JP7452604B2 - game reservation device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to play reservation for a game device.

Arcade game machines (commercial game machines), which charge a fee for each play, have a history of over 40 years. Although the arcade game market is said to be shrinking in recent years, it was worth approximately 400 billion yen in 2014.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-295506

Players often visit a store after searching for a store where they can play the game they want to play. However, at the store you visit, there may be so many players lining up for the game you want to play that you may not be able to play it.

Meanwhile, you may be able to play the same game right away at another store. However, unless you actually go to another store, you won't know whether you can play the game immediately or not.

The present invention was completed based on the recognition of the above problem, and its main purpose is to propose a method for making it easier for players to play the games they want to play.

A game reservation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a reservation information receiving unit that receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of game devices installed in the store from a plurality of stores, and a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal. a reservation confirmation receiving unit that receives the reservation confirmation, a store where the game device corresponding to the game ID is installed when the confirmation request is received, and a reservation information transmitter that transmits reservation information of the game device at the store to the user terminal. Be prepared.

A game reservation device according to another aspect of the present invention has jurisdiction over a predetermined store.
This device includes a reservation reception section that accepts play reservations including player IDs and game IDs from players, a reservation management section that manages the play order of multiple players at stores under its jurisdiction based on the play reservations, and a reservation management section that accepts play reservations including player IDs and game IDs. a reservation confirmation unit that sends a confirmation request containing a confirmation request to one or more stores outside the jurisdiction, and receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside the jurisdiction; The present invention includes a recommendation section that selects a recommended store from among stores whose reservation status satisfies predetermined recommendation conditions, and a notification section that notifies the player of the recommended store.

According to the present invention, it becomes easier for a player to play a game that can be played at a plurality of stores.

1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a game system. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game system in a first embodiment. It is a screen diagram of a reservation screen. It is a data structure diagram of time reservation information. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing play rankings based on time reservations and first-come-first-served reservations. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process of a play ranking. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing automatic execution mode setting processing. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a game setting change process during a standby time. It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a 2nd embodiment. It is a screen diagram of a reservation confirmation screen. It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a third embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of customer referral information. It is a screen diagram of a reservation screen. It is a sequence diagram showing a customer referral process. It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a 4th embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of point information. It is a flowchart which shows the processing process of time reservation in 4th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a 5th embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of game group information. It is a flowchart showing the entry processing process for a game tournament. It is a flowchart showing a process of securing game devices for a tournament. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing tournament games.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in five embodiments from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the term "this embodiment" will be used without particularly distinguishing between the "first embodiment" to "fifth embodiment".

[First embodiment]
In the game system 100 shown in the first embodiment, the play order of arcade games can be reserved for time. "Time reservation" is a play reservation that specifies the time (reserved time) at which the game is to be played.

In the game system 100 of the first embodiment, play reservations can be made on a first-come, first-served basis (hereinafter referred to as "first-come-first-serve reservation") as before.

A player can make a reservation to play a desired arcade game (hereinafter referred to as a "target game") either on a first-come, first-served basis or on a timed basis.

Hereinafter, a player who has made a time reservation and is waiting will be referred to as a "time waiting player", and a player who has made a first-come-first-served reservation and is waiting will be referred to as a "first-come-first-served waiting player". Further, when a time waiting player and a first-come-first-served waiting player are not distinguished, they are called "waiting player."

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a game system 100.
In the game system 100, the store management server 102 has a plurality of stores 108a, 108b, . 104a, 104b, . . . 104n (hereinafter collectively referred to as "user terminals 104" when referred to collectively or without particular distinction) are connected via the Internet 106. Store management server 102 is also connected to payment device 114. The payment device 114 is a server operated by a credit card company or a bank.

The user terminal 104 in this embodiment is assumed to be a smartphone. The user terminal 104 may be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. Although the user terminal 104 and the Internet 106 are connected wirelessly, they may also be connected by wire.

The store 108 is assumed to be an amusement park, a game center, or the like. In the store 108, a plurality of game devices 110a to 110f (hereinafter collectively referred to as "game devices 110" when referred to collectively or without particular distinction) and a game support device 112 are connected via a dedicated line. The game device 110 is an arcade game device called a "satellite". The game support device 112 is called a “terminal” and is a device for supporting and assisting the game play of one or more game devices 110. Although the game support device 112 and the Internet 106 are connected by wire, they may also be connected wirelessly.

The game support device 112 performs known functions such as replaying (video playback) the game play results on the game device 110, creating rankings from the results of multiple game plays, and providing cards (items) that can be used in the game. Has a support function. Generally, the game support device 112 executes support processing, such as game performance and analysis, to further enhance the interest of game play on the game device 110.

A player ID (hereinafter also referred to as "PID") is assigned to the player. The player ID is recorded on the game card. The player ID may be recorded on the user terminal 104 owned by the player. The store management server 102 settles the usage fee for the game device 110 with the settlement device 114.

In order to use the game system 100, the player needs to sign a credit card contract with the payment device 114 in advance and register the player ID and account number in the store management server 102. The store management server 102 creates a list of player IDs and account numbers in association with each other for each player.

When playing a game, a player holds a game card over game device 110. At this time, the game device 110 reads the player ID from the game card using a known short-range communication technology such as the NFC standard (Near Field Communication). The game device 110 transmits the player ID along with the game ID (hereinafter also referred to as "GID"), which is an ID for identifying the game, to the store management server 102 via the game support device 112. The user terminal 104 settles the game usage fee from the account associated with the player ID.

When making a payment, authentication such as a password or biometric authentication may be required. Players are not limited to the above-mentioned post-pay type (account debit) electronic payment, but may also pay usage fees with prepaid electronic money or cash; however, the following explanation assumes post-pay type electronic payment. do. Furthermore, in order to play a game on the game device 110, the description will be made assuming that it is necessary to make a play reservation on the game support device 112.

A "game reservation device 116" is formed by both or one of the store management server 102 and the game support device 112. Furthermore, a device having the reservation function of the game reservation device and the game execution function of the game device 110 functions as an “information processing device”. The information processing device in this embodiment is formed as an aggregate of a store management server 102, a game support device 112, and a game device 110.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 in the first embodiment.
Each component of the game device 110 and the game support device 102 included in the game system 100 includes computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless connections that connect them. It is realized by hardware including communication lines and software that is stored in a storage device and supplies processing instructions to arithmetic units. A computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in an upper layer thereof, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below indicates a functional unit block rather than a hardware unit configuration.
The same applies to functional blocks of other embodiments.

(Game device 110)
Game device 110 includes a user interface processing section 120, a communication section 122, a data processing section 124, and a data storage section 126.
The user interface processing unit 120 accepts operations from the player via input devices such as buttons and control sticks, and is also responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as image display and audio output. The communication unit 122 is in charge of communication processing with the game support device 112 and the store management server 102 via the Internet 106. The data storage unit 126 stores various data. The data processing unit 124 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the communication unit 122 and the data stored in the data storage unit 126. The data processing section 124 also functions as an interface between the communication section 122 and the data storage section 126. The data storage unit 126 stores various information such as game programs.

The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 128 that detects touch input on the screen and receives input from the player, and an output unit 130 that outputs various information such as images and audio to the player.

The data processing section 124 includes a game execution section 132. The game execution unit 132 executes the game according to the game program. When the game support device 112, the store management server 102, or another device functions as a game server, the game execution unit 132 operates in cooperation with the game program of the game server.

(Game support device 112)
Game support device 112 includes a user interface processing section 152, a data processing section 154, a game execution section 132, and a data storage section 136.
The user interface processing unit 152 accepts operations from the user and is also responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as image display and audio output. The communication unit 134 is in charge of communication processing with the game device 110, the user terminal 104, and the store management server 102. The data storage unit 136 stores various data. The data processing unit 154 executes various data processing based on the user operation input detected by the user interface processing unit 152 and the arcade game management program stored in the data storage unit 136. The data processing section 154 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing section 152, the communication section 134, and the data storage section 136.

User interface processing section 152 includes an input section 138 and an output section 140.
The input unit 138 accepts various operations from the user. The input section 138 includes a reservation reception section 142. The player operates the game support device 112 installed in the store 108 to make a reservation to play the target game. When reserving a play, the player holds up the game card and inputs the player ID. The reservation accepting unit 142 accepts play reservations.

The game support device 112 includes a large screen monitor. The output unit 140 performs screen display, audio output, and the like. The output section 140 includes a reservation screen display section 144 and a notification section 146. The reservation screen display unit 144 displays the reservation screen shown in FIG. 3 on the monitor. The notification unit 146 notifies the waiting players of the play order. The notification unit 146 displays the reservation status on the monitor of the game support device 112 as well as calls to players who are close to the play order. The communication unit 134 may make a call to the player's user terminal 104. When there are no first-come, first-served standby players, the notification unit 146 also notifies the time-wait players that they can play before the reserved time (hereinafter referred to as "advance notification"). With respect to the reserved time specified by the player, the reserved time (also referred to as "arrival time") managed by the game support device 112 may be a time period that has a range before and after the reserved time specified by the player. Advance notification will be described later in relation to FIG. 6. In addition to this, the notification unit 146 notifies the player of various information through images or audio.

The data processing section 154 includes a reservation management section 148 and a game control section 150.
The reservation management unit 148 manages play rankings for each game. The reservation management unit 148 registers the player ID in the reservation information when a play reservation is detected. "Reservation information" is information indicating the reservation status for each game, and includes the play order of first-come, first-served players and the reserved time of time-based players. The game control unit 150 controls the progress of the game in cooperation with the game device 110. Game control unit 150 also controls the execution mode of game device 110. Execution modes will be discussed below in connection with FIG.

