JP2019162199A - Game support device and game device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method for settling accounts with a utilization charge of a game machine by a post pay system, and to provide a new play reservation management method of an arcade game machine following it.SOLUTION: A game support device is connected to a game device and a communication terminal 104 via the Internet. The game support device receives a reservation request including a player ID from the communication terminal 104 and sets the player ID included in the reservation request to a reservation state. The game support device receives a play request including the player ID from the game device. When the player ID included in the play request is set to a reservation state, the game support device permits play of a game in the game device. A player designates a game device to be reserved from the communication terminal 104 before playing a game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a payment technique for computer game usage fees.

  Arcade game machines (professional game machines) that charge a fee for each play have a history of more than 40 years. Although the arcade game market is said to be shrinking, it has a scale of about 400 billion yen in 2014.

  In recent arcade game machines, a fee collection method using electronic money has become widespread (see Patent Document 1). The player pays a collect of cash to charge electronic money to an IC (Integrated Circuit) card (precharge), and holds the IC card over the game machine. The arcade game machine subtracts the electronic money for the usage fee from the IC card and permits game play. The player can continue playing within the amount charged.

  However, in the above fee collection method (prepaid method), if the electronic money charged in the IC card runs out, recharging is required. Therefore, if recharge is required during the game, the game play must be interrupted, and the interest of the game will be lost.

  In Patent Document 2, a virtual currency account for charging electronic money to a server is set. The user pays a usage fee from the virtual currency account of the server by transmitting the card ID to the server. Patent Document 2 merely charges electronic money to a server instead of an IC card, and the above-described problems specific to the prepaid method are not solved.

Japanese Patent No. 4631705 JP 2010-262389 A

  Therefore, the present inventors have studied a method of paying the usage fee of the arcade game machine by a post-pay method (post-payment method). For example, if the game usage fee can be postpaid with a credit card, the player can enjoy the game without worrying about the charge amount. In order to realize postpayment of credit card usage fees, a mechanism to prevent unauthorized use of credit cards is also necessary. However, it is troublesome for a player who wants to play a game immediately to input a personal identification number generally used for authenticating a credit card.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above-mentioned problem recognition, and its main object is to provide a technique for ensuring security when paying a game machine usage fee by a post-pay method.

A game support apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to a game apparatus and a communication terminal via a communication network.
This device includes a reservation request receiving unit that receives a reservation request including a player ID from a communication terminal, a reservation management unit that sets a player ID included in the reservation request in a reserved state, and a play including a player ID from a game device. Included in the play request is a play request receiving unit that receives a request, a payment requesting unit that requests an external payment device to settle the usage fee of the game device, a payment receiving unit that receives a payment permission notification from the payment device, and And a play permission unit that permits the game device to play a game on the condition that the player ID is set to the reserved state and the usage fee can be settled by the settlement device.

  The “state where payment can be made” here is not limited to a state where payment processing is actually completed, but may be a state where it can be predicted that the payment will be successful if the account balance is sufficient.

  A game device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a game execution unit that executes a game, an ID detection unit that detects input of a player ID, and a play request transmission unit that transmits a play request including the player ID to an external game support device. And a permission / rejection notification receiving unit that receives a play permission / rejection notification indicating whether or not to play the game from the game support device, and authentication information for the player when play permission cannot be obtained for the play request from the game support device. An authentication instructing unit for instructing an input, an authentication information detecting unit for detecting an input of authentication information from the player, an authentication request transmitting unit for transmitting an authentication request including the authentication information to the game support device, and a play request or an authentication request A play permission unit that permits the execution of the game when play permission is obtained from the game support device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes easy to raise safety | security regarding the payment of the usage fee of the game machine by a postpay system.

It is a hardware block diagram of a game system. It is a functional block diagram of a game device. It is a functional block diagram of a game support device. It is a data structure figure of player information. It is a flowchart which shows the process from a game play start to completion | finish. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating a check-in area. It is a screen figure of a check-in screen. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process in S22 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the payment process process when playing a game with two people.

  In the game system in the present embodiment, first, a game card is issued to the player. A player ID that uniquely identifies the player is recorded on the game card. The player registers the player ID in a communication terminal such as a smartphone. In the game support device (server), a player ID, a credit card number (settlement number), and a password (authentication information) are registered in association with each other.

  Before playing the game, the player makes a play reservation by transmitting the player ID from the communication terminal to the game support device. Hereinafter, the play reservation is called “check-in”. Check-in continues for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “valid period”). During check-in, the player can play the game simply by holding the game card over the game device (arcade game machine).

  The game device reads the player ID from the game card and notifies the game support device, and the game support device settles the usage fee of the game device based on the credit card number associated with the player ID. With such a mechanism, the player can enjoy the game by the post-pay method. Security is ensured by imposing a preliminary procedure of check-in from the communication terminal on the player. Hereinafter, remote check-in from a communication terminal is particularly referred to as “remote check-in”.

If the check-in is not in progress, the game device requests the player to perform an additional procedure such as password entry. Check-in is also possible by entering a password. Hereinafter, the check-in by inputting a password from the game device is particularly referred to as “local check-in”.
In the following description, the remote check-in will be mainly described. In the present embodiment, not only post-pay but also reservation management accompanying remote check-in will be described in detail later.

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game system 100.
In the game system 100, with respect to the game support apparatus 102, a plurality of stores 108a, 108b,... 108n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “store 108” when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) and a plurality of communication terminals 104 n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “communication terminal 104” when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) are connected via the Internet 106. The game support apparatus 102 is also connected to a settlement apparatus 114. The settlement apparatus 114 is a server operated by a credit card company.

  The communication terminal 104 in the present embodiment is assumed to be a smartphone. The communication terminal 104 may be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. The communication terminal 104 and the Internet 106 are wirelessly connected, but may be connected by wire.

The store 108 may be an amusement park or a game center. In the store 108, a plurality of game devices 110 a to 110 f (hereinafter collectively referred to as “game device 110” when collectively referred to or not particularly distinguished) and the relay device 112 are connected by a dedicated line. The game device 110 is an arcade game machine called “satellite”, which is a so-called arcade game machine. The relay device 112 is called a “terminal” and is a device for supporting and assisting game play of one or more game devices 110. The relay device 112 and the Internet 106 are connected by wire, but may be connected wirelessly.
Note that the relay device 112 may be used in common with other types of game devices via a router or the like, and may function as a store server device that communicates outside the store.

