JPH0370994B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an arcade game device, and particularly to an arcade game device in which a plurality of players can play simultaneously in the same game space.

[Background Art] With the spread of video games, various types of game machines have been developed and put into practical use today. However, most conventional game machines are designed as single-player types in which games are played within a completely independent game space. For this reason, even if a plurality of the same game machines are installed, each player can only play a game against a computer alone.

Therefore, for example, when multiple driving game machines are installed, it is impossible to play a game in which multiple players use these game machines to compete together in driving techniques in the same game space. The problem was that it was difficult to do so, and it lacked interest.

Focusing on these points, various multiplayer game machines have been developed.

This multiplayer game machine is designed so that multiple players can play together in the same game space at the same time, making the game even more interesting.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a conventional multiplayer game machine, in which objects A, B, and C to be operated by a plurality of players are displayed on the same screen. Each player can play together in the same game space by operating each of the operation units 100A, 100B, and 100C provided on the panel.

As a multiplayer game machine like this,
For example, there is "Gauntlet" manufactured by Atari.

Further, FIG. 18 shows an example of another multiplayer game machine, and this game machine has independent display sections corresponding to each operation section 100A, 100B, and 100C. The game screen is configured to display a game screen representing a common game space.

An example of such a game machine is Nintendo's ``VS Tennis.''

However, in such a conventional multiplayer game machine, each operation section 100A, 100B, 100
C is integrated into the same game machine. Therefore, the number of people who can play in the same game space is limited to the number of people who can play in the same game space.
It is limited by the number of C's. Therefore, for example, in the multiplayer game machines shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, only a maximum of three players can play the game, and if more players want to play in the same game space. The problem was that it was not possible to do so, and it lacked flexibility.

Further, such conventional game machines are formed as machines exclusively for multiplayer games, and a plurality of operation units 100A, 100B, 1 are provided in one game machine.
00C and a display section are provided. For this reason, the cost per machine is much higher than that of a single-player type game machine, and there is a problem that the number of machines installed at a game hall cannot be easily increased.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and its purpose is to use a plurality of independent game machines that can independently play single-player games, and to It is an object of the present invention to provide a commercial game device which can also play multiplayer games in a game space, and in particular can form arbitrary groups within a plurality of game machines and play multiplayer games for each group.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a plurality of independent game machines connected in a loop via a data transmission line so as to be able to exchange game data with each other, Each of the game machines includes: a communication interface connected to the data transmission line; a group setting section that performs group settings with other game machines; and a game calculation section that performs game calculations. By transmitting transmission data including game situation data representing the game progress status of the machine and identification data representing the game machine corresponding to each game situation data along the loop-shaped data transmission line, the group is set. The game calculation unit is configured to exchange game status data with and from the game machines to perform game calculations for a multiplayer game, and the game calculation unit identifies the game machine of the group to which the game machine belongs prior to starting the game. A memory that stores identification data. Every time transmission data is sent, the identification data included in this data is checked against the identification data stored in the memory to determine whether the transmission data belongs to the group to which the user belongs. If the transmitted data belongs to the group to which the player belongs, the game is calculated and played based on the game situation data, and the data is sent to other game machines to play a new game. a calculation means for outputting as status data, and the game calculation unit operates a self-test program to determine whether or not the machine can operate, and when it cannot operate, it operates a data input unit of a communication interface A feature is that the data output section is bypass-connected so that multi-player games can be played on the remaining game machines.

Here, as the identification data, various types of data can be adopted as necessary, such as a data identification code of each game machine as described in claim 2, or a data identification code of each game machine as described in claim 3. A group code indicating the group to which the machine belongs can be used.

[Example] Next, a preferred example of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of independent game machines 10-a, 10-
b...10-h are connected in a loop via the data transmission line 12, and each game machine 10-a, 10-
From b, . . . 10-h, transmission data corresponding to each game machine is successively transmitted to other game machines 10 via the transmission line 12.

In the embodiment, the transmission data includes game situation data and a data identification code, and is transmitted clockwise through the loop-shaped transmission line 12 shown in FIG. 2.

Here, the game situation data is data representing the game progress status of each game machine, and the data identification code is data that specifies the game machine 10 corresponding to the game situation data.

