JP5671501B2 - GAME SYSTEM HAVING MATCHING FUNCTION AND MATCHING CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system having a matching function for allowing users to participate in a common game and a matching control method thereof.

  In a game system constructed using a network, a matching function that allows a plurality of users to participate in a common game and play together under a predetermined condition is usually implemented. Various proposals have been made regarding the matching process. As an example, there has been proposed a game system that controls matching so that a user can play against a special user called a so-called professional on the condition that a predetermined additional fee is paid for the game (Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2011-120744 A

  Like the professional users described above, the proportion of special users whose existence is widely known occupies the entire user is considerably small. Since there is a limit to the number of people that can be matched in one game, if there are many users to be matched even if a predetermined condition is satisfied and the users to be matched are preferentially matched, the user is matched. The possibility is low. If the user to be matched is randomly selected from the group of users to be matched, the user rank can be set in the group, so that the higher rank user is not matched and the lower rank user is matched. There is also. Then, the user is satisfied only with satisfying a predetermined condition, and it is difficult to give a motivation for aiming at a higher rank.

  Therefore, the present invention relates to matching for a specific person, and an object thereof is to provide a game system or the like that can control matching in consideration of the status of the target user.

  The game system of the present invention has matching means (24, 34) for allowing each user of a plurality of game devices (3) connected via a network (5) to participate in a common game within a predetermined number of people. The game system includes rank assigning means (33, 25) for ranking users based on predetermined game conditions, and the matching means includes the common game from other users together. When a special user who wants to play participates in the common game, priority matching means for preferentially matching a user whose rank given by the rank giving means is a predetermined rank or higher with the special user. (Steps S21 to S24, S26, S27) are provided, and the special user can play the game in the priority matching means. The operation amount specifying means (S102, S31, S32) for specifying the game operation amount when playing, and the rank of the user to be prioritized by the priority matching means according to the game operation amount. Priority range changing means (steps S103 to S108, S110 to S114) for changing the range is provided to solve the above problem.

The matching control method of the present invention is applied to a game system (1) including a plurality of game devices (3) connected via a network (5), and the computer included in the game system includes the plurality of match control methods. A matching control method for executing a matching procedure for causing each user of the game devices to participate in a common game within a predetermined number of people, and ranking the users based on predetermined game conditions in the computer to execute the rank granted procedure grant, in the matching procedure, when the special of the user you would like to play with the common of the game from other users to participate in the common of the game, by the rank grant procedure Priority match that matches the special user with priority given to users with a given rank or higher Grayed procedure (S21 to S24, S26, S27) to the execution on the computer, and in the priority matching procedure, the operation amount specifying step (S102 that the special users to identify the game operation amount when playing the game , S31, S32) and a priority range changing procedure for changing the range of ranks to be prioritized by the user to be matched by the priority matching procedure according to the game operation amount (steps S103 to S108, S110 to S114). The above problem is solved by causing the computer to execute .

  According to the present invention, priority matching is performed in which a user with a predetermined rank or higher is preferentially matched with a special user. The matching target is determined according to the amount of game operation when the special user is playing a game. The range of ranks to be prioritized by the user is changed. Here, the game operation amount is an amount that is quantitatively shown regarding the operation of the game by a special user, and is, for example, the game time, the number of game play, or the like. For example, during a predetermined time after a special user plays a game, the higher rank users are preferentially targeted for matching, and the ranks of users that are subject to matching from the middle rank to the lower rank as time passes. The range to be prioritized can be expanded. Alternatively, matching for all users of a predetermined rank or higher may be executed first, and the range of users to be matched may be narrowed over time. In this way, by changing the range of the rank that should be prioritized by the user to be matched, it is possible to preferentially match the user of the higher rank and also allow the user of the lower rank to be the matching target. Therefore, it is possible to realize matching control in consideration of the status of the target user, and for higher-ranking users, the probability of matching with special users is increased while lower-ranking users are also matched with special users. Opportunities can be granted.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, the operation amount specifying means may specify the time during which the special user is playing the game as the game operation amount. In this aspect, the operation amount specifying unit may acquire the current time, and the priority range changing unit may change the rank range to be prioritized according to the acquired current time. According to this, when the time for a special user to play is determined in advance, the range to be prioritized is changed according to the current time.

