JP2017064162A - Game system and game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of creating such environment that players can further casually and frequently play on business-use game apparatuses.SOLUTION: The game system includes business-use game apparatuses and a management system. The management system includes a server system 1100. The server system 1100 causes a reception device 1170 to receive a request of a player to issue a pass, issues pass information, with the term of validity defined as a designated time zone of continuous five days on weekdays, and manages it in association with an issuance destination player. The business-use game apparatus specifies a player playing a game and, when the specified player is the pass issuance destination player and a playing time/date is within a valid period of the pass, allows the player to play the game without any charge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system in which a game device and a management system are connected by communication.

  Conventionally, a so-called arcade game device installed in a store facility such as a game center has been based on payment of play consideration by inserting coins. However, in recent years, when playing with a game machine for business use, a user ID registered in advance instead of coin insertion is input, so that a play consideration can be made from a virtual currency (electronic money) account linked to the user ID. An electronic payment method for performing an electronic payment for debiting has also been used (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  In the electronic payment method, if the user ID is input or the IC card (so-called user card) storing the medium ID linked to the user ID is read by the arcade game device in the procedure before starting the game, Payment is automatically made. The player does not need to carry coins and does not need to insert coins every time the game is played. For this reason, the number of arcade game machines and stores that introduce electronic payment methods is increasing.

JP 2010-262389 A JP 2010-262390 A

  However, regardless of whether the consideration is virtual currency or cash, there are still problems in maintaining and increasing the game population. For example, regardless of age or gender, there is a person who feels hesitant to be charged and refrains from playing the game itself because a fee is required each time the game is played on the arcade game device. A game that gets fun as you play it over and over again will not appeal to those people in the first place.

  The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables an environment to be played more easily and more frequently with a game machine for business use.

A first invention for solving the above-described problem is a game system in which a game device and a management system are connected by communication,
The management system (for example, the management system 1500 in FIG. 1) issues path information that is a right that allows free game play in a specified time zone on a specified date on a given date on the game device. Pass information issuance management means (for example, control board 1150 in FIG. 1, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 12, pass issuance control unit 240, pass information issuance management unit 262, path information management data in FIG. 15) 550, step S66) of FIG.
The game device (for example, the arcade game device 1300 in FIG. 1) is a player specifying unit (for example, the touch panel 1306, the medium reading device 1344, the control board 1350, the processing in FIG. Unit 200, game management unit 210, player specifying control unit 212, step S100 in FIG. 21, and the specified player is the issue destination player, and the play date and time is the specified date and the specified time zone. In this case, non-billing play start control means (for example, the control board 1350 in FIG. 2, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 17, the game management unit 210, the non-billing play start control unit 214, which enables game play without charging) FIG. 21 shows steps S104 to S120 and S130 to S134).

  According to the first invention, it is possible to prepare an environment in which a pass having a specified date and a specified time zone as an effective period is issued and a fixed amount play (also referred to as a free play using a pass) during the effective period is possible. Therefore, if the designated date and the designated time zone are set according to the convenience of the store or appropriately set according to the target customer segment, the use of the designated date and the designated time zone can be promoted. it can. Since the user is not charged for each game play, the user can more easily enjoy the game play. In addition, for example, if the target customer group is a teenager or a teenager, by setting the designated day as a weekday and the designated time zone as the return home time zone, you can drop in at a store or the like on the way home and play game more easily. You can create an environment that you can enjoy and enjoy.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the management system sets an upper limit for the number of path information issued by date and / or time zone (for example, the server processing unit 200s, the path issuance control unit 240, the issuance in FIG. 12). A number upper limit setting unit 246, step S16 in FIG. 18, and the path information issuance management unit issues the path information within a range up to the issuance number upper limit on the designated date and the designated time zone. 1 is a game system according to a first invention;

  According to the second invention, although the number of passes issued is managed appropriately and a player who has a pass goes to the game center, there are many other players who have the same pass, It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where game play is difficult or game play is not possible at all.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pass information issuance management means presents the designated date and / or the designated time zone in which the pass information can be issued to the player, and the designation is performed according to the player's instruction from the presented date and time. A game system according to a second aspect of the present invention, wherein a date and the designated time zone are determined and the pass information is issued.

  According to the third aspect, the player can designate the valid period of the pass information.

  In a fourth aspect of the invention, the management system manages the installed game device for each installation location where the game device is installed (for example, the server processing unit 200s and the pass issue control unit 240 in FIG. 12). , Installation location information management unit 264, server storage unit 500s, and installation location registration data 540 in FIG. 14, and the path information issuance management means further associates the information on the installation location with which the path information is valid. The non-billing play start control means is configured such that the specified player is the issuing player, the play date is the specified date and the specified time zone, and the installation location of the game device is The game system according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention that enables game play without charging when the location is associated with the pass information of the player. It is a non.

  According to the fourth invention, an effective location can be set in the path information. Accordingly, it is possible to urge the user to set a destination location (for example, a game center), and to promote the formation of a friendly relationship between the players who gather at the same location. The fun of playing face-to-face with familiar members at familiar locations is the best part of playing with arcade game devices that cannot be enjoyed with stationary home game devices, and increasing the number of players playing games on arcade game devices Can be expected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the pass information issuance management means further manages information on valid game devices that validate the pass information, and the non-billing play start control means is configured so that the specified player If the player is an issuance destination player, the play date is the specified date and the specified time zone, and the own game device is an effective game device associated with the pass information of the player, the player is charged. This is a game system according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, which enables game play.

  According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to set an arcade game machine with valid pass information. Therefore, for example, even if it is in the same installation location, it becomes possible to issue valid path information only for a specific arcade game device or a specific game title, and the degree of freedom of operation of the path information is increased. In addition, although a player who has a pass went to the game center, there are many other players with the same pass, and it is also expected to suppress the occurrence of situations where it is difficult or impossible to play at all it can.

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the non-billing play start control means starts the game play by omitting a screen display displayed during the billing play when the non-billing play is started. This is a game system of the invention.

  According to the sixth aspect, the player can play the game promptly because the screen display is omitted in the non-billing play.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the game device prohibits a continuation play with respect to the game play started by the non-billing play start control unit (for example, the processing unit 200, the game management unit 210, the continuation in FIG. 17). 22 is a game system according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, including a prohibition control unit 218, and NO → S174 in steps S150 to S156 in FIG.

  According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to suppress a situation where a player who has been issued pass information occupies the arcade game device alone for a long time. That is, it is possible to improve fairness in the operation of path information.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the management system sets path fee setting means (for example, the server processing unit 200s, the path issuance control unit 240, and the issuance in FIG. 12) for setting the path fee for each designated date and / or the designated time period. Compensation setting unit 248, step S20 in FIG. 18), and a pass fee billing unit that charges the issuance destination player for the pass fee corresponding to the designated date and designated time zone of the pass information issued by the pass information issuance management unit. (For example, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 12, the pass issue control unit 240, the issue consideration payment control unit 260, and step S64 in FIG. 19), and the game system according to any one of the first to seventh inventions. is there.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the pass fee can be set according to the date and time period that are valid.

  A ninth invention is the game system according to the eighth invention, wherein the pass fee setting means sets the pass fee at a lower price as the number of days of the designated date is longer.

  According to the ninth aspect, the longer the valid period of the pass information, the lower the price paid by the player. Therefore, it is easy to provide the player with pass information having a longer effective period, and the use of the pass information can be promoted.

  In a tenth aspect of the present invention, determination means for determining whether or not the management system is a player that can issue the pass information (for example, the server processing unit 200s, the pass issue control unit 240, the issue availability determination unit 244 in FIG. 12, 18 is further provided, and the pass information issuance management unit issues the pass information to the player determined to be issueable by the determination unit. It is a game system of invention.

According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to limit the player who issues pass information.

  An eleventh invention is the game system according to the tenth invention, wherein the determination means determines whether or not the pass information can be issued to the player based on friend player information associated with the player.

  According to the eleventh aspect, registration of a friend player can be encouraged. The more friends you have, the more attractive you will be to play on the arcade game device, and the more you will be able to get to the user.

The issuance of pass information is not limited to the first-come-first-served basis method, and may be a lottery method.
That is, as a twelfth aspect of the invention, the management system recruits a desired player who desires the pass information (for example, the server processing unit 200s, the pass issue control unit 240, the recruitment control unit 250, FIG. Purchase lottery entry list 800, step S68 of FIG. 28, and lottery means for lottery from the desired players (for example, server processing unit 200s, pass issue control unit 240, issue destination lottery unit 252, FIG. 29). Step S204), wherein the pass information issuance management means issues the pass information to a desired player who is won in the lottery by the lottery means. Can be configured.

