JP2021007747A - Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of more properly converting a common value to a game value.SOLUTION: A game system 1 provides an "A game" including an "A value" used for progress and, via play data PD in which a common value convertible to the "A value" and a user ID for identifying each user are described in association with each other, manages the common value as a value other than the "A value." Then, the game system 1 changes the common value to the "A value" according to a conversion rate in rate data RD in which a conversion rate between the "A value" and the common value is described, and converts the common value to the "A value" to increase or decrease the "A value" and the common value according to a result of the change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention provides a game including a game value used for progress, and a value described so that a common value that can be converted into a game value is associated with user identification information for identifying each user. The present invention relates to a game system or the like that manages a common value as a value different from the game value via data.

Through value data described to provide a game that includes the game value used for progress and to associate a common value that can be converted into a game value with user identification information to identify each user. There is a game system that manages the common value as a value different from the game value. For example, as such a common value and a game value, a system that uses a first virtual currency that can be irreversibly exchanged from cash and a second virtual currency that can be irreversibly exchanged from the first virtual currency. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Alternatively, a system that uses web points and game points as common value and game value, respectively, is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 6390031 Japanese Patent No. 4185155

In the system of Patent Document 1, the concept of rate (exchange rate or ratio) does not occur at the time of exchange from the first virtual currency to the second virtual currency. Similarly, in the system of Patent Document 2, the concept of rate does not occur when exchanging web points for game points. That is, neither of the systems of Patent Documents 1 and 2 is configured to use the exchange rate at the time of exchange. Therefore, there is a possibility that the value of the exchange source of the first virtual currency or the like cannot be appropriately reflected in the value of the exchange destination of the second virtual currency or the like. In particular, those used in games such as the second virtual currency often have different values for each game. For this reason, if there are multiple exchange destinations so as to correspond to a plurality of games, and if all exchange destinations are exchanged uniformly, the value of the exchange source may not be properly reflected in the value of the exchange destination. It will increase further.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like capable of converting shared value into game value more appropriately.

The game system of the present invention provides a game including a game value used for progress, and so that a common value that can be converted into the game value is associated with user identification information for identifying each user. A game system that manages the common value as a value different from the game value through the described value data, and the rate data in which the conversion rate between the game value and the common value is described. A value conversion means for converting the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate, and a value conversion for converting the common value into the game value so that the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion means. It is provided with means.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention causes the value data storage means for storing the value data and the computer connected to the rate data storage means for storing the rate data to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system. It is composed.

Further, the control method of the present invention provides a game including a game value used for progress, and a common value that can be converted into the game value is associated with user identification information for identifying each user. The conversion rate between the game value and the common value is described in a computer incorporated in a game system that manages the common value as a value different from the game value through the value data described as described above. The value conversion procedure for converting the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate of the rate data, and the common value to the game value so that the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion procedure. It is the one that executes the value conversion procedure to be converted.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. A functional block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of the game system. Explanatory diagram for giving an overview of a platform service. The figure which shows an example of the schematic procedure of the process performed for providing a conversion service. The figure which shows an example of the schematic procedure of the process executed for providing a game providing service. The figure which shows an example of the structure of play data. The figure which shows an example of the structure of rate data. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of value conversion processing. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the game providing process.

Hereinafter, an example of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices that can be connected to the center server 2 via a predetermined network NT. The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining the server units 2A, 2B, etc. as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing.

The network NT may be appropriately configured as long as the game machines 3 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network NT may include the Internet as a WAN, a LAN that connects each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet, or various connection facilities or devices such as an access point AP.

In the example of FIG. 1, game machines 3A, 3B, and 3C are shown as game machines 3. The game machine 3 is an example of a game device that provides a game. The game machine 3A is installed in a facility such as an amusement store, and is configured as a commercial game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined consideration. This type of game machine is sometimes called an arcade game machine. When this type of game machine 3A (hereinafter, may be referred to as an arcade game machine 3A) is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store for the main purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play the game and earning profits. There are many. On the other hand, the game machines 3B and 3C are home-use stationary game machines or portable game machines used for personal use by the user. Such game machines 3B and 3C (hereinafter, may be referred to as stationary game machines 3B or portable game machines 3C, respectively, and when these are not distinguished, they may be referred to as user terminal device type game machines 3. ), A mobile phone such as a smartphone or a personal digital assistant (including a tablet terminal and a personal computer) may function. In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of types of game machines 3 are connected to the center server 2, but there may be only one type of game machine 3 connected to the center server 2.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. Services for game consoles include platform services. The platform service is a service for making the game machine 3 function as a platform for a plurality of games. That is, the game machine 3 provides a plurality of games via the platform service. The platform service may be configured to provide each game to the game machine 3 via streaming distribution (packet communication), or distribute (download) a program or the like for playing each game to the game machine 3. ) May be configured. Details of the platform service will be described later.

