WO2010113935A1

WO2010113935A1 - Game system, lobby server device, game terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2010113935A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/055667
Authority: WO
Inventors: 崇犬伏; 順彦成田
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2009-03-31
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: JP2010239984A; US20120028719A1; TW201103614A; JP5184424B2; CN102387846A

Abstract

Provided is a game system (100). The game system (100) is provided with a plurality of game terminals usable to play a plurality of games and a lobby server device (40). Each game terminal selects one of the games on the basis of the operation of an operation unit (230) by a player and sends selection data indicating the result of the selection to the lobby server device (40). The lobby server device (40) counts the number of selected times of each game using the selection data and transmits, to each game terminal, schedule data which in principle associates, on the basis of the number of selected times, each schedule period with a game selected most frequently in a counting period corresponding to the schedule period. Each game terminal outputs, on the basis of the schedule data, information accelerating the selection of a game corresponding to the schedule period in each schedule period.

Description

Game system, lobby server device, and game terminal

The present invention relates to a game terminal grouping technology related to a multiplayer online game in which a group including a plurality of game terminals is used for one play.

A game system is known in which each of a plurality of game terminals selects one game from a plurality of multiplayer online games, while the lobby server device groups game terminals that have selected the same game. On the other hand, Japanese Patent No. 3730248 (FIG. 5) discloses a technique for matching opponents in a tournament-type winning game regardless of the stage of the winning game.

The above game system has a drawback that the time required for grouping increases as the number of selectable games increases with respect to the number of game terminals. Therefore, it is conceivable to apply the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3730248 to the above game system and construct a game system that groups game terminals regardless of the game selected on the game terminal. However, in this game system, the time required for grouping does not increase even if the number of games that can be selected increases with respect to the number of game terminals, but there are players who can participate in playing a game different from the selected game. come.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a player system that can participate in playing a game different from the selected game without increasing the time required for grouping in a game system related to a plurality of multiplayer online games. The problem is to keep the probability low.

The present invention includes a plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program, groups the plurality of game terminals by a prescribed number of two or more to form a plurality of groups, and associates a game with each of the plurality of groups. A server system, wherein all game terminals belonging to each of the plurality of groups are game systems used for playing a game corresponding to the group, wherein each of the plurality of game terminals includes an operation unit; A selection unit that selects one of a plurality of games based on an operation of the operation unit; and a selection data transmission unit that transmits selection data indicating a selection result of the selection unit to the lobby server device. A selection data receiving unit that receives the selection data from each of the plurality of game terminals; and the selection data receiving unit A plurality of groups are formed by grouping the specified number of game terminals that have received the selection data received in the order of arrival of the selection data, and a plurality of groups are formed. In each grouping, the specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed is included. A grouping unit that identifies one game based on the group and associates the identified game with the group that forms the game, a counting unit that counts the number of times each of the plurality of games is selected using the selection data, and counts the counting unit A schedule data generation unit that generates schedule data that associates a game with the largest number of selections with a schedule period based on the selected number of times, and a schedule data transmission unit that transmits the schedule data to each of the plurality of game terminals; Each of the plurality of game terminals further includes a schedule data for receiving the schedule data from the lobby server device. A game system (first mode) comprising: a data receiving unit; and an information output unit that outputs information prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period based on the scheduled data provide.

In this game system, in the lobby server device, game terminals are grouped by a prescribed number in the order of selection data arrival. That is, first-come-first-served grouping that does not depend on game selection is performed. First-come-first-served grouping that does not depend on game selection is advantageous in that the time required for grouping does not increase even if the number of games that can be selected increases with respect to the number of game terminals, and for playing games different from the selected game. There is a disadvantage in that a player who can participate may occur. However, in this game system, since the game terminal is prompted to select a game corresponding to the scheduled period, a person who understands that the grouping is performed on a first-come-first-served basis without depending on the game selection. Even if a game other than a game corresponding to the scheduled period is selected in the period, it can be understood that there is a high probability that the game will be played in the game corresponding to the scheduled period. The probability that a person who knows this will select a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period is sufficiently low, so the probability that a game corresponding to the scheduled period will be selected is increased in the scheduled period. . As a result, the occurrence probability of a player who is allowed to participate in the play of a game different from the selected game is suppressed to a low level. That is, according to this game system, it is possible to suppress the occurrence probability of players who can participate in the play of a game different from the selected game without increasing the time required for grouping.

In the game system according to the first aspect, there are a plurality of the scheduled periods, the plurality of scheduled periods do not overlap each other, and the number of selections counted by the counting unit is the plurality in the plurality of counting periods that do not overlap each other. And the plurality of counting periods correspond to the plurality of scheduled periods, respectively, and the schedule data includes each of the plurality of scheduled periods and a counting period corresponding to the scheduled period. And the information output from the information output unit is information for prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods. It is also possible (second embodiment).

In the game system according to the second aspect, each of the plurality of scheduled periods is associated with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period. Since the selection of the game corresponding to the scheduled period is prompted, the probability that the user of the game terminal in each scheduled period is a person who does not want to participate in playing the game corresponding to the scheduled period is sufficiently low. Therefore, according to this game system, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the number of people who give up participation in the play of a desired game.

