JP5301367B2 - Game system with matching function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system or the like having a player matching function.

  An entry request is transmitted from the game machine to the lobby server in accordance with an instruction from the player, the player is matched in accordance with a predetermined matching condition in the lobby server, and a matching result is notified to each game machine. Game systems in which data communication is performed are well known. In this type of game system, if the time required for matching is longer than necessary, the waiting time of the player increases and the interest in the game decreases, or the operating rate of the game machine decreases. As a solution, for example, in a game system in which a plurality of players win a tournament battle, the players at the same stage of the tournament (for example, the first round) should be matched with each other. Thus, a game system has been proposed that increases the possibility of matching (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3730248

  In the battle game, a plurality of battle types are prepared as a unit of battle for the purpose of enriching the game contents, and the mode of play to be played is appropriately selected as a mode that the player can select for participation in the battle. There are many cases where multiple participation modes are prepared in combination. Taking the above-mentioned game of Patent Document 1 as an example, a game played at each stage corresponds to a battle type as a battle unit, and a tournament battle corresponds to one participation mode. If the tournament battle limit is removed and it is allowed to participate by selecting a single battle type, it is possible to prepare a participation mode different from the tournament battle.

  However, in a battle game in which a plurality of participation modes are prepared as described above, there are usually modes in which the player is relatively easy to participate and modes in which participation is apt to hesitate depending on the content of the participation mode. In that case, when trying to match the players on condition that the participation modes match, there is a disadvantage that matching is difficult to be established in the participation modes with a small number of players. The above-described game system of Patent Document 1 has improved the possibility of matching by eliminating the matching condition in accordance with the original purpose of the tournament battle, that is, the match of the tournament battle stage. If you change the conditions, you will lose the purpose of the tournament battle mode.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a game system and the like capable of moderately suppressing an increase in waiting time while giving priority to the establishment of matching suitable for the purpose of the participation mode in a battle game in which a plurality of participation modes are prepared. The purpose is to do.

  In the game system (1) of the present invention, a plurality of game machines (2) and a lobby server (25) are connected to each other via a network (5), and a plurality of battle types are used as a unit of battle between players. And a first participation mode that requires playing a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types as a mode that the player can select for participation in the battle, and the first A battle game in which a plurality of modes including a second participation mode in which requirements for a combination of battle types to be played are weighted than the participation mode is prepared can be played between players of the plurality of game machines. In the game system, each of the plurality of game machines has a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate based on an instruction from the player. Participation request means (17) for transmitting a participation request including information to be specified to the lobby server is provided, and the lobby server matches players in response to a request for participation from the participation request means. Matching means (23) for matching, and matching information transmission means (23) for transmitting matching information including information for specifying the game machine of the player matched by the matching means to the game machine, When the participation request means requests participation in the second participation mode, the matching means determines whether the player is at least part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode. The first matching execution means (S22 to S25) for matching and the establishment of matching by the first matching execution means If not, second matching execution means (S26) for matching a player on the condition that the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the battle type is the same. To S29).

  In the game system of the present invention, since the requirement for the combination of the battle type is more weighted in the second participation mode than in the first participation mode, the number of players who select the second participation mode is the first participation mode. It is expected that it will be lower than the number of players who select Therefore, when matching the players who selected the second participation mode, the possibility that the matching is established may be lower than that when matching the players in the first participation mode. Therefore, in the matching means, first, the first matching performing means tries matching in the second participation mode and the match type is the same as at least a part of the condition. Thereby, priority is given to matching suitable for the original purpose of the second participation mode. On the other hand, if it is not possible to establish matching by the first matching execution means, matching by the second matching execution means is attempted. In the matching by the second matching execution means, the conditions regarding the participation mode are relaxed or expanded so as to include not only the second participation mode but also the first participation mode. For this reason, matching is easily established. By appropriately setting the switching from the matching by the first matching execution means to the matching by the second matching execution means, priority is given to the establishment of matching suitable for the purpose of the participation mode, and the increase in waiting time is moderately suppressed. It becomes possible.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the matching unit determines that the matching is not expected when the matching is not established even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the matching by the first matching performing unit, The matching by the first matching execution unit may be stopped and the matching by the second matching execution unit may be started. Thereby, until the predetermined time elapses, the players in the second participation mode are preferentially matched, and if the matching time is prolonged to some extent, the matching may be established by switching to the matching by the second matching execution means. This increases the waiting time for matching.

  The first participation mode may be configured by any one of the plurality of battle types, and the second participation mode may play a plurality of battle types including the battle type of the first participation mode. It may be configured as required. When a mahjong game is executable as the battle game, at least one of a combination of stations that is the minimum unit of the mahjong game or the number of players to play is different between the plurality of battle types. The first participation mode may be configured by a single battle type, and the second participation mode may be configured such that it is necessary to play a combination of the plurality of battle types. Furthermore, the second participation mode may be configured so that it is necessary to play the plurality of battle types in a predetermined order.