In the present invention, each game machine 10-a, 10-
b,...10-h are formed so that they can each independently play a single-player game,
Furthermore, by exchanging game data with each other via the transmission line 12, the game machines 10 and 10 are configured to be able to enjoy a multiplayer game together in the same game space at the same time.

FIG. 3 shows a game machine 1 used in this embodiment.
A specific configuration of 0 is shown.

The game machine 10 of the embodiment includes a calculation control section 20, a display section 22, a communication interface 24, an I/O interface 26, a player input section 28, and a coin insertion section 30.

The communication interface 24 is for transmitting and receiving data to and from other game machines via the transmission line 12, and in this embodiment, the communication interface 24 is configured to transmit data clockwise along the transmission line 12 shown in FIG. is configured to transmit data to.

Further, the arithmetic control section 20 includes a player input section 28,
From the coin input unit 30 to the I/O interface 26
It performs various calculations based on signals inputted via the communication interface 24 and game data transmitted/received with other game machines via the communication interface 24, and displays a game screen on the display unit 22. There is.

By the way, in order to play a multiplayer game using a plurality of independent game machines 10, it is necessary to perform group settings to specify the game machines 10 that will participate in the multiplayer game before starting the game.

In this case, eight game machines 10- shown in FIG.
When a, 10-b, ...10-h are not playing games, a group of three comes and starts playing, and if the remaining five game machines cannot be used, then all the game machines A problem arises in that the operating efficiency of the game hall deteriorates, and the operational efficiency of the game hall decreases.

A feature of the present invention is that each player can form any group within a plurality of game machines and play a multiplayer game for each group.

For this reason, the arithmetic control section 20 of the embodiment includes a group setting section 20 that performs group setting as described above.
-1, and a game calculation unit 20-2 that performs game calculations that perform game calculations after group setting.

FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the group setting section 20-1, and the group setting section 20-1 of the embodiment includes a first calculation section 40, a second calculation section 42, a second calculation section 42, and a second calculation section 42. 3 arithmetic unit 44, a fourth arithmetic unit 46,
It is formed using a fifth calculation section 48 and a timer 50.

Here, the timer 50 is formed using a timer counter that counts down at predetermined time intervals and times up when the count reaches ten.

Further, the first calculation unit 40 is configured to execute a flow 100-1 shown in FIG. 6.

That is, when the game calculation section 20-1 is set to the attract mode and a game start instruction signal is input from the player input section 28, the timer 50 is driven. At the same time, the first calculation section 40 switches the calculation mode of the game calculation section 20-2 from the attract mode to the game start mode, and also transmits the game ready signal to other players via the communication interface 24 and the transmission line 12. The data is transmitted to the game machine 10 of.

Further, the second calculation unit 42 is configured to execute a flow 100-2 shown in FIG. 6.

That is, when the timer 50 times up while the game calculation unit 20-2 is set to the game start mode, the second calculation unit 42 changes the calculation mode of the game calculation unit 20-2 to the game start mode. Control switching from to game mode. At the same time, for other game machines 10,
A game start signal is transmitted via communication interface 24 and transmission line 12.

Further, the third game calculation section 44 is configured to execute a flow 100-3 shown in FIG. 6.

That is, when the game calculation unit 20-2 is set to the attract mode and a game ready signal is input from another game machine 10, the third calculation unit 44 performs the operation of the game calculation unit 20-2. Controls the calculation mode by switching it from attract mode to game ready mode.

Further, the fourth calculation section 46 is formed to execute a flow 100-4 shown in FIG.

That is, when the game calculation unit 20-2 is set to the game ready mode and the game start mode instruction signal is input from the player input unit 28, the fourth calculation unit 46 activates the game calculation unit 20-2. Controls switching of the mode from game ready mode to game start mode.

Further, the fifth calculation section 48 is formed to execute a flow 100-5 shown in FIG. 6.

That is, when the game calculation unit 20-2 is set to the game start mode and a game start signal is input from another game machine 10, the fifth calculation unit 48 activates the game calculation unit 20-2.
The calculation mode of is switched from game start mode to game mode.

Further, FIG. 1 shows a specific circuit configuration of the game calculation section 20-2.

The game calculation unit 20-2 of the embodiment includes the memory 6
0, a data discrimination section 62, and an arithmetic control section 64.