  The relay device 112 re-plays (plays a video) the game play result in the game device 110, creates a ranking from a plurality of game play results, and provides a card (item) that can be used in the game. It has a function. In general, the relay device 112 executes support processing as processing for further enhancing the fun of game play in the game device 110 such as game production and analysis.

  The game support device 102 settles the usage fee of the game device 110 with the settlement device 114.

  A player ID (hereinafter also referred to as “PID”) is registered in the communication terminal 104. The player ID is not necessarily visible to the player, and may be a secret code registered in the game card and the communication terminal 104. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the player ID is registered in both the game card and the communication terminal 104. Note that a card ID may be assigned to the game card, and the card ID may be associated with the player ID. In this case, the card ID substantially functions as the player ID.

  In order to use the post-pay payment function, the player needs to make a credit card contract with the settlement apparatus 114 in advance and register the player ID, credit card number, and password in the game support apparatus 102. The game support apparatus 102 associates a player ID, a credit card number, and a password for each player in a list.

  When playing the game, the player holds the game card over the game device 110. At this time, the game apparatus 110 reads the player ID from the game card using a known near field communication technology such as NFC standard (Near Field Communication). Game device 110 transmits a player ID together with a game ID, which is an ID for identifying the game, to game support device 102 via relay device 112. Note that the game apparatus 110 can also make payment (prepaid method) using cash or a precharged IC card (hereinafter simply referred to as “prepaid card”) as usual.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game apparatus 110.
Each component of the game device 110 includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, a storage device such as a memory and a storage, hardware including a wired or wireless communication line connecting them, and a storage device. It is implemented by software that stores and supplies processing instructions to the computing unit. The computer program may be constituted by a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in an upper layer thereof, and a library that provides a common function to these programs. Each block described below is not a hardware unit configuration but a functional unit block.
The same applies to the functional blocks of the game support apparatus 102 shown in FIG.

The game device 110 includes a user interface processing unit 120, a data processing unit 122, a communication unit 124, and a data storage unit 126.
The user interface processing unit 120 receives operations from the player via a joystick (control stick) and buttons, and is also responsible for processing related to the user interface such as image display and sound output. The communication unit 124 is in charge of communication processing with the game support apparatus 102 and the like via the Internet 106. The data storage unit 126 stores various data. The data processing unit 122 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the communication unit 124 and the data stored in the data storage unit 126. The data processing unit 122 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 120, the communication unit 124, and the data storage unit 126.

The data processing unit 122 includes an authentication instruction unit 136, a play permission unit 138, and a game execution unit 140.
The authentication instruction unit 136 instructs input of a password (authentication information) at the time of local check-in. The play permission unit 138 determines whether or not the game can be played. The game execution unit 140 controls the execution of the game.

The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 128 that receives input from the player, and an output unit 130 that outputs various information such as images and sounds to the player.
The input unit 128 includes a deposit detection unit 131, an authentication information detection unit 132, and an ID detection unit 134. The payment detection unit 131 detects payment of a usage fee by cash or a prepaid card, in other words, payment of a usage fee by a prepayment method.

  The authentication information detection unit 132 receives an input of a password (authentication information) from the player at the time of local check-in. The ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card.

There are three ways to pay the usage fee of the game apparatus 110 as follows. Payment by cash and a prepaid card is a prepaid method, and payment by a credit card via a game card is a postpay method.
(1) When paying with cash, the player inserts a usage fee into the coin slot of the game apparatus 110. Next, the player inputs the player ID using the game card or the communication terminal 104. The game apparatus 110 starts the game after downloading game data associated with the player ID from the game support apparatus 102. The game data is data indicating the progress of the game for each player, so-called save data.
(2) When paying with a prepaid card, the player holds the prepaid card over the card reader of the game apparatus 110. At this time, the usage fee is subtracted from the charge amount of the prepaid card. Next, the player inputs the player ID using the game card or the communication terminal 104. The game apparatus 110 starts the game after downloading game data associated with the player ID from the game support apparatus 102.
(3) When paying with a credit card, the player holds the game card over the card reader of the game device 110. At this time, game data associated with the player ID is set in the game apparatus 110, and a settlement process based on a credit card associated with the player ID is executed (details will be described later).

The communication unit 124 includes a transmission unit 142 that transmits data and a reception unit 144 that receives data.
The transmission unit 142 includes a play request transmission unit 146, an authentication request transmission unit 148, and a play information transmission unit 150. The play request transmission unit 146 transmits a play request including the player ID to the game support device 102 when the player ID is detected from the game card or the like at the start of the game. The authentication request transmission unit 148 transmits an authentication request including a password (authentication information) to the game support apparatus 102 at the time of local check-in. The play information transmission unit 150 transmits play information indicating a game play result to the game support apparatus 102. The play information includes a game usage fee.

  The reception unit 144 includes a permission / rejection notification reception unit 152 and a game data reception unit 153. The permission / rejection notification receiving unit 152 receives a play permission / rejection notification from the game support device 102. The play permission notification includes a permission flag indicating play permission (described later). The play permission unit 138 determines whether the game can be executed based on the play permission notification. Details of the acceptance / rejection determination method will be described later. The game data receiving unit 153 receives game data. In the game support device 102, game data indicating the progress of the game is stored for each player. When the play request transmission unit 146 transmits the player ID and the game ID to the game support device 102, the game support device 102 transmits game data corresponding to the player ID to the game device 110, and the game data reception unit 153 receives the game data. To do. The game execution unit 140 sets a game based on the received game data.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the game support apparatus 102.
The game support apparatus 102 includes a communication unit 160, a data processing unit 162, and a data storage unit 164.
The communication unit 160 is in charge of communication processing with the communication terminal 104, the game device 110, and the payment device 114 via the Internet 106 or a dedicated line. The data storage unit 164 stores various data. The data processing unit 162 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 160 and the data stored in the data storage unit 164. The data processing unit 162 also functions as an interface between the communication unit 160 and the data storage unit 164. The data storage unit 164 stores a player ID and game data in association with each other, as well as player information 200 described later.

