JP6782422B2 - Game systems, computer programs used for them, and server devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game system or the like that allows a plurality of users to play a common game.

There is a game system that allows multiple users to play a common game. For example, as such a game system, there is also a game system in which two users who share one game machine play a common game (so-called two-player play). There is also a game system in which such a game is played in exchange for the collection of a predetermined consideration. Then, as one of the game systems such as these, when one additional coin is collected from one player of the two-player play in addition to the two coins as a predetermined consideration, the other player There is a known game system that not only benefits the other player (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5318508

In the game system of Patent Document 1, benefits are given to both players in two-player play with the advance payment of additional coins for so-called continue. However, the price required for each player to play is uniform, and there is no difference between the players. Therefore, for example, even if there is a difference in the permissible amount of consideration that can be borne by two players, at least systematically, the same burden amount is required for both players. Even in such a case, for example, when one game machine is shared, it may be possible to make a difference in the actual burden amount between the players through lending and borrowing between the players. However, for example, when a plurality of players such as two-player play are determined by matching, there are many cases where there is a physical distance between the two players, and such an operation tends to be difficult. .. As a result, it is often difficult to collect different burdens.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can collect different burdens from a plurality of users as a consideration for playing a game.

The game system of the present invention is a game system in which a plurality of users play a common game, and as a consideration for playing the game, the entire play fee of the plurality of users is charged differently among the plurality of users. A fee setting means that is commonly set for the plurality of users so that the amount can be shared, and the game is the plurality of games when the total play fee is paid by at least a part of the plurality of users. A play permission means for permitting the play of the game to the plurality of users in common as provided to the user is provided.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the output device that provides the game to function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, the server device of the present invention is connected to the output device that provides the game via a network, and functions as each means of the game system described above.

The figure which shows the outline of the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the main part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for explaining an example of the charge system of a music game. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a payment method for a group fee. An explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of group charge data. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of the charge notification processing routine. The figure which shows an example of the flowchart of the privilege grant processing routine.

Hereinafter, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device and a game machine GM. The game machine GM is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. As an example, the game machine GM is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine. A game machine for business use is a game machine that allows a predetermined range of games to be played for a fee or for free. As an example, the game machine GM provides a music game for a fee. Specifically, the game machine GM provides, for example, a music game in a range corresponding to the consideration in exchange for consumption of a predetermined consideration. Appropriate numbers of game machines GM are installed in commercial facilities such as stores 4.

The center server 2 is not limited to an example composed of one physical device. For example, one logical center server 2 may be configured by a group of servers as a plurality of physical devices. Further, the center server 2 may be logically configured by using cloud computing. Further, the game machine GM may function as the center server 2.

Further, the user terminal 5 is connected to the center server 2 via the network 3. The user terminal 5 is a kind of network terminal device that exerts various functions by executing software distributed from the center server 2. In the example of FIG. 1, a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as an example of the user terminal 5. Further, as the user terminal 5, for example, various network terminal devices such as a personal computer, a portable game machine, and a portable tablet terminal device that can be connected to a network and are used for personal use of the user are used. Good.

As an example, the network 3 may be configured to realize network communication by using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, the network 3 may be configured by combining the Internet as a WAN and the intranet as a LAN. In the example of FIG. 1, the center server 2 and the game machine GM are connected to the network 3 via the router 3a, and the user terminal 5 is connected to the network 3 via the access point 3b.

The network 3 is not limited to the form using the TCP / IP protocol. As the network 3, various forms using a wired line for communication, a wireless line (including infrared communication, short-range wireless communication, etc.) and the like may be used. Alternatively, the communication between the user terminal 5 and the game machine GM or the like conforms to a predetermined standard so as to include various information such as a two-dimensional code without using a communication line (including wired and wireless). It may be realized by using the code (for example, two-dimensional code) generated by the above. Therefore, the term network (or communication line) may include a form in which information is transmitted / received without using a line, such as a communication method using such a code.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine GM or its users. As a service for a game machine, for example, a service that receives identification information of a user from the game machine GM and authenticates the user may be provided. Further, a service may be provided in which the play data of the authenticated user is received from the game machine GM and saved, or the play data to be saved is provided to the game machine GM. Further, the game machine service includes a service that distributes and updates the program or data of the game machine GM via the network 3, and matches the users when a plurality of users play a common game via the network 3. Matching services and the like may be included.

