JP7127903B1 - Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A game system capable of increasing the number of users matched with a special user is provided. A center server 2 (game system) provides a quiz game progressing in units of groups via game machines 3 . Further, the center server 2 obtains a request for matching with the special group SG to which the special user SU as the user U who satisfies the special condition belongs from each general user NU as the user U different from the special user SU. Then, the center server 2 redundantly matches the special user SU with a plurality of special groups SG so that a plurality of special groups SG in which the quiz games progress in parallel is formed, and at the same time each general user SU based on the request. Each general user NU is matched so that the user NU may alternatively belong to one of a plurality of special groups SG. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention relates to a game system or the like that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching users up to a fixed number.

There are game systems that provide a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching users up to a fixed number. For example, as such a game, there is known a game system that provides a battle game played by a plurality of users through operations of characters corresponding to each user (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 6419112

In the game of Patent Literature 1, matching between one user and another user with whom the user desires multi-play is realized by consuming virtual currency set by one user. Therefore, matching (multi-play) with a user desired by one user, such as a prominent user such as a professional gamer, is realized. On the other hand, since matching with a desired user requires consumption of virtual currency, excessive multiplay requests to a specific user (for example, a desired user such as a famous user) may be suppressed. However, that particular user is only matched one-to-one with one user. Therefore, if many users want to play with the same specific user, there is a possibility that many users who cannot play with the specific user will remain. In particular, when the number of specific users is small, this tendency becomes high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game system or the like that can increase the number of users matched with a special user.

The game system of the present invention is a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching users up to a fixed number, and is a special group to which a special user as a user who satisfies a special condition belongs. request acquisition means for acquiring a request requesting matching from each general user as a user different from the special user, and a plurality of special groups in which the game progresses in parallel are formed as the special group While redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups, each general user is matched so that each general user alternatively belongs to one of the plurality of special groups based on the request. and matching means.

On the other hand, a computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each means of the game system described above.

In addition, the control method of the present invention provides a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to a fixed number of users as a special user who satisfies a special condition. A request acquisition procedure for acquiring a request requesting matching to a special group to which the user belongs from each general user as a user different from the special user, and a plurality of special groups in which the game progresses in parallel. While redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that each general user belongs to one of the plurality of special groups alternatively based on the request, each and a matching procedure for matching general users.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the essential parts of the control system of the game system; Explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special matching service. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the role of the special user in a special group. Explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the difference between normal progress and special progress in a quiz game. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen for a quiz game; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a special matching process procedure; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of progress switching processing; 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of character placement processing. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of synchro control processing; The figure which shows typically an example of the game screen which concerns on a modification.

An example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, referring to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. A game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5 . The center server 2 is configured as one logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B, . . . as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be composed of a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

As the game machine 3, an appropriate computer device that provides games may be used. Such computing devices also include, for example, user terminals. A user terminal device is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by a user. For example, such computer devices include stationary or book-type personal computers, stationary home-use game machines, or mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones), portable game machines, and portable tablet terminals. is included. Although such various computer devices may be used as the game machine 3 as appropriate, a commercial (business) game machine is used as the game machine 3 in the example of FIG. A commercial game machine is an example of a game machine, and is a game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine, and is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 6 for the main purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play the game to increase profits.

The game machine 3 provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching users up to a fixed number. In other words, the game machine 3 provides a type of game that progresses commonly among a plurality of users grouped by matching. The game machine 3 may appropriately provide various games such as an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, or a music game as such games, and provides a quiz game as an example. A quiz game is a type of game in which a user answers a given question and evaluates whether the answer is correct or not. Although the quiz game may be a cooperative game in which a group (team) cooperates, the case where the quiz game is configured as a competitive game in which the group competes for results will be described below.

The network 5 may be configured appropriately as long as the game machine 3 can be connected to the center server 2 . As an example, the network 5 is configured to implement network communications using the TCP/IP protocol. Typically, the Internet 5A as a WAN and LANs 5B and 5C connecting the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet 5A are connected via a router 5D. A local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B, .

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machines 3 or their users. The game machine service may appropriately include various services necessary for the game machine 3 to provide the quiz game, and examples thereof include a matching service and a progress assistance service. The matching service is a service that matches users with each other when multiple users play a quiz game via the network 5 . A group of opponents may be formed as appropriate, but as an example, it is formed through such a matching service. That is, in the quiz game, each user using each game machine 3 installed in the same shop 6 or different shops 6 is matched as a competitor through the matching service.

Matching services also include normal matching services and special matching services. The normal matching service is a service for realizing normal matching. In normal matching, each user is uniformly treated in the same way as in general matching, and is alternatively matched to one of the groups for playing the quiz game.

On the other hand, the special matching service is a service for realizing special matching. In special matching, some users among a plurality of users to be grouped are distinguished from other users (hereinafter sometimes referred to as general users) as special users, and those special users and general users are grouped into one user. are matched to form groups.

Specifically, in the special matching service, a request for grouping (matching) with a special user is received from a general user, and the general user is matched with the special user according to the request. General users and special users are matched according to the request, and special users are allowed to belong to a plurality of groups. In other words, the special user may be matched so as to redundantly belong to a plurality of groups (a group to which the special user belongs may be hereinafter referred to as a special group) through special matching. On the other hand, general users are matched so as to belong to one of the groups as in the case of normal matching, and are distinguished from special users at least in terms of whether duplicate matching is possible. Details of the special matching service are further described below.

The progress assistance service is a service for supporting the progress of the quiz game. Such services appropriately include, for example, the sharing of results (correctness of answers, etc.) of each user in the group. Further, the progress assistance service may be omitted as appropriate when the quiz game is configured to require no support, but as an example, it is configured to support special progress in the quiz game.

Special progressions are progressions that differ from normal progressions. Special progress may be provided from time to time in the quiz game, as an example if a special user is present in the group. In other words, if there is no special user in the group, the game progresses normally, and if there is a special user in the group, the game progresses in special progress. You can change the progress of the game. The special user's role (function) may be set accordingly, but one example includes a role for switching such progress. And, a progress assistance service is provided to support the progress in the event that a special progress is provided.

The special progress may be realized as appropriate, and the progress assistance service may also provide appropriate support according to the special progress. Implementing support to generate common progress. Common progression between a plurality of special groups may be realized as appropriate, for example, as a common timing such as the start time so that the quiz game starts at the same time, or the timing of each question when multiple questions are included. It may be implemented as commonization of the range of questions (for example, genres when questions are classified into genres), but as an example, it may be implemented as commonality of questions. In addition, in the case where one play of the quiz game includes multiple questions, sharing of questions may occur only in questions given to special users. occurs in all In other words, in the case of the special progression, among a plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs, questioning is controlled so that all of the plurality of questions are common as part of the progression. As an example, the progress assistance service provides support for achieving commonality of such problems. Specifically, questions to be set for a plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs are determined by the center server 2 through the progress assistance service, and the determined questions are actually set in the quiz game. It is shared by the game machine 3 of each user forming the group. Details of the special progression will be described further below.