The memory 60 stores the data identification codes of all the game machines in the group to which the game machine belongs, which are transmitted via the transmission line 12 prior to the start of the game. Various types of data identification codes can be adopted as such data identification codes. For example, the base number already given at the time of shipment of the game machine 10 may be used, or a code from a random number generator built into the game machine may be used. A random number output when setting a group may also be used.

Furthermore, each time transmission data is sent after the start of the game, the data discrimination section 62 compares the data identification code included in this data with the data identification code stored in the memory 60, and checks whether the transmission data is It determines whether the data belongs to its own group or not, and outputs the determination result to the arithmetic control unit 64.

Furthermore, when the transmission data belongs to the group to which it belongs, the calculation control section 64 performs game calculation processing based on the game situation data, and transmits the transmission data via the communication interface 24 and the transmission line 12. and send it to another game machine.

At this time, if the transmitted data is from your own game machine 10, the arithmetic processing unit 64 performs data processing on the game situation data based on the calculation result, and transfers the data to other games as new game situation data. Transmit to the machine.

In addition, when the transmitted data belongs to the own group but is not from the own game machine, the game situation data may be subjected to calculation processing depending on the content of the game, or the data may be transmitted without being subjected to calculation processing. It is designed to transmit data to game consoles.

In this way, the game machine 10 of the present embodiment transmits transmission data including game situation data representing the game progress status of each game machine 10 and a game identification code representing the game machine 10 corresponding to each game situation data. They transmit and receive data to and from each other via a data transmission line 12. This allows each game machine to play a multiplayer game under the same conditions within the group to which it belongs.

In particular, according to the present invention, eight game machines 10-a, 10-b, . . . 10, as shown in FIG.
- Even if multiple groups are set within h, it is now possible to play multiplayer games in a common game space for each group,
The utilization efficiency of the entire system can be greatly increased.

Next, a specific example in which the game device of the present invention is applied to a driving game will be described.

Here, it is assumed that the game system of the embodiment is set as follows.

That is, the game device of the embodiment is configured so that a maximum of eight players can race at the same time, and on the display section 22 of each game device 10, as shown in FIG. The car being operated is also displayed on the monitor.

Each game machine 10 also includes a player input section 28.
As such, a start button, steering wheel, shift lever, accelerator, brake, etc. are provided.

Furthermore, in the game space of the game machine 10, in addition to the eight cars operated by the players using each game machine, there are 16 cars operated by the computer.

In this drive game, when a car operated by a game machine 10 of a certain group reaches the goal within a time limit, the time limit of all the game machines belonging to the same group as the game machine is extended. .

Additionally, the game ends if the player repeats such time extensions and completes the goal by going around the course a predetermined number of times, or if no player in the same group reaches the goal. .

Further, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 is grouped together and transmitted clockwise in the figure via the transmission line 12.

The transmission speed at this time is preferably set to a speed at which the transmission data goes around the loop-shaped transmission line 12 in synchronization with the video game screen being updated every 1/60 seconds.

By the way, the group of transmission data shown in FIG. 8 is composed of transmission data for 8 cars operated by the player and transmission data for 16 cars operated by the computer.

FIG. 9 shows details of the transmission data of a car operated by a human among the group of transmission data shown in FIG. , command, car status, counter, and checksum data.

Here, the base number represents the number of the game machine 10, and is given by the value output from the random number generator after power is turned on.

Each game machine 10 can distinguish its data by this base number. Therefore,
When each game machine 10 has completed one round of data,
All you have to do is use the transmission data equal to this number as the data for your game machine and rewrite its contents. Naturally, the game machine 10 stores this number.

Note that in this embodiment, the base number is given as a random number, so there is a possibility that the same value will occur, although the probability is extremely small. For this reason, it is preferable to provide means for prohibiting this, or to program the ID code in advance so that the value is different for each game machine.

Also, the game status is the game console 10.
This indicates the current state of the mode, and data such as attract mode, game ready mode, game mode, game over mode, etc. are given.

Further, the game group number represents the base numbers of all the game machines in the group that started the game at the same time, and this data is given during the group setting operation of each game machine 10.

In addition, commands are various command data for synchronizing the game state with other game machines in the same group. For example, when one car starts, other cars in the same group will also start at the same time. When one vehicle's time is extended, the other vehicles in the same group are also given an order to extend their time.

