JP6458234B1 - GAME SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM THEREOF - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to play a game within a reasonable range so as not to impair the operation rate or profitability while reducing a sense of burden when a plurality of players participate in the game. In a game system that provides a game in which a plurality of players PL1 to PL4 can participate and play in exchange for payment of a consideration PF, the minimum unit necessary for playing the game is paid. On the condition that the player can play the game by a plurality of players PL1 to PL4, and the play range LF as a range in which each player PL1 to PL4 can play the game, the paid consideration and the number of players And a means for setting the play range LF of each player based on the paid consideration and the number of players, and a means for causing each player PL1 to PL4 to play the game in the set play range LF. Is provided. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system that allows a game to be played on condition of payment of consideration.

  In a game system that collects a fee for playing a game, a play fee per player is generally set. When a plurality of players play a common game, it is essential to pay a play fee corresponding to the product of the play fee per person and the number of players. A game system is also known that accepts an entry of another player in response to the first player paying a fee (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3818775

  When one player recognizes that a plurality of players participate in the game only with consideration to be paid when playing the game, the financial burden per player is relatively reduced, and the game is played alone. Inequality and unfairness arise in comparison with cases. In addition, since arcade games such as so-called arcade games occupy at least a part of the game machine for each player, if it is assumed that a plurality of players can play the game for the price of one person, the profit of the game machine Sex is reduced. On the other hand, if you want to pay for the number of players who participate in the game, the absolute value of the consideration will be large, which will be a factor to hesitate to participate in the game, so that multiple players can play simultaneously However, even if a game machine is configured, it may not be fully utilized, and there may be a problem that the operating rate of the game machine decreases. Note that the game system of Patent Document 1 only changes the entry acceptance time according to the number of players participating in the game, and it is unclear how the billing for the second and subsequent players is set. Further, in the game system of Patent Document 1, the range of play provided to the player is the same regardless of the number of participants.

  Therefore, the present invention allows a plurality of players to play a game within a reasonable range so as not to impair the operation rate or profitability while reducing a sense of burden when a plurality of players participate in the game. An object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can be used.

  A game system according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system that provides a game that a plurality of players can participate in and play in exchange for payment of a price, and is the minimum required to play the game On the condition that the consideration of the unit is paid, the play permission control means for allowing the plurality of players to play the game, and the play range as a range in which each player can play the game includes the paid consideration and the above The play range setting means for setting the play range of each player based on the paid consideration and the number of players, and the play range setting means set so as to change according to the number of players. Play control means for causing each player to play the game within a range.

  A computer program for a game system according to an aspect of the present invention provides a computer provided in a game system that provides a game that a plurality of players can participate and play in exchange for payment of the game. Play permission control means for allowing the plurality of players to play the game on condition that the minimum unit price necessary for playing is paid, and a play range as a range in which each player can play the game, Play range setting means for setting the play range of each player based on the paid consideration and the number of players, and the play range setting means so as to change according to the paid consideration and the number of players. Play control means for causing each player to play the game within the range set by the range setting means; and Those that are configured to function Te.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The perspective view of the game machine contained in the game system of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the process sequence of the game provided with the game machine of FIG. The figure which shows an example regarding the setting of life. The figure which shows an example regarding a privilege. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control system of a game machine. The functional block diagram which shows an example of the specific structure of the game control part of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the play start control process performed in a game control part. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the play range control process performed in a game control part.

  Hereinafter, an example of a game system including a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, and a plurality of game machines 3 and a plurality of user terminal devices 4 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. In addition, a user's term is a general term of the person who uses the game system 1, and the user who uses the game machine 3 may be called a player especially below. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B... As a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured 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 (an example of consideration). Yes. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 6 for the purpose of making a large number of users play a game repeatedly to increase profits. The game machine 3 is configured such that a plurality of players can participate in and play a common game. The game provided by the game machine 3 may be selected as appropriate. In the game machine 3 according to the present embodiment, a game configured to selectively play a plurality of mini games is provided as an example. This point will be described later.

  The user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is provided 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.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of one game machine 3. The game machine 3 in the illustrated example has a housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a monitor 11 for displaying a game image, and a control panel 12 is provided in front of and below the monitor 11. The control panel 12 is provided with a plurality of, for example, four stations ST1 to ST4. Hereinafter, the stations ST1 to ST4 may be collectively referred to as a station ST. Each station ST is set as a place where one player plays a game. Therefore, a maximum of four players can play a game at the same time on one game machine 3. Each station ST is provided with an input device 13 that receives an operation of the player. As an example, the input device 13 includes a pair of left and right button switches 14L and 14R, and a single wheel switch 15 disposed behind the button switches 14L and 14R. The button switches 14L and 14R output signals corresponding to the player's pressing operation. The wheel switch 15 outputs a signal corresponding to each of the rotation operation and the pressing operation by the player. However, the configuration of the input device 13 may be changed as appropriate. The number of stations ST may be changed as appropriate. The control panel 12 is further provided with a card reader 16 and a coin slot 17. The card reader 16 is a device that reads information necessary for user authentication and payment using an electronic currency for a play fee from a recording medium such as a card possessed by the user. However, the card reader 16 may have a writing function for overwriting information on a recording medium possessed by the user. That is, the card reader 16 may function as a reader / writer. The coin slot 17 is provided as a slot for coins as currency, medals as alternative currency, and tokens. Further, speakers 18 are provided on the left and right sides of the monitor 11.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, characteristics relating to a game procedure in the game machine 3 will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of game processing in the game machine 3. The game provided by the game machine 3 includes an entry stage, an initial setting stage, a stage of playing at least one stage, a continuation stage, and a continuation setting stage. Hereinafter, each step will be described in order.

