JP6671953B2 - Game system and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system or the like that controls the execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players who have been paid for and made a matching request.

  One of the popular genres in arcade game devices is a multiplayer online game that realizes multiplay by matching players using arcade game devices installed in different locations. Popular friends who have met each other through SNS (social networking service) can enjoy games online if they go to the nearest game center even if they are far away (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 1). 2).

JP-A-2005-070871 JP 2011-206484 A

  In general, arcade game devices compatible with multiplayer online games are also equipped with a single play mode in addition to the multiplay mode.For example, before starting a game, a player is required to perform matching with another player. Generally, an operation method for selecting one of a required multi-play mode and a single-play mode for playing with a computer is common. Since the opponent in the single play mode is a computer, it is a so-called 100% executable play mode. The multi-play mode can be said to be nearly 100% feasible unless conditions are imposed, but when trying to play a multi-play online game between friends, they may not always be able to play together. For example, if the promised friend did not use the arcade game device at the indicated timing, or if all the promised friends used the arcade game device but were not matched. And so on.

  That is, in the first place, in the conventional matching, the matching is randomly performed from the online players (matching candidates) who want the multi-play mode in the same manner. Therefore, even if friends go to the same game center together and use the arcade game device at the indicated timing, it is not always possible to play together.

  Even if the technology of Patent Literature 2 is applied, it is not always possible to play together reliably unless their friendliness is the highest. In addition, if friends in distant places use arcade game machines in different arcades, the probability of being able to play multiplayer online games together without knowing how busy each other's stores are (Certainty) is considerably lower.

  The use of arcade game devices generally involves paying for play in virtual currency or cash. If, after paying for the play, it becomes impossible to multiplay with the desired friend and to multiplay with others in red, the user will feel disappointed and betrayed.

  The present invention has been conceived based on such a background, and has been conceived for the purpose of proposing a technique in which friends in far places can enjoy a multiplayer online game more reliably using a commercial game device. It was done. Desirably, when paying an additional price for multi-play separately from the play price, even if multi-play cannot be realized together, the benefit of the additional price can be provided to the player.

A first invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a game system that controls execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means (for example, the arcade game machine 1300 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the game calculation unit 250, and the Step S100, Step S190),
Second game execution control means for controlling execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration (for example, the business game of FIG. 1) The apparatus 1300, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the multi-play online game execution unit 262, and steps S105 and S160 in FIG.
When,
A reservation matching control unit (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, the matching control unit 240, and the step S122 in FIG. 16) for controlling the matching by the participating players within a given matching validity period. To S128),
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. Content provision control means (for example, the arcade game device 1300 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the standby single play game setting unit 256, the standby single play game An execution unit 258, steps S108 to S112 in FIG. 15, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1, the server processing unit 200s in FIG.
It is a game system provided with.

  According to the first aspect, the players to be joined are matched with each other within a given matching validity period. Therefore, friends far apart can surely enjoy a multiplayer online game using the arcade game device. Furthermore, although the prospective player does not always go online within the validity period of the matching, there may be a waiting time until the player is matched. However, according to the first aspect, the content is separately provided to the player while waiting. it can.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reservation registration unit (for example, the server system 1100 in FIG. 1 and the server in FIG. A processing unit 200s, a reservation management unit 230, a reservation registration control unit 231, and steps S12 and S34 in FIG. 14). Is a game system according to the first aspect of the present invention, which controls the matching by the prospective players.

  According to the second aspect, it is possible to register the reservation date and time at which the player plays. Therefore, it is possible to more surely enjoy a multiplayer online game using arcade game devices with friends located far away.

  According to a third aspect, when the reservation matching control means receives a matching request by the scheduled participation players within a given matching validity period, the scheduled participation players are matched until a match between the scheduled participation players is established. The game system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the matching is set to a standby state to match the participating players, and when the matching validity period elapses in the standby state, the matching related to the reservation registration is not established. .

  According to the third aspect, when the matching validity period has elapsed, the content can be provided to the player waiting for the matching to the end. In other words, if multi-play cannot be realized together, the merit of the second payment can be provided to the player.

  A fourth invention is the game system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the content provision control means controls to provide a single play game as the content.

The content can be set as appropriate. For example, browsing of a moving image or a still image, provision of music, and the like may be performed.
According to the fourth aspect, a single play game can be provided as the content. That is, a game that does not require matching is provided. The content of the single play game may be different from the content and the theme of the content of the multiplayer online game, but is preferably related. For example, if the content of a multiplayer online game is to cooperate with the theme of hunting a giant monster, use a single-player game in which a small monster is hunted alone to practice how to use hunting equipment. Can be. If the multiplayer online game is a one-on-one fighting fighting game, it may be a single-play game in which the player fights with a computer-controlled character. In this case, according to the fourth aspect, the player in the standby state can wait while practicing.

  In the fifth invention, a single play game execution control unit (for example, the arcade game device 1300 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, and the waiting single play game execution unit 258) for controlling the execution of the single play game is provided. Further, the content provision control means provides a single play game as the content by the single play game execution control means with a special game setting (for example, the single play setting data 710 in FIG. Time 712, steps S108 to S112 in FIG. 15), which is the game system according to any one of the first to third inventions.

  According to the fifth aspect, the single-player game executed during the waiting for the matching based on the reservation of the multi-player online game has a more special game setting than the case where the single-player game is executed from the beginning. it can. If the registration is paid, the multiplayer online game will not always be 100% realized even if the reservation is made, so if it is not realized, the special settings will be defined to compensate for the paid portion. This is preferable.

  According to a sixth aspect, when the content provision control means provides the content until the matching validity period elapses and the content ending condition is satisfied in the standby state, the content provision control unit transmits the first content to the participation candidate player. When a reward is given and the provision of the content is interrupted by the matching relating to the reservation registration, a second benefit, which is inferior to the first benefit, is given to the prospective participation player, or the benefit is given. (Eg, steps S154 and S170 in FIG. 15).

  According to the sixth aspect, the difference between the privilege provided to the player when the content is provided only during the matching waiting time of the multiplayer online game and the case where the content is provided to the end because the matching validity period has elapsed is different. Can be attached. If the reservation registration is paid, the multi-player online game is not always realized 100% even if the reservation is made, so if the realization is not realized, the first privilege and It is preferable to define the difference from the second privilege.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, a preset setting grace period before starting the game play of the multiplayer online game related to the reservation registration is provided. Pre-setting control means for changing any of the time and the number of setting items (for example, the arcade game device 1300 in FIG. 1, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the multi-play online game setting unit 260, and the multi-play setting data 720 in FIG. 13) , Multi-play menu control setting data 722, and step S156 in FIG. 15).

  According to the seventh aspect, the setting of the time that can be spent in the game setting of the multi-play online game and the number of settable items can be changed depending on how far the play reservation has been performed from the reservation date and time. .

  For example, as an eighth invention, when the elapsed time satisfies a predetermined long-term condition, the pre-setting control means shortens at least the setting grace time than when the long-time condition is not satisfied. It is preferable to configure the game system of the seventh invention.

  According to the eighth invention, when the reservation execution is delayed to satisfy the long-time condition, by shortening the setting grace time, the overall time related to the multiplayer online game is reduced, and the player can use the game device. The occupation time can be prevented from being lengthened. Further, depending on the degree of shortening, it may have a meaning as a command to not keep the reservation on time.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an elapsed time until matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, privilege providing control means (for example, FIG. The game system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising the arcade game device 1300, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 12, the game calculation unit 250, the multi-play privilege grant control unit 264, and step S162 in FIG. It is.

  According to the ninth aspect, a privilege can be given to a participant of the multi-play online game depending on how far the play reservation has been performed from the reservation date and time.

  For example, as a tenth invention, it is preferable to configure a game system according to a ninth invention, wherein the privilege grant control means grants a privilege when the elapsed time satisfies a predetermined short time condition.

  According to the tenth aspect, when a participant gathers at the reservation date and time as promised and it is deemed that the reservation has been fulfilled on time, a privilege is given to give an incentive for reservation compliance.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, at the time of the reservation registration, even if the matching between the participating prospective players is not established, the consideration is consumed, and the provision of the content during the standby state is not performed. Presentation control means (for example, server system 1100 in FIG. 1, user terminal 1500, notice presentation unit 27 in FIG. 5, server processing unit 200s in FIG. 9, reservation management unit 230, reservation registration control unit 231, a presentation control unit 232, step S4) of FIG. 14.

  According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to clearly present to the player a cautionary note regarding the consumption of the price for the reservation registration.

  The play price of the first game can be set as appropriate. As a twelfth invention, there is provided a game system for controlling execution of a multi-play online game by matching players, and the first system which does not require payment of the price. First game execution control means for controlling the execution of the game, second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multi-player online game, in response to payment for payment, within a given matching validity period A reservation matching control means for controlling the matching by the scheduled participation player in the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective player and the matching is established. Performs control to suspend the provision of the content, and the matching fails. A content providing control means for controlling to continue the provision of the content if it is possible to configure a game system comprising a.