In addition, the game machine service includes, for example, a distribution service that distributes and updates the program or data of the game machine 3 via the network NT, and when a plurality of users play a common game via the network NT. May include a matching service that matches users with each other. Similarly, the game machine service receives the user's identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user, and receives the authenticated user's play data from the game machine 3 and saves or saves the play data. It may include services such as a service provided to the game machine 3, a billing service for collecting charges from users, and a service for assigning a user ID for identifying each user. Alternatively, these various services may be provided as part of the platform service.

Next, a main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, an internal memory required for the operation, and other peripheral devices are combined.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all the data in one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage units. The program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 22 stores server data necessary for providing various services. Such server data includes various data for platform services, and in the example of FIG. 2, play data PD and rate data RD are shown as a kind of such various data. Details of the play data PD and the rate data RD will be described later.

The server data may include, for example, various data for realizing various services. For example, such data includes ID data for managing various IDs such as user IDs, or various game data for providing each game. However, their illustration is omitted.

The control unit 21 is provided with a game machine service management unit 24 as a logical device realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the program PG1 as software resources. The game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the above-mentioned game machine service for the game machine 3. Such various processes include processes related to platform services. For example, the game machine service management unit 24 executes a value conversion process and a game providing process as processes related to such a platform service. The details of the procedure of the value conversion process and the game provision process will be described later. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, and the like can be connected to the control unit 21 as needed. However, their illustration is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer in which a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program, an internal memory required for the operation, and other peripheral devices are combined.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. The program PG2 is recorded in the storage unit 32 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. Further, the storage unit 32 records game data necessary for providing the game. Such game data includes various data for games, and in the example of FIG. 2, play data PD is shown as one of them. The parameter data PD is provided by the center server 2 as part of the platform service (or through a distribution service). In addition to the parameter data PD, various data such as ID management data may be provided from the center server 2 as a part of the game data. In addition, the game data may include, for example, image data for displaying various images for a game, BGM data for reproducing various BGMs, and the like. However, these illustrations are omitted.

In the control unit 31, various logical devices are configured by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the program PG2 as software resources. Then, various processes necessary for providing the game (including processes necessary for enjoying the game machine service provided by the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2) are executed through these logical devices. However, in the example of FIG. 2, a game providing unit 33 and a data management unit 34 are shown as logical devices related to the game. The game providing unit 33 executes various processes for providing the game. Such processing includes processing for providing a game through a platform service. On the other hand, the data management unit 34 executes various processes for managing the data stored in the storage unit 32. Such a process includes a process of updating the play data PD, or a process of providing the updated play data PD to the center server 2.

Further, the game machine 3 may be appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices according to the type of the arcade game machine 3A, the user terminal device type game machine 3, and the like, but in the example of FIG. 2, the monitor may be provided. 37 and the speaker SP are shown as output devices provided in the game machine 3. The monitor 37 and the speaker SP are a well-known display device for displaying a game screen and the like, and a well-known sound reproduction device for reproducing sound, respectively. Similarly, in the example of FIG. 2, as an input device provided in the game machine 3, an input device 36 for inputting a user's play action (operation or operation) is shown. The input device 36 may be appropriately configured according to the type of the game machine 3. For example, in the case of the arcade game machine 3A, a control panel provided with a plurality of push buttons may be prepared as the input device 36. In such a case, the operation of pressing the push button by hand is used as a play act. Further, a touch pad or a touch panel display may be used as the input device 36. In this case, the act of touching these with a hand or a touch pen (so-called stylus pen) is used as a play act.

On the other hand, for example, in the case of the stationary game machine 3B, a keyboard including a plurality of push buttons or a dedicated controller may be used as the input device 36. In this case, the operation of pressing those push buttons is used as a play act. Similarly, for example, in the case of the portable game machine 3C, as the input device 36, for example, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (finger touch operation) may be used. In this case, the touch operation and its position are used as a play act. Further, a dedicated controller (appropriate controller according to the type of game or the like) may be connected and used to the portable game machine 3C by wire or wirelessly.

In addition, for example, in the arcade game machine 3A, in order to collect a predetermined consideration required for the game from the user by using cash, alternative coins, medals, electronic currency (including points), credit card function, etc. The consideration collection device may be provided as an input device. Then, with such a device, various consideration for the electronic currency and the like may be collected, for example, via a card that records the remaining amount of the electronic currency. Further, for example, in the case of the user terminal device type game machine 3, the user terminal device type game machine 3 provides the game for a fee (including the case where a part of the game is paid for playing an additional range or the like). However, it may be provided free of charge (including the case where the software is purchased in advance). When the game is provided for a fee, the consideration may be collected through various well-known payment processes in the user terminal device type game machine 3.