Further, the center server 2 provides various Web services to the user of the user terminal 5 via the network 3. The Web service may include, for example, a game information service that provides various information about the game provided by the game machine GM. Further, for example, the Web service may include a distribution service that distributes (including updates of data and the like) various data or software to each user terminal 5. Further, the Web service may also include services such as a community service that provides a place for interaction by users such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing, and a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user.

Next, a main part of the control system of the game system 1 for providing the music game will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the control system of the game system 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the center server 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 11. The control unit 10 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (ROM and RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, or the like may be connected to the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

The storage unit 11 is connected to the control unit 10 as a computer. The storage unit 11 may be composed of a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic tape so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The server data 14 and the server program 15 are stored in the storage unit 11. The server program 15 is a computer program required for the center server 2 to provide various services to the game machine GM and the like. When the control unit 10 reads and executes the server program 15, for example, a game machine service management unit 16 and a Web service management unit 17 may be provided inside the control unit 10.

The game machine service management unit 16 executes the process for providing the above-mentioned game machine service. On the other hand, the Web service management unit 17 executes the processing necessary for providing the above-mentioned Web service. The game machine service management unit 16 and the Web service management unit 17 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. In addition, various logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 10. However, their illustration is omitted.

The server data 14 is data that is referred to when the server program 15 is executed. For example, the server data 14 may include group charge data 14a. Details of the group charge data 14a will be described later.

In addition, the server data 14 may also include various data for realizing the game. For example, such data may include play data and ID management data. The play data is data in which information regarding the past play results of each user is described. The play data may be used, for example, to inherit the play results (past achievements) up to the previous time from the next time onward, or to inherit the setting contents unique to each user. Further, the ID management data is data for managing various IDs such as a user ID. However, their illustration is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine GM is provided with a control unit 30 as a computer, a storage unit 31, a monitor MO as an output device, an input device 7, a speaker 8, and a reader 9. The storage unit 31, the monitor MO, the input device 7, the speaker 8, and the reader 9 are all connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured as a computer unit in which a microprocessor and various peripheral devices such as an internal storage device (ROM and RAM as an example) necessary for the operation of the microprocessor are combined. In addition, for example, various other devices for providing a game may be connected to the control unit 30. For example, such a device may include a well-known device for collecting a predetermined consideration such as a coin authentication device. Then, for example, coins or the like as a predetermined consideration may be collected through such a coin authentication device or the like. However, their illustration is omitted.

The monitor MO is a well-known display device for displaying various images and the like based on the output signal from the control unit 30. As an example, the monitor MO displays a game screen for playing a music game in response to an output signal from the control unit 30. The input device 7 is a well-known device for inputting a user's play action. The input device 7 outputs a signal corresponding to the play action executed by the user to the control unit 30. For example, as the input device 7, a touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to the contact position when the user touches it with a finger or the like may be used. Then, the touch panel may output a signal corresponding to the touch position to the control unit 30 based on the touch operation of the user. Similarly, the speaker 8 is a well-known output device (speech reproduction device) for reproducing various sounds based on the output signal from the control unit 30. The speaker 8 reproduces various sounds used in games such as BGM in response to an output signal from the control unit 30, for example.

The reader 9 is, for example, a well-known device that uses short-range wireless communication to read various types of information recorded on a storage medium in a non-contact state. The reader 9 may be used to read information on a card CD as an example of a storage medium. Specifically, as an example, the reader 9 may read the information of the card CD possessed by each user and output a signal corresponding to the information to the control unit 30.

Further, the card CD may be provided with a non-volatile storage medium (not shown) such as an IC chip or a magnetic stripe. Then, various types of information may be recorded on the card CD via such a non-volatile storage medium or the like. Further, for example, various types of information may include user ID information (including information that can identify the user ID). That is, the card CD may be used, for example, as an ID card to identify each user corresponding to the ID card. Further, the various types of information may include, for example, information on the amount of value used as a predetermined consideration (including information for specifying the amount of value). Then, a predetermined consideration may be collected by consuming the amount of the value. That is, the card CD may be used as an example for payment of a predetermined consideration.