  The entry stage is a stage for accepting entry (participation) of the user into the game, and is started by payment of a play fee. In FIG. 3, the entry of the entry is started when one player PL1 pays the play fee PF, and the three players PL2, PL3, and PL4 perform the necessary operations for the entry accordingly, so that a total of four players are received. The players PL1 to PL4 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the player PL) enter the game. There may be two or more players PL who pay the play fee PF, but as a result of the coin slot 17 being shared between the four stations ST, coins (or substitutes) are inserted into the coin slot 17. However, the game machine 3 cannot specify which player PL pays. Therefore, it does not matter which player PL paid the play fee. In payment using electronic currency, it may be possible to determine the subject of the fee payment, but even in that case, it does not matter which player PL paid the play fee.

  A unit is set for the play fee to be paid at the entry stage (that is, at the start of the game). For example, 100 yen is set as one unit. In the game machine 3, play is permitted by paying one unit of play fee regardless of the number of players PL entering the game. That is, the amount of the play fee of one unit corresponds to the minimum unit amount that should be permitted to play the game. When the play fee of the minimum unit is paid, a plurality of players PL can play a game at the same time within a range up to the number of stations ST. For example, when one unit is set to 100 yen, a maximum of four players PL can play a game when a play fee of 100 yen is paid. Of course, it is allowed to play the game with only one player PL. In addition, although it may be possible to pay a play fee of two units or more at the start of entry, it may be possible to pay only for one unit of play fee.

  In the entry stage, user authentication using the card reader 16 is also performed as necessary. For example, the player PL holds the card on which the identification information for user authentication is held over the card reader 16 to cause the game machine 3 to read the identification information, and then the player PL makes an input device 13 of any station ST. When a predetermined operation is performed, a correspondence relationship is set between the user identification information and the station ST. The entry stage is completed when a predetermined time limit elapses or a confirmation operation by the player PL is performed.

  At the initial setting stage, a process of dividing the players PL entered in the game into teams is performed. For example, in FIG. 3, the players PL1 and PL2 are divided into the team TM1, and the players PL3 and PL4 are divided into the team TM2. A team is an example of a group as a unit to compete for game play. That is, the game of the game machine 3 is advanced so as to compete for scores and the like between teams. The number of teams is not limited to two, and the number of players PL in the same team may be changed as appropriate. For example, when three players PL enter the game, a total of three teams may be provided by assigning one player PL per team. It is not always necessary for the number of players PL of each team to be set equal to each other. For example, when four players PL enter the game, two players PL may constitute one team, and the remaining players PL may be divided into different teams one by one. Alternatively, three players PL may constitute one team, and the remaining one player PL may constitute another team. Alternatively, a total of four teams may be provided by dividing the player PL into different teams.

  In the initial setting stage, a life LF is set for each player PL. The life LF is an example of an index value that defines a range (play range) in which each player PL can play a game. The life LF gradually decreases as the game is played, and when the value of the life LF reaches a predetermined value, the game is temporarily ended. That is, when the life LF is exhausted, subsequent play is restricted. For example, when the play of the player PL satisfies a predetermined consumption condition, a predetermined amount of the life LF is consumed, and when the life LF reaches a predetermined lower limit value (for example, 0), the game is temporarily ended. The life LF is managed separately for each player PL. The player PL is allowed to continue playing the game by paying a predetermined continue fee, which will be described later. The value of the life LF set at the initial setting stage is set based on the play fee paid by the player PL and the number of players PL entering the game. Further, the value of the life LF is set equal to each player PL. For example, when the play fee is the same, the default life LF is set smaller as the number of players PL increases. On the other hand, when the number of players PL is the same, the default life LF is set larger as the play fee increases.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of life in the initial setting. In the example of FIG. 4, when a play fee of 100 yen equivalent to one unit is paid at the entry stage, if the number of players PL is one, 5 lives, if two players, 3 lives, In the case of 2 people, 1 life is set. That is, when four players PL, the maximum number of players, play a game by paying the minimum unit play fee, the life is set to 1 which is the minimum value. As the number of players PL decreases, the value of life given by the initial setting increases. When the payment of a play fee of two or more units is permitted, the life value may be set to increase by an integral multiple from the setting example of FIG. 4 according to the number of units of the paid play fee. Note that FIG. 4 is an example, and the index value may be appropriately set according to the paid play fee and the number of players PL. In order to make the burden on the payment amount of the play fee per player equal, the value obtained by dividing the paid play fee by the number of players PL (that is, the payment amount of the play fee per person) is large. The life should just be set so that the set value of life increases, that is, the play range is expanded. The index value is not limited to the example expressed by the word “life”. The index value may be expressed by appropriate words such as physical strength and hit points. Further, the index value may be expressed using the number of stages, dungeons or other units that can be divided, which means a game break. For example, the index value can be set to 5 stages and 3 stages. The amount of the play fee paid may be an amount corresponding to the sum when a plurality of players PL have paid the play fee.