FIG. 3 is a screen diagram of the reservation screen 160.
The reservation screen 160 is displayed on the monitor of the game support device 112 by the reservation screen display section 144. The player selects the game he/she wishes to play (target game) from the game selection area 162. On the reservation screen 160 in FIG. 3, the game "X War" is selected. The reservation management unit 148 detects reservation information for the game “X Great War” and displays it as part of the reservation screen 160. According to FIG. 3, the number of people waiting for the game "X War" is 16, and the expected waiting time is "2 hours and 24 minutes." It is assumed that the average playing time of the game "X Battle" is 9 minutes. The reservation management unit 148 calculates the expected waiting time as 9 minutes x 16 people = 2 hours and 24 minutes (144 minutes). The average play time may be set in advance as an assumed value for the game "X War", or may be calculated from the average value of the actual play times.

The time reservation information area 164 shows the time reservation status for the game "X War". The reservation management unit 148 defines a plurality of time frames in advance. In the first embodiment, the time frame is set every hour. It is possible to accept time reservations for up to four people per time slot. Hereinafter, the number of time waiting players that one time slot can accept will be referred to as the "upper limit number of time reservations."

According to FIG. 3, there is no "vacancy" in the time frame "12:00-13:00" and the time frame "13:00-14:00." For this reason, it is impossible to reserve a time before 14:00. Since the time frame "14:00-15:00" is vacant, the player can make a time reservation by specifying a time after 14:00 as the reservation time.

When the player selects the time reservation button 168, a time reservation screen (not shown) for inputting the player ID and reservation time (or time frame) is displayed. From the time reservation screen, the player can reserve a time for the game "X War" (second reservation instruction). When the player selects the first-come, first-served reservation button 166, a first-come, first-served reservation screen (not shown) for inputting the player ID is displayed. From the first-come, first-served reservation screen, the player can make a first-come, first-served reservation for the game "X Battle" (second reservation instruction).
Hereinafter, in order to clarify the mechanism of reservation processing in the game system 100, the description will be made assuming that there is only one game device 110 that executes the game "X War".

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the time reservation information 170.
The time reservation information 170 is stored in the data storage unit 136 of the game support device 112. Time reservation information 170 is prepared for each game. The time reservation information 170 shown in FIG. 4 shows the time reservation status of the game "X War". A time frame is identified by a time frame ID (hereinafter referred to as "SL"). The time frame of SL=SL01 (hereinafter referred to as "time frame (SL01)") corresponds to "13:00-14:00". In this time frame (SL01), four people, the player (P014), the player (P121), the player (P018), and the player (P022), have made time reservations. Since the number of players waiting for the time slot (SL01) has reached the time reservation upper limit number, there is no space in the time slot (SL01). In this state, even if a new time reservation specifying the time frame (SL01) is input, the reservation reception unit 138 rejects it. "Rejection" here may mean not accepting the time reservation input, or may include notifying the time reservation once it has been accepted. In the first embodiment, the time reservation for the time slot (SL01) accepts only four players on a first-come, first-served basis.

The time frame (SL02) corresponds to "14:00-15:00". Since three people have time reservations in the time slot (SL02), there is only one more person who can accept time reservations. When the number of people who can accept reservations is one, the reservation management section 148 instructs the reservation screen display section 144 to display "A few available" in the time reservation information area 164. When there are two or more people who can accept reservations as in the time slot (SL03) and time slot (SL04), the reservation management unit 148 displays "Available" in the time reservation information area 164.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing play rankings based on time reservations and first-come-first-served reservations.
Players P1 to P5 are first-come, first-served standby players. Players P6 to P9 are time standby players (hereinafter referred to as "time standby players (SL01)") targeting the time frame (SL01). Before 13:00, the reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112 guides players P1, P2, and P3 in order of arrival to the game device 110 that is playing the game "X Great War." The notification unit 146 notifies the player of the next rank (hereinafter referred to as "next rank player") by displaying the player ID on the screen.

Assume that 13:00 (reserved time) arrives while player P3 is playing. At this time, the reservation management unit 148 sets the play order to the time waiting players P6, P7, P8, and P9 next to the player P3. The play order of the first-arrival standby player P4 is next to the time-wait player P9. That is, when the start time (reservation time) of the time frame (SL01) comes, the time waiting player is prioritized over the first-arriving waiting players P4 and P5.

The reservation management unit 148 calculates the number of people waiting to be displayed on the reservation screen 160 only for the first-come, first-served standby players. The reservation management unit 148 may calculate the number of waiting players including players who are likely to be prioritized. For example, when player P10 confirms the reservation for the game "X Match" on the reservation screen 160 at 12:30, there are 4 players waiting for the time slot (SL01) and 5 players waiting first. do. In this case, it is assumed that it will take 9 (minutes) x 5 (players) = 45 minutes for all first-come, first-served standby players to complete playing "X War". Therefore, it is expected that not all of the first-come, first-served players will be able to complete their play before 13:00, and that an interruption by a time-based player will occur. It is assumed that it takes 9 (minutes) x 4 (players) = 36 minutes for four time-waiting players to complete playing the game "X War". Therefore, the reservation management unit 148 may present to the player P10 that the waiting time is 1 hour and 21 minutes (45+36=81 minutes).

As described above, when 13:00, which is the start time (reservation time) of the time slot (SL01), has passed, priority is given to the time waiting player over the first-come, first-served reservation player. In addition, the reservation management unit 148 changes the time waiting player to a first-come-first-served waiting player at a time earlier than the start time of the time frame (SL01) by a predetermined time, for example, after 12:51, which is earlier by 9 minutes of average play time. may be given priority. In this case, the arrival time may be set as 12:51. According to such a control method, it becomes easy to suppress the difference between 13:00, which is the start time of the time frame (SL01), and the time when the waiting player can actually start playing. Not only when the start time of the time frame actually arrives, but also from a predetermined time before the reserved time, priority may be given to waiting players over first-come, first-served players.

Note that when the time waiting player cancels the time reservation, an "empty" time slot becomes available. It may be possible to protect the interests of subsequent first-come, first-served players by not accepting new time reservations for that vacant slot. For example, in FIG. 5, after the start time of the time frame (SL01) has passed, or when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed before the opening time of the time frame (SL01), the time waiting player P7 Suppose that the person cancels the time reservation. In this case, there is one "vacancy" in the time frame (SL04). Next, assume that another player P10 attempts to make a time reservation by specifying this time frame (SL04). At this time, the reservation accepting unit 142 may reject the time reservation made by the player P10. That is, when the time waiting player P7 cancels the time reservation, the reservation management unit 148 changes the reservation order of P6 → P7 → P8 → P9 → P4 to P6 → P8 → P9 → P4, and places the player in front of the first waiting player P4. It may also be possible to manage the process so that no new players waiting for the time interrupt the process. According to such a control method, the first-come-first-served standby players P4 and P5 can secure the benefit of being moved up in rank due to the cancellation of the time-wait player P7, thereby preventing the first-come-first-served standby players from being made to wait excessively due to time reservation interruptions. be able to.

Furthermore, similar processing may be performed not only for time frames immediately before starting or that have already started, but also for future time frames. For example, assume that a time reservation is canceled in the time frame (SL02) corresponding to 14:00-15:00 at 13:20. At this time as well, the reservation reception unit 142 may reject a new time reservation for the time slot (SL02), or accept a new time reservation for the time slot (SL02) whose start time has not yet been reached upon cancellation. Good too.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of adjusting play rankings.
The adjustment process shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the game support device 112 every time play ends in a game in which there is a standby player. Here, a method for selecting the next player when a certain player P11 finishes the game G1 will be described. Furthermore, the explanation will be given assuming that the time waiting player is prioritized over the first-come, first-served waiting player on the condition that the reserved time, that is, the start time of the time frame has passed.

When the player P11 finishes playing, the reservation time of the most recent time slot (SLX) has passed (Y in S10), and there is a waiting player (SLX) (Y in S12), the reservation management unit 148 changes the play order so that the time waiting player (SLX) has priority (S14). That is, as described in connection with FIG. 5, the reservation management unit 148 selects the next player after the player P11 from the time waiting players (SLX). The notification unit 146 calls the next ranked player from among the time waiting players (SLX) (S26). When there is no time waiting player (SLX) (N in S12) and when there is a first-come-first-served standby player (Y in S28), the notification unit 146 calls the first-come-first-served standby player as the next ranked player (S26).

When there is neither a time waiting player (SLX) nor a first-come-first-served waiting player (N in S12, N in S28), the time waiting player is in a future time frame, in other words, in any time frame after the time frame (SLX). When a player (hereinafter referred to as "time waiting player P12") exists (N in S18), the notification unit 146 notifies the time waiting player P12 that the time has come up (S20). For example, when player P11 finishes playing at 13:04, it is assumed that only player P12 who has been waiting for a period of time whose reserved time is 15:00 exists. At this time, the notification unit 146 notifies the player P12 that the game G1 can be played, although the reserved time 15:00 has not yet arrived. If player P12 approves (Y in S22), reservation management section 148 sets player P12 as the next ranked player (S24), and notification section 146 calls player P12 (S26). If the player P12 does not approve (N in S22), the advance will not be executed. At this time, the notification unit 146 may notify another time waiting player for a future time frame that the player has been moved up, and may set the time waiting player who has accepted the move up as the next ranked player.

When the reservation time of the recent time slot (SLX) has not passed when the player P11 finishes playing the game G1 (N in S10) and there is a first-come, first-served standby player (Y in S16), the notification unit 146 calls the first standby player as the next ranked player (S26). Although the reserved time of the time slot (SLX) has not passed (N in S10) and there is no first-come-first-served standby player (N in S16), if there is a time-standby player in any of the future time slots (S18) Y), the carry-up process from S20 onwards is executed. When there is no time-waiting player in any of the future time slots (N in S18), the game support device 112 waits for acceptance of a play reservation.

