JP2020032302A - Game system, computer program used for the same, and server device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of enhancing amusement of a game that plural users play commonly.SOLUTION: A game system 1 allows a group UG including plural users to play a common music game. The game system 1 determines a combination of at least two users U for each range R such that the combination of at least two users U is changed for each range R, and evaluates play of at least the two users U for each range R when a play range AR of the music game is divided into plural ranges R related to each of at least two users U of the group UG.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

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

  There is a game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game. There are also game systems that determine such a plurality of users by matching. Similarly, there is a game system that provides a music game as such a common game. As one of such game systems, there has been known a game apparatus which provides a music game in which players who play according to the display of replacement timing are sequentially switched (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2005-54044

  In the music game of Patent Literature 1, a player in charge of playing the music game is designated by displaying the replacement timing. In addition, this designation is limited to one player playing the music game at each time for each person. Plays other than the player in charge are determined to be in violation of the rules and are not reflected in the play results or are subject to penalties. In other words, the player who plays the music game is always one person at each time, and as a result, there is no big difference from the case of playing alone when looking at the play of each player. For this reason, there is room for utilizing the existence of a plurality of players.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can improve the interest of a game commonly played by a plurality of users.

  The game system of the present invention is a game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game, wherein a play range of the game is divided into a plurality of ranges respectively associated with two or more users of the plurality of users. In this case, the user determining means for determining the combination of the two or more users for each range so that the combination of the two or more users for each range changes, and the play of the two or more users for each range is evaluated. Range evaluation means.

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

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

The figure which shows the outline | summary of the whole structure of the game system concerning one form of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game system. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a case where a plurality of groups play a common music game. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a criterion for determining a win or loss in a group match. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the content of matching data. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the content of combination data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a matching processing routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of a range evaluation processing routine.

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

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

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

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

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

  The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its user. As the service for the game machine, for example, a service for receiving the identification information of the user from the game machine GM and authenticating the user may be provided. Further, a service may be provided in which play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and saved, or the play data to be saved is provided to the game machine GM. Furthermore, the game machine service is a service for distributing and updating the program or data of the game machine GM via the network 3 and matching users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. Matching service, etc. may be included.

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

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

  The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10. The storage unit 11 may be configured by a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape, for example, so as to be able to hold the storage without power supply. The storage unit 11 stores server data 14 and server program 15. The server program 15 is a computer program required for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the like. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

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

  The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include matching data 14a and combination data 14b. Details of the matching data 14a and the combination data 14b will be described later.

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

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

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

  The reader 9 is a well-known device that reads various kinds of information recorded in a storage medium in a non-contact state using, for example, short-range wireless communication. The reader 9 may be used for reading information on a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, for example, the reader 9 may read information of a card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

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

  The card CD is not limited to a form in which various types of information are recorded electronically. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader 9 may be configured to be able to read such a code by including a code reader that can read such a code. That is, the reader 9 may be used for reading such a code.

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

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

  Further, the game data 35 may include various other data for executing the game. For example, such data may include the above-described matching data 14a and combination data 14b. For example, at least a part of the matching data 14a and the combination data 14b may be provided from the center server 2 so as to include necessary parts. Similarly, such various data may include, for example, other image data and sound effect data. The image data is data for displaying various images required for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds necessary for the game, such as BGM. However, their illustration is omitted.

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

  For example, such a music game may be provided through a game screen displayed on the monitor MO. Specifically, for example, the game screen may include an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign that functions as a reference for the current time. Then, for example, each execution time may be guided by the movement of the instruction mark that moves so as to match the position of the reference mark at each execution time. Further, as an appropriate play action, a touch operation of touching a matching position in accordance with a match between the instruction marker and the reference marker may be employed. The game machine GM may provide a music game through such a game screen, for example.