  Even in the twelfth invention in which the first game is free of charge, the same effect as the first invention can be obtained.

  A thirteenth invention is the game system according to any one of the first to twelfth inventions, wherein the matching validity period is a period set by a given number of trials of the matching process.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the matching validity period can be set by the number of times the matching process is tried.

  A fourteenth invention is a program for causing a computer to control execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players, wherein the first game controls execution of the first game in response to payment of a first consideration. Execution control means, second game execution control means for controlling execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to payment of a second consideration in addition to payment of the first consideration, given matching The reservation matching control means for controlling the matching by the scheduled participation player during the validity period, and during the waiting state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, the predetermined content is provided to the planned participation player and the matching is established. Control to interrupt the provision of the content when the matching has been performed, and the matching has failed. Content providing control means for controlling to continue to provide the content to case, a program for causing the computer to function as a.

  A fifteenth invention is a program for causing a computer to control the execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players, wherein the first game execution control means controls the execution of the first game which does not require payment of a fee. Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to payment of the price, and reservation matching control for controlling the matching by the prospective players within a given matching validity period. Means, during the waiting state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, providing a given content to the prospective player and performing a control to interrupt the provision of the content when the matching is established, and the matching is not established Control to continue providing the content when it becomes Is a program for causing the computer to function content provision control unit, as.

  According to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect, it is possible to realize a program that implements a function having the same effect as the first aspect on a computer.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of a game system. FIG. 1 is a front external view showing a configuration example of an arcade game device. FIG. 2 is a front external view illustrating a configuration example of a user terminal. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the mechanism of a friend matching reservation. The figure which shows the example of a structure of a reservation screen. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating fulfillment of a friend matching reservation. The conceptual diagram for demonstrating the treatment when a friend matching reservation cannot be fulfilled. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a user terminal. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a server system. The figure which shows the example of a data structure of user management data. The figure which shows the example of a data structure of friend matching reservation data. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the arcade game device. The figure which shows the example of a data structure of play data. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a user terminal and a server system related to setting of friend matching reservation. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing in the arcade game device related to game play based on friend matching reservation. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in a server system related to game play based on friend matching reservation. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a server system in a modified example in which main arithmetic processing of a multiplayer online game is performed by the server system. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of reservation extension and deletion processing.

  As an example of a game system to which the present invention is applied, as an example of a pay game mode in which the feasibility cannot be determined to be 100% at the time of selecting a play mode or paying a price, friends make reservations using an arcade game device. An example in which an online multiplayer game is executed based on this will be described. The game genre is not particularly limited as long as it is a multi-play game. For example, a battle game in which players compete one-on-one, a game in which a plurality of teams compete, or a game in which players cooperate to achieve a common goal may be used.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a game system 1000 according to the present embodiment.
The game system according to the present embodiment is installed in a server system 1100, a user terminal 1500 (1500A, 1500B,...) Used personally by the player 2, a store 3 (3A, 3B,. Arcade game device 1300 (1300A, 1300B, ...). The server system 1100, the arcade game device 1300, and the user terminal 1500 can be connected via the communication line 9 to perform data communication with each other.

  Although FIG. 1 shows two stores 3, two user terminals 1500, and two arcade game devices 1300, this is an example that is illustrated for easy understanding. In an actual operation mode, many terminals and devices are added to the game system, and the game system can be used by many users. For example, a plurality of arcade game devices 1300 may be installed in one store 3 and each may be communicatively connected to the server system 1100.

  The store 3 is described as a single store such as a game center in the present embodiment, but may be a store in a building such as a shopping center or a station building. Of course, the store may be divided into several sections (regardless of the same floor or another floor), and the installation location may be determined for each section. In addition, instead of a store, an event space provided at an event venue may be used.

  The communication line 9 means a communication path through which data communication is possible. That is, the communication line 9 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet. This means that the communication method may be wired or wireless.

  The server system 1100 includes, for example, a main body device 1101, a keyboard 1106, a touch panel 1108, and a storage 1140. A control board 1150 is mounted on the main body device 1101. The control board 1150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), various microprocessors such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. It is installed. Some or all of these may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array).

Then, the server system 1100 performs an arithmetic process on the control board 1150 based on a predetermined program and data,
1) A user management function such as assigning a unique player account (user ID) to the player 2 (2A, 2B,...) Through a predetermined registration procedure, and managing data relating to a virtual account for electronic payment. ,
2) a function to electronically settle payments and collections such as play price of the arcade game device 1300;
3) a function of providing data for realizing an online game to the arcade game device 1300;
4) a function for notifying each registered player 2;
And other functions.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the server system 1100 is described as a single unit. However, a plurality of blade servers are mounted to share various functions including the above 1) to 4), and the server system 1100 mutually exchanges data via an internal bus. A configuration in which communication is possible may be employed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of independent servers that are installed at remote locations and share the functions thereof perform data communication with each other via the communication line 9 to function as the server system 1100 as a whole. .

  FIG. 2 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the arcade game device 1300. The arcade game device 1300 is a computer and an electronic device (electronic device) that is connected to the communication line 9 and can access the server system 1100, and is installed in a store 3 such as a game center.

  The arcade game device 1300 according to the present embodiment includes a joystick 1302, a button switch 1304, a touch panel 1306 functioning as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1310, a deposit device 1330, a medium reading device 1344, And a control board 1350.

  The depositing device 1330 accepts a deposit of coins such as 50 yen, 100 yen or 500 yen, or bills such as 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 5000 yen or 10,000 yen, similarly to the conventional arcade game device 1300. Device.

  The medium reading device 1344 is a device that can read and write data from the electronic payment medium 6. The electronic payment medium 6 stores key data for using an electronic payment system using virtual currency (electronic money: valuable information).

  The electronic payment medium 6 may be any medium that can store information, and may be a dedicated medium such as an IC card or a small computer. The user terminal 1500 may also be used. Therefore, the medium reading device 1344 is realized by a device for performing data communication with the user terminal 1500, such as a short-range wireless device or an infrared communication device. Alternatively, it may be realized by a camera and an image processing circuit which image and read a barcode or the like displayed on the user terminal 1500.

  The key data includes, for example, a unique player account (user ID) set at the time of user registration, a unique medium ID (for example, a card ID for an IC card, a MAC address and a SIM for an information device such as a smartphone, etc.). Device-specific information such as a card ID).

  In the present embodiment, when the player obtains a player account (user ID) through a predetermined user registration procedure in advance, the player purchases a virtual currency separately and deposits it into his / her virtual account, and uses a unique medium of the electronic payment medium 6. The ID can be registered in association with its own player account (user ID). By registering the electronic payment medium 6 in association with the player account (user ID), the electronic payment medium 6 can be used to pay for play or purchase items that can be used in the game, as if it were a prepaid card. You can use it.

  The control board 1350 includes a CPU 1351, various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, various IC memories 1352 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, and a communication device module 1353 for communication connection with the communication line 9.

  In addition, a so-called driver circuit of the touch panel 1306, a circuit for receiving signals from the joystick 1302 and the button switch 1304, an output amplifier circuit for outputting an audio signal to the speaker 1310, and a signal input / output circuit for the deposit device 1330 and the medium reading device 1344. An I / F control IC 1357 (interface circuit) and the like are mounted. The respective components mounted on the control board 1350 are electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and transmit / receive signals. Note that a configuration in which part or all of the control board 1350 is realized by an ASIC or an FPGA may be employed.

  The control board 1350 executes / calculates the game program and controls each unit of the arcade game device 1300 in accordance with an operation input from the joystick 1302, the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306 to enable game play. The arcade game device 1300 according to the present embodiment stores necessary programs and various setting data in the IC memory 1352 in advance. However, the arcade game device 1300 may be configured to download the data from an external device such as the server system 1100 each time it is started. good.

  Note that the multi-player online game executed by the arcade game device 1300 may be an online type in which the main operation required for game progress control is executed by an external computer connected through communication, or a P2P (peer-to-peer) connection based on matching data. Any of the arcade game devices 1300 may be a P2P type in which calculations are shared and executed. In the present embodiment, the latter is used.

  Further, the depositing device 1330 and the medium reading device 1344 are not limited to a structure integrated with the housing 1301, but may be configured to be externally connected for communication. For example, a terminal device communicatively connected to the arcade game device 1300 is separately prepared (not shown). The terminal device may be provided with a depositing device 1330 and a medium reading device 1344, and the terminal device may be used as a game participation registration procedure to designate a business game device 1300 to be used and to pay for play.

FIG. 3 is a front external view showing a configuration example of the user terminal 1500.
The user terminal 1500 is a computer and an electronic device (electronic device) that is connected to the communication line 9 and can perform data communication with the arcade game device 1300 and the server system 1100. The user terminal 1500 of the present embodiment is a device that is classified as a so-called smartphone. However, as long as it is a computer that can be used personally, a portable game device, a stationary home game device, and a stationary home game device can be used. A device classified as a game controller, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, or the like may be used. The user terminal 1500 is not limited to a personal computer or a computer equivalent thereto, but may be an information communication device (for example, also referred to as a “multimedia terminal device”) that can be used by the public set in a general store or a public facility. Can also.

