JP2018175880A - Game system, computer program used therefor and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of collecting different shares in expenses from plural users as a compensation for playing a game.SOLUTION: A game system 1 is a game system for causing a group UG including plural users U to play a common music game. The game system 1 sets a group charge as a compensation for the whole group UG for playing a group play of the music game, to each user U in the group UG in common so that respective users of the group UG can pay different charges, and when at least some users in the group UG pay the group charge, each user U in the group UG is allowed to play a group play of the music game in common so that the group play is provided to all users U in the group UG.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system and the like that allow a plurality of users to play a common game.

  There are game systems that allow a plurality of users to play a common game. For example, as such a game system, there is also a game system in which two users sharing one game machine play a common game (so-called two-player play). In addition, there is also a game system that causes such a game to be played in exchange for collection of a predetermined fee. When one additional coin is collected from one player of the two-player game in addition to the two coins as the predetermined compensation as one of these game systems, the one player There is known a game system that provides not only the player but also the other player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 5318508

  In the game system of Patent Document 1, with the prepayment of additional coins for so-called continuation, benefits are given to both players in two-player mode. However, the price of each player necessary for playing is uniform, and there is no difference between the players. Therefore, for example, even if there is a difference in the allowable amount of consideration that can be paid between the two players, at least in a systematic manner, both players are required to have the same burden amount. Even in such a case, for example, when one game machine is shared, it may be possible to make a difference in the actual burden amount in the operation between the players through the lending and borrowing between the players and the like. However, for example, when two or more players are determined by matching, in many cases there is a physical distance between the two players, and such operation tends to be difficult . As a result, it is often difficult to collect different contributions.

  Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system etc. which can collect different burdens from a plurality of users as a price for playing a game.

  The game system according to the present invention is a game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game, and the total play fee of the plurality of users is different among the plurality of users as a compensation for playing the game. Charge setting means commonly set to the plurality of users so as to be able to share the amount, and the game is performed when the entire play fee is paid by at least a part of the plurality of users. And a play permission means for commonly permitting the plurality of users to play the game so as to be provided to the user.

  On the other hand, a computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to an output device for providing the game to function as each means of the game system described above.

  Further, the server device of the present invention is connected to an output device for providing the game via a network, and functions as each means of the above-described game system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the charge system of a music game. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the payment method of a group charge. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the content of group charge data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a charge notification process routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a privilege provision process routine.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an entire configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As one example, the game machine GM is configured as a business (commercial) game machine. The arcade game machine is a game machine for playing a game of a predetermined range for a fee or free of charge. As an example, game machine GM provides a music game for a fee. Specifically, the game machine GM, for example, provides a music game in a range corresponding to the value in exchange for consumption of the predetermined value. An appropriate number of game machines GM are installed in commercial facilities such as the store 4 and the like.

  The center server 2 is not limited to an example configured by one physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a server group as a plurality of physical devices. Also, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing. Furthermore, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

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

  The network 3 may be configured to implement network communication using a TCP / IP protocol, as an example. Typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and the intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b.

  The network 3 is not limited to the form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication or a wireless line (including infrared communication, short distance wireless communication, and the like) may be used. Alternatively, communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless), for example. It may be realized using code (for example, two-dimensional code) generated by Therefore, the term network (or communication line) may include a mode of transmitting and receiving information without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

  The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its user. As a service for game machines, for example, a service may be provided which receives identification information of a user from game machine GM and authenticates the user. In addition, a service may be provided which provides the game machine GM with play data for receiving and storing play data of the authenticated user from the game machine GM or storing the same. Furthermore, in the service for game machines, a program for distributing or updating the program or data of the game machine GM via the network 3 and matching the users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3 Matching service etc. may be included.

  Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various information related to the game provided by the game machine GM. Also, for example, the Web service may include a distribution service for distributing various data or software to each user terminal 5 (including updating of data etc.). Furthermore, the Web service may include other services such as a community service that provides a place of interaction such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by a user, and a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user.

  Next, the main part of a control system of the game system 1 for providing a music game will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage (for example, a ROM and a RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, or the like may be connected to the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

  The storage unit 11 is connected to a control unit 10 as a computer. The storage unit 11 may be configured of, for example, a mass storage medium such as a magnetic tape so that storage can be maintained without supply of power. The storage unit 11 stores server data 14 and a server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program necessary for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the like. As the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, the game machine service management unit 16 and the Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

  The game machine service management unit 16 executes a process for providing the above-described game machine service. On the other hand, the web service management unit 17 executes the processing necessary to provide the above-described web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

  The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include the collective charge data 14a. Details of the group charge data 14a will be described later.