The data processing unit 162 includes a reservation management unit 190, a registration information management unit 192, a game data management unit 193, a credit management unit 194, a play permission unit 196, and a settlement processing unit 198.
The reservation management unit 190 performs player reservation management associated with check-in. The reservation management unit 190 predicts the number of customers for each store 108 by managing the number of remote check-in receptions. The registration information management unit 192 executes a registration process for the game system 100 of the player. Specifically, the registration information management unit 192 manages the player ID, the credit card number, and the password in association with each other. The game data management unit 193 manages a player ID and game data in association with each game. The game data management unit 193 updates the game data every time the play information is received. The credit management unit 194 sets a credit frame (described later) for the player. The play permission unit 196 determines whether or not the game can be played by a method described later. The settlement processing unit 198 performs settlement of usage charges by a post-pay method.

The communication unit 160 includes a transmission unit 166 that transmits data and a reception unit 168 that receives data.
The transmission unit 166 includes a settlement request unit 170, a permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172, and a game data transmission unit 173. The settlement request unit 170 requests the settlement apparatus 114 to execute settlement by designating a credit card number and a settlement amount. The permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification to the game apparatus 110. The game data transmission unit 173 transmits game data to the game device 110.

The receiving unit 168 includes a reservation request receiving unit 174, a play request receiving unit 176, an authentication information receiving unit 178, a payment receiving unit 180, a registration request receiving unit 182, a play information receiving unit 184, and a position information acquiring unit 186.
The reservation request receiving unit 174 receives a reservation request for remote check-in from the communication terminal 104. The play request receiving unit 176 receives a play request from the game device 110. The authentication information receiving unit 178 receives a password (authentication information) for local check-in from the game apparatus 110. The settlement receiving unit 180 receives a settlement approval / disapproval notification indicating the success / failure of the settlement from the settlement apparatus 114. The registration request receiving unit 182 receives a registration request including a player ID, a password, and a credit card number from the communication terminal 104. The play information receiving unit 184 receives play information from the game device 110. The position information acquisition unit 186 measures the position of the communication terminal 104 by GPS (Global Positioning System). In the data storage unit 164, the location of each store is registered in advance.

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the player information 200.
The player information 200 is stored in the data storage unit 164 of the game support device 102. The player first receives a game card from the store 108. The relay device 112 generates and issues a game card in which the player ID is recorded. Next, the player transmits a registration request including a credit card number and a password together with the player ID to the communication terminal 104. The registration request receiving unit 182 of the game support apparatus 102 receives the registration request. The registration information management unit 192 registers a new player in the player information 200. In the player information 200, a credit card number and a password (not shown) are registered for each player.

  Note that a credit card or the like is not necessarily associated with a game card (player ID). When using a game card to which only game data is associated, only payment by cash or prepaid card is possible. On the other hand, when using a game card that can be associated with not only game data but also a credit card, payment by a credit card is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the store 108 is uniquely identified by a store ID (hereinafter also referred to as “TID”). A player with PID = P01 (hereinafter referred to as “player (P01)”) has checked in at the three stores 108 of the store (T01), the store (T02), and the store (T03). Although details will be described later, after the check-in, the reservation management unit 190 sets a valid period. When the valid period expires, the reservation management unit 190 automatically cancels the reservation state. The effective period in this embodiment is 1 hour. According to FIG. 4, the reservation for the store (T01) of the player (P01) is canceled in 57 minutes. The player (P01) can play the game on the game device 110 only by holding the game card within the valid period. When the reservation state is canceled, it is necessary to perform remote check-in or local check-in again. According to FIG. 4, the player (P02) has not checked in to any store.

  The credit management unit 194 sets a credit frame for each player. After the player registration, the credit management unit 194 sets the first credit frame. The credit limit is an amount that determines the timing of settlement. The credit frame in this embodiment is 5,000 yen. The credit management unit 194 adds the usage amount to the “cumulative usage amount” every time the player plays the game. The settlement processing unit 198 requests the settlement using the credit card to the settlement apparatus 114 via the settlement request unit 170 when the accumulated usage amount is equal to or greater than the credit limit. According to FIG. 4, the accumulated usage amount of the player (P01) is 3,260 yen.

  Even if the accumulated usage amount does not reach the credit limit, the settlement processing unit 198 performs settlement even when a predetermined grace period has elapsed from the previous settlement date. The grace period in this embodiment is 3 days. Since the previous settlement date of the player (P01) is February 11, even if the accumulated usage amount does not reach the credit limit, the settlement is forcibly made on February 14, three days later.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing process from the start to the end of the game play.
First, the player selects a payment method at the start of the game. The output unit 130 displays a screen that allows the player to select one of three types of payment methods: cash, prepaid card, and credit card. When the player selects cash (Y in S10), the player inserts a usage fee into the coin slot. When the player selects a prepaid card (Y in S12), the player holds the prepaid card over the card reader of the game apparatus 110. In the case of the prepaid method (Y in S10, Y in S12), the player then holds the game card over the card reader of the game apparatus 110. At this time, the ID detection unit 134 detects the player ID from the game card (S13). The play request transmission unit 146 transmits the player ID to the game support apparatus 102, and the game data transmission unit 173 of the game support apparatus 102 transmits game data corresponding to the player ID. The game execution unit 140 of the game device 110 sets the game data and executes the game (S24).

  When the post-pay method is selected (N in S12), the player holds the game card over the game device 110. The ID detection unit 134 of the game device 110 detects the player ID from the game card (S14). The game device 110 inquires of the game support device 102 whether the player is checking in (S16). Specifically, the play request transmission unit 146 of the game apparatus 110 transmits a play request including a store ID and a player ID to the game support apparatus 102. The reservation management unit 190 of the game support apparatus 102 refers to the player information 200 and determines whether or not the combination of the designated store ID and player ID is in a reserved state. If it is in the reserved state (Y in S16), the game support apparatus 102 executes the settlement process (S22). The settlement process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the permission flag (described later) indicating that the usage fee can be settled in the checkout process is on (Y in S26), the play permission unit 138 permits the execution of the game. Specifically, the permission / rejection notification receiving unit 152 of the game apparatus 110 receives a play permission / rejection notification indicating the state of the permission flag, and the play permission unit 138 determines whether or not the game can be executed based on the state of the permission flag. At this time, the game data transmission unit 173 also transmits game data. When the permission flag is on, the play permission unit 138 of the game apparatus 110 permits the game play, and the game execution unit 140 executes the game (S28).