Next, the details of the platform service will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The platform service is a service for providing a plurality of games to a user via a game machine 3. As described above, various game devices may be used as such a game machine 3, but a case where a portable game machine 3C is used as an example of the game machine 3 will be described below.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the platform service. As shown in FIG. 3, the platform service provides each game via the portable game machine 3C in a range corresponding to the consideration in exchange for the consumption of the predetermined consideration. Therefore, the platform service includes a game providing service for providing such a game. Such a game may be provided by an appropriate method such as streaming distribution or download of an application (program) as described above, but the case where such a game is provided through streaming distribution will be described below. In this case, the center server 2 streams and distributes the game corresponding to the selection result to the portable game machine 3C as a part of the platform service with the consumption of the predetermined consideration. Then, a game providing service is realized through such streaming distribution.

When at least a part of four games such as "A game" is provided through a download type application, the center server 2 is portable to play the game through such an application as a part of the platform service. You may allow the game machine 3C. Alternatively, the handheld game console 3C may be allowed to download such an application with the consumption of such consideration.

In addition, an appropriate number of games may be prepared as play candidates in the platform service, but in the example of FIG. 3, "A game", "B game", "C game", and "shared value game" Four games are available. Then, the game to be played is appropriately determined from these through the selection of the user and the like. Of these games, "A game" to "C game" are in exchange for consumption of cash and other consideration (hereinafter, may be referred to as primary consideration) collected through the well-known payment processing as described above. The game offered.

The "A game" to "C game" may be configured as appropriate games (including cases of different types of games) such as role playing games, action games, shooting games, sports games, simulation games, and music games. , The following describes the case where each of them is configured as a medal game. A medal game is a game played through a medium called a medal (either a physical medium or an electronic medium). In a medal game, for example, in a field in which a plurality of medals are arranged, in the operating area of an instrument (so-called pusher, which may be electronically configured) that repeatedly pushes a medal in the operating area in a predetermined direction. Included is a pusher game in which a medal is given to the user when the user inserts a medal and the medal pushes another medal to a drop position (or acquisition position) through a pushing operation of an instrument. Similarly, in the medal game, a roulette game in which an amount of medals is given to the user according to the result of the roulette, or the rotation of a plurality of reels rotating so as to change a plurality of patterns is stopped by the user's operation. Includes a slot game in which medals are awarded to the user according to the combination of patterns of a plurality of reels at the time of stopping. In a medal game, such medals serve as the game value used to advance the game.

These medal games and the like may be provided electronically through the game screen, or may be provided as a remote-controlled game in which a physical device or the like is remotely controlled. Specifically, for example, a medal game or the like may be virtually provided through a game screen including a virtual device or the like that is electronically displayed so as to correspond to the above-mentioned device or the like. That is, these medal games and the like may be realized as an electronic game through a game screen including a virtual device, a virtual roulette, a virtual reel, etc. (In the case of a download type application, for example, such a game screen is used. May be configured to provide a game to play). Alternatively, these medal games and the like may be provided as a remote-controlled game in which the devices and the like are remotely controlled via a shooting screen that captures the actual operation of the physical devices and the like. That is, in these medal games and the like, for example, a physical instrument or the like actually prepared in a remote place is remotely controlled via a user terminal device type game machine 3 that displays such a shooting screen. It may be realized as a remote-controlled game. Therefore, the streaming distribution provided by the game providing service may include both the distribution of these game screens and the distribution of shooting screens.

In the example of FIG. 3, such game values include "A value" included in "A game", "B value" included in "B game", and "C value" included in "C game". It is shown. The condition that "A value" is given in "A game" is different from the condition that "B value" is given in "B game". Specifically, for example, when "A game" is a pusher game and "B game" is a roulette game, the amount of medals obtained in the pusher game (or the amount of medals consumed to obtain them). And the amount of medals obtained in the roulette game. Therefore, "A value" is a game value peculiar to "A game", and "B value" is a value peculiar to "B game". That is, "A value" cannot be used in "B game", and conversely, "B value" cannot be used in "A game". The same applies to "C game".

On the other hand, a “shared value game” is a game provided with the consumption of common value. That is, the “shared value game” is configured as a separate game in which the consideration for playing is different from that of the “A game” and the like. Specifically, the common value is the value purchased through the primary consideration and functions as the secondary consideration by being consumed for providing the “shared value game”. In addition, shared value has another function in addition to the function (use) as secondary consideration. The function is a function that is utilized (shared) as a game value (various elements that can be quantified) peculiar to the game in another game. Specifically, shared value is converted to other game values according to a predetermined conversion rate (exchange rate, or percentage). Also, other game values are converted to shared value according to the same conversion rate. That is, the game value and the shared value can be mutually converted according to the conversion rate for each game value. These game values and shared values are managed via play data PD. Further, the conversion rate is managed via the rate data RD. That is, the platform service includes a conversion service for performing such conversion via these play data PDs and rate data RDs.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic procedure of processing executed for providing a conversion service. The example of FIG. 4 shows an example of a procedure when shared value is purchased. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the conversion service includes three steps from F1 to F3. In each of FIGS. 4 and 5, the configurations not directly related to the procedure in the figure are shown in gray.