The card CD is not limited to a form in which various types of information are electronically recorded. For example, the card CD may record various information via various codes such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the reader 9 may be configured to be able to read such a code by including a code reader capable of reading such a code. That is, the reader 9 may be used to read such a code.

On the other hand, the storage unit 31 may be configured by, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a flash SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like so that the storage can be held without supplying power. The game program 34 and the game data 35 are stored in the storage unit 31. The game program 34 is a computer program required for the game machine GM to provide a game. A game providing unit 37 is provided inside the control unit 30 as the game program 34 is executed. The game providing unit 37 executes various processes necessary for providing the game. The game providing unit 37 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware and a computer program. In addition, various logical devices may be provided inside the control unit 30. However, their illustration is omitted.

The game data 35 is data that is referred to when the game program 34 is executed. The game data 35 includes, for example, music data 36 and sequence data 38. The music data 36 is data necessary for the speaker 8 to reproduce various sounds such as music used in a music game. The sequence data 38 is data necessary for instructing the user when to perform an appropriate play action in a music game. For example, the sequence data 38 may describe in advance the operation time when the appropriate position should be touch-operated. Then, for example, in a music game, a position and a time when an appropriate touch operation should be performed may be guided based on each operation time described in the sequence data 38. Since the music data 36 and the sequence data 38 may be configured in the same manner as a well-known music game, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, the game data 35 may also include various types of data for executing the game. For example, such data may include the group charge data 14a described above. For example, the group charge data 14a may be provided by the center server 2 at least in part so as to include a necessary portion. Similarly, such various data may include, for example, image data and sound effect data. The image data is data for displaying various images necessary for the game. The sound effect data is data for reproducing various sounds necessary for a game such as BGM. However, their illustration is omitted.

Next, the music game provided by the game machine GM will be described. A music game is a kind of timing game. A timing game is a type of game that evaluates the execution time of an appropriate play action. In the case of a music game, an execution time for executing the appropriate play action is provided together with the music. Further, in a music game, a time that matches the rhythm of the music is used as an execution time. That is, the music game is a type of game in which the user is informed of the time when the appropriate play action should be executed according to the rhythm of the music, and the time when the play action is actually executed is evaluated. Further, for example, in a music game, a plurality of songs are prepared for play, and a song selected from the songs may be used for actual play.

For example, such a music game may be provided through a game screen displayed on the monitor MO. Specifically, for example, the game screen may include an instruction sign corresponding to each execution time and a reference sign functioning as a reference of the current time. Then, for example, each execution time may be guided by the movement of the instruction sign that moves so as to coincide with the position of the reference sign at each execution time. Further, as an appropriate play action, a touch operation of touching the matching position according to the matching between the instruction sign and the reference sign may be adopted. The game machine GM may provide a music game through such a game screen, for example.

Further, the music game may be provided not only for each user (for each user) but also for each group (for each plurality of users). When the music game is provided in groups, the music game may be commonly played by a plurality of users forming the group. That is, the game machine GM may provide a common music game so that a plurality of users participate in one play opportunity. Then, the game machine GM is, for example, a form in which a single or a plurality of groups cooperate to play a common music game, and a common music so that a battle is realized between users in the same group or between a plurality of groups. A group-based music game may be provided in various forms such as a form of playing a game.

A method of paying a predetermined consideration (charge) when playing a music game will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the charge system of the music game. As shown in FIG. 3, the game range of the music game includes individual play (play for each user) and group play (play for each group).

Individual charges are set for individual play. The individual fee is a predetermined consideration required for each user U to play a music game individually. On the other hand, a group fee is set for group play. The group fee is a predetermined consideration required for the group UG to play a music game. That is, the group fee is a fee commonly set for each user U of the group UG as a consideration for all the users U of the group UG to play the music game. For example, group charges may be configured as a set of individual charges. Specifically, for example, the group charge may be configured as a set of individual charges corresponding to the number of users U forming the group UG. That is, the total of the individual charges for each user U forming the group UG may be used as the group charge. Then, the group fee may be collected in units of group UG.