The game machine service also includes a distribution service for distributing and updating programs or data for the game machine 3 via the network 5, and a service for receiving user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticating the user. , a service of receiving play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3 and storing it, or providing the game machine 3 with the play data to be stored. Further, the game machine service may appropriately include a billing service for collecting fees from the user.

Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage section 22 as storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a predetermined computer program, and an internal memory and other peripheral devices required for the operation.

The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data in one storage unit, or may be configured to store data in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage units. A server program PG1 is recorded in the storage unit 22 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to the user. The storage unit 22 also records server data SD necessary for providing various services. The server data SD includes various data necessary for providing various services. Such data may appropriately include various data for a quiz game, but the example in FIG. 2 shows play data PD and question data QD.

The play data PD is data describing information about the past play performance of each user. The play data PD is used, for example, to hand over the play results (past achievements) up to the previous time, or to hand over the settings specific to each user. The play data PD may be used to identify each user such as a special user or a general user. Further, the quiz game may be configured, for example, to rank each user according to past results, or to form a plurality of leagues according to the ranking, etc. In such a case, the play data PD is It is also used for managing rankings and affiliated leagues.

The quiz data QD is data used for managing questions to be asked in the quiz game and answers to the questions. Therefore, in the question data QD, various questions and answers corresponding to each question are described in association with each other. The question data QD may appropriately include, for example, various other information related to the questioning of each question, such as the genre to which each question belongs and hints.

Further, the control unit 21 is provided with various logical devices realized by combining the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as software resources. Various logical devices are appropriately provided in the control unit 21, and the game machine service management section 24 is shown in the example of FIG. The game machine service management unit 24 is a logical device that executes processing for providing the game machine service described above. Therefore, such processing includes various types of processing for realizing the above-described matching service and progress assistance service. For example, the game machine service management unit 24 executes known processing for realizing normal matching (in other words, normal matching service). Similarly, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various types of processing for realizing special matching (in other words, special matching service), and such processing includes, for example, special matching processing. Also, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various types of processing for realizing the progress assistance service, and such processing includes, for example, synchronization control processing. The details of the special matching process and the synchro control process will be described later. An input device such as a keyboard, an output device such as a monitor, and the like may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, illustration of them is omitted.

On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage section 32 as storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program, and an internal memory and other peripheral devices that are necessary for its operation. The control unit 31 is provided with various logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG2 as software resources. A portion 37, a display control portion 38, and a progression control portion 39 are shown.

Matching unit 36 is a logical device that performs various processes related to matching through the matching service. For example, the matching unit 36 executes processing of requesting the center server 2 for matching for playing a quiz game, acquiring the result, and specifying a plurality of users belonging to each group. For this reason, for example, when a general user wishes to belong to a special group, the matching unit 36 executes a process of requesting matching for that purpose.

The motion determination unit 37 is a logical device that executes various processes for determining the motion of the user playing the quiz game. The user's motion may not be used, in which case the motion determination unit 37 may be omitted, but as an example, the user's motion is used for playing the game. In addition, the user's actions may be used appropriately, for example, for various play actions such as inputting answers in a quiz game (including cases where actions are requested as answers) or requesting hints. is utilized so as to be reflected in the action of each character appearing in the quiz game as an example.

Specifically, the quiz game may be provided as appropriate, for example, it may be provided so that questions are asked and answers are input by voice through a speaker SP and a microphone MI, which will be described later. A monitor MO and a touch panel TP, which will be described later, are provided so that questions can be asked on the game screen and answers can be input through touch operations. Similarly, the game screen may be configured as appropriate, and the quiz game may be appropriately provided through the game screen. ), and the quiz game progresses through the user character. Then, the user's actual action is reflected in the action of the user character on the game screen. Therefore, the processing executed by the motion determination unit 37 includes, for example, processing for determining the motion of each user and determining the motion of the character based on the determination result.

The display control unit 38 is a logical device that executes various processes for controlling the display of the game screen for playing the quiz game. Such processing includes, for example, processing of presenting questions and presenting answers on the game screen. Similarly, the processing executed by the display control unit 38 includes displaying a user character reflecting the user's motion on the game screen (making the user character perform a motion corresponding to the user's motion), This includes processing for arranging user characters. For example, the display control unit 38 executes character placement processing as one of the processes for placing characters. The details of the procedure of character placement processing will be described later.

The progress control unit 39 is a logical device that executes various processes for controlling the progress of the quiz game. The progress control unit 39 can appropriately execute various processes related to the progress of the quiz game. do. The progress control unit 39 also executes processing for switching the progress of the game, for example, between normal progress and special progress, and realizing progress according to the normal progress or special progress. For example, the progress control unit 39 executes a progress switching process as one of the processes for switching the progress of the game. Details of the procedure of the progress switching process will be described later.

The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the above-described game program PG2. In the example of FIG. 2, game data GD is shown. The game data GD is data for allowing the user to play a quiz game according to the game program PG2. The game data GD may include various data such as image data for displaying various images for a quiz game and BGM data for reproducing various BGM. , and question data QD.

The game data GD may be stored in the storage section 32 by an appropriate method, for example, may be pre-installed in the game machine 3, or may be stored in the storage section 32 via various recording media. As described above, the game data GD can be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method. As an example, the play data PD and question data QD are provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service so as to include necessary portions.

In addition, the game machine 3 is appropriately provided with various output devices and input devices necessary for the arcade game machine, and can be connected to the control unit 31. In the example of FIG. SP is connected. In other words, the output devices provided in the game machine 3 include the monitor MO and the speaker SP. The monitor MO is a display device for displaying game screens including various images for the quiz game. The monitor MO displays various game screens (images) for providing a quiz game according to the output signal from the control unit 31. FIG. In this example, the monitor MO functions as the output device of the present invention.

The speaker SP is an audio output device for reproducing various sounds. The speaker SP may be used appropriately, for example, for asking questions as described above, but as an example, it is used for reproducing various sounds such as BGM. Specifically, the speaker SP reproduces various sounds such as BGM for the quiz game according to the output signal from the control unit 31 .

On the other hand, as examples of input devices connected to the control unit 31, the example of FIG. 2 shows a camera CA, a touch panel TP, and a microphone MI. Camera CA is a well-known optical device for photographing a user playing game machine 3 . Camera CA outputs the photographing result to control unit 31 . When the user's action is reflected in the user character, various detection devices for detecting the user's action (motion) can be appropriately provided in the game machine 3. In the example of FIG. A camera CA is provided as an example.

The touch panel TP is a well-known input device that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (touching operation with a finger). Various play actions for playing the quiz game may be input to the game machine 3 via an appropriate input device. In the example of FIG. is provided. A touch operation is used for various selections such as selection of a question genre and selection of an answer in a quiz game. The touch panel TP outputs a signal to the control unit 31 according to the position of the touch operation. In this example, the touch panel TP functions as the input device of the invention.