  In a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the management system manages non-billing-time play history management means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 12, non-billing-time play history) that manages the play history on the game device using the pass information. Based on the management unit 274, step S902 in FIG. 22) and the play history managed by the non-billing-time play history management unit, a consideration setting unit (for example, setting a consideration when issuing the new pass information) A game system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, further comprising: a server processing unit 200s in FIG. 12, a pass issue control unit 240, an issue consideration setting unit 248, and step S20 in FIG.

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention is the game system according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the consideration setting means sets the consideration with cash, virtual currency, points, or a quantity of a predetermined item.

  According to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the consideration paid by the player when issuing new pass information can be determined according to the history of game play using the pass information. For example, if a player who has received pass information but has rarely used it can provide the next pass information at a low price, the disadvantage that the pass information cannot be used as much as expected can be compensated. Further, for example, if the progress of a player is estimated from the play history and the next pass information is provided inexpensively to a player who has slow progress, the player can be prevented from leaving the game.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the management system includes a terminal device (for example, the accepting device 1170 in FIG. 1) having a man-machine interface function with a player. It is a game system.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, the terminal device can accept various operation inputs from the player.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, pass information is issued that is a right that allows a free game play in a given time zone on a given designated date in a game device, and is managed in association with the issue destination player. A game device that is communicatively connected to a management system including a management unit, wherein a player specifying unit that specifies a player who plays a game, the specified player is the issuing player, and a play date and time is And a non-billing play start control means that enables game play without charging when the designated date and the designated time zone.

  According to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to realize a game device that exhibits the same operational effects as the first aspect.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of a game system. The external view which shows the structural example of the arcade game device. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the pass (commuter pass) which can be utilized with a game device for work. The figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of the pass (the 1). The figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of the pass (the 2). The figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of the pass (the 3). The figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of a pass (the 4). The figure for demonstrating the issuing procedure of the pass (the 5). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a pass issuance procedure (No. 6). The figure for demonstrating the use procedure of a path (the 1). The figure for demonstrating the use procedure of a path (the 2). The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the management system in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server memory | storage part of the server system in 1st Embodiment memorize | stores. The figure which shows the data structural example of installation location registration data. The figure which shows the data structural example of path information management data. The figure which shows the data structural example of user management data. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the arcade game device in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the path | pass information issuing process which a server system performs in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart following FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the term management process periodically performed by the server system in the first embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process which an arcade game device performs in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart following FIG. The figure which shows the example of the 4th issue acceptance screen in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the 5th issue reception screen in 2nd Embodiment. The functional block diagram which shows the function structural example of the management system in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the program and data which the server memory | storage part of the server system in 2nd Embodiment memorize | stores. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the recruitment control processing which a server system performs in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which continues from FIG. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the path | pass information issuing process which a server system performs in 2nd Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
As a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, a game system capable of electronically paying play consideration will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a game system in the present embodiment. A game system 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a server system 1100, a reception device 1170, and a business game device 1300 capable of electronically paying a payment for play using the electronic payment medium 6. Is connected via communication. The installation location of the arcade game device 1300 is described as a single store such as a game center in this embodiment, but may be a store in a building such as a shopping center or a station building. Of course, the inside of the store may be divided into several sections (regardless of the same floor or different floors), and the installation location may be determined for each section. In addition, an event space provided in an event venue may be used instead of a store. The accepting device 1170 is installed at a place where the arcade game device 1300 is installed.

  The electronic payment medium 6 stores key data for using an electronic payment system using virtual currency (electronic money: valuable information). The key data can be read by using a dedicated reading device. The electronic settlement medium 6 may be any medium that can store information. In this embodiment, the electronic payment medium 6 is described as a dedicated medium such as an IC card, but may be a device such as a smartphone. In the present embodiment, the arcade game device 1300 supports electronic payment using the electronic payment medium 6, and includes a medium reading device 1344 as a device for reading and writing information from the electronic payment medium 6. Yes. That is, the arcade game device 1300 functions as a price payment device using electronic payment.

  As key data, for example, a unique player account (user ID) set at the time of user registration, a unique medium ID (for example, a card ID for an IC card, a MAC address or a SIM card ID for an information device such as a smartphone) Device-specific information) and the like can be set as appropriate. Incidentally, the medium ID is stored as key data in the electronic settlement medium 6 of the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when a player obtains a player account (user ID) through a predetermined user registration procedure in advance, the player purchases virtual currency, deposits the money into his / her account, and further obtains the uniqueness of the electronic payment medium 6 obtained separately. Can be registered in association with their player account. By registering the electronic payment medium 6 in association with the player account, the electronic payment medium 6 can be used for payment of play consideration, purchase of items used in the game, etc., as if it were a prepaid card. become able to. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, this virtual currency is referred to as “point” and the unit thereof is “P”, but of course other names may be used.

  The communication line 9 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 9 includes a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN (Local Area Network) using Ethernet (registered trademark). This means that the communication method may be wired or wireless.

  The server system 1100 is, for example, a device (so-called game server) installed on the game provider side including a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. The main body device 1101 is equipped with a control board 1150, and is connected to the keyboard 1106, the touch panel 1108, and the storage 1140 by direct connection using a communication cable or wireless communication. In this embodiment, the server system 1100 and the reception device 1170 will be described as configuring the management system 1500. Of course, the receiving device 1170 may be the management system 1500, assuming that all functions of the server system 1100 are realized by the receiving device 1170.

  The control board 1150 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, and a communication device 1153. Has been. A part or all of the control board 1150 may be realized by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system on a chip (SoC).

  The accepting device 1170 is a terminal device for a player to input various procedure operations for using various services provided by the server system 1100, and is also referred to as a terminal device because it has a man-machine interface function with the player. For example, the touch panel 1172, a depositing device 1174 that accepts deposits by coins or bills, an issuer 1176 for the electronic settlement medium 6, and a medium reading device 1178 for reading information from and writing information to the electronic settlement medium 6. With. The accepting device 1170 is installed at a place where the arcade game device 1300 is installed, and is communicatively connected to the arcade game device 1300 and the server system 1100.

  The server system 1100 performs arithmetic processing on the control board 1150 based on a predetermined program and data, thereby 1) giving a unique player account (user ID) and opening a virtual account for electronic payment, 2) Deposit / withdrawal management function such as deposit to virtual account and withdrawal from virtual account, etc. 3) Game management function to provide data necessary for executing game to arcade game device 1300, etc. Is realized.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the main unit 1101 of the server system 1100 is described as a single unit, but a configuration in which a plurality of blade servers are connected to each other via an internal bus so as to be able to perform data communication is also possible. Further, the server system 1100 may have a configuration in which a plurality of independent servers installed at remote locations are connected for communication via the communication line 9.

  FIG. 2 is an external view showing a configuration example of the arcade game apparatus 1300. The arcade game device 1300 is a computer that can connect to the communication line 9 and access the server system 1100.

  The arcade game apparatus 1300 according to the present embodiment includes a joystick 1302, a button switch 1304, a touch panel 1306 that functions as an image display device / contact position input device, a speaker 1310, a depositing apparatus 1330, and an electronic payment medium 6. A medium reader 1344 capable of reading and writing data and a control board 1350 are provided.

  The control board 1350 is equipped with a CPU 1351, various microprocessors such as GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1352 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device module 1353 for communication connection to the communication line 9. Yes. In addition, a driver circuit for the touch panel 1306, a circuit for inputting signals from the joystick 1302 and the button switch 1304, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1310, a signal input / output circuit for the depositing device 1330 and the medium reading device 1344, and the like. An I / F control IC 1357 (interface circuit) and the like are mounted. Each element mounted on the control board 1350 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and is connected so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received. Note that part or all of the control board 1350 may be realized by ASIC, FPGA, or SoC.

  As with the conventional arcade game device 1300, the depositing device 1330 is a specific type of coins such as 50 yen, 100 yen, 500 yen, or 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 5000 yen, 10000 yen, etc. It is a device that accepts deposits of specific types of banknotes, and does not have a change return function. In this embodiment, only 100 yen coins are accepted, but the type of coins accepted can be set as appropriate.

  Also, the depositing device 1330 incorporates a so-called lockout mechanism that is an internal mechanism that switches the coin insertion into a permission / non-permission state. The operation of the lockout mechanism is controlled by the control board 1350. When the lockout mechanism is activated, the coin slot is closed, or the slot is open, but the inserted coin is returned to the refund slot as it is, and the player cannot insert the coin.

  The control board 1350 executes a game program (corresponding to a client program in the present embodiment) to execute arithmetic processing, and each unit of the arcade game apparatus 1300 according to operation inputs from the joystick 1302, the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306. To control the game. The arcade game apparatus 1300 according to the present embodiment stores necessary programs and various setting data in the IC memory 1352 in advance, but may be configured to download from the server system 1100 each time it is activated.

