JP4376025B2 - Sales management system for new game software - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sales management system for new game software, and more particularly to a sales management system for new game software, which is useful for promoting sales of new game software by reducing the influence of selling used game software.

  In the game software industry, pre-sale of game software is increasing, leading to sluggish sales of new game software. In other words, a user who purchased new game software clears the game in a short period of time and then sells it to a second-hand dealer shortly after the release date of the new software, and the second-hand dealer sells the used software at a lower price than the new software. For this reason, users who have previously purchased new software have waited for the sale of cheap second-hand software, and the relative sales volume of new software has decreased significantly. In the case of popular game software, the same product has been used and sold many times, so even the game that is said to be a big game developed by a game software maker investing a great deal of development money, sells only the quantity predicted by the maker In some cases, it is difficult to collect development funds.

In the case of PC business software, it is used continuously for a long period of time, and after installing the purchased software on the PC, if the program on the hard disk is damaged for some reason, it is also necessary to re-install the tool. Because of this, users tend to keep it at hand.
On the other hand, in the case of game software, once the game is cleared, the willingness to play the game again declines. On the other hand, second-hand dealers purchase game software for a short period from the release date at a high price. A game that is cleared early may be sold to a second-hand store and used to purchase another game. In addition, unlike hardware, the media that stores the game software program does not deteriorate in quality due to frequent use, and it does not mean that the image quality deteriorates because it is used software. Maintains the same quality as software.

  If such second-hand game software sales continue, the number of users who feel that they can purchase new software at a lower price than the advantage of being able to play new software quickly will increase, resulting in an increase in sales of new game software. This will put pressure on manufacturers' profits. Therefore, in the game software industry, there is a strong demand for the construction of a sales system for new game software effective for sales measures of used software.

  Conventionally, there has been no sales system effective for sales measures of used game software, but there are prior arts such as Patent Documents 1 to 3 as software sales systems.

JP-A-8-263437 (FIGS. 1-6, 13) JP 2000-35885 A (FIGS. 5 to 11) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 5-165782 (FIGS. 6 to 10)

  In Patent Document 1, a CD-ROM storing software (game software or personal computer software) is protected, the CD-ROM is distributed to users free of charge, and charging processing is performed by electronic commerce over the Internet. This is a sales system that issues a password for canceling the protection only to a user who is authorized, and permits the installation tool or use of the software only when a predetermined password is input. The sales system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a kind of billing system based on software electronic commerce because the usage restriction is released only to users who have received compensation.

  In Patent Document 2, a main game program to be sold and a trial game (or demo game) program for the main game are stored in a disc-shaped optical storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and a CD- You can distribute the ROM free of charge (or sell it at a low price of about 1/5), play a trial game, and if you like it, you can get the license with a license and enter the password to play the main game This is a sales system for game software (or game program). Although the system of Patent Document 2 is different from the system of Patent Document 1 in that it can play a trial game, it is a system in which only a legitimately charged user can play the main game, and is therefore a kind of charging system. does not change.

  In Patent Document 3, pay information and free information are recorded on a CD-ROM, and only the free information can be read by a personal computer. The pay information can be read by sending a password from the telephone operation center after a sales contract. This is a software sales system that permits reading of paid information only when it is permitted by password verification. The sales system of Patent Document 3 is also a kind of billing system similar to Patent Document 2.

The software sales system described in Patent Document 1 is effective as a billing system, but is not useful for measures against used game software or sales promotion of new game software for used game software.
The software sales system of either Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3 is effective as a billing system for new software, but is not useful for measures against used game software or sales promotion of new game software for used game software.
This is because the software sales system disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is a technique related to billing processing, so there is no deterrent effect on the distribution of game software after billing processing as used software. This is because it is not a system that can stimulate the demand for new game software that users cannot afford to give new game software more advantageous than new game software, and users want to purchase new game software rather than used game software. is there.

  Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to give a user who has purchased new game software a privilege not available in the used game software, and the user is more willing to purchase new game software than used game software. It is to provide a sales management system for new game software that can contribute to the promotion of sales of new game software.

  Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to distinguish between a user who has purchased new game software and a user who has purchased second-hand game software, and gives bonus benefits only to users who have purchased new game software. It is possible to provide a new game software sales management system capable of promoting the sales of new game software without increasing the cost of the game software provider.

A sales management system for new game software according to the first invention (Claim 1) is a system for providing a privilege when a game information storage medium used by being mounted on a video game machine is new game software. The video game machine is composed of a video game machine, a game information storage medium, and a center management device installed at a location away from the plurality of video game machines. The video game machine includes processing means for executing a program and hardware identification code storage means for storing a hardware identification code for identifying each hardware. The game information storage medium includes at least a first game program to be sold, and a second game program that is different from the first game program and that can be played only by a user who has been granted a privilege. A medium identification code for distinguishing from other game information storage media and a privilege granting control program for allowing the use of the second game program only when used by a user to whom a privilege is granted are stored. When the game information storage medium is mounted, the processing means executes a privilege granting control program in response to the privilege granting request being selected, and from the game information storage medium, the medium identification code and the game information storage medium Is read out, and the application password related to the combination of the medium identification code and the hard identification code is output. The center management device includes sales management data storage means for each of a large number of game information storage media. When an application password is input, the application password is related to a combination of a specific medium identification code and a specific hardware identification code. Based on the determination of whether or not the registration of the game information storage medium for the first time based on the registration state of the customer management data storage means, and the determination of the first user registration for each medium Then, privilege grant permission data permitting privilege grant to the user of the application password is output and notified to the user. Then, the processing means processes the privilege granting control program based on the fact that the game information storage medium is mounted on the video game machine, the privilege granting permission data is input and the use of the privilege data is selected, Whether or not data can be granted is determined, and processing for granting privilege data is executed in response to the determination of permission.
This makes it possible for users to find new game software more attractive than used game software in order to obtain privilege data, increase the number of users who purchase new game software, and promote sales of new game software.

In the sales management system for new game software according to the second invention (Claim 2), the privilege data stored in the game information storage medium is a game different from the first game program and given a privilege. Only the second game program that can be played, and the processing means is responsive to the determination that the game play by the second game program has been selected as the selection of the use of the privilege data and the grant of the privilege data has been permitted. Then, the process of the second game program is executed.
As a result, the user purchases new game software as bonus data, in order to enjoy the second game or to obtain the right to play the second game as special data. Increase the number of users who will be able to increase sales of new game software.

In the new game software sales management system according to the third invention (Claim 3), the first game program stored in the game information storage medium is a character that collects a plurality of characters appearing in the first game. The privilege data stored in the game information storage medium, which is a collection game, has acquired a specific character among a plurality of characters appearing in the character collection game played by the processing of the first game program. It is data of a specific character. The processing means selects the specific character data in the first game during the processing of the first game program in response to the determination that the use of the specific character is selected as the selection of the use of the privilege data and the grant of the privilege data is permitted. The specific character appears using.
Thereby, in order to obtain a specific character as privilege data, the user can be more attracted to new game software than used game software, and the number of users who purchase new game software can be increased, which is useful for promoting sales of new game software.

In the sales management system for new game software according to the fourth invention (Claim 4), the privilege data stored in the game information storage medium is acquired in the first game played by the processing of the first game program. It is a difficult item and is data of a specific item that can be used in the play of the first game, and the processing means selects use of the specific item as a selection of use of the privilege data, and grant of privilege data is permitted When the first game program is processed, the specific item data is used in the first game to enable the use of the specific item.
Thus, the user can feel more attractive to new game software than used game software in order to obtain specific items as privilege data, and can increase the number of users who purchase new game software, which is useful for promoting the sale of new game software.

  In the sales management system for new game software according to the fifth invention (Claim 5), the privilege granting control program stored in the game information storage medium includes a registration program for user registration for each medium, and privilege granting permission data. And a permission program for permitting execution of privilege provision based on privilege data.

  A sales management system for new game software according to a sixth invention (Claim 6) is a system for giving a privilege when a game information storage medium used by being mounted on a video game machine is new game software. The video game machine is composed of a video game machine, a game information storage medium, and a center management device installed at a location away from the plurality of video game machines. The video game machine includes processing means for executing a program and hardware identification code storage means for storing a hardware identification code for identifying each hardware. The game information storage medium includes at least a first game program to be sold, and a second game program that is different from the first game program and that can be played only by a user who has been granted a privilege. A medium identification code for distinguishing from other game information storage media and a privilege granting control program for allowing the use of the second game program only when used by a user to whom a privilege is granted are stored. When the game information storage medium is mounted, the processing means executes a privilege granting control program in response to the privilege granting request being selected, and from the game information storage medium, the medium identification code and the game information storage medium Is read out, and the application password related to the combination of the medium identification code and the hard identification code is output. The center management device includes sales management data storage means for each of a large number of game information storage media. When an application password is input, the application password is related to a combination of a specific medium identification code and a specific hardware identification code. Based on the determination of whether or not the registration of the game information storage medium for the first time based on the registration state of the customer management data storage means, and the determination of the first user registration for each medium Then, privilege grant permission data permitting privilege grant to the user of the application password is output and notified to the user. Then, the processing means executes the privilege granting control program based on the fact that the game information storage medium is mounted on the video game machine, privilege granting permission data is input, and game play is selected by the second game program. Processing is performed to determine whether or not the second game program can be executed, and in response to determining that the second game program is permitted, processing of the second game program is executed.

  In the sales management system for new game software according to the seventh invention (Claim 7), the center management device determines the medium registration data of the game information storage medium based on the determination that the registration is the first medium registration. It is registered in the customer management data storage means.

  In the sales management system for new game software according to the eighth invention (claim 8), it is determined whether or not it is the first registration of the game information storage medium, and it is determined that it is not the first medium registration. Then, a privilege granting prohibition password indicating that the privilege cannot be granted is output and notified to the user.

  In the sales management system for new game software according to the ninth invention (Claim 9), an application password is transmitted to the center management device in at least one of the game information storage medium and the customer management data storage means, and the second game software is stored. The application period data that can request this privilege to play the program is stored, and the center management device generates a privilege grant permission password when the application password application period is within the period specified by the application period data It is characterized by doing.

  In the sales management system for new game software according to the tenth aspect of the invention (claim 10), the privilege granting control program stored in the game information storage medium includes a registration program for user registration for each medium, and privilege granting permission data. And a permission program for allowing execution of the second game program based on the above.

  In the new game software sales management system according to the eleventh invention (invention 11), the storage capacity of the second game program stored in the game information storage medium is much larger than the storage capacity of the first game program. Selected as a bonus to the first game program and developed for a different type of video game machine different from the video game machine, and different from the processing means to which the first game program is applied. It includes a game program executed by the processing means and a conversion program for causing the processing means to process the game program.

  According to this invention, it is possible to give a privilege not available to used game software to users who have purchased new game software, and to increase the willingness of the user to purchase new game software rather than used game software. Thus, a new game software sales management system that can contribute to the promotion of new game software sales and an information storage medium for new game software used therefor can be obtained.

In addition, according to the sales management system of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between a user who has purchased new game software and a user who has purchased used game software, and offers bonus benefits only to users who have purchased new game software. Can be promoted and sales of new game software can be promoted without increasing the cost of the game software provider.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, by adding privilege data, it is possible to play by increasing the added value of the original game software or to play the second game program, so that the same game software can be played and enjoyed for a long time. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to delay the time to distribute to second-hand software, and as a result, it is useful for promotion of sales of new game software.

  FIG. 1 shows an entire sales management system for new game software according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a sales management system 1 of this embodiment includes a game information storage medium 2, a video game machine (which may be a terminal device capable of executing game software such as a personal computer) 3, and a video game machine ("game machine"). And a communication line 4 such as the Internet to which 3 is connected, and a server 5 as an example of a center management device for managing sales of game software (or customer management for each medium). The

  The game information storage medium 2 is a variety of storage media storing a game program, and preferably an optical information storage medium (for example, a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, or similar medium) having a large storage capacity. It is also called game software. The game information storage medium 2 is given as a bonus when a first game program (also referred to as a main game program), which is the original game software for sale, and new game software are purchased for a certain period of time. Special privilege data, a medium identification code (or data) for specifying the game information storage medium 2, and a right (or privilege) to play the second game program as a privilege under certain conditions A privilege granting control program is stored. That is, the game information storage medium 2 of this embodiment stores privilege data, a medium identification code, and a privilege granting control program in addition to storing a first game program similar to conventional game software. It is characterized by.

  Here, as privilege data, if game software different from the first game is given as a privilege, it is a second game program (privilege game program), and the first game includes a plurality of characters appearing. It is data of a specific character that has a special ability that appears in the first game as a privilege (or that is difficult to acquire) as a privilege, and the game is classified according to the type of items collected by the first game. In the case of an item that is a game that changes progress and that can realize a special function as a privilege and is difficult to acquire, it is data of a specific item that is difficult to acquire. The privilege data may also be special data or data with a high rare value that the user desires to acquire or feels joy when acquiring. Here, the medium identification code is, for example, a number (n + m digit number) that is a combination of a game title number (n digits) and a serial number (m digits) given when the medium of the game title is manufactured. Used. Details of the information stored in the game information storage medium 2 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The video game machine 3 has a game function (or a function of image processing and arithmetic processing) capable of reading and processing a program stored in the game information storage medium 2 and detachably attaching the game information storage medium 2, and communication. It also has a control function, and is configured to be selectively connectable to a communication line such as a public line and / or the Internet via a data communication control device. The game machine 3 is installed for each user who purchases the game information storage medium 2 and plays a game. Each video game machine 3 is preset and registered (or stored) with a hardware identification code for distinguishing it from other video game machines.

  The server 5 includes a communication control unit, a data file management unit (or central processing unit), and a sales management (or customer management) database (or data file). The data file is a storage area for storing information related to the game information storage medium 3, for example, various data or codes necessary for providing a privilege, for each hardware identification code (or user identification code).

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the principle of the new game software sales management system of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the outline | summary of the sales management system of this invention is demonstrated.

  When a new game information storage medium 2 purchased by the user is attached to the video game machine 3, the game machine 3 performs a process for granting a privilege based on the privilege granting program. That is, the game machine 3 reads the medium identification code from the game information storage medium 2 (S11), reads a preset hardware identification code (S12), and combines the read medium identification code and hard identification code. Based on the application password (or password for requesting grant of privilege) is generated (S13). This application password is a right to request that all users who have purchased new game software, or users who have purchased new game software within a certain period of time from the release date, to grant privilege data to be granted as a privilege. It is data like a so-called application ticket. This application password is output and transmitted (or input) to the server 5 via the communication line 4. Here, as a specific example of the output / transmission of the application password, if the game machine 3 is a game machine with a communication function that can be connected to the server 5 via the communication line 4, the dial-up connection is automatically made to the server 5. Connected. On the other hand, when the game machine 3 is dedicated to a video game (that is, when it does not have a communication function), the application password generated by the game machine is displayed on the game screen (home TV), and the user who sees it enters a personal computer or An electronic device having a communication function that can be connected to the Internet, such as a mobile phone, is used to connect to the server 5, and an application password is input and transmitted by manual operation. When transmitting the application password, it may be requested to add personal information (name, address, etc.) of the user as necessary. Further, when the application password is generated, the personal information of the user may be used instead of the hardware identification code.

  When the server 5 receives the application password transmitted from each video game machine 3 (or receives an input) (S31), the server 5 performs the privilege granting process described below based on the application password. First, a medium identification code and a hardware identification code are extracted from the application password (S32). Subsequently, the database is searched to determine whether or not the hardware identification code sent (or received) from the video game machine 3 is registered in the sales management (or customer management) database (S33). . Then, it is determined whether or not the hardware identification code is registered in the database (S34). If it is determined that the hardware identification code is not registered, since the user is a newly purchased hardware, the hardware identification code of the user is newly registered. (S35). Thereafter (or after determining that the hardware identification code is registered in the database), it is determined whether or not the currently received medium identification code is the same as the medium identification code registered so far (S36). . If the media identification code extracted from the application password accepted this time is a new registration that has not been registered as a user, the registration is made by the user who purchased the new game software (application for granting benefits). The medium identification data is registered in the area corresponding to the hardware identification code in the database (S8). Subsequently, a password (privilege granting permission password) that allows the granting of privilege including at least a part of the hardware identification code is generated (S39).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the medium identification data is already registered in the area corresponding to the hardware identification code, the game information storage medium (game software) 2 purchased by the user is used software, and a privilege game cannot be granted. Since this is a user application, a password that prohibits (or restricts) the granting of a privilege is generated (S39). This privilege grant permission password or privilege grant prohibition password (collectively referred to as “password related to privilege grant”) is output and transmitted to the game machine 3 through a communication line.

  The video game machine 3 receives (or obtains) a password related to privilege provision (S15). It is determined whether or not the password relating to the privilege grant is a privilege grant permission password (S16). If it is determined that the password is a privilege grant permission password, the password is written in a writable storage medium such as a memory card (S17) and displayed on a display connected to the game machine 3 as required (S18). ). On the other hand, if it is determined that the password is not a privilege granting password, that is, a privilege granting prohibition password, a message explaining that privilege data cannot be given as an error message (“The game software you applied for has already been registered as a user. Is displayed because it is second-hand software, "(S19).

  Then, when using or using the privilege data that is given when the user purchases new game software, the mode for granting or using the privilege data is selected (S20). For example, if the privilege data is a program of another game (second game), the play mode of the privilege game is selected. Further, if the privilege data is data of a specific character appearing in the first game, it is a selection of acquisition or introduction of the specific character, and if the privilege data is data of a specific item appearing in the first game, the specific item Selection of acquisition or introduction. In response, when executing the privilege game, the video game machine 3 reads the privilege grant permission password stored in the memory card (S21), and extracts the hardware identification code from the privilege grant permission password (S22). It is determined whether or not the extracted hardware identification code matches the hard identification code set in the video game machine 3 (or even if it has a predetermined relationship) (S23). If it is determined that they match, the privilege data stored in the game information storage medium 2 is read, and privilege data grant processing is executed (S25). In this case, when the privilege data to be given is the second game program, the second game program is read, the process of the second game program is executed, and the second game can be played. Become. In addition, the privilege data to be given is a character used in the first game, and a specific character (or a rare value) that is difficult to obtain or collect (or has a rare value) because the frequency of appearance or appearance in the game is low. In the case of a monster, a certain condition during execution of the first game program (for example, in a scene where the character or monster appears with a low appearance probability, the privilege data acquirer makes it appear with a probability of 100%, etc.) ), A specific character can be collected or acquired in the first game and processed so that it can be used thereafter. Furthermore, in the case where the privilege data to be given is an item that can be acquired in the first game and exhibits a special function or ability, certain conditions during the execution of the first game program (specification) A specific item is given under the same conditions as the character or other various conditions, and the progress of the game can be advantageously advanced using the specific item.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, it means that the authorized user rents his / her game information storage medium 2 to a friend or the like and is played by the friend, etc. Since it is a case where the game is played, an error message is displayed and grant of privilege data (for example, the play of a privilege game or acquisition / use of a specific character, or use of a specific item) is not permitted (S25). In other words, when playing with hardware different from the video game machine (game machine) 3 of the user to whom the privilege is granted, the granting of the privilege is restricted.

  As a result, when the user purchases the game information storage medium 2 which is new game software and registers as a user, the use of extra privilege data, etc. (for example, play of the second game program, use of a specific character, or Use of specific items). On the other hand, when second-hand software is purchased and registered as a user, selection of use of extra privilege data is prohibited and the privilege data cannot be used. As a result, it is possible to give new game software purchasers an advantageous privilege not found in second-hand software and promote sales of new game software.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the video game machine 3 has the function of the game machine and the communication function, and the case where it can be automatically connected to the server 5 via the communication line 4 such as the Internet has been described. As another configuration, the video game machine 3 may be dedicated to a game, and a general-purpose personal computer (personal computer) or a mobile phone may be used for the communication function. In that case, when the user attaches the game information storage medium 2 to the video game machine, the game machine displays an application password based on the hardware identification code and the medium identification code on the game screen, and the user enters the application password on a key such as a personal computer. It is also possible to configure such that a privilege is granted by inputting and registering with the server 5 via the Internet (application or application for privilege grant). In addition, it is possible to manage sales (or customers) of PC game software using a personal computer having a communication function instead of the video game machine 3.

Next, referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 17, in the case where an extra bonus game (second game program) different from the original game for sale (first game) is given as the bonus data. A specific embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of a video game machine included in the new game software sales management system. In FIG. 3, the game machine 3 includes a central processing unit (or CPU) 31. The CPU 31 is connected to a readable / writable memory (RAM) 32, a reading / reproducing device 33, an input device 34, a communication control device 35, and a display (television) 36. Further, the CPU 31 is connected to a main body serial code storage unit 37, and a memory card 38 such as a RAM is detachably connected as necessary.

  The storage area of the RAM 32 is divided into a working data storage area and an image processing data storage area, and is used as a working memory and an image processing memory. The reading / reproducing device 33 is for reading the stored data of the game information storage medium 2, and different reading / reproducing devices are used depending on the type of medium used as the game information storage medium 2. For example, when a DVD-ROM is used as the storage medium, a DVD drive is used. The input device 34 is operated by a user such as an operating device for a game machine or a keyboard, and is used for operation input for a game, input for user registration, or the like. The communication control device 36 performs communication control in order to connect the game machine 3 to the server 5 via the Internet or the like. The main body serial code storage unit 37 fixedly stores a hardware identification code. For example, a setting by a dip switch or a hardware identification code (serial) unique to a video game machine in a one-time ROM, flash RAM, CPU, or the like. Number etc.) is stored in advance. The memory card 38 temporarily stores backup data obtained by game play, a password transmitted from the server 5, and the like, and the storage area will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example of a server included in the new game software sales management system. In FIG. 4, the server 5 includes a processing device (or CPU) 51. The CPU 51 is connected to a communication control device 52, an input device 53, and a display 54, and is connected to a customer database (file) 55. Details of the customer database 55 will be described with reference to FIG. Further, the CPU 51 is connected to a program memory 56 that stores a program for performing server-side processing shown in FIG. 9 described later.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram (memory map) schematically showing the storage area of the game information storage medium. In FIG. 5, the game information storage medium 2 includes a storage area 21 to a storage area 25. The storage area 21 stores an original or main game program (first game program) to be sold. The first game program is a main game sold as new software stored or stored in the game information storage medium 2 and occupies most of the storage capacity of the game information storage medium 2. The storage area 22 stores a bonus game program (second game program) that is given as a bonus or as a bonus when a user who has purchased the game information storage medium 2 satisfies certain conditions. The second game program is, for example, a mini game developed for hardware of the main game program, or a game developed for old type hardware, and has a capacity that is considerably smaller than the storage capacity of the main game program. is there. If the second game program is a game program developed for the old type hardware, the conversion program (privilege game) for operating the old type hardware program (privilege game program A) on the new type hardware. Program B) is also stored.

  In this way, if the old type hardware game software is stored as a bonus game, if the old type game has become popular in the past and is not currently manufactured or sold, Even if the game is not interesting to the user's expectations, the game information storage medium (the main game stored on the same disk) is prevented from being resold to a second-hand store due to the charm of the old type game As a result, the number of used software is reduced, and as a result, sales of new game software can be expected. Further, since the old type software is not a new development, the game information storage medium 2 has a large capacity without any development cost and can be used for sales promotion of the main game without requiring a separate medium.

  The storage area 23 stores a disk serial code as an example of a medium identification code. The storage area 24 stores a password generation program for generating a password when requesting privilege grant. This password generation program combines the hardware identification code (or main body serial code) and the medium identification code (or disk serial code) when registering the user for requesting the server 5 for granting the privilege. The application password required for requesting is generated. Here, the condition for granting a privilege is that at least new software has been purchased, and various other variations are conceivable. As an example, a user who adds a condition that the time when the new software was purchased is within a certain period from the date of release (that is, the AND condition with the purchase of new software), or a user who gives a privilege from the date of release. You may provide a difference in the content of the privilege provided by the length of the period until registration. If there is a difference in the contents of benefits depending on the length of time until user registration, a game program consisting of a number of maps is stored in the game given as a benefit, for example, a user who has registered as a user within two weeks of release Set a condition to give a password that allows you to play the number of all maps, and a password that allows you to play a small number of maps that is a fraction of that for users who registered within one month. Also good. In that case, data (such as the number of maps that can be played) regarding the content of the privilege is added to the privilege grant permission password.

  If conditions are set in this way, users will want to purchase game software early from the release date and register as a user early in order to acquire more advantageous benefits, so that a large amount can be sold within a certain period from the release date. It helps to promote new software. Extra games are generally played after the main game is cleared, but there is a delay in reselling the game software to second-hand stores because of the large number of maps, and distribution as used software Since the time to do this will be even slower than before, sales of new software can be further expected.

  The storage area 25 stores a program for privilege grant control. This privilege granting control program plays the privilege game every time it is selected to play the privilege game after receiving the control for registering the user in the server 5 or the password permitted to grant the privilege from the server 5. Includes a program for judging whether to allow or not. The privilege grant control program and the password generation program are collectively referred to as a privilege grant control program in a broad sense. Specifically, the privilege grant control program in a broad sense is a program for performing processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 described later.

  The game information storage medium 2 may store data relating to the application period in an empty area as necessary. The reason for this is to make it possible to freely set the application period for each game title since there may be a difference in how long the game is sold from the release date depending on the game genre.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram (memory map) schematically showing the storage area of the memory card. In FIG. 6, the memory card 38 includes a storage area 381 for storing backup data and a privilege grant data storage area 382. The storage area 382 stores a main body serial code (or a hardware identification code) and a password permitting privilege grant (or a password prohibiting or restricting privilege grant) as privilege grant data. When the backup data (or game play history data) stored in the storage area 381 is backup data of a plurality of game titles, a privilege game given corresponding to each main game is also stored in a storage area for a plurality of games. To be included.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram (memory map) schematically showing the storage area of the customer database. 7, the customer database 55 includes a main body serial code (hardware identification code) storage area 551 and a disk serial code (storage medium identification code) storage area 552 for each of a plurality of types of games. A user) information storage area 553 is further included. The storage area 551 includes a storage area for storing hard identification codes (or main body serial codes) for a large number of users. The storage area 552 includes an area for storing a medium identification code (or disk serial code) corresponding to each main body serial code, and includes an area for storing a plurality of game title medium identification codes as necessary. Here, for example, if the medium identification code represents the game title with a plurality of upper digits (n digits) and the serial number of the game title with a plurality of lower digits (m digits), the same medium identification code is used. When searching for the presence / absence of registration, it is sufficient to search for the identity of the lower m digits of the common medium identification code of the upper n digits, and the search time can be shortened. Similarly, storage area 553 includes a personal information storage area corresponding to each main body serial code.

In relation to the customer database 55, release date data and application possible period data for each game title may be stored, and medium identification data of the game title for which the application period has elapsed may be deleted. Thereby, even if the number of game titles that can be registered by the user increases, the storage capacity of the database 55 can be saved.
If application period data for each game title can be variably set, a game with a long life cycle or a game that is repeatedly played by the user (action game or puzzle game) accepts an application for a long period of time, while role playing games Thus, when the game description is known, the seller can freely set the application period depending on the characteristics of the game title, such as setting the application period short for a game that will not be played (or few). The data relating to this application period is unnecessary if it is stored in an empty area of the game information storage medium 2. When application period data is set in relation to the customer database 55, it is possible to change the application period as appropriate by looking at game software sales trends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the video game machine side in the privilege granting control. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the server side in the privilege granting control. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation on the video game machine side when the privilege game is played. FIGS. 11 to 17 are diagrams showing various screen display examples on the game machine side in the privilege granting control.
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3 thru | or FIG. 17, the specific operation | movement of this Example is demonstrated along the flow of FIGS.

  The user attaches the game information storage medium 2, which is new game software purchased, to the video game machine 3. At this time, if the user plays the main game, the game can be played immediately as in the case of conventional game software. In this case, the main game is selected, and the first game program can be read and played.

  On the other hand, when the user purchases new game software and registers (or applies for) the user's media information for a privilege grant request, when the game information storage medium 2 is attached to the game machine 3, Prior to play, processing of privilege grant control is performed. That is, in step S101, display data of a privilege acquisition screen as shown in FIG. 11 is generated and displayed on the display (television) 35. When the user views the privilege acquisition screen and selects acquisition of the privilege game, in step S102, the CPU 31 activates the DVD drive 32 and obtains the privilege granting control program and the medium identification code from the storage area 25 of the game information storage medium 2. The following processing is sequentially executed based on the reading and the program. In step S103, the hardware identification code stored in the code storage unit 34 is read. In step S104, the application password is generated by combining the medium identification code read in step S102 and the hard identification code read in step S103. The application password is a so-called application that requires all users who have purchased new game software (or users who have purchased new game software within a certain period of time from the release date) to play a privilege game. It is data like a ticket.

  Here, as a method for generating the application password, instead of simply combining the hardware identification code and the medium identification code, data compression using a predetermined compression method or calculation based on a predetermined arithmetic expression is performed. The result (for example, a combination of an answer polynomial divided by a predetermined polynomial and the remaining data) may be generated as a password. If the application password processed in this way is created, the hardware identification code in the privilege granting password is decoded even when the application password is displayed on the screen and transmitted to the server 5 by a communication device different from the game machine. Can be prevented and unauthorized use can be prevented. Furthermore, a screen indicating that an application password is being generated is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 as necessary. In step S <b> 105, a screen for confirming transmission of the application password as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the display (television) 36. In step S <b> 106, the communication control device 37 dials up via the communication line 4 to automatically connect to the server 5 and transmits the application password to the server 5. At this time, personal information such as the user's name and address may be transmitted to the server 5 as necessary. In that case, a user registration screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed and an instruction is given to input personal information of the user in a predetermined item.

  In response to this, the CPU 51 on the server 5 side executes a process for giving the privilege game of FIG. That is, in step S301, the application password transmitted from the video game machine 3 is received, the application password is loaded into a register (not shown), and the following privilege grant processing is executed. That is, in step S302, the medium identification code and the hardware identification code are extracted from the received application password and loaded into a register (not shown). In step S <b> 303, the customer database 55 is searched to determine whether or not the hardware identification code sent (or received) from the game machine 3 is registered in the storage area 551 of the customer database 55. Then, it is determined whether or not the received hardware identification code is registered in the customer database 55. If it is determined that the received hardware identification code is not registered, the hardware identification code of the user is registered because the hardware is newly registered. Is registered in the empty area of the storage area 551 of the customer database 55. Thereafter (or after determining that the hardware identification code is registered in the storage area 551), in step S306, the same medium identification code is registered in any area of the storage area 552 of the customer database 55. It is determined whether or not. If the same serial number of the game title specified by the received medium identification data is registered in any area of the storage area 552, this determination is not applied by the user who purchased the new game software, This is to detect that it is an application of a user who has purchased game software, and in that case, it is not necessary to grant the right to play the privilege game.

  If the media identification code extracted from the application password accepted this time is a new code that has not been registered as a user, the registration is made by the user who purchased the new game software (registration for requesting the grant of benefits). Therefore, in step S306, if necessary, it waits for reception of user registration information (personal information) transmitted from the game machine 3, and when received, the area of the personal information storage area 533 corresponding to the hardware identification data is received. Register with. In step S307, it is determined that the received medium identification code is not registered in any area of the storage area 552. In the subsequent step S308, the medium identification data is registered in the area of the storage area 552 corresponding to the hardware identification code accepted by the database 55. At this time, in step S305, if the hardware identification code is registered for the first time, the user's personal information is registered in the area of the storage area 553 corresponding to the user's hard identification code as necessary. In subsequent step S309, a privilege grant permission password (or data) is generated as data relating to privilege grant. Here, the privilege grant permission password is data including the hardware identification data and the permission code of the received user. In step S <b> 310, the privilege grant permission password is transmitted to the three games via the communication control device 52 and the communication line 4.

  On the other hand, after transmitting the application password, the CPU 31 of the video game machine 3 stands by (waiting for reception) for the transmission of data related to privilege provision from the server 5 in step S107. Then, when the privilege grant related data is received, it is determined in step S108 whether or not the received data is a privilege grant code. If it is determined that the password is a privilege grant permission password, in step S108, a user registration screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed as necessary, and the process waits for the user's personal information to be input. When user registration information (personal information such as name, address, e-mail address, etc.) is input, the user's personal information is transmitted to the server 5 in step S110. Thereafter, in step S111, the server 5 waits for a privilege grant permission password to be transmitted from the server 5 (S310), and receives the privilege grant permission password when it is transmitted. In step S112, the privilege grant permission password is written in the storage area 381 of the memory card 38 and stored. In step S113, it is displayed on the display 36 that a privilege game has been granted as necessary (for example, a screen display as shown in FIG. 16), and then the series of operations is terminated.

  If the video game machine 3 is dedicated to a game such as a game machine and does not have a communication function, the application password is not replaced with the process of automatically transmitting the application password in steps S105 and S106 described above. The user who sees it on the TV screen transmits the application password using another electronic device with a communication function such as a personal computer or a mobile phone, and obtains a privilege granting password. In addition, in the case where an application period is set, a determination as to whether or not an application has been made within the application period is added, for example, between steps S306 and S307 described above. Further, by using a plurality of medium identification codes corresponding to each hardware identification data registered in the customer database 55, it is possible to know the user's preference for the game (for example, which genre of games is often purchased). When a game that matches the user's preference is released using the data, a direct mail can be transmitted by e-mail or the like, which can be used for sales promotion of new software.

  Next, an operation when a user who has purchased second-hand software has applied or registered as a user in order to acquire the right to play a privilege game will be described. In this case, on the video game machine 3 side, the application password is transmitted to the server 5 in the same manner as steps S101 to S106 described above. At that time, on the server 5 side, the same processing as in steps S301 to S306 described above is performed, but the medium identification code extracted from the application password accepted in step S306 is any area in the storage area 552 of the customer database 55. In other words, it is determined that it is the registration of the user who purchased the used software, and the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, a privilege grant prohibition password is generated. In subsequent step S310, the privilege granting prohibition password is transmitted to the game machine 3 as data relating to privilege grant.

  In step S107, the CPU 31 of the game machine 3 receives data relating to privilege provision, determines in step S108 that the received data is a privilege provision prohibition password, and proceeds to step S114. In step S114, a message explaining that the privilege game cannot be given as an error message (“The game software you applied for is already used by the user and cannot be given a privilege game” or the message shown in FIG. ) Is displayed. Thus, even if the user purchases second-hand software and registers as a user, it can be confirmed that the privilege game is not presented.

  By the way, after purchasing new game software, the application password is transmitted to the server 5 and the privilege grant permission password is acquired, and then the user can play the privilege game. In that case, when the game information storage medium 2 is mounted on the game machine 3 and the input device 34 is operated to select a game play, in step S201, for example, a privilege game selection screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. . In step S202, when the user views the selection screen and selects a mode for playing the privilege game, the CPU 31 performs the following processing for privilege provision based on the privilege provision control program. That is, in step S203, the privilege grant permission password stored in the storage area 381 of the memory card 38 is read. In step S204, a hardware identification code is extracted from the privilege granting password. In step S205, the hardware identification code stored in the code storage unit 37 is read. In step S <b> 206, it is determined whether or not the extracted hardware identification code matches the hardware identification code stored in the code storage unit 37. If it is determined that they match, in step S208, the privilege game program stored in the game information storage medium 2 is read and the privilege game program is executed. As a result, a user who has purchased new game software can play the privilege game.

  If a user who has purchased new game software plays both the main game and the privilege game and clears the game, the game information storage medium 2 in which these game programs are recorded becomes unnecessary and the game is sold to a second-hand store. Even if another user who purchased software uses the game information storage medium 2 mounted on the game machine 3, the privilege game cannot be played. That is, when a user who has purchased used software attaches the game information storage medium 2 to the game machine 3 and selects to play a privilege game, the same processing as in steps S201 to S205 described above is performed, and then step S206. In step S208, it is determined that the two hardware identification codes do not match, and the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, for example, an error message such as “The customer who purchased the used software has not received the privilege game and cannot select the privilege game” is displayed, and the privilege granting process is terminated.

  According to the above-mentioned embodiment, since a privilege game (second game) program is granted to a user who has purchased a new game by registering as a user, a privilege that is not provided to a user who purchases used game software is granted. As a result, sales of new software can be promoted. Moreover, if the game information storage medium 2 has a large capacity, such as an optical storage medium, it is only necessary to store it in a vacant area. There is also an advantage that sales of new software can be promoted without it.

  Next, as another embodiment of the present invention, a special character appearing in the original game (corresponding to the first game) which is the purchase purpose of the user (a sales target for the software maker) as the privilege data (or during the game) A specific item that can be acquired or used in (1) is given. In this case, a flowchart of FIG. 18 described later is used instead of FIG. 8, and the stored data of FIG. 5 is changed as follows.

  That is, when a special character (appearing character or monster) that is rare or difficult to collect as a privilege is given, that is, when specific character data is given as privilege data, the game program stored in the storage area 21 shown in FIG. Is a collection / nurturing game that collects, captures and nurtures monsters, and the possibility that monsters given as a privilege can be collected (ie, the appearance frequency) is low in games that are sold (equivalent to the first game) In addition, it is of a kind that can be used by nurturing or displaying in a game. This monster is preferably of a type with a strong desire to acquire among users. It may also be a rare monster that does not appear in the game but is distributed at events. Data (specifically, dot data or image data of a specific character and a character code for designating and displaying the data) for causing a specific character (monster) of the type given as the privilege data to appear Instead of the privilege game (second game) program, it is stored in the storage area 22 in advance. In this example, the person who satisfies the most advantageous benefit granting conditions (if the difference between the types of benefits to be granted depends on the length of time until the user purchases new software and registers for granting benefits ( For example, a person who registers the monster with the lowest appearance frequency and high rare value in the game for those who register within one month after the game software is released (for example, a person registered within one month) For those who registered within two months, a monster with the next lowest appearance frequency may be given.

  FIG. 18 shows a flowchart when a specific character (or specific item) is given as another example of privilege data. Referring to FIG. 18, when a user purchases new game software, the user transmits an application password to server 5 to obtain a privilege granting password, and then plays a specific character as a game (first game). Can be used. As a specific example of use in game play, it is conceivable to acquire a specific character and train it or display it on a screen. In that case, when the game information storage medium 2 is mounted on the game machine 3 and the input device 34 is operated to start the game play, a screen for selecting provision of privilege data is displayed in step S211. In step S212, when the user sees this selection screen and requests (or selects) the provision of a specific character (monster) as privilege data, the CPU 31 performs the following processing for granting the specific character based on the privilege provision control program. I do. That is, in step S213, the privilege grant permission password stored in the storage area 381 of the memory card 38 is read. In step S214, a hardware identification code is extracted from the privilege grant permission password. In step S215, the hardware identification code stored in the code storage unit 37 is read. In step S216, it is determined whether or not the extracted hardware identification code matches the hardware identification code stored in the code storage unit 37. If it is determined that they match, in step S218, a program for assigning a specific character as an example of privilege data stored in the game information storage medium 2 is read, and preparation for giving the specific character is performed. Processing is executed. For example, this preparation process applies a patch to the program so that the occurrence probability of the specific character in the map where the specific character appears is originally a low probability (the main character is the specific character of the map). For example, processing may be performed so that the patch program jumps to the character's hidden area. In addition to this, when the hero character approaches a predetermined area of a certain map where the specific curator is hidden, “where is XXX (the name of the specific character) is located” or “ A program for displaying a message as a hint for acquiring a specific character may be read and processed, such as “A little more up (or down, right, left)”.

  Even if a user who has purchased new game software plays both the main game and the privilege game and clears the game, the game information storage medium 2 on which these game programs are recorded becomes unnecessary and may be sold to a second-hand store. Even if another user who purchased the used software uses the game information storage medium 2 attached to the game machine 3, it cannot be used. In that case, when the user who purchased the used software attaches the game information storage medium 2 to the game machine 3 and selects to give a specific character as a privilege, the same processing as the above-described steps S211 to S215 is performed. Thereafter, it is determined in step S216 that the two hardware identification codes do not match, and the process proceeds to step S218. In step S208, for example, an error message such as “A customer who purchased used software cannot receive a specific character (or monster name) as a privilege and cannot select a specific character” is displayed. Proceed to step 221.

  After step 217 or 218, the original game program is executed in step 221. Since the process of this game program is the same as that of a general game program, detailed description is omitted. In the subsequent step 222, whether or not the condition is such that the specific character can be given as privilege data (for example, the condition that the hero character has reached the habitat area in the map where the specific character appears or the condition that indicates that the specific character has been captured). Is judged. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, in step 222, a process of giving a specific character as a privilege is performed. For example, a screen that captures a specific character is displayed, and a message (“Yeah !. Catching OO!” Etc.) is displayed and a storage area 382 for storing the character code of the collected character is displayed. The process of writing the code of the specific character is performed. Then, if necessary, in step 217 described above, a restoration process is performed to return the game program partial change process related to the acquisition of the specific character performed in the privilege grant preparation process to the original game program. If this restoration process is not performed, if the player operates the hero character to move away from or close to the habitat area in the map where the specific character appears, it is possible to acquire a number of specific characters. (To give a specific character only for one). Then, in step 224, it is determined whether or not the conditions for extinguishing the privilege (specific character) are determined. If it is determined that the conditions are not satisfied, it is determined in the next step 225 whether or not the game is over. . If the game is not over, the process returns to the aforementioned step 221 and the execution of the game program is continued. In step 224, when the condition for extinguishing the privilege is determined, for example, when a specific character is used to fight an enemy and the physical strength (or hit point; HP) of the character disappears, in other words, from the enemy If HP is reduced to 0 due to the attack, the process of extinguishing or erasing the specific character given as privilege data in step 226 (for example, from the storage area 382 storing the character code of the collected character Processing for deleting the character code) is performed. The privilege data disappearance process (steps 224 and 226) may be deleted if there is little need for such game specifications.

  According to the above-described embodiment, a user who has purchased new game software can execute a program that can surely collect a specific character and acquire a specific character as a privilege, while the player can perform any operation ( There is an advantage that the joy and satisfaction of collecting and capturing rare specific characters can be enjoyed compared to the case where the specific characters are given from the start of the game without playing.

  Next, a case where a specific item advantageous for the progress of the game is given as a privilege, that is, a case where specific item data is given as privilege data will be described. In this case, in order to give a specific item advantageous to the progress of the game as a privilege, the game program stored in the storage area 21 shown in FIG. 5 collects items and uses the items to progress the game. A game to be advanced (for example, a game of a genre such as RPG or action game), in which a specific item is highly important in the game (for example, an item that greatly recovers the life and physical strength of the main character, no matter how strong enemy But invincible weapons that can be defeated are chosen. Instead of the privilege game (second game) program, the data of the specific item is stored in the storage area 22 in advance, and a program or the like for providing it is stored as necessary. It should be noted that depending on the length of the period from when the user purchases new software and registers for privilege provision, the types to be imparted may be made different depending on the importance of the item.

  When a specific item advantageous for the progress of the game is given as a privilege, it can be basically realized by using the flowchart of FIG. 18, but it is changed in the following points. In other words, in step 217, a process for assigning a specific item from the start of the game is performed, or reading of a program that displays a hint message that is helpful for acquiring the specific item is prepared, and appropriate processing during the game is performed. Display at the timing. If it is determined in step 221 that the use (or acquisition) of the specific item is selected in step 222 during the execution of the game program to be sold, the game using the specific item is determined in step 223. Progression processing is performed. In addition, when the game content is limited in the number of times the item is used, a process of reducing the number of times the item is used as a privilege in steps 224 and 226 is performed. In addition, when the number of times of use is limited to one, processing for deleting a specific item is performed as in steps 224 and 226.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the player can acquire a specific item by purchasing new game software and registering as a user, and can play the game in an advantageous situation as compared with the case where the progress of the game is played without the specific item. There are advantages that can be advanced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case of the second game, a specific character (such as an appearance character or a monster) or a specific item has been described as a privilege for purchasing new game software. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto, It should be pointed out that the present invention can be applied to a variety of bonuses or bonus data related to a game. In that case, the process based on the granted privilege is changed as appropriate.

1 is an overall view of a new game software sales management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the principle of the sales management system of the new game software which is one Example of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram of an example of a video game machine included in the sales management system for new game software of the present invention. It is a detailed block diagram of an example of a server included in the sales management system for new game software of the present invention. It is the figure (memory map) which showed an example of the memory area of a game information storage medium graphically. It is the figure (memory map) which showed the storage area of the memory card diagrammatically. It is the figure (memory map) which showed an example of the storage area of the customer database schematically. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement by the side of the game machine in privilege provision control. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement by the side of the server in privilege provision control. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement by the side of a game machine when a privilege game is selected. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the privilege acquisition screen in the privilege provision control by the game machine side. It is a figure which shows the example of a password production | generation display screen on the game machine side. It is a figure which shows the example of a password transmission confirmation screen by the side of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the example of an error display screen by the game machine side. It is a figure which shows the user registration screen example on the game machine side. It is a figure which shows the example of a privilege grant permission password acquisition screen by the game machine side. It is a figure which shows the example of a privilege game selection screen in the game machine side. It is a flowchart in the case of giving a specific character (or specific item) as another example of privilege data.

Explanation of symbols

1; Sales management system 2; Game information storage medium (game software)
3; Video game machine (game machine)
4; Communication line 5; Server 31; Processing unit (CPU)
32; RAM
33; Reading and reproducing device (DVD drive)
34; Input device 35; Communication control device 36; Display 37; Main body serial code storage unit 38; Memory card 51; Processing device (CPU)
52; communication control device 53; input device 54; display 55; customer database

Claims (11)

A game information storage medium comprising a video game machine, a game information storage medium, and a center management device installed at a location distant from the plurality of video game machines and used by being mounted on a video game machine Is a sales management system for new game software for granting benefits when the game software is new game software,
The video game machine includes processing means for executing a program, and hardware identification code storage means for storing a hardware identification code for identifying each hardware,
The game information storage medium includes at least a first game program to be sold, privilege data given to a user who purchased the game information storage medium of the first game under predetermined conditions, and other games A medium identification code for identifying an information storage medium, and a privilege granting control program for allowing the use of privilege data only when a user to whom the privilege is granted are used are stored,
When the game information storage medium is mounted, the processing means executes the privilege granting control program in response to selection of a privilege granting request, from the game information storage medium and the medium identification code Read the hardware identification code of the video game machine equipped with a game information storage medium, and output an application password related to the combination of the medium identification code and the hardware identification code,
The center management device includes customer management data storage means for each of a large number of game information storage media, and when the application password is input, the application password is combined with a specific medium identification code and a specific hardware identification code. It is related code, based on the registration status of the customer management data storage means, it is determined whether or not it is the first registration of the game information storage medium, and it is determined that it is the first user registration for each medium Based on the above, it outputs privilege grant permission data that allows the grant of the privilege to the user of the application password, and informs the user,
Further, the processing means processes the privilege granting control program when the game information storage medium is attached to the video game machine, the privilege granting permission data is input and use of the privilege data is selected. A new game software sales management system that determines whether or not privilege data can be granted, and executes processing for grant data when it is determined to be permitted. The privilege data stored in the game information storage medium is a second game program that is different from the first game program and can be played only by a user who has been granted a privilege,
The processing means executes processing of the second game program in response to a determination that game play by the second game program is selected as selection of use of the privilege data and that the provision of the privilege data is permitted. The sales management system for new game software according to claim 1. The first game program stored in the game information storage medium is a character collection game that collects a plurality of characters appearing in the first game,
The privilege data stored in the game information storage medium is obtained by acquiring a specific character among a plurality of characters appearing in the character collection game played by the processing of the first game program. Data,
The processing means selects a first game upon processing of the first game program in response to a determination that use of the specific character is selected as selection of use of privilege data and grant of the privilege data is permitted. The new game software sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the specific character appears using the specific character data. The privilege data stored in the game information storage medium is an item that is difficult to obtain in the first game played by the processing of the first game program, and can be used for playing the first game. Specific item data,
The processing means selects a first game upon processing of the first game program in response to a determination that use of the specific item is selected as a selection of use of the privilege data and grant of privilege data is permitted. 2. The new game software sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the specific item data is used to enable the use of the specific item.   The privilege grant control program stored in the game information storage medium includes a registration program for registering users for each medium, and a permission program for permitting execution of privilege grant by the privilege data based on the privilege grant permission data. The sales management system for new game software according to claim 1, comprising: A game information storage medium comprising a video game machine, a game information storage medium, and a center management device installed at a location distant from the plurality of video game machines and used by being mounted on a video game machine Is a sales management system for new game software for granting benefits when is a new game software,
The video game machine includes processing means for executing a program and hardware identification code storage means for storing a hardware identification code for identifying each hardware. The game information storage medium includes at least the game information storage medium. The first game program to be sold is distinguished from the second game program that is different from the first game program and can be played only by a user who has been given a privilege, and other game information storage media And a privilege granting control program for allowing the use of the second game program only when the privileged user uses it,
When the game information storage medium is mounted, the processing means executes the privilege granting control program in response to selection of a privilege granting request, from the game information storage medium and the medium identification code Read the hardware identification code of the video game machine equipped with a game information storage medium, and output an application password related to the combination of the medium identification code and the hardware identification code,
The center management device includes customer management data storage means for each of a large number of game information storage media, and when the application password is input, the application password is combined with a specific medium identification code and a specific hardware identification code. It is related code, based on the registration status of the customer management data storage means, it is determined whether or not it is the first registration of the game information storage medium, and it is determined that it is the first user registration for each medium Based on the above, it outputs privilege grant permission data allowing the grant of privilege to the user of the application password, and informs the user,
Further, the processing means is based on the fact that the game information storage medium is mounted on the video game machine, the privilege granting permission data is input, and game play is selected by the second game program. Sale of new game software that processes the privilege granting control program, determines whether or not the second game program can be executed, and executes the process of the second game program in response to determining that the second game program is permitted Management system.   The center management device registers the medium identification data of the game information storage medium in the customer management data storage means based on determining that it is the first medium registration. A sales management system for new game software according to claim 6.   The center management device determines whether or not the game information storage medium is registered for the first time, and outputs a privilege granting prohibition password indicating that the privilege cannot be granted based on determining that the registration is not the first medium registration. The sales management system for new game software according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the system notifies the user. In at least one of the game information storage medium and the customer management data storage means, application period data that can request application of the privilege data by transmitting an application password to a center management device is stored,
The new product according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the center management device generates a privilege granting password when a time when an application with an application password is accepted is within a period determined by application period data. Game software sales management system.   The privilege granting control program stored in the game information storage medium includes a registration program for registering users for each medium, and a permission program for permitting execution of the second game program based on the privilege granting permission data. The sales management system for new game software according to claim 6, comprising: The second game program stored in the game information storage medium is:
The storage capacity is selected to be significantly less than the storage capacity of the first game program,
A process of a type different from the processing means to which the first game program is applied, as a bonus for the first game program and developed for a different type of video game machine different from the video game machine The new game software sales management system according to claim 6, comprising a game program executed by the means and a conversion program for causing the processing means to process the game program.

Images