JP2018079381A - Game device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guarantee a user's profit per game play provided based on an article.SOLUTION: A game device executes game based on information acquired from a first type article. The game device acquires identification information of an article from a second type article different from the first type article and records play content of the game while mapping the play content to the acquired identification information. The game device, when multiple pieces of identification information are acquired, associates the multiple pieces of identification information with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a program, and a game system, and more particularly to a game device that performs various controls related to a game based on information acquired from an article.

  There is a game system in which a capsule vendor that sells a data recording article having a three-dimensional shape such as a character corresponding to a game content is provided close to a game device that provides the game content (Patent Document 1). .

JP 2008-246242 A

  In general, a capsule vendor is configured to be able to provide a plurality of types of articles having different shapes, colors, and the like, for example, and in conjunction with an operation at the time of purchase, a capsule housed in a housing portion is a predetermined drive mechanism. The user is provided with an article enclosed in a capsule that is agitated by the above and randomly guided to the discharge port. Therefore, not only the capsule vendor but also the provision of articles through a device that discharges a plurality of types of articles can give the user a desire to obtain a desired type of articles. A user of such a game system may have a plurality of items.

  In the case where a plurality of data recording articles are owned, an article such as Patent Document 1 in which the recorded content does not appear on the appearance and the data (latest data) at the time of the last game play is recorded. There is a possibility that the user cannot discriminate until it is read by the game device.

  In particular, when the data recording article has a three-dimensional shape as in Patent Document 1, as the number of possessions increases, the portability may deteriorate, and as a result, the user does not necessarily carry all possessed articles. The game play using the data (the latest data) of the desired content may not be provided to the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game device, a program, and a game system that guarantee a user's profit for a game play provided based on an article.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, a game device of the present invention is a game device having execution means for executing a game based on information acquired from a first type of article. Acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the article from different second type of articles, and storage means for recording and storing game play content in the recording means in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means; And a managing means for associating the plurality of pieces of identification information when the plurality of pieces of identification information are obtained by the obtaining means.

  With such a configuration, according to the present invention, it is possible to guarantee the user profit for the game play provided based on the article.

The figure which showed the system configuration | structure of the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which showed the function structure of the game device 100 and SP key discharge device 200 which concern on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which showed the function structure of the server 300 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the appearance of the normal key and SP key concerning the embodiment of the present invention The figure which illustrated the data structure of the various information which concerns on embodiment of this invention The figure for demonstrating the game content which changes according to the presence or absence of key use based on embodiment of this invention The flowchart which illustrated the provision process performed with the game system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which illustrated the load time process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart which illustrated the rhythm game process which concerns on embodiment of this invention The flowchart which illustrated the provision process performed with the game system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The flowchart which illustrated the process at the time of loading which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, one embodiment described below is a server configured to be able to provide game play for each game content as an example of a game system, and to be able to communicate with these game apparatuses via a network. Next, an example to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, the game device is configured to be capable of discharging the first type of goods, and further connected to a special key (hereinafter referred to as SP key) discharging device and a normal key discharging device capable of discharging the second type of goods. In the following description, it is assumed that at least the SP key discharge device and the game device are configured to be communicable. However, the present invention can be applied to any device configured to be able to provide a play experience using the first type of article and the second type of article.

  In the present embodiment, in the game provided in the game device, when the game is played, the user uses the first and second types of articles, so that the game elements based on the information acquired from the articles are displayed in the game. It is assumed that the game corresponding to the game element can be executed.

  In the following description, as a first type of article according to the present invention, an article that can be used in a game to be discharged and executed by a game device is a card, and as a second type of article according to the present invention, The article that can be used in the game that is discharged and executed by the key discharge device is described as a key (key-type accessory) having a three-dimensional shape as shown in FIG. 4, but information can be acquired. As long as they are configured articles, the articles according to both types are not limited to cards and keys. The article may be a modeled object such as a figure having the appearance of a game element (character or item), for example. The article may be any article such as a toy or a seal as well as a figure.

  In this embodiment, the information (card information) attached to the card is converted into a one-dimensional or multi-dimensional pattern (code) by applying a predetermined conversion operation, and attached to the card in a form printed on the card surface. It will be described as being done. In the following description, it is assumed that the card code image is read by a predetermined reader so that the card information can be acquired. On the other hand, information attached to the key (key information) is held as data in a recording medium such as an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip built in the key, and is in close proximity to a predetermined reader other than the card. A description will be given assuming that it is configured to be obtainable by communication. However, the method of attaching information to an article is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a predetermined pattern or character string is formed on a part of the appearance by printing using invisible ink, sticking a seal, or engraving. It may be made by doing. Further, in the aspect in which the key information is attached to the article by holding the data in the recording medium, the communication between the article and the predetermined reader related to the acquisition of the key information is not limited to the proximity wireless communication.

  In this embodiment, in a game executed by the game device, a game element that can be made to appear by using a card is equipment such as clothes and accessories (hereinafter referred to as a coordinate) that can be worn by an avatar. In the following description, it is assumed that a card is provided with a corresponding code symbol (cord image). However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, and the card for the purpose of specifying the game element of the game to be executed is not limited to that configured to be able to specify an item such as a coordination relating to the game, It goes without saying that other game elements such as characters and effects may be specified.

  On the other hand, in the game system of the present embodiment, the key is used not only for specifying game elements (stages and various effects described later) that can be made to appear in a game executed by the game device, but also for games played by the user. It is also used to record play contents. Specifically, each key includes key ID information as identification information that can uniquely identify the key. In the present embodiment, each key is associated with the key ID in the server 300. The description will be made assuming that the play content is recorded. The content of play includes avatar configuration information (information of various selected parts), user name, in-game level and various parameter information, play results (score, game clear information), etc. It may be.

  In the present embodiment, the first type of article (card) and the second type of article (key) will be described as different types of articles. However, in the implementation of the present invention, these articles are external appearances. It does not exclude the possibility that the goods are handled as the same classification when used outside the game. In this case, for example, it may be configured such that different types of games are differentiated by different handling on the game.

《Game system configuration》
Here, the system configuration of the game system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this game system, the server 300 is configured to be able to communicate with each of a plurality of game devices 100 (only one is shown for illustration in the figure) via the network 400. Note that the game device 100, the SP key ejection device 200, the normal key ejection device 250, and the server 300 include a configuration that conceptually realizes similar functions as will be described later. “SP” is added to the configuration of 200, “normal” is added to the configuration of the normal key discharge device 250, “server” is added to the configuration of the server 300, and a special prefix is added to the configuration of the game device 100. Identify by not attaching.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the game device 100 of the present embodiment is a service related to game play that is integrated with the SP key discharge device 200 and the normal key discharge device 250 arranged adjacent to the game device 100. Shall be provided. Among the key ejection devices, at least the SP key ejection device 200 is electrically connected to the game device 100 so that information and signals can be transmitted and received. In contrast, the normal key discharge device 250 will be described as not having any electrical connection with the game device 100 in this embodiment.

  In the game system of the present embodiment, the game apparatus 100 discharges the above-described card, and each of the SP key discharge apparatus 200 and the normal key discharge apparatus 250 discharges a key. More specifically, the card is discharged in response to the input of the value to the insertion slot 115, and is guided to the user by being guided from the storage unit (not shown) to the discharge outlet 114 of the game apparatus 100. A card is provided. In addition, the key is discharged in response to an operation related to the discharge being performed on the SP operation input unit 202 of the SP key discharge device 200 or the normal operation input unit 251 of the normal key discharge device 250. A key is provided to the user by being guided from the key storage unit 203 to the SP discharge port 205 or from the normal key storage unit 252 to the normal discharge port 253.