  Under the control of the control board 1350, the arcade game apparatus 1300 sequentially transmits the result of operation input via the joystick 1302, the touch panel 1306, etc. to the server system 1100, while various data for playing the game are transmitted to the server system 1100. Receive from. Then, an image of the game screen is generated and displayed on the touch panel 1306, and sound signals of sound effects and operation sounds are generated and emitted from the speaker 1310. That is, the player can enjoy the game play by operating the joystick 1302 or the like while listening to the game sound flowing from the speaker 1310 while watching the game screen displayed on the touch panel 1306.

[Description of path]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a pass (commuter pass) that can be used in the arcade game apparatus 1300.
The usage situation per weekday of the arcade game device 1300 installed in a certain store (a certain installation location) is relatively small until the time Tp during the day, but the time Tp (for example, around 19:00) Let's say that it is known that the peak that many professional players use will come after passing.

  On the other hand, middle and high school players of teenagers have a limited amount of money to be freed, and inevitably cannot play with the arcade game device 1300 as much as a member of society. Therefore, it is assumed that, as a result of the investigation, it is found that the peak time of use is not generated there even though their return home time zone (for example, around 15:00 to 17:00) is included by the time Tp.

  As a solution, in the present embodiment, a pass 7 (commuter pass) that can be used only during a specified time period T2 to T3 (a little before the time Tp) on weekdays including the return time of a teenage high school student is issued. And The purpose is to casually stop at the store on the way home and enjoy playing with the arcade game device 1300. In the pass 7 of this embodiment, the designated day is 5 consecutive weekdays excluding Saturday and Sunday (including the case of straddling Saturday and Sunday), and the designated time zone is 15:00 to 17:00. The designated date such as the number of consecutive days and the designated time zone are not limited to this, and can be set as appropriate based on the trend of the target customer segment.

The issuing of the pass 7 is accepted by the accepting device 1170.
4 to 9 are diagrams for explaining a pass 7 issuance procedure according to the present embodiment. When a predetermined pass issuance acceptance is selected and input from the menu screen of the accepting device 1170, a first issuance acceptance screen W1 is displayed on the accepting device 1170 as shown in FIG. The first issue acceptance screen W1 includes a pass usage guide 10 including a usage method and precautions for the issued pass 7, a player account input guide 12, an input player account display 14, a cancel operation icon 16, and a progress. An operation icon 18 is displayed. The input player account display 14 also serves as a call operation icon of a software keyboard for manually inputting a player account.

  When the player holds his / her electronic payment medium 6 over the medium reading device 1178, the medium ID is read from the electronic payment medium 6, and the player account associated with the medium ID is automatically set in the user management data. It is read and displayed on the input player account display 14. The player confirms that there is no mistake in the player account, and touches the progress operation icon 18.

Then, a second issue acceptance screen W2 as shown in FIG.
The second issue acceptance screen W2 is a screen for designating a place where the pass 7 to be issued can be used (installation place of the arcade game apparatus 1300), that is, an effective installation place. The accepting device 1170 communicates with the server system 1100 and displays the effective installation location selection icon 20 for each installation location based on the installation location registration data prepared in advance. The player touches any of the effective installation location selection icons 20 and designates a location where the pass 7 to be issued can be used. Then, the player touches the progress operation icon 18 and proceeds to the next reception procedure.

Then, a third issue acceptance screen W3 as shown in FIG.
The third issue acceptance screen W3 is a screen for designating a game device that can use the pass 7 to be issued, that is, an effective game device. The accepting device 1170 communicates with the server system 1100 to identify the business game device 1300 installed at the installation location based on the installation location registration data of the effective installation location selected on the second issue acceptance screen W2. The effective game device selection icon 22 is displayed so as to be selectable. In the present embodiment, the active game device selection icon 22 is displayed for each game title, but the same game title may be displayed for each machine. The player touches any one of the effective game device selection icons 22 and designates a game device that can use the pass 7 to be issued. Then, the player touches the progress operation icon 18 and proceeds to the next reception procedure.

Then, a fourth issue acceptance screen W4 as shown in FIG.
The fourth issue acceptance screen W4 is a screen for designating a valid period (designated date and designated time zone) for the pass 7 to be issued. The accepting device 1170 communicates with the main device 1101 of the server system 1100 to display the validity period designation calendar 30 and the scheduled issue consideration display 24.

  The valid period designation calendar 30 identifies and displays the date on which a new pass 7 can be issued, and the current day marker 31 is attached to the date of the current day, and the valid period marker 32 indicating the nearest valid period is displayed. .

  Since the effective period of this embodiment is “weekdays 5 days” as one unit, the effective period designation calendar 30 is identified and displayed so that only weekdays can be specified, and the effective period marker 32 is for 5 days (Saturday, Sunday, When a holiday is sandwiched, the display is controlled to be continuous (so as to straddle the next week). The design of the validity period marker 32 is not limited to the strip-shaped design as illustrated, and can be set as appropriate.

  The start date of the valid period is the current day if the current time is a time T4 slightly before the time T3 in the time zones T2 to T3 in which the path can be used, and the next day if the time is after the time T4. Here, “a little before” is a time slightly longer than the average 1-2 play time, for example, about 30 minutes.

  If the pass 7 for the current day has already been issued up to the upper limit, as shown in FIG. 8, the validity period designation calendar 30 is identified and displayed to indicate that designation is impossible. In the example of FIG. 8, September 1 to September 2 corresponds to this. Then, the valid period is set to five days on the nearest weekday after the non-designated date and presented to the player.

  The player can arbitrarily change the start date of the effective period by touching any date from the effective period designating calendar 30. Of course, the position of the valid period marker 32 is also displayed and updated accordingly. If there is no problem in setting the valid period, the player touches the progress operation icon 18 and proceeds to the procedure.

Next, on the reception device 1170, a fifth issue reception screen W5 as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed.
The fifth issue acceptance screen W5 is a screen for confirming the contents of the pass 7 to be issued and approving the consideration payment associated with the pass issue and issue. On the fifth issuance acceptance screen W5, a path content display 40 for listing contents designated so far, an approval operation icon 42, and a disapproval operation icon 44 for canceling path issuance without approval are displayed. .

  The player operates the approval operation icon 42 if there is no problem in the content displayed by the approval operation icon 42 and there is an intention to respond to the payment of the pass issue price. When the approval operation icon 42 is operated, the server system 1100 stores the newly issued pass 7 information in association with the player account in the pass information management data. As a result, it becomes possible to know whether the player of the account has a valid pass 7 based on the player account. On the other hand, if the player turns around, the issuance of the pass 7 can be stopped immediately by operating the disapproval operation icon 44.

Next, a procedure for using the path 7 will be described.
10 to 11 are diagrams for explaining the path use procedure.
As shown in FIG. 10, a play acceptance screen W6 is displayed on the arcade game apparatus 1300, and the player is prompted to input a player account. The player account is input by touching the input player account display 50 and calling the software keyboard, or holding the electronic settlement medium 6 over the medium reader 1344. When the player account is input, the arcade game apparatus 1300 acquires information on the pass 7 associated with the player account from the server system 1100. If a valid pass 7 has been issued to the player, a pass use approval screen W7 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed.

  The pass use approval screen W7 notifies that the player has a valid pass, and displays an approval operation icon 52 that approves the use of the pass, and an unapproved operation icon 54 that does not allow the use of the pass.

When the player touches the approval operation icon 52, the arcade game device 1300 maintains a state in which the depositing device 1330 cannot accept coins, a so-called “lockout state”, and prevents erroneous coin insertion. Then, the progress control of the game is started, and the display of the game screen W8 is started.
On the other hand, when the disapproval operation icon 54 is touched, the pass 7 is not used, and the arcade game apparatus 1300 releases the lock-out of the depositing device 1330 to allow coins to be accepted, and inserts a prescribed amount of coins. Is detected, game progress control is started, and display of the game screen W8 is started.

  When a valid pass 7 is issued to the player, the pass use approval screen W7 as shown in FIG. 11 is not displayed, the disapproval operation icon 54 is not displayed, and the valid pass 7 is possessed. It is good also as a screen which prompts confirmation operation to the effect of starting a game.

[Description of functional configuration]
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the management system 1500 according to the present embodiment. The management system 1500 in this embodiment is configured by connecting a server system 1100 and a receiving device 1170 via a communication line 9. The receiving device 1170 functions as a man-machine interface device for a player (user) in the management system 1500. For this reason, the server system 1100 performs the main arithmetic processing as the management system 1500. Therefore, the server system 1100 can be regarded as the management system 1500 in terms of arithmetic processing.