Specifically, first, the purchase of shared value is instructed via the portable game machine 3C (F1). The shared value may be purchased with the consumption of the appropriate primary consideration, but the case where it is purchased with the consumption of the electronic currency (by the electronic currency) will be described below. In this case, the consumption of electronic currency is instructed to purchase shared value as a shared value purchase. Subsequently, conversion between shared value and other game values is instructed (F2). Such instructions include both a shared value to other game value conversion instruction and another game value to common value conversion instruction. For example, when conversion from shared value to other game value is instructed, the instruction includes information on the amount of game value to be converted and the game value of the conversion destination. Alternatively, on the contrary, when conversion from another game value to common value is instructed, the instruction includes information on the game value of the conversion source and the conversion amount.

When such a conversion instruction is executed from the portable game machine 3C, the center server 2 executes conversion between the common value and another game value (F3). This conversion is performed, for example, as follows. For example, in the case of conversion from common value to other game value, when such an instruction is executed, the center server 2 first calculates the amount of "common value" to be converted and the game value of the conversion destination from the instruction. Determine. Next, the center server 2 refers to the information of the "conversion rate" of the rate data RD, and determines the conversion rate between the game value and the common value of the conversion destination. Such conversion rates are set to be different for each game. Specifically, for example, as such a conversion rate, "A rate" is for "A value", "B rate" is for "B value", and "C rate" is for "C value". Each is set. Therefore, the center server 2 refers to the information of the "conversion rate" and determines these conversion rates. Then, the amount of common value of the conversion target is converted into the game value of the conversion destination according to such a conversion rate, and the conversion is actually executed according to the conversion result. More specifically, the center server 2 updates information such as "common value" and "A value" of the play data PD so that such conversion is realized. That is, the center server 2 actually realizes such conversion by increasing or decreasing information such as "common value" and "A value" of the play data PD. The same applies to the conversion of other game values to shared value. That is, the center server 2 first determines the game value of the conversion source and the conversion amount thereof, and converts the conversion amount into the shared value according to the conversion rate. Then, the conversion is actually realized by reflecting the conversion result in the play data PD. As an example, the conversion service is realized by such a procedure.

It should be noted that the purchase instruction of the shared value or the conversion instruction between the common value and the other game value may be executed, for example, via an appropriate screen. That is, the portable game machine 3C may provide an appropriate screen for realizing such an instruction. Further, when it is not necessary to purchase the shared value, such as when the user already owns the shared value, the procedure of F1 may be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic procedure of a process executed for providing a game providing service. The example of FIG. 5 shows a case where a “shared value game” is provided as a game to be played. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the game providing service includes two procedures, F11 to F12. Specifically, first, the consumption of shared value is instructed via the portable game machine 3C (F11). This instruction may be realized through an appropriate screen in the same manner as the purchase instruction of shared value. Further, when this instruction is executed, the center server 2 consumes the common value. Specifically, the center server 2 consumes the amount of common value required for playing the “shared value game” from the “common value” of the play data PD. Then, the center server 2 executes streaming distribution of the “shared value game” after such consumption. In other words, we provide “shared value games” through such streaming distribution.

As the “shared value game”, an appropriate game may be provided as in the “A game” and the like, but for example, the center server 2 provides a prize acquisition game. The prize acquisition game is a game for the purpose of acquiring prizes (electronic prizes, physical prizes, etc., as appropriate). Such prize acquisition games include, for example, crane games and lottery games. The crane game is a type of prize acquisition game in which a crane is used as a means of acquiring a prize. A crane is a type of device for capturing (acquiring) a physical capture target, and has multiple claws (often two) for pinching the capture target, and the capture target is pinched by these claws. It is configured to grab (capture). In the crane game, through such a crane (including the case of remote control), the capture target of the containment unit (often the prize itself, but may be a substitute associated with the prize) is captured and the predetermined position (capture target) is captured. It is a game that aims to win a prize by transporting it to (often an opening for dropping). On the other hand, the lottery game is a game in which a lottery is executed to determine whether or not the prize can be given (or the type of the prize to be given), and the prize is given according to the lottery result. Such a lottery game is sometimes called a gacha. As an example, a game providing service when a “shared value game” is provided is realized by such a procedure. In this case, the “shared value game” functions as the shared value game of the present invention.