Further, the car status is data representing the state of the car, for example, the vehicle driving position, etc.
As shown in Figure a, the running position along the course is Z
The traveling position perpendicular to the course is represented by the X-axis, and the orientation of the vehicle with respect to the course is represented by the rotation angle, as shown in FIG. 11b.

Further, the counter is data that is counted up each time data passes through each game machine, and is cleared when the transmitted data passes through the own game machine.

Therefore, for example, in the system shown in FIG. 2, the maximum value of the counter is 8, and all game machines 10
Under normal operation, its value never exceeds 8.

Therefore, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the game machine 10-a during a game, the count value included in the transmission data of the game machine 10 will not be reset, so the value will exceed 8.

Therefore, by checking the count value of the counter, it is possible to detect a game machine in which an abnormality has occurred.

The checksum represents the total sum of data from the base number to the counter for each transmission data, and is used to check whether errors have occurred in each transmission data due to the influence of noise or the like during communication.

Further, FIG. 10 shows the configuration of transmission data of a car operated by a computer, and the transmission data is composed of a base number, car status, counter, and checksum.

In this embodiment, among the group of transmission data shown in FIG.
The first 0 among the 0s is used for the calculation output.

Therefore, if the first game machine 10 changes, the eighth game machine 10 changes.
The game machine 10 that calculates data for the 16 computer operations shown in the figure will also be changed.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the transmission data of the car calculated by the computer has the same effect as the transmission data of the car operated by the player.
Contains base numbers and counters.

The present invention has the above configuration, and its operation will be explained next.

First, each game machine 10-a, 10 shown in FIG.
-b, . . . 10-h are powered on, each game machine 10 runs a self-test program and informs other game machines via the transmission line 12 whether or not its own game machine is operational. At this time, if the game machine 10 is malfunctioning or is not powered on, the data input section and output section are automatically bypass-connected by a changeover switch (not shown).

As a result, even if the device is not working,
The system as a whole becomes operational.

Such a check as to whether the device is operable or not is performed periodically even after the power is turned on.

Here, all game machines 10-a, 1
The explanation will be given assuming that 0-b, . . . 10-h are operable.

Next, after each game machine 10 is powered on,
Three players come, 10-a, 10-b, 1
Assume that the user is facing three game machines 0-h. At this time, each of these game machines 10-a, 10
-b and 10-h are all controlled to the attract mode, and a calculation game screen by a computer is displayed on the display section 22 as an attract game screen.

At this time, it is assumed that the player of the game machine 10-a inserts a coin and inputs a start instruction signal from the input unit 28. As a result, the game machine 10a
switches from the attract mode to the game start mode, and the timer 50 built into the game machine 10a starts counting. The game start mode represents a standby state for starting a game.

At the same time, from the game machine 10-a,
A game ready signal is outputted to other machines via the transmission line 12.

Therefore, all the remaining game machines 10-b, 10
-c, ...10-h are controlled to switch from the attract mode to the game ready mode, and the display section 22 displays a confirmation message asking whether or not to play a multiplayer game together with the game machine 10a, as shown in FIG. Displayed as a game ready screen. Therefore, while the game ready screen is being displayed, the remaining two players insert coins into their own game machines 10-b and 10-h, and receive a game start instruction signal from the input section 28. If you enter
Each of these game machines 10-b and 10-h is controlled to switch from the game ready mode to the game start mode, and can play a game in the same game space as the game machine 10-a.

Note that the game starts when the timer 50 of the game machine 10-a counts down to 0, so the players of the game machines 10-b and 10-h must insert coins until the countdown ends. However, unless a game start instruction signal is input, a multiplayer game cannot be played under the same conditions as the game machine 10-a.

And each game machine 10-a, 10-b, 10
-h is set to the game start mode, when the timer 50 of the game machine 10-a counts down to 0, at the same time, the game machine 10-a counts down to 0.
A game start signal is transmitted from -a to other game machines. As a result, each of these game machines 1
0-a, 10-b, and 10-h will start the game at the same time.

At this time, among the group of transmission data shown in FIG. Machine 10-
Base numbers a, 10-b, 10-h are given.

Therefore, while the transmission data is being transmitted via the transmission line, each game machine 10-a, 10-b, 1
In each memory 60 of 0-h, the base number of the game machine belonging to the same group is given as a data identification code.