  Here, the SP key ejecting device 200 and the normal key ejecting device 250 are required to have paid for the determination of the key ejecting condition, that is, the condition for enabling each operation input unit. Whether or not is different. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the normal key discharge device 250 has a normal insertion port 254, and when it is detected that a consideration has been inserted into the insertion port (payment of consideration), The operation input unit 251 is configured to transition to an operable state. On the other hand, the SP key discharge device 200 does not have a charge slot unlike the normal key discharge device 250, and whether or not to change the SP operation input unit 202 to an operable state is determined in this embodiment. This is performed based on a control signal sent out by the key discharge control unit 111 of the game apparatus 100 connected to the computer. In this embodiment, the control signal is transmitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game play performed in the game apparatus 100. In other words, the normal key discharge device 250 is configured such that the key can be discharged at a timing desired by the user independently of the game play in the game device 100 as long as payment is made. On the other hand, the SP key discharging device 200 does not discharge the key unless a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game play provided in accordance with the payment of the value. The key can be discharged.

  Further, the SP key discharge device 200 and the normal key discharge device 250 are configured such that the keys to be discharged are the same type of article but have different values in the game. The value in the game refers to the degree (usefulness) of making the game progress advantageous when used in game play, and is a key (SP key) that can be discharged by the SP key discharging device 200 as the second type article according to the present invention. ) Is configured to be more useful than a key (normal key) that can be discharged by the normal key discharge device 250 as the first type article according to the present invention. The usefulness may simply be a so-called rarity determined in the game, and a key determined to have a high rarity of the associated character or item is stored in the SP key storage unit 203 of the SP key discharging device 200. Configured to be stored. For example, when the normal key is formed to have an appearance as shown in FIG. 4A, the SP key is decorated as shown in FIG. 4B and is rarer than the normal key. It may be configured to be discriminable when the value is high. The difference in rarity is, for example, items given by using keys, stages that can be played, avatar parts that can be used, etc. (SP keys can make game progress more advantageous, It is possible to play stages with higher rarity, avatar parts that can not be used with normal keys can be set with SP key), extended play time, provided with the opportunity to obtain other SP keys, etc. It may be done.

<Functional Configuration of Game Device 100 and Key Discharge Device>
Next, functional configurations of the game apparatus 100 and the SP key discharge apparatus 200 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The control unit 101 is, for example, a CPU, and controls the operation of each block included in the game apparatus 100 and the operation of each block included in the SP key ejection apparatus 200. Specifically, the game control unit 101 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program of each block recorded on the recording medium 102 and developing it in the memory 103.

  The recording medium 102 is a recording device that can hold data permanently, such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD. In addition to the operation program for each block of the game device 100, the recording medium 102 includes information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block, various graphics data and games used in the game executed by the game device 100 Stores programs and the like. The memory 103 is a storage device used for temporary data storage such as a volatile memory. The memory 103 is used not only as a development area for the operation program of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output in the operation of each block.

  The payment detection unit 104 detects that the game device 100 has paid the price. For example, the payment of the payment is made by inserting a predetermined amount of coins or corresponding coins into the coin insertion slot (insertion slot 115) or completing settlement processing based on communication with a chip related to predetermined electronic money. It may be determined by detection.

  The card discharge unit 105 has a predetermined drive mechanism and the like, and performs a discharge operation for guiding a card stored in a storage unit (not shown) to the discharge port 114. In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, one card is provided to the user for one game play based on payment of the consideration. Each card discharged or usable in the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is associated with a “code” predetermined as appearing in the game, and an image of the code is attached to the card. Is done. In addition, information (code ID) for identifying the code is attached to the card, and the acquisition unit 106 can acquire the information when the card reader 120 recognizes the card. In the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the discharged card is described as having a fixed design that is printed and issued in advance in a factory or the like, but the discharged card is dynamically designed by so-called on-demand printing. It may be changeable.

  The acquisition unit 106 manages acquisition of information from an article provided in the game device 100 of the present embodiment. More specifically, when the card information read from the card by the card reader 120 and the key information read from the key by the key reader 130 are input, the acquisition unit 106 has a format suitable for the processing related to the game to be provided. To obtain necessary information. As described above, in the present embodiment, information is added to articles (cards and keys) in different ways. Therefore, the card reader 120 and the key reader 130 are provided to read the card information or the key information. After that, the configuration in which the acquisition unit 106 acquires information from these hardware will be described. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be a functional configuration that acquires information for each piece of hardware that reads information from an article. Needless to say, when the same method is used for adding information to the card and the key, the hardware for reading the information may be integrated into one type. In this embodiment, the card reader 120 and the key reader 130 are described as being included in the game apparatus 100. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the acquisition unit 106 is included in the game apparatus 100. The configuration may be such that information attached to the article is acquired from a predetermined information reading device connected externally.

  In the present embodiment, a card that can be used in a game provided by the game device 100 includes at least a coordination ID that identifies a coordination corresponding to an image printed on the card surface as card information. Based on the ID, the coordinates to be attached to the avatar during game play are determined. Similarly, the key includes at least a key ID that uniquely identifies the key as key information. Based on the key ID, the key type and the save data server 300 associated with the key ID as described later are used. Acquisition from is performed.

  The avatar DB 107 is a database that manages information on a plurality of types of parts that can be used on the game, provided for various parts of the avatar used for each user. The part information includes information such as clothes and decorations set as standard in addition to the physical characteristics of the avatar such as a hairstyle and a face (eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, contours). The avatar used by the user is determined by, for example, determining which part managed by the avatar DB 107 is to be used for each part at the first play (game play using any key) for saving, It may be recorded in association with the key ID of the key used at the time of play.

  The coordination DB 108 is a database that manages various types of coordination information (code information) that can be attached to the avatar in the provided game. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), each of the possible coordinates is assigned a code ID 501 that is also attached to the card as described above, and the code classification (tops (upper body), bottoms (lower body), Coordination classification 502 indicating other accessories (head etc.), coordination attributes 503 defined for the coordinates such as themes and colors, coordination effects 504 indicating the effects on the game that occur when the coordination is used for game play, It is assumed that drawing information 505 necessary for presenting the coordinates in the game is managed in association with each other. Note that the drawing information 505 relating to an arbitrary code includes an appearance corresponding to a code image attached to a card corresponding to the code.

  The character DB 109 is a database that manages various information of characters appearing in the game in addition to the avatar used by the user. In the game provided by the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the user selects a stage for performing the rhythm game from a plurality of types of stages as described later. Each stage has a character unique to the stage, and the character DB 109 manages various information (character information) related to these characters. The character information managed for one character may have a data structure as shown in FIG. 5B, for example. In the example of FIG. 5B, in association with the character ID 511 for identifying the character, various parameters 512 relating to the game such as the character name, stage, skill, provided music, etc., which are predetermined for the character, and the character are used as the game. Drawing information 513 including various drawing data necessary for drawing on the screen is managed.

