, a card game is provided based on the image data 22 including the new character image MGs, so that the new character image MGs is used. Further, the information on the provision date is determined based on the provision date data PD for each region. Therefore, based on the provision date data PD, the usable period of a new game element such as a new character image MGs is set according to the region based on the provision date for each region. In addition, when information, such as a use end date, is contained in the provision date data PD, such information may be considered in the process of step S23. That is, for example, in step S23, it may be determined whether or not the current use end date has passed. Then, it may be determined that the use of the new game element is not possible when the use end date has passed, and that the use of the new game element is not allowed, and the result may be reflected in the extraction of the usable data.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a card issuing process routine. The routine of FIG. 13 is executed, for example, every time a predetermined operation for printing the character card KC after change is executed. Alternatively, the routine of FIG. 13 may be executed every time the game ends. When the routine of FIG. 13 is started, the game providing unit 35 first obtains game information of a character card KC (for example, an initial character card KC) used for playing the game in step S31. This acquisition may be performed based on an output signal of the code reader 7, for example. The game information includes parameter information.

  In subsequent step S32, the game providing unit 35 acquires a game result, that is, a play result of the card game. In the next step S33, the game providing unit 35 gives a change to the parameter information acquired in step S31 based on the game result acquired in step S32. Specifically, for example, when the level of the character increases based on the game result, the information of the parameter level item is changed (for example, “Lv11” → “Lv12”). Alternatively, when basic items of characters such as HP, AT, and SP rise based on the game result, these items are changed. That is, in step S33, the game providing unit 35 reflects the game result on each item of the parameter that defines the character.

  In the next step S34, the game providing unit 35 generates image data 36 for expressing the composite image CI including the changed parameter information after the change is given in step S33. Therefore, the game result is reflected in the composite image CI. Further, since the composite image CI also includes the two-dimensional code CG, the image data 36 also includes data for expressing the two-dimensional code CG. As a result, game information including parameter information and other information is recorded in the composite image CI.

  In the next step S35, the game providing unit 35 prints the image data 36 on the printer so that the composite image CI is printed on the recording medium HM based on the image data 36 generated in step S34, and the character card KC is generated. 32 (output) to 32. That is, the game providing unit 35 provides the image data 36 to the printer 32 through the composite image CI so that the game information including the changed parameter information is recorded on the character card KC. And the game provision part 35 complete | finishes this routine, after finishing the process of step S35. Thereby, the game result is reflected on the parameters of the initial character card KC, and the post-change character card KC that records the parameters after the change based on the game result is generated is generated.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the provision date data PD including the provision date of related information is provided from the center server 2 to each game machine GM. Then, based on the information on the provided date, the usage period of the game element related to the related information is set (controlled). Therefore, the provision date of related information and the usage period of the game element related to the related information can be adjusted. Thereby, for example, a newly provided game element or the like can be provided at a more appropriate time.

  Also, the provision date data PD describes the provision date according to the region. Therefore, the provision date information corresponding to the area to which each game machine GM belongs is provided to each game machine GM through the provision date data PD. Thereby, the use period of a new game element etc. can be adjusted according to the provision day of each area. For this reason, a new game element etc. can be provided at a more appropriate time.

  Furthermore, for example, when a new character image MGs is used as a new game element, a new character card KCs including a display of the character image MGs can be generated. Thereby, the new character card KCs in which the new character image MGs is recorded so as to be visible can be provided. The new character card KCs can be used for the next and subsequent play. Therefore, continuous use of the character corresponding to the new character image MGs can be realized. By these, the interest property of a game can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as the time information acquisition means and the period control means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Further, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as game machine position specifying means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Furthermore, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as information providing means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG.

  This invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, It can implement with a suitable form. In the above-described form, the center server 2 provides the provision date data PD for each region (position) to each game machine GM. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, each game machine GM may go to the center server 2 to obtain the provision date data PD for each area. Further, the present invention is not limited to a mode in which the center server 2 side specifies the area of each game machine. For example, each game machine GM may identify its own position, and obtain the provision date data PD corresponding to the region based on the identified own position. Alternatively, each game machine GM may acquire all the provision date data PD from the center server 2 and specify the provision date information corresponding to the position of each game machine GM after the acquisition. Each game machine GM may specify its own position based on, for example, so-called GPS (Global Positioning System) information. Therefore, the game machine GM may be provided with a so-called GPS function. In this case, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM may function as the self-position specifying means of the present invention.