  The user terminal 1500 in this embodiment includes a direction input key 1502, a button switch 1504, a touch panel 1506 functioning as an image display device and a contact position input device, a speaker 1510, a built-in battery 1509, a microphone 1512, an image sensor It includes a unit 1520, a control board 1550, and a memory card reader 1542 that can read and write data from a memory card 1540 that is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a power button, a volume control button, and the like (not shown) are provided.

  The control board 1550 wirelessly communicates with the CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and a DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as a VRAM, a RAM, and a ROM, and a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN base station connected to the communication line 9. Wireless communication module 1553, etc. are mounted.

  In addition, the control board 1550 includes a driver circuit of the touch panel 1506, a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 1502 and the button switch 1504, an output amplifier circuit for outputting a sound signal to the speaker 1510, and a sound collected by the microphone 1512. A so-called I / F circuit 1557 (interface circuit) such as an input signal generation circuit for generating a signal, input of image data photographed and generated by the image sensor unit 1520, a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 1542, and the like. It is installed. In order to function as the electronic payment medium 6, a device or the like that performs non-contact communication with the medium reading device 1344 may be mounted.

  These components mounted on the control board 1550 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected so that data can be read / written and signals can be transmitted / received. Note that part or all of the control board 1550 may be configured by an ASIC or an FPGA.

  Then, the user terminal 1500 communicates with the server system 1100 based on predetermined programs and data, and executes a process for setting and registering reservation of a multiplayer online game with a friend, which will be described below. When functioning as the electronic payment medium 6, processing for providing the identification information (such as a player account) used for the reservation setting to the arcade game device 1300 can be further performed. Note that the program and various setting data are obtained from the server system 1100 or the like, but may be read from a storage medium such as a memory card 1540 which is separately obtained.

[Description of reservation of multiplayer online game]
By the way, the server system 1100 of the present embodiment has the following functions: 1) a player registration function, and 2) a friend registration function so that friends who are far apart can enjoy a multiplayer online game using the arcade game device. And 3) a reservation registration function for registering a matching reservation (hereinafter, referred to as “friend matching reservation”). The friend registration function is a function of registering, for each registered player, a player who is a friend (friend) of the registered player. The reservation registration function is a function for reserving that the player who is the reservation applicant and the scheduled participation player specified from the friends of the reservation applicant participate in the multiplay online game and play the game.

  FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for describing the mechanism of friend matching reservation in the present embodiment, and is described on the premise that two players, a friend 2A and a player 2B, who have a friend relationship reserve a multi-play online game.

It is assumed that the player 2A and the player 2B separately plan to play a game at a specific date and time via telephone, e-mail, SNS, or the like.
The player 2A communicates with the server system 1100 via the user terminal 1500A to set the reservation content of the multi-play online game. Specifically, when the user terminal 1500A executes a predetermined application program or accesses a website operated by the server system 1100, a reservation screen W2 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the user terminal 1500A.

On the reservation screen W2, for example,
1) an applicant account input unit 21 for inputting a player account of a reservation applicant (in this case, the player 2A);
2) a scheduled title selection unit 22 for selecting and specifying a game title to be played;
3) a reservation date and time input unit 23 for inputting a scheduled play start date and time;
4) a participant setting unit 24 for selecting a participant other than the applicant (player to participate) from the applicant's friend list (list of player accounts of other players registered as friends);
5) an established condition selection unit 25 for selecting an established condition for matching;
6) a reservation consideration presenting unit 26 for presenting consideration for the reservation setting;
7) a notice presenting section 27 for presenting notes on reservation;
8) Approval operation input section 28 for inputting selection operation for reservation application approval and reservation payment payment approval is displayed.

  By touching the applicant account input unit 21 and the reservation date and time input unit 23, a software keyboard is separately displayed so that a player account and date and time can be input.

  The scheduled title selection section 22 is provided with a title list display operation icon 30. By operating the icon, a game title that can be reserved can be displayed and selected.

  The participant setting unit 24 includes a participant addition operation icon 31 and a participant deletion operation icon 32. By operating the former, a friend list of the applicant is displayed, and a new participant can be selected from the list. The selected player account is displayed on the participant setting unit 24. By operating the latter, the account displayed on the participant setting section 24 can be arbitrarily selected or deleted. The applicant's player account is automatically incorporated into the participant and displayed.

The establishment condition selection unit 25 is provided with an establishment condition selection operation icon 33. When the icon is operated, a selection of the establishment condition of the matching is displayed in a pop-up, and the applicant selects one of the displayed options. it can.
The establishment condition referred to here is a criterion for determining how many participants can be matched at the reservation date and time and the applicant recognizes that the matching for the reservation has been established. Examples of the selection conditions include “all-participation” in which the players displayed in the participant setting unit 24 do not recognize that the match is established unless all the players can be matched, and a majority of the players displayed in the participant setting unit 24. For example, a "majority participation" that is recognized as being established by participation, a "minimum two participation" that is recognized as being established if at least two of the players displayed in the participant setting unit 24 can be matched can be set. Of course, options other than these can be set as appropriate.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the player 2 </ b> A inputs and selects the applicant account input unit 21, the scheduled title selection unit 22, the reservation date and time input unit 23, the participant setting unit 24, and the establishment condition selection unit 25. When the user operation is completed and a predetermined approval operation is input in the approval operation input unit 28, a user multi-play reservation registration request and information on the input contents on the reservation screen W2 are transmitted from the user terminal 1500A to the server system 1100. Records friend matching reservation data 630 storing the input contents on the reservation screen W2.

  However, at this stage, the reservation is only temporary registration, and the server system 1100 requests the designated notification destinations of all the players (in this case, the player 2B) of the account set by the participant setting unit 24 to approve the reservation contents. Is sent. It is preferable that the approval request appropriately include information such as the applicant, the reservation date and time, and the accounts of all the participants. The type of the designated notification destination can be appropriately set. For example, it is possible to use a notification function using an application that has made a reservation, an e-mail, an SNS account, an account of a short letter posting site, and the like.

Then, the server system 1100 receives a reply of approval / non-approval from the approval request destination, and if all the participants approve, it is regarded as "reservation finalized" and the reservation fee is collected.
The collection of the reservation fee consumes the virtual currency of the equal portion of the reservation fee from the virtual account of all the participants. If the reservation fee is the consumption of the item, a predetermined type of item is consumed by the participant's possession item by an equal portion of the reservation fee, and the reservation fee is collected. Then, a notice of reservation completion is transmitted to all participants. The reservation fee may be collected collectively from the applicant or collectively from one or several persons randomly selected from all the participants.

  If a reply from any participant is not obtained within a predetermined period or a non-approved reply is obtained, it is regarded as "reservation failed", the friend matching reservation data 630 is discarded, and all participants And sends a notification of reservation failure.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining fulfillment of a friend matching reservation.
The player 2A and the player 2B go to the store 3A and the store 3B, respectively, before the reservation date and time t0, and start using the arcade game device 1300A and the arcade game device 1300B, respectively.

  In the example shown in the figure, the player 2A finds a vacant arcade game device 1300A before the reservation date and time t0, inputs a player account on the electronic payment medium 6, selects a multi-play mode, and plays. Indicates that it has started. That is, on the game system, the player 2A is online. On the other hand, the player 2B has not yet started using the arcade game device 1300B at the reservation date and time t0 due to store congestion. That is, the player 2B remains off-line on the game system.

An effective period starting from the reservation date and time t0 is set in the friend matching reservation. The length of the validity period can be set as appropriate.
In the illustrated example, at the time of the reservation date and time t0, the player 2A is online on time, but is within the validity period of the friend matching reservation, and even if the multi-play mode is selected, the designated friend (this In this case, no matching is performed except for the player 2B), and the matching enters a standby state.

  Then, in the present embodiment, the player 2A can enjoy the alternative content while waiting. In other words, this is a pay game mode requiring an additional charge that is not executed unless a given start condition is satisfied, and the executable game is not 100% executable when the player selects the game mode. (Multi-play based on friend matching reservation in this embodiment) is selected, and during the waiting time until the start condition is satisfied (expiration date of friend matching reservation in this embodiment), the player in standby is paid for the additional charge. Alternative content can be provided as a corresponding service. The content of the alternative content can be set as appropriate. For example, it is possible to set viewing of a privilege video and game play in a single play mode. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user can wait while playing in the single play mode.

  The content of the single play game may be different in content and theme from the content of the multiplayer online game, but in the present embodiment, the content is set as a practice mode using the world view of the multiplayer online game as it is. For example, if the content of a multiplayer online game is to cooperate with the theme of hunting a giant monster, use a single-player game in which a small monster is hunted alone to practice how to use hunting equipment. Can be. If the multiplayer online game is a one-on-one fighting fighting game, it may be a single-play game in which the player fights with a computer-controlled character.