  The accepting device 1170 includes a pass purchase accepting unit 170s. The pass purchase accepting unit 170s accepts an operation input related to the purchase of the pass 7, and outputs an operation input signal to the server processing unit 200s. In addition, a screen related to path 7 is displayed. In the present embodiment, various functions included in the reception device 1170 correspond to, for example, the touch panel 1172, the depositing device 1174, the issuer 1176 of the electronic settlement medium 6, and the medium reading device 1178 in FIG.

The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.
First, the operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for server management. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a gesture controller, a keyboard, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds.

  The server processing unit 200s is realized by an electronic component such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU or an IC memory, and is connected to each function unit such as the operation input unit 100s, the pass purchase acceptance unit 170s, and the server storage unit 500s. Performs data input / output control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100 s and pass purchase acceptance unit 170 s, and data received from the arcade game machine 1300, and the operation of the server system 1100. Is controlled in an integrated manner. In the example of FIG. 1, the control board 1150 corresponds to this.

  The server processing unit 200s according to the present embodiment includes a user management unit 202, a timing unit 208, a pass issue control unit 240, a player authentication unit 270, a pass information provision unit 272, and a non-billing play history management unit. 274, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s.

  The user management unit 202 performs processing related to a user registration procedure and processing related to management of registration information. For example, 1) Issuing a unique user ID to a user who has passed a predetermined registration procedure, that is, a player, 2) Setting a virtual account for electronic settlement, 3) Depositing (adding) / withdrawing (subtracting) processing into a virtual account That is, it is possible to perform management processing of goods information, 4) association processing of the electronic payment medium 6 used for electronic payment, and the like.

  The time measuring unit 208 executes processing related to management of the passage of time, such as management of the current date and time and timer processing.

  The path issuance control unit 240 executes various processes related to the new issuance of the path 7 and the invalidation of the issued path 7. That is, the server system 1100 functions as a management system related to the issuance of pass 7 in the present embodiment.

  Specifically, the pass issuance control unit 240 includes a pass issuance permission condition setting unit 242, an issuance permission determination unit 244, an issuance number upper limit setting unit 246, an issuance consideration setting unit 248, and an issuance consideration payment control unit 260. A path information issue management unit 262, an installation location information management unit 264, an issue history management unit 266, and a time limit management unit 268. Of course, functional units other than these may be included as appropriate.

  The pass issuance permission condition setting unit 242 sets a pass issuance permission condition for determining whether or not a player who desires issuance is a player that can issue a pass 7. In the present embodiment, the pass issuance permission condition is as follows: 1) the play level of the player who desires issuance is included in the issuance permission play level range, and 2) the number of friend players of the player who desires issuance It is set for each date that pass 7 can be issued.

  The play level is an index value representing the skill of the player, and is automatically changed so that the level becomes higher as the player becomes more advanced according to the game play. If you are an advanced player, you can be a regular customer of the game and be a good customer in the future. Players who are still not skillful enough (ie beginners) Can preferentially issue a pass 7.

  The friend player is another player who has recognized the player as a friend and has separately registered. In the present embodiment, an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the registration number of friend players, that is, a range of the number of friend players allowed to be issued are set. Since a player with many friend players can be regarded as an advanced player, setting an upper limit value may suppress issuance of pass 7 to the advanced player so that pass 7 can be issued preferentially to beginners. The lower limit encourages friends to play the same game more actively. Conversation with a friend player is an important element for cultivating love for games, and by setting a lower limit, a promising customer who is indirectly filled with love for games will be nurtured.

  Note that the parameters that define the pass issuance permission condition can be set as appropriate, not limited to the play level and the number of friend players. For example, not only the character level indicating the strength of the player character, but also the number of items possessed, the number of cleared stages, the maximum rarity of the possessed items, the payment amount of items and game play considerations, etc. may be used.

  The issue permission / inhibition determination unit 244 determines whether or not a pass 7 can be issued to a player who has performed a pass issue procedure. In this embodiment, a player that satisfies the pass issuance permission condition is determined to be “issueable”.

  The issuance number upper limit setting unit 246 sets the issuance number upper limit of the pass 7 for each date on which the pass can be issued. Specifically, the number of passes issued per game game device 1300 in the same time zone on the same date is set to be a predetermined number or less (for example, two passes or less per device). In terms of the installation location unit of the arcade game apparatus 1300, this corresponds to setting the issuance number upper limit according to the number of arcade game apparatuses 1300 at the same installation location.

  The issue consideration setting unit 248 sets a consideration for pass issue. In this embodiment, the issuance consideration is the same payment method as the play consideration by electronic settlement, but the issuance consideration can be set as appropriate. For example, in-game currency that can be used in the game world, certain types of items, related parameter values such as player character's life value, points automatically given when a player sees specified advertisements, online shopping use You may pay by the point given automatically according to the point, the point automatically given when playing a game, etc.

  Then, the issue consideration setting unit 248 of the present embodiment can set the basic pass issue consideration for each date on which a pass can be issued. For example, weekdays before and after consecutive holidays and weekdays during the summer vacation period can be set higher than weekdays that are not. Therefore, the issue consideration for the newly issued pass 7 is determined based on the sum of the daily issue consideration for each day included in the valid period of the pass. However, the combined value is appropriately discounted so that the longer the valid period, the lower the price.

Further, the issue consideration setting unit 248 can set a scheduled amount of play consideration to be paid by the player based on the past issuance history of the pass 7 and the play history at the time of free play using the pass 7.
For example, if the number of passes 7 issued in the past from the issuance history is less than the regulation number, it may be set to be cheaper than the first issuance, and may be set to be higher than the regulation number. In addition, the increase in the play level based on the play history is moderate if the good growth condition is satisfied, which indicates that the game is well-acquainted with the game, and if the good growth condition is not satisfied, the player continues slightly more. It may be set at a low price so that you can enjoy it. Of course, the consideration can be changed and set only for the pass 7 that is continuously issued to the same player (within a predetermined allowable period recognized as being continuous since the previous issue), or conversely, it is issued continuously. For the pass 7, it is possible to make it impossible to change the consideration.

  In the present embodiment, a base pass issue consideration (basic pass issue consideration) is set for each pass 7 issueable date, and the pass issue consideration to be paid by the player is the basic pass issue date for all issueable days in the valid period. It is determined by performing various corrections for setting based on the past issuance history of the pass 7 and the play history at the time of free play using the pass 7 to the total of the consideration. In the issue consideration display on the fourth issue acceptance screen W4 (see FIG. 7), the issue consideration corrected is displayed.

  The issue consideration payment control unit 260 controls the issue destination player to pay the issue consideration set by the issue consideration setting unit 248. In the configuration in which the issuance consideration is a fee, charging control based on credit card information can be performed.

  The pass information issuance management unit 262 obtains pass 7 information (pass information) that is a right that allows free game play in the arcade game device 1300 only during the valid period (a given designated time zone on a given designated date). The issuance destination player that satisfies the pass issuance permission condition is issued within the range up to the issuance number upper limit set by the issuance number upper limit setting unit 246, and information relating to the issuance destination player (in this embodiment, this is a player account). , Individual identification information of the electronic settlement medium 6 is also possible.)

  During the issuance procedure, the pass information issuance management unit 262 can control the presentation of a designated date and a designated time zone in which the pass information can be issued to the player. For example, the effective period designation calendar 30 in FIG. 7 corresponds to this. Then, the designated date and the designated time zone (valid period) are determined from the presented date and time according to the instruction of the player, and pass information is issued.

  Regarding the issuance of pass information, the pass information issuance management unit 262 provides the pass information, information on the installation location of the arcade game device 1300 that validates the pass information, and the arcade game device 1300 that validates the pass information. Are managed in association with each other (valid game device information such as device ID).

  The installation location information management unit 264 manages information related to the installed arcade game device 1300 for each installation location where the arcade game device 1300 is installed.

  The issue history management unit 266 manages the history of pass 7 issued for each player.

  The time limit management unit 268 manages the time limit of the issued pass 7. Specifically, the path 7 whose valid period has expired is searched from the issued paths 7 and the searched path 7 is invalidated.

  The player authentication unit 270 authenticates the player account acquired by the arcade game device 1300. Specifically, the player account that receives the medium ID of the electronic payment medium 6 read by the medium reading device 1344 from the arcade game device 1300 and is associated with the medium ID from the user management data 600 (see FIG. 16). Search for and reply.

  The pass information providing unit 272 performs control to provide information on the pass to the business game device 1300 when the player who plays the game on the business game device 1300 is the issue destination player of the pass 7. Specifically, when the player account is received together with the pass inquiry request from the arcade game apparatus 1300, the pass 7 information issued to the player of the player account (owned pass information data 620 of the user management data 600; FIG. 16). Reference) is returned to the arcade game device 1300 which is the request source. In the present embodiment, a process for determining whether or not the player has a valid pass 7 is performed based on information returned from the arcade game device 1300 as the request source.

