JP2016123561A - Game system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system and a program capable of easing problems of wait time or the like by a continuous game play.SOLUTION: A game system includes: an upper-limit count setting part for performing setting processing of the number of upper-limit times of a continuous game play by a player; a display processing part for performing display processing for presenting information on the number of upper-limit times to a player; and a game processing part for prohibiting a next game play by the player when the number of continuous game player times by the player reaches the number of upper-limit times, and performing game processing for performing a next game player by the player when the number of continuous game player times by the player does not reach the number of upper-limit times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system, a program, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game system is known in which a player operates a moving object such as a car and plays a game by competing with a computer or another vehicle operated by another player. As such a game system, there is a conventional technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. There is also known a game system in which each player operates a robot such as a mobile suit to play a battle.

JP 2013-59574 A

  In such a game system, the car (or robot, etc.) that appears is realistic, imitating a real car, and the course (map) is realistic, imitating an actual racing course or public road (terrain). ing. And it is made to enjoy the game at speed and cornering like a real car. The player can also remodel or dress up the car using the part items acquired through a game or the like. For this reason, in such a game system, it is designed so that a skillful player who has worked to some extent runs slowly and enjoys the game, and such a player of the customer base can play a game continuously many times. It is supposed to be done.

  On the other hand, the number of game devices installed in an amusement facility is limited. For this reason, when a player plays a game continuously many times for a long time, the waiting time of the next player waiting for the turn becomes long, and it becomes difficult to start the game play. In addition, how many consecutive game plays the previous player depends on the player's intention, it is difficult to predict the number of times, and the waiting time of the next player waiting for the order is also predicted. Difficult to do. For this reason, there arises a problem that there are a large number of players who want to play but cannot play the game, and a device for alleviating such a problem is desired.

  According to some aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system, a program, and the like that can alleviate problems such as waiting time due to continuous game play.

  One aspect of the present invention includes an upper limit number setting unit that performs setting processing of an upper limit number of consecutive game play times of a player, a display processing unit that performs display processing for presenting information on the upper limit number to the player, When the player's continuous game play count reaches the upper limit count, the player's next game play is disallowed, and when the player's continuous game play count does not reach the upper limit count, The game system includes a game processing unit that performs a game process for the player to perform the next game play. The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer to function as each of the above-described units, or a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the program.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, when the upper limit number of continuous game play times of the player is set and the continuous game play number does not reach the upper limit number of times, the game process for the player to perform the next game play is performed. Done. For example, the player can select game play continuation and the like, and the next game play can be performed following the previous game play. On the other hand, when the continuous game play count reaches the upper limit count, the next game play of the player is not permitted. For example, the player cannot continue the next game play. If the upper limit number of continuous game play times is set in this way, the player can be restricted from playing a plurality of times of game play continuously over a long period of time. As a result, it is possible to alleviate problems such as waiting time due to continuous game play (sequential multiple times of game play).

  In the aspect of the invention, the upper limit number setting unit may perform the upper limit number setting process based on waiting time information or waiting number information of game play.

  In this way, the upper limit number of continuous game play times can be set according to the length of the waiting time and the number of waiting people. Therefore, for example, when the waiting time is long or when the number of waiting people is large, it is possible to reduce the waiting time by setting the upper limit number to a small number, for example.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a reservation processing unit that performs a game play reservation process is included (the computer is caused to function as a reservation processing unit), and the upper limit number setting unit includes the waiting time of a player who has reserved a game play. The upper limit number setting process may be performed based on the information or the waiting number information.

  In this way, the player can reserve a game play. Then, the upper limit number of continuous game play times can be set according to the waiting time and the waiting number of players who reserved the game play in this way. Therefore, when the waiting time of the player who has reserved the game play and is waiting is long or when the waiting number is large, for example, a process such as setting the upper limit number to a small number can be performed.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, a prediction processing unit that performs prediction processing of the waiting time information based on game play history information of a player who has reserved game play is included (a computer is caused to function as the prediction processing unit). The upper limit number setting unit may perform the upper limit number setting process based on the predicted waiting time information.

  In this way, the waiting time can be predicted based on the game play history information such as the continuous game play frequency record of the player who has reserved the game play, and the upper limit number of continuous game play times can be set. Become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of players play a game in a plurality of game devices connected to each other, the upper limit number setting unit is based on game play waiting time information for the plurality of game devices. The upper limit number of times may be set.

  In this way, in a system in which a plurality of players can play a game on a plurality of game devices, the upper limit number of consecutive game play times can be set according to the waiting time of the game play for the plurality of game devices. become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the remaining continuous game playable number of each game device is obtained based on the upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices, and the obtained remaining continuous games are obtained. Including a prediction processing unit that predicts the waiting time information based on the number of times the game can be played (by causing a computer to function as the prediction processing unit), and the upper limit number setting unit based on the predicted waiting time information An upper limit count setting process may be performed.

  In this way, the waiting time in a plurality of game devices can be predicted by effectively using the upper limit number of continuous game play times.

  In the aspect of the invention, the prediction processing unit may include an upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices and game play history information of each player playing on each game device. Based on this, the waiting time information may be predicted.

  In this way, not only the upper limit number of continuous game play times but also the player's past game play history information can be effectively used to predict waiting times in a plurality of game devices.

  In the aspect of the invention, the upper limit number setting unit may perform the setting process of the upper limit number based on waiting time information that the player has waited until game play is started.

  In this way, for example, for a player who has waited for a long waiting time before starting game play, it is possible to set, for example, the upper limit number of consecutive game play times to a large number.

  Also, in one aspect of the present invention, the upper limit number setting unit sets the upper limit number so that the upper limit number varies depending on a period to which the game play timing of the player belongs or a time zone to which the game play timing belongs. May be performed.

  In this way, for example, in a period or time zone in which congestion is expected, for example, it is possible to reduce the congestion by setting the upper limit number of consecutive game play times to a small number.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, an authentication processing unit that performs authentication processing of the player and determines whether or not the player is performing continuous game play may be included (even if a computer functions as the authentication processing unit). Good).

  In this way, the player's authentication process is performed for fraudulent acts that make it appear that no continuous game play is being performed even though the game is actually being played continuously (multiple consecutive game plays). Then it becomes possible to suppress.

  In the aspect of the invention, the authentication processing unit may determine whether the player is playing a continuous game based on information on the portable information storage medium possessed by the player and the biometric authentication information of the player. You may perform the said authentication process for determining.

  In this way, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts that make it appear that a continuous game play is not performed, for example, by using another person's portable information storage medium.

The example of the whole system structure implement | achieved by the game system of this embodiment. The example of the some game device and game management apparatus which are connected by communication. The structural example of the game device of this embodiment. The structural example of the server system of this embodiment. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are examples of screens for explaining the method of this embodiment. 6A and 6B are also examples of screens for explaining the method of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are explanatory diagrams of the setting process of the upper limit number according to the waiting time of game play and the number of waiting persons. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams of a game play reservation process. Explanatory drawing of game play log | history information. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C are explanatory diagrams of an upper limit number setting process according to the waiting time for a plurality of game devices. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are explanatory diagrams of setting processing of the upper limit number corresponding to the waiting time that the player waits. FIGS. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of a method of changing the upper limit number of times according to a period or a time zone. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C are explanatory diagrams of a continuous game play determination method based on player authentication processing. The flowchart of the detailed process example of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall system configuration realized by the game system of this embodiment. In FIG. 1, a server system 500 (information processing system) is communicatively connected to a game management device MN, game devices GM1 to GM4, and a terminal device TM via a network 510. For example, the server system 500 is a host, and the game management device MN, the game devices GM1 to GM4, and the terminal device TM are clients. Specifically, a plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4 and a game management device MN connected to the game devices GM1 to GM4 are installed in an amusement facility such as a store. The game management device MN is also called a terminal and is a non-game device that cannot play a game, but performs various management processes on the game devices GM1 to GM4. The game management device MN serves as a parent device for the game devices GM1 to GM4, and the game management device MN and the game devices GM1 to GM4 are communicatively connected via a LAN or the like. Communication connection between the server system 500 and the game devices GM1 to GM4 is performed via the game management device MN.

  Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the game management device MN is installed in the store, the game devices GM1 to GM4 may be connected to the network 510 without installing the game management device MN in the store. Good. For example, the game devices GM1 to GM4 are communicatively connected to the server system 500 via the network 510.

  The server system 500 can be realized by, for example, one or a plurality of servers (management server, game server, billing server, service providing server, content distribution server, authentication server, database server, ID server, card server, or communication server). The server system 500 provides various services for managing community-type websites and online games, and can manage data necessary for game execution and distribute client programs and various data.

  The network 510 (distribution network, communication line) is a communication path using, for example, the Internet or a wireless LAN. In addition to a LAN using a dedicated line (dedicated cable) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connection, telephone communication is also possible. A communication network such as a network, a cable network, or a wireless LAN can be included. The communication method may be wired / wireless.

  The terminal device TM is a terminal having a network connection function (Internet connection function). As these terminal devices TM, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a future phone can be used.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the game devices GM1 to GM4 and the game management device MN. Each of the game devices GM1 to GM4 includes a monitor 10 that functions as a display unit 190 in FIG. 3 to be described later, a handle 20 that functions as an operation unit 160, a brake pedal 22, an accelerator pedal 24, a shift lever 26, a card reader 28, and the like. Have The player sits on the seat of the game apparatus and operates the handle 20, the brake pedal 22, the accelerator pedal 24, the shift lever 26, and the like to enjoy a racing game by car.

  The game management device MN is purchased by a monitor 40 for displaying various information, a touch panel monitor 42 for inputting various information, a card reader 44 of a game card (portable information storage medium in a broad sense), and a player The game card has a carry-out port 46 and a take-in port 48 for a takeover magnetic card.

  In FIG. 2, the game management device MN is provided separately from the game devices GM1 to GM4. However, a system configuration in which the game management device MN is not provided may be employed. In this case, for example, each process and each function of the game management device MN may be realized by the game devices GM1 to GM4.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the game devices (GM1 to GM4) of the present embodiment. Note that the configuration of the game device (game system) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components are possible.

  The operation unit 160 is for a player to input operation data, and functions thereof are direction instruction keys, operation buttons, analog sticks, levers, various sensors (such as an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor), a microphone, or a touch panel type. This can be realized with a display.

  The imaging unit 162 (camera) includes an optical system such as a lens and an imaging element. The lens projects an image on the image sensor. The imaging element is realized by, for example, a CCD or CMOS sensor. By providing the imaging unit 162, for example, a player image or the like can be taken, and the player authentication process or the like can be realized using the obtained player image or the like.

  The storage unit 170 serves as a work area for the processing unit 100, the communication unit 196, and the like, and its function can be realized by a RAM (DRAM, SRAM, VRAM) or the like.

  An information storage medium 180 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and functions as an optical disk (DVD, CD, etc.), HDD (hard disk drive), memory (ROM, etc.), etc. Can be realized. The processing unit 100 performs various processes of the present embodiment based on a program (data) stored in the information storage medium 180. That is, in the information storage medium 180, a program for causing a computer (an apparatus including an operation unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, and an output unit) to function as each unit of the present embodiment (a program for causing the computer to execute processing of each unit). Is memorized.

  The display unit 190 outputs an image generated according to the present embodiment, and the function can be realized by an LCD, an organic EL display, a CRT, various projector-type displays, an HMD, or the like. The sound output unit 192 outputs the sound generated by the present embodiment, and its function can be realized by a speaker, headphones, or the like.

  The I / F (interface) unit 194 performs interface processing with the portable information storage medium 195, and the function can be realized by an ASIC for I / F processing or the like. The portable information storage medium 195 stores various information for a player to play a game, and can be realized by an IC card (memory card), a USB memory, a magnetic card, or the like.

  When the portable information storage medium 195 is an IC card (game card), the I / F unit 194 can be realized by the card reader 28 in FIG. 2 that reads information from the IC card.

  The communication unit 196 communicates with an external device (for example, another game device, a game management device, a server system, etc.) via a wired or wireless network, and functions as a communication ASIC or communication. It can be realized by hardware such as a processor for communication and firmware for communication.

  Note that a program (data) for causing a computer to function as each unit of the present embodiment is transferred from the information storage medium included in the server system (host device) to the information storage medium 180 (or storage unit 170) via the network and communication unit 196. You may distribute. Use of the information storage medium by such a server system can also be included in the scope of the present invention.

  The processing unit 100 (processor) performs game processing, display processing, sound processing, and the like based on operation data, a program, and the like from the operation unit 160. The processing unit 100 performs various processes using the storage unit 170 as a work area. The functions of the processing unit 100 can be realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, GPU, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), and programs.

  The processing unit 100 includes a game processing unit 102, an object space setting unit 104, a moving body calculation unit 106, a virtual camera control unit 108, an upper limit number setting unit 110, a privilege grant processing unit 112, a reservation processing unit 113, a prediction processing unit 114, An authentication processing unit 115, a display processing unit 120, and a sound processing unit 130 are included. It should be noted that modifications can be made such as omitting some of these components or adding other components.

  The game processing unit 102 performs game processing (game calculation processing). Here, the game process includes a process for starting a game when a game start condition is satisfied, a process for advancing the game, and a process for ending a game when a game end condition is satisfied.

  The object space setting unit 104 performs an object space setting process in which a plurality of objects are arranged. For example, various objects (polygons, free-form surfaces or subdivisions) representing display objects such as moving objects (cars, people, airplanes, ships, robots, animals, etc.), maps (terrain), buildings, courses (roads), trees, walls, etc. The object is configured to place and set an object composed of a primitive surface such as a surface in the object space. In other words, the position and rotation angle of the object in the world coordinate system (synonymous with direction and direction) are determined, and the rotation angle (rotation angle around the X, Y, and Z axes) is determined at that position (X, Y, Z). Place the object. Specifically, the object data storage unit 172 of the storage unit 170 stores object data such as the position, rotation angle, moving speed, moving direction, etc. of the object (part object) in association with the object number. . The object space setting unit 104 performs a process of updating the object data for each frame, for example.

  The moving object calculation unit 106 performs an operation for moving the moving object. Also, a calculation for operating the moving object (moving object) is performed. That is, based on operation data input by the player through the operation unit 160, a program (movement / motion algorithm), various data (motion data), etc., a moving body (object, model object) is moved in the object space, Performs processing to move the moving body (motion, animation). Specifically, a simulation for sequentially obtaining movement information (position, rotation angle, speed, or acceleration) and movement information (part object position or rotation angle) of a moving body for each frame (1/60 seconds, etc.). Process. A frame is a unit of time for performing a moving / movement process (simulation process) and an image generation process of a moving object.

  The virtual camera control unit 108 performs control processing of a virtual camera (viewpoint, reference virtual camera) for generating an image that can be seen from a given (arbitrary) viewpoint in the object space. Specifically, processing for controlling the position (X, Y, Z) or rotation angle (rotation angle about the X, Y, Z axis) of the virtual camera (processing for controlling the viewpoint position, the line-of-sight direction or the angle of view) I do.

  Details of the upper limit number setting unit 110, the privilege grant processing unit 112, the reservation processing unit 113, the prediction processing unit 114, and the authentication processing unit 115 will be described later.