  The play time limit of the waiting single play game is longer than that of playing the single play game without reservation for friend matching. The length of the extension can be set as appropriate, but a length that is appropriate as a price for the reservation fee is preferable. It may be until the end timing of the valid period related to the reservation.

In FIG. 6, while the player 2B can safely go online at the time t1 while the player 2A plays the sing play game and waits, the server system 1100 here based on the friend matching reservation Is matched.
In the case of a two-player game (for example, a one-on-one match game), the matching is practically completed if two players go online, but in the case of a group match game, for example, the player 2A and the player 2B May be matched as the same team.

  When the reservation-based matching is established, the single play game played by the player 2A is interrupted. Then, the player 2A and the player 2B can enjoy the multiplayer online game by themselves as promised.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a case where a friend matching reservation cannot be fulfilled, and shows an example in which the player 2B is late.
It is assumed that the validity period of the friend matching reservation has already passed at the time t2 when the player 2B can go online.

  The friend matching reservation becomes invalid after the expiration date. Therefore, in this case, the player 2A is in a state of waiting for the matching while playing the single play game, but after all, the player 2A and the player 2B are not matched. In this case, the player 2A enjoys the single play mode until the play time extended from the normal single play mode and ends the play.

  From the viewpoint of the player 2A, the player has paid for the reservation and paid for the play in order to enjoy the multi-play with the player 2B, but has not fulfilled his wishes. However, the price paid for playing was a single-player game, and the price paid for the booking was paid (in this case, a longer single-play time), resulting in excessive disappointment and betrayal. The feeling and the sense of loss may be reduced.

[Explanation of functional configuration]
Next, an example of a functional configuration for realizing the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the user terminal 1500 according to the present embodiment. The user terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100t, a terminal processing unit 200t, a sound output unit 390t, an image display unit 392t, a communication unit 394t, and a terminal storage unit 500t.

  The operation input unit 100t outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 200t according to various operation inputs made by the player. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a gesture controller, and the like. In the example of FIG. 3, the direction input key 1502, the button switch 1504, and the touch panel 1506 correspond to this.

  The terminal processing unit 200t is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU and a GPU, and electronic components such as an ASIC, an FPGA, and an IC memory, and exchanges data with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100t and the terminal storage unit 500t. Performs input / output control. Then, based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100t, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, various arithmetic processes are executed to control the operation of the user terminal 1500. In the example of FIG. 3, the control board 1550 corresponds to this.

  Then, the terminal processing unit 200t of the present embodiment includes a user management request control unit 202, a reservation setting request control unit 204, a clock unit 206, a sound generation unit 290t, an image generation unit 292t, a communication control unit 294t. including.

  The user management request control unit 202 performs control on the user terminal 1500 relating to new user registration of the player 2, management of friend registration, payment to a virtual account, and the like.

  The reservation setting request control unit 204 performs a process of receiving an input of the reservation content of the friend matching reservation and providing the reservation-related data 520 storing the received content to the server system 1100. In the present embodiment, the reservation screen W2 (see FIG. 5) is displayed, and input by the applicant account input unit 21, the scheduled title selection unit 22, the reservation date and time input unit 23, the participant setting unit 24, and the establishment condition selection unit 25, respectively. Alternatively, it creates reservation-related data 520 including information of the selected content, and provides it to the server system 1100 together with a reservation registration request signal. In the case of a configuration in which the reservation screen W2 is displayed by accessing a website, data necessary for displaying the screen may be acquired from the server system 1100 as appropriate. In a configuration in which reservation contents are set on a website, generation and transmission of the reservation-related data 520 may be omitted as appropriate.

  The clock unit 206 performs various clock processing using the system clock. For example, it includes timing of the current date and time 512, various timer processes, and the like.

  The sound generation unit 290t is realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, or the like, and generates various operation sounds and sound signals such as sound effects and BGM. Output to the sound output unit 390t.

  The sound output unit 390t is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on a sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290t. The speaker 1510 in FIG. 3 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 292t is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, and a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer. Then, the image generation unit 292t generates one operation screen image in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second), and outputs an image signal to the image display unit 392t.

  The image display unit 392t can display various screens based on an image signal input from the image generation unit 292t. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1506 in FIG. 3 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294t executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394t.

  The communication unit 394t connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, this is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like, and corresponds to the wireless communication module 1553 in FIG.

  The terminal storage unit 500t stores programs, various data, and the like for causing the terminal processing unit 200t to realize various functions for integrally controlling the user terminal 1500. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 200t, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 200t according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100t, and the like. These functions are realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, or an online storage. The IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550 in FIG. 3 corresponds to this.

  The terminal storage unit 500t of the present embodiment stores a terminal system program 501 and a reservation program 502 in advance. In addition, the player account 510, current date and time 512, reservation related data 520, data acquired from the server system 1100 required to display the reservation screen W2, data of various operation images, timers, counters, various flags, and the like Information can be stored as appropriate.

  The reservation-related data 520 stores an operation input result on the reservation screen W2 (see FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, the information includes an applicant account 521, a scheduled title 522, a reservation date and time 523, a participant account list 524, and an establishment condition type 525.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the server system 1100 according to the present embodiment. The server system 1100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

  The operation input unit 100s is a unit for inputting various operations for managing the server. In the example of FIG. 1, the keyboard 1106 corresponds.

  The server processing unit 200s is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and controls input and output of data with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. Do. Then, arithmetic processing is executed based on predetermined programs and data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 100s, and various data to integrally control the operation of the server system 1100. In the example of FIG. 1, the control board 1150 corresponds to this.

  Then, the server processing unit 200s of the present embodiment includes a user management unit 220, a reservation management unit 230, a matching control unit 240, an electronic settlement unit 242, a clock unit 244, an image generation unit 292s, a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units may be included as appropriate.

  The user management unit 220 assigns a unique player account (user ID; user identification information) to the registrant, controls data related to each registered player, controls data related to a virtual account for electronic payment, and controls a friend. Control to manage registration and unregistration.

  The reservation management unit 230 performs various controls relating to friend matching reservation (see FIG. 4). Specifically, it includes a reservation registration control unit 231, an approval confirmation control unit 233, a reservation fee collection unit 234, and an expiration date management unit 235. Of course, other functional units may be included as appropriate.

  Although the server system 1100 is described as a single unit in the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of blade servers may be mounted and the reservation management unit 230 may be shared by any of the blade servers. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which an independent server (for example, a server that manages a website and receives a reservation) that carries the reservation management unit 230 at a remote place performs data communication via the communication line 9.

  The reservation registration control unit 231 performs control relating to reception of the applied friend matching reservation and setting registration. In the present embodiment, the display control of the reservation screen W2 (see FIG. 5) and the recording control of the input result on the screen correspond to this. Since the reservation screen W2 includes the cautions presentation unit 27, the reservation registration control unit 231 consumes the price even when friend matching is not established at the time of reservation registration, and It can be said that there is a presentation control unit 232 that presents that the alternative content is provided during the standby state.

  The approval confirmation control unit 233 confirms approval / disapproval from participants of the applied friend matching reservation.

  The reservation fee collection unit 234 collects the reservation fee of the applied friend matching reservation.

  The expiration date management unit 235 manages the expiration date of the registered reservation. In the present embodiment, a reservation whose predetermined validity period has passed since the reservation date and time is deleted.

  The matching control unit 240 matches the participants of the multiplayer online game. In the present embodiment, two types of matching can be performed: standard matching in which matching is performed randomly or in accordance with a predetermined rule from a candidate for participation, and friend matching in which matching is limited to only participants according to friend matching reservations.

  More specifically, when a matching request is made by a participant (scheduled player) within a given validity period based on the reservation date and time, the friend matching is performed until matching between the participants is established. The matching of the participants who made the matching request is set to the standby state, and the participants are matched with each other. When the validity period elapses in the standby state, the matching related to the reservation registration is not established.

The electronic settlement unit 242 performs electronic settlement processing.
The clock unit 244 performs various clock processing using the system clock. For example, time counting of the current date and time 900 and various timer processes are included.

  The image generation unit 292s is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, and a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer. Then, an image of the operation screen for the operator is generated, and the image signal is output to the image display unit 392s. The image generation unit 292s may be configured to generate an image of a game screen.

  The image display unit 392s displays various images for system management based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292s. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head mounted display. In the example of FIG. 1, the touch panel 1108 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294s executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394s.

  The communication unit 394s connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication device 1153 corresponds to this.

  The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data for realizing various functions for making the server processing unit 200s integrally control the server system 1100. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200s, and temporarily stores a calculation result and the like executed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. In the example of FIG. 1, a storage medium such as an IC memory 1152 and a hard disk mounted on the main body device 1101 and a storage 1140 correspond to this.