  Further, the music game may be provided not only in user units (for each user) but also in group units (for each of a plurality of users). When a music game is provided for each group, the music game may be commonly played by a plurality of users forming the group. That is, the game machine GM may provide a common music game such that a plurality of users participate in one play opportunity. For example, the game machine GM includes a form in which one or a plurality of groups cooperate to play a common music game, and a form in which a common music is realized so that a match is realized between users in the same group or between a plurality of groups. A group-based music game may be provided in various forms such as a form of playing a game.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example in which a plurality of groups play a common music game. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a common music game may be provided to two group UGs such that the two group UGs compete against each other at one play opportunity. Further, the match may be executed such that the music game is divided into a plurality of ranges R, and at least some representatives of each group UG compete in each range R. Further, the representative may be determined such that the combination of the users U changes for each range R.

  Specifically, for example, a match may be realized between two group UGs of the first group UG1 and the second group UG2. Further, for example, the first group UG1 may be formed by four users U of the first A user U1A to the first D user U1D. Similarly, the second group UG2 may be formed by four users U of the second A user U2A to the first D user U2D. That is, as an example, a match may be executed between two groups UG including the same number of users U.

  Further, the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 may be formed by matching through the above-described matching service, for example. For example, such matching may be performed on a store 4 basis. That is, in the two separate stores 4, the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 are formed for each store 4, and the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 are matched on a group basis such that they are opponents to each other. May be performed. As an example, a match may be executed between the first group UG1 and the second group UG2.

  On the other hand, for example, the play range AR of the music game may be specified by the time from the start time ("S") to the end time ("E") of the music used for play. The play range AR may be divided into, for example, five ranges R from a first range R1 to a fifth range R5. Each range R may be divided, for example, based on the elapsed time of the music. As the elapsed time, for example, units such as measures and beats may be used. Further, the elapsed time may be common (the same) in the entire range R, or may change every range R (or in some ranges R). Note that each range R may be divided in advance for each song, or the game machine GM, the center server 2, or the like may be divided for each play.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the first range R1 to the fourth range R4 are configured such that two users U from the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 are representative. In other words, two users U of each of the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 are respectively associated with the first range R1 to the fourth range R4 as representatives. More specifically, as a representative of the first group UG1, the first range R1 includes the first A user U1A and the first B user U1B, the second range R2 includes the first C user U1C and the first D user U1D, The range R3 is associated with the first B user U1B and the first D user U1D, and the fourth range R4 is associated with the first A user U1A and the first C user U1C. That is, two users U are associated with each range R such that the combination of the users U representing the first group UG1 changes for each range R. As for the second group UG2, a representative user U is associated with each range R in the same number as the first group UG1 in the same manner as the first group UG1. As a result, the combination between the user U representing the first group UG1 and the user U representing the second group UG2 also changes for each range R.

  On the other hand, the number of representative users U associated with the fifth range R5 is different from the first range R1 to the fourth range R4. Specifically, four users U are associated with the fifth range R5 for each of the first group UG1 and the second group UG2. That is, the fifth range R5 is configured such that all users U belonging to each of the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 represent each group UG. As described above, the users U of each group UG are associated with each range R such that the combination (including the number) of the users U representing the group UG changes for each range R. Then, in this case, the plurality of users U forming the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 function as the plurality of users of the present invention. Also, four or eight users U associated with each range R on behalf of the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 function as two or more users of the present invention. Further, a fifth range R5 in which the number of representative users U is different from the first range R1 to the fourth range R4 functions as a range different from those of the present invention. Similarly, the first group UG1 and the second group UG2 function as a plurality of groups of the present invention and two or more groups different from each other.

  The user U representing each range R may be determined, for example, by specifying each user U of each group UG or a specific user U, or may be determined according to a matching situation such as a matching order at the time of matching. May be done. Alternatively, it may be determined as appropriate by lottery or the like, or may be determined based on various conditions such as the attributes of the user U such as age and the playing results such as the level of the user U (skill level of the music game). The same applies to the specific user U. Similarly, the number of users U to be associated with each range R, that is, the number of representative users U, may be fixedly determined in advance. Alternatively, it may change under predetermined conditions such as the designation of the user U and the level.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a criterion for determining a winning or losing of a group battle. More specifically, the example of FIG. 4 shows an example of a criterion used to determine a win or loss in the match of the example of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a win / loss (dominance) between the group UGs may be determined for each range R as a match result. Then, based on the play result of the representative user U of each range R, a win / loss of the entire game (win / loss for the current play opportunity) may be determined.