In this way, according to this embodiment, the game machines 10-a, 10-b, operated by three players,
10-h can start a multiplayer game under the same conditions in the same game space.

When the game starts, these three game machines 10-a, 10-b and 10-h each time take in the data shown in FIG. 8, which is sent in synchronization with the update cycle of the video game screen. Then, based on the game situation data (in the embodiment, the car status information shown in FIG. 9) included in the transmission data of the group to which the player belongs, the player performs game calculation processing and displays the game screen on the display unit 22.

Therefore, for example, if there are cars operated by game machines 10-b and 10-h right in front of the car operated by game machine 10-a, the display screen of game machine 10-a will display All these cars will be displayed.

Therefore, the three players can compete with each other in driving technique while looking at each player's car displayed on the display section 22, and can enjoy the game even more.

Next, while the three game machines 10-a, 10-b, and 10-h are in operation, three other players come and play the game machines 10-d, 10-e, and 10-f. Assume that you want to start playing a game using a game console.

At this time, for example, when the player of the game machine 10-d inserts a coin and inputs a start instruction signal from the input section 28, the player of the game machine 10-d that is currently not in use
-c, 10-d, 10-e, 10-f, 10-g
The same game ready screen as described above is displayed on the display unit 22 of the player.

Therefore, when the players of the game machines 10-e and 10-f insert a coin and input a start instruction signal, the three game machines 10-d, 10-e, and 10-f play the same game. A multiplayer game will be started under the same conditions in the game space.

At this time, in the game group number area of the data corresponding to game machines 10-d, 10-e, and 10-f among the group of transmission data shown in FIG. is written as the data identification code, and these three game machines 10-d, 10-e, 10-f are written as the data identification code.
A group other than the groups a, 10-b, and 10-h can be formed to play a multiplayer game.

In this way, in the game device of this embodiment,
A plurality of different groups within the same game system can play a multiplayer game under the same conditions for each group.

Also, after that, a player who came alone,
Starting a game on an empty 10-c gaming machine allows him to play a single player game for his own group.

In this way, with the device of this embodiment, a single player game can be played using only one game machine 10-c.

Also, the first 10 game consoles that played games
When the games -a, 10-b, and 10-h are finished, four game machines 10-a, 10-b, 10-c, and 10-h are vacant, but in this example, The device can play the game again using such a vacant game machine.

In this way, according to the device of this embodiment, arbitrary groups can be formed within the plurality of game machines 10-a, 10-b, ... 10-h, and games in the same space can be played within each group. They can start at the same time.

Therefore, in addition to preventing a decrease in the operating rate of the game machines 10, the game machines 10 set in a group can play games at the same time in the same game space and under the same conditions. This can further enhance the fun of playing the game within a group.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a plurality of independent game machines 10 are simply connected to each other via transmission lines 12. Therefore, the number of game consoles 10 can be arbitrarily increased or decreased as needed, and the optimal number of game consoles 10 can be installed in consideration of the size of the game hall and other conditions to enjoy multiplayer games. be able to.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the identification codes of all the game machines in the group to which the game machine 10 belongs is written in the memory 60 shown in FIG. 1 was explained as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of changing this data identification code to each game machine 10.
It may also be configured to write a group code representing the group to which the user belongs.

That is, in the embodiment, if three players start a multiplayer game using game machines 10-a, 10-b, and 10-h, each of these game machines 10-a, 10-h −
The base numbers b, 10-h are used as data identification codes. However, by changing to such a data identification code, for example, game machines 10-a, 10-
The groups b and 10-c can be specified as group A, and the groups of game machines 10-c, 10-e, and 10-f can be specified as group B, and so on.

Therefore, in such a case, a group code specifying the group may be written in the memory 60 shown in FIG. 1 and the game group number area shown in FIG. 9.

Further, in the embodiment, since a plurality of independent game machines 10 are connected in a loop via the transmission line 12, the communication interface 24 of each game machine 10 only transmits data sequentially in a clockwise direction. data can be easily exchanged between game machines.

In particular, by connecting each game machine 10 in a loop like this, for example, when a plurality of game machines 10 are connected in a star shape via the central station 70 as shown in FIG. 12, or as shown in FIG. Compared to the case where multiple game machines are connected in a tree type as shown in Figure 14, or the case where multiple game machines are connected in a mesh type as shown in Figure 16, or the loop type and star type are combined as shown in Figure 16, each game Transferring data between machines becomes easier.