  The presentation control unit 110 controls the presentation of various information to the user in the game apparatus 100. The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described as having a display unit 140 that displays an image (game screen, menu screen, etc.) and a voice output unit 150 that performs voice output as means for presenting various information to the user. Needless to say, the means for presenting information is not limited to these, and can be replaced or added.

  The presentation control unit 110 includes a drawing device such as a GPU, for example, and performs a predetermined drawing process when generating a screen to be displayed on the display unit 140. Specifically, the presentation control unit 110 is appropriate for a necessary drawing object based on processing and commands performed by the control unit 101 while the game apparatus 100 is in operation (during game play or in a standby state). Performs arithmetic processing and draws the screen. The generated screen is output to the display unit 140 which is a display device detachably connected in the same housing as the game device 100 or outside the game device 100, and is displayed in a predetermined display area to the user. Presented.

  The presentation control unit 110 includes a circuit that outputs / amplifies an audio signal, such as a sound board or an amplifier, and performs predetermined processing when generating audio to be output from the audio output unit 150. Specifically, the presentation control unit 110 determines audio data to be output at the same time based on, for example, audio data recorded in advance on the recording medium 102, and converts this into an electric audio signal (D / A conversion). And output to the audio output unit 150 to perform audio output. The audio output unit 150 may be a predetermined speaker or the like, and outputs a sound wave based on the input audio signal.

  The key discharge control unit 111 controls the state and operation of the key discharge device connected to the game apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the key ejection control unit 112 is configured to control the state of the SP key ejection device 200, and the key ejection control unit 111 can eject the key by the SP key ejection device 200. It becomes possible by being controlled to a certain state. The SP key ejection device 200 is controlled so that the key can be ejected by the key ejection control unit 111, so that the key is ejected in response to an operation input to the SP operation input unit 202 as will be described later. Do. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the key is discharged from the SP key discharge device 200 in response to an operation input to the SP operation input unit 202 after being controlled in a dischargeable state. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the key is discharged from the SP key discharge device 200 in accordance with a discharge command from the key discharge control unit 111.

  The operation input unit 112 is a user interface that the game apparatus 100 has, such as an operation member for direction input, an operation member for determination input, and various sensors. When the game operation input unit 112 detects that an operation input to the operation member has been made, the game operation input unit 112 outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 101. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 100 is described as including physical operation members as various interfaces, but includes, for example, a touch input detection sensor that detects a touch input made on the screen of the display unit 140. Also good.

  The communication unit 113 is a communication interface that realizes data transmission / reception with an external device connected via a predetermined network 400 such as the Internet. The communication unit 113 transmits / receives information to / from the server 300 with which communication connection has been established in accordance with a predetermined communication method. In addition, the communication unit 113 may also serve as or include a communication interface that realizes information transmission / reception with the SP key ejection device 200.

  The SP control unit 201 included in the SP key discharging apparatus 200 controls the operation of each block included in the SP key discharging apparatus 200. The operation control of each block may be realized by, for example, reading a program stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory included in the SP control unit 201, developing the program in a volatile memory, and executing the program. In the present embodiment, the SP control unit 201 receives a control signal related to state control by the key discharge control unit 111 and performs various state controls of the SP key discharge device 200. In addition, the SP control unit 201 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to determine whether or not an undischarged capsule is stored in the SP key storage unit 203, and transmits the storage state of the SP key storage unit 203 to the game device 100 in a timely manner. It shall be.

  The SP key discharge unit 204 has a predetermined drive mechanism and the like, and performs a discharge operation for guiding the key stored in the SP key storage unit 203 to the SP discharge port 205. As described above, in the game system of the present embodiment, the SP key discharge device 200 does not have an insertion slot for accepting payment of a price. That is, the discharging operation by the SP key discharging unit 204 is not performed in response to the payment of the price, but can be performed only when the key discharging control unit 111 controls the discharging operation as described above. Further, the discharging operation may be realized in response to an operation input to the SP operation input unit 202 such as a handle provided rotatably. The SP operation input unit 202 can be rotated by the SP control unit 201 when the SP key discharge device 200 is set in a dischargeable state.

  In the present embodiment, the normal key discharge device 250 is not a control target of the key discharge control unit 111, and thus the functional configuration of the normal key discharge device 250 is not particularly shown in FIG. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the normal key discharge device 250 is similarly configured to be controllable by the key discharge control unit 111, or the game device 100 and the normal key discharge device 250 can communicate with each other. It may be configured as follows.

  In the present embodiment, the game device 100, the SP key discharge device 200, and the normal key discharge device 250 are described as separate devices configured to be separable, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something that can be done. The device configured to be communicable with the game device 100 may be configured integrally with the game device 100. In the present embodiment, the game apparatus 100 is described as including a card discharging apparatus, but it will be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the card discharging device may be another device configured so as to be separable from the game device 100, and the card is discharged in response to the payment made in the game device 100. It may be configured to eject at least one card per game play provided for payment.

<Configuration of Server 300>
Next, the functional configuration of the server 300 will be described using the block diagram of FIG.

  The server control unit 301 is a CPU, for example, and controls the operation of each block included in the server 300. Specifically, the server control unit 301 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program for each block recorded in the server recording medium 302 and developing it in the server memory 303 for execution.

  The server recording medium 302 is a recording device that can hold data permanently, such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD. The server recording medium 302 stores information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block in addition to the operation program for each block of the server 300. The server memory 303 is a storage device used for temporary data storage such as a volatile memory. The server memory 303 is used not only as a development area for the operation program of each block, but also as a storage area for temporarily storing data output in the operation of each block.

  The key DB 304 is a database that manages information (key management information) related to each key that can be used for game play in the game apparatus 100. As described above, each key provided to be usable in the game is assigned a key ID that can uniquely identify the key, and the key DB 304 manages key management information for each key ID. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the key management information is associated with the key ID 521, the key type 522 indicating whether the key is the normal key or the SP key, and the key such as the theme or color as in the case of the code. The key attribute 523 defined for the key, the key effect 524 indicating the effect on the game that occurs when the key is used for game play, and the possession registration of the key by any user (corresponding to save data If the user ID is attached), the owning user ID 525 indicating the owning user is managed. The key effect on the game generated by the key is the first stage use as a reward for the release of the stage that can be selected at the time of play and the acquisition (purchase) of the key (if there is no key ID acquisition history or if it has not yet been registered for possession) ), Or the contents of the rhythm game and the contents of the rhythm game to be performed may be changed. Further, the owned user ID 525 may be configured so that it can be determined that any user has already been registered for ownership by including the user ID of the owned user and is still owned by any user. In a state where registration is not performed, a dedicated user ID provided for blank information or an unregistered state may be set.

  The user DB 305 is a database that manages various types of information (user management information) related to each user who uses the game. For example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the user management information is associated with a user ID 531 for identifying the user, and the progress of the game related to the game play that the user has performed so far (the degree of capture, the degree of growth, Saved data 532 configured to save and resume (continuous play), avatar information 533 indicating information on each part of the avatar set during the user play, and the user Is used to manage the possessed key information 534 indicating the key ID of the key that has been registered for possession.

  The server communication unit 306 is a communication interface that realizes data transmission / reception with an external apparatus connected via the network 400. The server communication unit 306 transmits / receives information to / from one or more game apparatuses 100 with which communication connection has been established, or to other terminals such as a mobile phone or a smartphone according to a predetermined communication method. .