  In the lobby server (25) of the present invention, a plurality of battle types are prepared as a unit of battle between players, and the player can select a single battle type or two or more battle modes as modes for participation in the battle. A plurality of first participation modes that require playing a combination of types, and a second participation mode in which the requirements for the combination of battle types to be played are weighted rather than the first participation mode A battle game in which a mode is prepared can be played between the players of the plurality of game machines (2) via the network (5), and each of the plurality of game machines is in accordance with instructions from the player. A game system (1) provided with a participation request means (17) for transmitting a participation request including information for specifying a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate in. A matching means for matching players in response to a request for participation from the participation request means, which is a lobby server connected to each of the plurality of game machines via the network. And matching information transmitting means (23) for transmitting matching information including information for identifying the game machine of the player matched by the matching means to the game machine, wherein the matching means includes the participation request First matching execution means for matching a player on at least a part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode when participation in the second participation mode is requested by the means (S22 to S25), and when the first matching execution means is not expected to establish matching, Second matching execution means (S26 to S29) for matching a player on at least a part of a condition that the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and that the battle type is the same. Is.

  In the computer program of the present invention, a plurality of battle types are prepared as a unit of battle between players, and the player can select a single battle type or two or more battle types as modes for participation in the battle. A plurality of modes including a first participation mode that requires playing a combination of the above and a second participation mode in which the requirements for the combination of battle types to be played are weighted rather than the first participation mode Can be played between the players of a plurality of game machines (2) via the network (5), and each of the plurality of game machines can be played based on an instruction from the player. Is provided with a participation request means (17) for transmitting a participation request including information for specifying a mode and a battle type that the user desires to participate in. In response to a request for participation from the participation request means, and a server (3) as a computer connected to each of the plurality of game machines via the network. Functions as matching means (23) for matching players, and matching information transmission means (23) for transmitting matching information including information for specifying the game machine of the player matched by the matching means to the game machine And the matching means is the same in the second participation mode and the match type when the participation request means requests participation in the second participation mode. The first matching execution means (S22 to S25) for matching the player with at least a part of the conditions, and the first map If the match is not expected to be established by the game execution means, the player is matched on at least a part of the condition that the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the battle type is the same. A computer program for a server configured to function as second matching execution means (S26 to S29).

Further, according to the matching method of the present invention, a plurality of game machines (2) and a lobby server (25) are connected to each other via a network (5), and a plurality of battle types are used as a unit of battle between players. A first participation mode that requires a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types to be played as a mode that is prepared and selectable by the player for participation in the battle; and the first participation A game in which a battle game in which a plurality of modes including a second participation mode in which a requirement of a battle type combination to be played is weighted more than a mode is prepared can be played among players of the plurality of game machines. A player matching method applied to the system (1), based on an instruction from a player, and a mode and a pair that the player desires to participate in A step (S41) of transmitting a participation request including information specifying a type to each of the lobby server from each of the plurality of game machines, the lobby server, in response to the transmission of the participation request from the game machine Then, matching steps for matching players (S21 to S29) and a step of transmitting matching information including information for specifying the game machine of the matched player from the lobby server to the game machine (S32). And in the matching step, when participation in the second participation mode is requested, a player is selected as at least part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode. A first matching execution step (S22 to S25) for matching, and the first matching execution step When the match is not expected to be established by the game, the player is matched with at least a part of the condition that the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the battle type is the same. 2 matching execution steps (S26 to S29) are provided.

  If the above-described lobby server or computer program is used, the game system of the present invention can be constructed to achieve the above-described effects. Further, according to the matching method of the present invention, as in the above game system, the purpose of the participation mode is set by appropriately switching from matching by the first matching execution step to matching by the second matching execution step. It is possible to moderately suppress an increase in waiting time while giving priority to the establishment of matching suitable for.

  In addition, in the above description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the original purpose of the second participation mode can be obtained by attempting the matching as at least a part of the condition that the battle type is the same in the second participation mode. Priority is given to suitable matching, but when matching is not expected, conditions regarding participation mode are relaxed or expanded to include not only the second participation mode but also the first participation mode. This can increase the possibility of matching. Therefore, it is possible to moderately suppress an increase in waiting time while giving priority to the establishment of matching suitable for the purpose of the participation mode.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The functional block diagram in the game system of FIG. The figure which shows the battle | competition type and participation mode in the mahjong game as an example of a battle | competition game. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display apparatus of a game machine when selecting participation mode. The figure for demonstrating the matching process in the triathlon mode as a 2nd participation mode. The flowchart which shows the entry request reception routine which the entry reception part of a lobby server performs. The flowchart which shows the matching process routine which the matching process part of a lobby server performs. The flowchart which shows the entry process routine which the entry management part of the game machine 2 performs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the game system of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the game system 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of game machines 2 and a center server 3 are connected to a network 5 via a router 4. The network 5 is preferably the Internet. Each game machine 2 is configured as a commercial game machine that permits game play to the limit commensurate with the consumption in exchange for the consumption of a predetermined monetary value. An appropriate number of game machines 2 are installed in a commercial facility such as a store 6. A local server may be installed between the game machine 2 and the router 4, and the game machine 2 may be communicably connected to the center server 3 via the local server.