A microphone MI is a well-known acoustic device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone MI may be used as appropriate, for example, for inputting answers as described above, but as an example, it is used for inputting voices uttered by the user. For example, in a quiz game, talk by a special user or the like may be allowed, and the microphone MI is used to input such talk (voice). Specifically, the microphone MI converts the voice uttered by the user into an electrical signal and outputs the signal to the control unit 31 . In addition, the game machine 3 may be provided with various input devices and output devices that are provided in commercial game devices. For example, such input devices include a fee collection device for collecting a predetermined fee. However, illustration of these is omitted.

Next, the details of the special matching service will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the special matching service. In addition, (1) in FIG. 3 shows a request when special matching is executed, and (2) shows matching based on the request (special matching). As shown in (1) of FIG. 3, in the special matching service, each user U is classified into a special user SU and a general user NU. A match is requested such that you want a match for

A possible period may be set for a request for matching with a special user SU (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special request). and the request is closed when the capacity is reached (possible period may be used together). Information such as acceptance of such special requests, the remaining number of matches that can be made, or the possible period of time may be appropriately notified to the general users NU. Also, the special request may be realized via a device other than the game machine 3, but as an example, it is realized via the game machine 3 in the same way as the normal matching. Specifically, for example, various user terminal devices other than the game machine 3 may be appropriately connected to the center server 2. Although it may be realized, as an example, it is executed through the game machine 3 when playing a quiz game. Furthermore, the special request may be provided with appropriate restrictions such as skill (level), play time, play status such as participation rights granted through play, etc., or time limits. Any general user NU can freely request.

A special user SU is a user U who satisfies a special condition among the users U. Various conditions may be appropriately set as special conditions, for example, conditions such as a play situation such as a predetermined level may be used. That is, the special user SU may function as a user U having a predetermined level or higher. Alternatively, a specific non-player character (NPC) controlled through technology such as AI may function as the special user SU, and special conditions may be set to specify such a specific NPC. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of special users SU as such special users SU, and special conditions may be set to specify the group. In this case, a plurality of special users SUs may be treated as one team (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special user team), and a request may be executed for each team. If the request is made to a special user team, the special user SU belonging to each special group SG may be a suitable special user SU of the special user team, e.g. random from the special user team, or a representative of the special user team. It may be determined under appropriate conditions such as designation by a person or the like. In this way, various users U (including computers) may be appropriately set as special users SU through special conditions, and special requests may be executed in appropriate units. A designation result by an appropriate designator such as an operator of the center server 2 or an operator of the store 6 is used, and one user U designated in advance by those designators (may be appropriately managed through play data PD or the like). ) is functioning as a special user SU. In this case, the request is executed for that one special user SU.

In the case of a special request, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the special user SU is not limited to one group, and is redundantly matched so as to belong to a plurality of groups. Specifically, the special user SU is allowed to belong to a plurality of groups, and a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly are formed through special matching. Also, in these special groups SG, games are played so as to progress in parallel. An appropriate number of special users SU may belong to each special group SG. For example, two special users SU may be matched to each special group SG. is matched with one special user SU. That is, the same special user SU individually requested by each general user NU belongs to a plurality of special groups SG redundantly. Also, although the number of players in one group (unit of play) may be set to an appropriate number, it is set to five in the example of FIG. Therefore, each special group SG is formed by one special user SU and four general users NU.

Special matching, in other words, matching that forms a plurality of special groups SG to which one special user SU belongs redundantly, may be realized as appropriate. For example, a frame (room) is formed to which a special user SU is assigned as one of the fixed numbers in advance so as to correspond to each special group SG, and each general user NU executes a matching request for each frame. Special matching may be implemented. In this way, special matching can be realized as appropriate. As an example, it is realized by forming each special group SG for each capacity according to the number of requests for special users SU. Specifically, the special matching is realized by matching one special user SU and four general users NU with the same special user SU for each request of four general users NU. In addition, quiz games may be allowed to be played in a group of less than the capacity, such as when a request period based on the time limit is set, and in this case, in special matching, the end of the period ( A special group SG may be formed with less than the capacity due to time up.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the role of the special user SU in the special group SG. The special group SG functions as one unit for playing the quiz game, and different roles are assigned to the special users SU and general users NU within the special group SG. The example of FIG. 4 shows the roles of special user SU and general user NU in such a case. Each user U of the special group SG may play a quiz game so as to share one game machine 3, but in the example of FIG. 3 shows a case where a quiz game is played through the game machine 3 of FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the special user SU and each general user NU play the quiz game through separate game machines 3, but a common game screen 50 is displayed on each game machine 3. Roles different from each other are set on the game screen 50 .

Specifically, a role of an answerer is set for each general user NU. The answerer is the role of answering questions in the quiz game. On the other hand, the special user SU is assigned two roles: facilitator (moderator) and answerer. The facilitator is a role that takes charge of progress in the quiz game. The special user SU may be in charge of an appropriate role different from that of the general user NU, and for example, may be in charge of only the facilitator of a quiz game. Responsible for both respondents. In other words, the special user SU participates in the quiz game as both a facilitator and an answerer.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, normal progression and special progression occurring in the quiz game will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the difference between normal progression and special progression in the quiz game. More specifically, the example of FIG. 5 shows the flow of normal progression and special progression in the quiz game. In addition, the special progress may be an appropriate progress different from the normal progress, such as the number of questions, the answer time for each question, the presence or absence of hints, the presence or absence of explanations, or the presence or absence of a present corner (step for presents). Although it may include appropriate elements different from the normal progress, as an example, although the same steps as the normal progress are included, the contents of some steps are different. The example of FIG. 5 illustrates the difference between normal and special progressions in such cases. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the progress of the quiz game is switched between normal progress and special progress depending on whether or not there is a special user SU in the group. , various preparations, practice questions, actual questions, result compilation, and result announcement.

Various preparations are steps in which preparations for starting the quiz game are executed. Such preparation includes, for example, sharing information of each user U belonging to the same group. In addition, if it is possible to select the genre of the range of questions (the type of questions to be asked), various elements such as selection opportunities may be included. In addition, the selection at the selection opportunity may be realized appropriately, for example, by a majority vote, by the first selection result by any user U of the group, or by the representative selection result. good.

The exercise is a process in which quizzes (problems) are given as exercises (problems that do not affect grades). The real question is a process in which a quiz (question) as a real question (problem that affects grades) is given. An appropriate number of questions (quizzes) may be prepared for the actual question, but as an example, a plurality of questions may be included. The result tallying is a process of tallying the results of the actual questions (results of whether the answers to the questions are correct or not). Result announcement is a process of announcing (sharing) the results tabulated by result tabulation to each user U in the group. Processes other than the actual problem may be omitted as appropriate, but as an example, in normal progress, these processes are executed in order by automatic control according to a predetermined rule.