The server storage unit 500s stores in advance a server system program 503, a server control program 504, and a distribution reservation program 505. When the server system 1100 performs part or all of the arithmetic processing necessary for executing the online game (for example, game progress control, generation of a game image, and the like), initial setting data for storing various initial values related to the game. Should also be stored.
The server storage unit 500s stores the user management data 600, the friend matching reservation data 630, the matching data 640, and the current date and time 900 as data that is sequentially generated and updated. In addition, information such as a timer, a counter, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

  The server system program 503 is a system program for realizing basic input / output functions required as a computer in the server system 1100 by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s.

  The server control program 504 implements the functions of the user management unit 220, the reservation management unit 230, the matching control unit 240, the electronic payment unit 242, and the clock unit 244 in the server processing unit 200s by being read and executed by the server processing unit 200s. It is a program to make it.

  The distribution reservation program 505 is the original of the reservation program 502 (see FIG. 8) distributed and provided to the user terminal 1500. When the reservation is set on a website, the program is realized by a known web browser program and its plug-in.

The user management data 600 is prepared for each player who has completed the registration procedure.
One user management data 600 includes, for example, as shown in FIG.
1) Player account 601,
2) notification destination information 602;
3) a virtual account balance 603 for storing the balance of the virtual account;
4) a registration medium ID 604 that is identification information of the electronic payment medium 6 that stores key data for using the virtual account;
5) Friends list 605,
6) Title-specific save data 610 prepared for each game title,
Is stored. Of course, data other than these can also be stored as appropriate.

  One title-specific save data 610 stores a save data body 612 and possessed item data 613 in association with a game title 611. In the case of a configuration in which the reservation price is realized by consuming the item, the possessed numerical value for each item stored in the possessed item data 613 is subtracted.

Returning to FIG. 9, friend matching reservation data 630 is registration data of reservation for matching designated players, and is prepared for each reservation.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, one friend matching reservation data 630 includes a unique reservation ID 631, an application date and time 632 for applying for a reservation, an applicant account 633 for storing a player account of the applicant of the reservation, and a play schedule. , A scheduled game title 634, a reservation date and time 635, a participant account list 636 storing a player account of a participant (scheduled participant player), and an establishment condition type 637. Except for the reservation ID 631 and the application date and time 632, they are copied from the reservation related data 520 received together with the reservation registration request from the user terminal 1500. The friend matching reservation data 630 may appropriately include other data.

  FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the arcade game device 1300 according to the present embodiment. The arcade game device 1300 includes an operation input unit 100, a medium reading unit 102, a deposit detection unit 104, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a storage unit 500. And

  The operation input unit 100 outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 200 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player 2. For example, it can be realized by a push switch, a joystick, a touch pad, a trackball, an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a gesture controller, and the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the joystick 1302, the button switch 1304, and the touch panel 1306 correspond to this.

  The medium reading unit 102 is realized by a known reading device that conforms to the technical system used for the electronic payment medium 6, reads out data stored in the electronic payment medium 6, and outputs the data to the processing unit 200. If the electronic payment medium 6 is a card in which a non-contact type IC chip is built, it is realized by a non-contact type reader / writer conforming to the specifications. In a configuration in which the user terminal 1500 also serves as the electronic payment medium 6, it can be realized by a short-range wireless device. In the example of FIG. 2, the medium reading device 1344 corresponds to this.

  The deposit detection unit 104 is a unit that detects the inserted cash and outputs information indicating the deposit amount to the processing unit 200, and can be realized by a known deposit device, a coin insertion device, or the like. In the example of FIG. 2, the depositing device 1330 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an IC memory, and performs input / output control of data with each functional unit including the operation input unit 100 and the storage unit 500. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, data read by the medium reading unit 102, data received from the server system 1100, and the like, and the The operation of the device 1300 is controlled. In the example of FIG. 2, the control board 1350 corresponds to this.

  The processing unit 200 according to the present embodiment includes a player authentication unit 246, a play consideration payment processing unit 248, a game calculation unit 250, and a clock unit 270.

  The player authentication unit 246 performs a process related to authentication of the player 2. In the present embodiment, control is performed to automatically read and acquire a player account (user ID) from the nearby electronic payment medium 6 via the medium reading unit 102. A software keyboard may be displayed to accept manual input.

  The play consideration payment processing unit 248 performs processing related to payment / collection of play consideration for one play. For example, it includes a process of counting the amount of money input to the deposit detection unit 104, a process of transmitting a request for withdrawal from a virtual account linked to a player account to the server system 1100, and the like.

The game calculation unit 250 receives various inputs for starting game play and executes various controls related to the progress of the game.
For example, there is a selection of a play mode. The selection of the play mode is received on the menu screen before the start of the game. In the present embodiment, first, a selection input of the multi play mode or the single play mode is received, and if the single play mode is selected, the game progress control is executed in the single play mode. If the multi-play mode is selected, a selection is made between “free matching” for matching with anyone and “friend matching” for which matching based on a friend matching reservation is desired. Then, the game progress control according to the selected mode is executed.

  Regarding the multi-play mode based on the friend matching reservation, the game calculation section 250 of the present embodiment executes the reservation inquiry control section 252, the matching data acquisition control section 254, the standby single play game setting section 256, and the standby single play game execution. A unit 258, a multi-play online game setting unit 260, a multi-play online game execution unit 262, and a multi-play privilege grant control unit 264.

  The reservation inquiry control unit 252 inquires whether a friend matching reservation relating to the player who has selected the multi play mode is registered. Specifically, it inquires of server system 1100 whether it is within the validity period of the reservation.

  When a friend matching reservation for the player is registered, the matching data acquisition control unit 254 requests and acquires the matching data for realizing multi-play with the participant designated by the reservation from the server system 1100. To perform the control. If a multiplayer online game is executed by a client-server type system, arithmetic processing related to the online game is performed by the server system 1100, and the arcade game device 1300 is an input / output terminal device (a device such as a so-called dumb terminal device). ) Can be omitted.

The standby single play game setting unit 256 sets the provision mode of the alternative content provided during the standby of the friend matching. In the present embodiment, settings relating to a single play game to be played by the player during standby are performed.
Specifically, first, in the selection of the game mode, the play time limit is specially set longer than the standard time when the single play mode is selected. Secondly, when the game in the single play mode, which is the alternative content, is provided until the end condition is satisfied, the first privilege given to the player and friend matching relating to the reservation are established, and the provision of the alternative content is interrupted. In this case, a second privilege to be given to the player is set. At this time, the second privilege is set so as to be inferior to the first privilege, or the second privilege is not set.

  The waiting single play game execution unit 258 controls the provision of the alternative content provided during the waiting for the friend matching. In this embodiment, the game progress control in the single play mode is executed by applying the game setting set by the standby single play game setting unit 256. More specifically, the provision of the content is suspended when the matching related to the friend matching reservation is established, and the termination condition of the content is satisfied when the validity period of the friend matching reservation elapses in the standby state. Control to continue providing.

The multiplayer online game setting section 260 determines the setting of the multiplayer online game to be executed based on the friend matching reservation.
In the present embodiment, first, it is possible to change any of the preset setting grace time and the number of setting items before starting the game play of the multiplayer online game related to the friend matching reservation. Specifically, in accordance with the time difference from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 at which the friend multi-play is actually established and the reservation is fulfilled (see FIG. 6), in the friend multi-play, the participants can play on various menu screens. The length of the grace time for preparation is set such that the greater the time difference, the shorter the grace time. If the time difference is equal to or less than a threshold value that is considered to be fulfilled as promised in the reservation, the bonus given to the player at the end of the game is set to be more advantageous to the player than when the time difference exceeds the threshold value.

  The number of setting items is reduced as the time difference from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 increases. If the game settings include settings of items and action powers to be given to the player at the start of the game, the settings may be changed so as to decrease as the time difference increases.

  Second, the multiplayer online game setting unit 260 can set a privilege to be given to a participant according to the elapsed time from the reservation date and time until the friend matching is established. Specifically, as the time difference from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 is larger, the content of the privilege is inferior. Paradoxically, as the time difference from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 is smaller, the player is more advantageous. Is given a privilege. The contents of the privilege can be appropriately set according to the contents of the game. For example, experience values and skills, benefits, items, playable stage usage rights, lottery rights, coupons for billing items, new characters that can be used as player characters, boost of player character ability parameter values, etc. It can be a privilege.

  The multiplayer online game execution unit 262 controls the execution of the multiplayer online game by applying the settings set by the multiplayer online game setting unit 260.

  The multi-play privilege grant control unit 264 controls to grant the privilege set by the multi-play online game setting unit 260 to the game participants based on the friend matching reservation. In the present embodiment, a privilege is given when the elapsed time from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 satisfies a predetermined short-time condition, that is, when the reservation is executed on time.

  The clock unit 270 performs various clock processing using the system clock. For example, time counting of the current date and time 550 and various timer processes are included.

  The sound generation unit 290 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing a voice file, and the like, and outputs a sound effect of a game, a BGM, and a sound signal of various operation sounds. Generated and output to the sound output unit 390.