  If not in the reserved state (N in S16), the authentication instruction unit 136 of the game apparatus 110 instructs the input of a password. The authentication information detection unit 132 receives an input of a password (S18). The authentication request transmission unit 148 transmits an authentication request including the player ID and password to the game support apparatus 102. The play permission unit 196 of the game support apparatus 102 collates the password registered in advance with the received password. When the passwords match, authentication is successful (Y in S20), and the process proceeds to S22 (settlement process). On the other hand, when the password verification fails (N in S20), the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification indicating that play is impossible, and game play is not permitted.

  In the case of the post-pay method, after the game ends, the reservation management unit 190 adds an extension time to the valid period (S29). Therefore, even if the validity period is set by check-in, the reservation state does not time out as long as the game continues to be played. The extension time in this embodiment is 30 minutes.

  The reservation request receiving unit 174 of the game support apparatus 102 may receive a remote check-in from the same player P1 in parallel with a reception of a local check-in accompanying a password input from the player P1. Here, it is assumed that the player P1 brings the game card and the communication terminal 104 to the store 108, but forgets the password and does not perform remote check-in. First, the player P1 holds the game card over the game device 110. At this time, the play request transmission unit 146 of the game apparatus 110 transmits a play request including the player ID and the store ID to the game support apparatus 102. In the game support apparatus 102, the player ID is associated with the address of the communication terminal 104 in advance. The game support apparatus 102 may include a store information transmission unit. The store information transmission unit transmits a store selection screen (not shown) that allows one-touch selection of a store where the player P1 is located to the communication terminal 104 of the player P1. The player P1 can easily perform a remote check-in in the store with respect to the game support apparatus 102 by selecting a store (store location) designated from the communication terminal 104. According to such a control method, even if the player P1 forgets the password when sitting and playing in front of the game apparatus 110, the player P1 can perform remote check-in with one touch on the store selection screen transmitted from the game support apparatus 102. The play request transmission unit 146 may start the above process by transmitting a store ID and a player ID when local check-in fails, for example, when password verification fails.

  According to the above processing method, when password input fails, the store selection screen is immediately displayed from the game support apparatus 102 on the communication terminal 104 of the player P1. Even if an unauthorized player PX obtains a game card of the player P1 and tries to perform local check-in using this game card, the player PX does not know the password and cannot play the game. In addition, when the password input fails, the game support device 102 transmits a store selection screen to the communication terminal 104 of the player P1, so that the player P1 who is not familiar with the game can notice the loss of the game card.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the check-in area.
FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between three stores (T01), stores (T02), stores (T03) and the communication terminal 104. A check-in area 202 is set for each store. The check-in area 202 in this embodiment is a range within 10 kilometers from the store. The position information acquisition unit 186 of the game support device 102 periodically acquires the position information of the communication terminal 104. The reservation management unit 190 permits remote check-in for stores where the communication terminal 104 belongs to the check-in area 202. In FIG. 6, the communication terminal 104 is located in the check-in area 202 (T01) of the store (T01) and the check-in area 202 (T02) of the store (T02). Therefore, remote check-in is possible from the communication terminal 104 for the store (T01) and the store (T02). On the other hand, the communication terminal 104 is located outside the check-in area 202 of the store (T03). For this reason, the communication terminal 104 cannot perform remote check-in at the store (T03).

  Note that the concept of the check-in area 202 may be eliminated. The transmission unit 166 (page transmission unit) of the game support device 102 may display a list of stores to be checked in at the communication terminal 104 according to the position of the communication terminal 104 and the location of the store. For example, stores that belong to the same area as the communication terminal 104 may be displayed as a list, and stores in areas where the communication terminal 104 does not belong may be displayed as a separate list for each area. If stores closer to the location of the communication terminal 104 are preferentially displayed, the player can easily select a store that may check in from now on.

FIG. 7 is a screen diagram of the check-in screen 210.
The check-in screen 210 is displayed on the communication terminal 104. When accessing the check-in website from the communication terminal 104, the transmission unit 166 (page transmission unit) of the game support apparatus 102 transmits the web page of the check-in screen 210 to the communication terminal 104. The position information acquisition unit 186 specifies the check-in area 202 to which the communication terminal 104 belongs, and specifies a store where remote check-in is possible. The check-in screen 210 shows a list of stores where remote check-in is possible. In FIG. 7, two stores are specified. The player can perform remote check-in to the store by touching the store selection button 212 indicating the store name. The player can also remotely check in a plurality of stores as a collective target. When the map button 214 is touched, a map showing a route to the store can be displayed and guided in conjunction with an existing navigation service or the like.

  When the player touches the store selection button 212, the communication terminal 104 transmits a reservation request including the player ID and the store ID to the game support device 102. The reservation request receiving unit 174 of the game support apparatus 102 receives the reservation request, and the reservation management unit 190 updates the player information 200. In addition, the reservation management unit 190 also sets a valid period.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the checkout process in S22 of FIG.
If the total value of the new play usage fee and the accumulated usage amount is equal to or less than the credit limit (Y in S30), the credit management unit 194 adds the usage fee to the accumulated usage amount (S34). For example, when a game with a cumulative usage amount of 4,880 yen and a usage fee of 100 yen is played, the cumulative usage amount is updated to 4,980 yen, but it is within the credit limit (5,000 yen). Settlement is not executed. The credit management unit 194 sets the permission flag indicating that payment is possible to ON, and the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / inhibition notification indicating the state of the permission flag (S46).

  When the total value of the usage fee and the accumulated usage amount is larger than the credit limit (N in S30), the settlement processing unit 198 executes settlement of the existing accumulated usage amount (S36). For example, when a game with a cumulative usage amount of 4,980 yen and a usage fee of 100 yen is played, the new cumulative usage amount is 5,080 yen (= 4,980 yen + 100 yen). First, settlement for 4,980 yen is executed. At this stage, the usage fee is not settled.