In the example of FIG. 3, the individual play of the music game is provided to the first user U1 along with the payment of the individual fee by the first user U1. On the other hand, in the group UG, the total of the individual charges for each user U forming the group UG is set as the group charge. Specifically, the group UG is formed by the second user U2 and the third user U3. That is, a group UG is formed by two users U. Therefore, the total of the individual charges when the two users U play the individual play, that is, the individual charges for the two users is set as the group charge. In addition, the group fee is paid in units of group UG. That is, the charge is not set individually for each user U forming the group UG, but a common group charge is set for the entire group UG, and the group charge is borne by the group UG. Then, along with the payment of the group fee by the group UG, the group UG, that is, the second user U2 and the third user U3 are provided with the group play of the music game. As an example, a music game may be provided with such a fee structure. In this case, the group fee functions as the entire play fee of the present invention. Further, the second user U2 and the third user U3 forming the group UG function as a plurality of users of the present invention.

Further, as described above, the group fee may be paid in various forms as long as it is borne by the group. That is, in the case of group play, it is not necessary for each user U forming the group UG to bear the individual charges equally. Specifically, for example, each user U of the group UG may bear different charges. That is, in the group UG, there may be a user U or a user U having a larger burden than the other user U. Further, such a difference in the burden amount may occur, for example, when some user U bears the consideration to be borne by the other user U. That is, the group UG may include a user U who does not bear the payment of the group fee.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a payment method for a group fee. Further, the example of FIG. 4 shows an example of a payment method when the group UG of the example of FIG. 3 bears the group fee. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, of the two users U forming the group UG, the second user U2 may pay the individual charges for the two users forming the group charge. On the other hand, the third user U3 does not have to bear the payment of the group fee at all. That is, one (part) user U of the group UG may bear the entire group fee. As a result, there may be a difference in the burden amount between the second user U2 and the third user U3. In this case as well, the group play is provided to the group UG, that is, all the users U of the group UG including not only the second user U2 but also the third user U3, along with the payment of all the group charges by the second user U2. As long as the entire group fee is paid by the group UG in this way, the group fee is paid by various methods such that different fee amounts are shared by each user U (including the entire burden by some user U). You may be broken. In this case, the second user U2 who bears the consideration for two people functions as a part of the user and the burden user of the present invention. Similarly, the third user U3 functions as another user of the present invention. As a result, the second user U2 and the third user U3 function as users who share different charge amounts.

Further, the group play may be given a privilege depending on the payment method. For example, such a privilege is when a part of the user U (for example, the second user U2) bears a different fee from the other user U (for example, the third user U3) as in the example of FIG. May be given to. More specifically, for example, when some users U bear a larger charge than other users U, and each user U of the group UG bears a part of the group charge evenly, the charge is given. Group play may be provided to include perks that are not. That is, as an example, a privilege may be given to all members of the group UG due to the existence of users U having different burdens. Further, as a privilege, various game elements such as decorative elements such as a special background or elements advantageous for the progress of the game such as addition of items and play time may be used.

The group UG may be formed in an appropriate form. For example, the group UG may be formed based on various other conditions such as the designation of the user U. Specifically, for example, a group UG may be formed by matching through a matching service. That is, the group UG may be formed by the user U of each matched game machine GM. Further, such matching may be executed so as to include, for example, the game machine GM requested based on the request (recruitment) of each game machine GM, or the identification based on the request of a specific game machine GM. May be executed to include the game console GM. Alternatively, matching may be performed so as to include a specific game machine GM and a designated game machine GM designated by a specific user U who uses the specific game machine GM. Then, a group UG may be formed by the specific user U and the user U who uses the designated game machine GM. In these cases, the plurality of matched game machines GM function as the plurality of game machines of the present invention. Alternatively, the group UG may be formed by each user U who commonly uses one game machine GM. Similarly, the number of users U forming a group UG is not limited to two. The number of users U forming the group UG may be appropriate.

Next, the details of the group charge data 14a will be described. The group charge data 14a is data for managing the group charge. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the group charge data 14a. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the group charge data 14a includes information on "group ID", "number of users", "individual charge", "group charge", "collection result", and "necessity of privilege". You can go out.