Predetermined rules for proceeding to each step may be set appropriately. For example, when a specific selection is completed, or when the last question is completed, a specific play situation (situational rule) is set according to the process. You can proceed to the process. Alternatively, each step may be provided according to a temporal rule (time schedule) such as the elapse of a predetermined period of time. In this way, the predetermined rule can be set as appropriate, and as an example, a situational rule and a temporal rule are appropriately combined and set. That is, each step is provided to advance to the next step in sequence when a particular play situation ends, when a predetermined amount of time elapses, or when both occur.

On the other hand, the special progress also includes the same steps as the normal progress, but differs from the normal progress at least in the steps of various preparations, exercises, result compilation, and result announcement. Specifically, in the special progress, the switching to the next process (end in the case of result announcement) in various preparations, practice questions, result aggregation, and result announcement is not automatically controlled according to a predetermined rule, but a special user It is executed by manual control based on the progress instruction by SU. The role of the special user SU (facilitator) in the game may be appropriately set, but one example includes progress control of each process based on such progress instructions. The advance instruction may be executed as appropriate, for example, by voice input through the microphone MI, but is executed via the touch panel TP as a touch operation corresponding to the advance instruction. In this example, the special progression functions as the user progression of the present invention.

In addition, the special user SU may be appropriately assigned various other roles, such as a leader in the special group SG. Such roles include, for example, making various selections for the special user SU, applying various rules such as setting answer time including shortening the answer time (time limit) when answer time is set for each question, Various roles are included, such as the role of switching each question when the question includes multiple questions (in this case, talk may intervene between questions). These roles may be appropriately set for the special user SU in addition to the progress instruction. A role of selecting a genre is further set.

For example, in various preparations, a talk such as a self-introduction is allowed, which is realized by the progress of the special user SU. Also, if a genre selection opportunity is provided in various arrangements, the genre is selected by the special user SU. Also, in the exercises, various talks such as hints and relaxing conversations are allowed, and are realized by the progress of the special user SU. Similarly, various talks for the purpose of, for example, livening up the announcement of the results are allowed in the result tallying, and various talks such as a summary of the results and a farewell speech are allowed in the result announcement, respectively, and are realized by the progress of the special user SU. That is, in the special progression, various talks by the special user SU are appropriately inserted in each process. These talks are then carried out freely under the discretion of the Special User SU. For this reason, the end time is not uniformly set, but is switched manually based on the progress instruction by the special user SU.

The talk in each process may be implemented appropriately, but as an example, the special user SU is provided with a communication (voice chat) function via the game machine 3 . The communication function is a function for sharing voice input through the microphone MI with other users U. The special user SU talks through this communication function in each step of the special progress. The difference between the special progress and the normal progress may be realized as appropriate, for example, by providing a gift corner in the special progress after the results are announced. Realized.

Next, a game screen 50 for a quiz game will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a game screen 50 for a quiz game. A quiz game can include various game screens for play, and the example in FIG. 6 is one of such game screens. (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an answer screen). Also, the example of FIG. 6 shows the answer screen 50 when the special group SG plays the quiz game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the answer screen 50 includes a user character 51, an answer table 52, a question display area 53, and a time limit area .

The user character 51 is a character as an avatar (embodiment) of each user U as described above. The user characters 51 include a general user character 51N corresponding to the general user NU and a special user character 51S corresponding to the special user SU. Specifically, the number of user characters 51 corresponding to the number of users U forming the special group SG is displayed on the answer screen 50. In the example of FIG. Five user characters 51 are displayed, including a general user character 51N and a single special user character 51S corresponding to one special user SU. In this example, a special user character 51S and a general user character 51N function as the special character and general character of the present invention, respectively.

The answer seat 52 is a position where a character who functions as an answerer in the quiz game should be placed. The number of answer seats 52 corresponding to the number of user characters 51 is provided on the answer screen 50. In the example of FIG. Five corresponding answer seats 52 are provided side by side at regular intervals. Each answer table 52 is provided with an answer display section 52A that displays the answer of each user character 51 (in other words, each user U) to the questions set. In addition, the user characters 51 may be appropriately arranged in each answering seat 52. For example, the special user character 51S and the general user character 51N may be similarly arranged without distinction, but as an example, they are distinguished according to their roles. are arranged as follows. Specifically, the answering seats 52 include a general answering seat 52N and a special answering seat 52S.

The general answer seat 52N is the answer seat 52 on which the general user character 51N among the user characters 51 should be placed. Each general user character 51N may be appropriately arranged in the general answer seat 52N, for example, may be arranged according to past achievements such as level, but may be arranged randomly as an example. That is, the four general user characters 51N are randomly arranged in the four general answer desks 52N.

On the other hand, the special answer seat 52S is the answer seat 52 where the special user character 51S among the user characters 51 should be placed. The special user character 51S also functions as a facilitator in the quiz game as described above. Therefore, the special answer seat 52S also functions as a position where a facilitator who assists the progress of the quiz game should be placed. If the special user character 51S does not play the role of the answerer, a separate position for the facilitator may be provided separately from the answerer's seat 52. (If there are a plurality of special users SU, there may be a plurality of answer seats 52) serves also as a facilitator and functions as a special answer seat 52S where the answerer should be placed. In this example, the answerer's seat 52 and the special answerer's seat 52S function as the answerer position and the facilitator position of the present invention, respectively.

The special answering seats 52S may be appropriately distinguished from the general answering seats 52N, and may be distinguished morphologically (visually) in terms of shape, color scheme, etc. For example, the special answering seats 52S may be distinguished by their arrangement position. That is, the special answer seat 52S is arranged at a predetermined position for showing the special user character 51S (facilitator) so as to be distinguished from the general answer seats 52N. Such a predetermined position may be set as appropriate, for example, it may be set at various positions such as the answer seat 52 corresponding to the center of the five answer seats 52 arranged side by side, or the answer seat 52 corresponding to the left end. , and in the example of FIG. That is, the rightmost answer seat 52 among the five answer seats 52 arranged side by side fixedly functions as the special answer seat 52S, and the special user character 51S as a facilitator is placed there.

The question display area 53 is an area in which questions to be given as quizzes are displayed. Also, the quiz game may include various forms of questioning, and the form of questioning may be appropriately presented to each user U. In the example of FIG. In other words, the question display area 53 includes information on the question format in addition to the questions of the quiz. For example, the quiz game has a quick-press format in which only the user U who has performed a predetermined touch operation earliest is given the right to answer, and all users U are given the right to answer for a predetermined time. Various formats may be included, such as a full-participation format in which the answers and whether they are correct or not are presented. For example, in the case of the quick-press format, information such as a quick-press quiz can be presented in the question display area 53, and in the case of the all-participation format, information such as all-participation can be presented in the question display area 53. In the example of FIG. Quick writing quiz!” is presented as information in question format. In the "flip quick writing quiz!", everyone is given the right to answer, but the correctness of the answer is in the order of the quickest answer. ) is the question format that is determined as the correct answer.