  The center server 3 is installed by an operator of the game system 1 and provides various services via the network 5 to the game machine 2 or a player who is a user of the game machine 2. As an example, the center server 3 authenticates the game program or data update service via the game machine 2 and the player of the game machine 2 by its ID (hereinafter also referred to as player ID) and password, A service for storing play data including play history, save data and the like on the center server 3, a matching service for executing a battle game between players via the network 5, and the like are provided. Details regarding the matching will be described later. Although one center server 3 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of center servers 3 may be installed and processing necessary for network services may be shared among them. The game machine 2 and the center server 3 have unique addresses for identifying them on the network 5, and the addresses are used for communication between the game machines 2 or between the game machine 2 and the center server 3. Is used to identify the communication partner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine 2 includes a control unit 10, an input device 11, a display device 12, and a storage device 13. Since the functional blocks of each game machine 2 are the same, a single game machine 2 will be described below. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the relationship with the center server 3 is omitted for the other game machines 2.

  The control unit 10 is a computer unit including a CPU and peripheral devices such as a cache memory necessary for its operation. The input device 11 has an operation unit that can be operated by the player, and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation to the operation unit to the control unit 10. The input device 11 further includes a device for inputting player information (ID and password unique to the player) necessary for authenticating the player. For example, when the player information is held in a medium such as a card or an IC chip, a reader that reads the player information from the medium is provided as a part of the input device 11. The display device 12 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, receives a video signal from the control unit 10, and displays an image corresponding to the video signal. The storage device 13 stores a computer program for executing a game, data referred to by the program, and the like. The storage device 13 includes a RAM and a ROM as main storage devices for the control unit 10, and may further include a nonvolatile auxiliary storage device such as a magnetic storage device or an EEPROM.

  The control unit 10 functions as a control subject of the game machine 2 by executing the game program stored in the storage device 13. The control unit 10 includes a game control unit 15, a play data management unit 16, an entry management unit 17, and a battle information management unit 18. These are logical devices generated by the control unit 10 as hardware executing a game program. The game control unit 15 executes various arithmetic processes necessary for advancing the game while reflecting an operation on the input device 11, generates image data corresponding to the progress of the game, and outputs a video signal to the display device 12. It is in charge of the basic control necessary to make the game progress. The play data management unit 16 requests the center server 3 to store or transmit play data in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 15, and executes a process of acquiring play data from the center server 3. Processing such as storage and transmission of play data is possible when the player causes the center server 3 to authenticate itself via the game machine 2. Processing necessary for player authentication and transmission / reception of play data may be the same as that of a conventional game system, and description thereof is omitted in this specification. The entry management unit 17 executes an entry process necessary for participating in the battle game in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 15. The battle information management unit 18 is in charge of transmission / reception processing of information necessary for advancing the game with the opponent game machine 2 in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 15.

  On the other hand, the center server 3 is provided with a play data management unit 21, an entry receiving unit 22, a matching processing unit 23, and a storage device 24. The play data management unit 21, the entry reception unit 22, and the matching processing unit 23 are logical devices generated when the CPU of the center server 3 executes the server program. The storage device 24 stores a computer program necessary for the center server 3 to execute a predetermined service, data referred to by the program, and the like. The storage device 24 includes a RAM and a ROM as main storage devices for the CPU of the center server 3, and may further include a nonvolatile storage medium such as a magnetic storage device or an EEPROM as an auxiliary storage device.

  The play data management unit 21 stores the play data transmitted from the play data management unit 16 of the game machine 2 in the storage device 24 in association with the player ID, or plays data associated with the requested player ID. It is in charge of processing to read and transmit to the game machine 2. The entry receiving unit 22 executes a predetermined entry process in response to an entry request from the entry management unit 17 of the game machine 2. The matching processing unit 23 executes matching processing for matching players according to the entry received by the entry management unit 17. The lobby server 25 is configured by a combination of the entry receiving unit 22 and the matching processing unit 23. The lobby server 25 may exist as a physically independent server or may exist as a logical device in the center server 3.

  In addition to the logical devices shown in FIG. 2, various logical devices necessary for game execution or network service provision may be formed in the control unit 10 and the center server 3 of the game machine 2. Omitted. Each of the game machine 2 and the center server 3 is provided with various hardware devices such as an interface for controlling communication via a network, but these are not shown.