  The display processing unit 120 performs processing (image generation processing or the like) for displaying an image such as a game image on the display unit 190. For example, a drawing process is performed based on the results of various processes (game process, simulation process) performed by the processing unit 100, thereby generating an image and outputting it to the display unit 190. Specifically, geometric processing such as coordinate transformation (world coordinate transformation, camera coordinate transformation), clipping processing, perspective transformation, or light source processing is performed. Based on the processing result, drawing data (the position of the vertex of the primitive surface) Coordinates, texture coordinates, color data, normal vector, α value, etc.) are created. Then, based on the drawing data (primitive surface data), the perspective transformation (geometry processing) object (one or a plurality of primitive surfaces) is converted into image data in units of pixels such as a drawing buffer 176 (frame buffer, work buffer, etc.). Draw in a buffer that can be stored. Thereby, an image that can be seen from the virtual camera (given viewpoint) in the object space is generated.

  The sound processing unit 130 performs sound processing based on the results of various processes performed by the processing unit 100, generates a game sound such as BGM, sound effect, or sound, and outputs the game sound to the sound output unit 192.

  3 shows the configurations of the game devices GM1 to GM4 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the game management device MN can be realized by the same configuration as that of FIG. For example, the game management device MN includes a processing unit, an operation unit, a storage unit, a display unit, a sound output unit, an I / F unit, a communication unit, and the like, similarly to the game device. The processing unit of the game management device MN can be realized by the same configuration as the processing unit 100 of FIG. 3 except that the game processing or the like is not performed. The storage unit, display unit, sound output unit, I / F unit, and communication unit of the game management device MN are also the storage unit 170, display unit 190, sound output unit 192, I / F unit 194, and communication unit 196 of FIG. A similar configuration can be realized. The I / F unit of the game management device MN can be realized by the card reader 44 of FIG. The communication unit of the game management device MN communicates with the server system 500 via the network 510. The communication unit communicates with the game devices GM1 to GM4 via a network such as a LAN provided in the amusement facility.

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the server system 500 (game system) of the present embodiment. The server system 500 includes a processing unit 600, an operation unit 660, a storage unit 670, and a communication unit 696.

  Note that the configuration of the server system 500 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and various modifications may be made such as omitting some of the components (each unit) or adding other components. Further, the processing of each part of the game processing unit, the upper limit number setting unit, the privilege granting processing unit, the reservation processing unit, the prediction processing unit, the authentication processing unit, and the display processing unit of the present embodiment is the game processing unit 102 of the game device of FIG. , Upper limit number setting unit 110, privilege grant processing unit 112, reservation processing unit 113, prediction processing unit 114, authentication processing unit 115, display processing unit 120, or game processing unit 606 of server system 500, upper limit You may implement | achieve by the frequency | count setting part 610, the privilege provision process part 612, the reservation process part 613, the prediction process part 614, the authentication process part 615, and the display process part 620. Or you may implement | achieve the process of these each part by the distributed process of a game device and a server system.

  The reception processing unit 602 of the processing unit 600 performs information reception processing. For example, a process for receiving information from the game management device MN, the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, and the like via the network 510 is performed. The transmission processing unit 604 performs information transmission processing. For example, a process of transmitting information to the game management device MN, the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, and the like via the network 510 is performed. Here, the reception process includes a process of instructing the communication unit 696 to receive information, a process of acquiring information received by the communication unit 696, and writing the information in the storage unit 670. The transmission process is a process of instructing the communication unit 696 to transmit information, or instructing the communication unit 696 to transmit information.

  The billing processing unit 616 performs various billing processing (billing determination processing, billing data creation processing, storage processing, etc.). The billing information storage unit 676 of the storage unit 670 stores billing information to be charged by the billing processing unit 616.

  The management processing unit 618 performs various server management processes. For example, management processing of various services provided by the server and management processing of various information such as server management information are performed.

  For example, in order to use the service provided by the server system 500, the player performs a predetermined procedure to acquire an account. By logging in by entering the password associated with the acquired account, the player can play network games, service on the game site, online shopping for items, etc., exchange messages between players, and friends Various services such as user registration can be used. The management processing unit 618 also performs such account information management processing of the player.

  The display processing unit 620 performs processing for displaying an image on the display unit of the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, or the game management device MN. For example, image generation data for generating the image is generated. The sound processing unit 630 performs processing for outputting sound from the sound output unit of the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, or the game management device MN. For example, sound generation data for generating the sound (sound, game sound, sound effect) is generated. Here, the image generation data for generating an image is data for generating (displaying) an image generated by the method of the present embodiment in the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, and the like. The data itself may be used, or various data (display screen setting data, object data, etc.) used by the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, and the like to generate images. The same applies to sound generation data generated by the sound processing unit 630.

  The operation unit 660 is for a system administrator (operator) to input various information.

  The storage unit 670 stores various types of information. For example, various information is stored in a database format. The storage unit 670 functions as a work area such as the processing unit 600 and the communication unit 696. The function of the storage unit 670 can be realized by RAM (DRAM, SRAM, VRAM), SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

  Storage unit 670 includes game data storage unit 672, billing information storage unit 676, and user information storage unit 678. The game data storage unit 672 stores game data. The game data is data of game content such as mobile objects appearing in the game or items used in the game, game music, game images, or game images. The billing information storage unit 676 stores billing processing information performed by the billing processing unit 616. The user information storage unit 678 stores player personal information (name, sex, date of birth, e-mail address, etc.) as user information. For example, the aforementioned player account information is also stored as user information. The accounting information stored in the accounting information storage unit 676 is associated with each account information of each player.

  An information storage medium 680 (a computer-readable medium) stores programs, data, and the like, and its function can be realized by an HDD, a memory (ROM, etc.), an optical disk (CD, DVD), or the like.

  The communication unit 696 performs communication with the game management device MN, the game devices GM1 to GM4, the terminal device TM, and the like via a wired or wireless network 510, and the function thereof is a communication ASIC, a communication processor, or the like. It can be realized by hardware and communication firmware.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the upper limit number setting unit 110 (upper limit number setting unit 610) of FIG. 3 performs a setting process of the upper limit number of continuous game play times of the player. The display processing unit 120 (display processing unit 620) performs display processing for presenting (displaying) information on the upper limit number of times to the player. Then, the game processing unit 102 (game processing unit 606) performs a process of disabling the player's next game play when the number of continuous game play of the player reaches the upper limit number. On the other hand, when the player's continuous game play count does not reach the upper limit count, the player performs a game process for the next game play.

  In the following description, the case where the game apparatus performs processing of the game processing unit, the upper limit number setting unit, the privilege granting processing unit, the reservation processing unit, the prediction processing unit, the authentication processing unit, and the display processing unit will be mainly described. However, the processing of these units may be performed by the server system, or may be realized by distributed processing of the game device and the server system.

  For example, when one game play is completed, the player can continue to play the next game by paying a price or the like and selecting to perform the next game play (by selecting Continue). it can. This allows the player to play a continuous game. Here, the continuous game play is, for example, a plurality of continuous game play. In this case, the next game play may be resumed from the continuation of the previous game, or may be resumed from the start of the game. For example, it may be resumed from the middle of the course or map, or may be resumed from the starting point of the course or map. For example, when the next (i + 1) th game play is performed continuously after the completion of the i-th game play, for example, points such as scores and experience values obtained until the i-th game play are obtained. The i + 1th game play is also inherited.

  Normally, such continuous game play can be freely performed according to the player's intention, but in this embodiment, an upper limit is set for this continuous game play. The information on the upper limit number is stored in, for example, the storage unit 170 (upper limit number storage unit).