  When paying a play fee by inserting coins (or alternatives) into the coin slot 17, the payable play fee is an integral multiple of the minimum unit, but when paying a play fee using electronic currency It is possible to pay the play fee in finer units as compared with the payment by coins. For example, when the unit of payment using coins is set to 100 yen, the play fee can be paid in fine units such as 10 yen or 1 yen when paying with electronic currency. In such a case, while setting the minimum unit to be the same as the minimum unit amount of payment by coins, the amount of play fee actually paid is divided by the minimum unit amount to calculate the payment ratio, A process of increasing the life setting value according to the magnification may be performed. For example, when the minimum unit is set to 100 yen and there is a payment of 150 yen, the life setting value can be calculated by setting the payment rate to 1.5. However, even if payment is made using electronic currency, payment can be made only with the minimum unit play fee as with coins, or the play fee can be paid only by an integral multiple of the minimum unit. May be set.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. When team division and life are set at the initial setting stage, the game proceeds to the stage of playing the stage and game play is started. At each stage, one of the mini-games prepared from a plurality of types of mini-games is provided according to the selection of the player PL or according to the selection of the game machine 3. To play the same mini game. In the mini game, for example, at least one of the button switches 14L and 14R of the input device 13 is pushed down, or the wheel switch 15 is rotated or pushed in continuously, and according to those operations. The content may be relatively simple and easy to understand such that the score is gradually added. Note that the mini game and the stage do not need to be associated one-on-one. For example, one type of mini game may include a plurality of stages, or a plurality of types of mini games may be provided in one stage.

  The play result of the mini game in each stage is calculated for each player PL separately (or independently), for example, as a score acquired in the mini game. Further, the score for each team is also calculated based on the score for each player PL. The result for each team is indicated by the gauge amount of the evaluation gauge EG, for example. The gauge amount of the evaluation gauge EG may be, for example, a cumulative value of scores acquired by the player PL in the same team. The larger the gauge, the better the team's performance. The game is advanced by competing between the teams for the value of the evaluation gauge EG. The life LF of each player PL is consumed (subtracted) appropriately for each player PL according to the play result of the mini game. For example, the value of the life LF is reduced by 1 for the player PL that satisfies a predetermined consumption condition in the mini game. The consumption condition is satisfied when, for example, the lowest score is recorded among the players PL, or when the score of the mini game does not reach a predetermined level, for example, a standard score that should be cleared of the mini game, As described above, it may be set as a penalty when the score of the mini game is relatively inferior among players or inferior to an absolute standard. The consumption condition may be set so as to be satisfied for at least one player PL in at least one stage. Depending on the result of each player PL, it may not be satisfied for any player PL, or all players may be satisfied. You may set so that the case where PL is materialized may arise. When the consumption condition is satisfied for at least one player PL in each stage, for example, if 1 life is set for each player PL in the initial setting stage, at least one player PL is played in the first stage. The game will end once the range is exhausted. The consumption of the life LF is controlled according to the rules defined in the mini game regardless of the value of the life LF given in the initial setting. Therefore, as the life LF given by the initial setting is smaller, the possibility that the life LF disappears and an opportunity for continuing is generated earlier increases.

  In the example of FIG. 3, it is assumed that a plurality of stages are sequentially played from the first stage 1 (first stage), and that the life LF has disappeared (that is, the life LF has decreased to 0) with respect to the player PL2 in the stage M. The game advances to a stage for accepting continue (continuation of the game) regarding the player PL2. At the stage of accepting a continuation, payment of a continuation fee is requested for the player PL whose life LF has disappeared. When a predetermined confirmation operation is performed on the input device 13 of the station ST of a player PL (hereinafter, referred to as a continuation target player PL) for which a predetermined continuation fee has been paid and the life LF has disappeared. The game play by the player PL is allowed to continue. Regarding the players PL other than the continuation target player PL, the game can be continuously played as long as the player's life LF does not disappear regardless of whether or not the continuation target player PL continues to play.

  As an example, the continue fee may be set to the same amount as the minimum unit in the initial setting stage. However, in the case of payment by electronic currency, the payment of the continue fee may be allowed in a smaller amount than the minimum unit amount. Note that the payment of the continue fee should be made by the player PL to be continued whose life LF has disappeared. However, as described above, even if a coin or the like is inserted into the coin slot 17, it is not possible to specify which player PL pays. Therefore, if the continue fee is paid, the subject of the payment may be unquestioned. In the case of payment using electronic currency, the subject of payment may be unquestioned, payment by the player PL to be continued may be required, or alternative payments by other players PL are allowed. May be.

  If the game is allowed to continue (continuation of play), the process proceeds to the continuation setting stage. In the continuation setting stage, an amount of life LF corresponding to the continuation fee paid is newly added for the player PL to be continued, and the life LF of the player PL is recovered. Further, when the continue fee is paid, a privilege is given to the continuation target player PL. Furthermore, a privilege is also given to other players PL belonging to the same team as the continuation target player PL. In the example of FIG. 3, a privilege is given to each of the player PL2 who is permitted to continue playing the game and the other players PL1 belonging to the same team TM1 as the player PL2. The privilege for the continuation target player PL may be set so that a situation advantageous to the player PL occurs in the play after the continuation so as to give a motivation to pay the continue fee.