  The sound output unit 390 is realized by a device that outputs a sound effect, BGM, or the like based on a sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290. The speaker 1310 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The image generation unit 292 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, and a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer. Then, the image generation unit 292 generates or decodes one game screen image in one frame time (for example, 1/60 second), and outputs an image signal of the game screen to the image display unit 392.

  The image display unit 392 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 292. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, and a head mounted display. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 1306 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 294 performs data processing related to data communication, and implements data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 394. The communication unit 394 connects to the communication line 9 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like, and corresponds to the communication device module 1353 in FIG.

  The storage unit 500 stores a system program for causing the processing unit 200 to realize various functions for integrally controlling the arcade game device 1300, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. In addition, it is used as a work area of the processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 100, data received from the user terminal 1500 or the server system 1100, and the like. To memorize. These functions are realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD. The IC memory 1352 mounted on the control board 1350 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this.

The storage unit 500 according to the present embodiment includes:
1) a system program 506,
2) game program 507,
3) game initial setting data 508 for storing various initial setting data necessary for game execution;
4) own device ID 530 which is identification information unique to the device;
5) own device installation location ID 531 which is unique identification information of the location where the device is installed;
6) own device IP address 532,
7) a game title 533 to be executed on the device;
8) Play price setting value 534,
9) Current date and time 550,
10) Matching data 554,
11) The play data 700 is stored.

  Of course, the storage unit 500 can also store other data as appropriate. For example, key data and the like read from the electronic payment medium 6 in accordance with the electronic payment of the play payment can be stored as appropriate. In addition, information such as a timer, a counter, and various flags can be stored as appropriate.

The system program 506 is a program for reading and executing the processing unit 200 to realize basic input / output functions required as a computer.
The game program 507 can cause the processing unit 200 to realize functions as a player authentication unit 246, a play consideration payment processing unit 248, a game calculation unit 250, and a timer unit 270.

  The matching data 554 is a copy of the match data in which the player of the own device participates out of the matching data 640 (see FIG. 9) of the server system 1100. It is acquired from the server system 1100 before the game starts. Since the multiplayer online game of the present embodiment is played by connecting the arcade game devices 1300 to each other in a P2P connection, the matching data 554 includes the player account of each participant and the device of the arcade game device 1300 used by the player. An ID and information (for example, an IP address or the like) for establishing communication with the device are included.

  The play data 700 includes various pieces of information describing game setting data and game progress. The setting data depends on the content of the game executed by the arcade game device 1300. For example, in the case of a racing game, the type of course, the setting of the weather, the setting of the number of laps, the setting parameter value of the race car used by the player, and the like are included.

  As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the play data 700 of the present embodiment includes an own device ID 701, an own device IP address 702, a game title 703, a player account 704 indicating a player of the own device, and a single play setting. Data 710, single play progress control data 716, multi play setting data 720, multi play menu selection result data 726, reservation execution start date and time 727, multi play progress control data 728, and play limit time counter 730 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The single play setting data 710 stores single play game setting data. In the present embodiment, the data includes setting data of a single play time limit 712 that defines the time of one play and a bonus 714 obtained at the end of the single play. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The single-play time limit 712 is set to an initial set value (when a single-play mode is selected and played) when the player has registered a friend matching reservation and executes a single-play game as a substitute content waiting for matching. A predetermined value is added to (applied setting value).

  The contents of the privilege (bonus) defined by the bonus 714 obtained at the end of the single play can be appropriately set according to the game content. For example, experience values and skills, benefits, items, playable stage usage rights, lottery rights, coupons for billing items, new characters that can be used as player characters, boost of player character ability parameter values, etc. It can be a privilege. In the present embodiment, the experience value is given to the player character.

  The bonus 714 obtained at the end of the single play is such that the privilege given in the single play game played by the player as the substitute content waiting for the matching is more than the privilege given in the single play game played by selecting the single play mode. Is a privilege set to be advantageous to the player. For example, the experience value is changed so that a higher experience value is given. In the case of giving an item, the number of items to be given is changed to a higher value, or a higher value item is changed to be given.

  The single play progress control data 716 stores various data describing the game progress of the single play game.

  The multiplay setting data 720 stores the setting data of the multiplay game. In the present embodiment, the multi-play menu control setting data 722 and the setting data of the multiplayer end bonus 724 are included. Of course, data other than these can be included as appropriate.

  The multi-play menu control setting data 722 defines restrictions on menu selection on a game setting menu screen of a multi-play game. In the present embodiment, the setting grace time given to select a menu item is defined, but a limitation on the content of the menu item or the number of setting items may be used. In the present embodiment, the multi-play menu control setting data 722 relates to the friend matching reservation and is determined according to the time difference from the reservation date and time t0 to the time when the matching is established. The selection is set so that the restriction becomes stricter as the time difference is larger, specifically, the selection grace time is shorter.

  The content of the privilege (bonus) defined by the bonus 724 obtained at the end of the multiplay can be set as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the experience value is given to the player character. The multiplayer end bonus 724 is changed so that when the player has registered a friend matching reservation and the matching is established, the player is more advantageous than the initial set value. For example, the experience value is changed so that a higher experience value is given. If an item is given, the number of items given is changed to a higher value, or the value is changed to a higher value item.

  In addition, in the multi-play end acquisition bonus 724, a privilege to be given to the participant is set according to the elapsed time from the reservation date and time t0 to the time t1 until the friend matching is established. Specifically, the privilege is set such that the greater the time difference between the reservation date and time t0 and the time t1, the lower the privilege content. The contents of the privilege can be appropriately set according to the contents of the game. For example, experience values and skills, benefits, items, playable stage usage rights, lottery rights, coupons for billing items, new characters that can be used as player characters, boost of player character ability parameter values, etc. It can be a privilege.

  The reservation execution start date and time 727 stores the date and time when it is considered that the execution of the friend matching reservation has started. Specifically, it is the date and time when the matching based on the friend matching reservation data 630 is established, or the date and time when the multiplayer online game is started based on the matching. In the present embodiment, the former is used, and the current date and time 550 when the friend matching is established is copied.

  The multi-play progress control data 728 stores various data necessary for the progress of the multi-play game.

[Explanation of processing flow]
Next, an operation of the game system 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the user terminal 1500 and the server system 1100 related to the setting of friend matching reservation. The user terminal 1500 executes the reservation program 502 (see FIG. 8), and the server system 1100 executes the server control program 504 to implement the program. The reservation program 502 is executed not only at the user terminal 1500A of the applicant but also at the user terminal 1500B of the participant (see FIG. 4), and automatically establishes communication with the server system 1100 upon execution. And

  The user terminal 1500A of the reservation applicant first receives a login by a player account (step S2), and then receives an input of a reservation content of a friend matching reservation (step S4). In the present embodiment, the reservation screen W2 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the touch panel 1506, and the input result is stored as the reservation-related data 520 (see FIG. 8). In the case of a configuration in which a reservation is accepted by a website, the website shall be accessed. Then, the user terminal 1500A of the applicant transmits the reservation-related data 520 to the server system 1100 together with the registration request for the friend matching reservation (step S6).

  Upon receiving the reservation registration request signal (YES in step S10), server system 1100 newly creates friend matching reservation data 630 based on reservation related data 520 received in association with the signal and temporarily registers the reservation (step S10). S12).

  Then, the server system 1100 sends an approval confirmation request for the provisionally registered reservation to all of the players (scheduled players to be joined) of the accounts stored in the participant account list 636 (see FIG. 11) except for the applicant. Perform (Step S54). Specifically, for each participant except for the applicant, a notification to request notification of reservation contents and selection of approval / non-approval (rejection) of the reservation is sent to the notification destination information 602 of the user management data 600 (see FIG. 10). Do.

  Upon receiving the approval confirmation request (step S20), the user terminals 1500B of the participants other than the applicant present the reservation contents and accept a reservation approval / non-approval selection input (step S22). Then, the result of the selection input is returned to the server system 1100 (step S24).

  The server system 1100 receives the selection result of approval / non-approval from the user terminals 1500B of the participants other than the applicant (step S30), and if all the approvals are obtained (YES in step S32), the friend matching reservation is made. The data 630 is regarded as the main registration, and the processing for collecting the reservation fee is executed (step S34). The collection of the reservation fee in step S34 may be omitted.

  If the approval is not obtained from all the participants except the applicant (NO in step S32), the server system 1100 sends a notification notifying the reservation failure to all the participants including the applicant (step S36). .

  Then, the user terminal 1500 (1500A, 1500B) of the player related to the reservation receives the notification (Step S40) and displays the content of the notification (Step S42).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing in arcade game device 1300 relating to game play based on friend matching reservation. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing in server system 1100 relating to game play based on friend matching reservation. The two respond. Note that a friend matching reservation has already been made, and the player uses the friend matching reservation.