  In the above-described form, the usage period is set for the new game element through the routine of FIG. However, the setting of the usage period is not limited to such a form. For example, the use period may be set by setting a use start date and a use end date in the image data 22 or the like. In this case, the image data 22 and the like include, for example, image data 22 used after the use start date (hereinafter, may be referred to as new image data 22) and image data 22 used until the use start date (hereinafter referred to as the old data). (Sometimes referred to as image data 22). The new image data 22 includes the new character image MGs, while the old image data 22 does not need to include the new character image MGs. In this way, the image data 22 and the like may be divided for each use period and used according to the current date and time. And the use period of a new game element may be implement | achieved by using those image data 22 grade | etc., According to a use period, and switching. Alternatively, the use period may be controlled by controlling the delivery time so that the image data 22 or the like corresponding to the use period is delivered. In this case, however, time is required until new data such as distribution or data incorporation becomes available. For this reason, for example, it may be difficult to control the time level. On the other hand, when the data acquired in advance as described above is selectively used according to the period of use, the control of the time level can be realized relatively easily.

  In the above embodiment, the two-dimensional code CG is printed on the character card KC as a code including parameter information and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, a barcode may be used as such a code. That is, various codes including various information may be used for the character card KC by being generated according to a predetermined standard. Further, the present invention is not limited to a form in which various types of information are recorded on the recording medium as codes. For example, an optical storage medium such as DVDROM or CDROM, or a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as EEPROM may be used as the recording medium. Such a storage medium includes, for example, an IC card. Further, when these recording media are used, the image data 36 for representing the composite image CI itself may be recorded on these media instead of printing the composite image CI. Such data may be provided to the storage medium by infrared communication or the like. That is, as long as the game machine GM can record or acquire game information (including parameter information), various recording media may be employed as the game recording medium. Further, the present invention is not limited to the form in which the game information includes parameter information. For example, the game information includes card ID information for identifying each game recording medium, and the parameter information of each game recording medium is specified based on management data that manages the card ID and parameters in association with each other. May be.

  In the above-described form, each game machine GM provides a card game in which a character card KC whose contents change according to the game result is generated. However, the game provided by each game machine GM is not limited to such a form. For example, the game machine GM may provide a card game in which the character of the character card does not grow. Furthermore, each game machine GM may provide various games such as an action game, a role playing game, a simulation game, and a shooting game. Further, the game machine GM is not limited to a commercial game machine. As the game machine GM, for example, an appropriate form such as a home-use game machine or a portable game machine may be adopted. In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that displays and provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3.

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

  The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) that provides a game to each player, and related information related to a game element (for example, a character image MG) used in the game is provided to each player. A period information acquisition unit (30) for acquiring information on a provision period, and a period control unit (30) for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision period acquired by the period information acquisition unit. And.

  According to the present invention, information on the timing of providing related information is acquired, and the usage period of the game element is controlled based on the information. Thereby, the provision time of the relevant information relevant to a game element and the use period of the game element can be adjusted. Therefore, for example, a game element can be provided at a more appropriate time. Furthermore, the time can be controlled for each region. By these, the interest property of a game can be improved.

  The period of use may be controlled in any way. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the period control means determines whether or not the game element can be used so that the game element is not used before the provision time based on the provision time information. The use period may be controlled by determining.

  As one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game system further comprises self-position specifying means (30) for specifying the position of the player, the provision time is set according to the position, and the time information acquiring means is the position specifying means. A mode may be adopted in which the information on the provision time corresponding to the position of the self is acquired based on the position of the self specified by the above. In this case, information on the provision time according to the position is acquired. As a result, the provision time information according to the position is reflected in the control of the usage period. Therefore, the usage period of the game element can be adjusted according to the provision time according to the position. Thereby, a game element can be provided at a more appropriate time.

  Various aspects may be adopted as the game system of the present invention. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a plurality of game machines (GM) that respectively provide the game, and a server device (2) connected to the plurality of game machines via a network (3), The aspect which further comprises may be employ | adopted.

  In the aspect including a plurality of game machines of the game system of the present invention, the game system further includes game machine position specifying means (10) for specifying the position of each game machine based on the position information (LD), And the time information acquisition means acquires the provision time information corresponding to the position of at least one game machine of the plurality of game machines based on the specification result of the game machine position specification means. The period control means may control the usage period of the one game machine based on the provision time of the one game machine. In this case, the usage period of the game element can be adjusted according to the provision time according to the position of each game machine. Thereby, a game element can be provided at an appropriate time for each game machine.

  Various aspects may be adopted as the game element. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game is configured to use a character image (MG), and a character image (MGs) different from the character image is used as the game element. It may be adopted. Further, in this aspect, the game is configured to be played through a play medium (for example, a character image MG or a composite image CI) defined by a parameter, and the image of the other character is used as the parameter. It may be.

  As an aspect of the game system of the present invention in which an image of another character is used as a parameter, a basic format (FI) for defining a variable area in a fixed manner and information on the parameter are included in the variable area as information on the parameter. The parameter information is obtained through at least one of display of a composite image (CI) synthesized so that the image of the other character is arranged and recording of image data (36) for expressing the composite image. Information provision means (30) for providing information on the parameters may be further provided so that a game recording medium (KC) for recording is generated. In this case, a game recording medium on which an image of another character is recorded can be generated via the composite image or image data.