In the game system according to the first aspect, there are a plurality of the scheduled periods, the plurality of scheduled periods do not overlap each other, and the number of selections counted by the counting unit is the plurality in the plurality of counting periods that do not overlap each other. And the plurality of counting periods correspond to the plurality of scheduled periods, respectively, and the scheduled data generation unit is configured to select the plurality of games based on the number of selections counted by the counting unit. Data for associating each of the scheduled periods with a game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period, and a game that is not associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods as the plurality of games If included, the data is changed so that each of the plurality of games is associated with one of the plurality of scheduled periods, and the changed The data is the scheduled data, and in other cases the data is the scheduled data, and the information output from the information output unit prompts selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods. It may be configured to be information (third mode).

In the game system according to the third aspect, in principle, each of the plurality of scheduled periods is associated with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period, and the game terminal has a plurality of schedules. Selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each period is prompted. However, when there is a game that does not become the maximum in any of the plurality of counting periods, this game is associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods. Therefore, according to this game system, it is possible to reduce the number of people who abandon participation in the play of a desired game without reducing the number of games that can be substantially selected.

In the game system according to the first aspect, the schedule period includes a first schedule period (long first schedule period) and a second schedule period (short second schedule period) shorter than the schedule period. The one scheduled period and the second scheduled period do not overlap each other, and the scheduled data associates the first game with the largest number of selections with the first scheduled period and a second game different from the first game. The data corresponding to the second scheduled period, and the information output by the information output unit prompts the selection of the first game in the first scheduled period and selects the second game in the second scheduled period It may be configured to prompt information (fourth mode). In the game system according to the fourth aspect, the first scheduled period in which selection of the first game with a high selection probability is prompted is longer than the second scheduled period in which selection of the second game with a low selection probability is prompted. Therefore, according to this game system, it is possible to reduce the number of people who give up participation in the play of a desired game.

In the game system according to the first aspect, the game terminal may prohibit selection of a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period (fifth aspect). According to the game system according to the fifth aspect, since no game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period is selected in the scheduled period, there is no player who can participate in playing a game different from the selected game. can do. Similarly, in the game system according to the second and third aspects, the game terminal prohibits selection of a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods. It may be possible (sixth and seventh aspects).

In the game system according to the first to seventh aspects, the grouping unit randomly selects one from the specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed in each grouping, and is indicated by the selected selection data. You may make it match | combine a game with the said group to form. As a mode for specifying a game associated with a group to be formed based on selection data, another mode for specifying by a majority vote is conceivable. However, in this aspect, there is a possibility that a game related to a play to participate is specified regardless of the contents of some game selections. For example, when the specified number is 3, when two selection data are received by the selection data receiving unit, and both of these selection data indicate one game, the remaining one selection data indicates any game. Even so, the group formed is associated with the game indicated by the already received two selection data. That is, regardless of the game indicated by the third selection data, the game related to the participating play is specified. On the other hand, in this game system, since a game indicated by one selection data randomly selected from a specified number of selection data is associated with the group to be formed, the game related to the participation play is the content of the game selection. There is no risk of being identified regardless of Further, in this game system, the more selection games that show the same game, the higher the selection probability of the game. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of players that can participate in playing a game different from the selected game.

In the game system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the plurality of game terminals are distributed and arranged in a plurality of game fields, and the grouping unit has the prescribed number of games related to the group to be formed in each grouping. In the case where the number of game halls where terminals are arranged is 1, a group that randomly selects one from the prescribed number of selection data related to the group to be formed and forms the game indicated by the selected selection data The grouping unit associates each of the two or more game fields when the number of game fields where the prescribed number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is two or more in each grouping. A game is associated with each game and one of the two or more game venues is randomly selected, and the game corresponding to the selected game venue is selected. The associated group to the formation, may be.

In this game system, a game corresponding to a game indicated by one selection data randomly selected from a prescribed number of selection data or one game field randomly selected from two or more game fields is formed in a group to be formed. Are associated with each other, there is no possibility that the game related to the participation play will be determined regardless of the content of the game selection. In addition, in this game system, in each grouping, the probability that a game corresponding to a game field in which a large number of the prescribed number of game terminals related to this group are arranged will be associated with the group formed, and a small number will be arranged. Since the probability that the game corresponding to the played game place will be matched becomes equal, the situation will be disadvantageous for those who use the game place with a small number of arranged game terminals or those who have few acquaintances who use the same game place Can be avoided. Note that the grouping unit preferably selects a game to be associated with the game place in each grouping as selection data transmitted from a game terminal arranged in the game place, out of a specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed. Based on, choose by majority or randomly.