  An example of a privilege for the player PL to be continued is shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, a plurality of types of benefits A to D are prepared. As privilege A, “decrease in penalty in the next stage” is set. The penalty here is a decrease in life, and a decrease in penalty means that an advantageous treatment is made regarding the decrease in life. For example, when the play result in the mini-game should reduce the life, the amount of decrease in the life is reduced or the life is not decreased. However, such handling is limited to the “next stage”, that is, the stage played first after the continuation. As privilege B, in addition to a decrease in penalty in the next stage, “score up” in the subsequent stage is set. The score-up means that, for example, the score calculation rule is changed so that the player PL can obtain a higher score after the next stage. However, the range in which the effect of increasing the score continues is limited. As the privilege C, “3 stage continuation penalty penalty” is set. This means that “penalty reduction” is handled continuously in three stages played after the continuation. As privilege D, “score up” is set in addition to “penalty reduction by continuing 3 stages”. The value of each of the privileges A to D, that is, the advantageous influence on the play of the game after the continuation is different between the privileges, and the value gradually increases in the order of the privileges A, B, C, and D. Which kind of privilege is granted by payment of the continue fee may be selected by an appropriate method. For example, any of benefits A to D may be selected by lottery. Alternatively, the privilege may be selected in association with the number of payments of the continue fee so that a privilege with higher value is given as the payment of the continue fee is repeated. In addition, the privilege of FIG. 5 is an example to the last, and the content of a privilege is not restricted to this. For example, an item that can be used at an arbitrary timing during play or at a predetermined timing may be given as a privilege. Instead of or in addition to the benefits related to play, a form that provides benefits not related to play, such as provision of digital content, provision of articles such as cards, etc. may be adopted.

  On the other hand, the privilege to be given to another player PL may be related to game play or may not be related to game play. Further, the privilege for the other player PL may be the same as the privilege for the continuation target player PL, or may be differentiated. For example, regarding the other players PL, any of the benefits A to D in FIG. 5 may be applied to the next and subsequent stages. Alternatively, a privilege that a predetermined amount of life of another player PL is recovered may be given.

  Regardless of whether or not continuation of play is permitted for the continuation target player PL, when the continuation stage and the continuation setting stage (however, only when the continuation fee is paid) are passed, The game proceeds to the next stage. Thereafter, as long as the life LF of any player PL does not disappear, or even if the life LF remains, the stage play is repeated until the number of times played reaches a predetermined number. When continuation is permitted for the continuation target player PL, the mini game of each stage is played so as to include the player PL. If the continue fee has not been paid, it is considered that the player PL to be continued has left the game, and the subsequent stages are played between the remaining players PL.

  In the above example, it is possible to play a common game among a plurality of players PL by paying the minimum unit play fee necessary for playing the game. In a conventional game machine, the minimum unit play fee is set as a play fee per person, and when a plurality of players PL play a game, the minimum unit charge is multiplied by the number of players. It is customary to pay for this. Compared to such a conventional example, according to the above example, the financial burden when a plurality of players PL play a game is reduced, and the barriers related to entry into the game are reduced, so that the plurality of players PL Can provide an environment where users can easily enjoy games. On the other hand, the value of the life LF given by the initial setting is set smaller as the number of players PL who entered the game is larger. For this reason, the greater the number of players PL, the earlier the play range runs out and the opportunity for continuation occurs. Therefore, even if the payment amount of the play fee per person at the time of entry is reduced, a decrease in the revenue amount per unit time of the game machine 3 is suppressed by early payment of the continue fee. Therefore, the operating rate of the game machine 3 can be increased or the profitability can be improved. It is also possible to suppress or eliminate the risk of unfairness and inequality associated with the play range.

  On the other hand, when the continue fee is paid, a privilege is given to the continuation target player PL. Since the privilege is advantageous in the mini-game play in the next and subsequent stages, for example, in the player PL where the life LF has been lost by losing the mini-game, the next stage is played in an advantageous situation to earn a score. Can be motivated to motivate the payment of the continuation fee. In addition, when the continue fee is paid, a privilege is also given to other players PL in the same team. As a result, the player PL, which is the continuation target, can be conscious of contributing to the other player PL, thereby giving stronger motivation regarding the payment of the continue fee.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the game machine 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a main part in the control system of the game machine 3. The game machine 3 is provided with a control device 20 and a storage device (storage means) 21. The control device 20 is configured as a computer in which a microprocessor and peripheral devices such as internal storage devices (ROM and RAM) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. The storage device 21 is a non-volatile storage device capable of storing data such as a hard disk storage device or a flash memory. The storage device 21 stores a game program PG to be executed by the control device 20 and game data DG to be referred to by the program PG. The game program PG includes a mini game module Pm for providing each of a plurality of types of mini games, and the game data DG includes data Dm for each mini game to be referenced in each mini game module Pm. Further, the play data DP is also recorded in the storage device 21 as appropriate. The play data DP is data that stores a player's play history, and is stored in the center server 2 in association with user identification information. When the player performs user authentication on the game machine 3, the play data DP is provided from the center server 2 to the game machine 3 and recorded in the storage device 21. By referencing the play data DP on the game machine 3, the player can play the game from the previous game, or record the play history of the current game in the play data DP and store it in the center server 2. It becomes possible.

  The control device 20 is connected to the input device 13 for each station ST shown in FIG. 2, the card reader 16, and the coin selector 22 as input devices. The coin selector 22 discriminates the type of coin (or its substitute) inserted from the coin slot 17 and provides the control device 20 with a signal indicating the type and number of coins inserted. The control device 20 is connected to the monitor 11 and the speaker 18 shown in FIG. 2 as output devices. In addition to the above, an input / output device such as a network control device for controlling communication with the center server 2 is connected to the control device 20, but illustration of them is omitted.