In summary, when the reserved time of the time slot (SLX) arrives or when the reserved time approaches (for example, when the arrival time arrives a predetermined time before the reserved time), a time waiting player (SLX) exists. Then, the time waiting player (SLX) becomes the next ranked player. If there is no time waiting player (SLX) but there is a first-come-first-served standby player, the first-come-first-served standby player becomes the next ranked player. Even if there is neither a time waiting player (SLX) nor a first-come, first-served waiting player, if a time waiting player exists for a future time frame, that time waiting player can play the game G1 earlier than the reserved time.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing automatic execution mode setting processing.
Game device 110 has two types of execution modes: normal execution mode and automatic execution mode. In normal execution mode, players are free to play the game. In the automatic execution mode, the NPC (Non Player Character), that is, the AI (Artificial Intelligence), rather than the player, is the main operator. FIG. 7 assumes a situation in which the player P13 makes a time reservation or a first-come, first-served reservation for the game G1, and plays another game G2 while waiting. It is assumed that during the execution of game G2, player P13 becomes the next ranked player in game G1.

First, when the play of the game G1 ends, the reservation management unit 148 identifies the next ranked player of the game G1 (S30). As described in relation to FIG. 6, the notification unit 146 calls the player P13. When the player P13 is playing another game (game G2) (S32), the game control unit 150 causes the game device 110 (game G2) that the player P13 is currently playing to transmit an end instruction (S34). If the player P13 is not playing another game (N in S32), subsequent processing is skipped.

When the game execution unit 132 of the game device 110 receives the end notification, it changes from the normal execution mode to the automatic execution mode (S36). When the mode is changed to automatic execution mode, the operation of the game G2 is changed from the player P13 to the NPC. The player P13 can play the reserved game G1 after leaving the continuation of the game G2 to the NPC. Furthermore, the reserved time for the game G1 can be kept. Note that the game control unit 150 may send an end notification in advance when a player in the ranking preceding the player P13 starts playing the game G1.

Even when the player P13 is playing another game G2 using the waiting time of the game G1, when it is his turn to play the game G1, he can leave the continuation of the game G2 to the NPC. The game control unit 150 also records the result of playing the game G2 by the NPC as the game history of the player P13. Therefore, the player P13 can enjoy benefits such as battle results, items, and game points obtained from the play results of the NPC.

In S36, the game execution unit 132 may allow the player P13 to select whether to change to the automatic execution mode. When the player P13 selects the automatic execution mode, the game G2 is in the automatic execution mode. At this time, the player P13 only has to play the game G1 for which he has been waiting for a reservation. If the player P1 does not select the automatic execution mode, the player P1 continues the game G2. At this time, the reservation management unit 148 may cancel the play reservation of the player P13 for the game G1.

When the player P13 becomes the next ranked player in the game G1 while playing the game G2, the player P13 may interrupt the game G2 or cancel the play reservation for the game G1. When interrupting the game G2 or changing the game G2 to automatic execution mode, the consideration management section (not shown) may refund all or part of the usage fee for the game G2.

When the player becomes the next ranked player in the game G1 while playing the game G2, the reservation management unit 148 may move down the playing ranking of the player P13 in the game G1. For example, in the situation shown in FIG. 5, when player P6, who has reserved time for game G1, is playing game G2 and becomes the next player in game G1, player P6's playing order is changed to player P7's playing order. You can change it later. Alternatively, the play order of player P6 may be changed to after first-come, first-served standby player P4. According to such a control method, it is possible to continue to enjoy the other game G2 without bothering the standby players of the game G1 and without canceling the play reservation of the game G1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the game setting change process during the standby time.
The setting change process shown in FIG. 8 is executed in the game device 110 when the player P13 starts the game G2. The game execution unit 132 first transmits the player ID of the player P13 to the game support device 112, and inquires whether the player P13 is a standby player (S40). The reservation management unit 148 refers to the reservation information and determines whether the player P13 is a standby player. If the player P13 is a standby player (S42), the game control unit 150 changes the playing conditions of the game G2 to be advantageous to the player. According to instructions from the game control section 150, the game execution section 132 changes the play conditions of the game G2 (S44). The "play conditions" herein refer to settings when the player P13 executes the game G2. Specifically, changing the play conditions to the player's advantage means lowering usage fees, giving game points, giving useful objects such as items and characters, or making settings easier to obtain useful objects. It is possible to do so. If the game G2 is a crane game, the gripping force of the arm may be strengthened to make it easier to obtain the prize. The game execution unit 132 starts the game with the changed settings (S46). If the device is not on standby (N at S42), the settings will not be changed.

Such a control method gives the player P13 an incentive to play another game G2 during the waiting time of the game G1. The play conditions of the game G1 instead of the game G2 may be changed to be advantageous to the player. Having users play other games while they are waiting for a popular game contributes to increasing the operating company's profits. By asking players who are waiting for a reservation for the popular game G1 to play another game G2 that is not as popular as the game G1, it becomes easier to secure an opportunity to convey the appeal of the game G2. After the player makes a reservation to play the game G1, if the waiting time is long, the player may go out of the store 108 to eat or drink. Providing an incentive to play other games while waiting helps keep players at store 108.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the first embodiment.
The game system 100 of the first embodiment can accept two types of play reservations: a conventional first-come, first-served reservation (first reservation instruction) and a time reservation (second reservation instruction). According to the time reservation, the player can play the game at the reserved time. Since it is easier to estimate waiting time than with first-come, first-served reservations, players can play in a planned manner.

For the time frame, an upper limit number of time reservations is set. By setting a limit on the number of time-waiting players that can be accepted to be prioritized, time-waiting players and first-come-first-serve players can coexist. Furthermore, when there is no first-come, first-served standby player, the notification unit 146 notifies the time-wait player that the player will be moved up. Even if the player waits for a certain amount of time, there is a possibility that the game can be played earlier than the reserved time depending on the availability of the game device 110. Advancement of play reservations also contributes to improving game utilization rates.

If the player plays another game G2 while waiting for the game G1, the player can effectively utilize the game time, and the operating company can also increase profit opportunities. When it is the turn of game G1 to play while game G2 is being played, game G2 may be automatically executed, either game G1 or game G2 may be canceled, or the playing order of game G1 may be changed. It may be postponed. Even if the player is waiting for the game G1, the player can continue playing the game G2 by moving down the playing order of the game G1. The player can flexibly change the playing order of the game G1 according to the game situation without being bound by the play reservation of the game G1. Therefore, even while the game G1 is on standby, the player can enjoy another game G2 with peace of mind. Moving down the play order also has benefits for other players who are waiting for game G1. Note that while playing the game G2, the player may be able to select either canceling the game G1, moving the play order down, or switching to automatic execution of the game G2 upon notification.

The first embodiment has been described on the assumption that a play reservation is made for one game device 110. When there are multiple game devices 110 capable of executing the target game, the game support device 112 may distribute play reservations to the multiple game devices 110. For example, when one of the plurality of game devices 110 that executes the game G1 becomes vacant, the reservation management unit 148 may assign the next ranked player to the vacant game device 110. The same applies to other embodiments.

In the game "X Wars" in the first embodiment, it has been explained that time reservations for a maximum of four people are accepted for one time slot. Since the average play time of the game "X War" is 9 minutes, the one-hour time frame can be shared between the play time of the time-waiting player (9×4=36 minutes) and the first-come-first-serve player. The maximum number of time reservations may be set depending on the type of game. For games with a short average play time, the upper limit number of time reservations per time slot may be set to be larger than for games with a long average play time.

In the first embodiment, the game system 100 is described as being capable of accepting both time reservations and first-come-first-served reservations. As a modification, a game device 110 dedicated to time reservations and a game device 110 dedicated to first-come, first-served reservations may be separately prepared.

In the first embodiment, it has been explained that the player operates the game support device 112 to make a play reservation. As a modification, the player may make a play reservation to the game support device 112 via the user terminal 104. Further, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided by the game device 110 or the store management server 102.

In the first embodiment, it has been explained that time reservation is performed by specifying a time frame. As a modification, a time reservation may be made by specifying an arbitrary reservation time. For example, when the player P1 makes a time reservation with 13:00 as the reserved time, the reservation management unit 148 may change the play order as necessary when the reserved time reaches 13:00.

[Second embodiment]
Players often visit the store 108 after searching for the store 108 that has the game they want to play (target game). However, at the visited store 108, there may be many waiting players in the target game, and the player may not be able to play the game after all. Meanwhile, another store 108 may have a Target game ready to play. However, unless you actually go to another store 108, you won't know whether you can play right away or not. In the game system 100 shown in the second embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of the target game for each store 108 from the user terminal 104. Further, the player can reserve the target game to play without visiting the store 108 by specifying the game ID and the "store ID" that identifies the store from the user terminal 104.

In the following, the store 108A where a certain game support device 112A is installed will be referred to as a "jurisdictional store", and the stores 108 other than the store 108A will be referred to as "non-jurisdictional stores". Further, the description will be made assuming that one game support device 112 is installed in one store 108. That is, the game support device 112 manages play reservations for a plurality of game devices 110 installed in the stores under its jurisdiction.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 in the second embodiment.
Each component included in the game system 100, such as the store management server 102, is also shown as a functional block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 9, the functional blocks having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 (first embodiment) are the same as the functional blocks described in relation to the first embodiment. It has the following functions.

(Store management server 102)
Store management server 102 includes a communication section 172, a data processing section 174, and a data storage section 176.
The communication unit 172 is in charge of communication processing with the user terminal 104, the game support device 112, and the payment device 114 via the Internet 106. The data storage section 176 stores various data. The data processing unit 174 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the communication unit 172 and the data stored in the data storage unit 176. The data processing section 174 also functions as an interface between the communication section 172 and the data storage section 176. The data storage unit 176 stores various information such as a reservation management program.

The communication section 172 includes a reservation information receiving section 180, a reservation confirmation receiving section 182, a reservation receiving section 184, a reservation information transmitting section 186, a reservation instruction section 196, and a reservation confirmation screen transmitting section 197.
The reservation information receiving unit 180 receives reservation information for each store under its jurisdiction from the plurality of game support devices 112 (stores 108). The reservation information indicates the reservation status of a plurality of game devices 110 (games) installed at a store under the jurisdiction of the game support device 112, and is information including a store ID, a game ID, and the number of people waiting.