  At the time of settlement, the settlement request unit 170 transmits a settlement request to the settlement apparatus 114 for the player's credit card number, and the settlement apparatus 114 performs settlement of the accumulated usage amount. The settlement apparatus 114 transmits a settlement approval / disapproval notification indicating success / failure of the settlement to the game support apparatus 102. After completion of the settlement, the credit management unit 194 resets the accumulated usage amount to zero.

  A credit card has a monthly limit in advance. If the credit limit is not exceeded even if a new credit limit is set (Y in S38), the credit management unit 194 resets the credit limit (S40). After resetting the credit limit, the credit management unit 194 adds the usage fee to the accumulated usage amount (S34). In the case of the above example, the accumulated usage amount of 4,980 yen is reset by settlement, so the new accumulated usage amount is 100 yen. On the other hand, when the credit limit is reset and the usage limit is exceeded (N in S38), the transmission unit 166 transmits a limit notification indicating that the postpay cannot be used any more because the usage limit is exceeded. (S44). For example, if the monthly limit is 100,000 yen and the current month's usage is 98,000 yen, setting the credit limit of 5,000 yen would exceed the usage limit. At this time, the credit limit is not reset. In this case, the player can play the game by the prepaid method or cash, but cannot play by credit card settlement until the following month. The credit management unit 194 sets the permission flag to OFF, and the permission / rejection notification transmission unit 172 transmits a play permission / rejection notification indicating the state of the permission flag (S48).

  At the end of the day, the reservation manager 190 checks the players who have passed the grace period from the previous settlement date. If the grace period has elapsed, the settlement processing unit 198 executes settlement even if the accumulated usage amount is within the credit limit. After the settlement is executed, the credit management unit 194 determines whether or not the credit limit can be reset in the same manner as in S38 to S44.

  For example, if the grace period is set to 3 days, the usage amount for 3 days from the first use day or the first day used after the settlement of the previous settlement is accumulated and saved. Settle the total usage amount at a fixed time such as at night. If the credit limit is set to 5,000 yen and the accumulated usage amount reaches the credit limit before 3 days (grace period), the settlement is made at that time as described above. Execute and set a new grace period of 3 days.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a checkout process when two people play a game.
Some games provided by the game device 110 may be played by two or more players simultaneously playing or cooperating. Here, description will be made assuming that the game device 110A in which two players can play is played by the post-pay method. Game device 110A includes two card readers for holding a game card. In game device 110A, the player selects whether to play alone or two before holding the game card.

  When the number of players of game device 110A is one, transmission unit 142 of game device 110A notifies game support device 102 of single-player play (one play). At the time of one play (Y of S50), the game support apparatus 102 settles the usage fee by the same method as the settlement process of FIG. 5 (S54). When the game apparatus 110A has two players, the transmission unit 142 of the game apparatus 110A notifies the game support apparatus 102 of two-player play (multiplayer).

  In the case of two-player play (N in S50), when each of the first player and the second player holds a game card against the two card readers (N in S52), the game support device 102 determines that the first player and The settlement process is executed for each second player (S58, S60). The settlement process at this time is the same as the settlement process shown in FIG. On the other hand, after one player holds the game card over one card reader, when the predetermined time limit has passed without detecting the second game card (Y in S52), the game card is held The only player bears the usage fee for two players. At this time, the game support apparatus 102 performs a payment processing for the usage fee for two players targeting the player holding the game card (S56). The settlement process in S56 is the same as the settlement process shown in FIG. According to such a control method, it is possible to designate the usage fee for two persons to be borne by one person with a simple user interface.

  The game apparatus 110B has one card reader, and when two players are selected, when two game cards are held within a predetermined time limit, the two players are charged for usage fees. Also good. On the other hand, when only one player holds the game card within the time limit despite the two-player game, the player who holds the game card may be charged a usage fee for two players. In addition, in the game apparatus 110, the player may select which of the two players bears the entire usage fee, or the burden rate of the two players may be set. In any case, the credit management unit 194 of the game support device 102 manages the accumulated usage amount for each player based on the designation of the player, and the settlement processing unit 198 similarly performs settlement for each player. Good.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the embodiment.
According to this embodiment, it is not necessary to charge a prepaid card with plenty of cash in advance for electronic money settlement. The player can continue playing the game on the game device 110 without being interrupted for charging. When the accumulated usage amount reaches the credit limit, or when the grace period has elapsed from the previous settlement date, the credit card settlement is executed collectively. There is an advantage that “prepayment” of charging is unnecessary, and the financial burden on the player is reduced.

  The operational burden on the game support device 102 is also reduced. In the case of a method of charging a prepaid card, the charge amount (balance) recorded on the prepaid card is “deposit”, and therefore the operator is obliged to strictly manage this. Since settlement is performed by short-term credit, there is also an advantage that the game operator is released from the burden associated with deposit management.

  The game card in the present embodiment substantially functions as a credit card dedicated to the game. For this reason, losing a game card can cause the same damage as someone else using a credit card. On the other hand, when the player is seated on the game apparatus 110, it is troublesome to ask for the password, like a credit card. Ideally, the player wants to enjoy the game as soon as he arrives at the store 108 and sits on the game device 110. In the present embodiment, if the player performs a remote check-in from the communication terminal 104 before arriving at the store 108, the game device 110 can play the game immediately by simply holding the game card. The player may perform remote check-in at a convenient gap time such as a train heading to the store 108, for example. Convenience that it is possible to play by simply holding the game card at the store 108 while ensuring security by two types of procedures, a remote check-in procedure for transmitting the player ID from the communication terminal 104 and a procedure for holding the game card over the game device 110. Realize the sex.

  Even if the remote check-in is forgotten, the game apparatus 110 can perform a local check-in by inputting a password. Local check-in with a password serves as an alternative to remote check-in. As long as both the game card and the communication terminal 104 are not stolen, or unless both the game card and the password are stolen, damage caused by impersonation does not occur.

  The operator of the store 108 can predict the number of visitors in the near future based on the number of remote check-in receptions. Remote check-in can be used instead of numbered tickets. For example, when a player visits a store 108, the store 108 is so crowded that the game may not be played satisfactorily. As an operator of the store 108, there is a case where it is desired to suppress the player's visit to the store during such a crowded period. The store operator can efficiently suppress the number of visitors by restricting the number of remote check-in receptions. For example, assume that the maximum number of remote check-in receptions from 12:00 to 13:00 is limited to 100 people. In this case, when the remote check-in fails, the player may recognize that the store 108 is congested and may flow in another store 108 or another time zone. Even for the player, it is possible to avoid the situation that the player has visited the store 108 from a remote place and the store 108 is crowded and cannot be played sufficiently. The remote check-in mechanism can be used for reservation management, especially for entrance restrictions.