  First, as shown in FIG. 15, the arcade game device 1300 accepts the player's login and payment of the play price (step S100). In the present embodiment, when the player holds the electronic payment medium 6 over the medium reading device 1344, the key data (player account) stored in the electronic payment medium 6 is read and the login processing is performed. Then, payment of play consideration by cash input or electronic settlement is accepted. In the latter, a predetermined amount is subtracted from the virtual account balance 603 (see FIG. 10) linked to the key data. A predetermined item may be consumed. Note that the play fee paid in step S100 may be free.

  Next, the arcade game device 1300 displays a menu screen for selecting a play mode (step S102). The menu items include a first-stage selection between “multi-play mode” and “single-play mode” and a second-stage selection between “free matching” and “friend matching” displayed when the multi-play mode is selected. And are included.

  When the selection input of “multiplay” → “friend matching” is detected on the menu screen (step S104), the arcade game device 1300 collects a second play price for online multiplay based on friend matching (step S105). . Collection of the second play price may be cash or virtual currency. If the currency is a virtual currency, the server system 1100 requests the server system 1100 to withdraw a predetermined amount from the virtual account balance 603 of the player. Of course, the second play price may be consumption of a predetermined type of item. Note that the second play consideration may be paid (collected) at the time of the reservation, and the payment (collection) of the second play consideration may not be necessary in step S105.

  Then, the arcade game device 1300 transmits matching based on the friend matching reservation, that is, a friend matching request (request) to the server system 1100 together with the player account (step S106).

  Next, the arcade game device 1300 sets the single play time limit 712 (see FIG. 13) to the standard value (the initial value applied when “single play mode” is selected on the menu screen) in connection with the provision of the alternative content. ) And a special setting (step S108), and a special setting (a first privilege that exceeds the second privilege) such that the bonus 714 obtained at the end of the single play is more advantageous to the player than the standard value (the second privilege). (Step S110). Then, the single play progress control is started (step S112).

  The arcade game device 1300 measures the time limit of the play as well as the start of the progress control of the single play. Until the play time limit (NO in step S114), the process waits for reception of matching data based on the friend matching reservation from the server system 1100 (step S150).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the server system 1100 has started the automatic deletion of the expired friend matching reservation (step S120). Specifically, a reservation for which a predetermined time (= valid period) has elapsed from the reservation date and time 635 (see FIG. 11) is searched for and automatically deleted.

  When the server system 1100 receives the friend matching request (YES in step S122), the player account received together with the request from the friend matching reservation data 630 (see FIG. 11) is registered in the participant account list 636 or the applicant. The reservation corresponding to the account 633 is searched.

  As a result of the reservation search, if there is a corresponding reservation, that is, if a friend matching request (request) is made within the valid period from the reservation date and time 635 (YES in step S124), the server system 1100 sets It is determined whether the condition corresponding to 637 is satisfied (step S126).

  Then, if the satisfaction condition is satisfied (YES in step S126), server system 1100 generates matching data 640 (see FIG. 9) including the participant who satisfied the satisfaction condition (step S128), The matching data is distributed to the arcade game device 1300 used by the matched participant along with the reservation date and time 635 (step S130).

  It should be noted that as long as the satisfaction condition corresponding to the satisfaction condition type 637 is satisfied, the matching may include a player other than the player scheduled to participate. For example, in the case of a multiplayer online game having three participant account lists 636 and five participant slots, two other players not registered in the participant account list 636 are matched in addition to the three players. It may be allowed to participate.

  Returning to FIG. 15, if the arcade game device 1300 receives the requested matching data before the end of the play time limit (YES in step S <b> 150), it performs a predetermined matching completion effect display (step S <b> 150). Step S152). Then, after the bonus set in the single play end acquisition bonus 714 is given less (for example, only １ ／) than the setting, the running single play is ended without giving it, or without giving it at all. (Step S154).

  Next, the arcade game device 1300 compares the current date and time 550 with the reservation date and time 635, sets the multi-play menu control setting data 722 according to the elapsed time from the reservation date and time (step S156), and The multiplayer end-time acquisition bonus 724 is set according to the elapsed time (step S158).

  Next, the arcade game device 1300 copies the current date and time 550 to the reservation execution start date and time 727, and executes the multi-play online game with the participant set in the friend matching reservation based on the previously received and stored matching data 554. The progress control is started (step S160). Then, when the game is over, if the elapsed time from the reservation date and time t0 to the game start time t1 (reservation execution start date and time 727) satisfies a predetermined short-term condition, the multi-play end acquisition bonus 724 set earlier is set. The control to give to the participant is performed (step S162), and it is considered that the play corresponding to the play price has been completed, and the series of processing is ended. Note that step S162 may be given to all members even if the short-time condition is not satisfied.

  If the matching is not completed before the end of the play time limit (YES in step S114), the arcade game device 1300 performs control to give the player a bonus 714 at the end of single play (step S170). Then, it is considered that the play for the play price has been completed, and the series of processing ends.

  If you make a friend matching reservation, but the player is reluctant to perform multi-play based on the friend matching reservation, you can select "Single play mode" on the menu screen for selecting the play mode. (NO in step S104 of FIG. 15), the user can enjoy the game in single play for the play price paid in step S100 as in the conventional case (step S190).

  In addition, in step S100, a process of inquiring of the server system 1100 about the presence or absence of a friend matching reservation for the player may be included as appropriate. The result of the presence / absence of the friend matching reservation of the player is received from the server system 1100. If there is no reservation, the “free matching” and “friend matching” displayed when the multi-play mode is selected on the menu screen in step S102. It is preferable to set the latter of the selections in the second step to "not selectable".

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a play reservation designating a participating player who plays a multiplayer online game together. Then, within the given matching validity period from the reservation date and time of the play reservation, the players scheduled to participate are matched.

  Furthermore, the participating player is not always online at the scheduled date and time, and there may be a waiting time until matching is performed, during which time alternative content can be provided to the player. When the matching between the participating players is completed, the provision of the content is interrupted, and the multiplayer online game can be played. If the participant fails to fulfill the promise, the content will be provided to the end.

  Therefore, it is possible to realize a technology in which friends at far and distant places that have promised to play can more reliably enjoy a multiplayer online game using the arcade game device. In addition, since a single play game corresponding to the practice mode can be provided as substitute content, the player can wait for a match to be established while improving his / her skill.

  Also, a difference can be provided in the privilege given to the player between the case where the content is provided only during the matching waiting time of the multi-play online game and the case where the content is provided to the end. The difference between the benefits is defined so as to be sufficient to compensate for the reservation fee even if the friend matching reservation is not established, so that the player is considered so that there is no loss on the friend matching reservation. ing.

  Also, depending on how far the play reservation has been performed from the reservation date and time, it is possible to change the setting of the time that can be spent on the game setting of the multi-play online game and the number of items that can be set. By appropriately adjusting the contents of the settings, for example, it is possible to give a meaning as a command to not keep the reservation on time, and to give an incentive to comply with the reservation.

(Modification)
As described above, the embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described. However, the form to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to the above-described form, and components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate.

[Part 1]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the main arithmetic processing of the multi-play online game is performed by the arcade game device 1300, and more specifically, the configuration is such that the P2P-connected arcade game device 1300 performs the sharing. The arithmetic processing may be performed by the server system 1100, and the arcade game device 1300 may be implemented as a mere operation input terminal and an output terminal for game sounds and game images (so-called dumb terminal).

  In this case, the functional configuration of the server system 1100 is, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, the game operation unit 250 is realized by the server system 1100, and the game operation unit 250 is omitted from the functional configuration of the arcade game device 1300 instead. Along with this, the game initial setting data 508, the play price setting value 534, and the play data 700 are omitted from the storage unit 500 of the arcade game device 1300 and stored in the server storage unit 500s. . The process executed by the arcade game device 1300 described with reference to FIG. 15 is executed by the server system 1100 by appropriately omitting transmission and reception of data with the server system 1100.

[Part 2]
If the expiration date of the reservation has expired during the single play waiting for friend matching (corresponding to the position of the player 2A in FIG. 7), the friend matching reservation is not executed in step S120 (see FIG. 16) in the above embodiment. In order to realize a friend multiplayer game, the reservation has to be separately set and registered again, since it is automatically deleted. However, from the player's point of view, resetting the reservation is complicated. Therefore, the validity period may be extended for a fee within a predetermined period from the expiration date.

Specifically, the configuration is such that the reservation extension and deletion processing shown in FIG. 18 is executed at a predetermined cycle instead of step S120.
That is, server system 1100 extracts friend matching reservation data 630 whose expiration date has expired (step S200), and executes loop A for each extracted reservation (steps S202 to S222).

  In Loop A, the server system 1100 checks the online status of each player who is to be a participant indicated by the participant account list 636 of the processing target reservation (step S204).