The present invention is also a lobby server device in a game system including a plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program, wherein the plurality of game terminals are grouped as a group of two or more prescribed numbers, and all belonging to the group The game server is used for playing a game associated with the group, and the lobby server device indicates one of the plurality of games selected by the player of the game from each of the plurality of game terminals. A selection data receiving unit that receives selection data and a game terminal that is a transmission source of the selection data received by the selection data receiving unit are grouped by a prescribed number in the order of arrival of the selection data to form a plurality of groups. Grouping is based on the specified number of selection data relating to the group to be formed. A grouping unit that identifies the game and associates the identified game with the group that forms the game, a counting unit that counts the number of times each of the plurality of games is selected using the selection data, and a selection counted by the counting unit Based on the number of times, a schedule data generating unit that generates schedule data for associating the game with the largest number of selections with the scheduled period, and the schedule data is transmitted to each of the plurality of game terminals, and the schedule data is received. There is provided a lobby server device characterized in that a terminal is provided with a schedule data transmission unit that outputs information based on the schedule data. According to the lobby server device, the game system according to the first aspect can be constructed.

In addition, the present invention includes a plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program, and groups the plurality of game terminals by a prescribed number of two or more to form a plurality of groups, and associates a game with each of the plurality of groups. All of the game terminals belonging to each of the plurality of groups are game terminals in a game system used for playing a game corresponding to the group, the operation unit; and A selection unit that selects one of a plurality of games based on an operation, a selection data transmission unit that transmits the selection data indicating a selection result of the selection unit to the lobby server device, and a selection count from the lobby server device. A schedule data receiving unit for receiving schedule data in which most games are associated with a scheduled period, and the scheduled data Based on, and an information output unit that outputs information prompting selection of the game corresponding to said predetermined period in said predetermined period, to provide a game terminal, characterized in that. According to this game terminal, the game system according to the first aspect can be constructed.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game terminal contained in a game system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the lobby server apparatus contained in a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of grouping in a game system. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example in the grouping process of a game system. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the communication address of a game terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation example in the play process of a game system. It is a flowchart which shows the grouping process performed with a lobby server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the schedule data generation process performed with a lobby server apparatus. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the selection frequency counted by the schedule data generation process. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence which the schedule data produced | generated by the schedule data production | generation process shows. It is a flowchart which shows the schedule data delivery process performed with a lobby server apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the client process performed with a game terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a schedule table in a client process. It is a flowchart which shows the game selection process included in a client process. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen displayed in a game selection process. It is a figure which shows another example of the selection screen displayed in a game selection process. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen in the modification of a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen in another modification of a game system. It is a figure which shows another example of the selection screen in another modification of a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the schedule table displayed on a game terminal in another modification of a game system.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below, and various modifications and application examples obtained by modifying this embodiment can be included in the technical scope.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the game system 100 includes a plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,. A plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,... Are distributed in a plurality of game stadiums A, B, C,. Each game place is, for example, a store that allows visitors to use game terminals for a fee, and each game place is provided with a router 20. Each game terminal can be used for playing a plurality of games (four games GA, GB, GC and GD shown in FIG. 14), and via a router 20 provided in a game place where the game terminals are arranged. It is connected to a network 10 such as the Internet.

The lobby server device 40 groups a plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,... In a predetermined number (3) in the order of arrival of selection data described later to form a plurality of groups. One game among a plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD is associated, and is connected to the network 10 via the router 30. Each game terminal can communicate with the lobby server device 40 and other game terminals via the network 10. Each of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD is a game that is played for each group, and all game terminals that belong to one group in which the game is associated with one play are used. In other words, it is a multi-player participation type online game (multiple-player 使用 participation type on-line game) in which users of all game terminals belonging to the one group participate in the one play.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game terminal A1. Other game terminals are similarly configured. As shown in this figure, a game terminal A1 includes a CPU (Central processing unit) 200, a RAM (random access memory) 201, a ROM (read only memory) 202, a communication interface 203, a display device 21, and an operation. Unit 230 and a coin sensor 260.

CPU 200 is connected to other components via a bus and functions as a control center. The RAM 201 is used as a work area for the CPU 200. The ROM 202 stores a game program that causes the game terminal to perform client processing including play processing. Details of these processes will be described later. This game program is read out and executed by the CPU 200 when the game terminal A1 is activated. That is, the game terminal A1 is a game terminal that can execute a game program. The game terminal A1 may be provided with a storage device such as a hard disk or a DVD, and a game program or the like may be stored in the storage device.

The communication interface 203 communicates with the router 20 according to a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the CPU 200. The display device 21 is a CRT (cathode ray tube), a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display, or other suitable image display device. The operation unit 230 is operated by a person, and includes an operation element operated by a user (player) of the game terminal A1, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the operation element. Examples of the operation element included in the operation unit 230 include a button, a handle, and a pedal. The coin sensor 260 notifies the CPU 200 that a coin has been inserted into a coin insertion slot (not shown) provided in the game terminal A1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the lobby server device 40. As shown in this figure, the lobby server device 40 includes a CPU 400, a hard disk 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, and a communication interface 404. The RAM 402 is used as a work area for the CPU 400. The hard disk 401 stores a control program that causes the lobby server device 40 to perform grouping processing, scheduled data generation processing, and scheduled data distribution processing. Details of these processes will be described later.

The RAM 402 stores an entry list EL and a selection history list SL. In the entry list EL, a set of a communication address of a game terminal waiting for completion of grouping and selection data from the game terminal is registered. When there is no game terminal waiting for the completion of grouping, the entry list EL is empty. In the selection history list SL, a set of selection data received from each of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,... And reception time data indicating the reception time of the selection data is registered. . When the selection data is not received, the selection history list SL is empty.

The ROM 403 stores a boot program. This boot program is read and executed by the CPU 400 when the lobby server device 40 is activated. As a result, the CPU 400 reads the control program from the hard disk 401 and executes it. The communication interface 404 communicates with the router 30 according to a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the CPU 400.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping in the game system 100. In this example, game terminals A1, B1 and C2 belong to group G1, game terminals A2, A3 and B2 belong to group G2, and game terminals B3, C1 and C3 belong to group G3. Therefore, the game terminals A1, B1 and C2 are used for one play of the game associated with the group G1, the game terminals A2, A3 and B2 are used for one play of the game associated with the group G2, The game terminals B3, C1, and C3 are used for one play of a game associated with the group G3.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the grouping process of the game system 100. In this example, the group G2 in FIG. 4 is formed from a state in which there is no game terminal waiting for completion of grouping (entry list EL is empty). In this example, a grouping request for requesting grouping is made. First, it is transmitted from the game terminal A2 to the lobby server device 40 (s1), then transmitted from the game terminal A3 to the lobby server device 40 (s3), and then transmitted from the game terminal B2 to the lobby server device 40 (s5). ).

The grouping request includes a communication address of a game terminal that is a transmission source, and selection data indicating one game selected from a plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD on the game terminal. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication address included in the grouping request of each game terminal includes a router identification unit that identifies each of the plurality of

routers

20, 20, 20,... And a plurality of game terminals connected to each router. And a game terminal identification unit for identifying each of the above.

When receiving the grouping request from the game terminal, the lobby server device 40 registers the combination of the communication address of the transmission source game terminal and the selection data included in the grouping request in the entry list EL, and the selection data and the A pair with the reception time data related to the selection data is registered in the selection history list SL. When the grouping request that reaches the lobby server device 40 after the lobby server device 40 receives the grouping request from the game terminal A2 until it receives the grouping request from the game terminal B2 is only the grouping request from the game terminal A3 As shown in FIG. 5, the lobby server device 40 receives a grouping request from the game terminal A2 (s1), registers in the entry list EL and the selection history list SL (s2), and receives a grouping request from the game terminal A3. Reception (s3), registration to entry list EL and selection history list SL (s4), reception of grouping request from game terminal B2 (s5) and registration to entry list EL and selection history list SL (s6) are sequentially performed. Next, grouping of game terminals A2, A3 and B2 s7) is carried out.

This grouping forms a group G2 to which the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 belong, and one of a plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD is associated with the group G2. When this grouping is completed, the lobby server device 40 transmits a grouping response indicating that the grouping is completed to each of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 (s8 to s10). These grouping responses are the same except for the destination, and all include communication addresses of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 and corresponding game data indicating a game associated with the group G2. Next, the lobby server device 40 deletes all pairs from the entry list EL (S11). As a result, the entry list EL becomes empty.

When each of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 receives the grouping response, each of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 communicates with another game terminal using the communication address included in the received grouping response, and receives the grouping response with the other game devices. A play process for advancing one play of the game indicated by the corresponding game data included is started (s12). For example, when the game terminal A2 receives the grouping response, the game terminal A2 communicates with each of the game terminals A3 and B2 using the communication address included in the grouping response, and is included in the grouping response with the game terminals A3 and B2. A play process for proceeding with one play of the game indicated by the corresponding game data is started. As is clear from this, the game program is a program that enables the game terminal to be used for playing a plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an operation example in the play processing of the game system 100. In this example, when the play process is started in the group G2, the process of mutually transmitting and receiving play data between the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 belonging to the group G2 is repeatedly performed (s13 to s18). The play data is data essential for playing the game associated with the group G2. For example, if the game associated with the group G2 is a car rally game in which a virtual vehicle is operated and competes for a score, the player of the game (game terminal A2, The data indicating the operation details of the vehicle by the user of A3 and B2, the data indicating the score of the player, and the like are the play data.

In the play process, the CPU 200 of each of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 sequentially causes the display device 21 to display an image corresponding to the operation of the operation unit 230 and the received play data. By the way, a condition for ending the play is set for each of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD, and the play of each game is ended when the set condition is satisfied. In the example of FIG. 7, when the condition set for playing the game associated with the group G2 is satisfied, the play process ends (s19). In the play of the car rally game, the ranking and win / loss are determined based on the score at the end.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the grouping process performed by the lobby server device 40. The grouping process is a process for repeatedly performing grouping. In the grouping process, the CPU 400 of the lobby server device 40 first determines whether a grouping request is received from any one of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,... (S31). .

If the determination result is “NO”, the process returns to step s31. That is, the CPU 400 stands by until a grouping request is received from any one of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,. The grouping request includes the communication address and selection data of the transmission source game terminal. As is clear from this, the CPU 400 functions as a selection data receiving unit that receives selection data from each of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,.

If the decision result in the step s31 is “YES”, the CPU 400 registers the pair of the communication address of the transmission source game terminal and the selection data included in the received grouping request in the entry list EL (s32). A set of selection data and reception time data indicating the reception time of the selection data is registered in the selection history list SL (s33). The lobby server device 40 includes a real-time clock (not shown), and the CPU 400 functions as a timekeeping unit that counts the current time using the real-time clock. When the grouping request is received, the selection is included in the grouping request. The reception time data indicating the reception time is generated as the data reception time.

Next, the CPU 400 refers to the entry list EL and determines whether or not the number of game terminals (waiting number) waiting for completion of grouping is less than the specified number (3) (s34). If the determination result is “YES”, the process returns to step s31. That is, the CPU 400 repeats the processes of steps s31 to s34 until the standby number reaches the specified number.

If the determination result in step s34 is “NO”, the CPU 400 groups a prescribed number of game terminals that are the transmission sources of selection data registered in the entry list EL, and forms groups of these game terminals ( s35), a grouping response is transmitted to each of these game terminals (s36), and all pairs are deleted from the entry list EL (s37). Thereafter, the process returns to step s31.

In the grouping in step s35, the CPU 400 specifies one game based on a specified number of groups registered in the entry list EL (a specified number of groups related to the group to be formed), and sets the specified game as a group. Associate. That is, the CPU 400 groups a predetermined number (3) of the game terminals that are the transmission sources of the received selection data in order of arrival of the selection data to form a plurality of groups, and in each grouping, a predetermined number of groups related to the group to be formed It functions as a grouping unit that identifies one game based on the selection data and associates it with a group that forms the identified game. However, the method of identifying one game associated with the group to be formed differs depending on the number of game halls where a prescribed number of game terminals related to the group to be formed are arranged.

When the number of game halls where the specified number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is one, the CPU 400 randomly selects one from the specified number of selection data registered in the entry list EL. Identify one game. This selection is performed using a random number, for example. In the present specification, “random selection” means selection under a situation where the selection probabilities of all the options are equal to each other. Therefore, when two selection data indicating the game GA and one selection data indicating the game GB are registered in the entry list EL, the probability that the game GA is specified as one game associated with the group to be formed. Is 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3, and the probability that the game GB is specified is 1/3.

When the number of game halls where the prescribed number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is two or more, the CPU 400 associates one game with each of these game halls and randomly selects one from these game halls. Select In this case, the game corresponding to the selected game place is specified as one game. For example, when the group G2 in FIG. 4 is formed, both the selection data from the game terminal A2 and the selection data from the game terminal A3 indicate the game GB, and the selection data from the game terminal B2 indicates the game terminal GA. In this case, the game GB is associated with the game place A in FIG. Since the selection probability of the game field A and the selection probability of the game field B are both 1/2, the probability that the game GB is specified as one game associated with the group G2 and the probability that the game GA is selected are both 1/2. It becomes.

In this example, a game to be associated with each game place is selected by majority decision based on selection data from a game terminal placed in the game place out of a prescribed number of selection data registered in the entry list EL. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the specified number of selection data registered in the entry list EL includes selection data from two game terminals arranged in the same game place, and these selection data indicate different games, Based on these selection data, a game associated with the game field is randomly selected. Further, the present embodiment may be modified so that it is randomly selected in any case.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the grouping is completed, the CPU 400 transmits the grouping response described above to each of the game terminals A2, A3, and B2 (s36). Next, the CPU 400 deletes all pairs from the entry list EL (s37). Thereafter, the process returns to step s31. That is, the CPU 400 functions as a grouping unit that groups a predetermined number of game terminals that are transmission sources of selection data received by the communication interface 404 in a first-come-first-served basis in order of selection data to form a plurality of groups. In the game system 100, when play of a certain game is progressing in a certain group, another play of the game may progress in another group.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a schedule data generation process performed by the lobby server device 40. The schedule data generation process is a process for repeatedly generating the schedule data, and in the present embodiment, the schedule data generation process is performed in a daily cycle. In principle, the schedule data is data that associates each of a plurality of schedule periods that do not overlap each other and the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the schedule period. The exception will be described later. The counting periods are a plurality of periods that do not overlap with each other, and each of these counting periods corresponds to a plurality of scheduled periods. The scheduled period is a period in the future, and the counting period is a past period corresponding to a certain scheduled period. For example, the period from 10:00 am to 11:00 am the next day is the scheduled period, and the period from 10:00 am to 11:00 am the previous day is the counting period.

In the scheduled data generation process, the CPU 400 first determines whether or not the current time has passed a predetermined scheduled data generation time (s41). If the determination result is “NO”, the process returns to step s41. That is, the CPU 400 waits until the current time passes the scheduled data generation time. When the determination result in step s41 is “YES”, the CPU 400 counts the number of selections of each of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD for each counting period based on the selection history list SL (s42). This count is included in the same set as the reception time data indicating the time within a certain counting period among the combinations of the selection data and the reception time data indicating the reception time of the selection data registered in the selection history list SL. And the number of selection data indicating a certain game is the number of times the game is selected in the counting period. That is, the CPU 400 functions as a counting unit that counts the number of times of selection of each of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD in each of the plurality of counting periods using the reception time data and the selection data.

Next, the CPU 400 generates schedule data based on the number of selections counted in step s42 and overwrites the RAM 402 (s43). In this generation, first, based on the number of selections counted in step s42, data for associating each of the plurality of scheduled periods with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period is generated. In principle, this data is planned data. That is, the CPU 400 functions as a schedule data generation unit that generates schedule data that associates a game with the largest number of selections with a schedule period based on the counted number of selections. However, when there is a game that cannot be associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods, as an exception, each of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD is associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods. The data is changed to schedule data as shown in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the number of scheduled periods is 4, the game with the largest number of selections in the first scheduled period is the game GA, and the game with the largest number of selections in the second scheduled period is the game GB. When the game with the largest number of selections in the third scheduled period is the game GC and the game with the largest number of selections in the fourth scheduled period is the game GA, the above exception is made. As shown in FIG. 11, the first scheduled period and the game GA are associated, the second scheduled period and the game GB are associated, the third scheduled period and the game GC are associated, and the fourth schedule Scheduled data for associating the period with the game GD is generated.

In the example of FIG. 11, the game GD is associated with the fourth scheduled period in which the selection rate of the game GD is high among the first and fourth scheduled periods. You may make it match | combine with the 1st scheduled period with many selection frequency of the game GD among the 1st and 4th scheduled periods. Note that “selection rate of a certain game” = “number of times of selection of the game” / “number of times of selection of all games”. Further, the above exception may be eliminated and the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period may be associated with the scheduled period corresponding to the counting period.

As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 400 that generates the schedule data and stores it in the RAM 402 deletes all the sets from the selection history list SL, and also sets the schedule data generation time, the plurality of counting periods, and the plurality of schedule periods. Update (s44). With this update, the scheduled data generation time is one day ahead, and each counting period and each scheduled period are one day ahead. Thereafter, the process returns to step s41. That is, the processing of steps s41 to s43 is repeatedly performed in a one-day cycle.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a schedule data distribution process performed by the lobby server device 40. The schedule data distribution process is a process for distributing the schedule data held in the RAM 402 to the game terminal. In the scheduled data distribution process, first, the CPU 400 has received a scheduled data distribution request for requesting distribution of scheduled data from any one of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,. It is determined whether or not (s51). If this determination is “NO”, the processing returns to step s 51. That is, CPU 400 waits until a scheduled data distribution request is received from any one of a plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,.

If the decision result in the step s51 is “YES”, the CPU 400 reads the scheduled data from the RAM 402 and returns it to the game terminal that is the transmission source of the received scheduled data distribution request (s52). Thereafter, the process returns to step s51. That is, in the scheduled data distribution process, the lobby server device 40 returns the scheduled data every time it receives a scheduled data distribution request from any one of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,. To do. Note that the CPU 400 may transmit the scheduled data to each game terminal periodically, for example, without receiving a distribution request from the game terminal. As described above, the CPU 400 functions as a schedule data transmission unit that transmits the schedule data to each of the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing client processing performed at the game terminal. The client process starts when the game terminal is activated. In the client process, the CPU 200 of the game terminal first transmits a schedule data distribution request to the lobby server device 40 (s61), and receives schedule data from the lobby server device 40 (s62). That is, the CPU 200 functions as a schedule data receiving unit that receives schedule data from the lobby server device 40. Since the schedule data is overwritten in the lobby server device 40, the latest schedule data is received in step s62.

Next, the CPU 200 causes the display device 21 to display a schedule table indicating the grouping schedule using the received schedule data (s63). At this time, the schedule is displayed in the demonstration screen of any game as illustrated in FIG. Although the display form of the schedule is arbitrary, in the example of FIG. 14, an area in which images indicating 11 scheduled periods obtained by dividing 11 hours from 10:00 to 21:00 on the displayed day into 11 equal parts is arranged in a line. And an area in which images indicating games associated with each scheduled period are arranged in a line. Thus, since the schedule table is also information for prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods, the CPU 200 displays information for prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period. Functions as an information output unit for output.

In the example of FIG. 14, when the same game corresponds to a schedule period adjacent to each other, one image indicating the game is arranged over a plurality of areas corresponding to areas where images of these schedule periods are arranged. The Further, the game terminal is provided with a real time clock, and the CPU 200 functions as a time measuring unit for measuring the current time using the real time clock. Therefore, the CPU 200 can highlight and display the scheduled period including the current time, as illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 200 next determines whether or not play is possible based on the output signal from the coin sensor 260 (s64). If the determination result is “NO”, the process returns to step s63. That is, the CPU 200 continues to display a demonstration screen including a schedule until coins worth playing are inserted. When the determination result in step s64 is “YES”, the CPU 200 performs a game selection process of selecting one from the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD (s65).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the game selection process. In the game selection process, first, the CPU 200 temporarily selects any one of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD (s71). The “temporary selection” is a temporary selection and not a real selection. Next, based on the operation signal output from the operation unit 230, the CPU 200 determines whether a selection instruction for selecting a temporarily selected game has been input (s72).