  Specifically, a win or loss between the group UGs in each range R may be determined based on, for example, a score obtained by each group UG in each range R. That is, the magnitude of the acquired score may be determined between the group UGs for each range R, and the group UG having the greater acquired score may be determined as the winner for each range R. On the other hand, the winning or losing of the entire game may be determined, for example, as the winner with a larger number of the winning ranges R, or as the winner with a larger total score of the obtained scores of the entire range R. In other words, the win or loss of the entire game may be determined according to the number of winning ranges R, or may be determined according to the total score of the representative user U in each range R.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the first group UG1 (in other words, the representative user U) has obtained “1600 points” and “1300 points” in the first range R1 and the fifth range R5, respectively. Then, they exceed the acquired points ("1300 points" and "1000 points") of the second group UG2 in the same range R, respectively. Therefore, in the first range R1 and the fifth range R5, the first group UG1 (in other words, the representative user U) is determined to be the winner. On the other hand, the second group UG2 (in other words, the representative user U) has obtained "1600 points", "1800 points", and "1500 points" in the second range R2 to the fourth range R4, respectively. Then, they exceed the score of the first group UG1 in the range R (“1500 points”, “1500 points”, and “1200 points”), respectively. Thus, in the second range R2 to the fourth range R4, the second group UG2 (in other words, the representative user U) is determined to be the winner.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the number (3) of the ranges R in which the second group UG2 has won is larger than the number (2) of the ranges R in which the first group UG1 has won. On the other hand, the total score of the scores obtained by the representative user U in each range R is “9700 points” in the first group UG1 and “9600 points” in the second group UG2. That is, the first group UG1 has more total points of the acquired points. Then, the winning or losing of the entire game is determined to be the victory of the first group UG1. That is, the victory or defeat of the entire game is determined based on the total points of the acquired points, not on the number of the winning ranges R. As an example, the win / loss of each range R and the win / loss of the entire game may be determined based on such criteria.

  Note that the evaluation of the win or loss for each range R may be omitted, and only the evaluation (win or loss) of the entire game may be determined based on the play result of the representative user U of each range R. Further, each range R may be played by only the representative user U, or may be played by not only the representative user U but also by other users U such as all users U, for example. In this case, as long as the play status of the representative user U in each range R is evaluated so as to influence the determination of winning or losing of the entire game, the play of the user U other than the representative may be appropriately executed.

  Next, details of the matching data 14a and the combination data 14b will be described. The matching data 14a is data for managing each game machine GM that has been matched (for example, realized by the above-described matching service) (in other words, the user U who uses them). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the content of the matching data 14a. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the matching data 14a may include information of “matching ID”, “group ID”, and “housing ID”.

  “Matching ID” is information indicating a unique matching ID for each matching. The matching ID is used to identify each matching (or a record of the matching data 14a corresponding to each matching), for example.

  “Group ID” is information indicating a unique group ID for each group UG. The group ID is used, for example, to identify (specify) each group UG. Further, the information of “group ID” may include, for example, information of a plurality of group IDs respectively corresponding to a plurality of groups UG corresponding to opponents (or cooperating partners). More specifically, for example, the information of “group ID” corresponding to the example of FIG. 3 includes both the information of the group ID indicating the first group UG1 and the information of the group ID indicating the second group UG2. Good.

  “Housing ID” is information indicating a unique housing ID for each game machine GM. The housing ID is used, for example, to identify (specify) each game machine GM. In the “housing ID”, for example, information of a housing ID indicating each game machine GM belonging to each group UG corresponding to the information of “group ID” is described. More specifically, for example, when the information of “group ID” includes information of a plurality of group IDs such as opponents, the information of the “housing ID” includes a plurality of information corresponding to the plurality of group IDs. May include information of a housing ID indicating a plurality of game machines GM belonging to the group UG. In this case, the information of the “housing ID” may be described so as to be able to identify the group UG to which each game machine GM belongs, for example, by being associated with each group ID. As an example, the matching data 14a is configured as a set of records in which these pieces of information are described so as to be associated with each other.