  The pass information providing unit 272 not only controls the provision of the pass 7 information, but additionally performs a process for determining whether the player has a valid pass 7 and returns the determination result together with the request source. You may do that. In this case, the determination as to whether the player has a valid pass 7 in the arcade game apparatus 1300 can be omitted.

  The non-charged play history management unit 274 stores and manages the play history played without charge (free play) using the pass 7 for each player.

  The image generation unit 292s can generate an image and the like related to maintenance of the server system 1100 and usage procedures (for example, a pass 7 issuance procedure) of various services related to the game, and can output them to the image display unit 392s.

  The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

  The communication unit 394s is connected to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds.

  The server storage unit 500s stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the server processing unit 200s to control the server system 1100 in an integrated manner, a program necessary for managing a game, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area for the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores calculation results and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, an online storage, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, a storage medium such as an IC memory 1152 and a hard disk mounted on the main device 1101 and a storage 1140 correspond to this.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s.
The server storage unit 500s of this embodiment stores a server system program 501 and a server program 502 in advance. In addition, installation location registration data 540, path information management data 550, user management data 600, and current date and time 900 are stored as data that is sequentially generated and updated. In addition, information such as timers, counters, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

  The server system program 501 is a system program for causing the server system 1100 to realize a basic input / output function necessary as a server by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

  The server program 502 is an application program for causing the server system 1100 to function as a path 7 management system. Specifically, the server processing unit 200 s reads out and executes the server program 502, so that the user management unit 202, time measuring unit 208, pass issue control unit 240, player authentication unit 270, pass information providing unit 272, non-billing time Each function of the play history management unit 274 is implemented.

  The installation location registration data 540 is prepared for each installation location unit of the arcade game apparatus 1300 for which the pass 7 is a candidate for an effective installation location. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an installation location ID 541, a game title 543 associated with a unique business game device ID 542, and a play type 544 are stored.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the path information management data 550 is prepared for each combination of the installation location where the installation location registration data 540 is created and the arcade game device 1300 that may be a valid game device candidate. Various data describing the issuance status of pass 7 in which the arcade game device 1300 is set as the installation location and the effective game device is stored is stored.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, one path information management data 550 can be issued with an installation location ID 551, an arcade game device ID 552 of an arcade game device 1300 installed at the installation location, and a game title 553. The daily pass issuance history data 560 is stored.
Since the pass 7 of this embodiment is a setting effective for five days on weekdays with a fixed time zone, the issuance-per-day pass issue history data 560 is prepared for weekdays only. One issuable date pass issuance history data 560 includes a date 561 defining an issuable date, a time zone 562, an issuance number upper limit 563, an issuance permission play level range 564 that is a pass issuance permission condition, A basic pass issue price 565 and an issue destination player account list 566 are stored.

  When the pass 7 can be used by a plurality of arcade game devices 1300 installed at the same installation location, the identification information of the arcade game devices 1300 that can be used is added to the arcade game device ID 552. Store it.

  User management data 600 is prepared for each player registered as a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, one user management data 600 includes 1) a player account 601, 2) an electronic payment medium ID 602 that is unique identification information of the electronic payment medium 6 owned by the player, and 3 ) Payable information balance 603 which is the remaining number of payable information such as virtual currency for electronic settlement, 4) Play level 605, 5) Save data 607, 6) Friend player list 609, 7) Owned path information data 620, 8) path use history data 630, and 9) non-billing play history data 632 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

The owned pass information data 620 is information on the pass 7 issued with the player as the issue destination player, and is created every time the pass 7 is issued.
One owned path information data 620 stores, for example, an effective installation location ID 621, an effective game device ID 623, an effective period 625, and the total number of issuances 627 so far. Of course, other data can be stored as appropriate.

  The pass use history data 630 is history data played free using the pass 7. For example, each time play (free play) is performed with non-charging (also referred to as non-use-based charging) using pass 7, the play start date and time and play end time are stored as a set.

  The non-chargeable play history data 632 is a play history for each non-charged play (free play) using the pass 7. For example, save data relating to the character such as the level and experience value of the player character, a list of owned characters and items, play results, and the like are stored in association with the play date.

  FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the arcade game apparatus 1300 in the present embodiment. The arcade game apparatus 1300 includes an operation input unit 100, a medium reading unit 102, a deposit detection unit 104, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a storage unit 500. With.

  The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a gesture controller, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the joystick 1302, the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306 correspond to this.

  The medium reading unit 102 is realized by a known reading device that conforms to the technical method employed in the electronic payment medium 6, reads data stored in the electronic payment medium 6, and outputs the data to the processing unit 200. For example, if a non-contact type IC chip is used for the electronic settlement medium 6, it can be realized by a non-contact type medium reading device according to the card specifications. In the example of FIG. 2, the medium reader 1344 corresponds to this.

  The deposit detection unit 104 is a means for detecting the inserted cash and outputting information indicating the deposit amount to the processing unit 200, and can be realized by a known depositing device, coin inserting device, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the deposit apparatus 1330 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or an IC memory, and performs data input / output control with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the storage unit 500. Do. Various business processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data read by the medium reading unit 102, data received from the server system 1100, etc. Control the operation of the device 1300. In the example of FIG. 2, the control board 1350 corresponds to this.

  Then, the processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment includes a timing unit 208 that performs timing processing such as the current date and time, a timer, a game management unit 210, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294. Including.

  The game management unit 210 performs control related to player acceptance, settlement of play consideration, and game progress. Specifically, the player specifying control unit 212, the non-billing play start control unit 214, the game progress control unit 216, the continue prohibition control unit 218, the prohibition release control unit 220, and the lockout control unit 222 are provided. Have.

  The player specification control unit 212 executes processing related to reception of a player who plays a game and specification of the player. In the present embodiment, the play acceptance screen W6 (see FIG. 10) is displayed to accept manual input of the player account, or the medium reading unit 102 inquires the server system 1100 for the medium ID read from the electronic payment medium 6. Thus, a player account associated with the medium ID is acquired.

  The non-billing play start control unit 214 is a pass 7 (owned pass) in which the player specified by the player specifying control unit 212 is the issue destination player of the pass 7 and the play date and time is issued to the specified player. If 7) is valid for the player's own device, game play is possible without charging. Specifically, a pass inquiry request is transmitted to the server system 1100 together with the specified player account, and information on the pass 7 issued to the player of the player account is acquired. Then, it is determined whether the path 7 is valid for the own device.

  In this embodiment, “determination of whether it is valid for the player's own device” means 1) the play date / time is within the validity period (designated date and designated time zone) of the pass 7, and 2) installation of the own game device When the place is the valid place of the pass 7 (installation place designated at the time of issuance), and 3) the game device is the valid game device of the pass 7 (the game title or game device designated at the time of issuance), When it is, it determines with affirmation. If a positive determination is made, the non-billing play start control unit 214 causes the game progress control unit 216 to start various controls related to the progress of the game.

  In the case where the server system 1100 is configured to “determine whether it is valid for the own device” and return an affirmative / negative determination result to the arcade game device 1300, the non-chargeable play start control unit 214 determines affirmation. When received, the game progress control unit 216 starts various controls related to the progress of the game.

  The continue prohibition control unit 218 prohibits the continue play for the game play started by the non-billing play start control unit 214. Thereby, it is possible to prevent one pass holder from monopolizing the arcade game apparatus 1300 and maintain the fairness of the pass 7.

  The prohibition cancellation control unit 220 acquires the presence / absence of game play in another arcade game device 1300, and cancels the prohibition by the continue prohibition control unit 218 according to the acquisition result. In the present embodiment, if there is no user in the other arcade game device 1300 in which the player pass 7 is valid and the game can be played on another arcade game device 1300 (in the attract mode), an exception is made. In particular, it is recognized that the pass owner continues to use the arcade game device 1300, and the fairness and convenience of the pass 7 are compatible.

  The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a speech synthesis IC, an audio codec that can reproduce an audio file, and the sound effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game management unit 210. Sound signals of BGM and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 390.

  The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1310 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, or the like. Then, the image generation unit 292 generates an image of one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game management unit 210, and displays an image signal of the generated game screen as an image display To the unit 392.

  The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1306 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 is connected to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like are realized, and the communication device module 1353 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 500 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 200 to realize various functions for controlling the arcade game device 1300 in an integrated manner, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD, an online storage, or the like. The IC memory 1352 mounted on the control board 1350 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The storage unit 500 includes a system program 503, a game management program 505, game initial setting data 510, an installation location ID 520 indicating the installation location of the own device, and an arcade game device ID 522 that is identification information unique to the own device. The play price 524 is stored in advance.