The prize acquisition game may be appropriately configured, but for example, a crane game using a crane as described above, or a lottery game including a transport mechanism for transporting a prize (gacha using a physical transport mechanism). When configured as a game using such a physical mechanism, it may be provided electronically through a game screen including an electronic display corresponding to these physical mechanisms, as in the above-mentioned medal game and the like. However, it may be provided as a remote control type game in which the physical mechanism is actually operated remotely. Therefore, the "shared value game" may be provided by an appropriate method such as streaming distribution and application download as in the case of "A game" and the like as described above. Streaming distribution may include both game screen distribution and shooting screen distribution. Further, the prize provided in the prize acquisition game may be appropriate, but when an electronic prize is provided, for example, when it is provided through a game screen, such a prize is configured to be usable in other games. You can. That is, the prize acquisition game may be for another game (a game provided by a game providing service such as "A game", or a completely different game provided by a game machine different from the game machine 3). You may offer a free gift.

Next, the details of the play data PD and the rate data RD will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the play data PD. The play data PD is data in which information regarding the past play results of each user is described. The play data PD is used, for example, to inherit the play results (past achievements) up to the previous time from the next time onward, or to inherit the setting contents unique to each user. The example of FIG. 6 shows a part related to such a play data PD conversion service. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the play data PD includes a play record PDR that manages information on shared value and game value in association with each user. In addition, such a play record PDR includes information on "user ID", "common value", "game ID", and "game value".

The "user ID" is information on a user ID unique to each user in order to identify each user. “Common value” is information indicating the above-mentioned common value. For example, information indicating the remaining amount (owned amount) of the common value is described as the “common value”. The "game ID" is information indicating a unique game ID for each game in order to identify each game. For example, the information of "game ID" is used to identify "A game" and the like. That is, in the "game ID", information for identifying the "A game" or the like is described as the game ID. "Game value" is information indicating the game value of each game. For example, as the "game value", information indicating the remaining amount (owned amount) of the game value such as "A value" is described. Further, when a plurality of game values are prepared for each game, the "game value" information may include information for identifying the plurality of game values. The play record PDR records such information so as to be related to each other. In this case, the "user ID" information functions as the user identification information of the present invention. Further, by including the information of "common value" and "user ID", the play data PD functions as the value data of the present invention. The play data PD is not limited to these pieces of information, and appropriate information may be managed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the rate data RD. The rate data RD is data for managing the conversion rate for realizing the conversion between the shared value and the other game value. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the rate data RD includes a rate record RDR for managing the conversion rate for each game. Further, such a rate record RDR includes information on "game ID" and "conversion rate". The "game ID" is information indicating the game ID as in the play data PD. The "conversion rate" is information indicating the conversion rate for each game. For example, when the common value is converted to "A value" (the common value of "1" is "A value" of "2"), "2" may be described as the information of "conversion rate". .. Alternatively, for example, when the common value is converted to "B value" which is 0.5 times (the common value of "1" is "B value" of "0.5"), the information of "conversion rate" is "0. 5 ”may be described. In this case, different conversion rates for each game value, such as "2" indicating the conversion rate of "A value" and "0.5" indicating the conversion rate of "B value", function as different conversion rates of the present invention. ..

In addition, the "conversion rate" is the conversion from the game value to the common value such as "A value" separately from the information on the conversion rate from the common value to the game value (hereinafter, may be referred to as the normal conversion rate). Information on the rate (hereinafter, may be referred to as a return conversion rate) may be separately included, and such a return conversion rate may be appropriately calculated from the normal conversion rate. Specifically, for example, as the return conversion rate of "A value", the "conversion rate" may include information of "0.5" indicating half (1/2) of the common value, or the "conversion rate". The value of “0.5”, which is obtained by dividing the singular value (1) by the conversion rate (“2”) so as to correspond to the conversion rate of 1: 2 based on the above, may be appropriately calculated. In the rate record RDR, such information is recorded so as to be related to each other. The normal conversion rate and the return conversion rate may be set appropriately. For example, they may differ from each other. Specifically, for example, when the same amount (same value) is converted, the amount (value) after conversion is smaller in the conversion from game value to common value than in the conversion from common value to game value. The return conversion rate may be set lower than the normal conversion rate so as to be. Alternatively, on the contrary, the return conversion rate may be set higher than the normal conversion rate. Further, the rate data RD is not limited to these information, and appropriate information may be managed.