  In one aspect of the game system of the present invention in which a game recording medium is generated, the game system further includes a printer (32) for printing the composite image, a card-like paper medium is used as the game recording medium, and the information The providing means may provide the parameter information so that the parameter information is recorded on the game recording medium by displaying the composite image through printing of the composite image by the printer. In this case, a game recording medium on which an image of another character is recorded so as to be visible can be generated.

  The composite image may include various types of information. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the composite image may include a display of a code (CG) generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include the parameter information.

  As one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game system further comprises medium information acquisition means (7) for acquiring the parameter information from the game recording medium, and the game is based on the acquisition result of the medium information acquisition means, The aspect comprised so that the image of said another character corresponding to the said parameter may be used may be employ | adopted. In this case, an image of another character can be used again in the next and subsequent games via the game recording medium. Therefore, continuous use of the image of another character can be realized. Thereby, the interest property of a game can further be improved.

  The control method of the present invention is applied to a game system (1) that provides a game to each player, and obtains information on a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player. A timing information acquisition procedure; and a period control procedure for controlling a usage period of the game element based on the information on the provision timing acquired by the timing information acquisition procedure.

  The computer program for the game system according to the present invention includes a computer (30) incorporated in a game system (1) that provides a game to each player, and related information related to game elements used in the game is stored in each player. And a period control unit that controls a period of use of the game element based on the period information acquisition unit that acquires the period information provided and the period information acquisition unit acquired by the period information acquisition unit It is comprised as follows. By executing the control method or the computer program of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game system 2 Center server (server device)
3 Network 7 Code reader (medium information acquisition means)
10 Control unit (game machine position specifying means)
30 control unit (computer, time information acquisition means, period control means, self-position specifying means, information providing means)
32 Printer 36 Image data KC Character card (game recording medium)
MG character image (game element, character image)
MGs New character image (game element, image of another character)
FI Basic format CI Composite image CG Two-dimensional code (code)

Claims (13)

A game system for providing a game to each player,
Time information acquisition means for acquiring information on a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player;
A period control means for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision time acquired by the time information acquisition means;
A game system characterized by comprising:   The period control means controls the usage period by determining whether or not the game element can be used so that the game element is not used before the provision time based on the provision time information. The game system according to claim 1. A self-localization means for identifying the self-position;
The provision time is set according to the position,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the time information acquisition unit acquires the provision time information corresponding to the position of the user based on the position of the user specified by the position specifying unit. A plurality of game machines each providing the game;
A server device connected to the plurality of game machines via a network;
The game system according to claim 1, further comprising: Further comprising game machine position specifying means for specifying the position of each game machine based on the position information;
The provision time is set according to the position,
The time information acquisition means acquires information on the provision time corresponding to the position of at least one game machine of the plurality of game machines based on the specification result of the game machine position specification means,
The game system according to claim 4, wherein the period control unit controls the use period of the one game machine based on the provision time of the one game machine. The game is configured to use a character image,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein a character image different from the character image is adopted as the game element. The game is configured to be played through a play medium defined by parameters,
The game system according to claim 6, wherein the image of the other character is used as the parameter.   Display of a composite image in which a basic format that fixedly defines a variable area and the parameter information are combined so that the image of the other character is arranged as the parameter information in the variable area, or the composite image is displayed And further comprising information providing means for providing the parameter information so that a game recording medium for recording the parameter information is generated through at least one of recording of image data for expression. Item 8. The game system according to Item 7. A printer for printing the composite image;
A card-like paper medium is used as the game recording medium,
The information providing means provides the parameter information so that the parameter information is recorded on the game recording medium by displaying the composite image through printing of the composite image by the printer. The described game system.   The game system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the composite image includes a display of a code generated in accordance with a predetermined standard so as to include information on the parameter. A medium information acquisition means for acquiring the parameter information from the game recording medium;
The said game is comprised so that the image of said another character corresponding to the said parameter may be used based on the acquisition result of the said medium information acquisition means. Game system. Applied to a game system that provides a game to each player,
A time information acquisition procedure for acquiring information on a provision time when related information related to game elements used in the game is provided to each player;
A period control procedure for controlling a use period of the game element based on the information on the provision time acquired by the time information acquisition procedure;
A control method. A computer incorporated in a game system for providing a game to each player;
Based on the provision time information obtained by the time information acquisition means obtained by the time information acquisition means for obtaining information on the provision time when the related information related to the game element used in the game is provided to each player. A computer program for a game system configured to function as a period control means for controlling a use period of the game element.