  Further, as the data to be sequentially generated / updated, the payment amount 526, the medium ID 528 of the electronic settlement medium 6 read by the medium reading unit 102, and the manual input or the medium ID 528 are collated with the server system 1100. The stored player account 530 and play data 700 for storing various data describing the progress of the game are stored. In addition, information such as timers, counters, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

The system program 503 is a program for realizing basic input / output functions necessary as a computer by being read and executed by the processing unit 200.
The game management program 505 can cause the processing unit 200 to realize the functions as the time measuring unit 208 and the game management unit 210.

  The installation location ID 520 and the arcade game device ID 522 are set when the arcade game device 1300 is installed.

  The player account 530 is a player account (user ID) associated with the medium ID 528. In the present embodiment, when the arcade game device 1300 transmits the medium ID 528 of the electronic payment medium 6 acquired on the play acceptance screen W6 (see FIG. 10) to the server system 1100, the player associated with the medium ID 528 Since the account is returned from the server system 1100, it is stored. If the player account is stored in the electronic payment medium 6, the medium reading unit 102 may directly read out from the electronic payment medium 6.

  The play data 700 stores various data describing the game progress. The content of the stored data can be set as appropriate according to the game content. In this embodiment, the free play flag 702, the play start date and time 704, the play end date and time 706, the play history 708, the play score 710, including. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The free play flag 702 is set to “1 (free play; non-billing play)” when the game play at that time is started by the non-billing play start control unit 214, that is, when playing using the pass 7. When playing without using pass 7, “0 (charging play)” is set.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the operation of the game system in this embodiment will be described.
It is assumed that the player has already completed user registration and already has a player account and electronic settlement medium 6.

  18 to 19 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of path information issue processing executed by the server system 1100 of this embodiment. The server system 1100 is implemented by executing the server program 502.

The pass information issuance process is executed by the server system 1100 when a predetermined pass issuance acceptance is selected and input from the menu screen of the accepting device 1170.
The server system 1100 displays the first issue acceptance screen W1 (see FIG. 4) on the accepting device 1170, prompts the player account to be input, and reads it from the player account or the electronic settlement medium 6 manually entered on the accepting device 1170. The player account is authenticated based on the medium ID (step S10).

  Next, the server system 1100 displays the second issue acceptance screen W2 (see FIG. 5) on the accepting device 1170 with reference to the installation location registration data 540 (see FIG. 14), and validates the newly issued path 7 Selection of a location (installation location of the arcade game device 1300 where a pass can be used) is accepted (step S12).

  Next, the server system 1100 displays the third issue acceptance screen W3 (see FIG. 6) on the acceptance device 1170 with reference to the installation location registration data 540 (see FIG. 14) of the installation location selected in step S12. Then, selection of the newly issued valid game device of pass 7 (the type or machine body of the business game device 1300 that can use the pass) is accepted (step S14).

  Next, the server system 1100 sets an upper limit 563 for the number of passes 7 to be issued for each day when a new pass 7 can be issued at the installation location selected in step S12 (step S16), and issuance permission play level range. 564 is set (step S18), and a basic path issue price 565 is set (step S20).

  Specifically, the path information management data 550 that matches the installation location selected in step S12 and the business game apparatus 1300 selected in step S12 is searched. Then, an issuance upper limit 563, an issuance permission play level range 564, and a basic path issuance consideration 565 are set for each issuance date pass issuance history data 560 of the retrieved path information management data 550.

  Next, the server system 1100 displays a fourth issue acceptance screen W4 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) on the accepting device 1170, and accepts selection of the valid period of the newly issued pass 7 (step S22). In the issuance consideration display 24 on the fourth issuance acceptance screen W4, a planned price based on the total value of the basic pass issuance consideration 565 in the effective period selected at that time is calculated and displayed.

Specifically, the total of the basic pass issuance consideration 565 (see FIG. 15) for all the issuable days corresponding to the valid period of the newly issued pass 7 is calculated. The total value is firstly corrected so that the longer the effective period, the lower the price. Further, in this step, if the current pass 7 is a newly issued pass, the past pass 7 possessed path information data 620, the pass use history data 630, and the non-billing play history data 632 is subjected to secondary correction. For example, when the number of passes 7 issued in the past from the owned path information data 620 is less than the regulation number, the secondary correction is made so that it is cheaper than the first issuance, and when the number is more than the regulation number, the secondary correction is made. Further, from the pass usage history data 630 and the non-billing play history data 632, the increase in the play level of the player is higher when satisfying the favorable growth condition indicating that the player is well acquainted with the game. When the favorable growth condition is not satisfied, the secondary correction is performed so that the price is low so that the player can enjoy the game for a while.
A value obtained by performing the primary correction and the secondary correction on the total value is a scheduled price that the player actually sets as a pass issue price.

Next, the server system 1100 determines whether or not a new pass 7 can be issued with the player as the issue destination.
Specifically, first, the server system 1100 refers to the possession path information data 620 of the user management data 600 of the player, and there remains an effective period in which the installation location selected by the player in step S12 is the effective location. If the pass 7 is already owned, it cannot be issued (YES in step S30).

  Further, the server system 1100 cannot issue the game if the player's play level 605 is not included in the issue permission play level range 564 on any issueable date in the valid period selected in step S22 (step S22). NO in S32).

  If the number of players registered in the player's friend player list 609 is not included in the predetermined issuance permitted friend player number range, the server system 1100 determines that issuance is not possible (NO in step S34).

  The server system 1100 also determines the total number of issued passes 7 (the total number of player accounts registered in the issue destination player account list 566) in any date and time period of the valid period selected in step S22. Is reached, it is determined that it cannot be issued (NO in step S36).

  If it is determined that the pass cannot be issued, the server system 1100 displays a pass issuance notification indicating that the pass 7 cannot be issued at the accepting device 1170 (step S50; FIG. 19). If so, the path information is displayed (step S52), and the path information issuing process is terminated.

  If it is determined that it can be issued (YES in step S36), the server system 1100 displays the fifth issue acceptance screen W5 (see FIG. 9) on the accepting device 1170, and sets the path 7 to be issued from now on. The confirmation of the contents and the operation for approving the payment for the pass issuance are accepted (step S60).

  If the payment is approved (YES in step S62), the server system 1100 executes a payment process for the pass issue consideration set in step S20 (step S64). Then, a new pass 7 is issued to the player (step S66). When the new pass issuance is completed, the pass information issuance process is terminated.

In issuing a new pass 7, the server system 1100
1) The player account received in step S10 is added to the issuance destination player account list 566 of the issuance date pass issuance history data 560 for all the issuable dates included in the valid period selected in step S22.
2) The information on the valid installation location, valid game device, and valid period of the pass 7 to be issued this time is stored in the possessed pass information data 620 of the user management data 600 of the player account received in step S10, and the total number of issuance is set to “1 "to add.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a time limit management process periodically executed by the server system 1100, and is implemented by the server system 1100 executing the server program 502.

In this process, the server system 1100 executes loop A for all players (steps S80 to S86).
In the loop A, with reference to the user management data 600 of the processing target player, if there is owned path information data 620 whose valid period 625 has passed the current date and time 900, that is, if there is a pass 7 whose valid period has passed, (YES in step S82), the path invalidation process is executed (step S84). In other words, the path information management data 550 is searched for a match between the valid location ID 621 and the valid game device ID 623 in the owned path information data 620 related to the invalidation target path. Then, in the pass issue history data 560 that can be issued according to the searched pass information management data 550, the date 561 and the time zone 562 include the issue destination player account list 566 of data included in the valid period 625 of the invalidation target pass. The player account of the processing target player in loop A is deleted.

Next, the flow of processing in the arcade game apparatus 1300 according to pass 7 will be described.
21 to 22 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing executed by the arcade game apparatus 1300 in the present embodiment. The arcade game apparatus 1300 is implemented by executing the game management program 505.

  The arcade game apparatus 1300 executes a player account acquisition process for the player and identifies a player who plays the game (step S100). Specifically, a play acceptance screen W6 (see FIG. 10) is displayed to prompt the player to input a player account. Then, a software keyboard is displayed on the touch panel 1306, and the player account 530 is acquired and stored by manual input by the player. Alternatively, when the electronic payment medium 6 is detected by the medium reader 1344, the medium ID 528 is read, and a player authentication request is transmitted to the server system 1100 together with the read medium ID 528. When the server system 1100 receives the request, it collates the received medium ID with the electronic settlement medium ID 602 of the user management data 600 and returns the player account 601 to the arcade game device 1300. The arcade game apparatus 1300 receives this and stores the player account 530 (see FIG. 17).

Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 refers to the server system 1100 for the pass 7 that the player of the acquired player account 530 has (step S102).
Specifically, the arcade game apparatus 1300 transmits a pass inquiry request together with the player account 530, and receives pass possession pass information data 620 issued to the player of the player account.