Next, the value conversion process and the game providing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 9. The value conversion process is a process for realizing conversion between shared value and other game values. More specifically, it is a process for realizing the procedure of F3 in the example of FIG. When the conversion instruction is executed via the portable game machine 3C, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the value conversion process of FIG. 8, and first determines the value of the conversion source and the value of the conversion destination (step). S101). This determination is performed based on the information of the value of the conversion source and the value of the conversion destination included in the conversion instruction. Specifically, for example, when conversion from a common value to another game value such as "A value" is executed, the common value is used as the conversion source and the other game value ("A value" or the like) is used as the conversion destination. , Each is determined. Similarly, when the reverse conversion is executed, another game value (“A value” or the like) is determined as the conversion source, and the common value is determined as the conversion destination.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 refers to the rate data RD and determines the conversion rate (step S102). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 refers to the rate data RD and determines as the conversion rate the information of the "conversion rate" between the value of the conversion destination and the value of the conversion source determined in step S101. .. Next, the game machine service management unit 24 converts the value of the conversion source into the value of the conversion destination according to the conversion rate determined in step S102 (step S103). For example, the game machine service management unit 24 realizes this conversion by integrating the value of the conversion rate determined in step S102 into the value of the conversion source. Specifically, for example, when the value of the conversion source and the value of the conversion destination are the common value and the “A value”, respectively, the amount of the common value of the conversion target (information included in the conversion instruction, for example, “1”). The normal conversion rate (for example, "2") is integrated into, and the integrated value (for example, "2") is acquired as the value of the conversion destination of the conversion result. Alternatively, on the contrary, when the "A value" of "2" is converted into a common value, the conversion rate (for example, "0.5") is accumulated back to the conversion target "2", and the integrated value (for example, "" 1 ") is acquired as the value of the conversion destination of the conversion result.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 executes the value conversion corresponding to the change instruction (step S104). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 updates information such as "common value" of the play data PD so as to reflect the conversion result in step S103. For example, when the common value of "1" is converted to "A value" of "2", the remaining amount of "common value" decreases by "1" and the remaining amount of "A value" increases by "2". By updating the play data PD in this way, such conversion is realized. Alternatively, on the contrary, when the "A value" of "2" is converted into the common value of "1", the remaining amount of "A value" is reduced by "2" and the remaining amount of "common value" is "1". "By updating the play data PD to increase, such conversion is achieved. Then, the game machine service management unit 24 ends the current value conversion process after such conversion. Thereby, the conversion between the shared value and the other game value, that is, the conversion from the common value to the other game value, or the conversion from the other game value to the common value is realized according to a predetermined conversion rate. More specifically, the procedure of F3 in FIG. 4 is realized.

On the other hand, the game providing process is a process for providing a "game for shared value" with the consumption of shared value. The shared value consumption instruction may be permitted if the common value has the remaining amount required to play the "common value game" (for example, if the remaining amount is insufficient, the common value instruction cannot be executed). Etc., it may be determined on the portable game machine 3C side whether or not it is possible based on the play data PD acquired in advance), and after such an instruction, the presence or absence of the required remaining amount is determined and corresponds to the instruction. Whether or not consumption may be possible may be determined (for example, the center server 2 may determine whether or not the remaining amount is appropriate, and if the remaining amount is insufficient, a disapproval of consumption may be notified). In the example of FIG. 9, when the common value has the remaining amount required for playing the “game for shared value” and the consumption instruction of the common value is permitted (the remaining amount of the common value is appropriate at the time of the instruction of consumption). The game provision process is shown. In this case, when the conversion instruction is executed via the portable game machine 3C, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the game providing process of FIG. 9, and first consumes the common value according to the consumption instruction (step S201). ). That is, the game machine service management unit 24 has information on the required amount (amount required for playing the "common value game") included in the consumption instruction (when this required amount is fixed, the consumption instruction is such. Consume common value based on (which includes only information indicating whether or not consumption is possible, and the fixed amount may function as a required amount), not quantity information. More specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 realizes this consumption by reducing the remaining amount of the "common value" of the play data PD by the required amount. That is, this consumption is realized by updating the play data PD so as to reflect such a product.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 provides a “common value game” via the portable game machine 3C (step S202). More specifically, we will start streaming distribution to realize the play of "games for shared value". Then, after the provision of this game (start of streaming distribution), the game machine service management unit 24 ends the game provision process this time. As a result, a "game for shared value" is provided as the shared value is consumed. In other words, shared value functions as a secondary consideration needed to provide a “game for shared value”. More specifically, the procedures of F11 (the part corresponding to the procedure on the center server 2 side) and F12 of FIG. 5 are realized.

As described above, according to this form, conversion between the shared value and the game value unique to each game is realized through the conversion service included in the platform service. More specifically, the shared value is usually converted to a game value specific to another game, such as "A value", based on the conversion rate. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately convert the shared value as the game value by using such a conversion rate. Then, the shared value is actually converted into the game value based on such a conversion result. As a result, the shared value can be converted into the game value more appropriately than in the case where the equivalent conversion is uniformly executed without such a conversion rate. In particular, the platform service provides not only "A game" but also a plurality of games such as "B game", and includes "A value" and "B value" having different values from each other, so that they have a common value. If is exchanged uniformly with any game value, there is a high possibility that the common value cannot be reflected more appropriately in each game value. Therefore, by utilizing such a conversion rate, the shared value can be more appropriately reflected in each game value.