The "group ID" is information indicating a unique group ID for each group UG. The group ID is used, for example, to identify (identify) each group UG. Further, the "number of users" is information indicating the number of users U belonging to each group UG, and the "individual fee" is information indicating the individual fee set for the individual play.

On the other hand, the "group charge" is information indicating the group charge set for the group play. As the group charge, as described above, for example, the total of the individual charges of each user U forming the group UG may be used. Therefore, in the "group charge", information indicating an integrated value of the number of users based on the "number of users" information and the individual charge based on the "individual charge" information may be described. In such cases, the "group charge" information may be omitted. On the other hand, for example, when a charge different from the integrated charge is set as a group charge, such as higher or lower than the integrated value (accumulated charge) of the individual charge, the information of such a group charge is "group charge". May be described in.

The “collection result” is information indicating the collection result of the group fee. Specifically, the "collection result" may include, for example, collected information indicating that the group fee has been collected or uncollected information indicating that the group fee has not been collected. In addition, the "collection result" may include information on the payment method. Specifically, the "collection result" is, for example, information on equal payment indicating that each user U in the group UG has evenly paid a part of the group fee, or some user U is another user U. May include information on graded payments indicating that you have paid a different fee.

"Necessity of privilege" is information indicating whether or not it is necessary to grant a privilege to group play. The “necessity of privilege” may be used, for example, when providing group play to determine whether or not a privilege should be granted. Further, for example, as described above, when the group fee is paid so that some user U bears a fee different from that of the other user U, a privilege is given to the group play. Therefore, in the "necessity of privilege", for example, information indicating unnecessary when the "collection result" indicates equal payment and information indicating necessity when indicating inclined payment may be described. As an example, the group charge data 14a may be configured as a set of records in which the information is described to be associated with each other.

Next, the charge notification process and the privilege grant process will be described. The charge notification process is a process for notifying a group charge when a music game is played in a group unit. The charge notification process may be realized by the control unit 10 of the center server 2, for example, through the routine of FIG. More specifically, the routine of FIG. 6 may be executed through the Web service management unit 17 of the control unit 10.

On the other hand, the privilege granting process is a process for granting a privilege to group play. For example, the privilege granting process may be realized through the routine of FIG. Further, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by either the control unit 30 of the game machine GM or the control unit 10 of the center server 2. Specifically, for example, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM. In this case, the routine of FIG. 7 may be executed through the game providing unit 37 of the control unit 30 as an example. In addition to these processes, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM and the control unit 10 of the center server 2 execute various well-known processes independently or in cooperation with each other. However, their detailed description will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a charge notification processing routine for realizing the charge notification processing. More specifically, the example of FIG. 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a charge notification processing routine when a group UG is formed by matching. The routine of FIG. 6 may be executed, for example, when each game machine GM requests the setting of a group fee. Further, for example, each game machine GM may request the center server 2 to set a group charge when group play is selected from the play of music games, for example. In addition, for example, when the group UG is formed by each user U who commonly uses one game machine GM, when the group UG can be formed by one game machine GM, the routine of FIG. 6 May be executed by the control unit 30 of the game machine GM.

When the routine of FIG. 6 is started, the Web service management unit 17 first specifies the number of users U who play group play in step S11, in other words, the number of users U who form the group UG. This identification may be realized, for example, based on the matching result. When the group UG is formed by a service other than the matching service such as the setting of the user U, for example, the number of the user U may be specified based on the input result of the user U.

In the following step S12, the Web service management unit 17 sets a common group fee for the group UG as the play fee for the entire group UG required for the group play so that each user U of the group UG can share a different fee. To do. For example, when the total of the individual charges of the users U forming the group UG is used as the group charge, this setting may be acquired by integrating the number of user U specified in step S11 and the individual charges.

In the next step S13, the Web service management unit 17 notifies each game machine belonging to the group UG of the group fee so that the group fee set in step S12 is notified to each user U.