The reservation confirmation receiving unit 182 receives a confirmation request including the game ID of the target game from the user terminal 104. The reservation reception unit 184 receives a reservation request for play reservation from the user terminal 104. The reservation request includes a game ID, a store ID, and a player ID. The play reservation may be a first-come, first-served reservation or a time reservation. In the case of time reservations, the play reservation includes designation of a time frame or reservation time. The reservation information transmitter 186 transmits reservation information to the user terminal 104. The reservation instruction unit 196 instructs the store 108 specified by the reservation request to make a play reservation. That is, the player can designate the target game and store 108 from the user terminal 104 and make a play reservation via the store management server 102 . The reservation confirmation screen transmitter 197 transmits a reservation confirmation screen (web page) to the user terminal 104. The reservation confirmation screen will be described later with reference to FIG.

The data processing section 174 includes a reservation management section 178.
The reservation management unit 178 manages reservation information for each store 108 and each game. Every time the game support device 112 updates the reservation information of any game device 110 installed in the store under its jurisdiction, it transmits the updated reservation information to the store management server 102. Since the store management server 102 collects the latest reservation information from the plurality of stores 108, the reservation status of various games at the plurality of stores 108 can be managed in a unified manner.

(Game support device 112)
The game support device 112 includes a reservation management section 148 that manages reservation information of stores under its jurisdiction, as well as a reservation information transmission section 188 that transmits reservation information to the store management server 102 .

FIG. 10 is a screen diagram of the reservation confirmation screen 190.
The reservation confirmation screen 190 is transmitted as a web page from the reservation confirmation screen transmission unit 197 to the user terminal 104 and displayed on the screen by the web browser of the user terminal 104. The player can check the reservation status for the store and game combination using the reservation confirmation screen 190.

The player selects a store name using the store selection area 192 and selects a target game using the game selection area 194. In FIG. 10, the reservation status of the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store" is confirmed. The user terminal 104 transmits a confirmation request including the store ID corresponding to the store "Yokohama 1st store" and the game ID corresponding to the game "Y Force" to the store management server 102. The reservation confirmation receiving unit 182 receives the confirmation request.

The reservation management unit 178 refers to the reservation information for the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store" and detects reservation information including the number of people waiting and the expected waiting time. The reservation information transmitter 186 transmits the reservation information to the user terminal 104 and displays it on the reservation confirmation screen 190. According to FIG. 10, there are four people waiting for the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store", and the expected waiting time is 30 minutes.

By selecting the reservation instruction section 196, the player can make a reservation to play the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama 1st store". The reservation information transmitting unit 188 transmits a reservation request including the store ID (Yokohama 1st store), game ID (Y Force), and player ID to the store management server 102, and the reservation receiving unit 184 receives the reservation request. The player can make a reservation to play the target game after checking the reservation status of the target game at the store "Yokohama 1st store" without going to the store "Yokohama 1st store". The reservation instruction unit 196 of the store management server 102 instructs the game support device 112 that manages the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store" to reserve a play for the game "Y Force." The reservation management unit 148 of the store management server 102 makes play reservations in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The play reservation may be a first-come, first-served reservation or a time reservation.

The player can use the user terminal 104 to check the expected waiting time for the target game, make a play reservation, and then head to the store "Yokohama 1st store", and when they arrive at the store 108, they can play the game "Y You can enjoy "Force".

The game system 100 has been described above based on the second embodiment.
According to the game system 100 in the second embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of the target game at each store 108 from the user terminal 104 without visiting the store 108. At the store 108A, which is close to the player's house, there may be a large number of people waiting for the target game, and at the store 108B, which is a little further away than the store 108A, the same target game may be played immediately. In this case, it is more rational for the player to visit the store 108B instead of the store 108A. Since the store 108B can accept players who have given up on playing the target game due to the large number of people waiting at the store 108A, profit opportunities for the multiple stores 108 as a whole can be easily expanded. Furthermore, the number of customers for popular games can be equalized among the plurality of stores 108.

In the second embodiment, it has been explained that the player makes a play reservation from the user terminal 104. As a modification, the player may make a play reservation to the game support device 112 of another store via the game support device 112. Further, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided by the game device 110 or the store management server 102.

The data processing unit 174 of the store management server 102 may include a recommendation unit (not shown). The recommendation unit may select a recommended store where it is easy to play the target game according to recommendation conditions described later in the third embodiment, and may present this to the player.

[Third embodiment]
As described above, there may be many players waiting for the target game at the store 108 visited, and the player may not be able to play the game after all. In the third embodiment, by sending players from a store 108 with a large number of people waiting for the target game (hereinafter referred to as a "busy store") to a store 108 with a small number of people waiting for the target game (hereinafter referred to as a "regular store"), Ensure players have the opportunity to play popular target games.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 in the third embodiment.
Each component included in the game system 100, such as the store management server 102, is also shown as a functional block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 11, the functional blocks having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 (first embodiment) and FIG. 9 (second embodiment) are the same as those in the first embodiment and It has the same functions as the functional blocks described in relation to the second embodiment.
The store management server 102 of the third embodiment also manages reservation information of a plurality of game devices 110 in a plurality of stores 108 in a unified manner in the same manner as the second embodiment.

(Store management server 102)
The data processing unit 174 of the store management server 102 includes a customer referral information management unit 200 and a remuneration management unit 202 in addition to the reservation management unit 178.
The store management server 102 in the third embodiment may recommend a store outside its jurisdiction (regular store) to a player who has visited a store under its jurisdiction (busy store). Sending a player from a store under its jurisdiction to a store outside its jurisdiction is called "customer sending." The customer referral information management unit 200 manages customer referral information indicating a history of customer referrals (described later). The store 108 to which the customer was referred (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving store") receives a reward (hereinafter referred to as the "customer referral reward") for the store 108 to which the customer was referred (hereinafter referred to as the "customer referral store"). )Pay. The remuneration management unit 202 manages customer referral remuneration.

The store management server 102 receives reservation information from a plurality of game support devices 112 installed in a plurality of stores 108. Further, the game support device 112 can check the reservation status of the store 108 outside its jurisdiction by receiving reservation information from the store management server 102 .

(Game support device 112)
The data processing unit 154 of the game support device 112 includes a recommendation unit 204, a reward providing unit 206, and a game history management unit 208 in addition to the reservation management unit 148.
The recommendation unit 204 selects an out-of-jurisdiction store 108 (hereinafter referred to as a "recommended store") for which the recommendation conditions are met, and notifies the player of the recommended store. Usually, recommended stores are regular stores rather than busy stores. The recommended store may be a store outside the jurisdiction where it is considered easier for the player to play the target game early than the store under the jurisdiction. The setting contents of the recommendation conditions are arbitrary, but the details will be described later.

When receiving a customer referral, the reward providing unit 206 provides a customer referral reward to the customer referral store. The customer referral reward may be money or a promise to post an advertisement for the customer referral store. The game history management unit 208 manages game history for each combination of player and game. The game history may be any information that indicates the results of the game played by the player.

The communication unit 134 of the game support device 112 includes a reservation confirmation unit 210, a game history transmission unit 212, a game history reception unit 214, and a customer referral certification transmission unit 216 in addition to the reservation information transmission unit 188.
The reservation confirmation unit 210 transmits a confirmation request including the game ID to a store outside its jurisdiction, and acquires reservation information of the store outside its jurisdiction. The reservation confirmation unit 210 may acquire reservation information for stores outside its jurisdiction from the store management server 102, or may directly inquire of stores outside its jurisdiction. "Obtaining reservation information" here includes downloading the reservation information collected by the store management server 102 from each game support device 112.

When receiving a customer referral, the game history transmitting unit 212 transmits the game history of the customer to the game support device 112 of the customer referral store. When the player sends a customer, the game history receiving unit 214 receives the game history of the player who sent the customer from the game support device 112 of the accepting store. The customer referral certification transmitting unit 216 transmits customer referral certification information to the game support device 112 of the customer referral store when the player to whom the customer has been referred actually plays the game.

FIG. 12 is a data structure diagram of the customer referral information 220.
The customer referral information 220 is stored in the data storage unit 176 of the store management server 102. The customer referral information 220 in FIG. 12 shows the customer referral history for a predetermined period for stores A1 to A5. According to FIG. 12, store A1 has sent a total of 24 players to store A2, but store A2 has never sent customers to store A1. Store A2 is indebted to store A1 for sending customers. Hereinafter, this situation will be expressed as store A1 having a "customer referral credit (loan)" to store A2, and store A2 having a "customer referral obligation (debt)" to store A1. .

Store A1 also has customer referral credits for other stores A3 to A5. It can be seen that store A1 is a busy store where many players gather. Store A2 also has customer referral obligations to other stores A3 to A5. It can be seen that store A2 receives players from many stores. In addition, a total of 104 players have been sent from store A1 to store A4, but no customers have been sent from store A4 to store A1. Store A4 has a large customer transfer obligation to store A1.

FIG. 13 is a screen diagram of the reservation screen 230.
The reservation screen 230 is displayed by the reservation screen display section 144 of the game support device 112. The player can make a reservation to play the target game on the game support device 112 when entering the store. The reservation screen 230 in FIG. 13 is a display screen of the game support device 112 whose jurisdiction is the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store." First, the player selects a target game from the game selection area 232. The target game "Z Ball" is selected. The reservation management unit 148 displays the number of people waiting for the target game and the expected waiting time as part of the reservation screen 230.