  Next, a game executed in the game system 1 will be described. In each game machine 2 of the game system 1, a mahjong game can be executed as an example of a battle game. In general, in a mahjong game, four players surround a table, a predetermined number of tiles are distributed to each player at the start of the game, and tiles are stacked on the table. Distributing a basket to the player is called a basket, a basket stacked on the table is called a mountain, and a basket at the player's hand is called a manual basket. The game progresses by aligning the roles while the player takes turns from the mountain to take a piece of spear and throw away one spear from the hand. The game ends when one of the players establishes a winning combination. Establishing a role is called “raising”. The minimum unit of the game is until one of the players is reconciled, or no player has a winning combination, and the minimum unit of the game is called a station. The station has a parent and the parent player is called Toya. Each player is called a south house, a west house, and a north house counterclockwise from the east house. When one station is completed, a point bar is handed over to another player who has the same combination, and points are exchanged between the players. When the station ends, in principle, the parent moves to the next player (home) in the counterclockwise direction, and the next station is started. However, there is an exception that the parent does not move when the parent is relaxed. The period from the start of the first station to the end of the game after the parents turn to all players is called a field.

  The first place after the start of the game is called Toba, and the first station of East Field is called East One Station. Hereafter, every time a parent moves in the East Hall, it is called East 2 Station, East 3 Station, or East 4 Station. When the east four stations are finished and the parent returns to the original player, the next field is called the south field, and the south field stations are called the south one station, the south two stations, the south three stations, and the south four stations. When the Minami-Shi Station ends, the next place is the West Place, and the next place is the North Place. The names of the stations in the west and north fields are the same as those in the east and south fields. There are a plurality of types (hereinafter referred to as “match types”) associated with the above-mentioned fields in the unit of match in mahjong. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, as a battle type, there are a Dongfeng battle in which only the East field is battled, and a Hansou battle in which the East field and the South field are battled. Furthermore, the three hemp battles in which three players battle each other exist as one of the battle types. For example, in the three hemp battles, battles are held only in the East and South fields. However, there is no North family in the Sanma battle, the East field is from East 1 station to East 3 station, and the South field is from South 1 station to South 3 station. In each battle type, the game is advanced by the same player from the start to the end of the battle, and the ranking among the players is determined by the level of the score at the end of the game. In mahjong, there are various other types of battles, such as a battle between the East and North fields. Below, in the game system 1, And the three hemp battles are prepared as candidates for the battle type.

  Next, in the game system 1, a plurality of participation modes are prepared in association with the above-described battle type as participation modes that can be selected by the player. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, in the game system 1, a stage-specific east wind mode, a stage-specific villa mode, a stage-specific hemp mode, and a triathlon mode are prepared. In the following, each mode of “by stage” may be collectively referred to as a stage-by-stage battle mode. In addition, for each mode by stage, the word “by stage” may be omitted and expressed as “Eastern mode” or the like. “Stage” is a concept indicating the level of the player, and is given according to the player's play results.

  The Dongfeng mode, Hanso mode, and Hemp mode are modes in which players of the same rank battle against each other according to a single battle type. In other words, Dongfeng mode is a mode in which a single Dongfeng battle is played and the results are competed, Hansou mode is a mode in which a single Hansou match is played and the results are competed, and Sanma mode is a single battle of three hemp It is a mode to play and compete for the results. In these modes, the score of each player is calculated based on the score and ranking of each player at the end of the battle (end of the last station). In the stage-specific participation mode, the battle is continued between the same players until the final station is completed. When the player finishes the game before the final station, a measure is taken that a penalty is imposed on the assumption that the play in the battle type is abstained.

  On the other hand, the triathlon mode is a mode in which playing a Dongfeng battle, a Hansou battle, and a three hemp battle in order is one set, and that set is repeated N times to compete for N sets of overall results. The overall results of the triathlon mode are calculated based on the scores of the Dongfeng, Hansou, and Sansama battles in one set, and the final results of the triathlon mode are based on the scores of each set ( Final score) is calculated. With regard to the triathlon mode, participation is permitted by dividing the competition type as long as the order of the competition type is maintained. In other words, when the triathlon mode east wind battle is ended, the game is temporarily ended, and in the next game, participation in a battle type unit is allowed, such as participating in a triathlon mode semi-village battle. Moreover, the combination of players may be different in each battle type. However, if you finish the game before the end of one match type, you are deemed to have abstained from the triathlon mode and a penalty will be imposed. It is necessary to participate newly from the Dongfeng battle.

  Next, player matching by the lobby server 25 will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the authentication of the player by the center server 3 is completed, and the previously stored play data is transmitted from the center server 3 to the game machine 2 and stored in the storage device 13. In this case, the play data includes information for identifying the player's rank and information for identifying the player's play history. The play history includes information for playing the game from the previous continuation. For example, if you are playing the triathlon mode halfway, set the number of sets at the end of the previous game and the type of battle at the end (one of the Dongfeng, Hansou or Samas) Information for identification is included in the play history. Further, the play data may include information for identifying the player attributes (for example, age, nickname, region, etc.).

