JP2019150211A - Game machine, game system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine for preferably promoting a using will.SOLUTION: A game machine for executing a game based on information acquired from a game article comprises: acquisition means for acquiring game information for identifying a game element associated with the game from the game article; provision means for providing a first article with which a first game element is associated; display means for displaying a first game screen including an image of the first game element associated with the game article; and means for communicating with a server. The server distributes to the game machine information on a second element that is a game element not predetermined on the game and differs from the first game element. The control means, in the case of receiving the information on a second element from the server, makes the provision means be capable of providing a second article associated with the second game element and makes the display means display the first game screen on which an image of the second game element is included in addition to the image of the first game element associated with the game article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a game device, a game system, and a program, and more particularly to an electronic game in which progress control is performed based on information acquired from an article.

  There is a game device that prints and provides a card based on the results and contents of a played game (Patent Document 1). In the game machine described in Patent Document 1, the card provided is for printing the results and contents of the played game, but in recent years, it has been selected from the character group extracted according to the play contents. There is also a game device that provides a card on which a printed character pattern is printed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-039644

  However, in a game device that provides a card generated by printing as described above, game elements such as characters that can be associated with the card (printing symbols and adding identification information) are provided in advance for the game. The game elements were limited. For this reason, for users who have obtained all the cards associated with these pre-installed game elements, and for users who have obtained the cards associated with the desired game elements, an interesting element in terms of article collection There was a possibility that the provision of was reduced.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a game device, a game system, and a program that favorably enhance the user's desire to use the device.

  The game apparatus of the present invention is a game apparatus that executes a game based on information acquired from a game article, and game information that identifies a game element related to the game associated with the game article from the game article. Providing means for obtaining the game, provision means for providing the first article associated with the first game element, which is a game element predetermined for the game, and providing the game article for the executed game As possible, the display means for displaying the first game screen including the image of the first game element relating to the game article, and the execution and progress of the game based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means. A control means for controlling the operation of the providing means and the display means, and a communication means for communicating with a server configured to be capable of communication connection. About the game element which is not predetermined about, it distributes the information of the 2nd game element different from the 1st game element to a game device, and a control means is a communication means. When received, the providing means makes it possible to provide the second item associated with the second game element and provide the game item, and the first game related to the game item is provided. Control is performed so that the first game screen including the image of the second game element in addition to the element image is displayed on the display means.

  With such a configuration, according to the present invention, it is possible to suitably increase the willingness to use the game apparatus.

The figure which illustrated the system configuration of the game system concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The block diagram which illustrated the functional composition of game device 100 concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which illustrated the functional composition of management server 200 concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the game article which can be used in the game device 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which illustrated the flow of the process at the time of provision of a game play in the game device 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the offer list screen in the standby sequence concerning the embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which illustrated the candidate determination process performed with the game device 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which illustrated the display of the offer card candidate on the play screen in the game sequence concerning the embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which illustrated the provision process performed with the game device 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the offer selection screen concerning the card offer sequence concerning the embodiment of the present invention The figure which illustrated the system configuration of the game system concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the game article provided in the game device 100 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which illustrated the functional composition of distribution server 1300 concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The figure which illustrated the standby screen including the notification which concerns on the special card in the standby sequence which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention The flowchart which illustrated the candidate determination process performed in the game device 100 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which illustrated the screen display concerning the card offer sequence concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The figure which illustrated the data structure of the various information used in the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the embodiment described below, a game device that controls the progress of a game based on information acquired from a game article as an example of a game system, and a management server configured to be communicable with the game device An example in which the present invention is applied to a game system constituted by: However, the present invention can be applied to any device that can control the progress of a game based on information acquired from an article.

《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. As illustrated, the game system is configured so that the management server 200 and each of the plurality of game devices 100 can communicate with each other via the network 300. The game system includes a game device 100 configured to provide a user with a game play experience, and a management server 200 that manages various types of information for each user.

  The game items that can be acquired in the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described as the following two types. One type is a license card (user identification card), which is configured to allow a game device to execute a game reflecting user information, which will be described later, associated with the license card by acquiring information. Is done. The other type is a game card as a game article according to the present invention. By obtaining information, a game in which a game element (for example, a character) associated with the card is made to appear on the game device. It is configured to be able to be executed. In the present embodiment, the game element associated with the game card is described as a character. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game element associated with the game card is an item, an activation. It goes without saying that other elements such as an effect to be performed may be used.

  In addition, the game device is configured to be able to provide both of the game items for which information can be acquired in this way, but basically only a game card is paid for the payment of the consideration related to the provision of one play experience. provide. It is assumed that the license card can be provided in the game device 100 on condition that payment is different from the consideration related to the provision of one play experience.

  In the present embodiment, each of the two types of game items is provided with encoded information in the item itself, and by acquiring the information, it is necessary for various processes for realizing the game in the game device 100. A description will be given on the assumption that information can be acquired. In other words, the game information given to each of the license card and the game card may be information that makes it possible to identify each card and the user or character associated with the card. Based on this, the corresponding information is acquired from the database of game device 100 or management server 200. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this, and the game information is given to the game article itself, and when it is obtained from the article, all the information necessary for the game is arranged. There may be. In this case, each game article may be an article having a rewritable recording medium.

  Further, the game information given to the game article is different between the license card and the game card.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17A, the license information given to the license card is associated with a user ID 1701 for identifying a user who plays using the license card, and the user name, birth month, sex, etc. The game apparatus 100 includes profile information 1702 including contents that can be used for displaying results even when the game apparatus 100 is offline, and a character type 1703 indicating the type of character associated with the license card. Although details will be described later, in the game provided in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the characters that can appear are classified into one of two or more types based on some attributes such as the organization to which the character belongs, for example. The character type 1703 related to the classification is also attached to the license card, and is used for controlling the progress of the game and the determination of the game card to be provided. The license information makes it possible to identify a user who plays a game on the game apparatus 100, and if the communication connection between the game apparatus 100 and the management server 200 is established, the game apparatus 100 acquires user information corresponding to the user. Game play can be performed in the state. By using the license card in this way, it is possible to present elements that reflect the contents and provision history of games played using the card, and to provide elements of interest for continuous games.

  Moreover, the card information given to the game card uniquely identifies the character in the game associated with the game card as shown in FIG. 17B, for example. If there is a game card, the character ID 1711 is specified. Based on the card information, a character in the game can be specified in the game apparatus 100, and the user can make the corresponding character appear in the game and make the character an operation target of the user in the game. The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment determines a character that is a candidate for providing a game card during game play, and then sets a game card associated with a game card associated with a character selected from the candidates to a so-called on-state. Generated and provided by demand printing. Therefore, the game apparatus 100 includes a printer capable of generating a game card as described later. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the game card providing method of the game device 100 is not limited to the one generated by on-demand printing, and a corresponding ready-made card that has been printed and manufactured in advance is provided according to the content of the game. You may do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the information addition to the game article is performed by adding a two-dimensional code obtained by converting each of the given information to the article surface by printing.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the license card has a two-dimensional code 401 obtained by converting the license information attached to the front side of the license card in a visible state. As illustrated, the license card includes a part of information (user name) 402 included in the profile information 1702 of the license information and a notation 403 indicating that the license card is a license card. The license card has a different appearance as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B depending on which character type 1703 of the license information is selected, and the type can be determined without being used in the game apparatus 100. It is configured as follows.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the game card is attached with a two-dimensional code 411 obtained by converting the card information to the front side in a visible state like the license card. As shown in the figure, the game card shows a character image 412 related to the character specified by the character ID 1711 of the card information, and the user can determine which character the game card is associated with. It is configured as follows.

  In the present embodiment, the game items that can be acquired by the game apparatus 100 are all assumed to be cards (license cards, game cards). However, the items are configured to be able to acquire attached game information. If so, it is not limited to cards. For example, as long as the game article is an article configured to be able to specify a game element associated with the article, the game article may be a modeled object such as a figure, a toy, or a key ring having the appearance of the game element. When the game article is a modeled object, the game information used for acquiring various necessary information is a recording medium inside the modeled object, or a part of the appearance such as painting, sealing, printing, etc. attached to the modeled object May be obtainable from. Further, the game article is not limited to a modeled object, but may be any article such as a paper medium or a seal other than a license card or a game card.

  On the other hand, the management server 200 manages user information related to the user for each user ID attached to the license card. That is, user information is managed for each user who plays a game using a license card. When the game apparatus 100 and the management server 200 are communicatively connected, when a license card is used in the game apparatus 100, a request for providing user information corresponding to the license card is made to the management server 200, and management is performed. In response to the request, the server 200 returns user information. In this way, if the license card is used, user information managed collectively by the management server 200 is supplied to the game apparatus 100 regardless of which game apparatus 100 the user plays with the game. You can get a play experience that reflects the elements of continuous interest.