Recommendation area 234 indicates recommended stores. When a recommended store exists, the recommendation unit 204 causes the recommendation area 234 to display the name of the recommended store, the distance from the store under its jurisdiction, the number of people waiting, etc. The store management server 102 stores distance information between the stores 108 in the data storage unit 176 in advance. In the third embodiment, the recommendation unit 204 calculates recommendation points using the following formula, and selects a recommended store based on the recommendation points.
(E1) 100 points are added to the store 108 that has a customer referral debt, and 10 points are added to the store 108 that has a customer referral credit. Additionally, 30 points are added to stores 108 that send customers at least once during a predetermined period.
(E2) 100 points are given to stores 108 that exist within 20 meters from the store under jurisdiction, 50 points are given to stores 108 that are located within 500 meters, and 10 points are given to stores 108 that are located within 20 kilometers. Stores 108 located more than 20 kilometers away are not recommended stores.
(E3) When comparing the number of people waiting for the target game at the store under the jurisdiction N1 and the number of people waiting for the target game at the store outside the jurisdiction N2, 100 points are given when N1≧N2+30, 50 points when N1≧N2+10, and 50 points when N1≧N2+5. Sometimes 10 points are given, and when N1>N2, 1 point is given. Stores 108 where N1≦N2 are not recommended stores.

The recommendation condition is satisfied for stores outside the jurisdiction where the total value of recommendation points calculated for each of the above (E1) to (E3) is 30 points or more. In other words, a store outside the jurisdiction that has a customer transfer obligation, is close to the store under the jurisdiction, and has a small number of people waiting for the target game is likely to be selected as the recommended store. When there are four or more out-of-jurisdiction stores that satisfy the recommendation conditions, the recommendation unit 204 displays the top three recommended stores with the highest recommendation points in the recommendation area 234. The recommendation unit 204 may select only stores 108 managed by the same operating company as recommended stores.

In the reservation screen 230 of FIG. 13, the store "Yokohama No. 4 Store" located a 4-minute walk away is recommended first. The number of people waiting at Yokohama No. 1 Store, which is the store under the jurisdiction of the game "Z Ball," is 34, but the number of people waiting at the recommended store, Yokohama No. 4 Store, is six. Therefore, players may be able to play the target game "Z Ball" sooner if they move to the nearby recommended store "Yokohama No. 4 store" rather than waiting in line at the jurisdiction store "Yokohama No. 1 store". is high.

When the player selects the map button 236, a map output unit (not shown) included in the output unit 140 displays a map screen showing the location of the recommended store. A map information transmitting unit (not shown) included in the communication unit 134 may transmit map information to the user terminal 104.

By selecting the reservation button 238, the player can also make a play reservation for a recommended store (a store outside the jurisdiction) even from the jurisdictional store. For example, when the reservation button 238 of the recommended store "Yokohama 4th Store" is selected, the reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112 causes the store management server 102 to transmit a reservation request including the player ID, store ID, and game ID. . The reservation instruction unit 196 makes a play reservation by transmitting a reservation request to a designated recommended store. If the player makes a reservation to play the game "Z Ball" at the recommended store "Yokohama No. 4 store" from the game support device 112 of the jurisdiction store "Yokohama No. 1 store", the player can play the game "Z Ball" at the recommended store "Yokohama No. 4 store". When you arrive, you may be able to enjoy the game ``Z Ball'' without having to wait too long. The play reservation in the third embodiment may also be a first-come, first-served reservation or a time reservation.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the customer referral process.
FIG. 14 shows a situation in which the game support device 112A of store A (customer sending store) selects store B (accepting store) as a recommended store, and store A sends customers to store B. First, when a player makes a reservation to play at store B (accepting store) using the game support device 112A of store A (customer sending store), the game support device 112A sends the store management server 102 the store ID of recommended store B, A reservation request including the player ID and the game ID of the target game is transmitted, and the store management server 102 sends the game support device 112B (accepting store) the store ID, player ID, and game ID of store A (customer sending store). Submit a reservation request containing. The reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112B (accepting store) registers the player ID and the store ID of the customer sending store A in association with each other.

When the player plays the target game at the accepting store B, the game device 110 of the accepting store B notifies the game support device 112B of the start of play. The reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112B certifies that the player to whom the customer has been referred has actually played the game, and the customer referral certification transmitting unit 216 transmits customer referral certification information to the store management server 102 (S50). The customer referral certification information includes the store IDs of the customer sending store A and the accepting store B, the player ID, and the game ID.

The customer referral information management unit 200 of the store management server 102 updates the customer referral information 220 when receiving the customer referral certification information (S52). The remuneration management unit 202 updates customer referral remuneration information (S54). Since store A has sent customers to store B, customer referral management unit 202 adds customer referral reward points from store A to store B. The customer referral reward points may be settled at a predetermined timing such as at the end of the month. Customer referral reward points are converted into money. Therefore, the customer sending store can receive monetary compensation from the accepting store by sending customers. Alternatively, when a predetermined number or more of customer referral reward points have been accumulated, advertising rights may be granted to the customer referral store. For example, when store A accumulates 100 or more customer referral reward points for store B, store B may commit to distributing store A's advertising pamphlet to its visitors. How to use customer referral reward points can be decided freely by agreement between stores.

When the referred player finishes playing the target game at the receiving store B, the game history transmitting unit 212 of the game support device 112B transmits the game history information indicating the play result to the game support device 112A (the customer sending store). (S56). The game history receiving unit 214 of the game support device 112A receives the game history information, and the game history management unit 208 updates the game history information (S58).

For example, assume that when player P3 who visited accepting store A tries to play target game G3, game support device 112A recommends store B outside the jurisdiction, and plays target game G3 at accepting store B. . At this time, the play result of the target game at the receiving store B is returned to the game support device 112A (customer sending store A). When the player ranking of the target game G3 is displayed at the customer sending store A, the game history of the player P3 at the accepting store B is also reflected in this player ranking. For this reason, even if a player who is competing for player ranking at his usual store A is sent to another store B and plays the target game, it will be treated as if he played at the sending store A, so he will not be able to send customers. There are no associated disadvantages.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the third embodiment.
According to the game system 100 in the third embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of stores outside the jurisdiction from the stores under the jurisdiction. The game support device 112 presents recommended stores more suitable for the player based on the recommendation conditions. According to such control, it is possible to prevent players from concentrating on busy stores. By moving to the recommended store, the player can eventually enjoy the target game at an early stage. Regular stores (receiving stores) can easily stabilize their management because they can receive players from busy stores (customer sending stores).

Even busy stores can earn customer referral rewards from accepting stores by sending more players than they can accept to other stores. Additionally, if you create customer referral credits during the busy season, you will be more likely to receive customer referrals during the slow season, making it easier for busy stores to stabilize their operations. As a result, a mutual aid system can be constructed in which a plurality of stores 108 compete and help each other. Furthermore, by sending players to each other among a plurality of stores 108, it is possible to eliminate the situation where players are concentrated in a particular store, thereby improving the profitability of the arcade game industry as a whole.

For the store 108, game history information such as player rankings is an asset. The store 108 where a large number of players, especially advanced players, gather tends to be more effective at attracting customers. In the third embodiment, even if a customer is sent, the play results at the customer's destination can be reflected in the game history of the customer's sending store. Therefore, even a small store 108 with a small number of game devices 110 installed can collect more game history information than its capacity by actively sending customers to other stores.

[Fourth embodiment]
A player may acquire virtual value called game points in a game. Game points are awarded to players through game play (login bonus), clearing missions, defeating enemy characters, drawing lots called "gachas," and the like. Game points can be exchanged for valuable items, weapons, armor, etc. in the game. The player plays the game, earns game points, and uses the game points to prepare items to strengthen his avatar (character that is the player's alter ego).

Game points are valuable to players, but as players become more advanced, they may find fewer opportunities to use game points. For example, a player who has collected all the items for a certain game G4 accumulates game points each time he plays the game, but there is no longer anything he would like to purchase using the game points. In the fourth embodiment, by making play reservations using game points as consideration and consuming the game points outside of the game, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inflation due to overlapping (decrease in value) of game points. , giving new meaning to the right to reserve play and stimulating new demand for game points.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 in the fourth embodiment.
Each component included in the game system 100, such as the game support device 112, is also shown as a functional block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 (first embodiment), FIG. 9 (second embodiment), and FIG. 11 (third embodiment) are given. The functional blocks have the same functions as the functional blocks described in connection with the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a data structure diagram of the point information 240.
Point information 240 is stored in data storage section 136 of game support device 112. Point information 240 indicates game points held by the player. According to FIG. 16, the player (P001) has 140 game points in the game (G01). Furthermore, the game points that the player (P006) has are 143,220 points. Each time the player plays the game and obtains game points, the game control unit 150 updates the point information 240.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a time reservation processing process in the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 17, as in the first embodiment, time reservations are made for time slots with a maximum number of time reservations of four people. In the fourth embodiment, when making a time reservation, the player sets the amount of game points to be invested (hereinafter referred to as "points to be invested"). The more game points the player has invested, the easier it is to reserve time. Here, the explanation will be given assuming that the player P4 makes a time reservation for the game G4 for the time frame (SL04).

If the time slot (SL04) is vacant (Y in S60), the reservation management unit 148 registers the player P4 as a time waiting player (S62). The input points of player P4 are also recorded. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 that the time reservation was successful (S64).

When there is no space in the time slot (SL04) (N in S60), the reservation management unit 148 selects the minimum value of the input points of the time waiting player (SL04) (hereinafter referred to as "minimum points") and the input points of player P4. are compared (S66). If the input points of the player P4 are more than the minimum points (Y of S66), the reservation management unit 148 registers the player P4 as a new time waiting player (SL04) (S68). For example, when player P1 has made a time reservation with a minimum point of 120 in the time frame (SL04), if player P4 has invested 121 or more game points, the reservation management unit 148 cancels the time reservation of player P1. Then, player P4 is set as a new time standby player (SL04). As a result, an auction based on game points is established for the time frame (SL04). The player who has a large amount of game points for game G4 is more likely to succeed in reserving a time. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 that the time reservation was successful, and notifies the player P1 that the time reservation has been canceled (S70).