  The control device 20 is provided with a game control unit 23 as a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources and a game program PG as software. FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the game control unit 23. The game control unit 23 includes a charge management unit 25, an entry management unit 26, a play range control unit 27, a play control unit 28, and a privilege control unit 29 as further logical devices. The charge management unit 25 refers to the output of the coin selector 22, the card reader 16, and the input device 13 of each station ST, and performs processing necessary for charging the player, in other words, collecting the play fee and continue fee from the player. . The entry management unit 26 executes the process at the entry stage described with reference to FIG. 3, that is, the process necessary for accepting entry into the game with reference to the output of the input device 13. The play range control unit 27 manages life as an example of an index value that determines the play range of each player. That is, the play range control unit 27 executes processing such as setting of life at the start of the game, life updating according to play at each stage, and recovery of life at continuation. The play control unit 28 selects a mini game to be played at each stage, and calculates a mini game score while referring to the output of the input device 13, and executes processes related to the mini game play at each stage. . The play range control unit 27 and the play control unit 28 appropriately access the log data LG to read or update it. The log data LG is data in which the processing content of the play range control unit 27 or the play control unit 28 is recorded as a game history, and is held in the internal storage device of the control device 20. The log data LG may be recorded in the storage device 21 as necessary. Further, at least part of the information of the log data LG may be recorded in the play data DP as necessary. It should be noted that the processing histories of the charge management unit 25 and the entry management unit 26 may be recorded in the log data LG as necessary.

  Next, an example of a game control procedure in the game control unit 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows an example of the procedure of a play start control process executed by the game control unit 23 in order to start playing the game. The play start control process in FIG. 8 is started when the player performs an operation necessary for payment of the play fee on the game machine 3. For example, the processing of FIG. 8 may be started when the player inserts coins into the coin slot 17 or performs an operation for starting payment by electronic currency. In the process of FIG. 8, the charge management unit 25 first determines whether or not the minimum unit play fee has been paid with reference to the output signal of the coin selector 22 or the card reader 16 (step S1). When based on the output signal from the coin selector 22, it may be determined whether or not a coin corresponding to the minimum unit has been inserted. In the case of payment by electronic currency, for example, it may be determined whether or not the play fee corresponding to the minimum unit has been successfully consumed based on information read from the card reader 16. In addition, a publicly known method may be appropriately used for settlement using electronic currency. For example, when balance information of monetary value is recorded on a storage medium such as a card possessed by the player and the play fee is collected by consuming the balance, the card reader 16 is provided with a writer function, and the user's A play fee may be collected by overwriting a balance recorded on a card or the like. Alternatively, when the balance information of monetary value is held in the center server 2 in association with the user identification information recorded in the storage medium possessed by the player, the identification information is read via the card reader 16; What is necessary is just to consume the monetary value equivalent to the play fee from the balance information corresponding to the identification information. As a mechanism that enables payment using electronic currency, a reader that outputs a signal equivalent to the coin selector 22 to the control device 20 on the condition that electronic currency corresponding to the payment amount by coins or the like has been consumed. There is also an example in which a payment terminal device is provided. Such an example may be adopted in the game machine 3 of the present embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S1 that the fee has not been paid, the game control unit 23 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the play fee of at least the minimum unit amount has been paid, the charge management unit 25 notifies the entry management unit 26 to that effect. In response to this, the entry management unit 26 executes user authentication relating to the user who has paid the play fee (step S2). In the user authentication, the user identification information is read from a storage medium such as a card possessed by the player, provided to the center server 2 to obtain the play data DP from the center server 2, and the play data DP to the center server 2 This is a process for enabling the storage of. In the user authentication, a predetermined selection operation is performed on the input device 13 in any station ST in association with the reading operation of the identification information in order to specify which station ST the authenticated user plays in. The player is instructed to perform When the player performs a selection operation at any of the stations ST in response to the instruction, the station ST and the user identification information are associated with each other and recorded in the internal storage device of the game machine 3. User authentication is not essential, and may be omitted if the player does not want it or if the player has not obtained identification information. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which user authentication is performed only for the first player in step S2.

  When the user authentication process is finished, the entry management unit 26 starts counting the time limit set for the entry process (step S3). Subsequently, the entry management unit 26 accepts entries from the second and subsequent players (step S4). For example, an entry is accepted by a player who wishes to enter by performing a predetermined participation operation on the input device 13 of the station ST to which no player has been assigned yet. At this time, user authentication may be performed for the second and subsequent players by causing the card reader 16 to read the identification information. After the entry acceptance is started, the entry management unit 26 determines whether or not a predetermined time limit has elapsed based on the time value started in step S3 (step S5). If not, the entry management unit 26 determines whether there is an entry from another player (step S6). If there is no entry, the process returns to step S5. If it is determined in step S6 that there is an entry from another player, the entry management unit 26 determines whether or not an entry confirmation operation has been performed by any player (step S7). If the confirmation operation has not been performed, the entry management unit 26 returns to the process of step S5.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the time limit has elapsed, or if it is determined in step S7 that the confirming operation has been performed, the entry stage is completed, and the entry management unit 26 selects the players who have entered so far. Confirm as a participant in the game. Thereafter, the entry management unit 26 divides the determined players into teams (step S8), and further provides the entry result to the play range control unit 27. The play range control unit 27 sets a life for each player based on the determined number of players and the play fee paid in step S1 (step S9). The setting may be as described with reference to FIG. Note that additional payment of the play fee may be allowed or not until the entry is confirmed. When additional payment is permitted, the life may be set according to the play fee including the additional payment.