  Also, the server data 14 may include various other data for realizing the game. For example, such data may include play data and ID management data. The play data is data in which information on the past play results of each user is described. The play data may be used, for example, to take over the previous play results (past results) from the next time onwards, or to take over the setting contents unique to each user. The ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as user IDs. However, their illustration is omitted.

  On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30 as a computer, a storage unit 31, a monitor MO as an output device, an input device 7, a speaker 8, and a reader 9. The storage unit 31, the monitor MO, the input device 7, the speaker 8 and the reader 9 are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit combining a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (for example, a ROM and a RAM as an example) required for the operation of the microprocessor. In addition, various devices for providing a game can be connected to the control unit 30, for example. For example, such devices may include well-known devices for collecting a predetermined payment, such as a coin authentication device. Then, for example, coins or the like as a predetermined value may be collected through such a coin authentication device or the like. However, their illustration is omitted.

  The monitor MO is a known display device for displaying various images and the like based on an output signal from the control unit 30. As an example, the monitor MO displays a game screen for playing a music game in response to an output signal from the control unit 30. The input device 7 is a known device for inputting a user's play action. The input device 7 outputs a signal corresponding to the play action performed by the user to the control unit 30. For example, as the input device 7, when a user touches with a finger etc., the touch panel which outputs the signal according to the contact point may be used. Then, the touch panel may output a signal corresponding to the touch position to the control unit 30 based on the touch operation of the user. Similarly, the speaker 8 is a well-known output device (sound reproduction device) for reproducing various sounds based on an output signal from the control unit 30. The speaker 8 reproduces various sounds used in a game such as BGM in response to an output signal from the control unit 30, for example.

  The reader 9 is, for example, a known device that uses near field communication and reads various information recorded in a storage medium in a contactless manner. The reader 9 may be used to read information of a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, as an example, the reader 9 may read information of the card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

  Further, the card CD may be provided with, for example, a non-volatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe. Then, various types of information may be recorded on the card CD via such a non-volatile storage medium or the like. Also, for example, various types of information may include information of a user ID (including information capable of specifying a user ID). That is, the card CD may be used, for example, as an ID card to identify each user corresponding to the ID card. Furthermore, the various types of information may include, for example, information on the amount of value (including information for specifying the amount of value) to be used as predetermined compensation. And predetermined compensation may be collected by consuming the amount of the value. That is, the card CD may be used to pay a predetermined price, as an example.

  In addition, card | curd CD is not limited to the form which records various information electronically. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader 9 may be configured to be able to read such code, such as by including a code reader capable of reading such code. That is, the reader 9 may be used to read such code.

  On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured of, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that storage can be held without supply of power. A game program 34 and game data 35 are stored in the storage unit 31. The game program 34 is a computer program necessary for the game machine GM to provide a game. Along with the execution of the game program 34, a game providing unit 37 is provided in the control unit 30. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary to provide a game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. Various other logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, their illustration is omitted.

  The game data 35 is data to be referred to when the game program 34 is executed. The game data 35 includes, for example, music data 36 and sequence data 38. The music data 36 is data necessary for the speaker 8 to reproduce various sounds such as music used in the music game. The sequence data 38 is data necessary for guiding the user when to perform an appropriate play operation in the music game. For example, in the sequence data 38, an operation time to touch the appropriate position may be described in advance. Then, for example, in the music game, the position and timing at which an appropriate touch operation should be performed may be guided based on each operation timing described in the sequence data 38. Since the music data 36 and the sequence data 38 may be configured in the same manner as a known music game, the detailed description will be omitted.

The game data 35 may also include various data for executing the game. For example, such data may include the above-described collective charge data 14a. For example, the group charge data 14a may be provided at least in part from the center server 2 so that the necessary part is included. Similarly, such various data may include, for example, image data and sound effect data as well. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds necessary for the game, such as BGM. However, their illustration is omitted.