  On the other hand, the combination data 14b is data for managing the combinations of the representative users U for each range R. Therefore, the combination data 14b may be used, for example, when a game is played on a group basis. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the content of the combination data 14b. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the combination data 14b may include information on “matching ID”, “range”, and “housing ID”.

  “Range” is information for identifying each range R of the music game. For example, information indicating the elapsed time of each music piece used in the music game may be used as the information of “range”. Further, as information indicating the elapsed time, for example, information such as a bar and a beat may be used. Alternatively, when each range R is separately managed by a unique range ID or the like for each range R, such information as the range ID or the like may be described as “range” information.

  On the other hand, the information of “matching ID” and “housing ID” is similar to the above-described matching data 14a. In the “housing ID”, for example, information of a housing ID indicating the game machine GM (representing each range R) associated with each range R specified by the information of “range” may be described. When a plurality of groups UG exist, the “housing ID” may include information on the game machine GM representing each group UG. In this case, the “housing ID” may include information on the housing ID of each group UG so that each group UG to which each game machine GM belongs can be identified. Then, the user U using the game machine GM specified by the “housing ID” may function as the representative user U. That is, the representative user U may be managed via each game machine GM based on the information of the “housing ID”. As an example, the combination data 14b is configured as a set of records in which these pieces of information are described so as to be associated with each other. Note that the combination data 14b may further include information on the user ID of the user U using each game machine GM. That is, it may include both information of the housing ID and the user ID. Alternatively, user ID information may be used instead of the housing ID. The same applies to the matching data 14a.

  Next, the matching processing and the range evaluation processing will be described. The matching process is a process for realizing the matching. More specifically, the matching process may be configured to determine, for example, each group UG of opponents (or cooperators). Further, the matching process may be configured to determine, for example, a representative user U for each group UG for each range R. On the other hand, the range evaluation process is a process for evaluating the play situation of the representative user U of each range R. For example, when the win / loss between the group UGs is determined for each range R, the range evaluation process may be configured to determine the win / loss for each group UG among the representative users U for each range R.

  For example, the matching process may be realized through the routine of FIG. 7 and the range evaluation process may be realized by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 10 of the center server 2 through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routines of FIGS. 7 and 8 may be executed, for example, through the game providing unit 37 of the control unit 30 and the Web service management unit 17 of the control unit 10. 7 and 8, the processing mainly executed by the game providing unit 37 is described as a game machine, and the processing mainly executed by the Web service management unit 17 is described as a center server 2. In addition, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 10 of the center server 2 execute various well-known processings independently or in cooperation with each other in addition to this processing. However, their detailed description is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of a matching processing routine for implementing the matching processing. More specifically, FIG. 7 shows an example of a flowchart of a matching processing routine configured to determine a representative user U for each group UG for each range R. The routine of FIG. 7 may be executed, for example, when the user U selects play in group units after provision conditions such as collection of a play fee are satisfied. Note that the matching process does not need to include a process of determining a representative user U for each group UG for each range R (hereinafter, may be referred to as a combination process). For example, the combination process (for example, the process of step S24 in FIG. 7) may be executed for each range R at the start of each range R or the like.

  When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the game machine GM first provides a selection opportunity for selecting a music piece used for playing a music game in step S11. In the following step S12, the game machine GM requests the center server 2 for matching. This request may include, for example, information of the music selected at the selection opportunity in step S11. After finishing this request, the game machine GM proceeds to step S13. Then, in step S13, the game machine GM acquires the result of the later-described matching process of the center server 2, and ends the current routine.

  On the other hand, when the matching is requested from the game machine GM in step S12, the center server 2 starts the routine in FIG. When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the center server 2 first obtains a matching request from the game machine GM in step S21.