In the following step S14, the Web service management unit 17 determines whether or not the group fee notified in step S13 has been paid by the group UG. This determination may be realized, for example, by acquiring information on the charge collection status from each game machine GM. More specifically, for example, the Web service management unit 17 may determine whether or not the total of the charges collected from each game machine GM reaches the group charge based on the collection status from each game machine GM. .. Then, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group fee has been paid when the total reaches (including the case where it exceeds) the group fee. On the other hand, if the total of the charges collected from each game machine GM does not reach the group charge, the Web service management unit 17 may determine that the group charge has not been paid. Further, in these cases, the individual payment amount of each game machine GM forming the group UG may not be considered. That is, some game machine GMs of the group UG may pay a larger fee than other game machine GMs. Specifically, for example, the entire group fee may be paid by some game machine GM (for example, the game machine GM used by the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4).

If the determination result in step S14 is a negative result, that is, if the group fee has not been paid, the Web service management unit 17 skips the process in step S15 and ends this routine. In this case, group play is not allowed. That is, group play is not permitted, and no user U of the group UG can play the music game. In this case, the Web service management unit 17 may notify each game machine GM of the disapproval of group play. Note that the Web service management unit 17 may determine in step S14 that the result is negative (the group fee is not paid) even when a predetermined time has elapsed after the notification of the group fee by each game machine GM.

On the other hand, the Web service management unit 17 proceeds to step S15 when the determination result in step S14 is a positive result, that is, when the group fee is paid. In step S15, the Web service management unit 17 commonly permits the group play to each game machine GM of the group UG so that the group play of the music game is provided by each game machine GM forming the group UG. Then, when the process of step S15 is completed, the Web service management unit 17 ends the current routine. The Web service management unit 17 may update (including generate) the group charge data 14a so as to reflect the processing result of FIG. 6 in accordance with the routine of FIG.

According to the routine of FIG. 6, when group play is selected, a group fee according to the number of users of the group UG who plays the group play is commonly set for the group UG. Further, whether or not the group fee is paid is determined in units of the group UG, and when the payment is made, the group play of the music game is commonly permitted to each game machine GM of the group UG. That is, with the payment of the group fee for each group, the group play is provided in common to the group UG.

On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of a privilege granting processing routine for realizing the privilege granting process. The routine of FIG. 7 may be executed, for example, each time group play of a music game is permitted in the routine of FIG.

When the routine of FIG. 7 is started, the game providing unit 37 first acquires the collection result of the group fee in step S21. This acquisition may be realized, for example, by acquiring the processing result of FIG. 6 of the center server 2. More specifically, for example, this acquisition may be realized by acquiring the group charge data 14a reflecting the processing result from the center server 2.

In the following step S23, the game providing unit 37 determines whether or not the privilege condition is satisfied. The privilege condition is, for example, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than the other user U, that is, when there is a user U who bears more than the amount obtained by dividing the group fee by the number of users of the group UG. May be filled with. That is, the privilege condition may be determined in the same manner as the "privilege availability" of the group charge data 14a. Therefore, for example, the determination in step S23 may be executed based on the "privilege availability" of the group charge data 14a. Specifically, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is satisfied when, for example, the information of "privilege availability" indicates the necessity. On the other hand, the game providing unit 37 may determine that the privilege condition is not satisfied when, for example, the information of "privilege availability" indicates that it is unnecessary. Then, when the determination result is a negative result, that is, when the privilege condition is not satisfied, the game providing unit 37 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current routine.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S22 is a positive result, that is, if the privilege condition is satisfied, the game providing unit 37 proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the game providing unit 37 grants a privilege. That is, the game providing unit 37 provides the group play so as to include the privilege. Then, when the game providing unit 37 finishes the process of step S23, the game providing unit 37 ends the current routine. As a result, when there is a user U who shares the group fee more than the other user U, a privilege is given to the group play. In addition, since the privilege condition is satisfied for each group, the benefit is given to the entire group UG including not only the user U who shares the group fee more than the other user U but also the other user U (user U with a small burden). Given.

As described above, according to this form, in the case of group play, the group charge is group UG so that each user U of the group UG can share a different charge amount as a consideration for playing the group play. It is set in common for all of. Therefore, it is possible to make other users U bear at least a part of the consideration (for example, the charge corresponding to the individual charge) that each user U of the group UG should originally bear equally. If the group fee is paid according to the unit of the group UG, the group play of all the users U of the group UG is commonly permitted even if there are users who share different fee amounts. That is, some user U bears at least a part of the payment of other user U and pays an amount equal to or more than the equal amount when the play fee is divided evenly (in other words, other user U is equal). Paying less than the amount) can be tolerated.