On the other hand, when the input points of the player P4 are less than the minimum points (N of S66), the reservation accepting unit 142 does not officially accept the time reservation of the player P4. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 of the refusal of the time reservation (S72).
Note that if you accept reservations until very close to the reservation time, you may end up going to 108 or 110 thinking you can play the game, only to end up canceling just before you can play. Therefore, the reception may be terminated at a certain time or more before the reservation time (for example, one hour before the reservation time).

The game system 100 has been described above based on the fourth embodiment.
According to the game system 100 in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reserve time for a desired time slot on the condition that game points are consumed. Time reservation has the value of being able to play the game at a desired time. Therefore, by making such "rights" exchangeable for game points, demand for game points can be stimulated. By increasing the opportunities (demand) for using game points, it becomes easier to arouse the desire to continue playing the game. Since time slots are allocated using an auction method, it is necessary to invest a large number of game points in order to play a popular game in a popular time slot. Therefore, playing popular games in popular time slots gives you expert status.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been explained that game points are managed for each game. As a modification, game points for game G1 may be used to reserve time for another game G2. For example, assume that the average play time required to obtain 1,000 game points in game G1 is 1 hour, and the average play time required to obtain 1,000 game points in game G2 is 5 hours. In this case, game points for game G2 are considered to have five times the value as game points for game G1. Therefore, when making a time reservation for the game G2 by inserting 100 game points for the game G1, the reservation management unit 148 may accept the time reservation by regarding the time reservation as 500 points. According to such a control method, it is possible to reserve time for the target game using game points earned in games other than the target game.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been explained that time reservations are made using game points. In addition to this, first-come-first-served reservations may be accepted on the condition that a predetermined amount of game points are consumed. Further, even if there is a vacant time slot, the reservation accepting unit 142 may accept a time reservation on the condition that a predetermined amount of game points are consumed.

In the case of first-come-first-served reservations, the reservation management unit 148 may also give preferential treatment in the play order depending on the amount of game points input. For example, when 100 or more game points are invested, the ranking may be moved up one place even if it is a first-come, first-served reservation. Similarly, when 500 or more game points are invested, the ranking may be moved up by two places. According to such a control method, even if it is a first-come, first-served reservation, it becomes easier to play the game early by consuming the game points, so it becomes easier to encourage the consumption of the game points.

In the case of time reservation, a "price" may be set for the time frame. For example, a "time frame price" of 100 points for a weekday time frame and 5,000 points for a holiday time frame is set. The player may not be able to reserve time for that time slot unless he or she invests game points equivalent to the time slot price. In this case as well, playing the game in a high-priced time frame tends to arouse a sense of superiority in the player.

Players may use their game points to reserve time for other players. For example, player P1 who has a large amount of game points may reserve time for not only player P1 but also three players, player P2 and player P3, using his or her game points. If three players make time reservations for the same time slot, it becomes possible to "private" three gaming devices 110. This type of "private game" also contributes to expanding opportunities to spend game points. Furthermore, it is thought that a player who has a large amount of game points will be more likely to invite other players to the game, which will contribute to expanding the number of players playing the game.

A time reservation may be confirmed for a player who has paid a time frame price. For example, when the time frame price of the time frame (SL05) is 500 points, the reservation management unit 148 makes time reservations for the first four people out of the time reservation requests for which 500 game points have been invested for the time frame (SL05). may be determined.

Time frame prices may be variable. For example, the reservation management unit 148 may set the time frame price for the time frame from 16:00 to 17:00 to 100 points at 12:00, and raise the price to 500 points at 15:00. In this way, by setting a low time slot price for early time reservations, it becomes easier to encourage early time reservations, similar to so-called "early bird discounts" for public transportation. For the operating company, getting time reservations early has the advantage of stabilizing management. The reservation management unit 148 may cause the input points to be consumed when the time reservation is confirmed. According to such a control method, since game points are consumed when a play reservation is confirmed, it becomes easier to lead a player who has made a play reservation to actual game play.

In addition to time reservations, game points may be consumed as compensation for the right to use a predetermined game device 110. For example, the reservation management unit 148 may impose a condition on the consumption of game points when using a luxurious game device 110 with well-equipped furniture or a game device 110 installed in a special location such as Tokyo Tower. Good too.

The reservation management unit 148 may increase the probability of success in time reservation as more game points are consumed. For example, the time frame (SL05) can be set so that when the input points are 100 to 200 points, there is a 50% chance of success in reserving the time, and when it is 200 points or more, the more points input, the higher the success probability. good. According to such a control method, it becomes easier to arouse the player's sense of expectation regarding the success or failure of the time reservation. Furthermore, although advanced players who have more game points have an advantage, even players with fewer game points may be able to successfully reserve a time.

Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, time waiting players may be prioritized over first-come, first-served waiting players.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been explained that the player makes a play reservation from the game support device 112. As a modification, the player may make a play reservation to the game support device 112 from the user terminal 104. Further, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided by the game device 110 or the store management server 102.

[Fifth embodiment]
A game center (store 108) may hold a "game tournament" as a type of event to attract customers. Multiple players enter the tournament and compete to see who wins or loses. Since the results of the game tournament are posted on the store 108, the game tournament becomes an opportunity for the winners and prize winners to gain honor. Game tournaments also provide an opportunity to make potential players aware of the game. For example, if the game tournament for game G5 becomes popular, it will be easier to convey the appeal of game G5 to other players watching the game tournament. Game center game tournaments have a uniquely exciting feel to them, as the players compete face-to-face in a space where they can see each other's faces.

On the other hand, holding game tournaments requires a large administrative burden. The clerk (operator) is required to perform clerical work such as announcing the holding of a game tournament, securing a plurality of game devices 110 necessary for the game tournament at the date and time of the game tournament, and accepting entries from those wishing to participate. When playing a tournament, it is necessary to call players and guide them to the game device 110, which puts a particularly heavy burden on the player. In the fifth embodiment, a method for supporting a system in which players voluntarily hold such a game tournament will be described.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 in the fifth embodiment.
Each component included in the game system 100 of the fifth embodiment, such as the game support device 112, is also shown as a functional block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 18, FIG. 2 (first embodiment), FIG. 9 (second embodiment), FIG. 11 (third embodiment), and FIG. 15 (fourth embodiment) Functional blocks denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions as the functional blocks described in connection with the first to fourth embodiments.

The input unit 138 of the game support device 112 includes an entry reception unit 250 in addition to the reservation reception unit 142. In the fifth embodiment, the first player (proposer) proposes holding a game tournament, and other players (those who wish to participate) enter the game tournament. The reservation accepting unit 142 accepts a play reservation for holding a tournament (hereinafter referred to as "convention reservation") by a proposer. The tournament reservation is a time reservation that includes the date and time of the event. The entry reception unit 250 receives entries (participation applications) from those who wish to participate in the proposed tournament.

The data processing unit 154 of the game support device 112 includes a game group setting unit 252, a consideration management unit 254, and a competition management unit 256 in addition to the reservation management unit 148 and the game control unit 150.
The game group setting unit 252 sets a "game group" which is a group of tournament participants. The consideration management unit 254 collects tournament participation fees from tournament participants (details will be described later). The competition management section 256 manages the progress of the game tournament. The fifth embodiment will be described assuming a tournament game tournament in which two players compete against each other.

FIG. 19 is a data structure diagram of the game group information 260.
Game group information 260 is stored in data storage section 136 of game support device 112. A game group is identified by a group ID (hereinafter also referred to as "EID"). The game G5 that is the subject of the game tournament of the fifth embodiment is a one-on-one fighting game. A game tournament can be held if there are four or more participants, and a maximum of 16 people can participate. Hereinafter, the minimum number of people who can participate in the tournament (four people in the above example) will be referred to as the "successful number," and the maximum number of people who can participate in the tournament (16 people in the above example) will be referred to as the "acceptable number." The permissible number is greater than or equal to the number that is true.

The game tournament (E01) is proposed by a player (P012), and a player (P023), a player (P164), etc. have entered. The game tournament (E01) will be held on June 6th at 20:00. The number of participants has exceeded the number of participants, but not the number allowed, so the competition has been held and is still recruiting participants.

The game tournament (E02) is based on the proposal of the player (P014). The game tournament (E02) will be held on June 7th at 18:00. The number of participants in the tournament has reached the permissible number, so the tournament has been held and recruitment has closed.

The game tournament (E03) is based on the proposal of the player (P034). The game tournament (E03) will be held on June 10th at 16:00. Since the number of participants has not reached the number of participants, the tournament has not been completed and we are still recruiting participants.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the process of entering a game tournament.
A first player (proposer) who desires to hold a game tournament inputs a tournament reservation specifying the game ID of the target game, the player ID, and the date and time of the tournament into the game support device 112. The game group setting unit 252 generates a group ID and registers it in the game group information 260. The notification unit 146 notifies the outline of the tournament by displaying the schedule of various game tournaments registered in the game group information 260 on the screen at any time.

Those who wish to participate input an entry request including a player ID and group ID into the game support device 112, and the entry reception unit 250 receives the entry request. The process shown in FIG. 20 is executed when the entry reception unit 250 receives an entry request from a person wishing to participate. Hereinafter, the number of participants in the tournament after the entry request is officially accepted is assumed to be "m". At the time of accepting entries, there are at least two people, the proposer and the applicant, so m≧2.

When the recruitment for the game tournament for which entries are to be submitted has been closed (N at S80), the entry reception unit 250 rejects the entry request from the person wishing to participate (S86). If participants are being recruited (Y in S80), the entry reception unit 250 formally accepts the entry request of the person wishing to participate, and registers it in the game group information 260 (S82).

If the number m of tournament participants after receiving the entry request is less than the number of successful entries (Y in S84), the process ends, and the entry reception unit 250 waits for a new entry request. When the number m of tournament participants is equal to the number of successful tournaments (N in S84, Y in S88), the consideration management unit 254 accesses the payment server 114 and collects the tournament participation fee from the tournament participant's account (S90). This is to prevent players from easily declining to participate by collecting fees in advance of the tournament when it is held. Next, the reservation management unit 148 sets the reservation flag on (S92). The reservation flag is a signal to start the process of securing the game device 110 to be used for the game tournament. The reservation process will be described later in relation to FIG. 21. The game group setting unit 252 updates the game group information 260 and records that the game tournament has been established (S94).