  In a succeeding step S21, the center server 2 executes matching based on a request from the game machine GM. This matching may be performed, for example, so as to match each game machine GM that requires the matching. This matching may be performed, for example, so that the game machine GM that selects the same music as a play target is matched. Furthermore, for example, when a group battle between a plurality of stores 4 is executed, a group UG may be formed for each store 4 and the group UG may be executed so as to be an opponent. The center server 2 may update (including generation) the matching data 14a in step S22 so as to reflect the current matching result.

  In the next step S23, the center server 2 divides the music selected as the play target into a plurality of ranges R. This division may be performed, for example, such that each range R is formed according to the elapsed time of the selected music.

  In the following step S24, the center server 2 determines a combination of the representative users U for each range R. This determination is performed such that, for example, when a match between the group UGs is performed, the representative user U is determined for each group UG. In addition, for example, when the number of representative users U for each range R is fixed or determined by the center server 2, the user U corresponding to the number of representative users U is assigned to the center server 2. May be realized by randomly picking up from each group UG. Alternatively, when the representative user U of each range R and the number thereof are determined by the designation of the user U, the center server 2 gives the opportunity of the designation to each game machine GM, and based on the result, The combination of the representative users U of each range R may be determined. The center server 2 may update (including generation) the combination data 14b in step S24 so as to reflect the result of the combination for each of the current ranges R.

  In the next step S25, the center server 2 transmits the matching result in step S22 and the combination result for each range R in step S24 to the game machine GM. This transmission may be realized, for example, by transmitting the latest matching data 14a (for example, updated in step S22) and the combination data 14b (for example, updated in step S24). Then, after finishing the processing of step S25, the center server 2 ends the current routine. As a result, play matching in a group unit is realized. When a group battle is executed between the stores 4, a group UG is formed for each store 4, and those group UGs are matched as opponents. Further, the music to be played is divided into a plurality of ranges R, and a user U representing each group UG is determined for each range R. That is, the combination of the representative users U for each range R is also determined.

  On the other hand, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a range evaluation processing routine for realizing the range evaluation processing. The routine of FIG. 8 may be executed, for example, every time the play of each range R of the music game ends. More specifically, each time the game machine GM finishes playing a range R (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a representative range R) representing the group UG among the ranges R included in the play range AR. The routine of FIG. 8 may be executed.

  When the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the game machine GM first obtains a play result of the representative range R in step S31. This play result may include, for example, information on the score obtained in the representative range R. The score obtained in the representative range R may be obtained by, for example, the same evaluation as a well-known music game.

  In the following step S32, the game machine GM transmits the play result acquired in step S31 to the center server 2, and proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the game machine GM acquires a processing result of a center server described later. This processing result may include, for example, information on the representative range R and the win / loss result of the entire game, as described later. In a succeeding step S34, the game machine GM displays the processing result of the center server 2 acquired in the step S33. For example, when the processing result includes the winning / losing result, the game machine GM determines in step S34 that the winning / losing result (including the winning / losing result of the entire game, for example, information indicating the group UG of the winner and the group UG of the loser). ) May be displayed. Then, the game machine GM terminates the current routine after finishing the processing in step S34.

  On the other hand, when the play result is transmitted from each game machine GM in step S32, the center server 2 starts the routine in FIG. Then, when the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the center server 2 first obtains the play result of each game machine GM in step S41.

  In the following step S42, the center server 2 evaluates the play of each range R among the group UGs based on the play result of each game machine GM for each range R. For example, when a win or loss between the group UGs is determined for each range R according to the size of the acquired score, the evaluation is performed based on the play result of each game machine GM having the same range R as the representative range R. The superiority (win / loss) between the group UGs in the representative range R may be determined so that the win / loss is determined for each UG. Specifically, for example, the center server 2 first obtains, as a play result, information on the acquired score of each game machine GM having the same range R as the representative range R, for example. Next, the center server 2 compares the magnitudes of the acquired scores among the respective game machines GM. Then, the center server 2 determines the superiority or inferiority with the one with the larger acquisition score as the winner of the representative range R (in other words, the one with the smaller acquisition score is the loser). For example, the evaluation of step S42 may be performed in this manner.