On the contrary, the game value is converted to shared value based on the return conversion rate. In other words, the return conversion rate is used to return the game value to the shared value. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of shared value. Specifically, for example, when a game such as "A game" is a game in which the game value such as "A value" cannot be carried over to the next play, such carry-over is realized by using the common value. be able to. Furthermore, since multiple game values such as "B value" are prepared as exchange destinations for shared value, mutual use between those game values through shared value ("B value" of "A value"). (Exchange to) can be realized. In particular, when the number of "A games" such as pusher games increases according to the playing situation of the game, there is a tendency that the user's needs for carrying over these games or exchanging them for other game values are large. Therefore, it is possible to meet such needs by improving the convenience of such shared value.

Further, the platform service includes a "common value game" as a play candidate game, and when the common value is consumed, the "common value game" is provided through the game providing service. As a result, the shared value can be given a function as a kind of predetermined consideration. That is, not only the function that can be converted into the game value but also the function as the consideration for the game can be given to the common value. As a result, the convenience of shared value can be further improved. As a result, the convenience of the platform service can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the value conversion means, the value conversion means, the return conversion means, and the value return means of the present invention by executing the process of FIG. More specifically, when the conversion from the common value to the game value is executed through the process of FIG. 8, the game machine service management unit 24 executes the process of step S103 of FIG. 8 as a value conversion means. By executing the process of step S104 of FIG. 8, each functions as a value conversion means. On the other hand, when the conversion (return) from the game value to the shared value is executed through the process of FIG. 8, the game machine service management unit 24 executes the process of step S103 of FIG. By executing the process of step S104 of 8, each functions as a value return conversion means. Further, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the game providing means of the present invention by executing the process of step S202 of FIG. On the other hand, the storage unit 22 of the center server 2 functions as the value data storage means of the present invention by storing the play data RD. Similarly, the storage unit 22 of the center server 2 functions as the rate data storage means of the present invention by storing the rate data RD.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and may be implemented in a form in which appropriate modifications or changes are made. For example, in the above form, bidirectional exchange is realized between the shared value and the game value. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, only one-way exchange between them may be performed. For example, even when only the exchange from game value to common value is executed, the common value has other functions (uses) other than the exchange to game value, such as the function as consideration for "game for shared value". If this is done, the convenience of shared value can be improved. Also, other functions of shared value are not limited to the consideration of "games for shared value". As such other functions, an appropriate function such as the value consumed during the game in, for example, a "game for shared value" may be adopted. On the other hand, such other functions may be omitted. That is, the shared value may function as a value dedicated to exchange for other game values.

In the above form, a medal is exemplified as a game value. However, the game value is not limited to such a form. As the game value, various elements included in the game (elements consumed for the progress of the game, etc.) may function.

Further, the game machine 3 may execute all or part of the roles (various processes, etc.) of the center server 2 in the above-described form. That is, the game system of the present invention may be configured so that the center server 2 and the game machine 3 appropriately cooperate with each other to realize various services such as a platform service. On the other hand, the center server 2 may be omitted. In this case, one game machine 3 may function as the game system of the present invention.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications are described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding members shown in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, whereby the present invention is limited to the illustrated form. It's not a thing.

The game system of the present invention provides a game including a game value used for progress, and so that a common value that can be converted into the game value is associated with user identification information for identifying each user. A game system (1) that manages the common value as a value different from the game value via the described value data (PD), and describes a conversion rate between the game value and the common value. The value conversion means (24) that converts the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate of the rate data (RD), and the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion means. It is provided with a value conversion means (24) for converting the common value into the game value.

According to the present invention, shared value is converted to game value based on the conversion rate. Therefore, the conversion rate can be used to more appropriately convert the shared value as the game value. Then, the shared value is actually converted into the game value based on such a conversion result. This makes it possible to more appropriately convert shared value into game value. As a result, shared value can be more appropriately reflected in game value.

The game system may provide games in various configurations. For example, a game system may be configured as a single game machine and directly provide games. Alternatively, the game system may provide the game through a game machine connected via a network. For example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game may be provided via the game machine when the game machine (3) that provides the game is connected via the network (NT). Good.

As a game including a game value, one game may be used, or a plurality of games may be used. That is, the exchange destination of shared value may be one game value (including both the case for one game and the case for multiple games), or a plurality of game values (for one game). It may be present, or it may correspond to each of a plurality of games). Further, when there are a plurality of exchange destinations of shared value, the conversion rate may be uniform among those exchange destinations, or may be different among some of the exchange destinations. Alternatively, the conversion rates may differ from each other among all of their exchanges. Therefore, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the game includes a plurality of games that utilize a plurality of game values, the conversion rate is different for each game value. The rate is described so as to be associated with each game value, and the value conversion means may convert the common value into each game value at the different conversion rate for each game value according to the different conversion rate as the conversion rate. Good. Further, as described above, the game system may provide games in various configurations. For example, in this embodiment, the plurality of games are a plurality of game machines (3) that each provide the plurality of games. ) May be provided via the plurality of game machines when the) is connected via the network (NT).