The time limit area 54 is an area that indicates the remaining time of the answer time (time limit), that is, the remaining time that each user U can answer. For example, in each question format such as "flip fast writing quiz!" 54. In addition, the right to answer each user character 51 may be appropriately restricted according to the question format, such as only once per question, but in the example of FIG. Multiple answers are allowed by each respondent within the time limit. That is, each user U can repeatedly present an answer until the correct answer is given.

Next, special matching processing, progress switching processing, character placement processing, and synchro control processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. Special matching processing is processing for realizing special matching. Special matching can be realized as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 7, the number of requests includes one special user SU and a predetermined number of general users NU (the number obtained by subtracting one person corresponding to the special user SU from the fixed number). It shows a case where matching is performed according to the Also, a special request may be provided with a requestable period, but the example of FIG. 7 shows a case where a predetermined capacity is provided. In this case, when the number of special requests reaches a predetermined capacity, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the special matching process of FIG. 7, and first acquires requests from each user U (S101). This request includes not only special requests (requests from general users NU) but also requests from special users SU.

In addition, the special user SU may participate in the quiz game as appropriate. For example, when special matching is realized through a reservation service in advance, etc., the center server 2 will be sent from the center server 2 at an appropriate time from the start of the reservation service to the start of play. Participation requests are made through various communication means such as e-mail, and the special user SU may participate in the special matching based on the request. That is, the special user SU may execute a matching request in response to various requests. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 may execute processing for determining whether or not a request is being executed by the special user SU at an appropriate time near the predetermined capacity. may request (require) the special user SU through an appropriate means of communication. Alternatively, the game machine service management section 24 may make a similar request when the request acquired in step S101 does not include the request of the special user SU. In that case, the game machine service management unit 24 may also wait for a request from the special user SU in step S101. On the other hand, the special user SU may execute a matching request in the same way as the general user NU so as to wait until a predetermined capacity is reached.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 executes special matching based on the request acquired in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 first distinguishes between a request from a special user SU and a request from a general user NU. Next, the game machine service management unit 24 arranges one special user SU and a predetermined number of special groups SG so that an appropriate number of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly are formed according to the number of requests from general users NU. number of general users NU are matched for each capacity. For example, if the fixed number is four, a general user is randomly matched with one special user SU for every four persons as the predetermined number, and the same matching for the same special user SU is repeated until the number of general users becomes zero. Executed repeatedly. The predetermined capacity of the special request is set according to the capacity of the special group SG. For example, if the special request is executed due to a time limit, the final matching will be limited to less than four general users NU and special users SU. Matching may be allowed. In other words, matching may be performed so as to allow the formation of a special group SG whose number of members is less than the capacity. As an example, gaming machine service manager 24 performs special matching in this manner.

Next, the game machine service management unit 24 provides the matching result of step S102 to each game machine 3 (step S103). Specifically, the game machine 3 used by each user U is provided with information on five users U (including the special user SU) of the special group SG to which the user belongs. After providing the matching result, the game machine service management unit 24 terminates the current special matching process. This realizes special matching. Specifically, redundant matching of special users SU is allowed according to the number of special requests, and a plurality of special groups SG to which the same special users SU belong redundantly are formed.

The progress switching process is a process for switching the progress of the game between normal progress and special progress. Switching between normal progress and special progress may be appropriately realized based on various conditions, but the example in FIG. A case is shown that is realized depending on whether or not the group corresponds to SG in the special group. In this case, when the progress control unit 39 acquires the matching result through the special matching process shown in FIG. 7, for example, it starts the progress switching process shown in FIG. In other words, it is determined whether or not the group to be played corresponds to the special group SG (step S201). Then, if the special user SU does not exist, that is, if the play target group does not correspond to the special group SG, the progress control unit 39 skips the subsequent processes and ends the current progress switching process. In this case, the progress of the quiz game is not switched, and is provided in the normal progress as usual.

On the other hand, if there is a special user SU, that is, if the play target group corresponds to the special group SG, the progress control unit 39 switches the progress of the game from normal progress to special progress (step S202). For example, as in the example of FIG. 5, the progress of automatic switching in which the switching of each process is automatically controlled by the game is normal progress, and the progress of manual switching in which the switching of some processes is manually controlled by the special user SU is special. When each is provided as progress, the progress control unit 39 switches the progress of the game from progress of automatic switching as normal progress to progress of manual switching as special progress. After switching the progress of the game, the progress control unit 39 terminates the current progress switching process.

According to the procedure of FIG. 8, the progress of the game is switched from normal progress to special progress when there is a special user SU in the group (corresponding to the special group SG). More specifically, when the play target group corresponds to the special group SG, the progress of the game is switched to manual switching, and the special user SU switches to manual switching according to circumstances. On the other hand, if the group to be played does not correspond to the special group SG, the game progresses normally. More specifically, each step of the game progresses so as to be automatically switched according to a predetermined rule such as a time schedule. As a result, switching of the progress of the game between normal progress and special progress is realized according to whether or not there is a special user SU in the group (whether or not the game belongs to the special group SG).

The character placement process is a process for placing each user character 51 at an appropriate position on the game screen. A quiz game can include various game screens, but the example of FIG. In this case, the display control unit 38 starts the character placement process of FIG. 9 each time the answer screen 50 is displayed, and first determines the type of each user character 51 (step S301). Each user character 51 can be classified into an appropriate type. As an example, the answer screen 50 is classified into a general user character 51N and a special user character 51S. In this case, the display control unit 38 determines whether each user character 51 belongs to the general user character 51N or the special user character 51S.

Subsequently, the display control unit 38 determines the placement position where each user character 51 should be placed on the answer screen 50 (step S302). When all of the user characters 51 are general user characters 51N, any of the five answer seats 52 on the answer screen 50 is determined to be an appropriate position for arranging each general user character 51N. Therefore, the display control unit 38 randomly assigns each answer seat 52 to each general user character 51N. Then, the display control unit 38 determines the assigned answer seat 52 as the arrangement position of each general user character 51N. On the other hand, if any of the user characters 51 corresponds to the special user character 51S, the rightmost answer seat 52 indicating the facilitator is determined as an appropriate position where the special user character 51S should be placed on the answer screen 50 . Therefore, the display control unit 38 assigns the rightmost answer seat 52 to the special user character 51S, and determines the rightmost answer seat 52 as the arrangement position of the special user character 51S. On the other hand, on the answer screen 50, all of the remaining four answer seats 52 are determined to be appropriate positions for the remaining four general user characters 51N. For this reason, the display control unit 38 randomly assigns the remaining four answer seats 52 to the four general user characters 51N, and assigns the answer seats 52 assigned to the general user characters 51N to the arrangement positions of the general user characters 51N. Determined as

Next, the display control unit 38 arranges each user character 51 at the arrangement position determined in step S302 (step S303). Specifically, the display control unit 38 controls the display of the monitor MO so that each user character 51 is displayed at the arrangement position determined in step S302 on the answer screen 50 . After arranging each user character 51, the display control unit 38 ends the current character arrangement processing. Thereby, each user character 51 is arranged at an appropriate position on the answer screen 50 . Specifically, for example, in the case of the special group SG (when there is a special user SU in the group), the answer screen 50 has a special user character 51S at the answer seat 52 on the right end, and each general character at the remaining four answer seats 52. User characters 51N are arranged at random. Specifically, the special user character 51S is uniformly placed in the special answer seat 52S representing the facilitator, and the remaining general user characters 51N are uniformly placed in the general answer seats 52N representing general answerers. That is, on the answer screen 50, each user character 51 is placed in an answer seat 52 corresponding to its role.