When the number m of tournament participants exceeds the number of established participants (N in S88) and reaches the permissible number (Y in S96), the game group setting unit 252 updates the game group information 260, and the reservation management unit 148 determines the number of participants. The recruitment process ends (S98). If the number m of tournament participants exceeds the number of successful participants (N at S88) and does not reach the allowable number (N at S96), S98 is skipped and recruitment continues. Thereafter, the consideration management unit 254 collects tournament participation fees from newly entered participants who wish to participate (S100).

In summary, the first player who proposes holding a tournament specifies the date and time of the tournament and the target game. A game group is set, and the notification unit 146 announces that a tournament will be held. The notification unit 146 may display a list of currently recruiting tournaments on the screen of the game support device 112, or the communication unit 134 may transmit a tournament summary to the user terminal 104. Those who wish to participate must enter the game tournament that is recruiting. When the number of tournament participants reaches the number of participants, tournament participation fees are collected from players who have announced their participation in the tournament. Additionally, securing game devices 110 in preparation for the tournament begins. After the number of participants in the tournament exceeds the number of participants, a tournament participation fee will be collected in advance from new participants each time an entry request is received. Recruitment will automatically close when the number of participants reaches the allowed number.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process of securing game devices 110 for a tournament.
The process shown in FIG. 21 is executed every time game play ends on any of the plurality of game devices 110. First, the reservation management unit 148 determines whether the reservation period is within the reservation period (S110). The guaranteed period is a predetermined time before the start time of any game tournament, for example, from 30 minutes before the tournament start time to the tournament start time, or from the current time to the tournament start time, which is the maximum expected time. In this case, it is less than the game play time. If it is not within the reservation period (N at S110), subsequent processing is skipped. Note that the description will be made assuming that the entry reception unit 250 does not accept new entries within the reservation period.

If it is within the reservation period (Y in S110), the reservation management unit 148 determines whether the reservation flag is on (S112). When the reservation flag is off (N in S112), subsequent processing is skipped.

If the reservation flag is on (Y in S112), the reservation management unit 148 transmits a reservation instruction to the vacant game device 110 via the communication unit 134 (S114). The game execution unit 132 of the game device 110 that has received the reservation instruction sets the game device 110 to a prohibited state. That is, the reservation instruction is an instruction to secure the game device 110 for the tournament by prohibiting the use of the specified game device 110 by general players.

If the same number of game devices 110 as the number m of tournament participants has been secured (N at S116), the reservation management unit 148 turns off the reservation flag (S118). On the other hand, when the number of game devices 110 that can be secured is less than the number m of tournament participants (S116), the reservation management unit 148 waits for the next game device 110 to become available.

In summary, when the number of tournament participants m reaches the number of successful tournaments, the reservation flag is turned on. When the reservation flag is on and the tournament start time approaches, each game device 110 is reserved for the tournament every time the game device 110 becomes vacant. In this way, the same number of game devices 110 as the number of participants in the tournament (m) are secured for the tournament by the time the tournament is held. Note that if the same number of game devices 110 as the number of tournament participants m cannot be secured even at the tournament holding time, the reservation management unit 148 may postpone the tournament holding date and time.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a tournament management method.
The following explanation assumes that eight players P1 to P8 participate in a tournament of competitive game G5. Eight game devices 110 are secured before the game tournament. Before the tournament begins, the competition management department 256 conducts a lottery to select the eight players. In the first game of the first round (hereinafter referred to as "competition T1(1)"), player P1 and player P2 compete. Player P1 operates game device 110A, and player P2 operates game device 110B. The competition management unit 256 determines the assignment of the game devices 110. The game control unit 150 of the game support device 112 advances the match between the player P1 and the player P2 by relaying the operation results on the two game devices 110. Similarly, four games are set simultaneously: match T1(2), match T1(3), and match T1(4). The notification unit 146 causes the tournament table shown in FIG. 22 to be displayed on the screen.

Assume that in the first round, players P1, P3, P5, and P7 won, and players P2, P4, P6, and P8 were eliminated. Since four players advance to the second round (semi-final), four game devices 110 are not required. The reservation management unit 148 releases four of the eight game devices 110 reserved for the game tournament. As a result, the four game devices 110 can be used by general players even during the tournament period. In the second round, two games are played: a match T2(1) between players P1 and P3, and a match T2(2) between players P5 and P7.

Assume that in the second round, players P3 and P7 won, and players P1 and P5 were eliminated. Since only two players will advance to the third round (final match), the reservation management unit 148 opens two more game devices 110. In the final match (competition T3(1)), player P3 and player P7 compete.

Assume that player P5 ultimately wins. The notification unit 146 visually displays the victory of the player P5. Furthermore, the match management unit 256 of the data processing unit 154 gives a reward for the game G5 to the player P5. The reward may be something that has value in the game G5, such as an item, character, or game point, or it may be a title that can be used in the game G5.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the fifth embodiment.
According to the game system 100 in the fifth embodiment, a game tournament is spontaneously established when a player proposes holding a game tournament and receives an entry request for the proposed game tournament. When the number m of participants in the tournament reaches the established number, the tournament participation fee is collected from the account of the tournament participant, making it easier to prevent those who wish to participate from easily declining the participation. Further, when the number of tournament participants m does not reach the number of successful tournaments, the tournament participation fee will not be collected, so the players will not suffer any financial disadvantage due to the fact that the number of participants does not reach the number of successful tournaments.

When a tournament is proposed, the notification unit 146 causes the tournament summary shown in the game group information 260 to be displayed on the screen. Further, as the date and time of the tournament approaches, the reservation management unit 148 automatically secures the number of game devices 110 necessary for holding the tournament. Therefore, the game support device 112 can perform all office work such as announcing the tournament, accepting entries, and securing the game devices 110. Further, since complex matches such as tournament matches are managed by the match management section 256, game tournaments can be managed more easily.

The reservation management unit 148 sequentially releases game devices 110 that no longer need to be reserved during the tournament. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operating rate of the store as a whole due to the holding of the game tournament. Game devices 110 that no longer need to be secured may be made available to general players who are not participating in the game tournament, or may be preferentially made available to losers of the game tournament.

In the fifth embodiment, it has been explained that when the number m of tournament participants reaches the number of successful tournament participants, the tournament participation fee is debited from the tournament participant's account. As a modification, a tournament participation fee may be collected at the time of entry, and the tournament participation fee may be refunded to tournament participants when the tournament is unsuccessful. On the other hand, if you cancel while announcing your intention to participate in the tournament, you may not receive a refund. Entry requests may be accepted on the condition that the tournament participation fee be paid, or after the number m of tournament participants reaches the number of successful participants, entry requests may be accepted on the condition that the tournament participation fee is paid. Further, in order to make it easier to establish a game tournament, the tournament participation fee may be set to be lower for players who send their entry requests earlier.

The tournament participation fee may be a flat rate among tournament participants. In the case of tournaments, tournament participants who are eliminated in the first round end up paying a higher price, but if they find value in the game tournament itself, they are likely to accept the offer. Further, the tournament participation fee may be set according to the attributes of the player, such as a first-time participant, an experienced winner, a child, or an elderly person. Note that when releasing the game device 110 that no longer needs to be secured as described above to the losers of the game tournament, the fee may be set such that the play fee is discounted or a predetermined number of plays are free. At that time, the competition management section 256 may perform a replay of the game in which the loser was eliminated from the tournament. This allows the losers to analyze their wins and losses, especially the causes of their losses. Further, the consideration management unit 254 may have the players who lost in the first round match T1 or the second round match T2 play against each other, and determine the fifth and subsequent places (third and fourth place). According to such a control method, the defeated player can also obtain benefits commensurate with the tournament participation fee.

The winner of the tournament may receive a prize from the management company. The competition management unit 256 may transfer a portion of the game points held by the losers of the tournament to the winners. The competition management unit 256 may set a handicap according to the player's game history, for example, the total play time or the player rank. For example, when an A-rank player and a C-rank player compete, the game control unit 150 may add an NPC to support the C-rank player. Furthermore, when the number of participants in the tournament is equal to or greater than the number of successful participants but less than the allowable number, the insufficient number may be allocated to NPCs. According to such a control method, a game tournament including NPCs can be held.

Although the fifth embodiment has been described as securing the same number of game devices 110 as the number m of tournament participants, the number of game devices 110 to be secured may be less than the number of tournament participants. For example, in the event of a tournament for eight players, four game devices 110 may be secured and the tournament may proceed while changing the competing players.

In the fifth embodiment, a game group that targets a "game tournament" in which players play against each other and select the only winner has been described. In addition to this, a game group in which teams compete against each other, or a game group in which multiple players cooperate and aim to accomplish a mission may be set.

In the fifth embodiment, it has been explained that the player makes a tournament reservation from the game support device 112. As a modification, the player may make a tournament reservation from the user terminal 104 to the game support device 112. Similarly, those who wish to participate may check the tournament outline on the user terminal 104 and send an entry request from the user terminal 104 to the game support device 112. Further, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided by the game device 110 or the store management server 102.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments and modified examples. Furthermore, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modified examples.

Although the game system 100 has been described as being configured by the user terminal 104, the game device 110, the game support device 112, the store management server 102, and the payment device 114, some of the functions of the store management server 102 are realized by the game support device 112. Alternatively, some of the functions of the game support device 112 may be assigned to the store management server 102.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to an arcade game, the game system 100 may be realized by a home game machine, a personal computer, a smartphone, or the like.

Various aspects of the invention understood from the above embodiments and modifications are illustrated below.