  From the above state, when the player of the game machine 2 operates the input device 11 to instruct the game control unit 15 to compete through the network, the entry acceptance screen 100 is displayed on the display device 12 as illustrated in FIG. The On the screen, each participation mode described above is shown as an option of the participation mode. When the player selects a desired participation mode and instructs the game control unit 15 of the game machine 2, a predetermined entry request is transmitted from the entry management unit 17 to the entry reception unit 22 of the lobby server 25. The entry request is for requesting the lobby server 25 that the player matches an opponent player. The entry request includes information necessary for matching. Examples of information necessary for matching include information for identifying a player (a player ID as an example), information for identifying a player's rank, and a participation mode selected by the player. When the triathlon mode is selected as the participation mode, information specifying the battle type to be played next is also required. When the staged battle mode is selected as the participation mode, the battle type is uniquely determined if it is specified which of the participation modes of the Dongfeng mode, the Hanso mode, and the hempen mode is selected. In this case, the information for specifying the participation mode also functions as information for specifying the battle type. Therefore, it is not necessary to include information for specifying the battle type separately from information for specifying the participation mode. Note that, in order to specify the communication partner, the entry request includes information for specifying an address given to the game machine 2 operated by the player.

  When an entry request is sent from the entry management unit 17 of the game machine 2 to the entry reception unit 22 of the lobby server 25, the entry reception unit 22 registers the player in the entry list corresponding to the participation mode, the battle type, and the rank. In FIG. 5, the entry list A regarding the players A1, A2, A3,... Of the stage X requesting a battle in the triathlon mode and the east wind battle, and the players B1, B2 of the stage X requesting a battle in the east wind mode according to the level An entry list B relating to B3... Is illustrated. The matching processing unit 23 of the lobby server 25 matches players with reference to the entry list. In principle, matching is limited to players within the same entry list. That is, only players whose participation modes, battle types, and ranks all match are matched. FIG. 5 illustrates a matching list MA of players registered in the entry list A. Matching is established when the number of players defined according to the battle type (four players in the case of Dongfeng and half-village games and three players in the case of three hemp battles) is complete.

  However, in the case of the triathlon mode, the requirements regarding the combination of battle types to be played are weighted as compared with those in the battle mode according to the stage. That is, in the tiered battle mode, only a single battle type play is required, while in the triathlon mode, a combination of a plurality of battle type combinations is required. For this reason, there is a risk that the number of participating players may be reduced compared to the staged battle mode. Moreover, in the triathlon mode, since the play order of the battle type is also prescribed, there are many cases where matching is not possible because the battle type to be played is different even if the triathlon mode is selected as the participation mode. There is a risk. For this reason, when matching is performed through the above principle, matching is difficult for the triathlon mode.

  Therefore, the matching processing unit 23 of the lobby server 25 first tries matching with the same entry list as a matching target (initial target) as a general rule for triathlon mode matching. If matching is not established after waiting for a predetermined time, the matching target is expanded to another mode in which the battle type is common. In the example of FIG. 5, the battle type and stage are common between the entry lists A and B. For this reason, players B1 to B3 registered in the entry list B, that is, players in stage X requesting a match in the stage-specific east wind mode are included in the matching target, and matching of the east wind battle in the triathlon mode is executed. . That is, the matching target is expanded so that not only the entry list A but also the entry list B is included. Thus, for example, if the players A1 to A3 are matched, and one player later requests a match in the triathlon mode and the Dongfeng battle, if a predetermined time elapses in a state where the matching is established, the players in the entry list B One of B1 to B3 (player B3 in the illustrated example) is taken into the matching list MA of the triathlon mode Dongfeng battle, and matching is established. Note that the entry lists A and B and the matching list MA shown in FIG. 5 are shown as a concept for distinguishing the players who requested entry. It does not matter whether or not the lobby server 25 actually generates data corresponding to these lists.

  Next, each process of the lobby server 25 and the game machine 2 related to matching will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. First, when an entry request is transmitted from the game machine 2 to the lobby server 25, the entry reception unit 22 of the lobby server 25 executes an entry request reception routine shown in FIG. When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the entry receiving unit 22 first registers an entry request in step S11, and subsequently, whether or not a matching process in which a player who has made the entry request can participate is being executed in the matching processing unit 23. Is determined. In the matching process, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the matching processing unit 23 is executing matching (participation waiting state) for the participation mode, the battle type, and the stage of the player who has requested entry.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the entry is not being executed, the entry receiving unit 22 instructs the matching processing unit 23 to start the matching process under the same conditions as the player who requested the entry, and then proceeds to step S14. If it is determined in step S12 that the process is being executed, step S13 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the game machine 2 that transmitted the entry request is notified that entry registration has been made. Thus, the entry receiving unit 22 ends the routine of FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a matching process routine that is executed when there is an entry request for the triathlon mode among the matching processes executed by the matching processing unit 23. When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the matching processing unit 23 first starts measuring the waiting time for matching in step S21. The waiting time is set in advance to a constant value. In subsequent step S22, the matching processing unit 23 determines whether or not a matching candidate player exists within the initial matching target. As shown in the entry list A illustrated in FIG. 5, the initial target is set in a range in which the participation mode is the triathlon mode and the battle type and the rank match. In the next step S23, the matching processing unit 23 registers the player in the matching list. The matching list is a concept equivalent to a mahjong table.