  Then, when the player has played the continuous game several times and the continuous game play count reaches the upper limit count, the player's next game play is not permitted. For example, if the number of consecutive game plays has not reached the upper limit, a selection screen (for example, a continue screen) for selecting the next game is displayed after the game ends. Does not display such a selection screen. Alternatively, when the upper limit number is reached, the selection of the next game play (selection of continue) may be disabled while displaying such a selection screen.

  On the other hand, when the number of continuous game plays has not reached the upper limit number, a selection screen (for example, a continue screen) for selecting the next game play is displayed. When the player selects to perform the next game play, a game process for the player to perform the next game play is performed. For example, a process for starting the next game is performed, and when the game starts, a process for progressing the game is performed. Further, a process for calculating a game result such as a score is performed.

  In this case, the upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) performs setting processing of the upper limit number (upper limit value) based on the waiting time information or the waiting number information of the game play. For example, when the waiting time for game play is long or when the number of waiting people is large, the upper limit number is reduced. On the other hand, when the waiting time is short or when the waiting number is small, the upper limit number is increased. For example, the upper limit is set to a smaller number as the waiting time for game play is longer or the waiting number is larger. Here, the waiting time and waiting number may be the waiting time and waiting number of the reserved player, or may be the waiting time and waiting number of the game devices GM1 to GM4 in FIG. The waiting time and the waiting number as a whole of the game apparatuses GM1 to GM4 connected by communication may be used.

  Further, the game system (game device, server system) of the present embodiment includes a reservation processing unit 113 (reservation processing unit 613) that performs a game play reservation process. This reservation processing is processing for a player to reserve a game play when another player is playing a game on the game device and the player is waiting for the game play. For example, when the reservation processing unit 113 receives an application for a game play reservation from a player, the reservation processing unit 113 adds the identification information (user ID) of the player to the reserved player list and stores it in the storage unit 170 (storage unit 670). In the reserved player list information, identification information of each player is registered in the order in which reservations are received.

  In this case, the upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) performs an upper limit number setting process based on the waiting time information or the waiting number information of the player who has reserved the game play. For example, the waiting time information or waiting number information of the player is specified based on the result of the reservation processing of the reservation processing unit 113 (for example, reserved player list information). The upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) sets the upper limit number based on the specified waiting time information or waiting number information.

  Moreover, the prediction process part 114 (prediction process part 614) performs the prediction process of the waiting time information of a game play. For example, waiting time information prediction processing is performed based on game play history information of a player who has reserved game play. For example, the prediction processing unit 114 obtains performance information (average, etc.) of the past continuous game play count of the player based on the game play history information of the player, and waits for game play from the past continuous game play count performance information. Predict time. For example, the waiting time of game play at that time is predicted based on the past information of the number of past consecutive game plays of a plurality of players registered in the reserved player list. Then, the upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) performs an upper limit number setting process based on the predicted waiting time information. For example, when the predicted waiting time is long, the upper limit number is decreased, and when the predicted waiting time is short, the upper limit number is increased.

  In addition, when a plurality of players play a game in a plurality of game devices connected to each other, upper limit number setting section 110 (610) sets the upper limit number of times based on the game play waiting time information for the plurality of game devices. Processing may be performed. That is, the upper limit number is set based on the waiting time information for the entire plurality of game devices. For example, when a plurality of players are waiting and one of the plurality of game devices is free, the first player among the plurality of waiting players can play a game on the free game device. Thereafter, when the next game device becomes available, the next waiting player can play the game in the available game device. Based on the waiting time information of the game play in such a plurality of game devices, an upper limit number of continuous game play times is set.

  Specifically, the prediction processing unit 114 (614) obtains the remaining number of continuous game playable times of each game device based on the upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices. The waiting time information is predicted based on the obtained number of remaining continuous game play possible times. For example, based on the current number of continuous game play times of a player playing on each game device and the upper limit number of continuous game play times set for the player, the remaining number of continuous game play times on each game device is determined. Can be sought. And the waiting time in each game device can be predicted based on the obtained number of remaining continuous game play possible times. For example, the waiting time can be predicted based on the average game play time and the remaining number of continuous game play possible times. And based on the prediction waiting time about each game device, the waiting time of the whole of several game devices is estimated. The upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) performs an upper limit number setting process based on the waiting time information thus predicted. For example, based on the predicted waiting time, an upper limit number of consecutive game play times is set for a player who newly starts game play.

  In this case, the prediction processing unit 114 (614) waits based on the upper limit number of consecutive game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices and the game play history information of each player playing on each game device. Information may be predicted. For example, the remaining continuous game playable number of each game device is obtained from the upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device and the past number of continuous game play times obtained from the game play history information of the player. The waiting time information is predicted from the remaining number of continuous game playable times.

  The upper limit count setting unit 110 (610) performs the upper limit count setting process so that the upper limit count differs according to the period to which the game play timing of the player belongs or the time zone to which the game play timing belongs. For example, the upper limit number of times is different depending on whether the player's game play timing (game play start timing) is within the first period or within the second period. For example, if the period is a busy period (for example, event period, campaign period), the upper limit is set to a small number, and if the period is not a busy period (for example, a normal period), the upper limit is set to a large number (or Turn off the limit setting).

  The upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) changes the upper limit number of times when the game play timing of the player is within the first time zone and when within the second time zone. For example, in a time zone where the game device is full (for example, a morning time zone), the upper limit number is set to a large number (or the upper limit number setting is turned off). On the other hand, the upper limit number is set to a small number in a time zone where the game apparatus is congested (for example, a night time zone).

  The upper limit number setting unit 110 (610) may perform the upper limit number setting process based on the waiting time information that the player waits until the game play is started. That is, when the player who is the target of setting the upper limit number of times starts playing a game after a long waiting time, the upper limit number of times is set to a larger number for that player. That is, when the player waits for a long time and starts playing the game, the upper limit is set to a large number as a price. On the other hand, when the waiting time of the player is short, the upper limit number is set to a small number.

  The authentication processing unit 115 (authentication processing unit 615) performs player authentication processing. That is, an authentication process for identifying the player is performed. Then, by performing such an authentication process, it is determined whether or not the player is playing a continuous game play (a plurality of continuous game play). For example, when the first game play of the player is over and the next second game play is performed, the player authentication process is executed. Then, it is authenticated whether or not the player who performed the first game play and the player who performed the second game play are the same person. If they are the same person, it is determined that the first game play and the second game play are game plays that are continuously performed by the same player.

  In this case, the authentication processing unit 115 (615) determines whether or not the player is playing a continuous game based on the information in the portable information storage medium 195 possessed by the player and the biometric information of the player. It is desirable. For example, the medium ID (card ID) of the portable information storage medium 195 (game card or the like) is associated with the player's biometric information. The biometric authentication information of the player is a player image such as a face image taken by the imaging unit 162, for example. Alternatively, the biometric information may be player fingerprint information or iris information in the pupil. Then, whether or not the first game play player and the next second game play player are the same person is determined based on the information (medium ID) in the portable information storage medium 195 and the biometric authentication information. Judgment. And when it determines with it being the same person, it recognizes as a game play with which the 1st game play and the 2nd game play were performed continuously. In this way, the continuous game play count is updated for each game play, and it is determined whether or not the continuous game play count has reached the upper limit count.

  In the present embodiment, the display processing unit 120 (620) may perform display processing for presenting privilege information to the player when the continuous game play is stopped. The privilege grant processing unit 112 (privilege grant processing unit 612), when a player who has played n times (n is a natural number) chooses not to perform the next game play and stops the continuous game play. Performs a process of giving a privilege corresponding to the privilege information to the player. On the other hand, when the player selects to perform the next game play, the game processing unit 102 (606) performs a game process for the player to perform the next game play.