The shared value may or may not be provided with other uses (functions) other than exchange for game value. If other uses are provided, appropriate uses may be provided. For example, a game for shared value may be used for such purposes. That is, shared value may be used directly in the game (including both when it is consumed to start playing and when it is consumed in-game during play). Specifically, for example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, a game providing means (24) for providing a game for shared value as a game different from the game in exchange for consumption of the shared value is further provided. Aspects may be adopted. Further, as described above, the game system may provide the game in various configurations. For example, in this embodiment, the game providing means is a game machine (3) that provides a game for the common value. May provide the game for common value via the game machine when the game is connected via a network (NT).

The conversion between shared value and game value may be limited to one direction or may be performed in both directions. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the return conversion means (24) that converts the game value into the common value according to the conversion rate, and the common value and the game value according to the conversion result of the return conversion means. A mode may be adopted in which the value returning means (24) for returning the game value to the common value is provided so as to increase or decrease. In this case, the convenience of shared value can be improved. Specifically, for example, in a game in which the game value cannot be carried over to the next play, such carry-over can be realized through shared value. Alternatively, when multiple game values are prepared as exchange destinations for common value, mutual use between multiple game values (exchange of one game value for another game value) can be realized through the common value. it can. In particular, when the game value increases according to the playing situation of the game, the user's need for carrying over or exchanging for another game value tends to be large. By improving the convenience of shared value, it is possible to meet such needs.

The game may be configured to utilize the game value for various purposes. For example, the game value may be increased only by exchanging for shared value, or by other methods (eg, purchase by cash or the like). Such other techniques may include game play status. Specifically, for example, in a mode in which the game value is returned to the common value, the game may be configured to increase the remaining amount of the game value according to the playing situation.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of the present invention uses the value data storage means (22) for storing the value data and the computer (21) connected to the rate data storage means (22) for storing the rate data. It is configured to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, the control method of the present invention provides a game including a game value used for progress, and a common value that can be converted into the game value is associated with user identification information for identifying each user. The game value and the common value are combined with a computer (21) incorporated in the game system (1) that manages the common value as a value different from the game value via the value data (PD) described as described above. The value conversion procedure for converting the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate of the rate data in which the conversion rate between the two is described, and the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion procedure. Is to execute a value conversion procedure for converting the common value into the game value.

1 Game system 3 Game machine 21 Control unit (computer)
22 Storage unit (value data storage means, rate data storage means)
24 Game console service management department (value conversion means, value conversion means, game providing means, return conversion means, value return means)
NT Network PG1 Program (Computer Program)

Claims (10)

Through value data described to provide a game containing a game value used for progress and to associate a common value convertible into the game value with user identification information for identifying each user. A game system that manages the common value as a value different from the game value.
A value conversion means for converting the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate of the rate data in which the conversion rate between the game value and the common value is described.
A value conversion means that converts the common value into the game value so that the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion means.
A game system equipped with. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game is provided via the game machine when the game machine that provides the game is connected via the network. The rate data is described so that when the game includes a plurality of games that utilize a plurality of game values, a conversion rate different for each game value is associated with each game value as the conversion rate.
The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value conversion means converts the common value into each game value at the different conversion rate for each game value according to the different conversion rate as the conversion rate. The game system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of games are provided via the plurality of game machines when a plurality of game machines that provide the plurality of games are connected via a network. .. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a game providing means for providing a game for shared value as a game different from the game in exchange for consumption of the shared value. The game providing means according to claim 5, wherein when a game machine that provides a game for the common value is connected via a network, the game providing the game for the common value is provided via the game machine. Game system. A return conversion means for converting the game value into the shared value according to the conversion rate, and
A value return means for returning the game value to the common value so that the common value and the game value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the return conversion means.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the game system comprises. The game system according to claim 7, wherein the game is configured to increase the remaining amount of the game value according to a play situation. The value data storage means for storing the value data and the computer connected to the rate data storage means for storing the rate data function as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A computer program configured to. Through value data described to provide a game containing a game value used for progress and to associate a common value convertible into the game value with user identification information for identifying each user. In a computer incorporated in a game system that manages the common value as a value different from the game value.
A value conversion procedure for converting the common value into the game value according to the conversion rate of the rate data in which the conversion rate between the game value and the common value is described.
A value conversion procedure for converting the common value into the game value so that the game value and the common value increase or decrease according to the conversion result of the value conversion procedure.
Control method to execute.

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