  Next, a music game provided by the game machine GM will be described. Music games are a type of timing game. The timing game is a type of game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, the execution time for performing the appropriate play action is provided along with the music. Also, in the music game, a time that matches the rhythm of the music is used as the execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is notified of the time when the appropriate play action should be performed in accordance with the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play action is actually performed is evaluated. Also, for example, in the music game, a plurality of songs may be prepared for play, and a song selected therefrom may be used for actual play.

  For example, such a music game may be provided through a game screen displayed on the monitor MO. Specifically, for example, the game screen may include an indication mark corresponding to each execution time and a reference mark functioning as a reference of the current time. Then, for example, each execution time may be guided by the movement of the indication mark moving so as to coincide with the position of the reference mark at each execution time. In addition, as an appropriate play action, a touch operation may be employed in which the matching position is touched in accordance with the matching between the instruction mark and the reference mark. Game machine GM may provide a music game, for example through such a game screen.

  In addition, the music game may be provided not only in units of users (per one user) but also in units of groups (per plurality of users). When a music game is provided on a group basis, the music game may be played in common to a plurality of users forming the group. That is, game machine GM may provide a common music game so that a plurality of users may participate in one play opportunity. The game machine GM has, for example, a mode in which one or more groups cooperate to play a common music game, and a common music so that a match is realized between users in the same group or between a plurality of groups. A group-based music game may be provided in various forms, such as a form of playing a game.

  With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a method of paying a predetermined fee (charge) when playing a music game will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the charge system of the music game. As shown in FIG. 3, the game range of the music game includes individual play (play on a user basis) and group play (play on a group basis).

  An individual fee is set for the individual play. The individual fee is a predetermined compensation required for each user U to play the music game individually. On the other hand, group charges are set in group play. The group fee is a predetermined compensation required for the group UG to play the music game. That is, the group fee is a fee commonly set for each user U of the group UG as a price for all the users U of the group UG to play the music game. For example, group charges may be configured as a collection of individual charges. Specifically, for example, the group charges may be configured as a set of individual charges corresponding to the number of users U forming the group UG. That is, the sum of the individual charges for each user U forming the group UG may be used as the group charge. And group charges may be collected in units of group UGs.

  In the example of FIG. 3, with the payment of the individual fee by the first user U1, the first user U1 is provided with the individual play of the music game. On the other hand, in the group UG, the sum of the individual charges for each user U forming the group UG is set as the group charge. Specifically, the group UG is formed by the second user U2 and the third user U3. That is, a group UG is formed by two users U. Therefore, the sum of the individual charges when two users U play the individual play, that is, the individual charges for two persons is set as the group charge. Also, group fees are paid in units of group UG. That is, the charges are not set individually for each user U forming the group UG, but a common group charge is set for the entire group UG, and the group charge is borne by the group UG. Then, with the payment of the group fee by the group UG, group play of the music game is provided to the group UG, that is, the second user U2 and the third user U3. As an example, a music game may be provided with such a fee system. In this case, the group fee serves as the overall play fee of the present invention. Also, the second user U2 and the third user U3 forming the group UG function as a plurality of users of the present invention.

  Also, as described above, the group fee may be paid in various manners as long as the group fee is paid. That is, in the case of group play, it is not necessary for the respective users U forming the group UG to bear the individual charges equally. Specifically, for example, each user U of the group UG may bear a different charge amount. That is, in the group UG, a user U with a larger burden than the other users U or a small user U may exist. Also, such a difference in the amount of burden may occur, for example, when some users U bear the compensation to be borne by the other users U. That is, in the group UG, the user U who does not bear the payment of the group fee may be included.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method of paying a group fee. Further, the example of FIG. 4 shows an example of the payment method when the group UG in the example of FIG. 3 bears the group fee. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, among the two users U forming the group UG, the second user U2 may pay an individual charge for two persons constituting the group charge. On the other hand, the third user U3 may not bear the payment of the group fee at all. That is, one user (one part) of the group UG may pay all of the group charges. As a result, a difference may occur in the amount of burden between the second user U2 and the third user U3. Also in this case, with the entire payment of the group fee by the second user U2, group play is provided to all users U of the group UG, that is, not only the second user U2 but also the third user U3. Thus, as long as the group UG is fully paid by the group UG, the group charges are paid by various methods such as different charges are shared by each user U (including the entire burden by some users U). You may be In this case, the second user U2 who pays for two persons functions as a part of the user and a burden user of the present invention. Similarly, the third user U3 functions as another user of the present invention. As a result, the second user U2 and the third user U3 respectively function as users sharing different charge amounts.