  The remote check-in may be performed by designating a store or without designating a store. By specifying a store and performing remote check-in, the store can easily predict the number of visitors accurately. Moreover, it becomes easy to suppress cool remote check-in by making the condition of approaching a store remote check-in as shown in FIG. In an area where a plurality of stores are crowded, a plurality of game centers (stores) can be easily ladderd by collectively performing a remote check-in for a plurality of stores.

  Remote check-in may be possible from the game device 110 instead of the communication terminal 104. For example, it is assumed that a player performs a remote check-in using a user interface similar to that of the communication terminal 104 in a game device 110 at a certain store. The relay device 112 receives the reservation request together with the player ID from the game device 110 and transmits it to the game support device 102. The game support apparatus 102 may receive a remote check-in for a store to which the player belongs by receiving a reservation request.

  In the present embodiment, the settlement processing unit 198 does not perform credit card settlement for each one play, but settles a plurality of usage charges collectively. When payment is executed for each one-play, a small amount of payment frequently occurs, so the communication load tends to be heavy. In addition, since the fee to the credit card company is set for each settlement, there is a problem that the fee burden increases. In the present embodiment, a credit frame is set, and the settlement timing is controlled based on the credit frame. On the other hand, if the credit limit is made too large, the risk of failure in settlement due to insufficient balance increases. In the present embodiment, the settlement timing can be appropriately controlled by arbitrarily setting the size of the credit frame.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by setting a grace period, it is possible to periodically execute credit card settlement even for a player who uses the game apparatus 110 less frequently. In other words, the accumulated usage amount, which is a claim against the player, can be collected periodically.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment and modification, A component can be deform | transformed and embodied in the range which does not deviate from a summary. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. Moreover, you may delete some components from all the components shown by the said embodiment and modification.

  The communication terminal 104, the game support device 102, the relay device 112, and the game device 110 have been described as constituting the game system 100. However, some of the functions of the game support device 102 are realized by the game device 110 and the relay device 112. Alternatively, some of the functions of the game device 110 and the relay device 112 may be assigned to the game support device 102. In addition, a third device other than the game support device 102, the game device 110, and the relay device 112 may take part of the functions of these devices.

  An aggregate of the functions of the game device 110 and the game support device 102 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 can also be grasped as a single “game system”. How to allocate a plurality of functions necessary for realizing the present invention to one or a plurality of hardware depends on the processing capability of each hardware, the specifications required for the game system 100, and the like. It only has to be decided.

[Modification]
In the present embodiment, it has been described that a player ID for uniquely identifying a player is recorded on the game card. As a modification, a card ID that uniquely identifies the game card may be recorded in the game card. The game support apparatus 102 may register the card ID and the player ID in association with each other. According to such a setting, the card ID can be used in substantially the same manner as the player ID.

  The player may own a plurality of game cards. In this case, a plurality of card IDs may be associated with one player ID. The ID detection unit 134 of the game device 110 may detect the card ID, and the play request transmission unit 146 may transmit a play request including the card ID to the game support device 102. The play permission unit 196 of the game support device 102 may determine whether or not to play by specifying the player ID from the card ID.

  In the present embodiment, the communication terminal 104 has been described as transmitting a reservation request including the player ID to the game support apparatus 102. The communication terminal 104 may transmit a reservation request including an ID different from the player ID, for example, a terminal ID, to the game support apparatus 102. The game support apparatus 102 may register the terminal ID and the player ID in association with each other. As described above, the first ID recorded on the game card may be different from the second ID transmitted from the communication terminal 104. According to such a control method, even if the game card is stolen, the second ID does not leak, and even if the communication terminal 104 is stolen, the first ID does not leak. Security can be further enhanced. It is desirable that the first ID and the second ID are recorded in such a manner that the player cannot visually recognize the game card and the communication terminal 104.

  Various IDs used in existing Internet services, such as SNS (Social Networking Service) and mail addresses, may be used as player IDs.

  A plurality of types of credit cards may be associated with one player ID. The game support apparatus 102 may cause the game apparatus 110 to display a screen for selecting a plurality of types of credit cards held by the player. The player selects a credit card to be used for settlement at the start of the game, and the settlement processing unit 198 of the game support apparatus 102 may perform settlement for the selected credit card.

  In the present exemplary embodiment, the local check-in is described by using a password as authentication information. Not only the password, but also biometric information such as a face image, fingerprint, and palm print may be used as authentication information.

  In remote check-in, the player may specify not only the player ID but also the check-in time. For example, the player may specify check-in from 15:00 at 12:00. In this case, one hour from 15:00 to 16:00 is the effective time. According to such a control method, the player can check in with a margin in accordance with his / her schedule even if it is not immediately before entering the store.

  In the present embodiment, the store ID is designated and remote check-in is described. By specifying the store ID, the store operator can easily estimate the number of visitors. As a modification, remote check-in may be possible without specifying a store ID. In this case, the player can easily perform remote check-in because it saves the trouble of specifying the store ID.

  The reservation management unit 190 of the game support device 102 reserves the communication terminal 104 when the communication terminal 104 is away from the store by a predetermined distance or more, for example, when the communication terminal 104 is out of the check-in area 202 of the store to be checked in. May be canceled (hereinafter referred to as “checkout”). According to such a control method, the player can easily check out by leaving the store sufficiently. In addition, since it is possible to check out at a reasonable timing even before the expiration date, the security of the game system 100 can be easily increased.

  The player may be able to check out at any timing. For example, the player may transmit a reservation cancellation request including the player ID and the store ID from the communication terminal 104 to the game support device 102. The reservation cancellation request receiving unit (not shown) of the game support apparatus 102 may receive the reservation cancellation request, and the reservation management unit 190 may cancel the player reservation by updating the player information 200.