  If the participation expiration date remains, the player determined to be online as a result of the check can satisfy the establishment condition indicated by the establishment condition type 637 (YES in step S206), and if the participation expiration date remains, If it is determined that one or more players of the participant account list 636 are online, and that the conditions for establishment can be satisfied (YES in step S208), the server system 1100 executes The game device 1300 offers to extend the expiration date for a fee (step S210). Then, a selection input of approval / delivery of extension is received (step S212).

  Here, if an operation input for approving the extension is detected (YES in step S214), the server system 1100 performs a predetermined extension fee collection process (step S216), and sets the reservation date and time 635 of the reservation to be processed. It is changed by a predetermined extension (step S218). For example, the current date and time may be set as the reservation date and time 635. Then, the loop A ends (step S222).

  However, if an operation input to postpone extension is detected (NO in step S214), the server system 1100 deletes the expired friend matching reservation data 630 to be processed (step S220), and ends the loop A. (Step S222).

[Part 3]
In the above-described embodiment, a multi-play online game has been described as an example of the pay game mode in which the feasibility is not 100%, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the present invention describes an additional charge that is a paid game mode that requires an additional charge that is not executed unless a given start condition is satisfied, and that is not 100% executable when the player selects the game mode. The main purpose is to provide alternative content to the waiting player during the standby time until the required pay game mode is selected and the start conditions are met. In this case, the pay game mode is not limited to the multiplayer online game, but may be a single play mode. In addition, the start condition of the pay game mode can be appropriately set. For example, if the pay game mode is a raid match of a multiplayer online game, "a specific time zone and the number of participants exceeds 100" may be used. If the event mode is set according to the result of a sports game in the real world, the “match result” may be used as the start condition. In that case, the feasibility is not 100%.

[Part 4]
Further, a configuration is also possible in which the functions of the server system 1100 in the above-described embodiment are distributed and realized in the arcade game device 1300. For example, the arcade game device 1300 receives a reservation, stores the reservation information received by each arcade game device 1300, and periodically stores the reservation information between the arcade game devices 1300. May be distributed and shared. Then, the arcade game device 1300 individually determines whether or not there is a friend matching reservation of the player who uses the own device, and if there is a valid friend matching reservation, it communicates with another arcade game device 1300 and It is also possible to search online for players scheduled to participate in the reservation and match them.

[Part 5]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the player can set the reservation date and time of the friend matching reservation. However, the configuration may be such that the administrator of the game system appropriately sets the reservation date and time. More specifically, a matching expiration date (for example, 24 hours every Wednesday, a time period when the number of shop visitors is relatively small, etc.) appropriately set by the administrator of the game system is notified or a reservation screen W2 (see FIG. 5). May be set to a fixed value of the reservation date and time input unit 23.

[Part 6]
In the above-described embodiment, the validity period of the friend matching reservation (matching validity period) has been described as being appropriately set. However, the length may be made variable according to the payment amount of the consideration. For example, the longer the payment amount for the reservation, the longer the period.

  Also, during the matching validity period, the matching process is repeatedly attempted. Therefore, the matching validity period may be determined based on the number of trials. For example, 100 trials can be regarded as a matching validity period. By increasing the number of trials in accordance with the payment amount of the consideration, the matching validity period may be set to be substantially longer.

2 (2A, 2B) ... Player 3 (3A, 3B) ... Store 6 ... Electronic payment medium 21 ... Applicant account input section 22 ... Schedule title selection section 23 ... Reservation date and time input section 24 ... Participant setting section 25 ... Establishment Condition selecting section 26 ... Reservation consideration presenting section 27 ... Notes presenting section 28 ... Approval operation input section 30 ... Title list display operation icon 31 ... Participant addition operation icon 32 ... Participant deletion operation icon 33 ... Satisfaction condition selection operation icon 200s ... Server processing unit 200t Terminal processing unit 202 User management request control unit 204 Reservation setting request control unit 220 User management unit 230 Reservation management unit 231 Reservation registration control unit 232 Presentation control unit 233 Authorization confirmation control unit 234: reservation fee collection unit 235: expiration date management unit 240: matching control unit 246: player authentication unit 24 8 Play value payment processing unit 250 Game calculation unit 252 Reservation inquiry control unit 254 Matching data acquisition control unit 256 Standby single play game setting unit 258 Standby single play game execution unit 260 Multiplayer online game setting unit 262 Multiplayer online game execution unit 264 Multiplayer privilege grant control unit 500 s Server storage unit 504 Server control program 507 Game program 520 Reservation related data 521 Applicant account 522 Scheduled title 523 Reservation date and time 524 Participant Account list 525 ... Condition condition type 554 ... Matching data 600 ... User management data 601 ... Player account 602 ... Notification destination information 603 ... Virtual account balance 605 ... Friend list 630 ... Frame Matching reservation data 632 ... Application date / time 633 ... Applicant account 635 ... Reservation date / time 636 ... Participant account list 637 ... Condition condition type 640 ... Matching data 700 ... Play data 710 ... Single play setting data 712 ... Single play time limit 714 ... Single-play end bonus 716: Single-play progress control data 720: Multi-play setting data 722: Multi-play menu control setting data 724: Multi-play end bonus 726: Multi-play menu selection result data 727: Reserved execution start date and time 728: Multi-play progress control Data 730: Play time limit counter 900: Current date and time 1000: Game system 1100: Server system 1150: Control board 1300 (1300) A, 1300B) ... arcade game machine 1350 ... control board 1500 (1500A, 1500B) ... user terminal 1550 ... control board

Claims (15)

A game system that controls execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period;
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. The content providing control means for controlling the continuation of the provision of the content in a case where the content is provided until the matching validity period elapses in the standby state and the content ending condition is satisfied. Giving a first privilege to the prospective player, and if the matching of the reservation registration is established and the provision of the content is interrupted, a second privilege inferior to the first privilege is given to the prospective player. Content provision control means for controlling not to give or give a privilege ,
Game system with. A game system that controls execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period;
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. Content provision control means for controlling to continue providing the content when the
According to the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, the preset setting grace time and the number of setting items before starting the game play of the multiplayer online game related to the reservation registration A pre-setting control means for changing any of them,
Game system with. According to the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, the preset setting grace time and the number of setting items before starting the game play of the multiplayer online game related to the reservation registration Pre-setting control means for changing any of them,
Furthermore game system according to claim 1 comprising a. The pre-setting control means, when the elapsed time satisfies a predetermined long-term condition, at least the setting grace time is reduced than when the long-term condition is not satisfied,
The game system according to claim 2 . A game system that controls execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period;
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. Content provision control means for controlling to continue providing the content when the
In accordance with the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, a privilege providing control unit that provides a given privilege to the participating player,
Game system with. Privilege grant control means for granting a given privilege to the participating player according to the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: The privilege grant control means grants a privilege when the elapsed time satisfies a predetermined short-time condition,
The game system according to claim 5 . Reservation registration means for performing a reservation registration of a scheduled player and a play reservation date and time of the multiplayer online game as the second game in accordance with an operation input of the player;
Further comprising
The reservation matching control means controls the matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period based on the play reservation date and time.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The reservation matching control means, if there is a matching request by the prospective players during the validity period of the matching, sets the matching of the prospective players to a standby state until a match between the prospective players is established. Matching the participating scheduled players with each other, and when the matching validity period elapses in the standby state, the matching related to the reservation registration is not established,
The game system according to claim 8 . The content provision control means performs control for providing a single play game as the content,
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . Single play game execution control means for controlling execution of the single play game,
Further comprising
The content provision control means provides a single play game as the content by the single play game execution control means with a special game setting.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . The matching validity period is a period set by a given number of attempts to perform a matching process.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . A program for causing a computer to control execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period,
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. The content providing control means for controlling the continuation of the provision of the content in a case where the content is provided until the matching validity period elapses in the standby state and the content ending condition is satisfied. Giving a first privilege to the prospective player, and if the matching of the reservation registration is established and the provision of the content is interrupted, a second privilege inferior to the first privilege is given to the prospective player. Content provision control means for controlling so as not to perform the grant or the privilege grant ,
For causing the computer to function as a computer. A program for causing a computer to control execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period,
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. Content provision control means for controlling to continue providing the content when the
According to the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established, the preset setting grace time and the number of setting items before starting the game play of the multiplayer online game related to the reservation registration Pre-setting control means for changing any of them,
For causing the computer to function as a computer. A program for causing a computer to control execution of a multiplayer online game by matching players,
First game execution control means for controlling execution of the first game in response to payment of the first consideration;
Second game execution control means for controlling the execution of the second game, which is the multiplayer online game, in response to the payment of the second consideration in addition to the payment of the first consideration;
Reservation matching control means for controlling matching by the participating prospective players within a given matching validity period,
During the standby state of the matching by the reservation matching control means, when a given content is provided to the prospective participation player and the matching is established, a control for interrupting the provision of the content is performed, and the matching becomes unsuccessful. Content provision control means for controlling to continue providing the content when the
Privilege grant control means for granting a given privilege to the participating player according to the elapsed time until the matching between the participating players during the matching validity period is established,
For causing the computer to function as a computer.

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