The synchro control process is a process for controlling the progress of the game so that progress is at least partially common among a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly. The common progress that occurs between a plurality of special groups SG may be an appropriate progress, but the example in FIG. This shows the case where the questioning among the special groups SG of is controlled. Also, such communalization of questions may occur only in questions given to the special user SU, but the example in FIG. This shows a case in which questions to be asked among a plurality of special groups SG are controlled so that all questions (for example, all questions of practice questions and actual questions) given in are common among a plurality of special groups SG. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the synchronization control process of FIG. 10 each time various preparatory steps are completed, and first specifies the special group SG for which the problem should be shared (step S401). Problem sharing is performed in a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly. Therefore, in step S401, the game machine service management unit 24 identifies a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU included in the special group SG to which the current quiz game is offered belongs redundantly.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 determines questioning conditions that should be reflected in questions to be asked (step S402). The questioning condition may be appropriately set or omitted (in which case, the processing of step 402 may also be omitted), but for example, the genre of the questioning subject is used. In this case, the special user SU is granted the right to select a genre selection opportunity so that a common genre is selected in a plurality of special groups SG. Also, the genre selected in any one of the special groups SG (for example, the special group SG in which various preparatory processes are provided first) may be automatically reflected in the selection of genres in other special groups SG. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 determines the genre selected by the special user SU in step S402 as the question condition.

Next, the game machine service management unit 24 determines questions to be asked based on the questioning conditions of step S403 (step S403). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 randomly selects a predetermined number of questions (required number of questions) from the genre selected by the special user SU as questions to be asked from among a large number of questions prepared in advance.

Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 distributes the determination results of step S403 to all special groups SG so that the questions determined in step S403 are shared by all special groups SG determined in step S401 and are actually set. (step S404). After this transmission, the game machine service management section 24 terminates the current synchronization control process. As a result, all the questions given to the special groups SG to which the special user SU redundantly belongs are made common. In other words, the question (quiz) questioning (game progress) is controlled among the plurality of special groups SG so that all question questions are included as a common progress.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when there is a special user SU in the group, the game progresses in a special progression that is different from the normal progression that is applied when there is no special user SU in the group. can be switched. That is, the progress of the quiz game is switched between normal progress and special progress depending on whether or not there is a special user SU in the group. Specifically, when there is no special user SU in the group, the game proceeds in a normal manner in which each process such as exercises proceeds under automatic control according to predetermined rules. On the other hand, if there is a special user SU in the group, the game progresses in a special progression in which appropriate steps are manually progressed according to the progress instruction from the special user SU. As a result, the game progresses differently depending on whether or not there is a special user SU in the group.

For example, in the special progress, since the determination of whether to proceed to the next step can be entrusted to the special user SU, the special user SU can intervene in a talk with another general user NU. That is, in the case of the special progress, a time for talking with the special user SU can be provided as progress that does not occur in the case of the normal progress. As a result, by utilizing the special progress including the time for such talk, benefits can be given to the opportunity to play with the special user SU. Furthermore, by using such talk time (privilege), the opportunity to play with the special user SU can be used as an event, and the appeal can be improved.

In addition, when a process such as an exercise progresses (switches) to the next process according to a progress instruction from the special user SU, the special user SU is asked whether to proceed to the next process, in other words, whether to continue the talk or finish the talk. discretion can be given. Therefore, it is possible to utilize such discretion of the special user SU and reflect the individuality of the special user SU in the progress of the game. Furthermore, the content of the progress (for example, the content of the talk) can be made different for each play opportunity, and the uniqueness of each play opportunity can be improved. As a result, it is possible to further improve the event nature of the opportunity to play with the special user SU, and by extension, the attractiveness of the opportunity to play with the special user SU. As a result, it is possible to promote playing with the special user SU, which in turn leads to the appeal of the game and the promotion of playing.

Furthermore, in the special matching, each general user NU requests matching with a special user SU, and based on the request, the special user SU is matched with each general user NU so as to belong redundantly to a plurality of special groups SG. . That is, in response to a request from a general user NU, matching is performed so that a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly are formed around the special user SU. This allows the special user SU to belong redundantly to a plurality of special groups SG in which the games progress in parallel. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of users matched with the special user SU, and thus the chances of playing with the special user SU, compared to the case where the special user SU can only belong to one group in one play. Therefore, it is possible to respond to a relatively large number of requests for playing with the special user SU. In particular, it is effective when the event nature and attractiveness of the play opportunity with the special user SU are improved through the special progress.

On the other hand, when a plurality of special groups SG are formed, there is a possibility that the burden on the special users SU who belong to them at the same time will increase. Specifically, for example, when questions to be set are shared among a plurality of special groups SG to which the same special user SU redundantly belongs, the special user SU's examination of the questions to be set is conducted among the plurality of special groups SG. Can be shared. This makes it possible to reduce the burden on the special user SU regarding examination of the questions, compared to the case where different questions are given among a plurality of special groups SG.

In the above embodiment, the game machine service management section 24 of the center server 2 functions as request acquisition means and matching means of the present invention by executing the procedure of FIG. Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 functions as request acquisition means by executing step S101 of FIG. 7, and as matching means by executing step S102. Also, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as progress control means of the present invention by executing the procedure of step S404 in FIG.

The present invention is not limited to the forms described above, and may be implemented in forms with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the form described above, a special group SG is formed through special matching. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. For example, a special group SG may be formed through normal matching. That is, the special user SU may be matched with other general users NU through normal matching as well as special matching that is redundantly matched. Alternatively, a special user SU may be set ex post facto in a group formed through normal matching. In other words, after a group is formed by a fixed number of general users NU through normal matching, special users SU may be set by users U belonging to the group based on various special conditions.

In the above-described mode, special progress is used as a benefit of playing with the special user SU. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. For example, various benefits such as giving various items or points, or unlocking special songs in music games may be set for playing with the special user SU. As such, special matching (redundant matching) may be utilized in matching for these various benefits. In other words, special matching that redundantly matches special user SUs may be provided independently of special progressions. Also, when a plurality of privilege candidates are prepared, the special user SU may select the privilege set for the play with the special user SU from those candidates. In other words, the special user SU may be given the authority to select the privilege set for play.