Further, in this embodiment, the multiplayer game is a driving game, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various other multiplayer games. A multiplayer game in which multiple players cooperate and compete in various sports, and a role-playing game in which multiple groups chase, hide, and shoot at each other in a certain game space. It can be applied to various games such as games.

In this embodiment, objects to be operated by other groups, such as vehicles, are displayed in the same game space as the own group.

In this case, each group can extend the game time limit, rank the players, etc., and enjoy the multiplayer game.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to such a game device; for example, it may be configured so that the operation objects of one group are not displayed in the game space of another group, and in this case, Since each group has an independent game space, each group of players can enjoy a multiplayer game without being influenced by the outside world.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, each game machine can determine the transmission data of the game machines set as a group from among the transmission data that is successively transmitted via the transmission line. , updates as necessary, allowing you to enjoy multiplayer games within arbitrarily set groups at the same time and in the same space.

In particular, according to the present invention, even if multiple groups are set at the same time, each group can enjoy a multiplayer game in the same game space.

Furthermore, in the present invention, each game machine is connected in a loop via a transmission line, so each game machine updates the transmitted data as necessary and directs it to the next game machine. Since it is only necessary to transmit data, data can be exchanged more easily between game machines than when a plurality of game machines are connected, for example, in a star shape or a tree shape.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the game machine runs a self-test program to determine whether the game machine is operational or not, and if the game machine is not operational, automatically disconnects the data input section and output section of the communication interface. Because of the bypass connection, even if one of the loop-connected game machines is not operating, the remaining game machines can be used to play multiplayer games.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the arcade game machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where a plurality of game machines are connected in a loop according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing the specific configuration of each game machine shown in FIG.
The figure is a block circuit diagram of the specific configuration of the group setting section shown in Figure 3, Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of a game machine controlled to game ready mode, and Figure 6 is the same as Figure 4. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the game screen displayed on the display section of each game machine when the present invention is applied to a driving game, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the circuit shown in FIG. An explanatory diagram of data sent and received as transmission data, Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of transmission data of a car operated by a human, Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of transmission data of a car operated by a computer, and Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission data of a car operated by a computer. The explanatory diagrams of the data to be specified, Figures 12 to 16, are
17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams of various network connections of a plurality of game machines. FIGS. 17 and 18 are explanatory diagrams of conventional multi-player game machines. 10...Game machine, 12...Data transmission line, 2
0... Arithmetic control section, 20-1... Group setting section, 2
0-2...Game calculation unit, 22...Display unit, 24...Communication interface, 60...Memory, 62...Data discrimination unit, 64...Calculation control unit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A game machine including a plurality of independent game machines connected in a loop through a data transmission line so as to be able to exchange data with each other, each of the game machines having a communication system connected to the data transmission line. an interface, a group setting section that performs group settings with other game machines, and a game calculation section that performs game calculations, and includes game situation data representing the game progress status of each game machine and each game situation data. By transmitting transmission data including identification data representing the corresponding game machine along the loop-shaped data transmission line, game situation data can be exchanged with other game machines set in a group and multiplayer can be achieved. The game calculation unit is configured to perform game calculations for a player game, and the game calculation unit includes a memory for storing identification data for identifying the game machine of the group to which the player belongs, prior to the start of the game, and a memory for storing identification data for identifying the game machine of the group to which the player belongs, each time transmission data is sent. a data discrimination means for comparing the identification data included in the data with the identification data stored in the memory to determine whether the transmitted data belongs to the group to which the transmitted data belongs; If the game belongs to a group, it includes a calculation means for performing game calculations and playing the game based on the game situation data, and outputting the data as new game situation data to other game machines; The unit runs a self-test program to determine whether or not the machine can operate, and if it cannot operate, it connects the data input part and data output part of the communication interface by bypass, and performs multiplayer operation on the remaining game machines. A commercial game device characterized by being able to play player games. 2. The arcade game device according to claim 1, wherein a data identification code of each game machine is used as the identification data. 3. The arcade game device according to claim 1, wherein a group code representing a group to which the game machine belongs is used as the identification data.