Then, with reference to the received possession path information data 620, it is determined whether the path 7 issued to the player (pass 7 owned by the player) is valid for the own device. In the present embodiment, it is determined to be valid when the following three conditions are satisfied.
That is,
1) The player has been issued a pass with the installation location of the player as an effective location (YES in step S104). Specifically, the effective installation location ID 621 of the received owned path information data 620 matches the installation location ID 520 of the own device.
2) The player has been issued a pass with the player as an active game device (YES in step S106). More specifically, the valid game device ID 623 of the received possession path information data 620 matches the business game device ID 522 of the own device.
3) The player has received a pass whose current date and time are included in the distress period (YES in step S108). Specifically, the current date and time 900 is included in the validity period 625 of the owned path information data 620 received.

  If it is determined that the device is valid (YES in step S108) and the path use approval screen W7 (see FIG. 11) is displayed and the use of the path is approved (step S110). YES), the arcade game apparatus 1300 sets the free play flag 702 (see FIG. 17) of the play data 700 to “1” (step S120).

  Next, the play start date and time 704 is recorded (step S130), the save data of the player is acquired from the server system 1100 (step S132), the lockout of the depositing device 1330 is maintained as it is, and a screen displayed at the time of billing play (for example, Then, the game progress control is started promptly without display of guidance for prompting payment, display of input amount, display of electronic payment approval operation input, etc., or payment of payment for play (step S134). That is, the player is allowed to play free. Instead of omitting the display of the screen that is displayed during the charge play, display control may be performed for a dedicated screen that is displayed during the non-charge play with a different design.

  On the other hand, if the pass 7 valid for the player has not been issued to the player (NO in step S104, NO in step S106, NO in step S108), or if the use of the pass is not approved (in step S110). NO), the arcade game device 1300 releases the lock-out of the depositing device 1330 to allow coins to be accepted and displays a screen to be displayed at the time of billing play (step S121), and executes a play consideration payment process (step S121). S122), the free play flag 702 is set to “0” (step S124).

  Next, the play start date and time 704 is recorded (step S130), the save data of the player is acquired from the server system 1100 (step S132), and the game progress control is started without performing the play consideration payment process (step S134). . That is, the player is allowed to pay the play price on the spot and play the game as usual.

  Note that step S110 can be omitted.

When the game progress control is started, the arcade game apparatus 1300 sequentially updates the play history 708 and the play score 710 of the play data 700. When the game is over (step S136), the play end date and time 706 is recorded (step S138), and save data and data necessary for updating the play level are transmitted to the server system 1100 together with the player account (step S140; FIG. 22).
The server system 1100 receives them, updates the play level 605 of the user management data 600 of the player, and updates the save data 607 (step S900; see FIG. 16).

  When the free play flag 702 is “1” (YES in step S150), the arcade game apparatus 1300 transmits the play start date and time 704, the play end date and time 706, and the play history 708 to the server system 1100 together with the player account of the player. (Step S152).

  Upon receiving these, the server system 1100 adds the play start date / time 704 and play end date / time 706 received to the pass usage history data 630 in the user management data 600 of the player, and to the non-billing-time play history data 632. The received play history 708 is added (step S902).

  Next, the arcade game apparatus 1300 communicates with each other arcade game apparatus 1300 that is in the same installation location as that of the own machine and in which the player's pass 7 is valid, and acquires the respective usage status information (steps). S154). Specifically, at least information on whether or not the game is being used at that time and information on whether or not the game is being played are acquired.

  Then, if the player's pass 7 is valid and there is another arcade game device 1300 that does not have a player (YES in step S156), the server system 1100 executes a continue reception process (step S170), and a predetermined reception time. If the continuation operation input is detected (YES in step S172), the process returns to step S120, and the next game play is started continuously. The determination in step S156 can be made based on whether or not there is a business game device 1300 in the attract mode among other business game devices 1300 in which the player's pass 7 is valid.

  If all other arcade game devices 1300 in which the player's pass 7 is valid have been played (NO in step S156), the server system 1100 determines that it is congested, and temporarily continues the continuation due to the congestion. A notification that it cannot be accepted is displayed (step S174), and the series of processing ends.

  If each arcade game device 1300 has a function of recording the use history of its own device, in step S154, the play frequency and the number of times of play in the past predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes to 20 minutes) are acquired. In S156, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined congestion condition indicating a busy state is satisfied, and if affirmative, the process may flow to step S174. A configuration in which steps S154 to S156 are omitted is also possible.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to create an environment in which a pass 7 (commuter pass) that can be used at a specified time zone on a specified date is issued and the game device 1300 can be enjoyed more easily than before.

  It is to be noted that a business operator (such as a manager at an installation location) operating a game center or the like with the arcade game device 1300 installed with a game provider operating the server system 1100 for each play. In the case where there is a contract for paying a usage fee of a predetermined fee, it is preferable that free play (fixed-rate play using the pass 7) is not subject to payment of this usage fee.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
This embodiment is basically realized in the same manner as the first embodiment, except that the issue of pass 7 is a lottery. In the following description, parts different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals to simplify the overlapping description.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a fourth issue acceptance screen W4b in the present embodiment.
The accepting device 1170 of this embodiment does not accept pass issuance but accepts entry of pass purchase lottery. Therefore, the fourth issue acceptance screen W4b of the present embodiment displays basically the same display as that of the first embodiment, but clearly indicates that it is entry of purchase lottery.

  Then, when the progress operation icon 18 is touched on the fourth issue acceptance screen W4b, a fifth issue acceptance screen W5b as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the acceptance device 1170. The display of the fifth issue acceptance screen W5b is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the subject of approval is the entry for purchase lottery, and the issue consideration will be paid automatically when winning Approval is clearly indicated. When the approval operation icon 42 is touch-operated on the fifth issue acceptance screen W5b, the player account received on the first issue acceptance screen W1 is the purchase lottery entry list of the server system 1100 as a desired player who wishes to purchase. And wait for the lottery.

  FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the management system 1500 in the present embodiment. The functional configuration of the server system 1100 in the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the path issue control unit 240 includes a recruitment control unit 250 and an issue destination lottery unit 252.

  The recruitment control unit 250 recruits desired players who wish to purchase pass 7 (pass information), and registers and manages the information of the applied players.

  The issue destination lottery unit 252 draws the issue destination of the pass 7 from the desired players. In the lottery, consideration is given to the fact that among the desired players, the winning probabilities of the desired players registered as friend players with each other are raised to make a lottery so that friends can play with each other. In addition, in the lottery, the play level of the desired player is adjusted to increase the winning probability of the desired player satisfying a predetermined level distribution condition, so that players with similar play levels gather.

  In addition, the pass information issuance management unit 262 according to the present embodiment controls issuance of pass 7 (pass information) to a desired player who is won by lottery by the issuer lottery unit 252 instead of first-come-first-served basis.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100 in the present embodiment.
The server program 502b in the present embodiment is different from the server program 502 in the first embodiment in that the server processing unit 200s realizes functions as the recruitment control unit 250 and the issuer lottery unit 252.

In addition, the server storage unit 500s stores a purchase lottery entry list 800.
The list is prepared for each combination of the effective installation location 801, the effective period 802, and the effective game device 803, and the account of the player who wishes to purchase pass 7 of the location, the period, and the game device (the game title). Is stored in the desired player account list 804.

  27 to 28 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of the recruitment control process executed by the server system 1100 in the present embodiment. This process basically has the same flow as the path information issuing process of the first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 28, the server system 1100 replaces steps S64 to S66 of the first embodiment, The player account accepted in step S10 is registered in the purchase lottery entry list 800 (step S68).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the path information issuing process executed by the server system 1100 of this embodiment, and is periodically executed in a predetermined cycle.
In this process, the server system 1100 determines whether or not there is a purchase lottery entry list 800 at which the lottery execution timing has arrived (step S200). In the present embodiment, it is determined that the lottery execution timing has arrived when a predetermined day before (for example, three days before) the start date of the validity period 802 of the purchase lottery entry list 800.

  If there is a purchase lottery entry list 800 for which the lottery execution timing has arrived (YES in step S200), the server system 1100 sorts by player account registered in the desired player account list 804 of the purchase lottery entry list 800. Winners with equal win probability, among them, who are registered as friend players with each other and whose play levels satisfy a predetermined distribution condition (for example, the play level difference is level “2” or less). The probability is changed / set higher than others (step S202).

  Then, for each purchase lottery entry list 800 at which the lottery execution timing has arrived, from the player accounts registered in the desired player account list 804 by applying the set winning probability, the issue number upper limit 563 (see FIG. 15) is reached. The issue-destination players are selected by lottery (step S204).

  Next, the server system 1100 executes a payment process for the pass issue consideration for the player selected as the issue destination player (step S206), and issues a new pass 7 to the issue destination player (step S208). . Then, a winning notification is issued to the effect that the pass 7 desired to be purchased is issued to the issuing player (step S210), and the pass information issuance process is terminated.