In addition, in the above-described form, the special user SU plays not only the role of the facilitator in the quiz game, but also the role of the answerer. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. For example, a special user SU may not assume the role of an answerer. In this case, the special user character 51S corresponding to the special user SU may be appropriately distinguished from the general user character 51N on the game screen such as the answer screen 50. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an answer screen 50 according to a modification. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the special user character 51S is displayed so as to be distinguished from the general user character 51N in the answering table 52 so as to show the role of a facilitator different from the answerer. Such a distinction may be realized as appropriate, but in the example of FIG. 11, the special user character 51S has a dedicated arrangement on the right end showing the facilitator, and unlike the general user character 51N of the answerer, the whole body is displayed. is displayed on the answer screen 50. Also, in the example of FIG. 11, the questions are displayed as if they were given by the special user character 51S. The facilitator may include various roles as appropriate, and as an example may include the role of a question poser of such questions.

In the above-described form, the special user SU is given the authority to advance each step of the game (switch each step) through the special progression. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. The special user SU may be appropriately given a part of the authority of a manager, such as the manager of the center server 2 or the manager of the game machine 3, regarding the progress (including realization) of the quiz game. For example, as another example of such authority, the authority to set up matching (including both normal matching and special matching) may be utilized. That is, various matching may be set by the special user SU. Specifically, for example, even if the special user SU is given the authority to realize pre-matching, such as setting a matching opportunity that is executed in advance through the reservation service, setting the period of the matching, and setting the notice of the matching. good. In this case, the special user SU may also be given the option of whether or not to participate in the matching set by him/herself. That is, the special user SU may or may not participate in the matching set by the special user SU.

In the above-described form, a common progression among a plurality of special groups SG is realized by commonality of problems. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. For example, as described above, a common progress may be appropriately realized by standardizing various timings such as the questioning time of each question, or standardizing the questioning format. Also, for common progressions, the special user SU may be appropriately given various progressions different from those of the general user NU. For example, in the case of a quick-press type question, only the user U who has the right to answer by quick-pressing is usually given the chance to answer, but the special user SU is given the chance to answer regardless of whether or not he/she has the right to answer. may Specifically, for example, in the case where the question format of the quick press format is commonly applied among a plurality of special groups SG and the question timing is standardized, whether or not the special user SU can obtain the right to answer is determined. depends on the state of quick pressing by the general user NU belonging to each special group SG. For this reason, if the opportunity to answer is given only when the right to answer is obtained, the special user SU checks the status of quick pressing and the presence or absence of the right to answer for each special group SG. There is a need to. In order to reduce such time and effort, the special user SU is given a uniform opportunity to answer regardless of whether or not he or she has the right to answer, and the answer given at that opportunity is reflected in the answer of the special group SG who has the right to answer. be done. Various progresses different from those for general users NU, such as this opportunity for answering, may be appropriately set for special users SU.

8 to 9 are executed by the game machine 3, and the processes of FIGS. 7 and 10 are executed by the center server 2 in the above embodiment. As a result, the center server 2 alone (including cases realized by a combination of a plurality of server devices) functions as the game system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such forms. For example, the game machine 3 may perform all or part of the role of the center server 2 (for example, the processing of FIGS. 7 and 10). Therefore, for example, when the game machine 3 executes all of the processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the game machine 3 alone may function as the game system of the present invention. In this case, the center server 2 may be omitted.

Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the embodiments and modifications described above are described below. In the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is thereby limited to the illustrated form. not a thing

The game system of the present invention is a game system (2) that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to a fixed number, and is a user who satisfies a special condition. Request acquisition means (36) for acquiring a request for matching to a special group (SG) to which a special user (SU) belongs from each general user (NU) as a user different from the special user; While redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that a plurality of special groups progressing in parallel are formed as the special group, each general user may select the plurality of special groups based on the request. and matching means (36) for matching each general user so as to alternatively belong to one of the groups.

According to the present invention, each general user requests matching with a special user, and based on the request, the special user is matched with each general user so as to belong to a plurality of groups redundantly. That is, in response to a request from a general user, matching is performed so that a plurality of groups to which the special user belongs redundantly are formed around the special user. Thereby, the special user can be redundantly belonged to a plurality of groups in which the game progresses in parallel. As a result, it is possible to increase the number of users matched with the special user compared to the case where the special user can only belong to one group in one play. Therefore, even if there are many requests for playing with a special user, it is possible to respond to a relatively large number of requests.

Redundant matching of special users may be implemented accordingly. For example, a plurality of matching rooms (frames for groups) to which special users belong redundantly may be prepared in advance, and each general user may request entry (belonging) to each room. Then, the users belonging to each room may be matched as one group each time the capacity is reached. Alternatively, a general user may simply request matching with a special user, and according to the number of requests, the special user is matched with a predetermined number of general users up to the capacity, and as a result, each special user A plurality of overlapping groups may be formed. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the matching means forms the plurality of special groups to which the special user redundantly belongs for each capacity according to the number of requests. , the special user and each general user may be matched.

Some or all of the progress of the game among a plurality of special groups may include common progress, or may not include such progress. In other words, although the game progresses in parallel among a plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs, their progress may be executed independently without being affected by each other. On the other hand, games progressing in parallel among multiple special groups to which the same special user belongs may be appropriately influenced by the progress of other groups so that common progress occurs. Specifically, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the part of the special groups among the plurality of special groups is generated so that common progress occurs between the plurality of special groups in at least part of the progress of the game. A mode may be adopted in which a progress control means for controlling the progress of is provided.

Common progressions may occur in the game as appropriate. For example, as games, various games such as action games, role-playing games, and simulation games that progress in units of groups may be appropriately provided. Then, common progress may occur as appropriate depending on the type of those games. In particular, in a type of game in which the operation status (play status) of other users is not reflected in one's own play, there are many cases in which there is relatively little sense of incongruity even if common progress is included. Specifically, for example, when a game includes a plurality of steps, the start timing of each step may occur as a common progression. Further, for example, when a music game is provided as a game, various types of progression such as music for play, difficulty level, and start time of music may be used as common progression. Alternatively, when a quiz game is provided as a game, various progress such as the timing of questions, the number of questions, the content of questions, the genre (field) to which questions are asked, or the answer time may be used as a common progression. For example, in a mode in which a common progress is made among a plurality of special groups, a quiz game including a plurality of questions to be asked in units of the groups is provided as the game, and the progress control means comprises: The questions given to the special user among the plurality of special groups may be controlled so that the questions given to the special user are common among the plurality of special groups as part of the progression. . In this case, it is possible to share the special user's consideration of the questions to be asked among a plurality of special groups. Thereby, the burden on the special user can be reduced.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (21) to function as each means of the game system described above.

In addition, the control method of the present invention provides a computer (21) incorporated in a game system (2) that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching users (U) up to a fixed number. , a request acquisition procedure for acquiring a request for matching with a special group (SG) to which a special user as a user (U) who satisfies special conditions belongs, from each general user (NU) as a user different from the special user; and redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that a plurality of special groups in which the game progresses in parallel are formed as the special group, and each general user based on the request a matching procedure for matching each general user so that the user belongs to one of the plurality of special groups alternatively. The game system of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or control method of the present invention.