  Hereinafter, the functional configuration of each device of the game system will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components that realize the same function in the game device 100 and the management server 200 are distinguished by attaching the “management” prefix to the latter.

<Configuration of Game Device 100>
First, the functional configuration of the game apparatus 100 will be described using 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. Specifically, the control unit 101 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading an operation program for each block recorded on the recording medium 102 and developing the operation program in the memory 103.

  The recording medium 102 is a recording device capable of permanently storing data, such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD. The recording medium 102 stores, in addition to the operation program for each block of the game apparatus 100, information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block, and various graphics data used for the game executed by the game apparatus 100. To do. 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. The payment of the consideration is determined by detecting, for example, that a predetermined amount of coins or corresponding coins have been inserted into the coin slot, or completion of settlement processing based on communication with a chip related to the predetermined electronic money. It may be done. The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is described as starting a service that involves providing a game card to a user based on payment of the price. However, payment of the price is not an essential requirement, but based on a predetermined start instruction. The service may be started.

  The acquisition unit 105 acquires information from the license card and the game card via the reader 120 when playing the game provided by the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The reader 120 is provided in a form that is incorporated in the same housing as the game apparatus 100 or in a form that is detachably connected to the outside of the game apparatus 100. In response to the card being placed, the reader 120 outputs license information or card information acquired from the card to the acquisition unit 105. At this time, a predetermined data conversion process or the like may be performed in order to convert the information acquired from the card into a format suitable for use in the process related to the game. The reader 120 detects, for example, imaging that a card has been placed on a predetermined part and recognition of the card or acquisition of information from the card during a period in which information is acquired from the card. This is performed by applying predetermined image processing to the image obtained by the above. Note that although the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is described as being capable of acquiring information from a license card and a game card by one reader 120, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a dedicated reader may be provided for each of the license card and the game card.

  The character DB 106 is a database that manages information (character information) about each character that is a game element predetermined as appearing in the game.

  The character information managed for one character is managed as one record in the database, and may have a data structure as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the character information is associated with a record ID 1721 for identifying a record and a character ID 1722 for uniquely identifying the character, and a character type 1723 determined for the character, and a screen for causing the character to appear in the game. In addition to graphics data used for generation and drawing information 1724 including a game card image used when generating a game card associated with the character, the character's name, attributes, etc., predetermined physical strength (Durability), attack power, defense power, activated skills, progress parameters 1725 describing the abilities specific to the element, special skills, etc., and the rarity (rareness), superiority in game progress, etc. Rank (the higher the rank, the higher the value or the use Including the rank information 1726 indicating the advantageously allowed to proceed) game when was. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the ranks determined for the characters are classified into two types according to the rarity, and the rarity is normal (most of the provided game cards are applicable and highly available). It is assumed that one of the ranks and the rank of the rare (the rarity is high and the availability is low) higher than the normal is set. The various information managed in the character information is referred to in the progress control of the game in which the character appears, the determination of candidates to be provided for the game card, and the generation of a game card associated with the character.

  In the present embodiment, the graphics data is stored in the character DB 106 and the character information includes these data. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. The character information may include information indicating the storage location of the corresponding data.

  The display control unit 107 controls the presentation of various information to the user in the game apparatus 100. In the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that the display unit 130 that displays an image (game screen, menu screen, etc.) is provided as means for presenting various types of information to the user. Needless to say, alternatives or additions are possible.

  The display control unit 107 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 130. Specifically, the display control unit 107 performs necessary calculations on necessary drawing objects (graphics data) based on processing and commands performed by the control unit 101 in each sequence in which the game apparatus 100 is operating. Execute the process and draw the screen. The generated screen is output to the display unit 130 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 operation input unit 108 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 operation input unit 108 detects that an operation input to the operation member has been made, the operation input unit 108 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 having various interfaces as physical operation members. However, the game apparatus 100 includes, for example, a touch input detection sensor that detects a touch input made on the screen of the display unit 130. Also good.

  The provision control unit 109 performs various processes for providing one or more game cards per game play based on payment of the consideration. When a game card generation instruction is given, the provision control unit 109 generates print data of the game card to be printed out, including a code corresponding to the card information attached to the card and other images forming the printing surface. . As described above, the game card discharged by the game apparatus 100 identifies any character appearing in the game, and enables the user to use (operate) the character as an operation character in the game. Therefore, in order to make it possible for the user to grasp the characters that can be used by using the game card, the design of the character is formed on the card printing surface. When the provision control unit 109 generates the print data, the provision control unit 109 transmits the print data together with the print command to the provision unit 140 to instruct printing of the corresponding game card and output it.

  The providing unit 140 is a printing device such as a printer configured to be able to exchange information with the providing control unit 109, which is detachably connected in the same housing as the game device 100 or outside the game device 100. When the providing unit 140 receives print data related to the game card and a print command related to the data from the supply control unit 109, the providing unit 140 performs a print operation of the print data. When the providing unit 140 is built in the same housing as the game apparatus 100, the game card output by printing is guided to the outlet 141 (see FIG. 1) accessible from the outside of the game apparatus 100, so that the user May be provided.

  The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment receives a selection of a character desired to be provided based on an operation input by a user, and dynamically provides a game card associated with the character by on-demand printing. Although a description will be given assuming that a providing method for generating a card is adopted, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as described above, the game card may be an off-the-shelf card having a fixed design that is printed and issued in advance at a factory or the like, and holds a plurality of types so as to be provided, and corresponds to the selected character. It may be configured to be able to provide a card. More specifically, in this aspect, the providing unit 140 includes, for example, a plurality of card dispensers, each having a stocker (not shown) that accumulates game cards in the vertical direction, and responds to a providing command issued by the providing control unit 109. The corresponding card dispenser may have a mechanism for providing one game card held at the bottom of the stocker.

  Communication unit 110 is a communication interface with an external device included in game device 100. The communication unit 110 may be connected to an external device via a network 300 (whether wired or wireless) that may be a communication network such as the Internet or a cable for connecting devices, and may transmit and receive data. it can. For example, the communication unit 110 converts information input as a transmission target into data of a predetermined format, and transmits the data to an external device such as the management server 200 via the network 300. Further, for example, when receiving information from an external device via a network, the communication unit 110 decodes the information and stores it in the memory 103.

  In addition, the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to receive program data obtained by packaging a processing program related to a game from an external apparatus via the communication unit 110. When the communication unit 110 receives the program data together with the program update request, the control unit 101 uses the received program data for the processing program relating to the game currently stored in the recording medium 102 according to the update request. Can be updated. In addition to this, the program update processing of the game is automatically executed when the program data recorded on the recording medium is inserted into an optical drive (not shown) included in the game device, or after the insertion. It can also be executed by the start command from the administrator. In the game system of the present embodiment, such an update is performed, for example, when an interest element of a game is added or when a lineup of game cards that can be provided by the game apparatus 100 is renewed.

<Configuration of Management Server 200>
Next, the functional configuration of the management server 200 will be described using the block diagram of FIG.

  The management control unit 201 is a CPU, for example, and controls the operation of each block included in the management server 200. Specifically, the management control unit 201 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading the operation program for each block recorded in the management recording medium 202 and developing it in the management memory 203 for execution.

  The management recording medium 202 is a recording device that can hold data permanently, such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD. The management recording medium 202 stores information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block in addition to the operation program for each block of the management server 200. The management memory 203 is a storage device used for temporary data storage such as a volatile memory. The management memory 203 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 validity DB 204 is a database that manages whether or not each license card in circulation is usable (validity). In the game system of this embodiment, as will be described later, the game card provision tendency is controlled according to the character type 1703 of the license information, or the game play is restricted more than the upper limit number using the same license card. For this reason, one user is permitted to use the game apparatus 100 continuously while transferring data to a plurality of license cards. Therefore, the old license card that has been handed over to the new license card is controlled so that it cannot be used thereafter so that the management of the play situation causing the contradiction is not performed. Therefore, the validity information managed by the validity DB 204 is, for example, whether or not the license card can be used for game play in association with a user ID 1731 that can identify the license card as shown in FIG. The valid flag 1732 (true and usable, false and unusable) that may be logical type information is managed.

  The validity information may be registered in the validity DB 204 when a new license card is issued in the game device 100, and the validity flag 1732 is then used to play the game using the issued license card. When a play is performed or when a license card is handed over from another license card, it may be updated from false to true. In addition, the license card is not limited to the one issued in the game device 100, and may be a so-called sales promotion (sales promotion) provided in a store distribution, a product appendix, or the like, or sold separately. In this case, the validity information is registered in the validity DB 204 in advance, and when the corresponding license card is used or taken over, the validity flag 1732 may be similarly updated from false to true. Note that for an old license card that has been handed over to a new license card, the valid flag 1732 may be updated from true to false at the time of processing related to handing over.

  The user DB 205 is a database that manages the user information described above for each license card in circulation. As shown in FIG. 17 (e), the user information is associated with a user ID 1741 assigned to the license card, and may include profile information 1742 that may include information other than that attached to the license card. Play information 1743 corresponding to the play history such as the number of times of play, the number of game cards provided, and information on the provided history is managed. The user information is read from the user DB 205 and returned to the game device 100 when a provision request sent when the license card is used in the game device 100 is received.

  When a license card is handed over, if information other than the user ID 1741 among user information managed for the old license card is copied and used for the user information for the new license card to be handed over Good. In the game system of the present embodiment, user information regarding the old license card is not specifically deleted, and it is assumed that control is performed so that access to the user information is not made by changing validity information in the validity DB 204. However, the user license having the same user ID as the license card exists by deleting the corresponding user information from the user DB 205 to control whether or not the old license card after use can be used (whether or not use is possible). It is good also as a structure which judges that it is unusable by not doing.

  The management communication unit 206 is a communication interface with an external device included in the management server 200. The management communication unit 206 is connected to an external device via a network 300 (whether wired or wireless), which may be a communication network such as the Internet or a cable for connecting devices, and can transmit and receive data. Can do. For example, the management communication unit 206 converts information input as a transmission target into data of a predetermined format, and transmits the data to an external device such as the game device 100 via the network 300. Also, when receiving information from an external device via a network, for example, the management communication unit 206 decrypts the information and stores it in the management memory 203.

<< Sequence control in game device 100 >>
In the game system of this embodiment having such a configuration, a specific process for a series of processes involved in providing a play experience will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  When a play experience is provided in the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the control unit 101 performs processing while sequentially shifting the sequence, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by the control unit 101 reading, for example, a game program stored in the recording medium 102, developing it in the memory 103, and executing it. Note that the processing will be described as being started, for example, when the game apparatus 100 is activated, or when the provision of one play experience to the previous user is completed.

<Standby sequence>
In step S501, the control unit 101 shifts the processing of the game device 100 to the standby sequence. The standby sequence is a sequence that waits for payment of the value before providing the game play experience, and the character displayed on the display unit 130 cannot be operated unless the price is paid. The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment provides a game play experience triggered by the payment of the consideration. Before the play experience is provided, for example, a frame image related to the demonstration video or payment of the consideration To display a game screen (standby screen) including a notification that game play is possible.

  In the standby sequence, the game device 100 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to display a screen (providing list screen) for displaying a list of game cards that can be currently provided by the game device 100. More specifically, the control unit 101 controls the display control unit 107 to display the provision list screen on the display unit 130 in response to a predetermined operation input in the standby sequence.

  The provided list screen is a screen for informing the user what game cards can be provided. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of game card images showing the appearance of the actually provided game cards are displayed. Consists of including. The provided list screen is an effective screen for attracting users who are mainly interested in collecting game cards and attracting them to game play. More preferably, for example, a game card in which the rank information 1765 of the associated character is set to rare preferably satisfies the user's desire to own, so that these game cards can be easily identified. As shown, a display 601 as shown in FIG. 6 may be attached to the corresponding game card image on the provision list screen. On the other hand, for users who are not aware of how the game is in the first place, or who are interested in the play experience provided, it is better to present demonstration videos and guidance videos. Can be pulled. For this reason, the display transition from the standby screen to the provision list screen is not configured to be easily transitionable by, for example, an erroneous operation of a button. The predetermined operation input related to the display of the provision list screen is configured to require an intentional user operation, for example, requiring that a predetermined button is continuously performed for a predetermined time or more. To do. In addition, about the said operation input required for the display of a provision list screen, the notification may be included in the standby screen so that a user may be notified.

  Further, as described above, since it is assumed that the user who desires to browse the provided list screen is limited, the control unit 101 displays the display list so as to limit the display of the provided list screen within a predetermined time. 107, the display control unit 107 is controlled to return the display to the standby screen when the predetermined time has passed without an operation related to the end of display. In addition, even when a payment for providing a play experience is paid during display of the provision list screen, the control unit 101 may control the display control unit 107 to end the display of the provision list screen.

  In addition, in the standby sequence, the control unit 101 checks whether communication connection with the management server 200 is possible via the communication unit 110, and displays a notification indicating the communication connection status to be included in the standby screen. The control unit 107 may be controlled. In the game system according to the present embodiment, when communication connection with the management server 200 is impossible, the game system using a license card is started to provide a play experience, and processing related to issuance of a new license card and license card takeover is performed. I can't do it. For this reason, the control unit 101 uses a license card for the standby screen, for example, when communication connection is impossible in order to make the user know this and determine whether or not to pay the fee. -You may control to include notification that issuance is impossible.

<Mode selection sequence>
In the standby sequence, when it is detected that the payment related to the provision of the play experience including the provision of the game card has been made, the control unit 101 shifts the process to the mode selection sequence of S502.

  The mode selection sequence allows the user to select a mode to be used when using the game apparatus 100 this time. In the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the game mode in which the game play using the game card is provided, the user issues an issue mode in which a new license card is issued, and data transfer from the old license card to the new license card. Three types of takeover modes to be performed can be selected in this sequence. Since the game apparatus 100 always provides a game play experience for payment of the consideration for proceeding to this sequence, the issue mode and the takeover mode shift to the game mode after the processing of each mode. It is configured as follows. In addition, when issuing a license card in the issue mode or the takeover mode, it is assumed that payment of additional consideration is required. That is, the consideration paid after the selection of the game mode in the mode selection sequence transitioned from the standby sequence is a consideration for the provision of the game play experience and the provision of the game card accompanying this, from the viewpoint of fairness among users, License card issuance is not included.

  Here, when the issue mode and the takeover mode are selected, the control unit 101 determines that the communication connection between the game device 100 and the management server 200 is established and is in a communicable state, Process to make various requests.

  More specifically, when issuing a new license card, the control unit 101 first transmits an acquisition request for a user ID included in the license information to the communication unit 110 to be transmitted to the management server 200. When the management control unit 201 receives a user ID acquisition request from the game apparatus 100, the management control unit 201 acquires and returns a user ID that has not been used for any license card. At this time, the management control unit 201 adds information to the validity DB 204 and the user DB 205 accompanying the request. When the control unit 101 receives the returned user ID, the control unit 101 configures the license information through user input and the like, and causes the provision control unit 109 to generate a license card including a code obtained by encoding the license information. To provide.

  When transferring the license card, the control unit 101 sends the user ID of the license information acquired from the transfer source license card (old license card) and the transfer destination license card (new license card) to the communication unit 110. It is transmitted to the management server 200 together with the takeover request. When the management control unit 201 receives the takeover request from the game apparatus 100, the management control unit 201 updates the validity information validity flag 1732 related to the old license card to false, and the validity information validity flag 1732 related to the new license card. To update the corresponding information of the user information related to the new license card with information excluding the user ID of the user information related to the old license card.

<Card reading sequence>
When the selection of the game mode or the transition to the game mode is confirmed in the mode selection sequence, the control unit 101 shifts the process to the card reading sequence of S503.

  In the card reading sequence, the control unit 101 basically controls the operations of the acquisition unit 105 and the reader 120 so as to read information from one or more game cards in connection with registration of characters to appear in the game. When the card information is acquired from the game card, the control unit 101 acquires the character information associated with the character ID 1711 of the card information from the character DB 106 and registers it in the memory 103 as information on the character to be used.

  When the communication connection between the game apparatus 100 and the management server 200 is possible, the control unit 101 causes the display unit 130 to display an inquiry screen as to whether to use a license card for the current game play. The display control unit 107 is controlled to control the operations of the acquisition unit 105 and the reader 120 so as to read information from the license card. When the license information is acquired from the license card, the control unit 101 transmits the user ID 1701 of the license information to the communication unit 110 and transmits it to the management server 200 together with the user information acquisition request. When the management control unit 201 receives a user information acquisition request, the management control unit 201 first refers to the validity information validity flag 1732 of the validity DB 204 associated with the received user ID. When the validity flag 1732 of the corresponding validity information is false, the management control unit 201 uses the management communication unit 206 to display information indicating that the license card obtained from the information cannot be used. Return to device 100. At this time, the control unit 101 displays a display that the license card that has been read is unusable and a notification that prompts reading of information from another license card on the display unit 130. To control. In addition, when the validity flag 1732 of the corresponding validity information is true, the management control unit 201 can use the license card for which the information has been acquired. Therefore, the management control unit 201 acquires the corresponding user information from the user DB 205 and manages it. It is returned to the game apparatus 100 via the communication unit 206.

<Game sequence>
When the storage of necessary information in the card reading sequence is completed, the control unit 101 shifts the process to the game sequence in S504. The game sequence is a sequence for providing a game play experience in the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, and provides a series of interest elements related to a game in which a character registered as a use character appears in a card reading sequence. Although the game may be of any kind, the control unit 101 uses the character information of the used character registered based on the game card and the user acquired based on the license card if used. The execution and progress of the game may be controlled based on the information.

  In the game sequence, the control unit 101 performs control so that the character used moves according to the operation input made to the operation input unit 108, and displays the play screen reflecting this on the display unit 130. The control unit 107 is controlled. In other words, the game sequence is a sequence in which the used character displayed on the display unit 130 can be operated in providing a game play experience that is performed in response to payment of the consideration. The operation related to the character used in the game sequence is not limited to an operation input for directly moving or moving the character used, but includes an operation input for transitioning or confirming the action of the character used. It's okay.

  In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, in a game sequence, a game card that can be provided after game play is determined every time a predetermined state is achieved during the game to increase the user's interest in game play. This is displayed on the play screen as needed. That is, during the game play, the user can grasp through the play screen that the number of candidate characters that can accept the provision of the game card has been confirmed or increased, and which character is the character. Therefore, according to the game device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a more entertaining game play experience while increasing the user's interest in providing a game card after game play.

  The game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment employs a system that gives points according to game progress in a game that provides a play experience in a game sequence, accumulates the given points, and stores the number of points accumulated. It is assumed that the process is performed so as to determine a character that can accept the provision of a game card each time the number becomes a certain number. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined state relating to the provision of a game card is achieved while the game is in progress, the number of game card candidates that can be provided increases accordingly. What is necessary is just to be able to notify a user to the effect on a play screen.

(Candidate decision processing)
Hereinafter, in this game sequence, candidate determination processing for determining a character (candidate character) that can accept a game card provision request in a card provision sequence described later will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by the control unit 101 reading, for example, a corresponding processing program stored in the recording medium 102, developing it in the memory 103, and executing it. In addition, this candidate determination process demonstrates as what starts when the game which concerns on a predetermined | prescribed game in the game sequence will be in a playable state, for example. Further, for the sake of simplicity, the present candidate determination process will be described as being performed in parallel with the play screen drawing process that is sequentially performed according to the progress of the game. However, since the information on the candidate character determined in the candidate determination process is presented via the play screen, the drawing process is performed so that the drawing content of the play screen is changed in response to the result of the candidate determination process. Control shall be made.

  In step S <b> 701, the control unit 101 determines whether a point grant condition is satisfied in the progress of the game. The condition for giving points may be, for example, completion of various events that occur in the game. The control unit 101 moves the process to S <b> 702 when it is determined that the point grant condition is satisfied, and repeats the process of this step when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied.

  In step S <b> 702, the control unit 101 determines the number of points to be given (grant points), and updates the information by adding the given points to the accumulated points stored in the memory 103. For example, the grant points may be increased or decreased according to the result of the completed event, and the higher the better the result, the higher the grant points may be set.

  In step S <b> 703, the control unit 101 determines whether the updated accumulation point is equal to or greater than a predetermined point threshold value. Here, the predetermined point threshold value may be determined in advance for addition of a candidate character that can accept a game card provision request. The control unit 101 moves the process to S704 when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than the predetermined point threshold value, and when the accumulated point is less than the predetermined point threshold value, the predetermined state relating to the game card provision is not achieved. The process returns to S701.

  In S <b> 704, the control unit 101 determines a character to be a candidate character from among the characters that can currently provide the game card in the game device 100 because the predetermined state relating to the provision of the game card has been achieved. For example, the determination may be performed by extracting one of the character IDs from the corresponding character ID by a lottery process or the like reflecting the winning probability according to the rank information. Information on the character ID of the candidate character determined in this step may be added to the candidate character list provided in the memory 103 and managed.

  At this time, the candidate character added to the candidate character list is referred to in the play screen drawing process as described above, and a notification that the game card can be provided on the play screen is made. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the play screen includes an area 801 for displaying a game, an area 802 for indicating accumulated points, and a game card image for a candidate character that can accept a provision request. A region 803 to be displayed is included. Among these, the display image arranged in the area 801 is drawn by the display control unit 107 based on the drawing content information determined in accordance with the progress of the game and the operation input made. On the other hand, the display images arranged in the areas 802 and 803 are controlled so as to change the display contents in accordance with the change caused by the candidate determination process.

  More specifically, when the control unit 101 determines that the point granting condition is satisfied in S701, the control unit 101 determines that the number of points displayed in the area 802 is given according to the accumulated points updated in S702. The display control unit 107 is caused to change the display step by step as possible. In the example of FIG. 8A, the accumulated points correspond to the number of stars shown in the region 802, and when assigning points, the control unit 101 increases the number of stars shown in the region 802 by one. The display control unit 107 is controlled so that the accumulation points are clearly indicated by increasing the numbers.

  In FIG. 8A, the threshold value relating to the accumulation point is 5, and the maximum number of stars that can be arranged and displayed in the area 802 is 5. Each time the accumulation point becomes 5 or more, candidates are displayed. A mode in which a predetermined state related to the addition of the character is satisfied is shown. Therefore, when the accumulation point becomes 5 or more due to the addition of the grant points, this is not suitably indicated. Therefore, when adding a candidate character to the candidate character list, the accumulation point is subtracted by a threshold value, and the subsequent grant points It is assumed that the control unit 101 performs point control so that the predetermined state relating to the provision of the game card can be achieved again by the addition. That is, in this embodiment, each time a new candidate character is added, it is handled that the accumulated points are consumed, and the accumulated points are adjusted again to a value equal to or less than the threshold value, so that a plurality of candidate characters are stored in the game card. It is configured so that it can be determined as a provision target. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the accumulation points are monotonously increased by the addition of the granted points, and a plurality of threshold values related to the accumulation points are set, so that a plurality of candidate characters are game cards. You may comprise so that it may be determined as provision object of.

  In addition, when the candidate character is added to the candidate character list, the control unit 101 uses the game card image managed in the character DB 106 in association with the character ID of the candidate character in the list as a display image arranged in the area 803. The display control unit 107 is controlled to include. In the example of FIG. 8A, the area 803 includes a frame image configured to be capable of arranging a maximum of five game card images, and the control unit 101 determines each time a candidate character is newly determined. The display control unit 107 is controlled so that a game card image related to a new candidate character is placed in an area where no game card image is placed in the frame image. That is, in the play screen area 803, game card images of candidate characters included in the candidate character list at the time of drawing are arranged according to the frame image. In other words, the candidate characters added to the candidate character list are reflected on the play screen after the addition, and thereafter, the corresponding game card image is continuously arranged in the area 803 until the display of the play screen ends. Displayed.

  Here, during the game sequence, it is not limited to the card providing sequence described later, and it is possible to provide control so that the game card images that can be provided are sequentially added and displayed on the play screen. Indicates that the user can confirm. That is, the user can check the appearance of a game card that can be provided in the subsequent card providing sequence while playing the game in the game sequence. Therefore, it is possible to more suitably stimulate the ownership of the game card. In order to enhance the effect, for example, information 804 corresponding to the rank information 1726 of the character information as shown in FIG. 8A is attached to the game card image and displayed, and the rarity of the associated character is clarified. You may make it grasp.

  In addition, when a predetermined state is achieved, so as to perform an effect that clearly shows that the number of game cards that can be accepted for provision has increased and the appearance of the game card is The control unit 101 may control the display control unit 107. For example, the effect is realized by display control in which the game card image is arranged on the play screen as shown in FIG. 8B with a size larger than the size of the game card image when arranged in the area 803 in FIG. It may be done.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the play screen area 803 is configured to arrange frame images that can arrange up to five game card images. When the number of candidate characters included has already reached the maximum number (5), the control unit 101 may perform control so as not to perform the process of this step. At this time, the control unit 101 may control the drawing process of the play screen by the display control unit 107 so that the number of stars related to the accumulation points displayed in the region 802 does not change.

  In addition, even if the same game card can accept the provision request in the subsequent card provision sequence, the user is unlikely to desire provision of all these game cards. From another point of view, in the aspect where the maximum number of candidate characters is limited as described above, the situation in which the same character is included as a candidate character is a factor that reduces the user's interest in collecting game cards. Can also be. Therefore, in determining candidate characters, the control unit 101 excludes the character IDs of characters already included in the candidate character list, and uses the remaining character IDs as objects of the lottery process.

  When a license card is used in connection with the provision of the play experience this time, the control unit 101 controls the winning probability according to the character type 1703 of the acquired license information in the lottery process related to the determination of the candidate character. It may be what performs. For example, for the character whose character type 1723 in the character information is the same as the character type 1703 in the license information, the winning probability may be increased, and the winning probability may be decreased for a different character. . With such a configuration, by making it possible to selectively use a license card when using the game apparatus 100, it is possible to easily obtain the game card desired by the user. In other words, a service in which a game card can be provided in a preferred manner to a user who is highly interested in collecting game cards by easily configuring a license card of a game type corresponding to a desired game card. Can be realized.

<Card provision sequence>
When the game end condition in the game sequence is satisfied, the control unit 101 shifts the process to the card provision sequence in S505. The card provision sequence is a sequence for accepting a game card provision request and generating / providing a game card for which a provision request has been made for one or more candidate characters determined in the game sequence. Since the game sequence has ended, the card providing sequence does not display an operable character on the display unit 130, and corresponds to a sequence in which an operation related to the character's movement or action is impossible.

(Provision processing)
Hereinafter, a providing process for providing a game card based on a provided request in the present card providing sequence will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by the control unit 101 reading, for example, a corresponding processing program stored in the recording medium 102, developing it in the memory 103, and executing it. In addition, this candidate determination process demonstrates as what starts when the game which concerns on a predetermined | prescribed game in the game sequence will be in a playable state, for example.

  In step S <b> 901, the control unit 101 causes the display control unit 107 to generate a provision selection screen as a game screen according to the present invention, which accepts a game card provision request, and causes the display unit 130 to display the provision selection screen. In the initial provision selection screen after the transition to the card provision sequence, the game card images of the characters determined as candidate characters in the game sequence candidate determination process are arranged so as to be selectable as shown in FIG. Has been. The user can receive a game card associated with the character associated with the selected game card image by selecting one of the game card images on the provision selection screen.

  In a game in which a play experience is provided by the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the maximum number of game card images that are determined in the game sequence and arranged on the play screen is five, while the provision selection screen Then, any user can arrange a maximum of six game card images. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), a related image indicating that a game card image and / or a new game card image may appear on the provision selection screen (in the example of the figure, a treasure box shape). Are arranged in total. In FIG. 10A, the offer selection screen is provided with an area 1001 in which a selection target for accepting provision of a game card can be arranged, and the area 1001 is indicated by a broken line so that six items can be arranged. It is divided into six areas. In the example of the figure, four game card images related to the candidate character determined in the game sequence are arranged in the divided area of the area 1001, and the remaining divided areas where the game card image is not arranged are insufficient for the number of related images that can be presented. Two related images are arranged. Of these, the only images that can be selected to accept a game card provision request are game card images. However, as will be described later, the display content of the provision selection screen may change according to the game card provision status.

  In this step, the control unit 101 sets a time limit for accepting a provision request together with the provision selection screen, and starts a process of measuring time and reducing the remaining time. The time limit may be set in advance as a fixed time such as 2 minutes, for example, and the control unit 101 basically accepts selection of a game card provided by the user within the time limit.

  In step S <b> 902, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an operation input for selecting a game card image for which a game card provision request is made has been made on the provision selection screen. If the control unit 101 determines that an operation input for selecting a game card image for which a provision request is made has been made, the control unit 101 stores information on the candidate character from which the game card image is selected in the memory 103, and moves the process to S903. If the control unit 101 determines that no operation input has been made, it repeats the process of this step. If the remaining time of the time limit set in S901 is 0 when no operation input is made, the control unit 101 displays the frame image included in the provision selection screen for selecting the game card image. Assume that 1002 indicates that an operation input has been made on the game card image attached at the time of remaining time 0, and the process proceeds to S903.

  In S903, the control unit 101 transmits information on the candidate character (target character) related to the game card image selected in S902 to the providing control unit 109, and the providing unit 140 matches the target character of the game card. Start the generation process. More specifically, the control unit 101 configures and encodes card information attached to a game card associated with the target character based on the character ID of the target character. Further, the control unit 101 reads out the game card image from the character information drawing information 1724 stored in the memory 103 for the target character, and transmits it to the provision control unit 109 together with the encoded card information. The providing control unit 109 configures a print image of the game card including the code image under the control of the control unit 101, and causes the providing unit 140 to start print generation.

  In step S <b> 904, the control unit 101 determines whether information has been acquired from the license card when providing the play experience of the current game. If the control unit 101 determines that information has been acquired from the license card, the process proceeds to step S905. If it is determined that information has not been acquired, the control unit 101 proceeds to step S906.

  In step S905, the control unit 101 causes the management server 200 to register that the game card associated with the target character has been provided for the play experience of the current game using the license card. Specifically, the control unit 101 transmits the user ID 1701 of the license information and the character ID 1711 of the target character stored in the memory 103 to the communication unit 110, and together with the request for updating the user information related to the provided history information, the management server 200. To send to. When receiving the update request, the management control unit 201 updates the play information 1743 of the user information managed in the user DB 205 in association with the received user ID. The update is realized by updating the provision history information included in the play information 1743 to a state indicating that the game card related to the received character ID 1711 has been provided. In response to the update request, the management control unit 201 returns the updated user information to the game apparatus 100 via the management communication unit 206. In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the updated user information is returned in response to the update request. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and is stored in the memory 103 in the game device 100, for example. The updated user information may be updated in the same manner as the processing performed in the management server 200.

  In step S906, the control unit 101 determines a new candidate character that can be additionally selected.

  In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the provision of one game card is basically accompanied with the provision of one play experience, and one card for which a provision request is made in the card provision sequence. Providing game cards. On the other hand, for example, it is allowed to provide four additional game cards (additional five cards can be provided in total), with the requirement to add additional consideration. This is for example a case where a candidate character determined in the game sequence includes a plurality of characters desired by the user, and this is determined in accordance with payment of the consideration without requiring a second game play. Can be provided.

  In the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the interest for providing such a plurality of game cards is further enhanced, and the user's desire for possession of the game card is preferably stimulated, so that additional payment is made. In this step, a new candidate character is determined as follows. When the provision of the game card of the target character is determined, instead of excluding the target character from the provision target of the further game card, the control unit 101 selects, for example, a new candidate character determined by the lottery process. Add to the target. Further, if the number of game card images that can accept a provision request on the provision selection screen is less than the maximum number (number of division areas), that is, there is a divided area in which the related image is arranged in the area 1001 of the provision selection screen. If so, for example, also for one of them, the control unit 101 adds another new candidate character similarly determined by the lottery process to the provision target of the game card.

  In step S <b> 907, the display control unit 107 displays a provision selection screen including the new candidate character determined in step S <b> 906 on the display unit 130 under the control of the control unit 101. In the offer selection screen displayed in this step, instead of the game card image, the game of the new candidate character determined in S906 is placed in the divided area where the game card image of the target character selected in S902 is placed. Card images are arranged in a selectable state. In addition, in at least one of the divided areas where the related images are arranged, a game card image of another new target character determined in S906 can be selected instead of the related image. Accordingly, in the provision selection screen as shown in FIG. 10A, the game card image 1003 showing the frame image 1002 and the related image 1004 are shown in FIG. 10B by the processing of this step. Are displayed as a provision selection screen changed to new game card images 1011 and 1012, respectively.

  In addition, the offer selection screen displayed in this step is preferably changed to a game card image of an additional candidate character in a related area or a game card image related to the target character in a divided area where the displayed image is changed. It is configured to express the production to be performed. In other words, a display is made so that the user can know which game card image is related to the character that has become the new target character, and whether it can be selected instead of the image displayed in the divided area. The control unit 107 may generate and display the provision selection screen sequentially.

  In this way, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of game cards, so that it is possible to secure a revenue opportunity for the publisher while ensuring the convenience of the user and the fun of the game. it can. In addition, even if the target frame has been a related image, it is possible to increase the types of game cards that can be provided by adding a target character after providing a single game card. It is possible to provide a similar game card acquisition opportunity to users who are not suitable.

  In step S908, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a request for providing the upper limit number of game cards has been made. The control unit 101 moves the process to S910 when determining that the request for providing the upper limit number of game cards has been made, and moves the process to S909 when determining that the request has not been made.

  In step S909, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an additional consideration related to provision of an additional game card has been paid. If the control unit 101 determines that the additional price has been paid, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S902 and accepts an operation input related to the provision request related to the provision of the additional game card. At this time, if the remaining time of the time limit is shorter than the fixed time in advance, the control unit 101 sets the time limit to the fixed time again, and performs a process of measuring the time and reducing the remaining time. Shall start. That is, in order to allow the user to select an additional game card without giving a complicated impression, the control unit 101 resets the time limit according to the additional consideration paid. Further, the control unit 101 repeats the process of this step when determining that the additional consideration has not been paid, but moves the process to S910 when the remaining time of the time limit for accepting the provision request becomes zero. That's fine.

  In S910, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the generation of the game card started in S903 has been performed and the provision of the game card has been completed. When it is determined that the provision of all requested game cards has been completed, the control unit 101 ends the provision process, and when it is determined that the provision has not been completed, the control unit 101 repeats the process of this step.

<End sequence>
When the provision of the game card in the card provision sequence is completed, the control unit 101 shifts the process to the end sequence of S506. In the end sequence, the control unit 101 executes various processes related to the end of provision of one play experience, and shifts the process to the standby sequence again. The processing in the end sequence may include presentation of a game result related to the game sequence and presentation of information that prompts a change with the next user waiting for the play experience.

  By doing in this way, according to the game system of this embodiment, the willingness to use the game apparatus can be preferably increased.

[Embodiment 2]
In the game system of the first embodiment described above, it has been described that the lineup of game cards that can be provided in the game apparatus 100 is renewed at the timing when the version of the program related to the provision of the play experience is updated. In other words, unless the program is updated, the game card provided in the game device 100 is limited to the game card provided so as to be provided for the current version of the program. On the other hand, although the play frequency is different for each user, there may be a user who obtains all the game cards that can be provided in the period until the next version update of the program. In particular, in a mode in which a user can obtain a plurality of game cards as a requirement for payment of additional consideration in one play experience as described above, it is difficult for the user to obtain all the game cards. Is reduced.

  Therefore, for example, for a user who is interested in collecting game cards, the advantage of using the game device 100 after obtaining all the game cards is low, and the user's interest in the game content provided as a result can be reduced. There was sex. In the present embodiment, a game system will be described in which not only the program update timing but also a game card attractive to the user can be periodically added and provided.

《Game system configuration》
Hereinafter, the system configuration of the game system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated, the game system of the present embodiment includes a distribution server 1300 configured to be able to communicate with each of the plurality of game devices 100 via the network 300 in addition to the game system of the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, for game content (game content) for which a play experience is provided on the game device 100, video content corresponding to an external device such as a TV program that handles the same world view or character is independently distributed. Has been. The video content may be a new content (story or the like) distributed at a predetermined time interval, such as every other week, and corresponds to a live-action video work related to the game content in this embodiment. Shall. That is, the game content is a content on which a game screen (frame image) generated by real-time rendering or pre-rendering using CG in consideration of interactivity is displayed, and the video content is an actor in at least some scenes. It is assumed that a frame image obtained by shooting a performance by a suit actor is content displayed on a playback device.

  In this embodiment, the distribution server 1300 distributes information (additional information) corresponding to the distributed video content to the game device 100 in conjunction with the distribution of the video content, and the game device 100 based on the information. It is configured to enable the creation of new game cards. More specifically, for example, after the video content is distributed or after the broadcast end time of the video content, the game device 100 receives the corresponding game card having a pattern corresponding to the distributed video content. It is configured to be provided based on information. Hereinafter, the game card that can be provided in the subsequent period based on the reception of the information distributed from the distribution server 1300, not depending on the program version update, the special card as the second article according to the present invention A game card that can be provided at least during the period when the play experience related to the version is provided at least by the version update of the program is referred to as a normal card as the first article according to the present invention. It shall be.

  More specifically, the normal card includes character information related to the character as the first game element according to the present invention, which is registered in the character DB 106 by the version update of the program related to the game in the game device 100 as described above. It is a game card generated based on the game card. On the other hand, the special card is a game card associated with a game element (which may include not only a character but also other special effects) as a second game element according to the present invention. The game card is generated based on the character information registered in the character DB 106 based on the additional information distributed by the above. That is, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the character associated with the normal card can be selected as a candidate character if the version of the program is updated, and the provision selection screen as the first game screen according to the present invention is displayed. A game card image can be placed without any particular restriction. On the other hand, the game element associated with the special card cannot be selected as a candidate character after the program version is updated, but after receiving additional information and after the provision start timing defined in the additional information The game card image can be arranged on the offer selection screen and the offer list screen. For example, the game element associated with the special card is a game card as a candidate character on the provision selection screen after the time when the video content associated with the additional information is distributed or after the time when the real-time distribution of the video content ends. It may be controlled so that the image can be placed. Therefore, the distribution of additional information from the distribution server 1300 to the game apparatus 100 is performed prior to the start or end of distribution of the corresponding video content, and registration is performed based on the additional information at a predetermined timing after the distribution. The control unit 101 controls the included character information to be included as an object of the lottery process related to the candidate character. However, the distribution and reception of the additional information need not be performed prior to the provision start time of the corresponding game card. For example, the additional information is distributed from the distribution server 1300 in accordance with the distribution end time of the video content. The game device 100 may be controlled so as to be able to provide the corresponding game card when it is received.

  In other words, the game device 100 of the present embodiment differs in the types of game cards that can be provided in the game device 100 before and after receiving additional information. That is, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, only the normal card can be provided before the additional information is received, but both the normal card and the special card can be provided after the additional information is received. For the sake of simplicity in the present embodiment, the special card will be described as being able to be continuously provided in the game apparatus 100 after receiving additional information from the distribution server. May be configured to be provided only for a predetermined period, such as until new distribution.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the normal card and the special card may be configured so that a game card image or a symbol attached to the card surface is different. As shown in FIG. 12A, the former is configured to have a pattern associated with a game content, which is configured by a picture or CG image drawn in advance. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12B, the latter has a pattern of a real image corresponding to one scene of the video content such as a frame image of the distributed video content, which is rare compared to a normal card. It may be configured so as to be highly sexual and stimulate the desire for collection.

  Further, the normal card and the special card may be configured so as to be clearly discriminable because the form of the game card is different. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the difference in form is that the rectangular image attached to the game card (the image of the character (game element) printed on the surface of the game card does not take into account the frame portion is rectangular). ) May be realized by different longitudinal directions.

  In the present embodiment, the special card in the game apparatus 100 is described as providing the payment of the same amount as that of the normal card as a requirement, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. As mentioned above, the value required for regular cards and special cards is increased by increasing the value of special cards by changing the generation method and processing applied, and making the price higher than normal cards accordingly. It is good also as what makes a forehead differ.

<Configuration of Game Device 100>
Next, the functional configuration of the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The functional configuration of the game apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment, but the data configuration of character information managed in the character DB 106 and the communication connection destination of the communication unit 110 are the same. Different.

  The character information managed in the character DB 106 of the present embodiment includes additional information in addition to the character information of the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. As for the additional information, it is possible to provide a game card based on whether or not the character related to the character information is a character associated with a special card instead of a normal card, that is, based on the additional information distributed by the distribution server 1300. A provision period for specifying a logical distribution flag 1751 (whether true or not based on additional information if true) and a time when a game card associated with the character is included as a candidate character. Information 1752.

  Here, the provision period information 1752 may be information specifying a version of a program related to provision of a play experience for a normal card. For example, when any version of a program is executed, a game card can be provided. May be shown. The provision period information 1752 may store information on a predetermined date and time after distribution, which is determined based on the distribution time of the corresponding video content for the special card. In this case, for a play experience provided after a predetermined date and time indicated by the provision period information 1752, the character ID 1722 of the character information is included in the processing of the candidate character, and a special card can be provided.

  In addition, the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that managed character information can be increased in response to reception of additional information distributed by the distribution server 1300. More specifically, the character DB 106 manages and stores a record (one character information) that is increased or decreased only by updating the version of a program that provides a play experience, and that is basically not changed during the service provision period of the game device 100. In addition to the fixed area, a variable area is provided for managing and storing records in which information changes in response to reception of additional information.