A1. a reservation information receiving unit that receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of game devices installed in the stores from a plurality of stores;
a reservation confirmation receiving unit that receives a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal;
The game device is characterized by comprising a reservation information transmitting unit that transmits, when the confirmation request is received, a store in which a game device corresponding to the game ID is installed and reservation information for the game device at the store to the user terminal. Game reservation device.

A2. a reservation reception unit that accepts play reservations from players including player IDs, store IDs, and game IDs;
A1, further comprising: a reservation management unit that sets a play reservation for the player specified by the player ID for the game device specified by the game ID of the store specified by the store ID. The game reservation device described in .

A3. Have jurisdiction over designated stores,
a reservation reception unit that accepts play reservations including player IDs and game IDs from players;
a reservation management department that manages the play rankings of multiple players at stores under its jurisdiction based on play reservations;
a reservation confirmation unit that transmits a confirmation request including a game ID to one or more stores outside the jurisdiction, and receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside the jurisdiction;
a recommendation unit that selects a recommended store from among stores outside its jurisdiction whose reservation status for the game satisfies predetermined recommendation conditions;
A game reservation device comprising: a notification unit that notifies a player of the recommended store.

A4. The game reservation device according to A3, wherein the recommendation unit selects, as the recommendation condition, a store outside the jurisdiction where the number of people making reservations for the game device is at least a predetermined number less than the store under the jurisdiction as the recommended store.

A5. The game reservation device according to claim A3 or A4, wherein the recommendation unit further preferentially selects a store outside the jurisdiction that is within a predetermined range from the store under the jurisdiction.

A6. The recommendation unit refers to the history of customer referrals from stores outside the jurisdiction to stores under the jurisdiction, and preferentially selects stores that have selected the stores under the jurisdiction as recommended stores from among the stores outside the jurisdiction. The game reservation device according to any one of A3 to A5, characterized by:

A7. A3 to A6, further comprising a game history transmitting unit that transmits the play results of the player to the store outside the jurisdiction when a player is sent from a store outside the jurisdiction to the store under the jurisdiction. The game reservation device described in any of the above.

A8. A3 to A7, further comprising a reward providing unit that provides a reward for sending a customer to a store outside its jurisdiction when a player is sent from a store outside its jurisdiction to a store under its jurisdiction. The game reservation device described in any of the above.

A9. A function to receive reservation information from multiple stores indicating the reservation status of game devices installed in the stores;
A function to receive a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal;
When the confirmation request is received, the computer is configured to perform a function of transmitting a store where the game device corresponding to the game ID is installed and reservation information of the game device at the store to the user terminal. Game reservation program.

A10. A function of accepting a play reservation including a player ID and a game ID from a player;
A function to manage the play rankings of multiple players at a store under its jurisdiction based on play reservations,
A function of transmitting a confirmation request including a game ID to one or more stores outside the jurisdiction and receiving reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside the jurisdiction;
A function to select a recommended store from among stores outside the jurisdiction where the reservation status of the game satisfies predetermined recommendation conditions;
A game reservation program that causes a computer to perform the function of notifying the recommended store.

B1. a reservation reception department that accepts game play reservations from players;
A reservation management section that manages the play rankings of multiple players based on play reservations,
The game reservation device is characterized in that the reservation management unit formally accepts the play reservation on condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B2. a reservation reception department that accepts game play reservations from players;
A reservation management section that manages the play rankings of multiple players based on play reservations,
The game reservation device is characterized in that the reservation management section gives preferential treatment to the player's play ranking when the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B3. The reservation reception unit accepts a play reservation including a reservation time specification,
The reservation management unit preferentially allocates the first time slot to a player who pays the most game points as consideration for the reservation among players who wish to reserve a play for the first time slot. The game reservation device according to B2, characterized in that:

B4. The reservation reception unit accepts a play reservation including a reservation time specification,
The reservation management unit officially accepts the player's play reservation at the reserved time on the condition that the player pays an amount of game points associated with the reserved time, and when the reserved time arrives, the reservation management unit The game reservation device according to B2, characterized in that the game reservation device allows the player to play the game.

B5. The reservation reception unit receives a first reservation instruction that does not include specification of a scheduled time and a second reservation instruction that includes specification of a scheduled time,
The reservation management unit officially accepts the second reservation instruction from the player on the condition that the player pays a predetermined amount of game points, and on the condition that the reservation time specified by the second reservation instruction has not yet arrived. The game reservation device according to any one of B2 to B4, wherein the game reservation device allows the player who has given the first reservation instruction to play the game.

B6. A function to accept game play reservations from players,
A function to manage the play rankings of multiple players based on play reservations,
A game reservation program that causes a computer to perform a function of formally accepting the play reservation on the condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B7. A function to accept game play reservations from players,
A function to manage the play rankings of multiple players based on play reservations,
A game reservation program that causes a computer to perform a function of giving preferential treatment to a player in a playing order when the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing a game.

C1. Connected to multiple game devices via a communication network,
a reservation reception unit that accepts play reservations for the multiplayer game including specification of the start time from the first player;
an entry reception unit that receives an entry request from a second player for a multiplayer game that the first player has reserved to play;
a game group setting unit that sets a game group including the first and second players;
A game reservation device comprising: a reservation management unit that allows the game group to play the multiplayer game when the start time arrives.

C2. The game reservation device according to C1, wherein the reservation management unit sets the use of the game device to a prohibited state every time play of the game ends on any game device before the event time.

C3. The reservation management unit allows a player who does not belong to the game group to use the game device each time play of the game ends on one of the game devices among the plurality of game devices assigned to the game group. The game reservation device according to C1 or C2, characterized in that the game reservation device is set to a state in which:

C4. further comprising a consideration management unit that manages payment of game play fees;
The game reservation device according to any one of C1 to C3, wherein the game group setting unit registers the player in the game group on the condition that the player pays a play fee before the event time.

C5. By determining a combination of matches between two or more players included in the game group and determining a new match combination of two or more players who have won the matches, a tournament-style match is started for the game group. The game reservation device according to any one of C1 to C4, further comprising a competition management unit that manages the game.

C6. A function to accept a play reservation for a multiplayer game including specification of a start time from a first player;
a function of accepting an entry request from a second player for a multiplayer game that the first player has reserved to play;
a function of setting a game group including the first and second players;
A game reservation program that causes a computer to perform a function of permitting the game group to play the multiplayer game when the game start time arrives.

100 Game System, 102 Store Management Server, 104 User Terminal, 106 Internet, 108 Store, 110 Game Device, 112 Game Support Device, 114 Payment Device, 116 Game Reservation Device, 120 User Interface Processing Unit, 122 Communication Department, 124 Data Processing section, 126 data storage section, 128 input section, 130 output section, 132 game execution section, 134 communication section, 136 data storage section, 138 input section, 140 output section, 142 reservation reception section, 144 reservation screen display section, 146 notification section, 148 reservation management section, 150 game control section, 152 user interface processing section, 154 data processing section, 160 reservation screen, 162 game selection area, 164 time reservation information area, 166 first-come-first-served reservation button, 168 time reservation button, 170 hours reservation information, 172 communication section, 174 data processing section, 176 data storage section, 178 reservation management section, 180 reservation information reception section, 182 reservation confirmation reception section, 184 reservation reception section, 186 reservation information transmission section, 188 reservation information transmission section , 190 Reservation confirmation screen, 192 Store selection area, 194 Game selection area, 196 Reservation instruction section, 197 Reservation confirmation screen transmission section, 200 Customer referral information management section, 202 Reward management section, 204 Recommendation section, 206 Reward provision section, 208 Game history management section, 210 Reservation confirmation section, 212 Game history transmission section, 214 Game history reception section, 216 Customer referral certification transmission section, 220 Customer referral information, 230 Reservation screen, 232 Game selection area, 234 Recommendation area, 236 Map button , 238 reservation button, 240 point information, 250 entry reception section, 252 game group setting section, 254 consideration management section, 256 match management section, 260 game group information

Claims (7)

a reservation reception department that accepts game play reservations from players;
a reservation information receiving unit that receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of game devices installed in the stores from a plurality of stores;
a reservation confirmation receiving unit that receives a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal;
a reservation information transmitting unit that transmits, when the confirmation request is received, reservation information of a store where a game device corresponding to the game ID is installed and the game device at the store to the user terminal;
A reservation management section that manages the play rankings of multiple players based on play reservations,
The game reservation device is characterized in that the reservation management unit accepts the play reservation on condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game. Have jurisdiction over designated stores,
a reservation reception unit that accepts play reservations including player IDs and game IDs from players;
a reservation management department that manages the play rankings of multiple players at stores under its jurisdiction based on play reservations;
a reservation confirmation unit that transmits a confirmation request including a game ID to one or more stores outside the jurisdiction, and receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside the jurisdiction;
a recommendation unit that selects a recommended store from among stores outside its jurisdiction whose reservation status for the game satisfies predetermined recommendation conditions;
A game reservation device comprising: a notification unit that notifies a player of the recommended store. 3. The recommendation unit selects , as the recommendation condition, a store outside the jurisdiction where the number of reservations for the game device is at least a predetermined number less than the store under the jurisdiction as the recommended store. Device. 3. The game reservation device according to claim 2 , wherein the recommendation unit further preferentially selects a store outside the jurisdiction that exists within a predetermined range from the store under the jurisdiction. The recommendation unit refers to the history of customer referrals from stores outside the jurisdiction to stores under the jurisdiction, and preferentially selects stores that have selected the stores under the jurisdiction as recommended stores from among the stores outside the jurisdiction. The game reservation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Claim 2, further comprising: a game history transmitting unit that transmits the play results of the player to the store outside the jurisdiction when a player is sent from a store outside the jurisdiction to the store under the jurisdiction. The game reservation device described in . Claim 2, further comprising: a reward providing unit that, when a player is sent from a store outside its jurisdiction to a store under its jurisdiction, provides a reward for sending a customer to the store outside its jurisdiction. The game reservation device described in .

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