Game overview
Next, an outline of a game in which game play is provided to the user mainly by the game device 100 in the game system of the present embodiment will be described. The provision of the game in the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is started in response to the payment detection unit 104 detecting the payment of the value, and the provided game performs a lottery game with the rhythm game part that performs the rhythm game. It consists mainly of lottery game parts. Although the present embodiment will be described as providing a rhythm game in the part that provides the main game elements, it will be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to the rhythm game.

  In the rhythm game part, the user can select one stage from a plurality of stages, and can play a rhythm game corresponding to the stage. In the rhythm game related to the stage, the avatar used by the user and the character associated with the stage appear and are controlled to perform various effects such as actions according to the music and the operation input.

  In the rhythm game part, the user can set the coordinates to be attached to the avatar used in the game by causing the card reader 120 to read the cards related to various coordinates. In the game of the present embodiment, it is possible to attach (appear) a maximum of one coordination for each coordination classification based on the card in one game play, and the progress and production of the rhythm game depending on the coordination that is installed. The occurrence / non-occurrence of or the winning probability of the subsequent lottery game part is controlled. Specifically, each of the selectable stages has one of a plurality of different types of attributes, and when a coordinate that has an attribute that matches the selected stage is used, for example, By changing the parameters in the game section accompanied by the effects related to the coordination classification (increase in score increase rate, decrease in difficulty, etc.), the game is controlled so as to be advantageous.

  In addition, the mode that makes the progress of the game advantageous is not limited to this. For example, in the subsequent lottery game part, a lottery that is normally performed once per game play matches the stage selected in the rhythm game part. It may be configured to increase the number of times according to the number of coordinates and keys used that have attributes, so that the game play of the user after the next time can be made advantageous. For example, the stage attribute is A, the coordinate attribute used for tops classification is A, the key attribute used for game play is A, and the coordination attribute used for bottoms classification and accessory classification is B. In this case, since the coordinates of the tops classification and the attributes of the keys match the stage attributes, the number of lotteries is changed twice (for the number of matches) more than usual.

  In the lottery game part, as described above, one lottery process is normally performed for one game play. For example, the lottery process is configured so that at least an item that activates an effect in the game (given to a code or an avatar) is won, and basically there is no losing eye (an item that causes a disadvantage to the user). It is controlled as follows. In addition, the lottery result of the lottery process also includes a chance that the SP key can be ejected. Depending on the lottery result, the key ejection control unit 111 transmits a control signal to the SP key ejection device 200 to perform operation control. .

  Whether or not to include a hit associated with SP key discharge in the lottery process is, for example, whether the SP key discharge device 200 can discharge the SP key in order to avoid a situation where the SP key cannot be physically discharged. That is, the SP key storage unit 203 may be provided on the condition that a capsule containing the SP key is present. In the present embodiment, description will be made on whether or not the SP key discharge hit is included in the lottery process based on whether or not an undischarged capsule exists in the SP key storage unit 203. However, the implementation of is not limited to this. For example, in order to ensure fairness among users, the winning combination may be included in the lottery process on the condition that a key is used for game play. In addition to this, for example, in order to avoid a situation where the discharge frequency of the SP key is high during a predetermined period and the game balance is lost, the server 300 is configured to manage the discharge frequency information so that communication with the server 300 is possible. In addition, it may be a condition that information related to discharge permission is received from the server 300. In addition, in order to avoid the occurrence of unauthorized transactions such as high-price resale for highly rare SP keys, communication with the server 300 is possible even in an aspect in which the association of keys described later is essential when the SP key is discharged. May be a requirement. At this time, the SP key discharged from the SP key discharge device 200 is configured to be readable (for example, in the vicinity of the position where the capsule guided to the SP discharge port 205 when the next operation input is made is arranged). The key information from the SP key in the capsule can be acquired by non-contact communication) in response to the key discharge control unit 111 controlling the SP key discharge device 200 to be dischargeable. A process for associating the key ID of the SP key as described later may be performed. The determination as to whether or not to include the SP key discharge hit in the lottery process need not be limited to any of these conditions, and is based on at least one of these conditions. It may be.

<Use of key>
In the game of the present embodiment, the user can use the key that the user owns in one game play. Basically, the key is saving / loading (saving / recording) of the progress of the game for each user (contents to be played, which may include information on the avatar used) related to the provision of continuous play elements. / Resume / Reproduce / Reflect) function. In the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, after the payment detection unit 104 detects payment of the consideration, the progress of the current game play is recorded and / or the progress of the past game play is reflected. The user is allowed to select whether or not to play (load). At this time, when the key information is acquired by the key reader 130, the control unit 101 determines that the progress status is to be saved and / or loaded.

  Saving and / or loading of the progress status may be realized by recording information on the progress status of the game in the server 300 in association with the key ID, and in this embodiment, the user who played the game In such user management information, save data 532 (and avatar information 533) is associated with owned key information 534 including the key ID of the key used for the game play (owned by the user) and recorded in the user DB 305. Is done. The user ID may be assigned to the user when determining the first game play using a key, for example. In the present embodiment, the user management information related to one user ID 531 is described as being associated with the key ID of the key used and the play content. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the key is not limited to this. As long as the ID and the play content are associated with each other, the data structure of the recorded information may be any.

  In addition, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, a key association function is provided so that resumption from the same progress status is realized regardless of which of the keys owned by the user is used. The key association function is a function of recording that a plurality of key IDs are owned by one user, and when a plurality of key IDs are acquired in the game apparatus 100, the user management information of the corresponding user By registering the plurality of key IDs in the owned key information 534, association between keys is realized. For example, after acquiring key information from a key used for game play, whether or not to associate another key with the key is confirmed, and the user causes the key reader 130 to read another key, It is possible to associate the key whose information has been previously obtained with the other key. In this way, since a plurality of key IDs are included in the user management information related to one user, the same user management information can be used regardless of which of the associated keys is used in the next game play. And the game can be restarted from the save data 532 (and avatar information 533) included in the user management information.

  Since the associated key group is held in the server 300 as user management information, the user transmits a request for browsing his / her user management information using any of the keys registered in the game apparatus 100. Alternatively, you can receive and browse a list of keys that you have obtained by making a browsing request in the same way using a user ID, for example, via a predetermined user site from another terminal you use It is assumed that Such a list allows the user to clearly understand which keys have not been obtained, and suitably stimulates the desire to collect keys that have not been obtained, leading to further game use. Can do.

  Further, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, for a user who has paid the consideration in the normal key discharge device 250 and has obtained the normal key, or a user who has played a game with payment of the fee and has obtained the SP key. In order to provide highly interesting game play, control is performed so that the content of the game play provided varies depending on whether the key is used or not. For example, when the game is played without using a key as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the rhythm game part is composed of only the game sections corresponding to the respective coordinate classifications. When playing a game using a key, it may be controlled so that a game section corresponding to the key can be additionally played as shown in FIG. 6B.

  In order to provide a better playing experience for users who paid for the game separately to obtain the key, the parameter is set so that the progress of the game is more advantageous when using the key for the first time than when using the key. It is good also as attaching | subjecting privileges, such as increasing the number of lotteries concerning a lottery game part. By doing so, it is possible to stimulate the user's willingness to purchase a new key, guide the user to a game play using an active key, and thus expect to prolong the content provision. In addition, the privilege given at the time of first time use is not restricted to the content mentioned above, Another privilege may be used.