(Reference example)
In the game of Patent Literature 1, matching between one user and another user with whom the user desires multi-play is realized by consuming virtual currency set by one user. Therefore, matching (multi-play) with a user desired by one user, such as a prominent user such as a professional gamer, is realized. On the other hand, since matching with a desired user requires consumption of virtual currency, excessive multiplay requests to a specific user (for example, a desired user such as a famous user) may be suppressed. However, in the game of Patent Literature 1, even if a battle with a user desired by one user is realized, the content of the battle game itself does not change. In other words, a single user can only play the same battle game regardless of whether it is a battle with a user who desires to consume virtual currency or a battle with a general user who does not involve the consumption of virtual currency. . As a result, one play with a specific user such as a famous user is considered to be sufficient, and repeated play with the same user may not lead to the possibility that the charm of the specific user cannot be fully utilized.

Therefore, the reference example aims to provide a game system or the like that can cause different progress depending on whether or not there is a special user in the group in a game that progresses in group units.

The game system of the reference example comprises an output device (MO) for providing a game progressing in units of groups formed by matching users (U) up to a fixed number, and an output device (MO) for providing the game. A game system provided through an input device (TP) for inputting a play action for a game, wherein user determination means (39) determines whether or not there is a special user (SU) as a user who satisfies a special condition in the group. and between the normal progression applied when the special user does not exist in the group and the special progression applied when the special user exists in the group as a progression different from the normal progression, the progress switching means (39) for switching the progress of the game depending on whether or not the special user exists in the group.

According to the reference example, when there is a special user in the group, the progress of the game is switched to special progress that is different from normal progress that is applied when there is no special user in the group. As a result, in a game that progresses in units of groups, different progress can occur depending on whether or not there is a special user in the group. As a result, for example, special progressions can be leveraged to reward opportunities for playing with special users. Furthermore, by using such privilege, the chance of playing with the special user can be utilized as an event, and the attraction can be improved. As a result, it is possible to promote playing with special users, which in turn leads to the attractiveness of the game and the promotion of playing.

Various games such as action games, role-playing games, and simulation games that progress in units of groups may be appropriately provided as games. Also, the special progress may be appropriately different from the normal progress depending on the type of such game. For example, the special progress may include appropriate additional elements such as a process not included in the normal progress (for example, a present corner, etc.) or a play range (development). Alternatively, on the contrary, steps included in normal progress (for example, steps requiring time and effort, etc.) may be omitted as appropriate. Also, for example, normal progress may progress automatically according to predetermined rules, such as a time schedule, while special progress may optionally include manual progress by the user. In other words, the progress control method may be different between the normal progress and the special progress. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the reference example, when the special user exists in the group, the progress switching means is based on a progress instruction input by the special user through the input device. The progress of the game may be switched to the user progress so that the user progress that progresses with the special progress is executed as the special progress. In this case, the special user can be given discretion regarding the progress of the game. Therefore, the special user's discretion can be used to reflect the special user's individuality in the progress of the game, and the attractiveness of the opportunity to play with the special user can be improved.

User progression may be implemented accordingly. For example, when a quiz game is provided as a game, the special progress may include various elements different from the normal progress, such as the number of questions to be asked, the answer time for each question, the presence or absence of hints, or the presence or absence of explanations. These appropriate elements may be switched based on user instructions as user progression. Further, for example, in a mode in which a user progress is provided as a special progress, a quiz game including a plurality of questions set in units of the groups is provided as the game, and the progress switching means Switching each question, setting the time limit for answering each question when the time limit is set, and at least part of the plurality of questions when the plurality of questions are classified into a plurality of genres The progress of the game may be switched to the user progress so that at least one of the genre selections to which the game belongs is executed based on the progress instruction as the user progress.

Special users may perform various roles in the game as appropriate. For example, a special user's role may match or differ from other users. Also, when the roles of the special user are different from those of other users, those roles may or may not be presented to each user. Additionally, the role of a special user may not be associated with a special progression. In other words, special progressions may be set independently of the special user's role. On the one hand, a special user's role may be associated with a special progression. For example, as a mode in which the quiz game of the reference example is provided, a character (51) corresponding to each user of the group and an answerer position (52 ) and a facilitator position (52S) where a facilitator should be placed to assist progress of the quiz game is used as the output device, and a display device (MO) for displaying the game screen (50) is used as the output device, When the quiz game is provided through the game screen, a special character (51S) corresponding to the special user and a general character (51N) corresponding to a general user (NU) as a user other than the special user belonging to the group ) functions as the facilitator and the answerer, respectively, the special character and the general character are arranged at the facilitator position and the answerer position on the game screen, respectively. An aspect comprising (38) may be employed.

On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of the reference example is configured to cause the computer (31) connected to the output device and the input device to function as each means of the game system described above.

Further, the control method of the reference example includes an output device (MO) for providing a game progressing in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to a fixed number, In the computer (31) installed in the game system (3) provided through the input device (TP) for inputting play actions for the game, there is a special user (SU) as a user who satisfies the special conditions in the group. a user determination procedure for determining whether the special user exists in the group, a normal progress applied when the special user does not exist in the group, and a progress different from the normal progress applied when the special user exists in the group a progress switching procedure for switching the progress of the game according to whether the special user exists in the group between the special progress and the special progress. The game system of the reference example can be realized by executing the computer program or the control method of the reference example.

2 Center server (game system)
21 control unit (computer)
24 game machine service management unit (request acquisition means, matching means, progress control means)
U User NU General User SU Special User PG1 Game program (computer program)

Claims (6)

A game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to a fixed number,
request acquisition means for acquiring a request for matching with a special group to which a special user as a user who satisfies a special condition belongs, from each general user as a user different from the special user;
While redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that a plurality of special groups to which the special user belongs at the same time are formed as the special groups, each general user receives the plurality of special groups based on the request. matching means for matching each general user so as to alternatively belong to one of the special groups;
A game system with wherein said matching means matches said special user with each general user so that said plurality of special groups to which said special user redundantly belongs is formed for each said fixed number according to the number of said requests; Item 1. The game system according to item 1. 2. A progress control means for controlling the partial progress among the plurality of special groups so that common progress occurs between the plurality of special groups in at least a portion of the progress of the game. 2. The game system according to 2. A quiz game including a plurality of questions to be asked in units of the groups is provided as the game,
The progress control means is configured to provide the special user with the special user among the plurality of special groups so that the questions presented to the special user in the quiz game are common among the plurality of special groups as the partial progress. 4. A game system according to claim 3, which controls the questions to be asked. A computer program configured to cause a computer to function as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1-4. A computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to a fixed number,
a request acquisition procedure for acquiring a request for matching with a special group to which a special user as a user who satisfies a special condition belongs from each general user as a user different from the special user;
While redundantly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that a plurality of special groups to which the special user belongs at the same time are formed as the special groups, each general user receives the plurality of special groups based on the request. a matching procedure for matching each general user to alternatively belong to one of the special groups;
A control method that causes the

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