  In this embodiment, the operation amount specifying means starts timing with a predetermined operation performed by the special user as a trigger, and the priority range changing means determines the rank to be prioritized according to the time measured. The range may be changed. According to this, the time during which the special user is playing the game is timed, and the rank range to be prioritized is changed according to the timed time.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, the operation amount specifying means may specify the number of times the special user plays the game as the game operation amount. In addition to the game play time of a special user, the rank range to be prioritized can be changed according to the number of game play as the game operation amount.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, the priority range changing means may expand the range of ranks to be prioritized according to the game operation amount. According to this, the range of the matching target is expanded with time. For example, a higher-ranked user is a matching target from the beginning, and a lower-ranked user is a matching target after the passage of time, so that the probability of being matched with a matching target or a special user can be changed as time passes. it can.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, the game condition is set to associate a game value quantitatively given to a user in accordance with a game operation with the special user, and the rank assigning means Users may be ranked according to the amount of gaming value associated with the user. According to this, when the game is played, the amount of game value acquired by the user increases, and the rank increases by associating this with a special user. Accordingly, the user is motivated to play the game in the hope that the common game can be played with the special user.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, a part of a group of users who can actually play the game by operating the game device may be set as the special user. According to this, even if celebrities such as professionals and idols whose names are well known in the real world are set as special users, they are given the opportunity to play together in common games with such celebrities can do. In this case, the real world interest in the game system can be increased, the motivation of the existing user can be increased, and the effect of attracting a new user to the game system can also be expected. However, the special user in the present invention only needs to be able to participate in a common game through matching, and is not limited to a user existing in the real world, but is virtual on the game system or in the network world. An existing idol or the like may be set as at least a part of the special user. Alternatively, among the existing users in the game system, a person with a higher grade may be set as at least a part of the candidate.

  In one form of the game system of the present invention, the plurality of game devices may be connectable to the server device (2) via the network, and the matching means may be provided in the server device. According to this, the rank of each user can be grasped collectively by the server device, and matching can be preferentially processed based on the rank given to the user.

  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, preferential matching for preferentially matching a user of a predetermined rank or higher with a special user is executed, but the game operation when the special user is playing the game The rank range to be prioritized by the user to be matched is changed according to the amount. By changing the range of the rank that should be prioritized by the user to be matched, the higher rank user can be preferentially matched and the lower rank user can also be the matching target. Therefore, it is possible to give an opportunity for matching with a special user to a user of a lower rank while increasing the probability of matching with the special user for a user of a higher rank.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the support point addition function in the game system of FIG. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the priority matching function in the game system of FIG. The figure explaining the relationship between a support rank and a priority range. The functional block diagram explaining the structure of the principal part of the control system of the game system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of a structure of play data. The flowchart which shows the point management process which the point management part of a game machine performs. The flowchart which shows the process which the matching process part of a center server and a game machine performs. The flowchart which shows the specific process of the professional battle matching which the matching process part of a center server performs. The flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the modification which the matching process part of a center server and a game machine performs.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, a game machine (corresponding to a game device) 3 and a user terminal device 4 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 2A, 2B. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

  The game machine 3 is configured as a commercial (business) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer game device installed in a predetermined facility such as the store 6 for the purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play games to increase profits. One or more appropriate number of game machines 3 are installed in the store 6. In FIG. 1, the game machine 3 is drawn without distinction, but the hardware configuration and game content may be appropriately selected. The game machine 3 may be configured as a dedicated machine having a physical configuration (for example, an operation unit) suitable for a specific game, or may be configured as a general-purpose machine that can handle various games by rewriting software. May be.

  On the other hand, the user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for a user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as stationary home game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. It's okay. The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by installing various computer software.