  Furthermore, when selecting a stage for a rhythm game part, a stage that can be selected only when the key is used is released by using a key used for the purpose of saving / loading or by using a new key in addition to the key. Can do. With this configuration, a user who wants to play a stage where a desired character appears can be guided to key purchase or game play.

《Provision processing》
With respect to the providing process performed in connection with the provision of one game play in the game system of the present embodiment having such a configuration, a specific process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing corresponding to the flowchart is executed by the control unit 101 or the server control unit 301 by reading a corresponding processing program stored in, for example, the recording medium 102 or the server recording medium 302 and developing the program in the memory 103 or the server memory 303. This can be realized. The present providing process will be described as being started when, for example, the payment detection unit 104 detects that a payment for a single game play has been paid.

  In step S <b> 701, the control unit 101 causes the card discharge unit 105 to discharge a card related to the current game play. Note that, in the providing process of the present embodiment, the card is discharged after the payment of the consideration. However, as described above, the card discharge timing is not limited to this. For example, the card may be discharged at the end of the game experience related to a series of games (after the end of the process related to game play).

  In step S <b> 702, the control unit 101 starts communication connection with the server 300 and determines whether the communication connection has been established. If the control unit 101 determines that a communication connection with the server 300 has been established, the control unit 101 moves the process to step S703. If the control unit 101 determines that the communication connection with the server 300 cannot be established, the control unit 101 notifies that the function for saving / loading using the key and the key association cannot be provided because the communication with the server is not possible in S708. The display to be displayed is presented to the presentation control unit 110, and the process proceeds to S709.

  In step S <b> 703, the control unit 101 determines whether to save the current play content and / or load the past play content. As described above, whether to save and / or load is determined by causing the key reader 130 to acquire information from a key (target key) to be used or performing a skip (no save / load) operation. It is determined based on whether or not a corresponding operation has been performed in response to the user's notification. Therefore, the control unit 101 determines this step based on whether the acquisition unit 106 has acquired key information through the key reader 130 or whether the operation input related to skip has been received by the operation input unit 112. The control unit 101 moves the process to S704 when saving and / or loading, and moves the process to S709 when determining that the save and / or load is not performed.

  In step S <b> 704, the control unit 101 executes a load-time process for loading a user's past play contents or registering a new user's avatar.

<Processing during loading>
Here, the loading process executed in this step will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 801, the control unit 101 transmits the key ID included in the key information acquired from the target key to the communication unit 113 and causes the server 300 to transmit the key ID.

  In step S <b> 802, the server control unit 301 determines whether save data or the like associated with the received key ID already exists. Specifically, the server control unit 301 refers to the key management information related to the key ID and managed in the key DB 304, and determines whether or not the user ID of the owned user is registered in the owned user ID 525. Judge this step. If the server control unit 301 determines that save data or the like associated with the key ID of the target key already exists, the server control unit 301 moves the process to S803, and if it does not exist, moves the process to S805.

  In step S803, the server control unit 301 reads the user management information managed in the user DB 305 for the owned user ID 525 of the key management information referred in step S802. Of these, the user ID 531, the save data 532, and the avatar information 533 are transmitted to the server communication unit 306 and returned to the game apparatus 100.

  In S804, the control unit 101 reproduces (loads) the state related to the previous play content based on the received information, and completes the loading process. Specifically, the control unit 101 stores information on various parts related to avatar generation and game progress information in the memory 103 so that continuous game play can be provided.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S802 that there is no saved data or the like, the server control unit 301 causes the user DB 305 to issue a new user ID in S805, and transmits the new user ID to the server communication unit 306, so that the game device 100 is returned. The server control unit 301 also updates the owned user ID 525 of the key management information related to the target key managed in the key DB 304 by substituting the issued new user ID. Further, the server control unit 301 generates user management information related to the new user ID, and registers the user management information in the user DB 305 by including the key ID of the target key in the owned key information 534.

  In step S <b> 806, the control unit 101 receives only the newly issued user ID and receives information on various parts related to avatar generation based on setting input of various parts of the avatar and information on the progress status of the new game ( Initial value) is stored in the memory 103, a new game play can be provided, and the loading process is completed.

  As described above, according to the loading process, when a game play using the target key has already been performed, the past play contents recorded in the server 300 in association with the key ID of the target key are stored. Reproduce and provide continuous game play. In addition, when a target key that is associated with another key is used, the past play content performed using at least one of the associated keys is reproduced, and continuously Game play can be provided.

  When the loading process is completed, the control unit 101 determines in step S705 whether or not to associate another key with the target key. In this step, a notification related to whether or not to perform association is presented to the user, and a determination is made based on the operation input made for the notification. If the control unit 101 determines to associate another key, it moves the process to S706, and if not, it moves the process to S710.

  In step S <b> 706, the control unit 101 waits until the acquisition unit 106 acquires additional key information related to another key to be associated via the key reader 130. When the additional key information is acquired, the control unit 101 transmits the key ID of the additional key information and the user ID of the user who plays to the communication unit 113 and causes the server 300 to transmit the key ID. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, description will be made on the assumption that one key that is additionally read information is associated with the target key, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the number of keys to be associated is not limited to two, and processing may be performed so as to associate a plurality of keys not including the target key. In the latter case, the control unit 101 may acquire information sequentially from each of the plurality of keys by the key reader 130 and transmit the obtained plurality of key IDs and user IDs to the communication unit 113 for transmission.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there is a play history using the key for the target key, and load processing is performed so that continuous game play using the play history can be performed even when another associated key is used. The user ID stored in the memory 103 will be described as updating the user management information stored in the user DB 305, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when there is no play history for the target key and there is a play history for another key to be associated, the user management information associated with the key ID of the latter key is to be updated. It may be. In this case, the user ID, information on various parts related to avatar generation, and game progress information stored in the memory 103 for game play are obtained from the user management information associated with the key ID of the latter key. It may be changed to the acquired information. Further, for example, when there is a different play history for each key to be associated, that is, when the information on the play content associated with the key ID of each key is different, the process proceeds to the user management information related to any user ID. Update processing may be performed so as to integrate situation information and the like. Such integration may be performed only when the identity of the users related to the plurality of user management information is secured by information other than the user ID such as the user name, for example. That is, in such a situation, it is assumed that a key already owned by another user is erroneously used for association. Therefore, if the identity of the user is not ensured, the save data 532 or the possession The key information 534 may not be integrated, and a notification that the association is impossible may be presented.

  In step S <b> 707, the server control unit 301 updates the ownership key information 534 of the user management information managed by the user DB 305 according to the received user ID, including the received key ID (additional key information). By doing in this way, in the game system of the present embodiment, the key ID of the target key is associated with the key ID of the other key, and if only one of the key IDs can be acquired, it is continuously based on the same play content. Game play can be provided.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S703 not to save and / or load, in S709, the control unit 101 as a guest user who does not require a user ID, information on various parts related to avatar generation and a new game progress status. Information (initial value) is stored in the memory 103 so that a new game play can be provided. Here, for example, fixed information prepared in advance may be used as information on various parts related to avatar generation.

  In S710, the control unit 101 executes rhythm game processing according to the rhythm game part, and starts providing the user with a play experience of the rhythm game according to the present embodiment.