  In this case, the privilege grant processing unit 112 (612) performs processing for granting a privilege determined according to the number of times n to the player. The privilege is, for example, a privilege for favoring the player in game play or a privilege for preferential treatment of the player. For example, the privilege grant processing unit 112 (612) gives the player an advantage in the game play when n = i or preferentially treats the player as compared with the case where n = j (j> i). Process. As this privilege, for example, in-game points or items can be assumed. Further, the privilege grant processing unit 112 (612) performs a process of granting a privilege to the player according to the game play waiting time information or waiting number information.

2. Next, the method of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the method of the present embodiment will be described mainly using an example where it is applied to a car game. However, the method of this embodiment can be applied to various games other than car games (robot game, airplane game, fighting game, role playing game, card game, action game, puzzle game, etc.).

2.1 Setting of Upper Limit Number of Times FIG. 5A shows a screen example of a game image generated by the game system of the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a game image of a scene where the car PCA operated by the player has reached the goal and the game play has ended. When the player's game play is thus completed, a selection screen (continue screen) as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed.

  In the selection screen of FIG. 5B, the current number of continuous game plays of the player and the upper limit number of continuous game play times are displayed. For example, the player has played the game four times so far. That is, FIG. 5A shows the fourth game play, and the fourth game play is completed. For this reason, it is displayed that the current number of times of continuous game play is four. For this player, the upper limit number of continuous game play times is set to five. For this reason, it is displayed that the upper limit number is 5. Therefore, the remaining number of times that the player can play the continuous game is 5-4 times = 1. That is, the player can continue to play the game once more.

  In this way, in FIG. 5B, since the number of continuous game play = 5 has not reached the upper limit number = 4, the player is given the option of whether or not to perform the next game play. The That is, a choice (YES, NO) as to whether or not to continue is displayed. When the player selects continue (YES) and chooses to perform the next game play, a game process for the next game play is executed as shown in FIG. That is, the next game is started and, for example, a game process of a race game between a car PCA (own car) operated by a player and a car RCA (other car) operated by another player or a computer is performed.

  Then, when the game play of FIG. 6 (A) is completed, the screen shown in FIG. 6 (B) is displayed. On this screen, it is displayed that the number of continuous game play of the player has reached the upper limit. That is, in FIG. 5 (B), the remaining number of continuous game play is one, and since one game play was performed in FIG. 6 (A), the number of continuous game play of the player reaches the upper limit number = 5. ing. For this reason, the player's next game play is not permitted, and as shown in FIG. 6B, a display indicating that the seat (seat) of the game apparatus should be given to the next player is displayed. Thus, the continuous game play of the player is forcibly ended, and the next waiting player can play the game of the game device. At this time, by performing the authentication processing shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, which will be described later, an improper act in which the same person impersonates and performs the next game play is also prohibited.

  For example, the racing game (car game) realized by the present embodiment pursues realism, and the car that appears is realistic, imitating a real car, and the course is also an actual racing course, public road, etc. It has become a realistic one. In addition, for example, a car can be modified by attaching a component item, and the game specification is such that the player can play the game for a long time. Therefore, it is assumed that a continuous game play is performed by a player who likes such a game.

  However, the number of game devices installed in an amusement facility or the like is limited (four in FIG. 2), and one player monopolizes the same game device for a long time, and the game play is repeated many times. As a result, the waiting time of the next player waiting for the player becomes very long. If this is done, there is a risk that such a long-waiting time may cause a player of such a customer base to move away from the amusement facility. For this reason, problems such as a decrease in the ability to attract customers as a whole and a problem that many players cannot enjoy and enjoy the game occur.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, a technique for limiting the number of continuous game play times of the player is adopted. Specifically, an upper limit is set for the number of continuous game play of the player, and when the number of continuous game play reaches the upper limit, the next game play of the player is not permitted (prohibited).

  In other words, until now, it has been common that the next game can be played unconditionally if the player pays the price (price) and selects continue. In the present embodiment, contrary to this, an upper limit is set for the number of continuous game play of the player, and continuous game play exceeding the upper limit is prohibited. By doing so, it is possible to alleviate a situation where one player monopolizes the game device and the next player cannot wait for a long time to play the game. Therefore, it is possible to solve problems such as a long waiting time causing a long-distance customer, a decrease in the ability to attract customers, and the inability to enjoy a game with a low waiting time for many players. Even for players whose continuous game play has reached the upper limit and forcibly stopped, the next game play can be performed by waiting again in a row. It will not be. Therefore, it is possible to realize a game system that is optimal for a game that is played and played for a long time.

2.2 Setting of upper limit number of times based on waiting time In the present embodiment, for example, the upper limit number of times of continuous game play is set based on the waiting time of game play and the number of waiters.

  For example, in FIG. 7A, two players P1 and P2 are waiting for the game apparatus GM. For this reason, the waiting time is expected to be short, and the waiting number is two, which is small. In such a case, since the request for alleviating the congestion is not so large, the upper limit number of times of continuous game play is set to a large number.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7B, five players P1 to P5 are waiting for the game apparatus GM. For this reason, the waiting time is expected to be long, and the waiting number is five, which is large. In such a case, the upper limit number of times of continuous game play is set to a small number. That is, in a situation where the number of waiting people is large and crowded, the upper limit is set to a small number to eliminate the congestion.

  For example, the upper limit number of consecutive game play times of the player P0 is set based on the waiting time and the waiting number at the timing when the player P0 starts the game play (for example, the first game play) on the game device GM. be able to.

  For example, when the waiting time (predicted waiting time) at this timing is short (when the waiting number is small), the upper limit number is set to a large number (standard number) as shown in FIG. When the waiting time is very short or when no one is waiting, the upper limit number setting may be turned off so that the number of continuous game play times is not limited.

  On the other hand, when the waiting time at the timing is long (when there are many people waiting), the upper limit number is set to a small number as shown in FIG.

  In this way, when the waiting time is short as shown in FIG. 7A, the player P0 of the game apparatus GM that started the game play is not limited so much as the upper limit number of times, and the continuous game play is performed as usual. Can enjoy.

  On the other hand, when the waiting time is long as shown in FIG. 7B, the continuous game play count of the player P0 of the game apparatus GM that has started the game play is limited to a small upper limit count, and the continuous game exceeding this upper limit count is set. Play is prohibited. Therefore, for example, the player P1 next to the player P0 can start the game play of the game apparatus GM by waiting for a time of, for example, the average game play time × the upper limit number of times. Therefore, the waiting time of the game apparatus GM can be reduced and relaxed, and the customer can smoothly rotate. In addition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the waiting player becomes frustrated with the waiting time and the customer becomes far away, and the amusement facility can be smoothly operated and services can be improved.

  Note that various modifications can be made as the method of setting the upper limit number of times. For example, in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the upper limit number of continuous game play times of the players P2 and P5 at the timing when the last players P2 and P5 of the waiting players are queued (added timing). May be set. For example, in FIG. 7A, the waiting time is short (the number of waiting people is small) at the timing when the last player P2 is queued. Therefore, in this case, the upper limit number of players P2 is set to a large number. On the other hand, in FIG. 7B, the waiting time is long (the number of people waiting is large) at the timing when the last player P5 is queued. Therefore, in this case, the upper limit number of players P5 is set to a small number.

  Alternatively, the upper limit number of times may be changed in real time according to the waiting time of the game apparatus GM and the change in the number of waiting persons.

  For example, at the game play start timing of the player P0 of the game apparatus GM, the waiting time is short as shown in FIG. 7A. However, while the player P0 is playing a continuous game, other players are queued. Suppose that waiting time has become longer due to lining up. In this case, for example, the upper limit number of players P0 set at the start of the game (initial time) may be reduced according to the longer waiting time.

