JP2020116112A - Game system, program and game providing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game that allows a number of players to participate therein while reducing processing load or processing time.SOLUTION: A game system 1 includes: a combination determining unit 111 for determining a combination of multiple shops S respectively including one or more game devices 30; a period setting unit 112 for setting a valid period; and a game control unit 113 for proceeding a game using the one or more game devices 30 within the valid period and generating a result of the game within the valid period for the combination of multiple shops S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a game system, a program, and a game providing method.

Conventionally, a game in which a plurality of players can participate has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game in which a plurality of teams each including a plurality of players compete with each other. A combination of a plurality of opponent players is determined (that is, matched) before the game starts.

Patent No. 5586181

However, in order to determine the combination of a plurality of players as in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to search for a plurality of players who can participate in the game at the same time. Therefore, there is a problem that the processing load for searching a plurality of players is large. In addition, it is necessary to wait for a long time until the total number of players participating in the game reaches a predetermined value. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred aspect of the present invention aims to provide a game in which a large number of players can participate while reducing the processing load or processing time.

In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a combination determination unit that determines a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices, and a period setting that sets an effective period. And a game control unit that advances a game using the one or more game devices within the valid period and generates a result of the game within the valid period for the plurality of groups related to the combination.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention includes, in one or a plurality of processors, combination determination processing for determining a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices; period setting processing for setting a valid period; A game using the one or more game devices is advanced within the valid period, and a game control process for generating a result of the game within the valid period is executed for the plurality of groups related to the combination.

In a game providing method according to another aspect of the present invention, a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices is determined, a valid period is set, and the game using the one or more game devices is validated. Proceeding within the period, the result of the game within the valid period is generated for the plurality of groups related to the combination.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the game system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of a game screen showing a game situation. It is a schematic diagram of a game screen showing the result of the game. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of a management apparatus. It is a schematic diagram of league data. It is a schematic diagram of field data. It is a schematic diagram of management data. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of a game device. It is a block diagram which illustrates the functional composition of a management device and a game device. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of initial setting processing. It is a flow chart which illustrates the procedure in which a management device and a game device exchange game data. It is a flow chart which illustrates the concrete procedure of individual game processing. It is a flow chart which illustrates the concrete procedure of management processing.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the forms exemplified below.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The game system 1 of the first embodiment is a computer system that provides a game to a plurality of players, and includes a management device 10 and a plurality of game devices 30 as illustrated in FIG. The management device 10 is a server device that controls the operation of each of the plurality of game devices 30. The management device 10 communicates with each game device 30 via the communication network 2 such as the Internet.

Each game device 30 is a terminal device used by a player for playing a game. One or more game devices 30 are installed in each of the plurality of stores S. The number of game devices 30 in the store S may differ for each store S. The store S is an entertainment facility such as a game center or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. Note that the plurality of game devices 30 in the store S are installed apart from each other, for example. However, the plurality of game devices 30 in the store S may be integrally connected by the housing. A player who comes to an arbitrary store S uses the desired game device 30 in the store S to play the game. Although a relay device that relays communication between the management device 10 and the game device 30 is actually installed in each store S, the relay device is omitted in FIG. 1 for convenience. The store S in the first embodiment is an example of a group that is a set of one or more game devices 30.

The game provided by the game system 1 of the first embodiment proceeds by the play of the player who has visited each store S. Specifically, a combination game of N stores S (hereinafter referred to as “league”) is determined from a plurality of stores S, and a competition game in which the N stores S in the league compete with each other is provided (N Is a natural number of 2 or more). It may be expressed that a plurality of players who have played the game in one store S constitutes one team corresponding to the store S. The number N of stores S that make up one league may be different for each league.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the outline of the game of the first embodiment. A game screen G1 displayed on each game device 30 is illustrated in FIG. The game screen G1 is an image including an information display area Fa and a field Fb. In the information display area Fa, information regarding each of the N stores S in the league is displayed. Specifically, the mark symbolizing each store S and the name of the store S are arranged in the information display area Fa.

The field Fb of FIG. 2 is an image representing a virtual world in which N stores S in the league compete. M target objects Ob are arranged in the field Fb (M is a natural number of 1 or more). Each of the M target objects Ob is a target that the player of each store S in the league aims to acquire. For example, a virtual building (for example, a castle) or a territory is a suitable example of the target object Ob. Each target object Ob is displayed in a different mode (for example, display color) for each store S that owns the target object Ob. Further, by adding a mark symbolizing each store S to the target object Ob, it is expressed that the target object Ob is owned by the store S.

A player who visits each store S aims to acquire the target object Ob by playing a game using the game device 30 in the store S. The target object Ob acquired by the player of each store S is regarded as an element owned by the store S. The player in each store S acquires the target object Ob that is initially in a neutral state (that is, a state in which the store S is not owned by any store S) and acquires the target object Ob owned by another store S in the store S. Can be deprived of. That is, in the first embodiment, a highly entertaining game of competing for each of the M target objects Ob in the field Fb among the N stores S in the league is developed.

The game of the first embodiment progresses within a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as "effective period"). The valid period is a period of a predetermined length during which the league is effectively maintained, and is set to a time length of, for example, several weeks. A plurality of leagues are determined for each effective period, and the competition result between the N stores S is generated for each league according to the progress of the game within the effective period.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the result of the game by the league. A game screen G2 displayed on each game device 30 is illustrated in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 3, on the game screen G2 of the first embodiment, an evaluation value Za (hereinafter referred to as “store evaluation value”) Za for each of the N stores S in the league is displayed. The store evaluation value Za is an index of superiority or inferiority of each store S in the game, and is calculated according to the number of target objects Ob acquired by each store S, for example.

In order for the player to acquire the target object Ob, it is necessary to capture a game corresponding to the target object Ob (hereinafter referred to as “target acquisition game”). The target acquisition game of the first embodiment is a game for searching a dungeon corresponding to the target object Ob. The dungeon is a virtual space such as a cave or a fortress. The player operates the game device 30 to move a character in the dungeon (hereinafter referred to as “used character”). In the dungeon, an object (for example, a monster or a trap) that obstructs the progress of the used character or an object (for example, a treasure box) that represents a reward given to the player is installed. When the used character reaches a specific point in the dungeon, it is determined that the player has successfully captured the target acquisition game.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the management device 10 is realized by a computer including a processing device 11, a storage device 12, and a communication device 13. The management device 10 is realized not only as a single device but also as a set (that is, a system) of a plurality of devices that are configured separately from each other.

The processing device 11 is a single or a plurality of processors that control each element of the management device 10. Specifically, the processing device 11 is configured by one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). It The communication device 13 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 30 via the communication network 2, for example.

The storage device 12 stores a program executed by the processing device 11 and various data used by the processing device 11. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of a plurality of types of recording media is used as the storage device 12. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the game data D is stored in the storage device 12 of the management device 10 for each league. The game data D includes league data D1, field data D2, and management data D3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of league data D1 corresponding to one league. The league data D1 is data representing N stores S that make up the league. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the league data D1 includes the identification information X (X1, X2, X3, X4) of each of the N stores S in the league. The identification information X is a code for identifying each store S. The specific format of the league data D1 is arbitrary as long as the combination of N stores S in the league can be specified.

The store evaluation value Za (Za1, Za2, Za3, Za4) is associated with the identification information X of each store S in the league data D1. The store evaluation value Za is an index (that is, a score) of superiority or inferiority of each store S in the league as described above. For example, focusing on the number M of the target objects Ob in the field Fb and the number (obtained number) Mt of the target objects Ob owned by the store S, the ratio of the obtained number Mt to the number M of the target objects Ob (Mt/ M) is calculated for each store S as a store evaluation value Za. That is, the store evaluation value Za of each store S is an index of the degree to which the store S has acquired the target object Ob.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the field data D2 corresponding to one league. The field data D2 is data representing the progress status of the game (specifically, the status of the field Fb) regarding the league within the valid period. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the field data D2 is the target data Ua (Ua1, Ua2,..., For each of the M target objects Ob (Ob1, Ob2,..., ObM) in the field Fb. UaM) is included. The target data Ua of one target object Ob includes the identification information X of the store S that owns the target object Ob, the identification information Y of the player who acquired the target object Ob, and the dungeon corresponding to the target object Ob. It includes the dungeon data C to be defined. The identification information Y is a code for identifying the player. The dungeon data C is data that defines the shape of a dungeon to be searched for in order to acquire the target object Ob and the position of an object such as a monster.

A player who succeeds in acquiring the target object Ob can set a specific object (hereinafter, referred to as “interfering object”) for the target object Ob. The obstruction object is a character that obstructs the player of another store S from taking the target object Ob. For example, the player of the other store S cannot capture the target object Ob unless he/she defeats the obstructing object with his/her own character. That is, the obstructing object is a guardian (guardian) who protects the target object Ob from the player of another store S. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the target data Ua of the target object Ob includes the obstruction setting data Q that specifies the number and type of obstruction objects set in the target object Ob.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the management data D3 corresponding to one league. The management data D3 is data representing the situation of each player. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the management data D3 includes player data Ub (Ub1, Ub2,...) For each of the plurality of players who have played the game at each store S in the league. Specifically, the player data Ub of the player who played the game in the store S includes the identification information X of the store S and the identification information Y of the player, the ability value P of the character used by the player, and the player's ability value P of the player. Including the individual evaluation value Zb. The ability value P of the used character is, for example, a numerical value such as offensive power or defensive power, and increases by, for example, playing against a monster in the dungeon.

The individual evaluation value Zb is an index of the player's personal evaluation. The individual evaluation value Zb of the first embodiment corresponds to an index of the degree to which the player has contributed to the increase in the store evaluation value Za. For example, the installation of the obstructing object with respect to the target object Ob owned by the store S and the capture of the obstructing object set by the player of another store S contributes to the increase of the store evaluation value Za. Therefore, the individual evaluation value Zb is set according to the number of times the disturbing object is installed (the number of times of installation) K1 and the number of times the player of another store S has installed the disturbing object (the number of times of capture) K2. For example, a product of the number of installations K1 and the number of captures K2 is exemplified as the personal evaluation value Zb.

As described above, by including the identification information X of the store S in the player data Ub, each player data Ub is associated with the store S. That is, the player data Ub is distinguished for each store S. For example, when one player plays a game at a plurality of stores S (stores S1 and S2) that make up one league, the player data Ub corresponding to the play at the store S1 and the store S2 are stored. The player data Ub corresponding to the play is generated separately. Therefore, the player cannot carry over the result of playing the game in the store S1 to the game in the store S2. For example, a character used in the game at the store S1 or an item acquired by the game at the store S1 cannot be used for the game at the store S2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of each game device 30. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the game device 30 of the first embodiment includes a processing device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, an operation device 34, and a display device 35. The processing device 31 is a single or a plurality of processors that control the respective elements of the game device 30. Specifically, the processing device 31 is configured by one or more types of processors such as CPU, GPU, DSP, or FPGA.

The storage device 32 stores a program executed by the processing device 31 and various data used by the processing device 31. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of a plurality of types of recording media is used as the storage device 32. The communication device 33 communicates with the management device 10 via the communication network 2.

The display device 35 displays a game screen showing the progress of the game. In the first embodiment, for example, the game screen G1 of FIG. 2 or the game screen G2 of FIG. 3 is displayed on the display device 35. For example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel is used as the display device 35. The operation device 34 is an input device that receives an instruction from the player. For example, an input device such as an operation button or a joystick is exemplified as the operation device 34. A touch panel integrated with the display device 35 may be used as the operation device 34.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management device 10 and the game device 30 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the processing device 11 of the management device 10 executes a program stored in the storage device 12 to execute a plurality of functions (combination determining unit 111, period setting unit 112) for advancing the game. And the 1st game control part 113) is implement|achieved.

The combination determination unit 111 determines a combination (that is, a league) of N stores S from the plurality of stores S registered in advance. That is, matching of a plurality of stores S is executed. Specifically, the combination determination unit 111 assigns a number to each store S and then sequentially generates a random number, and selects the N stores S to which the numbers corresponding to the random numbers are assigned to select the league. Constitute. However, the method of determining the combination of N stores S is not limited to the above method. The combination determination unit 111 actually determines a plurality of leagues, but hereinafter, attention is paid to any one league.

The combination determination unit 111 generates league data D1 according to the result of determining the league by the above procedure, and stores the league data D1 in the storage device 12. As described above, in the first embodiment, the combination of N stores S is determined instead of directly determining the combination of a plurality of players as opponents. That is, it is not necessary that the plurality of players participating in the game be specified at the start point of the effective period.

The period setting unit 112 in FIG. 9 sets the valid period. As described above, the valid period is a period during which the game in the league determined by the combination determination unit 111 proceeds. The period during which the league is valid may be expressed as the valid period. The period setting unit 112 sets the effective period according to an instruction from the operator of the game system 1, for example. For example, the date and time of the start point and the end point of the effective period are designated by the operator.

The first game control unit 113 advances the game in the league determined by the combination determination unit 111 within the valid period. Specifically, the first game control unit 113 updates the game data D according to the progress of the game using the game device 30 of each store S in the league. In addition, the first game control unit 113 generates the result of the game within the valid period for N stores S in the league. Specifically, the first game control unit 113 calculates a store evaluation value Za for each store S and an individual evaluation value Zb for each player.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the processing device 31 of the game device 30 functions as the second game control unit 311 by executing the program stored in the storage device 32. The second game control section 311 causes the display device 35 to display a game screen G (for example, G1 or G2) showing the game situation, and advances the target acquisition game in response to an instruction from the player to the operation device 34. As can be understood from the above description, the element (game control unit) for advancing the game is realized by the cooperation of the first game control unit 113 of the management device 10 and the second game control unit 311 of each game device 30. It

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process Sa (hereinafter, referred to as “initial setting process”) Sa performed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 at the start of the valid period. For example, the initial setting process Sa is started in response to an instruction from the operator of the game system 1.

When the initial setting process Sa is started, the period setting unit 112 of the management device 10 sets the valid period (Sa100). The combination determination unit 111 determines a league composed of N stores S from the plurality of stores S registered in advance (Sa102). The combination determination unit 111 generates league data D1 including the identification information X of each store in the league and stores the league data D1 in the storage device 12 (Sa104). Step Sa100 is an example of a period setting process for setting an effective period, and step Sa102 is an example of a combination determination process for determining a combination (league) of N stores S.

The first game control unit 113 generates field data D2 and management data D3 for the league determined by the combination determination unit 111 and stores it in the storage device 12 (Sa106). Each target object Ob indicated by the initial field data D2 is in a neutral state where it is not owned by any store S in the league. As understood from the above description, the first game control unit 113 sets the game data D for developing the game in the league before the start of the valid period, triggered by the determination of the league by the combination determination unit 111. To do. Note that only part of the game data D may be set in the initial setting process Sa. That is, the first game control unit 113 sets at least a part of the game data D for the league determined by the combination determination unit 111.

When the initial game data D is generated by the above processing, the first game control unit 113 starts the valid period set by the period setting unit 112 (Sa108). That is, the first game control unit 113 starts the control of advancing the game using each game device 30 according to the game data D. As understood from the above description, the valid period is also expressed as a period during which the first game control unit 113 controls the progress of the game using the game device 30. The order of setting the valid period (Sa100) and determining the league (Sa102) may be reversed. Further, the valid period may be set (Sa100) after the determination of the league (Sa102) and the generation of the data (Sa106) are executed. The specific procedure of the initial setting process Sa is as described above.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart exemplifying a procedure of processing executed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 and the processing device 31 of each game device 30 for displaying the game screen G1. The processing of FIG. 11 is executed within the valid period. When the above-described initial setting process Sa is executed, the first game control unit 113 of the management device 10 communicates the game data D stored in the storage device 12 to the game device 30 installed in each store S of the league. It is transmitted from the device 13 (Sb100). The transmission of the game data D (Sb100) is repeated, for example, every predetermined time (for example, several minutes) within the valid period.

The second game control unit 311 of each game device 30 receives the game data D transmitted by the management device 10 via the communication device 33 (Sb300). The second game control unit 311 uses the game data D received from the management device 10 to display the game screen G1 of FIG. 2 on the display device 35 (Sb302). Specifically, a game screen G1 including an information display area Fa containing information on each store S in the league and a field Fb in which M target objects Ob are arranged is displayed on the display device 35. That is, the game data D in which the result of the determination of the league by the combination determination unit 111 is reflected is transmitted to the game device 30 in each store S forming the league. For example, the game environment including the field Fb represented by the field data D2 of the game data D is provided to each player in each store S. The game displayed on the display device 35 by repeating the transmission of the game data D (Sb100) by the management device 10 and the display of the game screen G1 using the game data D (Sb302, Sb304) every predetermined time. The screen G1 is updated at any time to reflect the latest game data D. Even if the player transmits the game data D (Sb100) or updates the game screen G1 (Sb302, Sb304) only during the period in which the player actually uses the game device 30 to play the game. Good.

In the above description, the case where all of the game data D is provided to the game device 30 is illustrated, but a part of the game data D may be provided from the management device 10 to the game device 30. Specifically, a portion of the game data D necessary for displaying the game screen G1 is provided from the management device 10 to the game device 30. For example, only the field data D2 (or the management data D3) that is a part of the game data D may be provided to the game device 30. Further, only a part of the field data D2 (or the management data D3) of the game data D may be provided to the game device 30. As can be understood from the above example, the first game control unit 113 provides at least a part of the game data D to the game device 30.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process Sc (hereinafter, referred to as “individual game process”) Sc executed by the processing device 31 of each game device 30. The individual game process of FIG. 12 is executed in parallel with the update of the game screen G1 (Sb300-Sb302) in each game device 30. That is, the game data D received from the management device 10 in the process of FIG. 11 executed immediately before in the valid period is applied to the individual game process Sc of FIG. The game device 30 may acquire the latest game data D from the management device 10 upon the start of the individual game process Sc and apply the game data D to the individual game process Sc. Using the game data D provided from the management device 10, the game on each game device 30 progresses.

The individual game process is started when a player who has come to the store S inputs a predetermined amount of game value into the game device 30 in the store S. The game value is a tangible medium such as token coin (medal), coin (cash) or ticket, or an intangible value such as credit or points. The quantity of intangible game value is stored as data in a recording medium such as an IC card. The player may select and consume either a tangible game value or an intangible game value.

The player in the store S operates the operating device 34 to select a desired target object Ob from the M target objects Ob included in the game screen G1. The second game control unit 311 waits for the player to select the target object Ob (Sc300: NO).

When the selection of the target object Ob is accepted (Sc300: YES), the second game control unit 311 advances the target acquisition game aiming at acquisition of the target object Ob according to the instruction from the player to the operation device 34 (Sc302). ). Specifically, the second game control unit 311 causes the display device 35 to display the dungeon represented by the dungeon data C of the field data D2 and the used character represented by the management data D3 for the target object Ob selected by the player. The second game control unit 311 causes the used character to move in the dungeon according to the operation by the player, and advances various events such as a battle with a monster or acquisition of a treasure. When the obstruction object is installed in the target object Ob, the second game control unit 311 causes an event in which the used character competes with the obstruction object, and advances the target acquisition game on condition that a victory in the competition occurs.

The second game control unit 311 determines whether or not the target acquisition game has been successfully captured (Sc304). For example, when the used character reaches a specific point in the dungeon, it is determined that the target acquisition game has been successfully captured. In addition, a plurality of players located in different stores S in the league may play the target acquisition game in parallel with the aim of acquiring one target object Ob. In the above situation, only one of the plurality of players can capture the target acquisition game. For example, it is determined that among the plurality of players, the player who first arrives at a specific point in the dungeon succeeds in the capture of the target acquisition game, and the remaining players fail in the capture.

When the capture of the target acquisition game is successful (Sc304: YES), the second game control section 311 gives a reward to the player (Sc306). The reward is a predetermined amount of game value such as credit. It should be noted that an item (for example, an obstructing object) for favorably advancing the target acquisition game may be given to the player as a reward.

When the capture of the target acquisition game is successful, the player can instruct the setting of the obstructing object by operating the operation device 34. The second game control unit 311 determines whether or not the player has instructed the setting of the obstructing object for the target object Ob (Sc308). When the setting of the disturbing object is instructed (Sc308: YES), the second game control unit 311 sets the disturbing object as the target object Ob (Sc310). Further, the second game control unit 311 gives a reward to the player who sets the obstruction object (Sc312). For example, a predetermined amount of game value or a specific item is awarded as a reward. According to the above configuration, it is possible to give the player an incentive to set the obstruction object. On the other hand, if the capture of the target acquisition game has failed (Sc304: NO), rewards (Sc306, Sc312) and obstruction object settings (Sc308, Sc310) are not executed.

The second game control unit 311 transmits the result data representing the result of the target acquisition game described above from the communication device 33 to the management device 10 (Sc314). The result data specifies, in addition to the identification information X of the store S and the identification information Y of the player, the target object Ob acquired by the player and the presence or absence of the obstruction object setting.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart exemplifying a specific procedure of a process (hereinafter, referred to as “management process”) Sd executed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 after the execution of the initial setting process Sa. The management process Sd is started upon the start of the effective period. Within the valid period, the management process Sd is executed in parallel with the repetitive transmission of the game data D illustrated in FIG. 11 (Sb100).

The first game control unit 113 determines whether or not the result data has been received from any of the plurality of game devices 30 (Sd100). When the result data is received (Sd100: YES), the first game control unit 113 updates the game data D according to the result data (Sd102-Sd106).

Specifically, the first game control section 113 updates the field data D2 according to the result data (Sd102). For example, when the player of the specific store S acquires the target object Ob, the first game control unit 113 identifies the identification information X and the identification information Y in the target data Ua of the target object Ob as the identification information X represented by the result data. And the identification information Y. When the player installs the obstruction object, the first game control unit 113 updates the obstruction setting data Q in the target data Ua of the target object Ob with the information of the obstruction object represented by the result data.

The first game control unit 113 calculates the store evaluation value Za by referring to the updated field data D2, and the existing store evaluation value Za registered in the league data D1 is newly calculated as the store evaluation value Za. (Sd104). In addition, the first game control unit 113 calculates the individual evaluation value Zb of the player by referring to the result data, and newly sets the individual evaluation value Zb registered in the player data Ub of the player in the management data D3. It is updated to the calculated individual evaluation value Zb (Sd106). The update of the game data D (Sd102-Sd106) described above is repeated every time the result data is received within the valid period.

When the game data D is updated (Sd102-Sd106) or when the result data is not received (Sd100: NO), the first game control unit 113 determines whether the valid period has expired (Sd108). ). When the valid period has not expired (Sd108: NO), the first game control unit 113 shifts the processing to step Sd100. On the other hand, when the valid period has expired (Sd108: YES), the first game control unit 113 calculates the final store evaluation value Za for each of the N stores S by referring to the current field data D2. Then, the store evaluation value Za is stored in the storage device 12 (Sd110). When the valid period expires, the operation of the first game control unit 113 controlling the progress of the game in the league ends. By the management process Sd illustrated above, the game data D stored in the storage device 12 is updated to the latest content that reflects the result of the target acquisition game executed at each of the N stores S in the league. To be done. As can be understood from the above description, the management process Sd is an example of the game control process of advancing the game within the valid period and generating the result of the game within the valid period.

When the player in each store S operates the operation device 34 to instruct display of the result, the second game control unit 311 of the game device 30 transmits a data request from the communication device 33. The first game control unit 113 of the management device 10 transmits evaluation data including the store evaluation value Za of each store S in the league and the player's individual evaluation value Zb to the requesting game device 30. The second game control unit 311 of the requesting game device 30 causes the display device 35 to display the game screen G2 of FIG. 3 including the store evaluation value Za of each store S in the league and the player's individual evaluation value Zb.

As described above, in the first embodiment, a league that is a combination of N stores S is determined, and a game in the league is developed within the valid period. That is, it is not necessary that the plurality of players participating in the game be identified at the start of the effective period. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which a plurality of players can participate while reducing the processing load or processing time for determining the combination of a plurality of players.

The number of game devices 30 installed in each store S (hereinafter referred to as “the number of devices”) may be different for each store S. Therefore, the store S having a large number of devices may experience an inequality that the game can be more favorably progressed. However, even if the number of devices differs for each store S, the operating rate of the game device 30 in the store S having a small number of devices is higher than that in the store S having a large number of devices over the entire effective period. Tends to be easy. Considering the above tendency, the extreme advantage or disadvantage due to the difference in the number of devices for each store S tends to be corrected within the effective period.

In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the player data Ub is distinguished for each store S is illustrated, but a configuration in which the player data Ub is not associated with the store S (hereinafter referred to as “aspect A”) is also assumed. In the mode A, it is possible to carry over the performance of the play in one store S (for example, the ability value of the used character or the acquired item) to the play in another store S. However, in the aspect A, when a player who has sufficiently played in a particular store S plays in another store S, the balance of the player's achievements may suddenly change between the plurality of stores S. ..

In contrast to the mode A, in the first embodiment, the player data Ub is distinguished for each store S. That is, as described above, when one player plays the game in the store S1 and the store S2 that form one league, the player data Ub corresponding to the play in the store S1 and the play in the store S2. The player data Ub corresponding to is generated separately. Therefore, the record of the play at the store S1 cannot be carried over to the play at the other store S2. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately maintain the balance of the achievements of each player among the N stores S. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the balance of the achievements of the players suddenly changes between the N stores S.

Note that the above description is an explanation of the effects of the first embodiment when compared with aspect A, and does not mean that aspect A is excluded from the scope of the present invention. For example, if the variation of the balance between the N stores S does not cause a particular problem, the mode A may be adopted. Alternatively, by adopting the mode A, the balance of the achievements of the players in each store S may be positively changed.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following examples, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

In the first embodiment, the target object Ob of the field Fb represented by the initial field data D2 is set in a neutral state that is not owned by any store S. Therefore, regardless of the result of the determination by the combination determining unit 111, the initial aspect of the field Fb is common. The first game control unit 113 of the second embodiment sets the field Fb according to the league determined by the combination determination unit 111 in step Sa106 of the initial setting process Sa (FIG. 10). That is, the mode of the field Fb changes according to the league.

Specifically, the first game control unit 113 allocates any of the N stores S in the league to each target object Ob in the initial field Fb. The store S assigned to the target object Ob means the initial owner of the target object Ob. Therefore, the mode of the field Fb (specifically, the total number of owners of the target object Ob) changes according to the number N of stores S that form the league. Further, the number of target objects Ob initially owned by each store S may be different according to the attributes (for example, location and type) of the store S. According to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide various fields Fb according to the combination determined by the combination determination unit 111.

[Third Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, each store S belongs to any of a plurality of classes (classes). The number of stores S belonging to each class is different. For example, the higher the class is, the smaller the total number of stores S is. The combination determination unit 111 determines a league for each class. That is, the combination determination unit 111 determines, for each of the plurality of classes, a combination (league) of N stores S from the plurality of stores S belonging to the class. Note that the number N of stores S that make up one league may be different for each class.

The first game control unit 113 changes the class to which each store S belongs in accordance with the result of the game (for example, store evaluation value Za). That is, each store S is promoted or demoted according to the result of the game. For example, the first game control unit 113 promotes a predetermined number of stores S, which are positioned higher in the final ranking of the game among the N stores S, to a class higher than the current state, and a predetermined number of lower stores. Store S is demoted to a lower class than the current one. According to the third embodiment, since the class of each store S is changed according to the result of the game, it is possible to give the player of each store S an incentive to play the game.

[Modification]
Each of the forms illustrated above can be variously modified. Specific examples of modifications that can be applied to the above-described modes will be illustrated below. Two or more modes arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined in a range that does not contradict each other.

(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the plurality of game devices 30 are divided for each store S, but the range of the group (that is, the set of one or more game devices 30) that is a unit forming the league is the store S. Not limited. For example, one group may be configured by a plurality of stores S that are affiliated stores. Further, assuming a case where the game devices 30 are installed in a plurality of layers in the facility, one group may be configured by one or more game devices 30 installed in one layer.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the obstructing object that obstructs the capture of the target object Ob is illustrated, but the function of the obstructing object is not limited to the above example. For example, the player may set an object (hereinafter referred to as a “prohibited object”) that prohibits the capture of the target object Ob. The prohibited object is an example of a disturbing object. The target object Ob for which the prohibited object is set cannot be captured. It is also preferable that the prohibited object is not set during a specific period within the valid period (for example, a period near the end point).

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the competitive game in which the target objects Ob are scrambled among the N stores S has been illustrated, but the content of the game is not limited to the above example. For example, the present invention is also applied to a game in which N stores S forming a league collaborate to achieve a predetermined goal (for example, subdue a monster). The store evaluation value Za of each store S is calculated, for example, according to the degree of contribution of each store S regarding the achievement of the target. The present invention is also applied to a real-time game such as an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game in which a plurality of players participate at the same time. A plurality of used characters operated by different players act in parallel in the field Fb (for example, virtual space).

(4) The trigger for starting the initial setting process Sa is arbitrary. For example, triggered by an instruction from the player to the game device 30 installed in any of the plurality of stores S, the initial setting process Sa including the setting of the valid period (Sa110) and the determination of the league (Sa102) is started. Good.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the second game control unit 311 is installed in each game device 30, but the function of the second game control unit 311 may be installed in the management device 10. For example, the function of the second game control unit 311 may be realized by the first game control unit 113. Further, in a configuration in which a relay device that relays communication between the management device 10 and each game device 30 is installed in each store S, the second game control unit 311 may be installed in the relay device. The second game control unit 311 of the relay device controls the progress of the game in each of the plurality of game devices 30 in the store.

(6) As described above, the function of the management device 10 in each of the above-described modes is realized by the cooperation of the processing device 11 and the program. The program according to a preferred aspect may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in the computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM is a good example. However, any known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium is used. The recording medium of the form is also included. It should be noted that the non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transient propagation signal (transitory, propagating signal), and a volatile recording medium is not excluded. In the configuration in which the distribution device distributes the program via the communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium.

[Appendix]
From the above description, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are understood as follows, for example. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference numerals of the drawings are described in parentheses for convenience below, but it is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

[Appendix 1]
A game system (1) according to a preferred aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention includes a combination determination unit (111) that determines a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30), and an effective period. A period setting unit (112) to be set and a game using the one or more game devices (30) are advanced within the valid period, and the result of the game within the valid period is displayed for the plurality of groups related to the combination. And a game control unit (113, 311) for generating. According to the above aspect, a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30) is determined, and the player uses the one or more game devices (30) of each group to play within the valid period. Since the result of the played game is generated, it is not necessary for the plurality of players participating in the game to be identified at the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which a large number of players can participate while reducing the processing load or processing time for determining the combination of a plurality of groups.

A "group" is a set of one or more game devices (30). A typical example of the group is a set of one or more game devices (30) installed in one store (S), but one or more game devices (30) selected independently of the store (S). ) May be set. For example, a plurality of game devices (30) installed in one store (S) may be divided into a plurality of groups, or by a plurality of game devices (30) installed in a plurality of stores (S). One group may be configured.

The number of game devices (30) included in each of the plurality of groups (hereinafter referred to as “device number”) is arbitrary. The number of devices may be common to a plurality of groups or different for each group. Even if the number of devices is different for each group, the operating rate of the game device (30) in the group having a small number of devices tends to be higher than that in the group having a large number of devices during the entire effective period. There is. Therefore, the extreme advantage or disadvantage due to the difference in the number of devices for each group tends to be corrected within the effective period.

The plurality of game devices (30) included in each group are devices that are typically installed apart from each other, but the structural or external relationship between the devices is not limited to the above examples. For example, a plurality of game devices (30) may be integrally connected by a housing. That is, each of the plurality of devices installed separately from each other is considered as one game device (30), and in the integrally configured device, each player uses one part for playing the game. It is considered as an individual game device (30).

The type of game using the game device (30) is arbitrary. For example, the game to which the present invention is applied does not have to be a game in which a plurality of players compete in real time. Further, a typical example of a game to which the present invention is applied is a game in which a plurality of groups compete with each other, but the present invention is also applied to a game in which a plurality of groups aim at mutual achievement of a goal.

The “game result” is, for example, a ranking in a plurality of groups related to the combination, or a score in a game in each of the plurality of groups. The time when the game control unit (113, 311) generates the game result is arbitrary. For example, a configuration in which a game result is generated upon the expiration of the valid period or a configuration in which the game result is generated at an arbitrary point within the valid period is adopted. Examples of the time when the game result is generated within the valid period include the time when some progress occurs in the game or the time when the game arrives at every predetermined time.

[Appendix 2]
In a preferred mode of Supplementary Note 1 (Supplementary Note 2), the game is a game in which a player obtains each of a plurality of target objects (Ob), and the game control unit (113, 311) controls the plurality of groups. For each, a game result is generated according to the number of target objects (Ob) acquired by the one or more game devices (30) of the group. According to the above aspect, a highly entertaining game aiming to acquire each of the plurality of target objects (Ob) is provided.

The “target object (Ob)” is a target that the player aims to acquire in the game. For example, an arbitrary element such as a virtual building (for example, a castle) or a territory is exemplified as the target object (Ob).

A typical example of a game aiming at acquisition of the target object (Ob) is a game in which the target object (Ob) competes with another player, but it is not essential to acquire the target object (Ob) from another player.

[Appendix 3]
In a preferred aspect of Supplementary Note 2 (Supplementary Note 3), the game is a game in which a player competes for each of the plurality of target objects (Ob), and the game control unit (113, 311) controls the plurality of groups. For the target object (Ob) acquired by the player corresponding to one of the groups, a disturbing object is set that prevents the player corresponding to another group from acquiring the target object (Ob). According to the above aspect, a highly entertaining game of competing for each of the plurality of target objects (Ob) among the plurality of groups is provided. In addition, since a hindrance object that hinders the acquisition of the target object (Ob) is set, it is possible to provide a highly strategic game.

The “obstruction object” is an element that obstructs the acquisition of the target object (Ob). For example, the acquisition of the target object (Ob) is permitted on condition that the player wins the battle with the obstructing object. In addition, a disturbing object that prohibits the acquisition of the target object (Ob) is also assumed. It should be noted that a configuration is also preferable in which the setting of a disturbing object that prohibits acquisition of the target object (Ob) is not allowed during a specific period within the valid period (for example, a period near the end point).

The time at which the player sets the obstruction object is arbitrary. For example, in addition to the configuration in which the disturbing object can be set at any time within the effective period, a configuration in which the disturbing object can be set in the target object (Ob) when the target object (Ob) is acquired is assumed.

[Appendix 4]
In a preferred aspect of Supplementary Note 3 (Supplementary Note 4), the game control unit (113, 311) gives a reward to the player who sets the obstruction object. According to the above aspect, it is possible to give the player an incentive to set the disturbing object.

The content of "reward" is arbitrary. For example, items that can be used in the game are suitable examples of rewards. Also, a configuration in which a predetermined amount of game value (for example, token coins or credits) consumed for playing a game is given as a reward, or a value medium (redemption ticket) that can be exchanged for a prize is also given as a reward. is assumed. As understood from the above examples, it does not matter whether the reward is tangible or intangible.

[Appendix 5]
In a preferable aspect (Appendix 5) of Appendices 1 to 4, when the combination determination unit (111) determines the combination, the game control unit (113, 311) determines whether or not the effective period starts. , Game data (D) for developing a game with the combination is set. According to the above aspect, the field (Fb) in which the game based on the combination is developed is set and provided.

[Appendix 6]
In a preferred aspect of Supplementary Note 5 (Supplementary Note 6), the game control section (113) provides at least a part of the game data (D) to the game device (30). For example, of the game data (D), the field data (D2) representing the situation of the field (Fb) in which the game is developed is provided to the game device (30).

[Appendix 7]
In a preferred aspect of Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6 (Supplementary Note 7), the game control unit (113, 311) includes at least a part of the game data (D) according to the combination determined by the combination determination unit (111). To set. According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide a game with various developments according to the combination determined by the combination determination unit (111).

"Setting at least a part of the game data (D) according to the combination" means that the contents of at least a part of the game data (D) are different for each combination. For example, the content of the field (Fb) represented by a part of the game data (D) differs depending on the number of groups related to the combination.

[Appendix 8]
In a preferred aspect (Appendix 8) of Appendices 1 to 7, the game control unit (113, 311) uses the player data (Ub) regarding the player who uses the game device (30) to play the game. And the player data (Ub) is distinguished for each group. In the above aspect, the player data (Ub) is distinguished for each group. That is, when one player plays the game for a plurality of groups related to the combination, the player data (Ub) corresponding to the play in one group and the player data (Ub) corresponding to the play in another group ( Ub) and are treated as separate data. Therefore, the result of the play in one group cannot be carried over to the play in another group. According to the above configuration, it is possible to appropriately maintain the balance of the achievements of the players in the game between the plurality of groups.

[Appendix 9]
In a preferred aspect (Appendix 9) of Appendices 1 to 8, the combination determination unit (111) sets the store (S) including the one or more game devices (30) as the group, and stores the plurality of stores. Determine the combination of groups.

[Appendix 10]
In a preferable aspect (Appendix 10) according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, a plurality of groups belong to each of the plurality of classes, and the combination determination unit (111) sets the class for each of the plurality of classes. The combination is determined from a plurality of groups belonging to, and the game control unit (113, 311) changes the class to which the group belongs according to the result of the game. According to the above aspect, since the class to which the group belongs is changed according to the result of the game, it is possible to give the player of each group an incentive to play the game.

The mode of changing the class according to the result of the game is arbitrary, but for example, a group with a higher ranking as a result of the game is promoted to a higher class, and a group with a lower ranking is demoted to a lower class. It is envisioned that such an aspect will be performed.

[Appendix 11]
A program according to a preferred aspect (Supplementary Note 11) of the present invention is a combination determination process (Sa102) for determining a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30) in one or a plurality of processors (11). ), a period setting process (Sa100) for setting a valid period, and a game using the one or more game devices (30) is advanced within the valid period, and the valid period is applied to the plurality of groups according to the combination. And a game control process (Sd) for generating the result of the game within. According to the above aspect, a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30) is determined, and the player uses the one or more game devices (30) of each group to play within the valid period. Since the result of the played game is generated, it is not necessary for the plurality of players participating in the game to be identified at the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which a large number of players can participate while reducing the processing load or processing time for determining the combination of a plurality of groups.

[Appendix 12]
A game providing method according to a preferred aspect (Supplementary Note 12) of the present invention determines a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30) (Sa102), sets an effective period (Sa100), A game using the one or more game devices (30) is advanced within the valid period, and a result of the game within the valid period is generated for the plurality of groups related to the combination (Sd). According to the above aspect, a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices (30) is determined, and the player uses the one or more game devices (30) of each group to play within the valid period. Since the result of the played game is generated, it is not necessary for the plurality of players participating in the game to be identified at the start of the game. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which a large number of players can participate while reducing the processing load or processing time for determining the combination of a plurality of groups.

The time before and after the determination of the combination of a plurality of groups and the setting of the effective period is arbitrary. That is, the effective period may be set after the combination of a plurality of groups is determined, or the combination of a plurality of groups may be determined after the setting of the effective period.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Game system, 2... Communication network, 10... Management device, 11, 31... Processing device, 111... Combination determination part, 112... Period setting part, 113... First game control part, 12, 32... Storage device, 13 , 33... Communication device, 30... Game device, 311... Second game control unit, 34... Operating device, 35... Display device, S... Store, Ob... Target object, G1, G2... Game screen, D... Game data, D1... League data, D2... Field data, D3... Management data.

Claims (12)

A combination determining unit that determines a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices;
A period setting part that sets the effective period,
And a game control unit that advances a game using the one or more game devices within the valid period and generates a result of the game within the valid period for the plurality of groups related to the combination. The game is a game in which a player acquires each of a plurality of target objects,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game control unit generates, for each of the plurality of groups, a result of the game in accordance with the number of target objects acquired by the one or more game devices in the group. The game is a game in which a player competes for each of the plurality of target objects,
The game control unit sets a disturbing object that prevents a player corresponding to one group of the plurality of groups from obtaining a target object by a player corresponding to another group. The game system according to claim 2. The game system according to claim 3, wherein the game control unit gives a reward to a player who sets the obstruction object. The game control unit, when the combination determination unit determines the combination, sets game data for developing a game of the combination before the start of the effective period. Game system. The game system according to claim 5, wherein the game control unit provides at least a part of the game data to the game device. The game system according to claim 5, wherein the game control unit sets at least a part of the game data according to the combination determined by the combination determination unit. The game control section uses the player data regarding the player who uses the game device to advance the game,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the player data is distinguished for each group. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the combination determination unit determines a combination of the plurality of groups, with a store including the one or more game devices as the group. Multiple groups belong to each of the multiple classes,
The combination determination unit, for each of the plurality of classes, determines the combination from a plurality of groups belonging to the class,
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game control unit changes a class to which the group belongs according to a result of the game. On one or more processors,
A combination determination process for determining a combination of a plurality of groups each including one or more game devices;
Period setting process to set the effective period,
A program for executing a game using the one or more game devices within the valid period, and executing a game control process for generating a result of the game within the valid period for the plurality of groups related to the combination. Determining a combination of groups, each of which includes one or more game devices,
Set the validity period,
A game providing method realized by a computer system, which advances a game using one or more game devices within the valid period, and generates a result of the game within the valid period for the plurality of groups related to the combination.

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