<Rhythm game processing>
Here, the rhythm game process executed in this step will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 901, the control unit 101 determines whether a key is used in connection with selection of a stage for executing a rhythm game. The determination in this step is a notification that a dedicated stage can be played by using a key when selecting a stage, and then whether or not the acquisition unit 106 has acquired further key information via the key reader 130. The description will be made on the basis of this. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, a description will be given assuming that when a key is used (when further key information is acquired), a stage previously associated with the key can be selected. Is not limited to this. For example, when there is a key for which information has been acquired in the load process or the association process, the stage associated with the key can be selected, and no new key information is acquired when the stage is selected. It is good also as a structure. Further, for example, a key that has been used as a target key in the past or that has already been associated may be configured such that the associated stage can be selected without acquiring information again. Note that, unlike the association, the key used for releasing the stage may be a key that is owned by a user different from the owner of the target key. If the control unit 101 determines that the key is used, it moves the process to S902, and if it determines that the key is not used, it moves the process to S903.

  In step S <b> 902, the control unit 101 selects a corresponding stage as a stage for playing a game (play stage) based on the key ID acquired from the key used for stage selection, and stores information in the memory 103. On the other hand, if the key is not used for stage selection, the control unit 101 stores information in the memory 103 in step S <b> 903, using one stage selected according to a user operation or a predetermined process as a play stage.

  In step S <b> 904, the control unit 101 acquires information on the coordinates to be attached to the avatar according to the rhythm game to be executed. As described above, the coordinates information of the coordinates corresponding to the card may be stored in the memory 103 in response to the information acquisition from the card by the card reader 120 as described above.

  In step S <b> 905, the control unit 101 executes a process related to a rhythm game, the progress of which can change according to the operation input made, and provides a play experience of the rhythm game. As described above, in the process of this step, which is the coordinate attached to the avatar for the current game play, whether the attached coordinate or the attribute of the target key matches the attribute of the selected stage, the target Control is made so that progress and game content (number of game sections and production effects) change depending on whether or not the game is the first game play using the key and whether or not there is a privilege given to the user. It may be a thing. When provision of the play experience relating to all game sections of the rhythm game is completed, the control unit 101 completes the rhythm game process.

  When the rhythm game process is completed, in step S711, the control unit 101 executes a lottery process related to the lottery game part, and performs a lottery for a variety of benefits to be given including the discharge of the SP key for the current game play. When the SP key discharge is determined in the lottery process in this step, the control unit 101 presents a notification that the SP key can be discharged to the presentation control unit 110 and further causes the key discharge control unit 111 to discharge the SP key. The apparatus 200 is controlled so that it can be ejected.

  In S <b> 712, the control unit 101 updates the progress status information stored in the memory 103 to reflect the current game play including the lottery result in the lottery game part. Then, the control unit 101 transmits the updated progress status information, the user ID, and information on various parts related to avatar generation to the communication unit 113 and causes the server 300 to transmit the information.

  In S713, the server control unit 301 updates the save data 532 and the avatar information 533 of the user management information related to the received user ID based on the other received information. Needless to say, the processes of S712 and S713 need not be executed when the game play is performed without using a key, that is, when the game play is performed in a state where the corresponding user management information does not exist.

  As described above, according to the game system of the present embodiment, the user profit can be secured for the game play provided based on the article. More specifically, according to the above providing process, even if one of the plurality of keys is used by associating the plurality of keys obtained by the user, it is associated with at least one of the plurality of keys. A play experience having a continuation element reflecting the recorded play content can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where it is impossible to determine which key is used to record a desired progress situation, and to allow the user to play the game appropriately without requiring a complicated operation that requires carrying of a plurality of keys. Can be led to.

  In this embodiment, in order to reduce the storage area of the server 300 required for holding save data, the user is identified, and the key IDs of the key (s) owned by each user are associated with the save data. Although the aspect which implement | achieves said effect was demonstrated, implementation of this invention is not restricted to this. That is, instead of managing the key ID and save data of the key owned by each user in association with each other, the save data may be associated with each key ID and recorded without using the user information. Good. In this case, when a game play using the associated key is performed, the save data associated with each of the associated key IDs is updated to be the same save data, The above effects can be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, save data associated with a key ID so that the above effect can be obtained even when the user plays a game on any of the game devices 100 arranged in a plurality of geographic areas, and Although a configuration has been described in which information on a plurality of associated key IDs is held in a server 300 externally connected via the network 400, it will be easily understood that the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is not always necessary to hold such information via a device different from the game device 100. For example, a plurality of game devices 100 are installed in a specific space such as a store in a state where they can communicate with each other. May be held by any one of the game apparatuses 100. Further, for example, in an aspect in which a user's continuous game play is provided only on one game apparatus 100, the game apparatus 100 may be configured to hold such information.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment described above, the normal key discharging device 250 and the like have been described with respect to an aspect in which a user can play a continuous game by using a key obtained by paying a price separately from the game play. On the other hand, the play element provided by using the key in this way is difficult to convey its usefulness only to the user who actually used it, the user who watched the play contents used by other users, etc. It is difficult to direct the user to actively use keys for game play.

  In the present embodiment, an aspect of using the promo key as the third type article of the present invention will be described in order to let the user know the play element provided by using the key. Promo key is a key that is distributed without paying for compensation or playing a game like the normal key or SP key. For example, it is distributed over the counter as a novelty for sales promotion, or related products and collaboration products. Distributed as an appendix. In addition, in order to guide the user intensively from the provision to the game play in such a distribution mode, and to further encourage the purchase of another normal key or SP key, the promo key has a limitation on the usage period in the game device 100. Is provided. More specifically, during a predetermined period of use, the promo key is configured to be used for saving / loading the progress and releasing the dedicated stage in the same manner as the normal key and the SP key. Make the experience possible for users. In other words, during the period of use, the user can use the promo key as the target key, so that the user can have a play experience similar to that of the normal key or the SP key. During this period, the game play using the key can be interesting. it can. As for the information on the usage period, the data configuration of the key management information managed by the key DB 304 in the server 300 of this embodiment has a usage period 541 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. However, it may be obtained by referring to this. The usage period 541 may be information configured to be able to specify the start date and time and end date and time of the usage period, for example. For a key for which no usage period is set such as a normal key or an SP key, for example, a blank is used. It may consist of information. Further, the key type 522 of the key management information may be configured by, for example, enumerated information so that the promo key can be identified in addition to the normal key and the SP key.

  On the other hand, normal keys and SP keys that require a certain investment for acquisition, and promo keys distributed without requiring payment of consideration, have a difference in handling in order to ensure fairness among users. It is preferable to provide it. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the promo key is used as the target key, unlike the normal key or the SP key, for example, control that favors the progress of the game based on the match of the stage and the key attribute is not performed. The In the present embodiment, the difference in handling between the promo key and the normal key or the SP key is described as progress control related to attribute matching. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and other than this. Alternatively, for example, control may be performed so that execution of an additional game section, increase in the number of lotteries, provision of a privilege at the first use, and the like are not performed.

  In addition, the provision of a continuous play element in the game play using the promo key is limited to the above-described use period. In other words, after a predetermined period of use, the promo key can no longer be used as the target key, and the game is performed using the promo key and reflects saved data and avatar information related to past game play. Play is controlled impossible. On the other hand, in order to guide a user who has increased interest in the game through game play using the promo key to further game play, in the game system of this embodiment, the promo key is associated with another normal key or SP key. Thus, the setting of the usage period is canceled, and for example, it is configured to be set as a key that is handled in the same manner as a normal key. In the present embodiment, the cancellation of the setting of the usage period is described as being performed by updating the usage period 541 of the corresponding key management information to blank information, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be performed by assigning information indicating association or changing the key type 522. In this way, save data and avatar information recorded in association with the key ID of the promo key can be used even after the end of the use period for the user who played the game using the promo key during the use period. Therefore, it is possible to prolong the use of the game by the user while reducing the resistance felt by the user to the game play using the key.