  Thereafter, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S24 and determines whether or not matching is established, that is, whether or not a required number of players are registered in the matching list. Matching is established by registering four players if the battle type is Dongfeng or Hansou, and three players if the battle is Sanma. If the matching is not established, the matching processing unit 23 determines whether or not half of the waiting time (1/2) has elapsed in step S25. If not, the matching processing unit 23 returns to the process of step S22.

  If half of the waiting time has elapsed in step S25, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S26, and determines whether or not a matching candidate player exists within the enlarged matching target. In other words, after half of the waiting time has passed, the condition that the participation mode is the same in the triathlon mode is relaxed, and if the match type and rank are the same, even if it is the match mode by rank, it will be included in the matching target Matching conditions are changed and matching is attempted. If a matching candidate player is found in step S26, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S27, registers the player in the matching list, and determines in step S28 whether matching has been established. If it is determined in step S28 that the matching has not yet been established, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S29 and determines whether or not the waiting time has elapsed. If the waiting time has not elapsed, the matching processing unit 23 returns to the process of step S26.

  If it is determined in step S24 or step S28 that matching is established, or if it is determined in step S29 that the waiting time has elapsed, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S30 and ends matching. Subsequently, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S31 and generates matching information according to the matching result. The matching information is information for specifying the game machine 2 that is the opponent of the battle game between the game machines 2. When matching is established, the address assigned to the game machine 2 of each matched player is matched. Included in the information. Further, the matched player attribute may be included in the matching information. Further, after the matching, any one game machine 2 is a master machine and the remaining game machines 2 are slave machines, and peer-to-peer communication is performed, so the matching game specifies the game machine 2 that is the master machine. Information may be included. When the matching information is generated, the matching processing unit 23 proceeds to step S31, and transmits the matching information to the game machine 2 of the matched player. Thus, the matching processing unit 23 ends the matching process. When the process proceeds to step S30 in a state where the matching is not established, the matching processing unit 23 generates a virtual player for the shortage in the control unit 10 of the game machine 2 in order to make up for the shortage of players. An instruction to advance the game may be included as part of the matching information.

  FIG. 8 shows an entry processing routine executed by the entry management unit 17 of the control unit 10 when the player of the game machine 2 selects a participation mode from the screen 100 shown in FIG. 4 and requests a battle. When the routine of FIG. 8 is started, the entry management unit 17 first generates an entry request and transmits it to the lobby server 25 in step S41. The information included in the entry request is as described above. However, when the triathlon mode is requested as the participation mode, the play data held in the storage device 13 is referred to, and the battle type at the previous end time is determined. The next match type is specified in the entry request. Also, the player's rank is specified based on the play data in the storage device 13 and is included in the entry request.

  After transmitting the entry request, the entry management unit 17 proceeds to step S42, and shifts to a state of waiting for entry registration notification (see step S14 in FIG. 6) from the lobby server 25. In subsequent step S43, the entry management unit 17 determines whether entry registration has been notified. If there is no notification, the process proceeds to step S44 to determine whether the waiting time for entry registration notification has timed out. If not time-out, the entry management unit 17 returns to the process of step S42. If there is an entry registration notification in step S43, the entry management unit 17 proceeds to step S45, and shifts to a state of waiting for reception of matching information (see step S31 in FIG. 7) transmitted from the lobby server 25. In subsequent step S46, the entry management unit 17 determines whether or not matching information has been received. If the matching information has not been received, the entry management unit 17 proceeds to step S47 to determine whether or not the waiting time for receiving the matching information has timed out. If not time-out, the entry management unit 17 returns to the process of step S45.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the matching information has been received, the entry management unit 17 proceeds to step S48 and refers to the matching information to set a communication battle environment necessary for executing the battle game. The process includes a process of requesting the game control unit 15 to set the address of the game machine 2 of the opponent player matched as the address of the communication destination. Steps necessary to operate as a master unit when the own unit is set as a master unit, and steps necessary to operate as a slave unit when specified as a slave unit You may perform in S48. When the attribute of the opponent player is included in the matching information, the game control unit 15 may be requested to display the attribute on the game screen. The address of the communication partner is referred to when the battle information management unit 18 communicates with the game machine 2 of the opponent. In subsequent step S49, the entry management unit 17 permits the game control unit 15 to start a battle game. Thus, the entry management unit 17 ends the routine of FIG. If it is determined in step S44 or S47 that timeout has occurred, matching information is not obtained, and a communication battle is impossible. In that case, the entry management unit 17 proceeds to step S50, executes predetermined error processing, and ends the current routine. The error process is a process for notifying that a battle game is impossible or for further proceeding with a local battle, that is, a battle with a player virtually generated by the CPU of the control unit 10 of the game machine 2. Also good.