When the determination result is “NO”, the CPU 200 determines whether or not a temporary selection change instruction for changing the temporarily selected game is input based on the operation signal output from the operation unit 230 (s73). . When the determination result is “YES”, the CPU 200 changes the temporarily selected game in accordance with the temporary selection change instruction (s74). When the determination result of step s73 is “NO”, or when the process of step s74 is completed, the CPU 200 displays a selection screen corresponding to the temporarily selected game (s75). Thereafter, the process returns to step s72.

That is, the processing of steps s72 to s75 is repeated until the selection instruction is input and the determination result of step s72 becomes “YES”. During this time, for example, the selection screen shown in FIG. 16 or 17 is displayed on the display device 21. FIG. 16 shows a selection screen when the temporarily selected game is the game GC, and FIG. 17 shows a selection screen when the temporarily selected game is the game GA. When the selection instruction is input and the determination result in step s72 is “YES”, the CPU 200 selects the temporarily selected game (s76). Thus, the CPU 200 functions as a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of games GA, GB, GC, and GD based on the operation of the operation unit 230.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the game selection process in step s65 is completed, the CPU 200 transmits a grouping request including selection data indicating the game selected in the game selection process to the lobby server device 40 (s66). That is, the CPU 200 functions as a selection data transmission unit that transmits selection data indicating a game selection result to the lobby server device 40. Next, the CPU 200 receives a grouping response from the lobby server device 40 (s67) and performs the above-described play process (s68). Then, when the play process ends, the CPU 200 causes the display device 21 to display the play results (for example, rank, win / loss) (s69). Thereafter, the process returns to step s63.

As described above, the game system 100 includes the plurality of game terminals A1 to A3, B1 to B3, C1 to C3,... That can be used for playing a plurality of games, and the lobby server device 40. The lobby server device 40 performs first-come-first-served grouping that does not depend on the game selection indicated by the selection data. First-come-first-served grouping that does not depend on game selection has the advantage that the time required for grouping does not increase even if the number of games that can be selected increases with respect to the number of game terminals. There is a drawback that a player who is allowed to participate in a different game play may occur. In the game system 100, each game terminal selects one of a plurality of games based on the operation of the operation unit 230 by the player, and transmits selection data indicating the selection result to the lobby server device 40. Uses the selection data to count the number of selections of each of the plurality of games for each counting period, and based on the counted number of selections, each scheduled period and the number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period are the largest. As a rule, game data is transmitted to each game terminal, and each game terminal outputs information that prompts the user to select a game corresponding to the schedule period in each schedule period based on the schedule data. , The selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each scheduled period is prompted.

Therefore, according to the game system 100, a player who understands that grouping in the first-come-first-served basis that does not depend on game selection is performed, even if a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period is selected in the scheduled period. It can be understood that there is a high probability that the player will participate in the game corresponding to the period. Since the probability that a player who knows this will select a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period is sufficiently low, the probability that a game corresponding to the scheduled period will be selected increases in the scheduled period. . As a result, the occurrence probability of a player who is allowed to participate in the play of a game different from the selected game is suppressed to a low level. That is, according to the game system 100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence probability of players who can participate in playing a game different from the selected game without increasing the time required for grouping.

Further, according to the game system 100, when a plurality of games includes a game that is not associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods, each of the plurality of games corresponds to one of the plurality of scheduled periods. Since it is attached, it is not necessary to reduce the number of games that can be substantially selected.

It should be noted that the game system 100 may be modified and the scheduled data may be data for associating each scheduled period with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period without exception. In this modified example, each scheduled period is associated with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period, so that the user of the game terminal in each scheduled period corresponds to the scheduled period. The probability of being a person who does not want to participate in playing a game is sufficiently low. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to sufficiently reduce the number of people who give up participation in the play of a desired game.

Alternatively, the game system 100 may be modified so that a game associated with the group to be formed is determined by majority based on the selection data. However, in this modification, there is a possibility that a game related to a play to participate is specified regardless of the contents of some game selections. For example, when the specified number is 3, when two selection data are received by the selection data receiving unit, and both of these selection data indicate one game, the remaining one selection data indicates any game. Even so, the group formed is associated with the game indicated by the already received two selection data. That is, regardless of the game indicated by the third selection data, the game related to the participating play is specified. On the other hand, in the game system 100, in each grouping, one is randomly selected from a specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed, and is associated with the group formed by the game indicated by the selected selection data. Therefore, there is no possibility that the game related to the play to participate is specified regardless of the content of the game selection. Further, in the game system 100, the more selection data indicating the same game, the higher the selection probability of the game. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of players who can participate in playing a game different from the selected game.