More specifically, for example, some user U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4) bears the consideration of another user U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4). Can be done. That is, it is possible to allow a part of the user U to pay the entire play fee (in other words, the existence of the user U who does not bear the play fee). As a result, different burdens can be collected from each user U of the group UG as the burden amount of the group fee (compensation for playing the group play) including the existence of the user U who bears the play fee.

In addition, when there are users who share different charges, the burdened user U (for example, the third user U3 in the example of FIG. 4) who has been asked to bear at least a part of the consideration that he / she should originally bear is it. It is possible to generate a reward consciousness for the burdened user U (for example, the second user U2 in the example of FIG. 4) who bears the burden. As a result, it is possible to encourage the next group play (rewarding play) accompanying the reward by the burdened user U. As a result, the play of the music game can be promoted.

Furthermore, when benefits are given to all users U of the group UG due to the existence of users who share different charge amounts, that is, the burden user U and the burden user U, the existence of users who share different charge amounts (in other words, For example, the existence of the burden user U) can be benefited. As a result, it is possible to urge each user U to bear the burden of the consideration of the other user U, that is, to become the burden user U. As a result, the formation of the reward relationship is promoted, so that the play of the music game can be further promoted.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 10 of the center server 2 functions as the charge setting means and the play permission means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. On the other hand, the control unit 30 of the game machine GM functions as the privilege giving means of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. 7.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned form, and can be carried out in an appropriate form. For example, in the above-described form, any user U may bear the consideration to be paid by the other user U. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden user may be predetermined to a specific user U. Further, for example, a specific user U may be determined by designation by each user U, self-application (designation by self), or the like. Alternatively, when the group UG is determined by matching, the user U of the game machine GM who requested the matching may function as a specific user U. Similarly, when the matching is executed so as to match each game machine GM designated by the user U, the user U who specifies each game machine GM may function as a specific user U. That is, these specific users U may be predetermined to function as the burden user U. Further, the burden user U may be randomly determined by lottery or the like.

Further, in the above-described form, the burden amount borne by the burden user U may be appropriately paid by the burden user. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the burden amount borne by the burden user U may be predetermined, such as for a plurality of people. For example, the burden amount of each user U may be determined by the selection of each user U. Specifically, for example, group play includes a normal mode and a special mode having various advantageous developments and game elements as compared with the normal mode, and in these modes, the special mode is more necessary for playing. Different amounts of consideration may be set so that the amount is higher. Then, the amount of consideration corresponding to the normal mode may be set for the user U who has selected the normal mode, and the amount of consideration corresponding to the special mode may be set as the burden amount to be borne by the user U who has selected the special mode. .. That is, the burden amount of each user U may be determined through the selection of modes in which the amount of consideration is different. Further, for example, when at least a part of the users U in the group UG select the special mode and pay the corresponding consideration, the special mode may be provided to everyone in the group UG. That is, the advantageous development of the special mode may be used as a privilege associated with the existence of the user U (user U who has selected the special mode) having a different burden amount. In this case, the target of this privilege may be regarded as all members of the group UG, or may be regarded as other than the user U who has selected the special mode. As a result, the privilege associated with the existence of the users U having different burdens may be given to, for example, not all of the group UGs but a part (including the case where the burdens are limited to the users U). Further, when the burden user U is determined in advance by the selection or lottery of each user U, in other words, when the burden amount to be paid by each user U is determined in advance by the center server 2 or the like, each user U should pay. The burden amount may be notified to each user U through each game machine GM or the like. Then, each user U may be required to pay the notified burden amount.

In the above-described form, the game machine GM provides a music game. However, the game provided by the game machine GM is not limited to such a form. For example, in addition, various games such as action games, role-playing games, adventure games, simulation games, puzzle games, card games, shooting games, sports games, and compound games may be provided by the game machine GM.