  When the start of the battle game is permitted in step S49, the game control unit 15 starts the battle game between the players specified by the matching information. The battle game is advanced according to the battle type selected by the player while battle information is sequentially transmitted and received between the game machines 2 via the battle information management unit 18. The match information is information that should be shared in order to advance the mahjong game, such as information for designating each player's abandonment. The proceeding procedure of the battle game may be the same as that of the conventional mahjong battle game.

  According to the above form, after the start of matching, until the half of the waiting time elapses, the processes in steps S22 to S25 in FIG. 7 are repeated, so that the participation mode is the same and the battle type is also the same. As a necessary condition, matching is attempted. Therefore, if a match is established in the meantime, a battle game is started according to the same battle type between players in the same participation mode. In this case, the mahjong game can be played in accordance with the original purpose of the triathlon mode. On the other hand, after the half of the waiting time has elapsed, the conditions regarding the participation mode are relaxed, and the player who has selected the stage-specific battle mode is also included in the matching target. Therefore, the possibility of matching is increased, and it takes an excessive amount of time for matching, or the matching and the like are not established, and the operational effect that the frequency of setting the virtual player by the CPU as the opponent is reduced is obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the entry management unit 17 of the game machine 2 functions as a participation request transmission unit by executing the process of step S41 in FIG. 8, and the matching processing unit 23 of the lobby server 25 performs steps S21 to S21 in FIG. By executing the process of S29, it functions as a matching means, and by executing step S32, it functions as a matching information transmitting means. Then, the matching processing unit 23 functions as a first matching execution unit by executing the processing of steps S22 to S25 in FIG. 7 and functions as a second matching execution unit by executing the processing of steps S26 to S29. Further, in the above-described form, each of the stage-specific east wind mode, the stage-specific villa mode, and the stage-specific hempen mode corresponds to the first participation mode, and the triathlon mode corresponds to the second participation mode.

  The present invention is not limited to the form described above, and can be implemented in an appropriate form. For example, in the above embodiment, the level is the same as the matching condition, but the matching may be allowed even if the level is different, or the level condition may be omitted. In addition to the stage, various attributes of the player may be included in the matching condition. For example, attributes such as the age group and affiliation area of the player may be included in the matching condition. When including attributes such as grades in the matching conditions, for example, in the first stage, in addition to matching the attributes, if the matching is not expected, the conditions related to the attributes can be relaxed to increase the possibility of matching. May be raised. For example, in addition to the relaxation or expansion of the conditions related to the participation mode, the condition is changed so that the rank is approximated within a predetermined range after the condition is relaxed or expanded, while the rank is also initially matched. May be. In the triathlon mode, it is necessary to play the Dongfeng battle, the Hansou battle, and the hemp battle in order. However, the triathlon mode may be achieved by playing each battle type N times without the restriction of the order.

  In the above-described form, when the matching between the players in the triathlon mode is started and half of the waiting time has passed and the matching is not established, it is determined that the matching cannot be established, and the matching condition regarding the participation mode is set. It is relaxed. However, in determining whether or not matching can be expected, appropriate factors other than the waiting time may be considered. For example, it is possible to monitor the frequency at which a matchable player is detected, and when the frequency falls below a certain level, it is possible to determine that establishment is not expected and relax the conditions regarding the participation mode.

  The battle game to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a game that executes a mahjong game, and may be various games. For example, when a race game can be executed as a battle game, a plurality of battle types can be prepared by providing a plurality of courses if a single race is a battle type as a unit of battle. Then, as a mode in which the player can participate, for example, a first participation mode in which it is necessary to play a race for one or more courses, and more courses than the first participation mode are played. When the second participation mode that needs to be prepared is prepared, the present invention can be applied to the matching of the second participation mode. In addition, as long as a plurality of battle types and a plurality of participation modes are prepared, the present invention can be applied to various battle games.

  In the present invention, the game machine is not limited to a commercial game machine, and may be a non-commercial game machine such as a home game machine. The game machine is not limited to a game dedicated machine, but includes various game machines that realize a game function by mounting a game program on a computer device such as a personal computer or a mobile phone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Game machine 3 Center server 5 Network 10 Control unit 15 Game control part 17 Entry management part (participation request means)
22 Entry acceptance unit 23 Matching processing unit (matching means, matching information transmission means)
25 Lobby Server 100 Entry reception screen

Claims (8)

As a mode in which a plurality of game machines and a lobby server are connected to each other via a network, a plurality of battle types are prepared as a unit of battle between players, and a player can select a player to participate in a battle. A first participation mode that requires a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types to be played, and a requirement that the combination of battle types to be played is weighted more than the first participation mode. A game system in which a battle game in which a plurality of modes including two participation modes are prepared can be played between players of the plurality of game machines,
Each of the plurality of game machines has participation request means for transmitting to the lobby server a participation request including information for specifying a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate based on an instruction from the player. Provided,
In the lobby server, matching information including matching means for matching players in response to a request for participation from the participation request means, and information for identifying a game machine of the player matched by the matching means And a matching information transmitting means for transmitting to the game machine,
The matching means is a player who uses at least part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode when the participation request means requests participation in the second participation mode. If the first matching execution means for matching is not expected to be matched by the first matching execution means, the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the match type is the same A game system comprising: second matching execution means for matching a player on the condition that there is at least a part of the condition.   The matching unit determines that the matching is not expected when the matching is not established after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the matching by the first matching performing unit, and the matching by the first matching performing unit is determined. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game is stopped and matching by the second matching execution unit is started.   The first participation mode may be configured by any one of the plurality of battle types, and the second participation mode may play a plurality of battle types including the battle type of the first participation mode. The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game system is configured as necessary.   A mahjong game can be executed as the battle game, and at least one of the combination of mahjong stations or the number of players is different between the plurality of battle types, and the first participation mode is a single battle. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the game system is configured by a type, and the second participation mode is configured to play a combination of the plurality of battle types.   The game system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second participation mode is configured to require the plurality of battle types to be played in a predetermined order. It is necessary to play a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types as a mode in which a player can select a plurality of battle types as a unit of battle between players and to participate in the battle. There are a plurality of battle games in which a plurality of modes including a first participation mode and a second participation mode in which the requirements of the combination of battle types to be played are weighted than the first participation mode are prepared. It is possible to play between players of game machines via a network, and each of the plurality of game machines has information for identifying a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate based on an instruction from the player. Applied to a game system provided with participation request means for transmitting an included participation request, and the plurality of game machines via the network A lobby server, which is connected to the respectively,
In response to the participation request from the participation requesting means, matching means including matching means for matching the players and information for identifying the game machine of the player matched by the matching means is transmitted to the game machine. Matching information transmitting means for
The matching means is a player who uses at least part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode when the participation request means requests participation in the second participation mode. If the first matching execution means for matching is not expected to be matched by the first matching execution means, the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the match type is the same A lobby server of a game system, comprising: a second matching execution unit that matches a player on at least a part of a condition. It is necessary to play a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types as a mode in which a player can select a plurality of battle types as a unit of battle between players and to participate in the battle. There are a plurality of battle games in which a plurality of modes including a first participation mode and a second participation mode in which the requirements of the combination of battle types to be played are weighted than the first participation mode are prepared. It is possible to play between players of game machines via a network, and each of the plurality of game machines has information for identifying a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate based on an instruction from the player. A part of a game system provided with participation request means for transmitting the included participation request, and the plurality of games via the network Respectively the server as a computer connected to the,
A matching means for matching players in response to a request for participation from the participation request means; and
It is configured to function as a matching information transmitting unit that transmits matching information including information for specifying a game machine of a player matched by the matching unit to the game machine, and
The matching means is a player who uses at least part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode when the participation request means requests participation in the second participation mode. If the first matching execution means for matching is not expected to be matched by the first matching execution means, the mode is either the first or the second participation mode and the match type is the same A computer program for a server configured to function as second matching execution means for matching a player under at least a part of a certain condition. As a mode in which a plurality of game machines and a lobby server are connected to each other via a network, a plurality of battle types are prepared as a unit of battle between players, and a player can select a player to participate in a battle. A first participation mode that requires a single battle type or a combination of two or more battle types to be played, and a requirement that the combination of battle types to be played is weighted more than the first participation mode. A player matching method applied to a game system that enables a battle game in which a plurality of modes including two participation modes are prepared to be played among players of the plurality of game machines,
Based on an instruction from the player, transmitting a participation request including information for specifying a mode and a battle type that the player desires to participate from each of the plurality of game machines to the lobby server;
The lobby server, in response to transmission of the participation request from the game machine , matching to match players;
Transmitting matching information including information for identifying a game machine of a matched player from the lobby server to the game machine,
In the matching step, when participation in the second participation mode is requested, the player is matched as at least a part of the condition that the match type is the same in the second participation mode. When the first matching execution step and the first matching execution step are not expected to be matched, the mode is either the first or the second participation mode, and the battle type is the same. A player matching method, comprising: a second matching execution step for matching a player as at least a part of the condition.

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