  In the next step S43, the center server 2 determines whether or not the current evaluation target corresponds to the last range R of the plurality of ranges R (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the final range R). If this determination result is a negative result, that is, if the current evaluation target does not fall within the final range R, the center server 2 skips step S44 and proceeds to step S45.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in step S43 is a positive result, that is, if the current evaluation target falls in the final range R, the center server 2 proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the center server 2 determines the evaluation of the entire game (evaluation of the music game corresponding to the current play opportunity). The entire game (current play opportunity) may be evaluated based on, for example, the play result (evaluation result) of the representative user U in each range. Specifically, for example, when the evaluation of the entire game is determined by the total score obtained in each range R, this determination is made based on the total score obtained by the representative user U in each range R for each group UG. And may be realized based on the magnitude of the sum.

  In a succeeding step S45, the current processing result is transmitted to each game machine GM so that the current processing result is displayed on each game machine GM. This processing result may include, for example, the evaluation result of step S42. More specifically, this processing result may include, for example, a win / loss result for each representative range R determined in step S42. When the process of step S44 is performed, for example, it may include the evaluation result of the entire game determined in step S44. Then, after finishing the processing of step S45, the center server 2 ends this routine. Thus, the superiority between the group UGs is determined for each range R based on the play result of the representative user U. Further, when the play of the entire range R has been completed, the superiority of the whole game is determined based on the play result of the representative user U for each range R.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, in the case of play in groups, the play range AR of the music game is divided into a plurality of ranges R, and each range R is associated with the user U representing the group UG. . Then, the evaluation is performed so that the play of each range R of the representative user U affects the evaluation of the entire game. That is, the play of each range R can be assigned to the representative user U. On the other hand, it is not excluded that each range R is played by a user other than the representative user U. As a result, it is possible to allow other than the representative user U to play each range R. Thus, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game that may be felt by the user U other than the representative user U in each range R.

  More specifically, for example, by assigning each range R to a plurality of representative users U, for example, cooperative play or competitive play can be realized. Such cooperative play and battle play can also be realized between group UGs. As a result, various plays can be realized by utilizing a plurality of representative users U associated with each range R. Furthermore, since the combination of the representative users U (including the change in the number of people) changes for each range R, various combinations of the users U can be provided in one play. That is, it is possible to provide various play formats utilizing the existence of a plurality of users in one play opportunity by various combinations.

  In addition, since the play of each range R of the representative user U affects the evaluation of the entire game, the play of each range R of the representative user U can be reflected in the evaluation of the entire game. Thereby, the sense of belonging or sense of responsibility for the group UG can be increased. As a result, the awareness of the representative user U for the play of each range R can be increased. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest of games that are commonly played by a plurality of users (groups).

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as the matching unit and the user determining unit of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. Similarly, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as the range evaluation unit and the game evaluation unit of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in an appropriate embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the group unit play, a play such as a battle or cooperation is performed between the group UGs. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, a plurality of representative users U may be determined for each range R in one group UG. That is, a combination of users that changes for each range R in the same group UG may be realized. Then, a match or the like may be realized by the representative user U of the same group UG. Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the combination of users changes in all ranges R for each range R. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the combination of the users U may change in a part of the plurality of ranges R (in other words, the same range R may be included in the combination of the representative users U). Further, for example, when a plurality of users U representing a plurality of groups UG are associated with each range R, the representatives of some of the group UGs of the groups UG may change for each range R. That is, it is not necessary for all the representative users U of the plurality of groups UG to change in each range R. As a result, the change in the combination of the users U does not need to consider the group UG. That is, the change in the combination of the users U may occur such that at least a part of the combination changes for the representative user associated with each range R.

  Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, any one of a battle-type play, a cooperation-type play, and the like is employed in the group unit play. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, cooperative play or competitive play may be switched for each range R. That is, the play range of the music game may include a plurality of play formats such as a battle format so that they are mixed. Then, they may change, for example, for each range R. In addition, for example, a cooperative play is performed between the users U belonging to the same group UG, while a match is performed between the group UGs. ) May be included.