  For example, in order to secure an additional information area, the character information stored in the variable area may include a blank record in which information of at least a part of the area is blank, and additional information is received. In this case, the information may be officially registered as information that can be used when providing the play experience using the blank record. At this time, the blank record may be a record ID 1721 of the character information to which at least information is input, and in this embodiment, in addition to this, the progress parameter 1725 is input in advance. It will be explained as a thing. The other information is complemented by updating by the control unit 101 in response to receiving additional information from the distribution server 1300, and can be used as character information.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to communicate with the distribution server 1300 in addition to the management server 200, and thus the communication unit 110 performs communication connection with the distribution server 1300. . For example, the communication unit 110 establishes a communication connection with the distribution server 1300 at a predetermined time interval, checks whether there is additional information to be distributed, and receives the additional information if there is. In the present embodiment, the control unit 101 is assumed to receive the additional information, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when a connection request is transmitted from the distribution server 1300 to the game device 100 to be distributed and the communication unit 110 receives the connection request, the communication unit 110 establishes a communication connection with the distribution server 1300 and distributes the distribution request. The received additional information may be received.

<Configuration of Distribution Server 1300>
Next, the functional configuration of the distribution server 1300 of this embodiment will be described using the block diagram of FIG. Also in the description of the functional configuration of the distribution server 1300, the components of the distribution server 1300 that realize the same function as the game device 100 are distinguished by adding a “distribution” prefix.

  The distribution control unit 1301 is a CPU, for example, and controls the operation of each block included in the distribution server 1300. Specifically, the distribution control unit 1301 controls the operation of each block by, for example, reading an operation program for each block recorded in the distribution recording medium 1302, developing it in the distribution memory 1303, and executing it.

  The distribution recording medium 1302 is a recording device that can hold data permanently, such as a nonvolatile memory or an HDD. The distribution recording medium 1302 stores information such as parameters necessary for the operation of each block in addition to the operation program for each block of the distribution server 1300. The distribution memory 1303 is a storage device used for temporary data storage such as a volatile memory. The distribution memory 1303 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 additional information DB 1304 is a database that manages additional information that is distributed to the game apparatus 100. The distribution server 1300 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to distribute additional information managed in the additional information DB 1304 based on a given distribution schedule corresponding to video content corresponding to game content. The additional information managed in the additional information DB 1304 may be registered in advance for all distribution periods, or may be additionally registered sequentially according to the production progress of the distribution content. Good. For example, the additional information is related to the record ID 1761 of the blank record related to the character information to be updated when received by the game apparatus 100, and the character ID 1762 that uniquely identifies the character to be distributed (distributed character) is determined for the distributed character. Character type 1763 displayed, graphics data used for screen generation when the distribution character appears in the game, and a character image (live-action image) used when generating a game card associated with the character. It includes drawing information 1764, rank information 1765 indicating the rank determined for the distribution character, and provision period information 1766 including at least date and time information that makes it possible to provide a game card related to the distribution character.

  Therefore, in the game device 100 that has received the additional information configured as described above, the control unit 101 updates the blank record related to the character information specified by the record ID 1761 of the additional information, thereby registering the character information. Made. At this time, the control unit 101 sets the character ID 1762 in the character information 1722, the character type 1723 in the character type 1723, the drawing information 1764 in the drawing information 1724, the rank information 1765 in the rank information 1726, and the provision period information. The provision period information 1766 is substituted for 1752. Further, the control unit 101 truly updates the distribution flag 1751. In addition, the update process of the character information of the fluctuation | variation area | region based on additional information is not restricted to this, For example, you may perform by updating the blank record of the head of a fluctuation | variation area | region in the order delivered.

  The distribution communication unit 1305 is a communication interface with an external device included in the distribution server 1300. The distribution communication unit 1305 is connected to an external device via a network 300 (whether wired or wireless), which may be a communication network such as the Internet or a cable for connecting devices, and can transmit and receive data. Can do. For example, the distribution communication unit 1305 converts information input as a transmission target into data of a predetermined format, and transmits the data to an external device such as the game device 100 via the network 300. For example, when receiving information from an external device via a network, the distribution communication unit 1305 decodes the information and stores the information in the distribution memory 1303.

<< Sequence control in game device 100 >>
Next, in the game system of the present embodiment, a specific process for a series of processes involved in providing a play experience will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the basic sequence flow in the game apparatus 100 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore, only a sequence whose processing differs depending on the reception status of additional information will be described below.

<Standby sequence>
In the standby sequence, when the character information related to the distribution character registered based on the additional information exists in the character DB 106, the control unit 101 can provide the game card related to the distribution character as shown in FIG. A standby screen including the notification 1401 is generated by the display control unit 107 and displayed on the display unit 130.

  More specifically, the control unit 101 refers to the character DB 106 and determines whether or not there is character information for which a game card can be provided based on the additional information. This determination may be made by referring to the character information distribution flag 1751. Further, in the aspect in which the additional information is sequentially distributed, the control unit 101 further adds the additional information when the elapsed time from the provision start date indicated by the provision period information 1752 is positive and indicates a time within a predetermined number of days. Based on the above, it may be determined that there is character information for which a new game card can be provided. Moreover, the notification which is considering the game play can be suitably induced | guided | derived to a game play by letting the notification in a standby screen be accompanied by arrangement | positioning of the game card image which concerns on applicable character information. In addition, for a distribution character that can be provided with a game card, a game card image is added and displayed on a provision list screen that is displayed in response to a predetermined operation input in a standby sequence. The control unit 101 controls the display control unit 107.

<Game sequence>
When a special card can be provided, making it easy to obtain the special card will increase the user's interest in the corresponding video content, and as a result, maintain the user's interest in the game content. Can also lead to. Therefore, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, the control unit 101 performs control so that the distribution character related to the special card is easily determined as a candidate character in the game sequence candidate determination process. On the other hand, in a mode in which a plurality of additional information is distributed, even if the candidate character is too biased toward the distribution character, it is not suitable for a user who wants to collect normal cards. Therefore, in the game device 100 of the present embodiment, control is performed so as to change the determination criterion for the candidate character in accordance with the presence of the character information related to the distribution character registered based on the additional information.

<Candidate decision processing>
Hereinafter, the game sequence candidate determination process of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The processing corresponding to the flowchart can be realized by the control unit 101 reading, for example, a corresponding processing program stored in the recording medium 102, developing it in the memory 103, and executing it. In addition, this candidate determination process demonstrates as what starts when the game which concerns on a predetermined | prescribed game in the game sequence will be in a playable state, for example. Further, for the sake of simplicity, the present candidate determination process will be described as being performed in parallel with the play screen drawing process that is sequentially performed according to the progress of the game. However, since the information on the candidate character determined in the candidate determination process is presented via the play screen, the drawing process is performed so that the drawing content of the play screen is changed in response to the result of the candidate determination process. Control shall be made. In addition, in the candidate determination process of the present embodiment, the steps for performing the same processes as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. Keep in the explanation.

  After determining the added points in S702 and adding them to the accumulation points, the control unit 101 determines in S1501 whether or not the updated accumulation points are equal to or greater than a predetermined point threshold value. The control unit 101 moves the process to S1502 when the accumulated points are equal to or greater than the predetermined point threshold value, and returns the process to S701 when the accumulated point is less than the predetermined point threshold value.

  In step S1502, the control unit 101 determines whether there is character information related to the distribution character registered based on the additional information. The determination in this step may be made by referring to the determination result made in the standby sequence. If the control unit 101 determines that there is character information related to the distribution character registered based on the additional information, the control unit 101 moves the process to S1503, and if it determines that there is no character information, moves the process to S704.

  In S1503, the control unit 101 determines a character to be a candidate character from among the characters that can currently provide the game card in the game device 100 because the predetermined state related to the game card provision has been achieved. The processing performed in determining the candidate character in this step is basically the same as the processing in S704, but the control unit 101 controls the winning probability in the lottery processing related to the determination of the candidate character.

  Specifically, first, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the character ID of the distribution character (the character whose distribution flag 1751 is true) has already been added to the candidate character list. If the character ID of the distribution character has already been added to the candidate character list, the control unit 101 can provide the current game card in the game device 100 after reducing the winning probability for the other distribution character. A lottery process is performed for the character. On the other hand, if the character ID of the distribution character has not yet been added to the candidate character list, the control unit 101 can provide the current game card in the game apparatus 100 after increasing the winning probability for the distribution character. A lottery process is performed for the character. Further, preferably, in the distribution of characters in which the character ID is added to the candidate character list, the control unit 101 draws lots so that the number of characters related to the normal card is larger than the number of characters related to the special card (distributed character). Processing may be controlled.