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

  Next, with reference to FIG.2 and FIG.3, the mechanism of the game implemented in the game system 1 is demonstrated. In the game system 1, it is possible to execute a game that reproduces a competition (as an example, mahjong) that is performed in the real world. Users of a plurality of game machines 3 can participate in a common game (a game if mahjong) using the matching function of the center server 2 and play together. A part of the game user group includes a user who is certified as a professional (corresponding to a special user). The professional may be a user who is active or certified as a professional in a real competition, or may be a user who is certified as a professional according to a predetermined standard on the game. Hereinafter, a user who is certified as a professional may be referred to as a professional user, and other users may be referred to as general users.

  In the game system 1, a general user designates a professional user who wants to play, a support point addition function for adding the acquired support points as support points of the designated professional user, and a support rank based on the added support points A priority matching function for controlling matching between a general user and a professional user according to the support rank is implemented. First, the support point addition function will be described. The general user can designate a professional user who wants to play from the group of professional users and register it as a supporting professional. When the general user A registers the professional user X, the professional user X is recorded in the play data 51 of the general user A. Support points as game values given to users can be added to support professionals. The user's support rank is set according to the added support points. The support rank increases as the user adds support points to support professionals. When a user plays a game on the game machine 3, when a predetermined score is given, when a user is authenticated and logged in based on the user's identification information, a predetermined number of support points according to each action Is given to the user. Alternatively, every time a user accesses the center server 2 from the user terminal device 4 and uses a predetermined service, a predetermined number of support points may be given. Appropriate settings are possible. Each of the above actions is set as a game condition.

  The priority matching function controls the possibility that a general user of the game machine 3 is matched with a support professional according to the support rank. First, normal matching will be described prior to the description of the priority matching function. When a user of the game machine 3 desires to play against another user, matching is requested from the user's game machine 3 to the center server 2 and the user is registered in the virtual matching request list 100 on the center server 2. . Users registered in the matching request list 100 are sequentially matched according to a predetermined condition. For example, a virtual battle frame 101 whose master is one user registered in the matching request list 100 is generated on the center server 2, and other users who can be allocated to the battle frame 101 are searched according to a predetermined condition. The When the battle frame 101 is filled with a predetermined number of users (for example, four or three in the case of mahjong), matching is established. When there is a user who does not have the battle frame 101 to be distributed, a new battle frame 101 with the user as a master is generated. If matching is not established within a predetermined time limit, matching is impossible and a message to that effect is returned to the game machine 3.

  Preferential matching is executed when a professional user exists in the request list 100. When a professional user is registered in the request list 100, a professional battle frame 101p having the professional user as a master is generated. When the professional battle frame 101p is generated, general users are assigned to the professional battle frame 101p according to predetermined matching conditions. As a matching condition, a professional user's play time as a game operation amount is divided every predetermined time, and a priority range in which a general user's support rank that is preferentially matched is changed at each divided time is set.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the support rank and the priority range. For example, if a professional user plays for 3 hours from 18:00 to 21:00, priority is given to general users of the support rank SSS or higher with the first priority range from 18:00 to 19:00 being the first hour, and the next 1 Prioritize general users with support rank SS or higher as the second priority range from 19:00 to 20:00, which is the time, and general higher than support rank S with the third priority range from 20:00 to 21:00 as the last hour Give priority to users. Then, the top user with the support rank SSS or higher has a possibility of being matched with a professional user from the beginning to the end, and especially from 18:00 to 19:00, since there are relatively few general users to be matched, matching The possibility of increases. Further, a user of the support rank SS becomes a matching target for 2 hours from 19:00 to 21:00, and a user of the support rank S becomes an object for matching for 1 hour from 20:00 to 21:00.