  In the above-described embodiment, the group UG is formed by matching. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the group UG may be formed by a plurality of users U who simply use the same game machine GM (including, for example, a case where one game machine GM is provided with a plurality of input devices such as a control panel). Good. For example, in this case, the combination for each range R and the evaluation of each range R may be executed by the game machine GM. In this case, the center server 2 may be omitted. That is, the game system 1 may be realized by one game machine GM.

  In the above embodiment, the game machine GM provides a music game. However, the game provided by the game machine GM is not limited to such a form. For example, in addition to the above, various games such as an action game, a role playing game, an adventure game, a simulation game, a puzzle game, a card game, a shooting game, a sports game, and a composite game may be provided by the game machine GM.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine GM of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on a network using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that provides the processing result of the control unit 30 via the network 3.

  Hereinafter, an example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described. In the following description, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

  A game system according to the present invention is a game system (1) that allows a plurality of users (UG) to play a common game, wherein a play range (AR) of the game is two or more of the plurality of users (UG). U1A, U1B, U2A, U2B, etc.), when being divided into a plurality of ranges (R) respectively associated with each other, the combination of the two or more users is changed so that the combination of the two or more users changes for each range. A user determining means (10) for determining each play and a range evaluating means (10) for evaluating the play of the two or more users for each range.

  According to the game system of the present invention, plays of two or more users associated with each range are evaluated, but plays of other users are not necessarily excluded. Therefore, it is possible to allow a user other than the two or more users to play. Also, since two or more users are associated with each range, each range can be assigned to two or more users. By utilizing the existence of the two or more users, various plays such as cooperative play and battle play can be realized. Furthermore, since the combination of the two or more users (including the change in the number of users) changes for each range, various combinations can be provided in one play. That is, it is possible to provide various play formats utilizing the existence of a plurality of users in one play opportunity by various combinations. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest of games that are commonly played by a plurality of users.

  The number of two or more users associated with each range may vary from range to range or may be fixed. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the user determination unit determines that the range (R5) in which the number of users (U) forming the two or more users is different from the others is included in the plurality of ranges. Alternatively, the two or more users may be determined for each range.

  As one mode of the game system of the present invention, a game evaluation means (10) for evaluating the play of the game based on the play results of the two or more users in each range based on the evaluation result of the range evaluation means is further provided. The aspect provided may be adopted. In this case, the play for each range of two or more users can be reflected in the evaluation of the entire game. Thereby, the consciousness of two or more users for each range of play can be increased.

  The plurality of users may be determined in various manners. For example, as one mode of the game system of the present invention, a plurality of game machines (GM) each providing the game to the plurality of users, and a server device connected to the plurality of game machines via a network (3) (2), wherein the server device may be provided with a matching unit (10) for matching the plurality of users via the network. Further, in this aspect, the matching unit matches the plurality of users such that the plurality of users form a plurality of groups (UG), and the user determination unit is different from the plurality of groups. The two or more users may be respectively determined from two or more groups (UG1 and UG2).

  The play of two or more users in each range may be evaluated for each range, or may be evaluated at once for the entire play instead of for each range. For example, in one aspect of the present invention in which a plurality of groups are matched, the range evaluation means performs the play of the two or more users for each range so that the superiority between the two or more groups is determined for each range. May be evaluated.

  Similarly, the game system of the present invention may provide various games. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, as the game, a music game that guides an execution time at which a play action should be executed in accordance with the rhythm of a music piece may be used.

  On the other hand, a computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to an output device (MO) for providing the game to function as each unit of the game system.

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

1 Game system 2 Center server (server device)
3 network 10 control unit (computer, user determination means, range evaluation means, game evaluation means, matching means)
R range U user UG group (multiple users)
AR play range MO monitor (output device)
GM game console

Claims (1)

A game system that allows a plurality of users to play a common game,
When the play range of the game is divided into a plurality of ranges respectively associated with two or more users of the plurality of users, the two or more users are changed so that a combination of the two or more users for each range changes. User determining means for determining a combination of users for each range;
Range evaluation means for evaluating the play of the two or more users for each range,
A game system comprising: