JP2021133131A - Game system, computer program used for the same, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of providing a play opportunity to play in a smaller range before playing in a predetermined range.SOLUTION: A game system provides a game via a monitor so that a game is played in a predetermined range, when a normal start procedure for playing the game in the predetermined range corresponding to a predetermined consideration is executed via an input device in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration. On the other hand, the game system provides a play opportunity for a trial play to play in a small range in accordance with the execution of a special start procedure so that the game is played in a range smaller than the predetermined range when the special start procedure different from the normal start procedure is executed. The game system provides a game as a game opportunity for playing the game in the predetermined range in exchange for the predetermined consideration separately from the trial play, when the start operation is executed in the trial play.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention is such that when a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is performed via an input device in exchange for collection of the predetermined consideration, the predetermined range is played. The present invention relates to a game system or the like that provides a game via an output device.

If a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is performed via the input device in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration, the output device is played so that the predetermined range is played. There is a game system that provides games through. For example, in such a game, a timing for guiding the position of an input unit to be stepped on by the player as the music in the game progresses so that the player takes a dance step in time with the music, and evaluating the position and timing. A game device that provides a game is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is Non-Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 2 as prior art documents related to the present invention.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-037490

How to play Puyo Puyo-01-Basic play free, public comment section (below video), [online], April 20, 2014, SEGA, [Search on February 26, 2014], Internet, < URL: https: // youtube. com / watch? v = SQwZIwabLoo> "SAO Arcade Deep Explorer" The first play will be free from September 5th! Limited time gasha "GGO Pickup Gasha" and "Otsukimi Bunny Support Log Gasha" held, title column, [online], August 30, 2019, KADOKAWA Game Linkage, [Search February 26, 2nd year of Reiwa ], Internet, <URL: https: // WWW. Famitsu. com / news / 201908/30182309. html>

In the game of Patent Document 1, a song is selected after the coin is inserted (collected), and a play in a range corresponding to the coin (compensation) is provided. It is unclear if the game will offer a range of play that is smaller than the coin redemption range, or if there is another procedure in place to play such a small range. Therefore, in the game of Patent Document 1, for example, it is not possible to play in a flow such as playing a little for a trial and then playing a range accompanying the insertion of coins. In particular, the timing game of Patent Document 1 tends to have a higher hurdle to play for inexperienced players than games of other genres. Therefore, there is a great need for such a flow.

There are also games that provide basic play or initial play for free. The games of Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 belong to this kind of game. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a game that is played free of charge until the value of "Genki" disappears, and Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a game that provides the first play free of charge. However, for example, in the game of Non-Patent Document 1, after the "genki" disappears, the play cannot be continued unless the "genki" is recovered by paying the credit (compensation), and the payment of the credit in this game is the continuation of the game. It's just the price for it. As a result, this game can only be played in the flow of free play and its continuation by paying credits, and the play accompanying the payment of credits is merely a continuation of the same play opportunities as free play. Similarly, in the game of Non-Patent Document 2, the first play is provided free of charge as a campaign (promotional activity), and after the second play, only the play within the range accompanying the payment of consideration is allowed. Conceivable. As a result, there is no difference in the play range between the free first play and the second and subsequent plays. In addition, there is no difference in the procedure except whether it is free or not, and the procedure is exactly the same from the second time onward.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can provide a play opportunity to play a smaller range before playing a predetermined range.

In the game system of the present invention, when a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via an input device in exchange for collecting a predetermined consideration, the predetermined range is played. In a game system that provides a game via an output device, the game is played in a range smaller than the predetermined range when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed. As described above, an opportunity providing means for providing a play opportunity to play the small range with the execution of the other procedure, and a game being played in the predetermined range when a predetermined start condition is satisfied in the play opportunity. As a game opportunity to be played, a game providing means for providing the game is provided separately from the play opportunity.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured so that the computer connected to the input device and the output device functions as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, the control method of the present invention is a predetermined range when a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via an input device in exchange for collection of the predetermined consideration. When a procedure other than the predetermined start procedure is executed on a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game via an output device so that the game is played, the game is performed in a range smaller than the predetermined range. In the predetermined range, when the opportunity providing procedure for providing a play opportunity to play the small range in association with the execution of the other procedure and the predetermined start condition are satisfied in the play opportunity. As a game opportunity to play the game, a game providing procedure for providing the game is executed separately from the play opportunity.

The figure which shows the schematic structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The perspective view which shows an example of the appearance of a game machine. A functional block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of the game system. The figure which shows an example of the game screen schematically. Explanatory drawing for explaining an example of a plurality of kinds of start procedures. An explanatory diagram for explaining the play time of the trial play and an example of the trial game screen. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the trial play process. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the game switching process.

Hereinafter, an example of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. 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 5. 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.

As the game machine 3, an appropriate computer device for providing a game (including, for example, a user terminal device 4 described later) may be used, but in the example of FIG. 1, a commercial (commercial) game machine is used. .. A commercial game machine is an example of a game device, and is a 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 play fee. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine, and is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 6 mainly for the purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play a game to generate profits.

The game machine 3 may provide an appropriate game such as an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a shooting game, a sports game, or a puzzle game, and provides a timing game as an example. A timing game is a type of game that guides and evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In a timing game, each execution time can be appropriately guided through various output devices such as guidance through voice from a speaker, but generally, each execution time is guided through a game screen displayed on a display device. Such a game screen includes an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign that functions as a reference of the current time, and these instructions are made so that the positions of these instruction signs and the reference signs match at each execution time. Each execution time is guided by creating a relative displacement along the path between the sign and the reference sign. The timing game is appropriately configured according to the type of play action requested, the method of guiding the execution time, the method of evaluation, and the like. The game machine 3 may provide such an appropriate timing game, but as an example, it is configured as a music game machine that provides a music game and provides the music game.

A music game is a type of timing game, and is a type of game in which an execution time for performing an appropriate play action is provided together with a musical piece. Specifically, the music game uses a time that matches the rhythm of the music as an execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is informed of the time when the appropriate play action should be executed according to the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play action is actually executed is evaluated. Further, for example, in a music game, a plurality of songs are prepared for play, and a song (one or two or more) selected from the songs is used for actual play. The music game will be described later.

The user terminal device 4 may be connected to the game system 1 via the network 5. The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by the user. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer 4a, or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to a network and are used for personal use of users, such as stationary home-use game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. You can. By implementing various computer software, the user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2.

The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the Internet 5A as a WAN and the LANs 5B and 5C connecting each of the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet 5A are connected via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. A local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B ... Of the center server 2 may be connected to each other in place of LAN5C or additionally by WAN5A.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. The game machine service includes a distribution service that distributes and updates the program or data of the game machine 3 via the network 5. The center server 2 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary for providing a game to each game machine 3 through such a distribution service. The game machine service may also include a service that receives user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticates the user. It may also include a service that receives the play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3 and saves it, or provides the play data to be saved to the game machine 3. Further, the service for a game machine may include a matching service that matches users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 5, a billing service that collects a fee from the user, and the like.

Similarly, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network 5. The Web service is a game information service that provides various information about the game provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service that distributes various data or software (including updates of data and the like) to each user terminal device 4, and a user. Services such as a community service that provides a place for exchange such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing, and a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user may be appropriately included.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the game machine 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine 3 includes a housing BX. Various output devices and input devices provided in the arcade game machine may be appropriately provided in the housing BX, but in the example of FIG. 2, a monitor MO, a control panel CP, and a speaker SP are provided. Specifically, the monitor MO is attached to the housing BX so that the display surface is tilted diagonally upward. The control panel CP and the speaker SP are arranged on the front side and the back side (upper side) of the monitor MO so as to sandwich the monitor MO.

The monitor MO is a well-known display device that displays various images such as a game screen for a music game. Further, the speaker SP is a well-known audio reproduction device that reproduces various audios for a music game. Similarly, the control panel CP is a well-known device including an input device for inputting various operations related to the game, such as a user's playing action. In a music game, various actions such as an action input via the camera may be used as a play action, but in the example of FIG. 2, an operation input via the control panel CP is used as a play action. Further, the control panel CP may be provided with various input devices for inputting various operations adopted as a play act, but in the example of FIG. 2, a keyboard instrument type operation input device IP is provided. ing.

The operation input device IP is configured in a keyboard shape, and when a user stands in front of the housing BX so as to face the monitor MO, the operation input device IP extends from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the monitor MO when viewed from the user. Arranged like this. Specifically, the operation input device IP has a plurality of key units OI, and each key unit OI is formed in a rectangular shape extending from the back side to the front side. Each key unit OI is configured to accept a pressing operation of pushing from above to below as an operation unit into which a user's operation is input. Then, those key portions OIs are arranged in parallel from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the monitor MO so as to extend in parallel with each other. These keyed OIs are configured to be distinguished into white and black keys that correspond to the white and black keys of a keyed instrument (placed between adjacent white keys that are shorter than the white keys). However, as an example, such a distinction is not made, and both are configured in the same manner.

Further, the control panel CP may be appropriately provided with various input devices or output devices in addition to the operation input device IP, but in the example of FIG. 2, a coin input port CO is provided. The coin slot CO is an opening for guiding coins to a coin collection mechanism (not shown) that collects coins. In the game machine 3, various kinds of consideration such as electronic consideration may be appropriately used as consideration for playing a music game, but when coins are used as such consideration, the coin slot CO is used. Coins (compensation) will be collected.

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 on one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store the data in a plurality of storage units. The server 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. In addition, the server data SD required for providing various services is also recorded in the storage unit 22. The server data SD includes various data necessary for providing various services. Such data may include various data for music games such as a part or all of the game data GD described later, but the play data PD is shown in the example of FIG. The play data PD is data in which information on various achievements related to each user's game is described. The play data PD is used, for example, to inherit the play results (play results) up to the previous time from the next time onward, or to inherit the setting contents unique to each user.

Further, the control unit 21 is provided with various logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as software resources. Such a logical device includes a game machine service management unit 24 and a Web service management unit 25. The game machine service management unit 24 is a logical device that executes a process for providing the above-mentioned game machine service. The Web service management unit 25 is a logical device that executes processing necessary for providing the above-mentioned Web service. 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 control unit 31 is provided with various logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG2 as software resources. In the example of FIG. 3, the game control unit 36 and the game control unit 36 and the control unit 31 are provided. The demo control unit 37 is shown. The game control unit 36 and the demo control unit 37 are both logical devices that execute various processes related to the music game (including processes necessary for enjoying the game machine service provided by the center server 2). Is.

Specifically, the game control unit 36 executes various processes for providing a music game. For example, such a process includes a sequence process for guiding the execution time when each play action should be executed, and an evaluation process for evaluating the actual execution time of each play action based on the execution time. On the other hand, the demo control unit 37 executes various processes for introducing the music game. Such processing includes a process of displaying a demo video (attraction video) introducing a music game on a monitor MO, and a process of providing a trial play for introducing a music game. The demo video may be provided at an appropriate time, but as an example, it is provided during the waiting time (the period from the time when the predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is played to the next time when the predetermined range is played). NS. Similarly, a trial play may be provided at an appropriate time, but as an example, it is provided when a predetermined procedure is executed while the demo video is being displayed. As a process for providing such a trial play, the demo control unit 37 provides, for example, a trial play process and a game switching process. Details of these trial play processes and game switching processes will be described later.

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. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the game program PG2 described above, and the game data GD is shown in the example of FIG. The game data GD is data necessary for the user to play a music game according to the game program PG2. The game data GD may include various data such as image data for displaying various images for music games and BGM data for reproducing various BGMs, but in the example of FIG. 3, the play data PD , Music data MD, and sequence data QD are shown. The play data PD (the same applies when other game data GD is stored in the center server 2) is provided from the center server 2 through the distribution service so as to include necessary parts.

The music data MD is data for playing a music used for playing a music game. The sequence data QD is data that describes each execution time in which an appropriate play action should be executed in a music game. The sequence data QD is used to inform the user of each such execution time. Further, when the play action is actually executed by the user, the play action is evaluated based on the execution time of the sequence data QD. That is, the sequence data QD is used for guidance of each execution time and its evaluation. Therefore, in the sequence data QD, information on each execution time and an appropriate play action to be executed at the execution time is described so as to be associated with each other. For example, when the sequence data QD is provided with information indicating each key OI (or a route in which each instruction sign should be arranged) or a plurality of types of instruction signs as information on such an appropriate play action. Information indicating the type of each instruction sign of is described so as to be associated with each execution time. Further, in the music game, when a plurality of songs or a plurality of difficulty levels are prepared, the sequence data QD is prepared for each song or each difficulty level.

Further, the game machine 3 is appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices necessary for the arcade game machine and can be connected to the control unit 31, but in the example of FIG. 3, a monitor MO and a speaker are used as output devices. The SP shows the reader RD, the operation input device IP, and the touch panel TP as input devices, respectively. The monitor MO and the speaker SP are as described above, but display various screens (images) such as a game screen and reproduce various sounds such as music according to the output signal from the control unit 31. Further, the operation input device IP is also as described above, but when an operation to be pressed is input to each key unit OI, a signal corresponding to each key unit OI is output to the control unit 31. The touch panel TP is a well-known input device that outputs (inputs) a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (finger touch operation) to the control unit 31. The touch panel TP is arranged on the monitor MO so that the touch operation is executed at each position forming the game screen.

The reader RD is a well-known device for acquiring information from a recording medium (a medium for recording various kinds of information) possessed by a user. The recording medium may be appropriately configured, and the reader RD may also be appropriately configured according to the type (or recording method) of the recording medium, but in the example of FIG. 3, the card C is used as the recording medium. Information may be recorded on the card C by an appropriate method such as a code (pattern) generated according to a predetermined rule or various electronic recording means, and is recorded via an IC chip as an example. The card C may include an appropriate card such as a play card that reproduces a song, an item, a character, or the like in the game, and may record appropriate information via an IC chip accordingly. As an example, an ID card for recording a user ID for identifying a user is included.

Similarly, as the reader RD, various devices such as a camera for reading a code or an appropriate receiver for receiving information from an electronic recording means through various short-range wireless communication standards may be used. As an example, a receiver of a short-range wireless communication standard suitable for reading an IC chip is used. The reader RD acquires various information recorded on the card C through reading the IC chip. For example, the reader RD acquires the information of the user ID recorded on the card C as an ID card and provides it to the control unit 31.

Next, the music game will be further described with reference to FIG. A music game is a type of timing game in which each execution time described in the sequence data QD is guided according to the rhythm of music (musical music) as described above, and the time of the actual playing action of each user is evaluated. .. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen for providing such a music game. As shown in FIG. 4, the game screen 40 includes a lane 41 as a relative displacement path, an object 42 as an instruction sign, and a determination line 43 as a reference sign. On the game screen 40, an appropriate number of objects 42 appear in an appropriate lane 41, and move toward the determination line 43 along the appearing lane 41. That is, the lane 41 functions as a time axis, and each execution time is guided by reaching the determination line 43 of the object 42 moving along the lane 41 (time axis).

Specifically, each lane 41 may be formed as appropriate, including the case where it is not explicitly displayed, but in the example of FIG. 4, each lane 41 extends so as to draw a parabola from the back side to the front side of the game screen 40. It is explicitly displayed as a curve. As a result, each lane 41 is configured to produce a virtual three-dimensional space having a depth on the back side. Each lane 41 is appropriately associated with each key portion OI of the operation input device IP. For example, each lane 41 may be associated with each key OI in a one-to-one correspondence, or may be associated with each lane 41 (many-to-one) for each predetermined number of key OIs. An appropriate number of key OIs (all adjacent key OIs) are associated with one lane 41 so that the number changes for each 41. Further, an appropriate number of lanes 41 may be provided according to the number of key OIs, but in the example of FIG. 4, nine lanes 41 are provided.

The determination lines 43 may be arranged in an appropriate number and in an appropriate shape according to the shape of each lane 41 as the movement destination (the arrival position or the passing position) of each object 42, but FIG. In the example of, it is configured as one determination line 43 extending linearly so as to intersect (orthogonally) with each lane 41, and is arranged near the lower end side of each lane 41.

The object 42 may appear at an appropriate position in each lane 41, but as an example, it appears on the upper end side of each lane 41 and moves toward the determination line 43 on the lower end side. More specifically, each object 42 determines along each lane 41 so as to reach the determination line 43 at the operation time (execution time) when the key unit OI (plurality) corresponding to each lane 41 should be pushed and operated. Move towards line 43. Then, the operation time is guided by the coincidence between the object 42 and the determination line 43, and the appropriate key portion OI for which the pushing operation should be executed is guided by the lane 41 in which the object 42 is arranged. In this case, the user is required to perform a pressing operation (pushing operation) on the key portion OI corresponding to the lane 41 in which the object 42 is arranged in accordance with the coincidence time between the object 42 and the determination line 43.

The object 42 may include a plurality of types of objects 42 that request a plurality of types of play actions (operations), but in the example of FIG. 4, one type of object 42 that requests one type of play action is shown. There is. Each such object 42 may be arranged for each lane 41 so as to fit in one lane 41, but in the example of FIG. 4, it is arranged so as to straddle a plurality of lanes 41. For example, the leftmost object 42 in the example of FIG. 4 is arranged so as to straddle the entire leftmost lane 41 and the left half of the lane 41 to the right of the entire leftmost lane 41. In this case, when the object 42 reaches the determination line 43, the key portion OI corresponding to the leftmost lane 41 and the key portion OI corresponding to the left half of the lane 41 to the right of the key portion OI are reached. The operation of pressing is required. Then, the shorter the time difference between the request time (execution time of the sequence data QD) and the time of the actual pressing operation when the user executes the operation of pressing the key portion OI, the higher the evaluation becomes. Is evaluated as.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a start procedure for playing a music game will be described. In a music game, a plurality of types of start procedures are prepared as start procedures for starting play. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of such a plurality of types of starting procedures. As shown in FIG. 5, the start procedure for starting the play of the music game includes two types of start procedures, a normal start procedure and a special start procedure. Both the normal start procedure and the special start procedure are procedures that the user should perform in order to start the game, but the normal start procedure is a normal start procedure generally required in an arcade game machine. On the other hand, the special start procedure is a special start procedure prepared separately from the normal start procedure in order to start the music game via the trial play.

Specifically, the normal start procedure may appropriately include various procedures depending on the type of game and the like, but in the example of FIG. 5, "payment of consideration" and "preparation" are included. Further, the order of "payment of consideration" and "preparation" may be changed and may be appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 5, "payment of consideration" and "preparation" are executed in this order. "Payment of consideration" is a procedure indicating payment of a predetermined consideration required for providing a music game. That is, in order to start playing the music game, the user is first required to insert coins (amount corresponding to a predetermined consideration) into the coin slot CO.

"Preparation" is a procedure indicating various preparations for starting a music game. That is, in "preparation", such various preparations are executed by the user. Such preparations may be appropriately configured, for example, a music game may include various selections (or settings) to start, but as an example, selection of music for play and selection of difficulty level may be included. Includes. That is, following the payment of the consideration, the user is required to select the music for play and the difficulty level in preparation for playing the music game. Then, after such "preparation", the play of the music game is started, and the user is actually provided with the play of the game for playing the music game. In the example of FIG. 5, the play is "game play". It is shown as. That is, "game play" is a procedure indicating the actual play of the game (start of the game) by the user. In this example, the normal starting procedure serves as the predetermined starting procedure of the present invention. Further, the coin slot CO in which the "payment of consideration" of the normal start procedure is executed, the operation input device IP in which the "preparation" is executed, or the control panel CP provided with them is the input device of the present invention. Functions as appropriate.

On the other hand, the special start procedure may be configured by an appropriate procedure so as to be different from the normal start procedure, but in the example of FIG. 5, "special operation", "trial play", "start operation", "preparation", And "payment of consideration" are included in order. "Preparation" and "payment of consideration" are the same as "preparation" and "payment of consideration" in the normal starting procedure. In the special start procedure, "preparation" and "payment of consideration" may be changed as appropriate, but as an example, "preparation" and "payment of consideration" are executed in this order. That is, in the special start procedure, the order of "preparation" and "payment of consideration" is different from that of the normal start procedure. In addition, procedures such as "special operation" are included before these "preparations" and the like, and they are executed in accordance with the procedure of "special operation". For this reason, the special starting procedure differs in the number of procedures and in the first procedure thereof as compared with the normal starting procedure.

Specifically, the "special operation" is a procedure indicating a special operation required for a user who desires a trial play, but since the special start procedure is started along with the special operation, the special start procedure is started. It is also a procedure to do. That is, the user is first required to perform a special operation in order to start the trial play (or start the special start procedure). The time when the special operation should be executed may include an appropriate time, but includes a waiting time as an example. The waiting time is the time waiting for the provision of the game (time outside the game). For example, the game is provided next time with the payment of the predetermined consideration from the end of the current play accompanying the provision of the predetermined consideration. Includes the period until Then, the execution of the special operation may be permitted (recognized as an operation instructing the start of the trial play) at any time of the waiting time, but as an example, when the special operation is executed at a specific time of the waiting time. It is recognized as a special operation only for. As such a special operation, an appropriate operation may be adopted, but as an example, an operation of pressing the key portion OI of any of the operation input device IPs is adopted. That is, when the operation of pressing the key portion OI corresponding to the play action is input via the operation input device IP at a specific time, it is recognized as the execution of the special operation, that is, the procedure of the "special operation".

The specific time may be an appropriate time of waiting time. For example, during the waiting time, various effects (including both auditory and visual effects) such as game title guidance, game maker guidance, and various other introduction information guidance are periodically appropriated. Can be executed. Execution of the special operation may be appropriately limited to a part of these various effects, but for example, when a demo video (introduction video) introducing a music game is displayed on the monitor MO as such an effect, the operation is performed. Limited to demo videos. More specifically, the demo video may appropriately include various moving images (images) that introduce the music game, but includes the game screen 40 as an example. Also in this demo video, the game screen 40 includes objects 42 and the like as in the case of playing a music game, and guides the timing of the operation of pressing each key OI in accordance with the rhythm of the music through them. That is, the demo game screen 40 included in the demo video is configured as a video (transition of the game screen 40) expressing such movement of the object 42. Then, a special operation for starting the trial play is permitted in a limited manner while the game screen 40 for the demo is displayed. Appropriate notification information such as "trial play is possible" may be presented during the period when special operations for playing the trial play are allowed, that is, while the demo game screen 40 is displayed. As an example, the presentation of such information is omitted.

"Trial play" is a procedure indicating the provision of trial play. Trial play is an opportunity to try out a part of a music game as a trial version. Therefore, in the "trial play", the trial play is actually played by the user who has executed the special operation. The range played in the trial play may be appropriate, for example, when the predetermined range played in exchange for the predetermined consideration (the range corresponding to the predetermined consideration) is a musical piece unit, the playing time of the musical piece It may be a part of a plurality of songs in a short appropriate time or in a predetermined range. Further, the range played in the trial play is a part of the lanes 41 when a plurality of lanes 41 are used for the instruction of each key portion OI on the game screen 40, or a plurality of types of objects 42 on the game screen 40. It may be a part of the range of the information described in the sequence data QD, such as a part of the objects 42 when prepared. Similarly, when the use of a plurality of items is permitted in a music game, only a part of those items may be an allowable range, and thus a predetermined range provided in exchange for a predetermined consideration. As long as the range is smaller than the play, the small range may be an appropriate part of the music game, but as an example, a time shorter than the predetermined range is used.

As the time shorter than the predetermined range, an appropriate time such as one minute (a time shorter than the playing time of a general music) may be uniformly adopted, but for example, the remaining time of the demo movie is adopted. Specifically, as described above, the special operation is executed while the demo game screen 40 is displayed, but since various effects such as the demo video are periodically switched during the waiting time, the demo video and the demo video there. A display period is set on the included game screen 40 (or demo video). This display period may be constant or may change depending on the type of the demo video. In any case, when the special operation is executed, the remaining time is generated in the display period based on the time of the special operation. The remaining time functions as the play time (small range) of the trial play. That is, the play time of the trial play is limited to the remaining time of the display period of the game screen 40 (demo video) at the time when the special operation is executed. Therefore, the time when the execution of the special operation is permitted may be limited to the case where the remaining time is a certain amount or more while the game screen 40 is displayed in the demo video, but as an example, the game screen is not limited to such a limitation. During the display of 40, special operations are allowed regardless of the remaining time. On the other hand, within this play time range, the game is played in the same manner as a music game in a predetermined range. That is, each execution time is guided in the same manner as the play of a music game in a predetermined range, and when the play action (operation of pressing the key OI) is actually executed at each execution time, the actual execution time is within the predetermined range. It is evaluated in the same way as the play of.

In the trial play, the procedure of "preparation" may be provided in the same manner as the play of the predetermined range provided in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration, but the procedure of "preparation" is omitted as an example. In addition, various play conditions to be selected in "preparation" may be determined separately according to a predetermined rule such as random selection different from such "preparation", but it is a trial as an example. In the play, the music game is played under the same conditions as the conditions provided by the demo game screen 40 (various selection results to be executed as preparations). Specifically, the demo game screen 40 is provided to correspond to a specific difficulty level and music, but in the trial play, the difficulty level used by the game screen 40 displayed when the special operation is executed. , And the music is provided to be used as well. For example, in the demo video, the latest music and the game screen 40 corresponding to the normal difficulty level are often used so as to easily attract the user's attention. In this case, the same latest music is used in the trial play. Music and music games are played on normal difficulty. The music or difficulty level used on the demo game screen 40 may be uniform (common) in any of the demo videos that are periodically switched, but as an example, it changes periodically for each demo video. As a result, there are differences in at least some of the demo videos prepared for the waiting time.

The "start operation" is a procedure indicating a start operation for switching from the trial play to the play of the original music game (play in a predetermined range) (starting the play in a predetermined range). The trial play is a trial version (trial version) of the music game play as described above, but is provided to guide the player to the original play. Therefore, during the trial play, a start operation for starting such an original play (play in a predetermined range) is allowed. In addition, switching from the trial play to the original play is not limited to the start operation, and various start conditions such as various play situations such as when a specific result is obtained in the trial play or a random lottery result. It may be realized as appropriate according to the above, but as an example, it is realized when the start operation is executed. Such a start operation may be allowed at an appropriate time such as before and after the trial play in the play opportunity for playing the trial play. For example, after the trial play, a message such as "Do you want to play the game?" Is displayed for a predetermined time to confirm whether or not to officially play the game, and the start operation is performed only while the message is displayed. May be accepted. In this way, the start operation may be allowed at an appropriate time of the play opportunity (in other words, the play opportunity may include not only the play time of the trial play but also the appropriate time before and after the trial play). However, as an example, it is allowed at any time during the trial play. In this example, the start operation functions as a predetermined start condition of the present invention.

As the start operation, various operations that can be input through the operation input device IP or the like may be appropriately adopted, and as an example, a touch operation to the touch panel TP is adopted. Specifically, on the trial play game screen (hereinafter, may be referred to as a trial game screen), a touch area for starting the original play (displayed during a predetermined range of play). The game screen 40 includes an area that is not set), and a touch operation on the touch area functions as a start operation. Then, when such a touch operation (start operation) to the touch area is executed, the process proceeds to "game play" via the above-mentioned "preparation" and "payment of consideration". In other words, even in the case of the special start procedure, the same preparation and predetermined compensation collection as in the case of the normal start procedure are executed along with the start operation in the trial play, and after that, the play of the music game in a predetermined range is performed. To be started. In this example, the special initiation procedure (or the "special operation" procedure contained therein) serves as another procedure of the present invention.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the play time of the trial play and the trial game screen will be further described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a play time of the trial play and an example of the trial game screen. The example of FIG. 6 shows the play time and the trial game screen when the operation of pressing the key portion OI while the game screen 40 is displayed in the demo video is adopted as a special operation. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the display of the monitor MO is switched from the demo video (demo game screen 40) to the trial game screen 50 with the operation of pressing the key OI (special operation), and the trial game is played. The trial play is provided through the screen 50, but the play time is limited to the remaining time of the display period in which the demo video was originally supposed to be displayed when the key OI is not pressed. Then, when the start operation is executed in such a trial play, the original game play (hereinafter, may be referred to as a game opportunity) is provided. On the other hand, if the start operation is not executed in the play opportunity of the trial play, the original standby time is returned and various effects such as the demo video are displayed in a loop again.

Specifically, the demo video may include various types of video, but includes the display of the game screen 40 for demonstration as described above. A display period is set on such a demo game screen 40. This display period may be a part of the display period of the demo video, but in the example of FIG. 6, it coincides with the display period of the demo video. That is, the example of FIG. 6 shows a case where the demo video is composed of only the game screen 40 for demo. The game screen 40 for demonstration may be a still image, but as an example, it is configured as a moving image showing the transition of the game screen 40 being played. Such a demo game screen 40 is a transition of the game screen 40 when played by another user, or a virtual user (as long as the viewer can grasp the development (progress) of the music game). It may be an appropriate transition of the game screen 40, such as a transition of the game screen 40 being played by (including a computer). Further, the demo video (demo game screen 40) is periodically displayed in the waiting time as described above, but as an example, not only such a periodic display but also other effects are executed in the waiting time. The demo video is also displayed when the touch panel TP is touch-operated during the operation. That is, a touch operation is allowed during the standby time, and such a touch operation switches the display between another effect and the demo movie.

On the other hand, while the demo video (demo game screen 40) is being displayed, the operation of pressing each key OI is permitted. In this case, only the pressing operation for a specific key portion OI may be specified as a special operation while the demo movie is being displayed, but as an example, the pressing operation for any key portion OI functions as a special operation. For example, the operation input device IP may be provided with an appropriate number of key portions OI, but in the example of FIG. 6, the operation input device IP is provided with 28 key portions OI. In this case, these key OIs (each key OI may be associated with each lane 41 as appropriate, but as an example, four in the widest middle lane 41 and three in each of the other lanes 41. The pressing operation for any of the associated) functions as a special operation.

When an operation to be pressed is input to any key portion OI of the operation input device IP, a play opportunity for trial play is provided. The play time of the trial play is limited to the remaining time of the demo video display period as described above. Specifically, the demo video (demo game screen 40) is originally scheduled to be displayed from the start to the end of the display (over the display period), but it is displayed on the key part OI of any of the operation input device IPs. When the pressing operation is input, the demo video ends at that point and the provision of play opportunities starts. In this case, in the display period of the demo video, there is a remaining time between the time of the operation and the time when the original display ends. This remaining time functions as the play time of the trial play. In other words, instead of the original demo video, a trial play is provided until the end of the display of the demo video.

The trial play is provided through the trial game screen 50. Therefore, the trial game screen 50 is displayed during the play time of the trial play. Further, the trial play may include procedures such as preparation as appropriate, but as an example, the trial play is played under the same conditions as the demo game screen 40 being displayed as a demo movie. Specifically, in the trial play, the music game is played with the same music as the demo game screen 40 and the difficulty level. For this reason, the opportunity to select a song or the like is omitted in the trial play play opportunity, and the monitor MO is displayed from the demo video (demo game screen 40) as the key part OI is pressed. It can be switched to 50. As a result, the trial game screen 50 is displayed on the monitor MO so as to interrupt the display of the demo video (demo game screen 40) in the middle of the demo video (during the execution of the program for the demo video). For example, another program is executed to interrupt the program for the demo video). In this example, the demo video (demo game screen 40) functions as an introductory video of the present invention. Further, a monitor MO for displaying such a demo movie or a monitor MO for displaying the game screen 40 at a game opportunity functions as the display device and output device of the present invention.

The trial game screen 50 is a game screen for playing a music game as a trial play under the same conditions as the demo game screen 40. Therefore, it is basically configured in the same manner as the normal game screen 40, but unlike the normal game screen 40, it includes a start touch area 51 and a stop touch area 52. The start touch area 51 is an area in which a touch operation should be executed as a start operation for starting a game opportunity. The start touch area 51 may be appropriately distinguished from other areas, but as an example, information of "starting a game" is displayed so as to convey its function. When a touch operation (start operation) is executed in the start touch area 51 (the start operation may appropriately include a confirmation operation or the like in addition to the touch operation), a game opportunity is provided. Specifically, with the execution of this touch operation, the "special operation", "trial play", and "start operation" in the above-mentioned special start procedure are completed. Therefore, a game opportunity (a predetermined range of play corresponding to a predetermined consideration) is provided through "preparation" and "payment of consideration" in the special start procedure.

In addition, the trial play may be provided simply as an opportunity to experience the charm of the music game, but as an example, it functions as an opportunity to obtain information to assist various selections (settings) in "preparation". Specifically, in the trial play as well as the play of the music game at the game opportunity, the user's play behavior is appropriately evaluated, and the evaluation result is used to determine the skill of the user. That is, the skill of the user who has played the trial play is determined according to the play status of the trial play. Even if the discrimination result is presented as information indicating a large skill classification such as "good", "normal", "not good", or "advanced level", "intermediate level", "beginner level". Alternatively, it may be appropriately presented as information indicating a specific skill such as "○○ level" (where XX is a specific number indicating the level). Alternatively, instead of, or in addition to, such a presentation, a piece of music or difficulty corresponding to the user's skill may be presented to the user. In any case, the discrimination result based on the play status of the trial play is presented to the user as a reference for various selections (settings) in "preparation".

On the other hand, the stop touch area 52 is an area in which a touch operation for stopping the trial play should be executed. In the play opportunity of the trial play, when the user disappears from the front of the game machine 3 (may be detected by an appropriate sensor such as a camera), or the play action (operation of pressing the key OI) is performed for a certain period of time. Various cancellation conditions may be appropriately provided, such as when the game is not executed, but the stop touch area 52 is prepared as an option when the user wants to stop the trial play in the middle of the play. That is, the touch operation to the stop touch area 52 is prepared to reflect the user's intention as a kind of stop condition. The stop touch area 52 may be appropriately distinguished from other areas, but as an example, "stop" information is displayed so as to convey its function. When the touch operation is executed in the stop touch area 52, the trial play ends even in the middle of the play time. The same applies when other discontinuation conditions are met. When such a stop condition is satisfied, or when the play time ends without touching the start touch area 51, the standby time is restored again. Then, during the waiting time, the repetition of various effects including the same demo video is provided again.

Next, the trial play process and the game switching process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The trial play process is a process for providing a trial play. In the example of FIG. 7, the trial play is provided by the start operation while the demo video is being displayed, and more specifically, the start operation is executed while the demo game screen 40 is being displayed as the demo video. The procedure of the trial play process is shown. In this case, the demo control unit 37 starts the trial play process shown in FIG. 7 every time a start operation (for example, an operation of pressing any of a plurality of key units OI) is executed while the demo video is being displayed. Acquire the information of the demo video that was being displayed when the operation was executed (step S101). This information may include various information necessary for providing the trial play, but for example, it relates to various conditions such as music used on the demo game screen 40 that was being displayed as a demo video. Information and information on the remaining time for which the game screen 40 should be displayed as a demo video are included.

Subsequently, the demo control unit 37 determines various conditions to be played in the trial play based on the information acquired in step S101 (step S102). Such various conditions may include appropriate conditions that should be selected as preparations when playing a music game, and include a musical piece and a difficulty level as an example. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 determines the music and the difficulty level provided by the demo game screen 40 as the music and the difficulty level (condition) for the play to be played in the trial play.

Next, the demo control unit 37 determines the remaining time of the demo video that was being displayed when the start operation is executed, based on the information acquired in step S101, as in the determination in step S102 (step S103). Subsequently, the demo control unit 37 provides a trial play (step S104). This trial play is provided through the trial game screen 50 as a play opportunity to play a music game corresponding to various conditions such as the music determined in step S102. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 provides such a play opportunity by displaying the trial game screen 50 corresponding to the same music and difficulty level as the demo game screen 40 on the monitor MO. In other words, the demo control unit 37 switches the display of the monitor MO from the demo video (demo game screen 40) to the trial game screen 50.

Next, the demo control unit 37 determines whether or not the end condition is satisfied (step S105). As an end condition, an appropriate condition for ending the trial play may be used, but a stop condition is adopted as an example. That is, the end condition is satisfied when the stop condition is satisfied (for example, when the touch operation is executed in the stop touch area 52). The end condition is also satisfied by the elapse of the play time and the execution of the start operation during the trial play. That is, the end condition is also satisfied when the play time corresponding to the remaining time determined in step S103 has arrived, or when the trial game screen 50 is touched to the start touch area 51. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 touches whether or not the stop condition is satisfied in step S105, whether or not the play time corresponding to the remaining time determined in step S103 has elapsed, and the start touch area 51 is touch-operated. Determine if it is. Then, when the stop condition is not satisfied, the play time corresponding to the remaining time determined in step S103 has not elapsed, and the touch operation to the start touch area 51 has not been executed, that is, the end condition is not satisfied. In that case, the demo control unit 37 returns to step S104 and continues to provide the trial play (in other words, display the trial game screen 50).

On the other hand, if the end condition is satisfied, that is, if the stop condition is satisfied (for example, when the touch operation is executed in the stop touch area 52), or if the play time corresponding to the remaining time determined in step S103 elapses. Alternatively, when the start touch area 51 is touch-operated, the demo control unit 37 ends the trial play (step S106). That is, the demo control unit 37 ends the display of the trial game screen 50. More specifically, when the cancellation condition is satisfied or the play time has elapsed, the demo control unit 37 tries to display the monitor MO. From the game screen 50, a video for various effects such as a demo video during the standby time Switch to. Alternatively, the demo control unit 37 starts the game switching process when the start touch area 51 is touch-operated. Then, after such an end, the demo control unit 37 ends the trial play process this time.

According to the procedure of FIG. 7, a trial play is provided along with the start operation while the demo video is being displayed. More specifically, when the start operation is executed while the demo game screen 40 is being displayed, the trial game screen 50 corresponding to the same music and difficulty level as the game screen 40 is displayed on the monitor MO. .. That is, with such a start operation, the display of the monitor MO is switched from the demo game screen 40 to the trial game screen 50, and a play opportunity for trial play is provided through such a trial game screen 50. Further, the play opportunity through the trial game screen 50 is continued until the end condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the end condition is satisfied, that is, when the stop condition is satisfied, or when the start operation is executed, the play opportunity ends. Alternatively, even if the trial play is not stopped and the start operation is not executed, the trial play ends when the remaining time of the demo video at the time of executing the special operation has elapsed. That is, the display period (play time of the play opportunity) of the trial game screen 50 is limited so that the remaining time functions as the play range (play time) of the play opportunity.

On the other hand, the game switching process is a process for executing switching from trial play to game opportunity. The example of FIG. 8 shows the procedure of the game switching process when the skill of the user is determined based on the play situation of the trial play. In this case, the demo control unit 37 starts the game switching process of FIG. 8 every time a touch operation is executed on the start touch area 51 of the trial game screen 50 at the play opportunity of the trial play, and the touch operation is first performed. Acquires the play status of the trial play until is executed (step S201). Such a play situation may include various information (situations) necessary for determining the skill of the user, but includes information on the evaluation result in the trial play as an example. Further, the evaluation in the trial play may be executed by the demo control unit 37, but as an example, the game control unit 36 executes the evaluation in the same manner as the evaluation in the game opportunity. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 acquires the evaluation result in the well-known evaluation process executed by the game control unit 36 in the trial play as the play situation.

Subsequently, the demo control unit 37 determines the skill of the user based on the play situation acquired in step S201 (step S202). Such discrimination may be realized by an appropriate method capable of discriminating the skill of the user. For example, when the evaluation result is calculated as the cumulative score, the cumulative score for the full score in the play time corresponding to the evaluation result is It may be determined based on the ratio. Alternatively, when the timing of the play action for each object 42 is evaluated so as to correspond to a plurality of stages, the number of evaluation results at the highest stage with respect to the total number of objects 42 to be evaluated in the play time corresponding to the evaluation result is It may be determined by the proportion of the occupancy.

Next, the demo control unit 37 determines the recommended information based on the determination result in step S202 (step S203). The demo control unit 37 may present only the information indicating the skill of the user determined in step S202 as the recommended information, but as an example, the music and the difficulty level based on the skill are determined as the recommended information. This determination may be realized by an appropriate method capable of discriminating the music and the difficulty level according to the skill of the user. For example, the difficulty level is associated with each skill level (for example, when three levels of difficulty level are prepared, the skill level). It may be realized based on appropriate data such as data (one of which is associated with each other) or data with which music is associated with each skill. That is, the demo control unit 37 identifies the music (appropriate part of all music) and the difficulty level (appropriate part of all difficulty) associated with the skill of the user based on such data, and they are used. Is determined as recommended information.

Subsequently, the demo control unit 37 provides a preparation opportunity (step S204). The preparation opportunity is an opportunity to carry out the “preparation” procedure in the special initiation procedure. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 provides, for example, an opportunity to select a musical piece and an opportunity to select a difficulty level as preparation opportunities. Further, the recommended information determined in step S203 may be presented to the user at an appropriate time such as before the provision of the preparation opportunity, but is presented at the preparation opportunity as an example. Specifically, opportunities for selecting music may be provided as appropriate, but as an example, they are provided through the music selection screen. Then, the recommended music as the recommended information is presented on the music selection screen by an appropriate method such as being selected by default. The same applies to the recommended difficulty level as recommended information. That is, when the opportunity of difficulty selection is provided through the difficulty selection screen, it is presented to the user on the difficulty selection screen by a method such as selection by default. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 provides an opportunity to prepare for presenting such recommended music and information on the recommended difficulty level. In this example, recommended information such as recommended music functions as related information of the present invention.

Next, the demo control unit 37 determines whether or not the provision condition is satisfied (step S205). The provision condition is a condition for determining whether or not the provision of the game opportunity can be started. Since the provision of game opportunities requires payment of consideration as described above, as an example, the provision condition includes the presence or absence of payment of consideration as a requirement. Specifically, the demo control unit 37 determines whether or not payment of a predetermined consideration has been executed as a provision condition. If the provision conditions are not satisfied, that is, if the predetermined consideration is not paid, the demo control unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the game switching process this time. In this case, the demo control unit 37 may restart the trial play according to the play time of the play opportunity, but as an example, the trial play also ends, and various effects in the standby time are restarted.

On the other hand, when the provision condition is satisfied, that is, when a predetermined consideration is paid, the demo control unit 37 provides a game opportunity (step S206). That is, the demo control unit 37 starts playing the music game so that it is played in a predetermined range corresponding to a predetermined consideration, similarly to the start of the game by the normal start procedure. In the play of this music game, the sequence process for realizing the movement display of the object 42, the evaluation process for evaluating the play action, and the like may be executed by the demo control unit 37, but as an example, the game control unit 36 takes over. It is executed by the game control unit 36. Therefore, the demo control unit 37 realizes this start by instructing the game control unit 36 to start displaying the normal game screen 40 so that such a sequence process or the like is executed. Then, after such provision (start), the demo control unit 37 ends the game switching process this time. As a result, along with the start process in the trial play, a game opportunity similar to the play of the normal music game through the normal start process is provided separately from the play opportunity of the trial play. Further, for the game opportunity, as recommended information based on the play status of the trial play, information such as recommended music according to the skill of the user determined based on the play status is provided. In addition, for example, when the play time of the trial play is too short and it is not appropriate for determining the skill of the user, the processing of steps S202 and S203 (in other words, provision of recommended information) is appropriately skipped (or omitted). You may.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a special start procedure is prepared as a start procedure for starting the play of the music game, in addition to the normal start procedure. Specifically, such a special start procedure includes a "special operation" procedure, and when the procedure is executed, a predetermined range of play (a range corresponding to a predetermined consideration) provided with the normal start procedure is performed. Trial play is provided as a play opportunity to play the game in a smaller range. For example, a special operation corresponding to the procedure of "special operation" is executed while the game screen 40 for demo of the demo video is displayed, and the demo is performed as a procedure of "trial play" with such a special operation. A trial play is provided with the remaining time of the video as the play time. Then, if the "start operation" procedure included in the special start procedure is executed during the provision of the trial play, the trial play ends and the predetermined range is played as in the case of the normal start procedure. A game opportunity to play is provided. That is, when the start operation is executed, a game in which a predetermined range is played as a game opportunity different from the trial play is provided after the procedure of the "trial play". Therefore, when the special start procedure is executed, it is possible to provide a play opportunity to play a smaller range before the play of the predetermined range, that is, a trial play opportunity. As a result, it is possible to let the user decide whether or not to play a predetermined range after first trying a small range of play in the trial play.

In addition, when a song or the like used in the demo game screen 40 displayed when the special operation is executed in the trial play is used for the play, the song or the like is selected for the trial play. It is possible to reduce the time and effort required for this. In particular, in music games, the interest of music often depends on the music, and in the demo video, music that is attractive to the user, such as the latest music, is often used. Further, when the special operation is executed according to the music on the demo game screen 40, the user is likely to be attracted to the music. Therefore, by using the same music as the demo game screen 40, it is possible to improve the fun of the trial play.

In addition, when the play time of the trial play is limited to the remaining time of the demo video (game screen 40 for demo), the influence of the trial play on the time for other effects that may occur in the waiting time is suppressed. be able to. Specifically, for example, if the play time of the trial play is the same regardless of the remaining time of the demo video, it is possible to prioritize securing the play time for the trial play, but only that amount. Time for other effects in the waiting time is consumed. In addition, there is room for trial play to be regarded as part of an attraction (demonstration) for introducing a music game, and in that case, the purpose of trial play is considered to be consistent with the demo video. For this reason, if the play time of the trial play is prioritized over the other productions, the time of the other productions will be spent only on the same attractions, and there is room for it to be regarded as inappropriate. On the other hand, by limiting the play time of the trial play to the remaining time of the demo video, the play time of the trial play can be kept within the display period of the originally planned demo video. As a result, it is possible to suppress the influence of the trial play on the time for other effects that may occur in the waiting time.

Similarly, when the skill of the user is determined in the trial play and the recommended information is presented based on the skill, various advices regarding the play of the music game can be provided through the recommended information. More specifically, for example, when recommended music and recommended difficulty level information are provided as recommended information, advice on selecting a song or selecting a difficulty level can be given through such information. As a result, the trial play can be used as a promotion of the game, and the threshold for playing the game can be lowered. As a result, the use of the game can be promoted.

Further, when the trial play is canceled based on the cancellation condition, the trial play can be appropriately canceled through such a cancellation condition. As a result, the trial play time (at least the overall average) can be shortened as compared with the case where there is no such cancellation. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of times the trial play is provided as compared with the case where there is no such cancellation. As a result, more trial play can be provided, which in turn can further promote the use of the game. Further, if the display of the trial game screen 50 is continued even when the user is absent or the trial play is not played, for example, when the user gets tired of the trial play and leaves, the music game is played. The time to provide various effects such as demo videos to be introduced (guided) will be lost accordingly. In particular, when the trial play is played casually by pressing the key part OI in the demo video, there is a high possibility that such a loss of time will increase, but such time is likely to increase through the cancellation condition. Loss can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the demo control unit 37 of the game machine 3 functions as an opportunity providing means and a play canceling means of the present invention by executing the procedure of FIG. 7. Specifically, the demo control unit 37 executes step S104 of the procedure of FIG. 7 as an opportunity providing means, and executes steps S105 and S106 when the canceling condition is satisfied as a play canceling means, respectively. Function. Further, the demo control unit 37 of the game machine 3 functions as a game providing means, a skill determining means, and an information providing means of the present invention by executing the procedure of FIG. Specifically, the demo control unit 37 executes step S206 of the procedure of FIG. 8 as a game providing means, executes step S202 as a skill determining means, and executes step S204 as an information providing means. , Each works.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and may be carried out in a form in which appropriate modifications or changes are made. For example, in the above-described form, trial play is provided without particular limitation. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the play of the trial play may be limited to a predetermined number of times (either continuous or cumulative). For example, when each user is specified by using the ID card, the number of plays of each user may be managed based on the user ID recorded on the ID card. Alternatively, if a sensor such as a camera capable of discriminating each user is provided, the number of plays of each user may be managed through such a sensor. In addition, when each user plays the trial play up to a predetermined number of times, information urging the refrain from using the trial play may be presented, for example, "Don't play the trial play many times" instead of such a limitation. ..

Further, the game machine 3 is not limited to an arcade game machine, and a stationary so-called home-use game device, a user terminal device 4, or the like may be used as the game machine 3. Further, the game machine 3 may be configured as a game device that virtually operates on a server such as a center server 2 while using these user terminal devices 4 and the like as remote input / output devices. In this case, the center server 2 may execute all or part of the roles (various processes, etc.) of the game machine 3 in the above-described form. As a result, one center server 2 (including the case where it is realized by a combination of a plurality of server devices) may function as the game system of the present invention. 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. Further, in this case, the game machine 3 does not need to be connected to the network 3. As a result, not only a computer device that can be connected to a network but also various independent computer devices such as a home-use game machine may appropriately function as the game machine 3.

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 is described as described above when a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via an input device (CP) in exchange for collection of the predetermined consideration. A game system (1) that provides a game via an output device (MO) so that a range is played, and when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed, the range is greater than the predetermined range. An opportunity providing means (37) that provides a play opportunity to play the small range with the execution of the other procedure and a predetermined start condition are satisfied in the play opportunity so that the game is played in the small range. In this case, as a game opportunity to play the game in the predetermined range, a game providing means (37) for providing the game is provided separately from the play opportunity.

According to the present invention, when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed, a play opportunity to play the game in a range smaller than the predetermined range of play provided by the predetermined start procedure is provided. .. Then, after the provision of the play opportunity (including both in the middle of the play opportunity and after the end of the play opportunity), a game for playing a predetermined range is provided as a game opportunity different from the play opportunity. Therefore, when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed, it is possible to provide a play opportunity to play a smaller range before playing the predetermined range. As a result, it is possible to first try a small range of play and then let the user decide whether or not to play a predetermined range. In addition, the play in a small range can be used as a promotion of the game, and the threshold for the play of the game can be lowered. As a result, the use of the game can be promoted.

Another procedure may be performed at an appropriate time. For example, if there is a procedure for preparing before playing the game, it may be executed as part of the procedure. This preparation may also be part of the gameplay. That is, another procedure may be performed while the game is playing (part of it). Alternatively, another procedure may be performed outside of play of the game. Various times may be included outside the play of the game, but for example, the waiting time that occurs between the plays of a predetermined range is also included. Another procedure may be performed, for example, during such a waiting time. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the other procedure is in exchange for the predetermined consideration next time after the predetermined range has been played in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration. The procedure is configured as a procedure executed during the waiting time until the predetermined range is played, and the opportunity providing means may provide the play opportunity during the waiting time with the execution of the other procedure. ..

The waiting time may be used as appropriate. For example, the waiting time may be used for providing appropriate information (directing) such as notification of a game title, notification of a game developer, presentation of various advertisement information, and the like. Further, the advertisement information may be appropriately configured, and may be configured as various moving images such as an introduction video for introducing the game. As described above, various situations (time) such as a situation (time) for notifying the title of the game may occur in the waiting time, but another procedure may be appropriately executed in these various situations. For example, in one aspect of the present invention, the other procedure is when a display device (MO) that displays an introduction video (40) for introducing the game during the standby time is used as the output device. It is configured as a procedure executed during the display of the introductory video, and the opportunity providing means interrupts the play in the middle of the introductory video when the other procedure is executed while the introductory video is being displayed. Opportunities may be provided.

A range smaller than a predetermined range may be appropriately set. For example, when a plurality of items or a plurality of characters are prepared in a predetermined range (a range corresponding to a predetermined consideration), only a part of those items or characters may be allowed to be used in a small range. That is, a part of a range such as an item may be used as a small range. In addition, when a plurality of stages or various options such as deployment are prepared in a predetermined range, some of the various options may be appropriately used as a small range. Alternatively, when a plurality of items (or records) are prepared for the data used in a predetermined range, only a part of those items may be allowed to be used in a small range. That is, a part of the data may be used as a small range. Further, for example, when the play in a predetermined range can be measured by time, a time shorter than the predetermined range may be used as a small range. Various ranges may be used as such a small range. For example, in an embodiment in which another procedure is executed during the display of the introductory video, the opportunity providing means may display the display at the time when the other procedure is executed when the display period is set in the introductory video. The play opportunity may be provided so that the play time functions as the small range by limiting the play time to the remaining time of the period.

As a game, various games may be provided. For example, an appropriate game such as an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, a shooting game, a sports game, a puzzle game, or a timing game may be provided. Similarly, the introductory video may be appropriately configured to introduce such various games. For example, the introductory video may be configured as an animation that introduces them. Alternatively, the introductory video may be composed of a game screen. In addition, the introductory video may be configured to include any of the various options provided in the game. For example, when the use is restricted to a part of a character or an item as a small range, the introduction video may include these characters or the like. In this case, the characters included in the introductory video and the characters used in a small range may be related or irrelevant. For example, the character or the like used in the introductory video may be used in a small range, or the character or the like to be used in a small range may be separately selected regardless of the character or the like in the introductory video.

For example, in a mode in which another procedure is executed during the display of the introductory video, the opportunity providing means sets the execution time of the play action to be input to the input device to the rhythm of one of a plurality of songs. When the timing game guided together is provided as the game and each of the plurality of songs is used in the introduction video, it is used in the introduction video at the time when the other procedure is executed. The timing game that guides the execution time according to the rhythm of the music may be provided at the play opportunity. In this case, the music used in the introductory video displayed when the other procedure is executed is also used in the play opportunity. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required to select the music for the play opportunity. Further, in a timing game that uses music, the interest of the timing game often depends on the music. Therefore, when another procedure is executed according to the music of the introductory video, the user is likely to be attracted to the music. As a result, the use of such attractive music can improve the enjoyment of play opportunities.

The play status of the play opportunity may or may not be utilized thereafter. For example, the play situation of the play opportunity may be appropriately utilized for the play of a predetermined range. Specifically, for example, as an embodiment of providing the timing game of the present invention, a skill determination means (37) for determining the skill of a user who has played the play opportunity based on the play situation at the play opportunity, and the skill determination An embodiment including an information providing means (37) that provides the user with related information related to the skill of the user based on the determination result of the means may be adopted. In this case, various auxiliary (advisory) information can be provided for a predetermined range of play through such related information.

In addition, various kinds of information may be appropriately used as related information. For example, the relevant information may simply be information that presents the skill, or may be more specific advisory information based on such skill. For example, in an embodiment of providing related information of the present invention, the information providing means is provided with a part of the plurality of songs specified according to the skill of the user, and a plurality of difficulty levels for the timing game. If so, information on at least one of a part of the plurality of difficulty levels specified according to the skill of the user may be provided as the related information. In this case, advice on selecting a song or selecting a difficulty level can be given through related information.

Further, as one aspect of the present invention, a play canceling means (37) for terminating the play of the play opportunity in the middle so that the provision of the play opportunity is stopped when the cancellation condition is satisfied in the play opportunity. Further provisional aspects may be adopted. In this case, since the play opportunity can be canceled through the cancellation condition, the play opportunity time can be shortened as compared with the case where there is no such cancellation. As a result, it can lead to an increase in the number of times a play opportunity is provided.

Play opportunities may be provided free of charge (no consideration) or may be provided for a fee as long as the consideration is set to be smaller than the consideration corresponding to a predetermined range of play. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the opportunity providing means may provide the play opportunity free of charge.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the input device and the computer (31) connected to the output device to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, the control method of the present invention is when a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via an input device (CP) in exchange for collection of the predetermined consideration. When a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed on the computer (31) incorporated in the game system (1) that provides the game via the output device (MO) so that the predetermined range is played. In addition, an opportunity providing procedure for providing a play opportunity to play the small range with the execution of the other procedure so that the game is played in a range smaller than the predetermined range, and a predetermined start in the play opportunity. When the conditions are satisfied, as a game opportunity to play the game in the predetermined range, a game providing procedure for providing the game is executed separately from the play opportunity. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or the control method of the present invention.

1 Game system 3 Game machine 31 Control unit (computer)
37 Demonstration control unit (opportunity providing means, game providing means, skill determining means, information providing means, play stopping means)
40 Game screen (demo video)
MO monitor (display device, output device)
CP control panel (input device)
PG2 game program (computer program)

Claims (11)

When a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via the input device in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration, the output device is set so that the predetermined range is played. A game system that provides games through
A play opportunity to play the small range with the execution of the other procedure so that the game is played in a range smaller than the predetermined range when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed. Opportunity provision means to provide
When a predetermined start condition is satisfied in the play opportunity, as a game opportunity to play the game in the predetermined range, a game providing means for providing the game separately from the play opportunity and a game providing means.
A game system equipped with. The other procedure is performed during the waiting time after the predetermined range has been played in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration until the next time the predetermined range is played in exchange for the predetermined consideration. Configured as a procedure
The game system according to claim 1, wherein the opportunity providing means provides the play opportunity during the waiting time in accordance with the execution of the other procedure. The other procedure is configured as a procedure executed during the display of the introduction video when the display device for displaying the introduction video for introducing the game is used as the output device during the standby time.
The game system according to claim 2, wherein the opportunity providing means provides the play opportunity so as to interrupt the middle of the introduction video when the other procedure is executed during the display of the introduction video. When the display period is set in the introduction video, the opportunity providing means limits the play time to the remaining time of the display period at the time when the other procedure is executed, so that the play time is small. The game system according to claim 3, which provides the play opportunity so as to function as a range. As the opportunity providing means, a timing game in which the execution time of the play action to be input to the input device is guided according to the rhythm of any of a plurality of songs is provided as the game, and in the introduction video. When each of the plurality of songs is used, the timing game that guides the execution time according to the rhythm of the music used in the introduction video at the time when the other procedure is executed is played. The game system according to claim 3 or 4, provided on an occasion. Skill determination means for determining the skill of the user who played the play opportunity based on the play situation in the play opportunity, and
An information providing means that provides the user with related information related to the skill of the user based on the determination result of the skill determining means.
The game system according to claim 5. The information providing means is specified according to a part of the plurality of songs specified according to the skill of the user, and when a plurality of difficulty levels are prepared for the timing game, the information providing means is specified according to the skill of the user. The game system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of a part of the plurality of difficulty levels is provided as the related information. Any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a play canceling means for terminating the play of the play opportunity in the middle so that the provision of the play opportunity is stopped when the cancellation condition is satisfied in the play opportunity. The game system described in the section. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the opportunity providing means provides the play opportunity free of charge. A computer program configured to cause the input device and the computer connected to the output device to function as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When a predetermined start procedure for playing a predetermined range corresponding to the predetermined consideration is executed via the input device in exchange for the collection of the predetermined consideration, the output device is set so that the predetermined range is played. On a computer embedded in a game system that provides games through
A play opportunity to play the small range with the execution of the other procedure so that the game is played in a range smaller than the predetermined range when a procedure different from the predetermined start procedure is executed. Providing opportunities and procedures
When a predetermined start condition is satisfied in the play opportunity, as a game opportunity to play the game in the predetermined range, a game providing procedure for providing the game separately from the play opportunity and a game providing procedure.
Control method to execute.

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