  When the life is set, the play range control unit 27 provides the entry result and the set value of the life to the play control unit 28 to instruct the start of play (step S10). Thereby, the initial setting of FIG. 3 is completed, and the game processing proceeds to the stage where each stage is sequentially played. The play control unit 28 performs selection of a mini game in each stage, calculation of a score according to a player's operation, and the like. When play start is instructed in step S10, the process in FIG. 8 ends.

  FIG. 9 shows a play range control process performed by the game control unit 23 to manage a life value as an example of the play range. The process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly performed by the game control unit 23 during the game play, that is, while each stage is sequentially played in FIG. For example, the process of FIG. 9 is performed when the play of each stage is completed. However, the process of FIG. 9 may be repeatedly executed even during stage play. When the processing of FIG. 9 is started, the play range control unit 27 first acquires the play status of each player from the play control unit 28 (step S21). Next, the play range control unit 27 updates the life value of each player according to the acquired play situation (step S22). For example, for a player that satisfies a predetermined consumption condition, the life value is updated by 1 at the end of the stage, and for a player that does not satisfy the consumption condition, the life value is maintained at the same value.

  Next, the play range control unit 27 determines whether or not a predetermined addition condition is satisfied based on the play situation acquired in step S21 (step S23). The addition condition will be described later. When the addition condition is not satisfied, the play range control unit 27 determines whether or not there is a player whose life value has disappeared, that is, has reached 0 (step S24). When there is a player whose life has disappeared (a player to be continued), the play range control unit 27 notifies the play control unit 28 to that effect, holds the progress to the next stage, and continues. The process is started (step S25). Along with the start of the continuation process, the play range control unit 27 starts measuring the time limit assigned to the continuation process, and charges the continuation target player with a predetermined continuation fee to the charge management unit 25. To instruct. Next, the play range control unit 27 determines whether or not the time limit that has started counting in step S25 has elapsed (step S26). If the time limit has not elapsed, the charge management unit 25 sets a predetermined continuation fee. It is determined whether or not payment has been accepted (step S27). If the continue fee has not been paid, the play range control unit 27 returns to the process of step S26.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the time limit has elapsed, or if it is determined in step S27 that the continuation fee has been paid, the play range control unit 27 determines the life corresponding to the continuation fee for the continuation target player. Are added (step S28). The life of the continuation target player is recovered by the process of step S28, and the player can continue to play the next and subsequent stages. When the process of step S28 ends, the play range control unit 27 notifies the privilege control unit 29 that the continuation fee has been paid and the continuation of the player can be continued. The privilege control unit 29 receives the notification and gives a privilege to the continuation target player (step S29), and also gives a privilege to other players belonging to the same team as the player (step S30). The contents of the privilege can be appropriately set as described with reference to FIG. In the granting of the privilege, the privilege control unit 29 notifies the play range control unit 27 or the play control unit 28 of the privilege content, and the play range control unit 27 or the play control unit 28 reflects the notified privilege. This can be realized by executing. For example, if the penalty is reduced, the play range control unit 27 may limit the decrease in life in the subsequent processing of step S22. If the score is increased, the play control unit 28 adds the score of the player to be continued. Good.

  When the process of step S30 ends, the process related to the continuation and continuation setting is completed, and the play control unit 28 advances the process to the next stage play that has been suspended. In parallel with this, the play range control unit 27 records the current processing result in the log data LG as a continuation history (step S31). Thereby, the process of FIG. 9 is completed. When it is determined in step S23 that the addition condition is satisfied, the play range control unit 27 adds a predetermined value (for example, 1) to the lives of all players (step S32), and then proceeds to the process of step S31. . The addition condition is when the play situation of all the players reaches a special state, for example, when the total value of the scores of all the players participating in the game exceeds a predetermined reference value. It may be set to hold. When such an addition condition is set, for example, when the life of any player disappears at the stage of its establishment, the player is motivated to pay the continuation fee by attracting the satisfaction of the addition condition. It is possible to give If it is determined in step S24 that there is no player whose life has disappeared, the play range control unit 27 skips steps S25 to S30 and proceeds to step S31. When it is determined in step S36 that the time limit has elapsed, the play range control unit 27 determines that the continuation target player has not selected continue and has left the game, and notifies the play control unit 28 of this fact. (Step S33), and then the process proceeds to Step S31. Upon receiving the notification in step S33, the play control unit 28 excludes the withdrawn player and causes the remaining players to play the next and subsequent stages.