  A smartphone (communication terminal 104) may have the same function as a game card. For example, the ID detection unit 134 of the game apparatus 110 may detect the player ID from the communication terminal 104 by holding the smartphone over the game apparatus 110. Smartphones usually have an input lock function, so even if the smartphone is stolen, the risk of unauthorized use of the smartphone in the game device 110 is considered low.

  The player may be able to stop using the game card at an arbitrary timing. The player specifies a player ID or card ID from the communication terminal 104 and transmits a stop request to the game support apparatus 102, and the registration information management unit 192 of the game support apparatus 102 stops the specification of the specified player ID or card ID. It may be set. According to such a control method, even if the game card is lost, the player can immediately set the game card to be stopped from the communication terminal 104.

  The game support device 102 may notify the communication terminal 104 of the game card usage date, usage details, scheduled billing date, and the like for each player. The player may specify a player ID and request a usage history from the game support apparatus 102, and the registration information management unit 192 of the game support apparatus 102 may transmit information regarding the usage history of the player to the communication terminal 104.

  In the present embodiment, the post-pay by credit card is assumed. As a modification, the usage fee may be withdrawn from a deposit account associated with the player, or settlement may be executed by a debit card. In the case of a debit card, payment may be executed for each one play instead of a summing-up payment based on a credit line. Alternatively, a so-called virtual currency account ID may be registered as a kind of electronic money, and settlement may be executed for a specified account ID.

  A check-in notification unit (not shown) of the game apparatus 110 may periodically notify the number of check-ins to each store. When the store is likely to be decommissioned, the store operator may temporarily lower the usage fee of the game device 110 or may set the game device 110 that can be played free of charge. The store operator may transmit such service information from the relay device 112 to the game support device 102, and the transmission unit 166 of the game support device 102 may notify the service of each store on the check-in screen 210. According to such a control method, it is easy to attract the player by proactively launching a service when it is expected to be quiet.

  In the case of the post-pay system shown in the present embodiment, a time lag occurs after the player plays the game until the store operator receives payment of the usage fee. As a modified example, the operator of the game support apparatus 102 (hereinafter referred to as “system operator”) may immediately pay the usage fee to the store operator, and the system operator may receive payment by credit settlement from the player.

  For example, when the player P1 plays a game, the play information transmission unit 150 of the game device 110 notifies the game support device 102 of the usage fee, and the system operator immediately pays the usage fee to the store operator. When the accumulated usage amount of the player P1 is accumulated, the system operator receives payment from the player P1 collectively by the post-pay method. According to such an operation method, the store operator can secure profits at an early stage in the same manner as in the conventional prepaid method or cash method. In this case, the store operator may pay a fee to the system operator. For example, when the usage fee is 100 yen, the store operator may receive 98 yen, and the system operator may collect 2 yen as a fee. By setting such a fee, the system operator can obtain continuous income from the sales of the store.

  In the present embodiment, a method has been described in which, when a plurality of players play on a single game device 110, one of the players also pays a usage fee for another player. As a modification, the distribution of the usage fee may be determined according to the winning or losing of the game. For example, when the player P1 and the player P2 face each other and when the player P2 wins, the credit management unit 194 charges the player P1 for a usage fee for 1.5 people, and the player P2 for 0.5 people You may charge a usage fee. According to such a control method, the player's willingness to play the game can be stimulated by linking the game play result and the usage fee.

  Instead of the player P1 paying the usage fee for the player P2, the game execution unit 140 of the game apparatus 110 may set the player P1 to be more advantageous than the player P2. For example, the game execution unit 140 may strengthen the parameters of the character operated by the player P1, or may give an item that the player P2 does not have.

  In addition to the credit card usage limit, a “withdrawal limit” may be set in the game support apparatus 102. For example, when a parent gives a game card to a child, if the limit of withdrawal per day is set to 3,000 yen, the child can enjoy a game without cash within a range of 3,000 yen. Not only can children be prevented from playing games indefinitely, but it is also beneficial for parents because they don't have to give children cash.

  In the present embodiment, the game support apparatus 102 performs payment for the usage fee. The usage fee collected by the game support device 102 is distributed as sales at each store 108. As a modification, a part of the usage fee collected by the game support device 102 may be used for the operation cost of the game support device 102. For example, when the manufacturer of the game apparatus 110 operates the game support apparatus 102, the housing price of the game apparatus 110 may be suppressed instead of using a part of the usage fee as its own profit. According to such a fee collection method, the store 108 can suppress fixed costs when the game apparatus 110 is introduced. If the game device 110 becomes a popular game, the operation cost is increased, and if it is not popular, the operation cost is decreased. Sales of the game apparatus 110 vary greatly depending on whether or not the game is hit. When the operator of the game support device 102 takes over this sales risk, the store 108 can easily introduce the new game device 110.

  In the present embodiment, an arcade game has been described. However, the game system 100 may be implemented for a home game machine, a smartphone, a personal computer, or the like.

  The present invention can be applied to applications other than games. The game support device 102 is not limited to game support, and may be configured as a payment support device. For example, in addition to making small payments at retail stores such as convenience stores, payment support devices are also used for facility usage expenses such as museums, sparrow villas, art galleries, movie theaters, and betting in public gambling such as horse racing, bicycle racing, casinos, and pachinko. The electronic money settlement by the settlement apparatus 114 may be supported by performing user authentication using the medium ID, the player ID, and the biometric information.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game system 102 Game support device 104 Communication terminal 106 Internet 108 Store 108 Game device 112 Relay device 114 Payment device 120 User interface processing unit 122 Data processing unit 124 Communication unit 126 Data storage unit , 128 input unit, 130 output unit, 131 deposit detection unit, 132 authentication information detection unit, 134 ID detection unit, 136 authentication instruction unit, 138 play permission unit, 140 game execution unit, 142 transmission unit, 144 reception unit, 146 play Request transmission unit, 148 authentication request transmission unit, 150 play information transmission unit, 152 permission / rejection notification reception unit, 153 game data reception unit, 160 communication unit, 162 data processing unit, 164 data storage unit, 166 transmission unit, 168 reception unit, 170 payment request section, 72 Permission notification transmission unit, 173 Game data transmission unit, 174 Reservation request reception unit, 176 Play request reception unit, 178 Authentication information reception unit, 180 Payment reception unit, 182 Registration request reception unit, 184 Play information reception unit, 186 Location information Obtaining unit, 190 reservation management unit, 192 registration information management unit, 194 credit management unit, 196 play permission unit, 198 settlement processing unit, 200 player information, 202 check-in area, 210 check-in screen, 212 store selection button, 214 map button