  The support rank is ranked according to the addition of support points to professional users. The support points acquired by the user may be distributed to a plurality of professional users. By adding support points to professional users who wish to match, the support rank of the user set for each professional user increases. As an example, when a support point of 1000 points or more is added, a support rank SSS is obtained. When a support point of 300 points or more is added, a support rank SS is added, and when support points of 100 points or more are added, a support rank S is obtained. Necessary points may be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1 related to the support point addition function and the priority matching function. The center server 2 is provided with a game service management unit 21, a Web service management unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The management units 21 and 22 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) of the center server 2 and software. The storage unit 23 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit such as a hard disk array. The memory | storage part 23 may be comprised so that all the data may be hold | maintained on one memory | storage unit, and may be comprised so that data may be distributed and memorize | stored in a some memory | storage unit. Various kinds of data are stored in the storage unit 23. In FIG. 5, play data 51 is shown. The play data 51 is data in which game play contents are stored in order for the user to continue playing the game. The play data 51 is created for each user and is recorded in the storage unit 23 in association with the user identification information. FIG. 5 shows only the play data 51 associated with one user identification information.

  The game service management unit 21 provides a predetermined game service to the game machine 3. As a game service, for example, user authentication information (for example, unique identification information and password for each user) is received from the game machine 3 to authenticate the user, and play data 51 corresponding to the user is received from the game machine 3. Or the service for providing the user's play data 51 stored in the storage unit 23 to the game machine 3 and software (game program or data) for the game machine 3 via the network 5. There are services that are updated. The game service management unit 21 is further provided with a matching processing unit 24 and a point management unit 25 as a logical device for executing the processes related to the above-described support point addition function and the priority matching function. The matching processing unit 24 matches users in response to a request from the game machine 3. The point management unit 25 manages the support points acquired by the user in association with the support professional. The support points are recorded in the play data 51.

  The web service management unit 22 provides various web services to the user terminal device 4. As an example, the Web service management unit 22 receives user authentication information (for example, unique identification information and password for each user) from the user terminal device 4, authenticates the user, and responds to the authenticated user request. Thus, the play data 51 of the user is provided to the user terminal device 4 as browsing data. Alternatively, the Web service management unit 22 provides the play data 51 to the user terminal device 4 as browsing data in response to a request from the user terminal device 4. Further, the web service management unit 22 may be appropriately equipped with a function for providing a community service for providing an exchange place such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing using the user terminal device 4. Those explanations are omitted.

  Further, the center server 2 charges a charge as a consideration for providing a paid service on the game to each user of the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 and collects the charge from the user. Has also been implemented. As a specific method of payment, the user pays for the service by using electronic payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or electronic currency, which can be paid for using electronic data exchange, Anything that collects the price commensurate with the price. The electronic payment may be a publicly known one, and a description of a specific configuration and procedure for realizing it is omitted.

  Next, the game machine 3 is provided with a game control unit 31 and a storage unit 32. The game control unit 31 is a logical device realized by a combination of hardware of the game machine 3 (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device thereof) and software. The game control unit 31 executes various arithmetic controls necessary for the progress of the game, and executes various processes necessary for enjoying the game service provided by the game service management unit 21 of the center server 2. The game control unit 31 is provided with a point management unit 33 and a matching processing unit 34 as further logical devices. The point management unit 33 manages the support points acquired by the user and the points allocated to the professional user. The matching processing unit 34 performs processing necessary for matching the user of the game machine 3 with another user in cooperation with the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2.

  The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. Various types of data are recorded in the storage unit 32, and FIG. 5 shows play data 51 provided from the center server 2. Further, the user terminal device 4 is provided with a Web service processing unit 41 as a logical device realized by a combination of the computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as its internal storage device) and software. ing. The web service processing unit 41 executes processes necessary for receiving various services provided by the web service management unit 22 of the center server 2. The user terminal device 4 is also provided with an external storage device for storing appropriate data, but the illustration thereof is omitted.