  On the other hand, at the game play start timing of the player P0 of the game apparatus GM, the waiting time was long as shown in FIG. 7B, but the player who was waiting while the player P0 was playing the continuous game gave up. Suppose that waiting time is shortened by leaving the queue. In this case, the upper limit number of players P0 set at the start of the game may be increased according to the shortened waiting time.

  In the present embodiment, it is desirable to perform a game play reservation process. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the player can reserve a game play using a terminal device TM such as a smartphone. For example, on the display unit of the terminal device TM, the name of the game that the player desires to make a reservation (race game RG), the user name (UA), the name of the store where the reservation target game device is installed (SA), the prediction Information such as waiting time (50 minutes) and waiting number of people (5 people) are displayed. The player sees this information and determines whether or not to reserve a game play.

  If the player wishes to reserve a game play, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the game card owned by the player is touched on the card reader 44 (card reader 28). Since the user ID of the player is associated with the card ID stored in the game card (medium ID in a broad sense), the game play reservation process for the player can be executed by touching the game card.

  By this reservation processing, for example, a reservation player list as shown in FIG. 8C is created. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the player touches the card reader 44 (28) with the game card, the player information (player name, user ID, etc.) is displayed at the end of the reserved player list in FIG. 8C. Registered (added). For example, when the game management apparatus MN is set to the reservation mode, a reservation process is executed by touching the card reader 44 with the game card, and a registration process to the reservation player list is performed.

  In this way, the player can reserve a game play of the game device without actually being lined up near the game device. Then, the player can enjoy the game play on the game device in his / her order in line with the vicinity of the game device at the timing when the predicted waiting time elapses. Thereby, the convenience of the player can be improved. The game system can also monitor the reserved player list and the like to determine the waiting time status (congestion level) of the game device and execute various processes corresponding to the waiting time.

  The reservation process may be realized by an Internet reservation process using the terminal device TM or the like. The reserved player list may be created in association with each game device, or may be created in association with a plurality of game devices (or an amusement facility such as a store).

  Further, when a reserved player plays a game, the reserved player may be prevented from starting game play unless he / she touches the card reader 44 with his / her own game card (game card at the time of reservation). desirable. By doing so, it is possible to suppress an illegal reservation act or the like.

  Further, the watchdog timer monitors whether the reserved player has played the game at the timing of the reservation order. If the reserved player does not play the game even in the reserved order, it is desirable to cancel the reservation and advance the reserved order in the reserved player list.

  When the reservation order is approaching, for example, the player's terminal device TM (smartphone or the like) may be notified that the reservation order is approaching.

  The waiting time prediction process can be realized by using the reserved player list in FIG. For example, the waiting time can be predicted based on the number of waiting players in the reserved player list. Then, based on the predicted waiting time, the upper limit number of continuous game play times is set as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. For example, when the number of waiting players registered in the reserved player list is small, the upper limit number is set to a large number, and when the number of waiting players is large, the upper limit number is set to a small number.

  In this way, it is possible to set the upper limit number of times according to the waiting time (waiting number of persons) of the player who has reserved the game play. Then, if a reserved player list is created by a reservation process and this reserved player list is used, the waiting time of a player who has reserved a game play can be predicted by a simple process using the reserved player list. Then, if the upper limit number is set based on the predicted waiting time, for example, when the waiting time is long and congested, the upper limit number is set to a small number to shorten the substantial waiting time. And user convenience can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the waiting time information may be predicted based on the game play history information of the player who has reserved the game play, and the upper limit number may be set based on the predicted waiting time information. .

  For example, FIG. 9 shows an example of game play history information of a player. In the game play history information, information such as the name of the game played by the player, the name of the store played, the date and time of play, and the number of times of continuous game play at that time are registered in time series. By using this game play history information, it is possible to obtain the player's past continuous game play performance. For example, the past actual number of times of continuous game play can be obtained by performing an average process of the number of times of continuous game play at each date and time (a process for obtaining an average value, a process for rounding the obtained value, etc.).

  And the waiting time prediction process can be realized by using the past consecutive game play frequency record of the game play history information. For example, the waiting time can be predicted by using the continuous game play frequency record and the reserved player list in FIG. Specifically, the waiting time can be predicted by accumulating a value obtained by multiplying the number of continuous game play times of the players registered in the reserved player list in FIG. 8C by the game play time.

  For example, in the reserved player list of FIG. 8C, players PWA, PWB, PWC, and PWD are registered as waiting players, and the past consecutive game play results of these players PWA, PWB, PWC, and PWD are registered. Are NPWA, NPWB, NPWC, and NPWD. Also, assume that one game play time (average time) is TMG.

  In this case, the total waiting time can be predicted using an equation such as TWA = (NPWA + NPWB + NPWC + NPWD) × TMG. Then, based on the waiting time TWA predicted in this way, the upper limit number of continuous game play times of the player who started the game play of the game apparatus can be set.

  As described above, when the method of setting the upper limit number of the last player at the timing when the last player in the queue is arranged, the upper limit number set for each player in the queue is also set. The waiting time may be predicted by reflecting it.

  For example, in the reserved player list in FIG. 8C, the upper limit times set for the players PWA, PWB, PWC, and PWD are NUPWA, NUPWB, NUPWC, and NUPWD. MIN (X, Y) is a function that selects the smaller of X and Y.

  In this case, the predicted game play time of each player of PWA, PWB, PWC, and PWD is MIN (NPWA, NUPWA) × TMG, MIN (NPWB, NUPWB) × TMG, MIN (NPWC, NUPWC) × TMG, respectively. , MIN (NPWD, NUPWD) × TMG. This is because the number of continuous game play times of each player can be predicted to be the smaller of the past number of continuous game play times and the upper limit number of times. Therefore, the total waiting time in the reserved player list can be predicted using the following formula: TWA = {MIN (NPWA, NUPWA) + MIN (NPWB, NUPWB) + MIN (NPWC, NUPWC) + MIN (NPWD, NUPWD)} × TMG . Based on the waiting time TWA predicted in this way, the upper limit number of continuous game play times of a player (for example, the player arranged at the tail of the queue) can be set.

  In FIG. 10A, a plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4 are connected for communication, and a plurality of players can play a game in the plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4. The plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4 are game devices installed in a store, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and these game devices GM1 to GM4 are communicatively connected via a LAN or the like in the store.

  In this case, in the present embodiment, the setting process of the upper limit number of continuous game play times is performed based on the game play waiting time information for the plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4.

  For example, in FIG. 10A, the player PL can play with an available game device among GM1 to GM4. For example, in a state where game play is being performed on all the game devices GM1 to GM4, when the player of the game device GM1 stops playing the game, the player PL can play with the game device GM1. Similarly, when the player of the game apparatus GM2 stops playing the game, the player PL can play with the game apparatus GM2. The same applies when other game devices GM3 and GM4 are available.

  When a plurality of players play a game in the plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4 connected in this way, the upper limit number of times is determined based on the game play waiting time information for the plurality of game devices GM1 to GM4. Setting processing can be performed.

  FIG. 10B shows a specific example of the upper limit number setting process in this case. In FIG. 10B, the remaining continuous game playable number of each game device is obtained based on the upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of a plurality of game devices.

  Specifically, in the game devices GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4, the players PA, PB, PC, and PD are playing a game, and the game devices GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4 (players PA to PD) The upper limit number NUA, NUB, NUC, NUD is set for each. Further, the current continuous game play counts of the game devices GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4 are NCA, NCB, NCC, and NCD, respectively. That is, the players PA, PB, PC, and PD of the game devices GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4 are performing continuous game play of NCA, NCB, NCC, and NCD, respectively. Therefore, the remaining continuous game playable times of the game devices GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4 are obtained as NRA = NUA-NCA, NRB = NUB-NCB, NRC = NUC-NCC, and NRD = NUD-NCD, respectively. be able to. That is, the remaining continuous game play possible times NRA to NRD can be obtained by a process of subtracting the current continuous game play times NCA to NCD from the upper limit times NUA to NUD.