  By doing in this way, in the candidate determination process of this embodiment, it is possible to determine a candidate character so as to satisfy the demand of a user who desires to obtain a normal card while ensuring a state in which a special card is easily provided. it can.

<Card provision sequence>
When the distribution character is determined as a candidate character in the game sequence candidate determination process, the display control unit 107 can identify the game card image of the normal card and the game card image of the special card under the control of the control unit 101. In addition, a provision selection screen may be configured and displayed on the reader 120. The discrimination between the normal card and the special card may be performed simply by changing the form of the card image. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the display of the game card image on the offer selection screen, It may be performed by attaching a notification 1601 indicating that the card is a special card different from the card.

[Modification]
By the way, when installed in a store or the like, there are cases where a plurality of game apparatuses 100 are installed. In the installation mode, the game apparatuses 100 are often installed close to each other, and it is preferable that the same play experience is provided in these game apparatuses 100.

  On the other hand, when the special card based on the additional information can be provided on the condition that the distributed additional information has been received as in the second embodiment, the game device 100 in the vicinity depends on the communication status of each device. There may be a difference in whether additional information is received or not. That is, among a plurality of users who use the game device 100 installed in the vicinity, a user who can obtain a special card and a user who cannot obtain a special card are generated, and there is a possibility that fairness among users may not be ensured. Therefore, in the game system of this modification, in a mode in which a plurality of game devices 100 are installed close to each other, the communication unit 110 of each device is configured to be capable of communication connection between these game devices 100, and is special. Whether or not the card can be provided may be controlled to be processed as follows.

  For example, the control unit 101 of the game apparatus 100 that has received the additional information distributed by the distribution server 1300 responds to the other game apparatus 100 that is installed in close proximity via the communication unit 110. Queries the reception status of. And all these game devices 100 receive the same additional information, and when the corresponding special card can be provided, the control unit 101 performs control so that the special card can be provided. Also good.

[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 or game system according to the present invention can also be realized by a program that causes one or more computers to function as the game device or 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 101: Control part 102: Recording medium 103: Memory 104: Payment detection part 105: Acquisition part 106: Character DB 107: Display control part 108: Operation input part 109: Provision Control unit, 110: communication unit, 120: reader, 130: display unit, 140: providing unit, 200: management server, 201: management control unit, 202: management recording medium, 203: management memory, 204: validity DB, 205: user DB, 206: management communication unit, 300: network, 1300: distribution server, 1301: distribution control unit, 1302: distribution recording medium, 1303: distribution memory, 1304: additional information DB, 1305: distribution communication unit

The game apparatus of the present invention is a game apparatus that executes a game based on information acquired from a game article, and game information that identifies a game element related to the game associated with the game article from the game article. And providing means for providing a first game article, which is a game article associated with the first game element, which is a game element predetermined as appearing in the game, A determining means for sequentially determining game elements that can provide game articles for the executed game, and a game element determined by the determining means as providing game articles for the executed game Based on the game information acquired by the acquisition means, the display means for displaying the first game screen including the image of Means, operation of the determination means and display means, and control means for controlling the communicating means for communicating with the communication connection is configured to be a server, provided with the server, previously determined as in the game a free game element, the information of the different second game element from the first game element delivers to the game apparatus, the control means, the communication means receives information of a plurality of second game element from the server If you are, provide a providing means, a second game article is a game article second game element is associated to allow providing the both gaming article of the plurality of second game element If it is not determined as a game element to be enabled, the determining means is controlled so that a plurality of second game elements can be easily determined, and any of the plurality of second game elements provides a game article. If it is already determined as a game element to be played, the game can be provided by controlling the determining means so that a second game element different from the determined second game element is difficult to determine. As a result, the first game screen including the image of the first game element and the image of the second game element determined by the determination unit is controlled to be displayed on the display unit.

Claims (16)

A game device for executing a game based on information acquired from a game article,
Obtaining means for obtaining game information for identifying a game element related to the game associated with the game article from the game article;
Providing means for providing a first article associated with a first game element, which is a predetermined game element for the game;
Display means for displaying a first game screen including an image of a first game element related to the game article, as the game article can be provided for the executed game;
Control means for controlling execution and progress of the game and operations of the providing means and the display means based on the game information obtained by the obtaining means;
A communication means for communicating with a server configured to be capable of communication connection,
The server is a game element that is not predetermined for the game, and distributes information of a second game element different from the first game element to the game device,
The control means, when the communication means receives information on the second game element from the server,
Allowing the providing means to provide a second article associated with the second game element;
The display means for displaying the first game screen including the image of the second game element in addition to the image of the first game element related to the game article, as the game article can be provided A game device that is controlled to be displayed.   When the information on the second game element is received, the control means is configured such that the number of images of the first game element is greater than the number of images of the second game element on the first game screen. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled so as to increase. The providing means includes generating means for generating a game article,
The control means includes
When the information of the second game element is not received, the generation means is controlled to be able to generate the first item;
3. The game device according to claim 1, wherein when the information on the second game element is received, the generation unit is controlled to generate the first item and the second item. 4.   The providing means can provide the first article by the generating means generating the game article in the first form, and the generating means is a second form different from the first form. The game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second article can be provided by generating a game article. The game article generated by the generating means is attached with a rectangular image related to the game element associated with the game article,
The game apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first article and the second article are different in a longitudinal direction of an attached image. Video content corresponding to the game content is distributed by an external device,
The game device according to claim 5, wherein the image of the second game element is an image corresponding to one scene of the video content.   The control means, when the information of the second game element is received, during the predetermined period after the video content relating to the image of the second game element is distributed, The game device according to claim 6, wherein the providing unit and the display unit are controlled so as to be able to provide the second article associated with an element.   The game device according to claim 6, wherein the image of the second game element is a live-action image related to the video content. It further comprises a reception means for receiving payment of the consideration,
The control means controls the providing means to be able to provide at least one of the first article and the second article on the condition that the payment of the consideration is accepted by the accepting means. The game device according to any one of 1 to 8.   The game apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a value determined for providing the first item is different from a value determined for providing the second item. The control means includes
The game is executed in response to the payment of the consideration,
When information on the second game element is received, a notification indicating that the second item can be provided is included in the second game screen displayed before the payment of the consideration is accepted The game device according to claim 9, wherein the display unit is controlled as described above.   In the first game screen, in the game element image relating to the game article that can be provided, the game article associated with each game element corresponds to either the first article or the second article. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein is displayed in an identifiable manner. The communication means is further configured to enable communication between the game devices having a predetermined connection relationship,
The control means includes the second game element image including an image of the second game element when all of the game devices having the predetermined connection relationship receive the same information of the second game element. The game device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is controlled to display one game screen. A game system including a game device that executes a game based on information acquired from game articles, and a server that can communicate with the game device,
The game device includes:
Obtaining means for obtaining game information for identifying a game element related to the game associated with the game article from the game article;
Providing means for providing a first article associated with a first game element, which is a predetermined game element for the game;
A display means for displaying a first game screen including an image of a first game element relating to the game article, wherein the game article can be provided for the executed game; and Control means for controlling execution and progress of the game and operations of the providing means and the display means based on the acquired game information;
Communication means for communicating with the server,
The server is a game element that is not predetermined for the game, and includes a distribution unit that distributes information of a second game element different from the first game element to the game device,
Video content corresponding to the game content is distributed by an external device,
The information of the second game element includes an image corresponding to one scene of the video content,
In a predetermined period after the delivery of the video content relating to the image of the second game element when the communication means receives the information of the second game element from the server, the control means ,
Allowing the providing means to provide a second article associated with the second game element;
The display means displays the first game screen including the image of the second game element in addition to the image of the first game element, as the associated game article can be provided. To control the game system. A game system including a game article and a game device that executes a game based on information acquired from the game article,
The game article has game information for specifying a game element related to the game associated with the game article;
The game device includes:
Obtaining means for obtaining the game information from the game article;
Providing means for providing a first article associated with a first game element, which is a predetermined game element for the game;
Display means for displaying a first game screen including an image of a first game element related to the game article, as the game article can be provided for the executed game;
Control means for controlling execution and progress of the game and operations of the providing means and the display means based on the game information obtained by the obtaining means;
A communication means for communicating with a server configured to be capable of communication connection,
The server is a game element that is not predetermined for the game, and has information on a second game element different from the first game element,
The control means, when the communication means receives information on the second game element from the server,
Allowing the providing means to provide a second article associated with the second game element;
The first game screen including the image of the second game element in addition to the image of the first game element is provided on the assumption that the game article associated with the game element related to the game can be provided. A game system for controlling the display means to display.   A program that causes a computer to function as control means of the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images