  Furthermore, in group play, a privilege may be given according to the payment method. For example, as in the example of FIG. 4, such a benefit is that some users U (for example, the second user U2) bear a charge different from that for the other users U (for example, the third user U3). May be granted. More specifically, for example, in the case where some users U bear a larger charge than the other users U, grant is made when each user U in the group UG equally bears part of the group charges. Group play may be provided to include non-negotiable benefits. That is, as an example, with the existence of the user U with a different burden amount, all members of the group UG may be granted benefits. In addition, various game elements such as a decorative element such as a special background or an element advantageous to the progress of the game such as addition of an item or play time may be used as a benefit.

  Group UG may be formed in an appropriate form. For example, the group UG may be formed based on various other conditions such as designation of the user U. Specifically, for example, the group UG may be formed by matching through a matching service. That is, the group UG may be formed by the user U of each matched game machine GM. Also, such matching may be executed to include, for example, the requested game machine GM based on the request (offer) of each game machine GM, or the identification thereof based on the specific game machine GM's request May be executed to include the game machine GM. Alternatively, the matching may be performed to include a specific game machine GM and a specified game machine GM specified by a specific user U who uses the specific game machine GM. Then, the group UG may be formed by the user U who uses the specific user U and the designated game machine GM. In these cases, a plurality of matched game machines GM function as a plurality of game machines of the present invention. Alternatively, the group UG may be formed by each user U who commonly uses one game machine GM. Similarly, the number of users U forming the group UG is not limited to two. The number of users U forming the group UG may be appropriate.

  Next, the details of the group charge data 14a will be described. The group charge data 14a is data for managing group charges. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining an example of the content of the group charge data 14a. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the group charge data 14a includes information of "group ID", "number of users", "individual fee", "group fee", "collection result", and "requirement necessity" or not. You may

  The “group ID” is information indicating a unique group ID for each group UG. The group ID is used, for example, for identification (identification) of each group UG. Further, “number of users” is information indicating the number of users U belonging to each group UG, and “individual charge” is information indicating an individual charge set for an individual play.

  On the other hand, “collective charge” is information indicating a group charge set for group play. As the group charge, for example, the sum of the individual charges of the respective users U forming the group UG may be used as described above. Therefore, information indicating the integrated value of the number of users based on the information of “number of users” and the individual fee based on the information of “individual fee” may be described in “collective fee”. In such a case, the "collective charge" information may be omitted. On the other hand, for example, when a charge different from the accumulated charge is set such that the group charge is higher or lower than the accumulated value of the individual charges (accumulated charge), such group charge information It may be described in

  The “collection result” is information indicating the collection result of the group charge. Specifically, the “collection result” may include, for example, collected information indicating that the group fee has been collected or uncollected information indicating that the group fee has not been collected. Also, the "collection result" may include information on the payment method. Specifically, the “collection result” is, for example, information on equal payment indicating that each user U in the group UG equally bears part of the group fee, or some users U are not And may include slope payment information indicating that they have paid a different fee.

  The "requirement of necessity" is information indicating whether it is necessary to give a privilege to the group play. The "necessity of benefit" may be used, for example, for determining whether or not to provide a benefit when providing group play. Also, for example, as described above, when a group fee is paid such that some users U bear a different fee from other users U, a privilege is given to the group play. Therefore, for example, information indicating the necessity when the "collection result" indicates equal payment may describe information indicating the necessity when indicating "slope payment" in the "requirement of necessity". As an example, the group charge data 14a may be configured as a set of records described such that the pieces of information are associated with one another.

  Next, the charge notification process and the privilege giving process will be described. The charge notification process is a process for notifying a group charge when a music game is played in group units. The charge notification process may be realized, for example, by the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routine of FIG. 6 may be executed through the web service manager 17 of the control unit 10.