  Furthermore, the game machine 3 is provided with various input / output devices such as an input device 35 that outputs a signal corresponding to a user operation, a display device 36 for presenting a game screen or the like to the user, and a card reader 37. The card reader 37 is a device for reading a unique card ID for each card recorded on a card 38 possessed by the user as a kind of identification information to be used for user authentication. Note that user identification information to be used for user authentication may be different between user authentication in the game machine 3 and user authentication in the user terminal device 4, or may be common. For example, in the game machine 3, the card ID recorded on the user's card 38 is used as identification information, and the card ID and the play data 51 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 23. When using a user ID uniquely set for each user as user identification information, by setting a correspondence between the user ID and the card ID, any ID is also used as the user identification information. be able to.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the play data 51. In the play data 51 of FIG. 6, various types of information such as player information, play history, status, item information, and point information correspond to user identification information as information to be referred to by the game control unit 31 of the game machine 3. It is recorded with. The player information is information for specifying a nickname used by the user in the game. The play history is log information that records the date and time when the user played the game, the play time, the play result, and the like. The status is information for identifying a status obtained as a result of the user playing the game, for example, a rating in the user's game such as a rank, a grade, and a level. Information for identifying whether the user is a professional user or a general user is also recorded in the play data 51 as a kind of status. Item information is information for specifying an item acquired by the user in the game. The point information is information regarding the support points acquired by the user. As an example, the support points shown in FIG. 2 (support points added to support professionals or support points acquired by the user) and support rank information may be information (user identification information) for identifying support professionals. ) And recorded in the point information.

  FIG. 7 shows a point management process executed by the point management unit 33 of the game machine 3 in order to manage the user's support points. The point management process is executed every time a user acquires a support point, for example, when a support point is acquired when the user is authenticated and logged into the game, or when a support point is acquired when a predetermined score is given in the game. Is done.

  The point management unit 33 of the game machine 3 determines whether or not the user has acquired a support point (step S1). When the user has acquired the support points, the point management unit 33 refers to the play data 51 to determine whether or not a specific professional user is registered as a support professional (step S2). When the support professional is registered, the point management unit 33 adds the support points acquired to the support professional (step S3). And the point management part 33 discriminate | determines the support rank with respect to the support professional who added the point (step S4). On the other hand, when the support professional is not registered, the point management unit 33 adds the support point as a holding point (step S5). You may make it add a holding | maintenance point to the support professional when a user registers a support professional. And the point management part 33 reflects the content changed by this process in the play data 51, and updates (step S6). Thereafter, the point management unit 33 ends the current process. The updated play data 51 is transmitted to the center server 2 at an appropriate timing, whereby the play data 51 in the storage unit 23 is overwritten.

  FIG. 8 shows a process executed by the center server 2 and the matching processing units 24 and 34 of the game machine 3 when the user of the game machine 3 desires a battle with another user. When the user wishes the game machine 3 to play against another user, the matching processing unit 34 of the game machine 3 starts the matching request process of FIG. 8, and first requests the center server 2 for matching (step) S11). At this time, the matching processing unit 34 acquires the elements considered in the matching, for example, the level of the user, the mode of the game that the user desires to play, etc. according to the play data 51 or an instruction from the user, Elements may be provided to the center server 2. When the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2 receives the matching request from the game machine 3, the matching processing unit 24 of FIG. 8 starts. The matching process in the center server 2 is a process executed in parallel with one request as a unit every time matching is requested from the game machine 3.

  When the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2 starts the matching processing, first, the user is registered in the matching request list 100 of FIG. 3, and then it is determined whether or not the user is a professional user (step S21). Whether or not the user is a professional user can be determined by specifying the play data 51 of the user based on the identification information of the user and referring to the status information of the play data 51. If the user is not a professional user, the matching processing unit 24 determines a matching condition (step S22). The matching condition may be determined based on the level of the user provided from the game machine 3 in step S11, the elements such as the support rank, the mode desired by the user, or the play data held by the center server 2 itself. It may be determined based on information such as 51. Here, in the case of a general user, it is assumed that whether or not a battle with a professional user is desired is selected on the game machine 3, and the selection result is determined by the center server 2 as part of the matching condition.