Similarly, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 are provided in the game machine GM. However, the game machine GM of the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the control unit 30 and the storage unit 31 may be logically provided on the network by using cloud computing. That is, the game machine GM may be configured as a terminal that provides the processing result of the control unit 30 through the network 3. Further, in the game system of the present invention, when a group UG is formed by a plurality of users U who use one game machine GM, the center server 2 is omitted and the game system is realized by one game machine GM. May be good.

An example of the present invention obtained from the above contents will be described below. In the following description, reference numerals of the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) in which a plurality of users (UGs) play a common game, and the total play fee of the plurality of users is charged as a consideration for playing the game. A charge setting means (10) that is commonly set for the plurality of users so that different charge amounts can be shared among the users, and at least a part of the users (U2) whose total play charge is the plurality of users. It is provided with a play permission means (10) that allows the plurality of users to play the game in common so that the game is provided to the plurality of users when paid by.

According to the game system of the present invention, the entire play fee is commonly set for a plurality of users so that different fee amounts can be shared as consideration for playing the game. As a result, it is possible to make other users bear at least a part of the consideration that each user should bear equally. Further, when the entire play fee is paid by at least some users, the play of a plurality of users is commonly permitted. In other words, even if all of the plurality of users do not bear the compensation, if the entire play fee is paid by some users, all the users are allowed to play. As a result, it is possible to allow the existence of users who do not bear the compensation. As a result, different burdens can be collected from a plurality of users as compensation for playing the game, including the existence of users who do not bear the compensation. Further, when there is a user who bears the consideration to be borne by another user, it is possible to raise a sense of reward for the user who bears the burden (the burdened user). As a result, it is possible to encourage the next play (rewarding play) with a reward by the burdened user. This can facilitate the play of the game.

As one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when there are users (U2, U3) who share the different charge amounts, all of the plurality of users (U2, U3) are allowed to play the game. The privilege granting means (30) for granting the privilege may be further provided. In this case, with the existence of users who share different fee amounts, benefits are given to all of a plurality of users who commonly play the game. In other words, it is possible to benefit the existence of a user who bears the consideration to be borne by another user. As a result, it is possible to encourage each user to bear the consideration for other users. As a result, the play of the game can be further promoted.

The plurality of users may be determined in various ways. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, each game machine (GM) that provides the game to each user and a server device (2) connected to each game machine via a network (3) are provided. The plurality of users are determined by matching executed by the server device, and a plurality of users who each use the plurality of game machines matched via the server device function as the plurality of users. It may be adopted.

Similarly, various users, such as arbitrary users and designated users, may bear different charges. For example, in the embodiment in which a plurality of users are determined by the matching of the present invention, among the users who share the different charge amounts, the burden user (U2) who bears a larger charge amount than the other users is predetermined. You may. Further, in this aspect, the matching is executed so as to match the plurality of users including the specific user based on the request of the specific user who uses the specific game machine, and as the burden user, the specific user. May work. Alternatively, in the matching, a specific game machine and a designated game machine designated by a specific user who uses the specific game machine functions as the plurality of game machines, and a user who uses the designated game machine and the said The specific user may be executed so as to be matched as the plurality of users, and the specific user may function as the burden user.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to make the computer (10, 30) connected to the output device (MO) that provides the game function as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

Further, the server device of the present invention is connected to the output device (MO) that provides the game via the network (3), and functions as each means of the above-mentioned game system. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or the server device of the present invention.

1 Game system 2 Center server (server device)
3 Network 10 Control unit (computer, fee setting means, play permission means)
30 Control unit (computer, privilege granting means)
U user U2 second user (some users, burden users)
U3 3rd user (other users)
UG group (multiple users)
MO monitor (output device)
GM game machine

Claims (1)

A game system that allows multiple users to play a common game.
By providing the user with either a first game mode that requires a first play fee or a second game mode that requires a second play fee that is higher than the first play fee. A fee setting means for setting the entire play fee of the plurality of users so that different fee amounts can be shared among the plurality of users.
When the second game mode is selected by at least a part of the plurality of users and the second play fee is paid, and the first game mode is performed by a user other than the part of the users. Is selected, and when the first play fee is paid, the play permission that allows the plurality of users to play the game in common so that the second game mode is provided to the plurality of users. With means,
The second game mode includes contents that are advantageous in the progress of the game as compared with the first game mode.
Game system.