  On the other hand, the privilege giving process is a process for giving a privilege to group play. For example, the privilege giving process may be realized through the routine of FIG. Further, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by either the control unit 30 of the game machine GM or the control unit 10 of the center server 2. Specifically, for example, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM. In this case, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed through the game providing unit 37 of the control unit 30 as an example. The control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 10 of the center server 2 execute various well-known processes and the like separately or in cooperation with each other in addition to these processes. However, their detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a flowchart of a charge notification processing routine for realizing the charge notification processing. More specifically, the example of FIG. 6 shows an example of the flowchart of the charge notification processing routine when the group UG is formed by matching. The routine of FIG. 6 may be executed, for example, when setting of a group fee is requested from each game machine GM. Also, for example, each game machine GM may request the center server 2 to set a group fee when, for example, a group play is selected among the play of a music game. In addition, for example, when the group UG can be formed by one game machine GM, such as when the group UG is formed by each user U who commonly uses one game machine GM, the routine of FIG. May be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM.

  When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the Web service management unit 17 first specifies the number of users U playing the group play in step S11, in other words, the number of users U forming the group UG. This specification may be realized, for example, based on the matching result. In addition, when group UG is formed by other than a matching service, such as a setting of the user U, the number of users U may be specified based on the input result of the user U, for example.

  In the subsequent step S12, the Web service managing unit 17 sets a common group charge for the group UG so that each user U of the group UG can share different charge amounts as the entire group UG's play charge necessary for the group play. Do. For example, when the sum of the individual charges of the users U forming the group UG is used as the group charge, this setting may be obtained by multiplying the number of users U identified in step S11 and the individual charges.

  In the next step S13, the Web service management unit 17 notifies each game machine belonging to the group UG of the group fee so that each user U is notified of the group fee set in step S12.

  In the following step S14, the Web service management unit 17 determines whether the group fee notified in step S13 has been paid by the group UG. This determination may be realized, for example, by acquiring information on the charge collection status from each game machine GM. More specifically, for example, based on the collection status from each game machine GM, the web service management unit 17 may determine whether or not the total of the charges collected from each game machine GM has reached the group charge. . Then, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group fee has been paid when the total reaches the group fee (including the case where it exceeds the group fee). On the other hand, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group fee is not paid when the total of the fees collected from each game machine GM has not reached the group fee. Also, in these cases, the individual payment amount of each game machine GM forming the group UG may not be considered. That is, some game machines GM of the group UG may pay a larger charge than the other game machines GM. Specifically, for example, all of the group charges may be paid by some game machines GM (for example, the game machines GM used by the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4).

  If the determination result in step S14 is a negative result, that is, if the group fee is not paid, the Web service management unit 17 skips the process in step S15 and ends the current routine. In this case, group play is not permitted. That is, group play is not permitted, and no user U of group UG can play the music game. In this case, the web service management unit 17 may notify each game machine GM of non-permission of group play. The Web service management unit 17 may also determine that the result is negative (no payment of the group fee) in step S14 even when a predetermined time has elapsed after the notification of the group fee by each game machine GM.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S14 is a positive result, that is, if the group fee has been paid, the Web service management unit 17 proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the Web service managing unit 17 permits group play commonly to each game machine GM of the group UG so that each game machine GM forming the group UG provides the group play of the music game. Then, when the process of step S15 is completed, the Web service management unit 17 ends the current routine. The Web service management unit 17 may update (including generation) the group charge data 14a to reflect the processing result of FIG. 6 in accordance with the routine of FIG.

  According to the routine of FIG. 6, when the group play is selected, a group charge corresponding to the number of users of the group UG who plays it is commonly set to the group UG. Further, the presence or absence of the payment of the group fee is determined in units of the group UG, and when the payment is made, group play of the music game is commonly permitted to each game machine GM of the group UG. That is, with the payment of the group fee in group units, group play is commonly provided to the group UG.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of a flowchart of a privilege giving process routine for realizing the privilege giving process. The routine of FIG. 7 may be executed, for example, each time group play of the music game is permitted in the routine of FIG.

  When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the game providing unit 37 first acquires the collection result of the group fee in step S21. This acquisition may be realized, for example, by acquiring the processing result of FIG. More specifically, for example, this acquisition may be realized by acquiring from the center server 2 the group charge data 14a in which the processing result is reflected.