  Then, the waiting time is predicted based on the obtained remaining continuous game play possible times NRA to NRD, and the upper limit number is set based on the predicted waiting time. For example, an upper limit number of continuous game play times of the player PL is set. In this case, with respect to the predicted waiting time for the game devices GM1 to GM4 predicted as described above, as described with reference to FIGS. In addition to the predicted waiting time, an upper limit number of continuous game play times may be set.

  In the present embodiment, the waiting time information is predicted based on the upper limit number of consecutive game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices and the game play history information of each player playing on each game device. Good.

  For example, FIG. 10C shows an example of game play history information of the players PA, PB, PC, and PD that are played on the game apparatuses GM1, GM2, GM3, and GM4. In the game play history information shown in FIG. 10C, the past consecutive game play frequency results of the players PA, PB, PC, and PD are NPA, NPB, NPC, and NPD. The actual number of times of continuous game play can be obtained by the method described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 10B, when the waiting time is predicted, continuous game play frequency results NPA to NPD which are game play history information can be used.

  For example, in FIG. 10B, the current number of consecutive game play NCA to NCD is subtracted from the upper limit number NUA to NUD to obtain the remaining number of consecutive game play NRA to NRD.

  On the other hand, when using the continuous game play count results NPA to NPD, for example, from the smaller number of times of the upper limit count NUA to NUD and the continuous game play count results NPA to NPD, the current continuous game play count NCA to NCA NCD may be subtracted to obtain the remaining continuous game playable times NRA to NRD. For example, let MIN (X, Y) be a function that selects the smaller of X and Y. Then, for example, NRA = MIN (NUA, NPA) -NCA, NRB = MIN (NUB, NPB) -NCB, NRC = MIN (NUC, NPC) -NCC, NRD = MIN (NUD, NPD) -NCD are used. Thus, the remaining continuous game play possible times NRA to NRD can be obtained.

  Note that various modifications can be made as the method of setting the upper limit number of times. For example, in FIG. 11A, the upper limit number of consecutive game play times of the player is set based on the waiting time that the player actually waits.

  For example, in FIG. 11A, the horizontal axis represents the waiting time that the player actually waited before starting the game. For example, the player starts the game play after waiting in the waiting time after queuing.

  If the waiting time of the player is in the range of tw1 to tw2, for example, the upper limit number of consecutive game play times is set to NU1. For example, if the waiting time of the player is in the range of tw2 to tw3, the upper limit number is set to NU2, and if the waiting time is in the range of tw3 or more, the upper limit number is set to NU3. That is, the longer the waiting time that the player waits for the start of the game play, the larger the upper limit is set. Then, a screen as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed for the player. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player that the upper limit number has been set to the number of times corresponding to the waiting time of the player.

  11A and 11B, it is possible to set the upper limit number to a large number as a price for a player who has waited for a long time. Many times of continuous game play is possible. Thereby, the player's dissatisfaction due to waiting for a long time can be alleviated by setting the upper limit number to a large number.

  In the present embodiment, the upper limit number may be set so that the upper limit number varies depending on the period and time zone to which the game play timing of the player belongs. For example, in a busy period or time zone, the upper limit number is set to a small number to eliminate the congestion.

  For example, in FIG. 12A, a player plays a game during an event period, a normal period, and a golden week period. When the player plays a game during an event period in which various events are held (when the play timing is within the event period), the upper limit number is set to a small number of two times. In addition, when the player plays a game during a normal period in which no event or the like is performed (when the play timing is within the normal period), the upper limit number is set to 8 which is a large number. Further, when the player plays a game during the Golden Week period, which is a holiday period (when the play timing is within the Golden Week period), the upper limit number is set to a small number of three times.

  In this way, during the busy event period and the Golden Week period, the upper limit is set to a low number to reduce congestion and improve the turnover rate of game device customers during that period in the amusement facility. it can. In addition, in a normal period that is not busy, the upper limit is set to a large number, so that the player can play a large number of continuous games in each game device. Thereby, the operation rate of the game device in the period in an amusement facility can be improved.

  The event period is, for example, a period during which a privilege such as a rare item can be acquired when a new course, a new map, a new character appears, or a game is won. During holidays such as the event period and the Golden Week period, it is expected that the amusement facility will be crowded and the waiting time will be long. Therefore, the upper limit is set to a small number to reduce the congestion.

  In FIG. 12B, the upper limit number is set according to the time zone in which the player played the game. Specifically, for example, when the player plays a game in the morning time when there are few customers, the setting of the upper limit number is turned off. That is, the player can perform the desired number of continuous game play without setting an upper limit on the number of continuous game play. When the player plays a game during the daytime, the upper limit is set to 8 which is a large number. In addition, when the player plays a game during the night time, the upper limit is set to 3 which is a small number.

  In this way, in the night time zone, which is a crowded time zone, the upper limit is set to a small number, so that congestion is alleviated and the turnover rate of the game device customers in that time zone at the amusement facility Can be improved. In addition, in the morning time zone or the noon time zone where there are few people, the upper limit number is set to off or set to a large number of times, so that each game device allows the player to continue a large number of times. Game play can be performed. Thereby, the operation rate of the game device in the time zone in the amusement facility can be improved.

  12A and 12B can be realized by using table information in which each period or each time zone is associated with the upper limit number of times in each period or each time zone, for example.

2.3 Authentication Process As described above, in this embodiment, when a player plays a game continuously, a method of setting an upper limit number of times for the continuous game play number is adopted.

  As a premise of the method of setting the upper limit number of times in this embodiment, it is necessary to appropriately authenticate that the player is continuously playing the game. For example, there is a possibility that a fraudulent act that makes it appear that the player does not play the game continuously although the player actually plays the game continuously to escape the upper limit of the number of times is possible. Alternatively, it is necessary to avoid a situation in which it is erroneously detected that the game is being played continuously even though the game is not being played continuously.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a method is adopted in which a player authentication process is performed to determine whether or not the player is playing a continuous game. Specifically, for example, an authentication process for determining whether or not a player is playing a continuous game is realized based on information on a portable information storage medium possessed by the player, biometric authentication information of the player, or the like. .

  For example, in FIG. 13A, the player PL has a game card which is a portable information storage medium. The user information of the player PL can be acquired by touching the card reader 28 such as a game device with the game card. For example, by using the card ID (medium ID) of the game card to read the user information of the player PL from the user information storage unit such as a server system, the user information of the player PL is acquired and the player PL is specified.

  In addition, the game apparatus is provided with an imaging unit 162 (camera), which can capture an image of the player PL. Specifically, a player image (such as a face image) is photographed, and the biometric authentication process of the player is performed based on the player image, thereby realizing the authentication process of the player PL. In other words, whether or not the player PL playing the game is a player with the user information specified by the game card is authenticated using the player image taken by the imaging unit 162. For example, biometric authentication of the player PL is performed by face recognition processing based on the player image, and it is determined whether or not it matches the player image (face image) registered in the user information. Then, it is determined from the result of this authentication process whether or not the same player has played the game continuously.

  For example, in FIG. 13B, after the player plays the game play A, the authentication process of FIG. 13A is performed. Specifically, the player performs continuous game play based on the information (medium ID) of the game card (portable information storage medium) possessed by the player and the photographed face image (biometric authentication information) of the player. Authentication processing is performed to determine whether or not And since it succeeded in authentication, in the next game play B, the continuous game play frequency is updated from once to twice. That is, since it is authenticated that the player of the previous game play A and the player of the next game play B are the same person, the continuous game play count is counted up from one to two.