  The continuation history information recorded in the log data LG in step S31 in FIG. 9 can be used as information to be referred to when selecting a mini game in each stage by grasping the level of the continuation rate for each mini game. is there. For example, at the end of each stage, the play control unit 28 selects the next stage mini-game and gives a notice of this, and the result of whether or not the continuation target player has selected continue for the notice is played. It is discriminated by the range control unit 27 and recorded in the log data LG as a continue history. The record is associated with the type of mini game selected in the next stage. The continuation history is provided from the game machine 3 to the center server 2 at an appropriate timing and stored in the database. By referring to the database, it is possible to determine the level of the continuation rate for each mini game. Therefore, for example, in the game machine 3, when a continuation occurs with respect to any player, the possibility that the player selects the continuation by selecting a mini game having a relatively high continuation rate as a mini game of the next stage is selected. Thus, it is possible to improve the operating rate or profit rate of the game machine 3. In the case where one kind of mini game is played continuously over a plurality of stages, the notice of the mini game provided in the next stage is omitted, and the player's life is reduced and disappears in the near future. It is also possible to increase the possibility that the player selects the continuation by selecting a mini game having a relatively high continuation rate at an expected stage.

  In the above embodiment, the play range control unit 27 functions as an example of a play permission control unit by executing the process of step S10 in FIG. 8, and the play range setting unit by executing the process of step S9 in FIG. Functions as an example. As an example of the play control means, the play control unit 28 receives the instruction in step S10 in FIG. 8 to start play and temporarily holds the progress to the next stage in response to step S25 in FIG. Function. Furthermore, the entry management unit 26 functions as an example of a participation receiving unit by executing the processes of steps S2 to S7 in FIG.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and may be implemented with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the above form, the play range is set as life, and when the consumption condition is satisfied in the game play, the life is decreased by one. However, the control of the play range is not limited to such a form. Control may be applied such that the index value of the play range is decreased by a predetermined amount each time the game progresses within a certain range, and the life change amount (consumption amount as an example) per time is not limited to a constant value, but dynamically It may be changed. The change in the index value of the play range is not limited to a change that decreases the index value, but may be a change in the direction of increase.

  In the above embodiment, the game is advanced for each stage and the mini game is played for each stage. However, a common game in which a plurality of players participate is not limited to such an example. For example, the game may be configured to sequentially advance one type of game over a plurality of stages. In the above form, when the life is extinguished, the continuation of the play is not permitted unless the continuation fee is paid, thereby restricting the subsequent play of the player whose play range has been exhausted. However, the restriction temporarily ends the play. Not limited to examples. Even if the play itself is possible, some restrictions may be imposed on the play of the game as compared to before the end of the play range, such as the limit of score acquisition. In the above embodiment, the players are divided into teams in the initial stage. However, the team division process is not essential, and the game play may be started with this omitted. A common game in which a plurality of players participate is not limited to a battle-type game in which scores and the like are competing, and may be a game including elements that the players advance in cooperation. The game may be a mode in which each player plays in parallel or together, or may include a so-called turn-based element in which each player plays in order.

  In the above embodiment, the life value is updated every time the stage is finished. However, the play range may be changed at an appropriate timing while the game is being played. While the play range of some players is exhausted and the continue process is being executed, the progress of the game may be controlled so that other players continue to play the game.

  In the above form, the minimum unit of the play fee is set as the minimum amount necessary for one player to play the game, but the minimum unit price is not necessarily the price when one player is targeted. It may not be set to the minimum value of. For example, in the case of a game configured on the premise that at least two players participate and play, the initial amount of play fee required for the two players to play the game is the minimum unit. It may be set as a consideration for That is, the minimum unit price means the absolute minimum value of the price required to play the game provided by the game system, and does not vary according to the number of players.

  In the above embodiment, the play range is expressed by the value of life, but the concept of the play range should be regarded as the value provided to the player in exchange for the consideration. For example, the playable time length, the number of playable stages, and the like may be used as a measure of value, but the concept of the play range is not limited to such a measure. For example, in the case where a plurality of types of mini-games are prepared, even when the range of types of mini-games that can be selected by the player is increased or decreased, the value provided in exchange for consideration remains unchanged. Such an aspect is also included in the concept of play range. Instead of or in addition to the mini game, the play range such as the range of items that the player can use in the game may be set with an appropriate matter as a scale.

  In the above embodiment, a case where a plurality of players play a game at the same time on one stationary game machine has been described as an example. However, a plurality of game terminals connected via a network, as an example, FIG. The present invention is applicable even when each of the plurality of players uses the user terminal device 4 to play a common game. When playing a game using a plurality of stationary game machines connected via a network, or one or more stationary game machines and one or more user terminal devices 4 via a network The present invention can be applied even when connected to play a game.

  Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, the corresponding components illustrated in the attached drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not something.

  A game system according to an aspect of the present invention is a game system (1) that provides a game that a plurality of players (for example, PL1 to PL4 in FIG. 3) can participate and play in exchange for payment of a price. A play permission control means (27, S10) for allowing the plurality of players to play the game on condition that the minimum unit price necessary for playing the game is paid, and each player A play range (a life LF in FIG. 3 as an example) in which the game can be played varies depending on the paid consideration and the number of the plurality of players, and the paid consideration and the player Play range setting means (27, S9) for setting the play range of each player based on the number of players, and the range set by the play range setting means A play control means (28) for playing the game to each player, but with the.

  A computer system program for a game system according to an aspect of the present invention provides a game system in which a plurality of players (for example, PL1 to PL4 in FIG. 3) can participate and play in exchange for payment of a price. Play permission control means for permitting the plurality of players to play the game on condition that the computer (20) provided in (1) has paid the minimum unit price necessary for playing the game. (27, S10) The play range (the life LF in FIG. 3 as an example) in which each player can play the game changes according to the paid consideration and the number of the plurality of players. Play range setting means (2) for setting the play range of each player based on the paid consideration and the number of players. , S9), the play control means (28 and thereby play the game each player to the extent that the play range setting means has set), in which is configured to function as a.