  In the following step S23, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the privilege condition is satisfied. The benefit condition is, for example, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than the other users U, that is, when there is a user U who bears the group fee more than the amount evenly divided by the number of users of the group UG. May be satisfied. That is, the privilege condition may be determined in the same manner as the "privacy" of the group charge data 14a. For this reason, for example, the determination in step S23 may be performed based on the "provide availability" of the group charge data 14a. Specifically, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is satisfied, for example, when the information of “privilege availability” indicates the necessity. On the other hand, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is not satisfied, for example, when the information of “privilege availability” indicates unnecessary. Then, if the determination result is a negative result, that is, if the benefit condition is not satisfied, the game providing unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current routine.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S22 is a positive result, that is, if the bonus condition is satisfied, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the game providing unit 37 gives a privilege. That is, the game providing unit 37 provides group play so as to include a benefit. Then, when the process of step S23 ends, the game providing unit 37 ends the current routine. Thereby, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than the other users U, a privilege is given to the group play. In addition, since the benefit condition is satisfied in group units, the benefit is provided to the entire group UG including not only the user U sharing the group fee more than the other users U but also the other users U (user U with a small burden). Given.

  As described above, according to this aspect, in the case of group play, the group charge is group UG so that each user U of group UG can share different charge amounts as compensation for playing group play. Common to all For this reason, it is possible to allow another user U to bear at least a part of the compensation (for example, the charge corresponding to the individual charge) that each user U in the group UG should share equally. Then, if the group charges are paid by the unit of the group UG, group play of all the users U of the group UG is commonly permitted even if there are users who share different charge amounts. In other words, some users U bear at least a part of the payment of other users U and pay an equal or more amount when the play fee is equally divided (in other words, the other users U are equal To pay less than the amount).

  More specifically, for example, some users U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4) pay for the other users U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4). Can. That is, it is possible to allow some users U to pay the entire play fee (in other words, the presence of the user U who does not bear the play fee). By these, it is possible to collect different burdens from each user U of the group UG as the burden of the group fee (the compensation for playing the group play) including the existence of the user U who bears the play fee.

  Also, when there are users who share different toll amounts, the burdened user U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4) who received at least a part of the compensation originally paid for Can be generated for the burdened user U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4) who bears the burden. As a result, it is possible to urge the next group play (replay play) accompanying the paid by user U. This can facilitate the play of music games.

  Furthermore, when benefits are provided to all the users U of the group UG in accordance with the existence of users who share different charge amounts, that is, the burden user U and the burden user U, the existence of users who share different charge amounts (in other words, (For the existence of burdened user U). Thereby, it is possible to urge each user U to bear the burden of the other user U's compensation, that is, to become the burden user U. As a result, the formation of the reward relationship is promoted, and thus the music game play can be further promoted.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as the charge setting means and the play permission means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. On the other hand, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as the privilege giving means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in an appropriate embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, any user U may bear the compensation to be paid by the other user U. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden user may be determined in advance as a specific user U. Also, for example, a specific user U may be determined by designation by each user U or by self-application (designation by self). Alternatively, when the group UG is determined by the matching, the user U of the game machine GM which has requested the matching may function as the specific user U. Similarly, when the matching is executed to match each game machine GM designated by the user U, the user U specifying the game machine GM may function as the specific user U. That is, these specific users U may be determined in advance to function as burden users U. Furthermore, the burden user U may be determined randomly by lottery or the like.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned form, the burden amount which burden user U bears may be paid appropriately by the burden user. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden amount borne by the burden user U may be determined in advance, such as for a plurality of persons. For example, the burden amount of each such user U may be determined by the selection of each user U. Specifically, for example, the group play includes a special mode having various advantageous development and game elements as compared to the normal mode and the normal mode, and the special mode is more expensive for the play in these modes. The amount of different consideration may be set so that the amount is high. Then, the amount of compensation corresponding to the normal mode may be set for the user U who has selected the normal mode, and the amount of compensation corresponding to the special mode may be set for the user U who has selected the special mode as the burden to be borne . That is, the burden amount of each user U may be determined through the selection of the mode in which the amount of consideration differs. Also, for example, when at least some users U in the group UG select the special mode and pay the corresponding compensation, the special mode may be provided to all in the group UG. That is, advantageous development of the special mode may be used as a benefit associated with the presence of the user U with a different burden (the user U who has selected the special mode). In this case, the target of this benefit may be regarded as all members of the group UG, or may be regarded as other than the user U who has selected the special mode. As a result, the benefits associated with the existence of the users U with different burden amounts may be given, for example, to a part of the group UG instead of all members (including the case of being limited to the user U with a large burden amount). Also, if the burden user U is determined in advance by selection or lottery of each user U, in other words, if the burden amount to be paid by each user U is determined in advance by the center server 2 etc., each user U should pay The burden amount may be notified to each user U through each game machine GM or the like. Then, each user U may be required to pay the notified burden amount.