Claims (17)

Connected to a game device and a communication terminal via a communication network,
A reservation request receiving unit for receiving a reservation request including a player ID from the communication terminal;
A reservation management unit for setting the player ID included in the reservation request to a reservation state;
A play request receiving unit for receiving a play request including a player ID from the game device;
A payment requesting unit for requesting payment of a charge for the game device to an external payment device;
A settlement receiver for receiving a settlement permission notification from the settlement apparatus;
A play permission unit that allows a game to be played on the game device, provided that the player ID included in the play request is set to a reserved state and the usage fee can be settled by the payment device; A game support apparatus comprising: The reservation request includes a store ID for identifying the game store in addition to the player ID,
The play request includes a store ID in addition to the player ID,
The reservation management unit sets a reservation state for a combination of a player ID and a store ID included in the reservation request,
The play permission unit is responsive to the play request on the condition that the combination of the player ID and the store ID included in the play request is set to a reserved state and the usage fee can be settled by the payment device. The game support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a game play is permitted in a designated game store.   The game support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reservation management unit cancels a reservation state for the game store when the communication terminal is located outside a predetermined range from the game store.   The reservation management unit targets a player ID and a store ID included in the reservation request on condition that a reservation request including a store ID of the game store is received from a communication terminal located within a predetermined range from the game store. The game support device according to claim 2, wherein a reservation state is set as follows. The reservation request includes a plurality of store IDs in addition to the player ID,
The reservation management unit sets a player ID included in the reservation request to a reservation state for each of the plurality of store IDs,
The play permission unit is provided on the condition that a player ID included in the play request is set to a reservation state for any one of the plurality of store IDs, and a usage fee can be settled by the settlement apparatus. The game support device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a game play at a game store designated by the play request is permitted. An authentication information receiving unit that receives first authentication information from the game device;
The play permission unit includes the second authentication information and the first authentication information associated in advance with the player ID included in the play request even if the player ID included in the play request is not set to the reserved state. The game support device according to claim 1, wherein when the game is adapted, the game device can be allowed to play a game.   The game according to claim 1, wherein the reservation management unit sets an effective period for the reservation state, and changes the effective period when a game is played on the game device. Support device. A credit management unit that updates the accumulated usage amount of the usage fee each time a game is played on the game device;
The game support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the payment request unit collectively requests payment of an accumulated usage amount corresponding to a plurality of usage charges at a predetermined payment timing. The credit management unit sets a credit frame for the player,
The game support device according to claim 8, wherein the settlement request unit requests settlement of the accumulated usage amount when the accumulated usage amount reaches the credit frame.   The game support according to claim 9, wherein the credit management unit sets a new credit frame after the payment of the cumulative usage amount is requested when the cumulative usage amount can be settled. apparatus. The game device executes a game in which a first player and a second player can participate simultaneously,
When the credit management unit receives a play request specifying both the player ID of the first player and the player ID of the second player, the credit management unit adds the first player to the accumulated usage amount of the first player. A play request for adding only the first usage fee by the second player and adding the second usage fee by the second player to the accumulated usage amount of the second player and designating only the player ID of the first player is made. 11. The game support according to claim 8, wherein when received, both the first usage fee and the second usage fee are added to the accumulated usage amount of the first player. apparatus. A registration request receiving unit that receives a registration request including a player ID, second authentication information, and a settlement number from the communication terminal;
A registration information management unit that registers the player ID, the second authentication information, and the settlement number included in the registration request in association with each other;
An authentication information receiving unit that receives first authentication information from the game device;
The settlement request unit designates a settlement number associated with the player ID, requests an external settlement apparatus to settle the usage fee of the game apparatus,
When the player ID included in the play request is set in the reserved state, or when the player permission included in the play request is associated with the first authentication information and the first authentication associated with the player ID included in the play request in advance. When the information is matched, the settlement request unit is instructed to settle the usage fee for the settlement number that is associated with the player ID included in the play request in advance, and the settlement device is allowed to settle the usage fee. The game support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein use of the game apparatus is permitted. A game execution unit for executing a game;
An ID detection unit for detecting an input of the player ID;
A play request transmission unit for transmitting a play request including the player ID to an external game support device;
A permission / rejection notification receiving unit that receives a play permission / rejection notification indicating whether or not a game is permitted from the game support device;
An authentication instruction unit that instructs the player to input authentication information when play permission is not obtained for the play request from the game support device;
An authentication information detector for detecting an input of the authentication information from a player;
An authentication request transmission unit that transmits an authentication request including the authentication information to the game support device;
A game device, comprising: a play permission unit that permits execution of a game when play permission is obtained from the game support device in response to either the play request or the authentication request. A payment detection unit that accepts payment of a usage fee by a prepayment method,
The said play permission part permits execution of a game, without confirming the notification of permission of a play from the said game assistance apparatus, when the payment of the usage fee by a prepayment method is received. Game device. A function of receiving a reservation request including a player ID from a communication terminal;
A function of setting a player ID included in the reservation request to a reservation state;
A function of receiving a play request including a player ID from the game device;
A function for requesting an external payment device to settle the usage fee of the game device;
A function of receiving a settlement permission notification from the settlement apparatus;
A function of permitting the game device to play a game on condition that a player ID included in the play request is set in a reserved state and a usage fee can be settled by the payment device; A game support program characterized by having it be demonstrated. The ability to run games,
A function of detecting input of a player ID;
A function of transmitting a play request including the player ID to an external game support device;
A function of receiving a play permission / rejection notification indicating whether or not the game is playable from the game support device;
A function for instructing the player to input authentication information when play permission cannot be obtained for the play request from the game support device;
A function of detecting input of the authentication information from a player;
A function of transmitting an authentication request including the authentication information to the game support device;
A game program for causing a computer to exhibit a function of permitting execution of a game when play permission is obtained from the game support device in response to either the play request or the authentication request. A function of accepting payment of a usage fee by a prepayment method,
The game program according to claim 16, wherein when the payment of the usage fee by the prepayment method is accepted, the execution of the game is permitted without confirming a play permission notification from the game support device.

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