  Next, the player plays the game play B, and the authentication process is performed after the game play B ends. Since the authentication process is successful, the number of continuous game plays is updated from 2 to 3 in the next game play C. Similarly, since the authentication process after the game player C and the game play D is also successful, the continuous game play count is updated from 3 times to 4 times and from 4 times to 5 times.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 13C, since the authentication process after the game play A and the authentication process after the game play B have been successful, the number of continuous game play has been increased from 1 to 2 times and from 2 to 3 times. Has been updated.

  However, since the authentication process after the game play C is unsuccessful, the continuous game play count is not updated (counted up). That is, since it is determined that the player who has played the game play A, B, C and the player who is going to play the game play D are not the same person, the continuous game play count is not updated. In the next game play D, the continuous game play count is reset to 1 (initial value). By doing this, it is possible to prohibit an illegal act that makes it appear that the game is not played continuously even though the game is played continuously.

  In FIG. 13A, authentication processing is performed using not only a game card but also a player image (biometric authentication information in a broad sense) such as a face image captured by the imaging unit 162. By doing so, for example, by borrowing a friend's game card, it is possible to suppress fraudulent acts that make it appear that the game is not played continuously. That is, when the authentication process is performed to determine whether or not the continuous game play is performed using only the game card, for example, after the game play C in FIG. This makes it possible to cheat as if not playing a game, and the effect of setting the maximum number of times is spoiled. In this regard, if the authentication process is performed using the player image photographed by the imaging unit 162, it is ensured that the player who played the game play C and the player who wants to play the game play D are not the same person. Since the determination can be made, it is possible to suppress the illegal acts as described above.

3. Detailed Processing Next, a detailed processing example of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, information such as waiting time information, period information, and time zone information is collected (step S1). For example, the waiting time information described in FIGS. 7B and 7B and the period and time zone information described in FIGS. 12A and 12B are collected. Then, based on the collected information, an upper limit number of continuous games is set for the player, and the set upper limit number is displayed on the player as shown in FIG. 5B (step S2).

  Next, a game is started and a game process is performed (steps S3 and S4). For example, various game processes such as a process of running a moving body such as a car, a process of advancing a game, and a process of calculating a game result of the player are executed based on the operation information of the player. Then, it is determined whether or not the game is over (step S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the player's car PCA has scored a goal, it is determined that the game has ended.

  When the game is over, it is determined whether or not the continuous game play count NCT has reached the upper limit count (step S6). If the upper limit number has been reached, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the upper limit number has been reached and a message is displayed to the player that the seat should be given to the next player (step S7). The game play is finished (step S8).

  If the continuous game play count NCT has not reached the upper limit count, for example, a continue screen as shown in FIG. 5B is displayed (step S9). Then, it is determined whether or not the player has selected continue for game play (step S10). If no continue is selected, the game play for the player is terminated (step S8).

  When the player selects “continue”, the player authentication process as described with reference to FIG. 13A is performed (step S11). That is, an authentication process using a game card or a player image is executed. If the player authentication is unsuccessful, the game play of the player is terminated (step S8). That is, since it is determined that the player to be continued is not the same person as the player of the previous game, the game play of the player is ended. In this case, the continuous game play count NCT is reset.

  On the other hand, if the player authentication is successful, the number of consecutive game plays is updated to NCT = NCT + 1 as shown in FIG. 13B (step S13), and the next game is started (step S3).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or drawings, terms (game cards, card IDs, player images, etc.) described at least once together with different terms (portable information storage medium, medium ID, biometric information, etc.) in a broader sense or the same meaning The different terms can be used anywhere in the specification or drawings. Further, the upper limit number setting process, the game process, the reservation process, the waiting time prediction process, the authentication process, and the like are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and techniques equivalent to these are also included in the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various games. Further, the present invention can be applied to various game systems such as a business game system, a home game system, a large attraction system in which a large number of players participate, a simulator, a multimedia terminal, a system board for generating game images, and a mobile phone. .

GM1-GM4 game device, MN game management device, TM terminal device,
10 monitor, 20 steering wheel, 22 brake, 24 accelerator,
26 shift lever, 28 card reader, 40 monitor,
42 Touch panel monitor, 44 Card reader, 46 Unloading port, 48 loading port,
100 processing unit, 102 game processing unit, 104 object space setting unit,
106 mobile object calculation unit, 108 virtual camera control unit,
110 upper limit number setting section, 112 privilege grant processing section, 113 reservation processing section,
114 prediction processing unit, 115 authentication processing unit, 120 display processing unit, 130 sound processing unit,
160 operation unit, 162 imaging unit, 170 storage unit, 172 object data storage unit,
176 Drawing buffer, 180 information storage medium, 190 display unit, 192 sound output unit,
194 I / F unit, 195 portable information storage medium, 196 communication unit,
500 server system, 510 network, 600 processing unit,
602 reception processing unit, 604 transmission processing unit, 606 game processing unit,
610 upper limit number setting unit, 612 privilege grant processing unit, 613 reservation processing unit,
614 prediction processing unit, 615 authentication processing unit, 616 charging processing unit,
618 management processing unit, 620 display processing unit, 630 sound processing unit,
670 storage unit, 672 game data storage unit, 676 billing information storage unit,
678 User information storage unit, 696 communication unit

Claims (12)

An upper limit number setting unit for setting an upper limit number of consecutive game play times of the player;
A display processing unit for performing display processing for presenting the upper limit number of information to the player;
When the player's continuous game play count reaches the upper limit count, the player's next game play is disallowed, and when the player's continuous game play count does not reach the upper limit count A game processing unit for performing a game process for the player to perform the next game play;
A game system comprising: In claim 1,
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit number of times is set based on waiting time information or waiting number information of game play. In claim 2,
Including a reservation processing unit for performing game play reservation processing;
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the setting process of the upper limit number is performed based on the waiting time information or the waiting number information of a player who has reserved a game play. In claim 3,
A prediction processing unit that performs prediction processing of the waiting time information based on game play history information of a player who has reserved game play;
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit number of times is set based on the predicted waiting time information. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
When a plurality of players play a game on a plurality of game devices connected for communication,
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit number of times is set based on waiting time information of game play for the plurality of game devices. In claim 5,
Based on the upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices, the remaining number of continuous game play times of each game device is obtained, and based on the obtained number of remaining continuous game play times, Including a prediction processing unit for predicting the waiting time information,
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit number of times is set based on the predicted waiting time information. In claim 5 or 6,
The prediction processing unit
The waiting time information is predicted based on an upper limit number of continuous game play times for each game device of the plurality of game devices and game play history information of each player playing on each game device. Game system. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit count setting process is performed based on waiting time information that the player has waited until game play is started. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.
The upper limit number setting unit includes:
A game system, wherein the upper limit count setting process is performed so that the upper limit count differs according to a period to which the game play timing of the player belongs or a time zone to which the game play timing belongs. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
A game system comprising: an authentication processing unit that performs an authentication process of the player and determines whether or not the player is playing a continuous game. In claim 10,
The authentication processing unit
The authentication process for determining whether or not the player is playing a continuous game is performed based on information on a portable information storage medium possessed by the player and biometric authentication information of the player. A game system. An upper limit number setting unit for setting an upper limit number of consecutive game play times of the player;
A display processing unit for performing display processing for presenting the upper limit number of information to the player;
When the player's continuous game play count reaches the upper limit count, the player's next game play is disallowed, and when the player's continuous game play count does not reach the upper limit count As a game processing unit for performing a game process for the player to perform the next game play,
A program characterized by causing a computer to function.