  After determining the matching condition, the matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not the user wishes to compete with the professional user (step S23). If so, the matching processing unit 24 desires the professional competition matching in step S24. If not, the process proceeds to normal matching in step S25. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the user is a professional user, the matching processing unit 24 sets the professional user as a master (step S26), and generates a professional battle frame 101p (see FIG. 2) (step S26). After that, the process proceeds to the professional match matching in step S24.

  In the professional match matching in step S24, a process of matching a general user and a professional user according to the priority matching shown in FIG. 3 is performed. Details of the procedure will be described later. On the other hand, in the normal matching in step S25, general users are matched by a general matching method. In this case, the users are matched according to a known matching method such that matching is performed only between users having the same battle mode, or users having similar levels are preferentially matched. Details regarding the normal matching procedure are omitted.

  When the matching in step S24 or S25 ends (including the case where the matching fails due to time restrictions), the matching processing unit 24 notifies the user game machine 3 of the matching result (step S28), and then the matching. Finish the process. The matching processing unit 34 of the game machine 3 notified of the matching result acquires the matching result (step S12), and performs environment setting according to the matching result (step S13). For example, when matching is completed, an environment necessary for exchanging information with the game machine 3 of the opponent user and executing the battle game is constructed. In such a case, a process of generating a virtual opponent controlled by the game control unit 31 instead of the opponent user is executed. When the environment setting is completed, the matching processing unit 34 also ends the matching request process.

  FIG. 9 shows a specific procedure of professional match matching (step S24 in FIG. 8) executed by the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2. The professional match matching is a match for users who have a support rank S or higher and professional users. When the professional battle matching is selected, the matching processing unit 24 first determines whether or not the user has already been set as the master of the professional battle frame 101p (step S101). If the user is a master, the matching processing unit 24 acquires the current time (step S102). A clock built in the center server 2 can be used. Alternatively, accurate time may be obtained via the Internet 5A.

  The matching processing unit 24 refers to the acquired current time and determines whether or not the time zone to which the first priority range belongs (step S103). For example, when the first priority range is designated from 18:00 to 19:00, the matching processing unit 24 preferentially matches users with the support rank SSS or higher set in the first priority range during that time period. (Step S104). On the other hand, if it is not the time zone to which the first priority range belongs, the matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not the current time is a time zone that belongs to the second priority range (step S105). For example, when the second priority range is applied between 19:00 and 20:00, the matching processing unit 24 gives priority to the users of the support rank SS or higher set in the second priority range if the current time is in that time zone. To match (step S106). If it is not the time zone to which the second priority range belongs, the matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not the current time is a time zone that belongs to the third priority range (step S107). For example, when the third priority range is applied between 20:00 and 21:00, if the current time is in the time zone, the user with the support rank S or higher set in the third priority range is preferentially matched (step) S108). If it is not the time zone to which the third priority range belongs, the matching processing unit 24 proceeds to normal matching (step S109).

  The matching processing unit 24 matches users according to the priority range determined in steps S103 to S108 (step S110). Since the priority range of the matching target is changed according to the current time, the higher rank user is preferentially matched with the professional user according to the support rank, and the lower rank user is also the matching target. Can do. Since the users included in the priority range at each time are determined at random regardless of the support rank, an opportunity to be matched can be given to users of lower ranks. Therefore, an opportunity for matching with a professional user can be given to a user who is lower than the support rank S while increasing the probability of matching with the professional user for a user with the support rank SSS or higher. The selection of the matching target within the priority range is not limited to this, and can be determined based on the first-come-first-served basis or the level of the support rank (support point).

  The matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not matching has been established for the professional battle frame 101p to be processed (step S111). If it is established, the matching is determined (step S112), and the process returns to step S28. On the other hand, when the matching is not established, the matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the start of the matching process is within the time limit set for the professional battle matching (Step S113), and within the time limit. If so, the priority range is expanded and the process returns to step S110 (step S114). For example, if the matching target is the first priority range and the matching is not established, the matching target is expanded to the second priority range and the matching is attempted again. If it is the third priority range, the range may be expanded while narrowing the matching target to lower rank A or rank B, or normal matching may be used.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that it is not the master of the professional battle frame 101p, the matching processing unit 24 proceeds to step S115 and waits for a predetermined time in preparation for matching. In other words, the general user may be assigned to the professional battle frame 101p by the professional battle matching process executed in parallel in response to the battle hope from the professional user, so that it waits in preparation. After completion of waiting, the matching processing unit 24 determines whether or not matching is established (step S116), and if it is established, the process proceeds to step S112 to determine matching. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S116 that the matching is not established, the matching processing unit 24 shifts the matching process for the general user from the professional match matching to the normal matching (step S109), and then returns to the process of step S25.