  In the above-mentioned form, game machine GM is providing the music game. However, the game provided by the game machine GM is not limited to such a form. For example, various types of games such as action games, role playing games, adventure games, simulation games, puzzle games, card games, shooting games, sports games, and combination games may be provided by the game machine GM.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine GM of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Furthermore, in the game system of the present invention, the center server 2 is omitted and realized by one game machine GM, for example, when a group UG is formed by a plurality of users U who use one game machine GM. It is also good.

  The following describes an example of the present invention obtained from the contents described above. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the attached drawings are appended in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

  A game system according to the present invention is a game system (1) that allows a plurality of users (UG) to play a common game, and a plurality of total play charges of the plurality of users as a price for playing the game. A fee setting unit (10) commonly set to the plurality of users so as to be able to share different toll amounts among the users, and the entire play fee is at least a part of the plurality of users (U2) And a play permission means (10) for commonly permitting the plurality of users to play the game so that the game is provided to the plurality of users when paid by the user.

  According to the game system of the present invention, the entire play fee is commonly set to a plurality of users so as to be able to share different charge amounts as compensation for playing the game. This allows other users to bear at least a part of the compensation that each user should bear equally. Also, when the entire play fee is paid by at least a part of users, the play of a plurality of users is commonly permitted. That is, even if all of the plurality of users do not pay the price, if the entire play fee is paid by some of the users, all players are permitted to play. Thereby, the presence of a user who does not bear the price can be tolerated. As a result, it is possible to collect different burdens from a plurality of users as compensation for playing a game, including the existence of users who do not bear compensation. Furthermore, when there is a user who bears the price to be borne by other users, it is possible to create a sense of reward for the user who bears the burdened user (a burdened user). As a result, it is possible to prompt the next play (reciprocal play) accompanied by the paid user's reward. This can facilitate game play.

  As one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when there are users (U2, U3) who share the different toll amount, all of the plurality of users (U2, U3) are permitted along with the permission of the game play. You may further provide the privilege provision means (30) which provides a privilege. In this case, with the existence of users sharing different charge amounts, a benefit is provided to all of a plurality of users who play the game in common. That is, it is possible to benefit from the existence of a user who bears the compensation to be paid by other users. Thereby, it is possible to urge each user to bear the other user's compensation. As a result, game play can be further promoted.

  The plurality of users may be determined in various manners. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, each game machine (GM) for providing each user with the game, and a server device (2) connected to each game machine via the network (3) The plurality of users may be determined by the matching performed by the server device, and the plurality of users may function as the plurality of users using a plurality of game machines matched through the server device. It may be adopted.

  Similarly, various users, such as arbitrary users, designated users, etc., may bear different charge amounts. For example, in the aspect in which a plurality of users are determined by the matching of the present invention, among users who share the different charge amounts, a burden user (U2) who bears a larger charge amount than other users is determined in advance. May be Further, in this aspect, the matching is performed to match the plurality of users including the particular user based on a request of the particular user who uses the particular game machine, and the particular user as the burden user May function. Alternatively, in the matching, a specific game machine and a specified game machine specified by a specific user who uses the specific game machine function as the plurality of game machines, and a user who uses the specified game machine and the game machine A specific user may be executed to be matched as the plurality of users, and the specific user may function as the burden user.

  On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (10, 30) connected to an output device (MO) providing the game to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

  Further, the server device of the present invention is connected to the output device (MO) for providing the game via the network (3), and functions as each means of the game system described above. By executing the computer program or server device of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

1 Game System 2 Center Server (Server Device)
3 Network 10 control unit (computer, charge setting means, play permission means)
30 Control unit (computer, privilege giving means)
U user U2 second user (some users, burden users)
U3 third user (other users)
UG group (multiple users)
MO monitor (output device)
GM game machine

Claims (1)

A game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game,
Charge setting means for commonly setting the plurality of users to share the total amount of play of the plurality of users as compensation for playing the game, so that sharing of different charge amounts among the plurality of users is possible;
Play that commonly permits the plurality of users to play the game such that the game is provided to the plurality of users when the entire play fee is paid by at least a portion of the plurality of users Permission means,
, A game system.