  Note that the method of notification of winning can be set as appropriate. For example, the reception device 1170 may announce the winner, or when registering information such as an e-mail address or an SNS service account at the time of user registration, an e-mail notification or an SNS service If you want the player to follow the account or channel of the shared posting site that the game administrator has at the time of posting or registering as a user, it may be realized by posting a winning notification to the shared posting site .

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied this invention was described, the form which can apply this invention is not limited to the said form, A component can be added, abbreviate | omitted, and changed suitably.

[Part 1]
In the above-described embodiment, the game progress control is mainly realized by the arcade game device 1300. However, a configuration executed by the server system 1100, that is, a configuration realized as a so-called online game can be used. In that case, the server system 1100 stores the game server program for causing the server processing unit 200s to function as the game management unit 210 (see FIG. 17) and function as a game server, and the play data 700. And it is sufficient.

[Part 2]
In the above embodiment, the receiving device 1170 is a dumb terminal in the server system 1100. However, an independent computer may be used. Specifically, in the case of a configuration in which an online multiplayer game is executed using a plurality of arcade game devices 1300 simultaneously, the reception device 1170 also serves as a computer (reception terminal device) that performs a reception function for receiving a participating player. May be. Specifically, step S100 in FIG. 21 is executed by the reception device 1170, and the play reception screen W6 (see FIG. 10) is displayed on the reception device 1170. Since step S102 and subsequent steps are executed by the arcade game apparatus 1300, the pass use approval screen W7 (see FIG. 11) is displayed on the arcade game apparatus 1300. Therefore, in the case of billing play, as in the above embodiment, the arcade game device 1300 releases the lock-out of the depositing device 1330 to allow coins to be accepted and displays a value acceptance screen. In the case of non-billing play, the lockout of the depositing device 1330 is maintained and no coin is accepted, and the display of the consideration acceptance screen is omitted, and the game play is started immediately.

  Furthermore, the reception device 1170 may be configured to also serve as a game server for online multiplayer games. In that case, the reception device 1170 executes a program stored in the IC memory or the like, displays a reception menu screen, and waits for the user. Then, according to the menu item selected and input by the player, information is acquired from the server system 1100 and various operation reception screens are displayed. When necessary operation input is completed, a request corresponding to the selected menu item is sent to the server. The information is transmitted to the system 1100 and the arcade game device 1300.

[Part 3]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the valid period of the path | pass 7 was made into the unit of the predetermined time slot | zone for five continuous weekdays, it is not restricted to this. For example, the player may be able to select the effective period in units of one day. Also, the player may be able to select the time zone from the operating time zone of the arcade game device 1300. In this case, the issue number upper limit 563, the issue permission play level range 564, and the basic pass issue consideration 565 (see FIG. 15) can be set for each date and / or for each time zone.

6 ... Medium for electronic settlement 7 ... Pass 10 ... Pass usage guide 12 ... Input guide 14 ... Input player account display 18 ... Progress operation icon 20 ... Effective installation location selection icon 22 ... Effective game device selection icon 24 ... Scheduled issue consideration display 28 ... Acceptance progress operation icon 30 ... Valid period designation calendar 31 ... Current day marker 32 ... Valid period marker 40 ... Pass content display 50 ... Input player account display 102 ... Medium reading unit 104 ... Deposit detection unit 170s ... Pass purchase acceptance unit 200 ... Processing unit 200s ... Server processing unit 210 ... Game management unit 212 ... Player specific control unit 214 ... Non-charge play start control unit 216 ... Game progress control unit 218 ... Continue prohibition control unit 220 ... Prohibition release control unit 222 ... Lockout control Section 240 ... Pass issue control section 242 ... Path Issuance permission condition setting unit 244 ... issuance permission determination unit 246 ... issuance number upper limit setting unit 248 ... issuance consideration setting unit 250 ... solicitation control unit 252 ... issuance destination lottery unit 260 ... issuance consideration payment control unit 262 ... pass information issuance management unit 264 ... Installation location information management unit 266 ... Issue history management unit 268 ... Time limit management unit 270 ... Player authentication unit 272 ... Pass information provision unit 274 ... Non-billing play history management unit 500 ... Storage unit 500s ... Server storage unit 502 ... Server Program 505 ... Game management program 520 ... Installation place ID
522 ... arcade game machine ID
528 ... Medium ID
530 ... Player account 540 ... Installation location registration data 550 ... Pass information management data 560 ... Issuable day pass issuance history data 561 ... Date 562 ... Time zone 563 ... Issue number upper limit 564 ... Issuance permitted play level range 565 ... Basic pass issuance Consideration 566 ... Issued player account list 600 ... User management data 605 ... Play level 607 ... Save data 609 ... Friend player list 620 ... Owned path information data 621 ... Effective installation location ID
623 ... Effective game device ID
625 ... Valid period 630 ... Pass usage history data 632 ... Non-billing play history data 700 ... Play data 702 ... Free play flag 800 ... Purchase lottery entry list 804 ... Desired player account list 1000 ... Game system 1500 ... Management system 1100 ... Server System 1150 ... Control board 1170 ... Accepting device 1300 ... Commercial game machine 1330 ... Depositing device 1344 ... Media reader 1350 ... Control board

Claims (16)

A game system in which a game device and a management system are communicatively connected,
The management system includes:
Pass information issuance management means for issuing pass information, which is a right that allows a free game play in a given designated time zone on a given designated date in the game device, and managing the pass information in association with the issue destination player;
With
The game device includes:
Player specifying means for specifying a player who plays a game,
A non-billing play start control means for enabling game play without charging when the specified player is the issuing player and the play date is the designated date and the designated time zone;
With
Game system. The management system includes:
Upper limit setting means for setting an upper limit of the number of issued path information by date and / or time zone;
Further comprising
The path information issuance management means issues the path information within a range up to the upper limit of the number of issues in the designated date and the designated time zone;
The game system according to claim 1. The pass information issuance management unit presents the designated date and / or the designated time zone in which the pass information can be issued to the player, and the designated date and the designated time zone according to the player's instruction from the presented date and time. To issue the path information,
The game system according to claim 2. The management system includes:
Means for managing the installed game device for each installation location where the game device is installed;
With
The path information issuance management means further manages the location information for validating the path information in association with each other,
The non-billing play start control means is configured such that the specified player is the issuing player, the play date and time is the specified date and the specified time zone, and the installation location of the game device is determined by the player. When the installation location is associated with the path information, game play is possible without charging.
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-3. The pass information issuance management means further manages the information of valid game devices that validate the pass information in association with each other,
The non-billing play start control means is configured such that the specified player is the issue destination player, the play date and time is the specified date and the specified time zone, and the own game device performs the pass information of the player If it is an effective game device associated with, enabling game play without charging,
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-4. The non-billing play start control means, when starting the non-billing play, omits the screen display displayed at the time of the billing play, and starts the game play.
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-5. The game device includes:
Continue prohibition control means for prohibiting continue play for the game play started by the non-billing play start control means,
Comprising
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-6. The management system includes:
A pass fee setting means for setting a pass fee for each specified date and / or the specified time period;
Pass fee billing means for charging the issuance destination player with the pass fee corresponding to the designated date and designated time zone of the pass information issued by the pass information issuance management means;
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: The pass fee setting means sets the pass fee at a lower price as the number of days of the specified date is longer.
The game system according to claim 8. The management system includes:
Determining means for determining whether or not the player can issue the pass information;
Further comprising
The pass information issuance management means issues the pass information to a player determined to be issueable by the determination means;
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-9. The determination means determines whether or not the pass information can be issued to the player based on friend player information associated with the player.
The game system according to claim 10. The management system includes:
Recruitment means for recruiting desired players who desire the pass information;
Lottery means for lottery from the desired players;
Further comprising
The pass information issuance management means issues the pass information to a desired player who is won by the lottery means.
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-9. The management system includes:
Non-billing play history management means for managing a play history on the game device using the pass information;
Based on the play history managed by the non-billing play history management means, consideration setting means for setting a consideration when issuing the new pass information;
Further comprising
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-12. The consideration setting means sets the consideration with the quantity of cash, virtual currency, points, or a predetermined item,
The game system according to claim 13. The management system includes a terminal device that performs a man-machine interface function with a player.
The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-14. Management provided with pass information issuance management means for issuing pass information, which is a right that allows free game play in a given time zone on a given date on a game device, and managing the pass information in association with the issue destination player A game device connected in communication with the system,
Player specifying means for specifying a player who plays a game,
A non-billing play start control means for enabling game play without charging when the specified player is the issuing player and the play date is the designated date and the designated time zone;
A game device comprising:

Images