  According to the above aspect, the game is allowed to be played by a plurality of players when the minimum unit price necessary for playing the game is paid. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a sense of burden of the price as compared with a case where the payment of the price obtained by increasing the price of the minimum unit according to the number of players is set as a condition for permitting play. On the other hand, by changing the play range according to the paid consideration and the number of players, a plurality of players can play a game within a reasonable range so as not to impair the operating rate or profitability of the game system. Is possible. It is also possible to suppress or eliminate the feeling of unfairness and inequality of the player regarding the burden of consideration, thereby enhancing the player's satisfaction and thereby enhancing the interest of the game.

  Note that the computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a state of being stored in a storage medium. By using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, the game system of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CDROM.

  In the above aspect, the play range setting means may set the play range such that the play range expands as the value obtained by dividing the paid consideration by the number of players increases. According to this, since the play range expands and contracts in accordance with the payment amount of the consideration per player, it is possible to play the game within a more reasonable range, and the player's unfair feeling regarding the burden of consideration, The feeling of inequality can be wiped off more effectively.

  In the above aspect, the play range setting means sets the play range by increasing or decreasing an index value (for example, a life value) that defines the play range in accordance with the paid consideration and the number of players. At the same time, the index value may be distinguished and changed for each player in accordance with the play of each player, and subsequent play may be restricted for the player whose index value has reached a predetermined value. According to this, by controlling whether or not there is a restriction on play range play for each player, it is possible to reflect the play content of the player, the play result, or the like in the play range control. Therefore, it is possible to differentiate, for example, that a player who has performed well in a game can play without restriction over a longer time than a player with poor performance, thereby enhancing the interest of the game. .

  In the above aspect, it further comprises participation acceptance means (26, S2 to S7) for accepting participation in the game in response to payment of the consideration, wherein the play permission control means is for the player who accepted the participation. The play may be permitted. According to this, it is possible to create an opportunity for a plurality of players to participate in the game triggered by payment of the minimum unit price. Since it is a condition of play permission that a minimum unit price is paid, it is not necessary to pay a new price by a player who wants to participate. Accordingly, each player can easily participate in the game without feeling resistance of the burden of consideration. Therefore, the frequency with which a plurality of players participate in the game can be increased, and the operating rate of the game machine can be increased accordingly.

  In the above aspect, payment exceeding the minimum unit is allowed, and the play range setting means increases the play range as the difference between the paid consideration and the consideration of the minimum unit increases. The play range may be set. In this case, the payment exceeding the minimum unit is allowed to be paid, and when such payment is made, the play range is set larger or wider depending on the difference from the consideration of the minimum unit. Thereby, it is possible to give flexibility to the player's selection regarding the payment of the value and to play the game in a range according to the player's request.

  In the above aspect, the consideration may be paid by electronic currency. Compared with physical payments using coins or their substitutes, electronic currency payments can ease physical constraints on units of payment. Therefore, the minimum unit is set smaller and the burden when starting to play the game is reduced, or if payment exceeding the minimum unit is allowed, flexibility is set for the difference, and according to the consideration Can be set more finely or flexibly than the play range to be set. Thereby, it is possible to provide a game system capable of flexibly changing the play range in response to the player's request.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Center server 3 Game machine 20 Control apparatus (computer)
23 game control unit 25 billing management unit 26 entry management unit (participation acceptance means)
27 Play range control unit (play permission control means, play range setting means)
28 Play control unit (play control means)
29 privilege control part

Claims (6)

A game system that provides a game that a plurality of players can participate and play in exchange for payment of a price,
On the condition that the minimum unit of money required to play the game by the minimum number of players required to play the game has been paid, the player is allowed to participate in the game with the minimum number of players. A play permission control means for accepting the participation of a larger number of players to be permitted and allowing the player who has accepted the participation to play the game ;
The play range as a range in which each player can play the game is changed according to the paid consideration and the number of players allowed to play the game, and the paid consideration and the player's Play range setting means for setting the play range of each player based on the number of persons;
Play control means for causing each player to play the game within the range set by the play range setting means;
A game system with   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the play range setting means sets the play range such that the play range expands as the value obtained by dividing the paid consideration by the number of players increases.   The play range setting means sets the play range by increasing or decreasing an index value that defines the play range according to the paid consideration and the number of players, and the index according to the play of each player The game system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a value is distinguished and changed for each player, and subsequent play is restricted for a player whose index value has reached a predetermined value. It is possible to pay the price exceeding the minimum unit,
The play range setting means sets the play range such that the play range expands as the difference between the paid consideration and the minimum unit consideration increases in comparison when the number of players is the same. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein payment of the consideration is enabled by electronic currency. A computer provided in a game system that provides a game in which a plurality of players can participate and play in exchange for payment;
On the condition that the minimum unit of money required to play the game by the minimum number of players required to play the game has been paid, the player is allowed to participate in the game with the minimum number of players. A play permission control means for accepting the participation of a larger number of players as permitted, and allowing the player who has accepted the participation to play the game ;
The play range as a range in which each player can play the game is changed according to the paid consideration and the number of players allowed to play the game, and the paid consideration and the player's Play range setting means for setting the play range of each player based on the number of players, and play control means for causing each player to play the game within the range set by the play range setting means,
A computer program for a game system configured to function as a computer program.

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