  In the above embodiment, the point management unit 33 of the game machine 3 functions as rank assigning means of the present invention by executing the processes of steps S4 and S6 of FIG. The matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as a matching unit of the present invention, and the matching processing unit 24 functions as a priority matching unit by executing the processes of steps S21 to S24, S26, and S27 in FIG. To do. Further, the matching processing unit 24 functions as an operation amount specifying unit by executing the process of step S102 of FIG. 9, and functions as a priority range changing unit by executing the processes of steps S103 to S108 and S110 to S114. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described form and can be implemented in various forms. For example, in the present embodiment, the current time is acquired in step S102 and the priority range is determined according to the time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first priority range may be applied for a predetermined time after the professional user desires matching, and the second priority range may be applied after the predetermined time. Similarly, the time during which the second priority range is applied may be a specific time, and the third priority range may be applied after that time. That is, in the above-described form, the time for the professional user to play the game is determined in advance, and the priority range is assigned by dividing the determined time, but in this modification, the professional user personally It is assumed that the game is played and it is unclear how long the game will continue. In this modification, for example, the first priority range is applied to the first hour played by the professional user, the second priority range is applied to the next hour, and the third priority is applied to the next hour. What is necessary is just to set so that a range may be applied.

  FIG. 10 shows processing according to a modification executed by the matching processing units 24 and 34 of the center server 2 and the game machine 3. The same processes as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the processing according to the modification, the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2 determines whether or not the matching request of the professional user is the first request after the login when the user is determined to be a professional user in step S21. (Step S31). In the case of the first matching, the matching processing unit 24 starts timing by a timer provided in the center server 2 (step S32). The timing for starting the time measurement is not limited to the first matching, and the time measurement may be started when a professional user authenticates and logs in. Appropriate changes are possible. Then, in step S102 of the professional match matching process in FIG. 9, by acquiring the time counted in step S32, the priority range can be changed according to the time as in the above-described form. In this modification, the matching processing unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the operation amount specifying means of the present invention by executing the processes of steps S31 and S32 of FIG.

  In this modification, the division of time that the professional user is playing can be changed as appropriate. It is not limited to 1 hour, and it may be 30 minutes or 2 hours. If a professional user stops playing in a short time, there may be only matching in the first priority range as a result. However, even if the professional user plays personally, the user included in the first priority range matches. Because it is prioritized, it will motivate users to increase their support rank. Even in the above-described form and in the modified example, when a professional user participates in a battle, by notifying the user in advance that a user with a higher rank is preferentially matched according to time, It becomes a motivation to raise a support rank by playing a game with respect to the user who wants to play. Moreover, you may enable it to be able to play with a target support professional by making the user who adds the most support point among the users of a higher rank into a representative supporter.

  In the above-described embodiment, the priority range is expanded according to the passage of time, but is not limited thereto. For example, the third priority range for users of rank S or higher is applied for the first hour, and the second priority range for users of rank SS or higher is applied for the next hour. The priority range may be narrowed. In the above embodiment, the current time is acquired and the priority range is determined based on the current time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priority range may be determined based on the time measured by the timer. Even when the time for playing by the professional user is determined in advance, the priority range can be determined by counting with a timer.

  A plurality of support professionals may be registered in the play data 51. When a plurality of support professionals are registered, the support points acquired by the user may be distributed equally or may be distributed at a predetermined rate. You may make it distribute according to a user's instruction | indication. Or you may make it designate the support professional who adds a support point whenever a user acquires a support point. The support point may be a dedicated point for adding to the support professional, or may be a common point that can be used for other services.