《Provision processing》
Hereinafter, specific processing of the providing processing and the loading processing performed in the game system of the present embodiment will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11. In the game system of the present embodiment, each device has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Further, in the description of the providing process (and loading process) of the present embodiment, the steps for performing the same process as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The processing will be particularly described.

  If it is determined in S703 that saving and / or loading is to be performed, the control unit 101 performs the loading process according to the present embodiment in S1001.

<Processing during loading>
When the key ID of the target key is transmitted from the game device 100 to the server 300 in S801, the server control unit 301 determines in S1101 whether the target key is a key for which a usage period is set. Specifically, the server control unit 301 refers to the key management information managed in the key DB 304 according to the received key ID, and determines whether or not this step is based on whether or not the usage period information is registered in the usage period 541. I do. In other words, the determination in this step is a determination as to whether or not the usage key is in a state in which the usage period is set. As described above, the usage period is set for the promotion key associated with a key other than the promotion key. Excluded from the set key. If the server control unit 301 determines that the target key is a key for which a usage period has been set, it moves the process to S1102, and if it determines that the target key is not a key for which a usage period has been set, moves the process to S802.

  In S1102, the server control unit 301 determines whether or not the current game play is a game play during the use period set for the target key. In other words, the server control unit 301 determines whether or not the current time is included in the time range indicated by the usage period 541 of the corresponding key management information. If the server control unit 301 determines that the game play is during the use period, the process proceeds to S1103. If the server control unit 301 determines that the game play is after the use period, the process proceeds to S1105. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the promo key is not distributed before the start of the usage period, and in this step, it is assumed that it is determined whether it is during the usage period or after the usage period has elapsed. You may include before the start of a use period in judgment that it is not in a use period.

  In S1103, the server control unit 301 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the usage period. The predetermined period may be set to, for example, half the length of the usage period, or one week before the end of the usage period. If the server control unit 301 determines that the predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the usage period, the process proceeds to S1104. If the server control unit 301 determines that the predetermined period has not elapsed, the process proceeds to S802.

  In step S1104, the server control unit 301 transmits information indicating that notification regarding the usage period is necessary to the server communication unit 306 to be transmitted to the game device 100, and the process proceeds to step S802. In response to the reception of the information, the game device 100 notifies the presentation control unit 110 that it is necessary to associate with another key in order to play the game using the promo key even after the use period ends. Presented by

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S1102 that the current game play is a game play after the lapse of the usage period, the server control unit 301 transmits information indicating that a notification regarding the unavailable use is necessary in S1105. Are transmitted to the game apparatus 100, and the loading process is terminated. In the game device 100, in response to the reception of the information, the game period using the promo key cannot be performed because the use period has ended, and in order to play the game using the promo key after the use period has elapsed, A notification that the association with other keys is necessary is presented by the presentation control unit 110.

  For the sake of simplicity in the present embodiment, when the loading process is terminated by executing S1105, the presentation process is moved to S709, and the information stored in the memory 103 in the game device 100 is provided as a new game play. Although the description will be made on the assumption that processing for enabling the state is performed, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even in the case of a promo key after the usage period has elapsed, in the aspect that enables association with other keys in S706 and S707, the key is associated with the key ID of the promo key even if it is not usable. The processing may be moved to S802 after S1105 so that the saved data or the like is transmitted to the game apparatus 100. In this case, if the association is not made, the information stored in the memory 103 is changed from a state in which continuous game play can be provided to a state in which new game play can be provided, and then in S710. The rhythm game process may be executed.

  Also, after such loading processing, if it is determined in S705 that another key is associated with the target key, the control unit 101 in S1002, the user ID of the user who plays, the key ID of the target key (target key) ID) and a key ID (additional key ID) of another key to be associated are transmitted to the communication unit 113 and transmitted to the server 300.

  In step S <b> 1003, the server control unit 301 determines whether or not the association is between a promo key (in a state where a usage period is set) and other keys. If the server control unit 301 determines that the promo key and the other key are associated with each other, the server control unit 301 moves the process to S1004, and if it determines that the key is other than the promo key, the process is performed. To S707.

  In step S <b> 1004, the server control unit 301 determines whether or not the playing user has obtained (used) a key other than the promo key before the promo key for the key group to be associated. As described above, the promo key has a side which is distributed for the purpose of expanding the number of users of the game apparatus 100 or increasing the number of users who play using the key. There is no advantage to the user who used and played. Therefore, in this embodiment, a user who is guided to play using a key by distributing a promo key and a user who is presumed to have played using a normal key or an SP key before obtaining the promo key. Different handling. For this reason, the user who plays is discriminated in this step.

  Specifically, the server control unit 301 refers to key management information and user management information associated with each of the target key ID and the additional key ID, and the play history before the first game play using the promo key is stored. The determination of this step is made based on whether or not the data is included in the save data relating to a key other than the promo key. For this reason, it is assumed that the save data of this embodiment includes at least information on the date and time of playing in the past.

  When the server control unit 301 determines that the playing user has obtained a key other than the promo key before the promo key, the server control unit 301 moves the process to S1005, and when it is determined that the key other than the promo key has been acquired after the promo key. The process moves to S1006.

  In S1005 and S1006, the server control unit 301 updates the owned key information 534 of the user management information managed by the user DB 305 according to the received user ID, including the additional key ID, and relates the save data 532 to the association. Update to a state with special benefits. As described above, the privilege related to the association is made according to the order of obtaining the promo key and the key other than the promo key. More specifically, when the save data 532 of the user management information of the user who is presumed to have played using the normal key or the SP key before obtaining the promo key is updated, the normal key or the SP key is obtained after the promo key. The content of the privilege to be granted is changed so that the game can be advantageously advanced as compared with the case where the same update is performed for the user who has performed.

  In step S <b> 1007, the server control unit 301 cancels the setting of the usage period for the promo key (the usage period is set) of the association target keys. Specifically, the server control unit 301 cancels the setting of the usage period by changing the usage period 541 of the key management information related to the key ID of the promotion key and managed in the key DB 304 to blank information. With this process, the promo key for which the usage period has been set is handled as being equivalent to the normal key or the SP key.

  By doing in this way, according to the game system of this embodiment, the opportunity which provides highly interesting game play is extended to the user who did not own the key, and the purchase of the key and the use of the key are used. Game play can be encouraged.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The game device and the game system according to the present invention can also be realized by a program that causes one or more computers to function as various devices constituting the game device or the game system. The program can be provided / distributed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium or through a telecommunication line.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Game device, 300: Server, 400: Network, 101: Control part, 102: Recording medium, 103: Memory, 104: Payment detection part, 105: Card discharge part, 106: Acquisition part, 107: Avatar DB, 108 : Code DB, 109: Character DB, 110: Presentation Control Unit, 111: Key Ejection Control Unit, 112: Operation Input Unit, 113: Communication Unit, 114: Ejection Port, 115: Input Port, 120: Card Reader, 130: Key reader 140: Display unit 150: Audio output unit 301: Server control unit 302: Server recording medium 303: Server memory 304: Key DB 305: User DB 306: Server communication unit

In general, a capsule vendor is configured to be able to provide a plurality of types of articles having different shapes, colors, and the like, for example. The user is provided with an article enclosed in a capsule that is agitated by the above and randomly guided to the discharge port. Therefore, not only the capsule vendor, if provided of the article through the apparatus for discharging a plurality of kinds of articles are made, Ru obtained gives the user the collection greed like to obtain the desired types of articles.