  In the above-described embodiment, some users who can actually play the game by operating the game machine 3 are set as special users, but the special users can participate in a common game through the matching process. It is not always necessary that the user is a real user. The game system may be configured such that the center server 2 or the game machine 3 virtually creates a special user and can participate in the common game via the matching function in the same manner as a real user. Alternatively, a virtual user may be generated as a substitute for a celebrity such as an idol or a professional who actually exists.

  In the above-described embodiment, a battle-type game such as mahjong is taken as an example of the common game. However, a common game is sufficient if a plurality of users can participate in common under a predetermined number of people. For example, even when a plurality of users cooperate with each other to advance a game, the present invention can be applied with respect to matching of the participants. The common game is not limited to an example played on a commercial game machine, and may be played on the user terminal device 4.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game operation amount has been described based on the game play time of the professional user, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be the number of times a professional user plays the game. If the game is mahjong, the number of times of play is counted once for each game, and for example, when the game is counted three times, it may be switched to the next priority range. The definition of one play in the game may be appropriately set according to the game. Alternatively, it may be a professional user's game results or the like. For example, if the grade is good, the priority range may be narrowed down and the priority range may be expanded as the grade goes down. Appropriate settings can be made according to the game.

1 Game system 2 Center server (server device)
3 Game machines (game devices)
24 Matching section of center server (matching means, priority matching means, operation amount specifying means, priority range changing means)
34 Matching processing unit of game machine 25 Point management unit of center server 33 Point management unit of game machine (rank assignment means)

Claims (10)

A game system including a matching unit that allows each user of a plurality of game devices connected via a network to participate in a common game within a predetermined number of people,
A rank granting means for ranking users based on predetermined game conditions is provided,
The matching means includes
When a special user who wants to play the common game together from other users participates in the common game, the rank given by the rank assigning means gives priority to a user having a predetermined rank or higher. Preferential matching means for matching with the special user is provided,
The priority matching means includes
An operation amount specifying means for specifying a game operation amount when the special user is playing a game;
A game system, comprising: priority range changing means for changing a range of ranks to be prioritized by a user to be matched by the priority matching means according to the game operation amount.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the operation amount specifying unit specifies a time during which the special user is playing a game as the game operation amount.   The game system according to claim 2, wherein the operation amount specifying unit acquires a current time, and the priority range changing unit changes the rank range to be prioritized according to the acquired current time.   The operation amount specifying means starts timing when a predetermined operation is performed by the special user, and the priority range changing means changes the rank range to be prioritized according to the time measured. The game system according to claim 2.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the operation amount specifying unit specifies the number of times the special user plays a game as the game operation amount.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the priority range changing unit expands the range of the rank to be prioritized according to the game operation amount.   The game condition is set such that a game value quantitatively given to a user according to a game operation is associated with the special user, and the rank assigning means is an amount of game value associated with the special user. The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-6 which ranks a user according to.   The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a part of a group of users who can actually play the game by operating the game device is set as the special user.   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of game devices are connectable to a server device via the network, and the matching unit is provided in the server device. The present invention is applied to a game system including a plurality of game devices connected via a network, and each user of the plurality of game devices is shared with a computer included in the game system within a predetermined number of people. A matching control method for executing a matching procedure for participation in the computer,
Based on predetermined game conditions, a ranking procedure for ranking users is executed ,
In the matching procedure,
When a special user who wants to play the common game together from other users participates in the common game, the rank assigned by the rank assigning procedure is given priority to a user having a predetermined rank or higher. Causing the computer to execute a priority matching procedure for matching with the special user .
And in the priority matching procedure,
An operation amount specifying procedure for specifying a game operation amount when the special user is playing a game;
A matching control method for causing the computer to execute a priority range changing procedure for changing a range of ranks to be prioritized by a user who is a target of matching by the priority matching procedure according to the game operation amount.

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