In a game system, such as the Patent Document 1, the capsule vendor provided close are merely selling goods for available data recorded by the game apparatus, the use of the collection greed and the game apparatus of the article It did not synergistically increase motivation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, when playing the game using the article, and an object thereof is to provide a game apparatus and a program to provide a more suitable play experience .

Game apparatus of the present invention is a game device having execution means capable of executing the game using the articles of the first type, a first discharge means that is configured to be able to discharge the article in the first type and A control means for controlling whether or not the first type of article is to be discharged by the first discharging means, and the game can be executed without being conditional on the use of the first type of article, The control means causes the first discharge means to discharge the first type of article in accordance with the play contents of the executed game on condition that the first type of article is used and the game is executed. Control whether or not .

With such a configuration, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a more suitable play experience when playing a game using an article .

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, one embodiment described below is a server configured to be able to provide game play for each game content as an example of a game system, and to be able to communicate with these game apparatuses via a network. Next, an example to which the present invention is applied will be described. In addition, the game device is configured to be capable of discharging the second type of article, and further connected to a special key (hereinafter referred to as SP key) discharge device and a normal key discharge device capable of discharging the first type of article. In the following description, it is assumed that at least the SP key discharge device and the game device are configured to be communicable. However, the present invention can be applied to any device configured to be able to provide a play experience using the first type of article and the second type of article.

In the following description, as a second type of article according to the present invention, an article that can be used in a game that is discharged and executed by a game device is a card, and as a first type of article according to the present invention, The article that can be used in the game that is discharged and executed by the key discharge device is described as a key (key-type accessory) having a three-dimensional shape as shown in FIG. 4, but information can be acquired. As long as they are configured articles, the articles according to both types are not limited to cards and keys. The article may be a modeled object such as a figure having the appearance of a game element (character or item), for example. The article may be any article such as a toy or a seal as well as a figure.

In the present embodiment, the second type of article (card) and the first type of article (key) will be described as different types of articles. However, in the practice of the present invention, these articles are external appearances. It does not exclude the possibility that the goods are handled as the same classification when used outside the game. In this case, for example, it may be configured such that different types of games are differentiated by different handling on the game.

Claims (23)

A game device having execution means for executing a game based on information obtained from a first type of article,
Acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the article from a second type of article different from the first type of article;
A storage unit that records and saves the play content of the game in a recording unit in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit;
And a managing unit that associates the plurality of pieces of identification information when the plurality of pieces of identification information are obtained by the obtaining unit.   The execution means, when the identification information acquired by the acquisition means is identification information associated with other identification information, at least one of which is associated with the acquired identification information The game device according to claim 1, wherein the play content recorded in association with the identification information is reflected in the game to be executed. A discharge device for discharging at least the second type of article is connected to the game device,
The second type of article includes a first type article that is discharged in accordance with payment of the consideration and a second type article that is discharged in accordance with a condition different from the payment of the consideration in the discharge device. The game device according to claim 2.   The game device according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit that causes the discharge device to discharge the second type article according to the play content of the executed game. The control means further includes
Identification information has been acquired by the acquisition means for the executed game;
The connection between the external device having the recording means and the game device is established, and the second type article is accommodated in the accommodation portion of the ejection device so as to be ejected,
5. The game device according to claim 4, wherein when at least one of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined whether or not to discharge the second type article according to the play content of the executed game. The second type of article includes a third type article that is different from the first type article and the second type article, and has a preset usage period usable for the game,
The storage means stores the play content of the game in the recording means in association with the identification information acquired from the third type article for the game played during the use period. The game device according to any one of 3 to 5.   In response to the identification information acquired from the third type article being associated with the identification information acquired from the other first type article or the second type article, the third type article is The game device according to claim 6, wherein the setting of the usage period is canceled.   A first notification for notifying the usage period when identification information is acquired from the third type article in a state where the setting of the usage period has not been canceled after a predetermined period of time has elapsed during the usage period The game device according to claim 7, further comprising means.   When identification information is acquired from the third type article in which the setting of the use period has not been released after the use period has elapsed, association with the other first type article or the second type article The game device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: second notification means for notifying that the item is necessary for use of the third type article.   The execution means, when the identification information acquired from the third type article is not associated with the identification information acquired from another first type article or the second type article during the use period, The play content recorded in association with the identification information is not reflected in the game to be executed even if the identification information is acquired from the third type article after the usage period has elapsed. Item 1. A game device according to item 1.   The execution means includes the identification information acquired from the third type article, the identification information acquired from another first type article or the second type article during the use period or after the use period has elapsed. In the case of association, even after the usage period has elapsed, in response to the acquisition of the identification information from the third type article, the play content recorded in association with the identification information is reflected in the game to be executed. The game device according to claim 6.   For the identification information acquired from the third type article, the execution means includes identification information associated with a play content having a history of use in the game before using the third type article. 12. The game according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the progress of the game performed after the association is different between the case where the association is made and the case where the identification information associated with the play content not having the history is associated. The game device described in 1. The game progresses including selection of any one of a plurality of stages having different attributes,
The identification information of the second type of article is associated with attribute information indicating at least one of the different attributes,
The execution means is advantageous in the progress of the game to be executed when the attribute of the selected stage matches the attribute of the second type of article acquired by the acquisition means for the game to be executed. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the game device is changed to be.   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the association of the plurality of pieces of identification information by the management unit is performed during provision of a game play corresponding to payment of a consideration.   The game device according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit sequentially acquires each of the plurality of pieces of identification information associated with the management unit. The recording means has an external device configured to be connectable to the game device,
The management means associates the plurality of identification information on the condition that the connection between the game device and the external device is established, and information indicating that the plurality of identification information is associated. The game device according to claim 1, further recorded by the recording unit. The recording means records, for each user, ownership information for managing identification information of the second type of article owned by the user,
The plurality of identification information associated by the management means is included in the possession information related to one user,
The management unit does not associate the identification information with the other identification information when the identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is already included in the possession information related to another user. The game device described in 1.   The game device according to claim 17, wherein the possession information is provided by making a browsing request to the external device and configured to be browseable. The game progresses including selection of any one of a plurality of stages,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein some of the plurality of stages are configured to be selectable on condition that identification information is obtained by the obtaining unit.   The execution means executes another game content in addition to executing the game content when the identification information is not acquired when the identification information is acquired by the acquisition means. The game device according to item.   The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the execution means changes so that the progress of the game to be executed is advantageous when identification information having no acquisition history is acquired by the acquisition means. .   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the game device of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 21. Execution means for executing a game based on information acquired from the first type of article;
Obtaining means for obtaining identification information of the product from a second type of product different from the first type of product;
Storage means for recording and storing the play content of the game in association with the identification information acquired by the acquisition means;
And a managing unit that associates the plurality of pieces of identification information when the plurality of pieces of identification information are obtained by the obtaining unit.

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