Further, in the game system 100, a plurality of game terminals are distributed and arranged in a plurality of game fields, and the number of game fields in which a prescribed number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is one in each grouping is 1. The game field in which one of the specified number of selection data is randomly selected and the game indicated by the selected selection data is associated with the group, while the specified number of game terminals related to the group is arranged. When the number of games is two or more, one game is associated with each of these game fields, one is randomly selected from these game fields, and the game corresponding to the selected game field is assigned to the group. Since it is associated, a game corresponding to a game field in which a large number of a prescribed number of game terminals related to this group are arranged in the group. A probability associated, and the probability of the game corresponding to the game field a few are arranged associated equal. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a person using a game place with a small number of arranged game terminals or a person having few acquaintances using the same game place is disadvantageous.

Further, the game system 100 may be modified so that the game terminal (CPU 200) prohibits selection of a game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period. An example of the selection screen in this modification is shown in FIG. FIG. 18 corresponds to FIG. 16, while the games GA, GB, GC, and GD can be provisionally selected and selected on the selection screen of FIG. 16, whereas provisional selection or selection is possible on the selection screen of FIG. 18. Only game GC. This is because the selection screen in FIG. 18 is a selection screen in a scheduled period corresponding to the game GC. According to this modified example, no game other than the game corresponding to the scheduled period is selected in the scheduled period, and therefore, there can be no player who can participate in playing a game different from the selected game. .

This modification may be further modified so that play in a group of the game is prohibited instead of game selection. Examples of selection screens in this modification are shown in FIGS. In the selection screen of FIG. 19, the game GC is provisionally selected and play in the group of games GC is provisionally selected. On the selection screen of FIG. 20, the game GA is provisionally selected. It is not possible to tentatively select play in the group.

Further, the game system 100 is modified to eliminate the plurality of counting periods described above, and adopt a first scheduled period that does not overlap with each other and a second scheduled period that is longer than the first scheduled period, instead of the plurality of scheduled periods described above. May be. In this case, the number of selections is the number of selections since the lobby server device was activated. Then, the schedule data is data that associates the first game with the largest number of selections with the first schedule period and associates the second game different from the first game with the second schedule period, and displays the schedule table on the game terminal. May be information prompting selection of the first game in the first scheduled period and prompting selection of the second game in the second scheduled period. In this modification, the first scheduled period for prompting selection of the first game with a high selection probability is longer than the second scheduled period for prompting selection of the second game with a low selection probability. Therefore, even in this game system, it is possible to reduce the number of people who give up participation in the play of a desired game.

In addition, the game system 100 may be modified such that a schedule updated every week is displayed on each game terminal as shown in FIG. Alternatively, Monday to Friday may be one scheduled period, and Saturday to Sunday may be another scheduled period. Further, a period in which weekday periods are continued may be one scheduled period, and a period in which holidays are consecutive may be another scheduled period. The counting period is arbitrarily changed according to the setting of the scheduled period.
In addition, the display of the schedule may be changed to voice notification.

Further, the game system 100 may be modified to have one counting period, one scheduled period, a prescribed number of 2 or 4 or more, and a game arranged in each game place The number of terminals may be 2 or 4 or more, all game terminals may be arranged in one game place, and the number of games that can be used for play is 2 or 3 or 5 or more It may also be applied to games other than car rally.

Claims

A plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program; and a lobby server device that groups the plurality of game terminals by a prescribed number of two or more to form a plurality of groups and associates a game with each of the plurality of groups , All game terminals belonging to each of the plurality of groups are game systems used for playing a game corresponding to the group,
Each of the plurality of game terminals includes:
An operation unit;
A selection unit for selecting one from a plurality of games based on the operation of the operation unit;
A selection data transmission unit that transmits selection data indicating a selection result of the selection unit to the lobby server device;
The lobby server device
A selection data receiving unit that receives the selection data from each of the plurality of game terminals;
Grouping the specified number of game terminals from which the selection data received by the selection data receiving unit is received in the order of arrival of the selection data to form a plurality of groups, and in each grouping, the group related to the group to be formed A grouping unit that identifies one game based on a specified number of selection data, and associates the identified game with the group that forms the game;
A counting unit that counts the number of times each of the plurality of games is selected using the selection data;
Based on the number of selections counted by the counting unit, a schedule data generation unit that generates schedule data for associating a game with the largest number of selections with a schedule period;
A schedule data transmitter for transmitting the schedule data to each of the plurality of game terminals,
Each of the plurality of game terminals further includes:
A schedule data receiving unit for receiving the schedule data from the lobby server device;
An information output unit that outputs information prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period based on the scheduled data;
A game system characterized by that.
The scheduled period is plural,
The plurality of scheduled periods do not overlap each other,
The number of selections counted by the counting unit is the number of selections of each of the plurality of games in each of a plurality of counting periods that do not overlap each other,
The plurality of counting periods correspond to the plurality of scheduled periods, respectively.
The schedule data is data that associates each of the plurality of schedule periods with a game having the largest number of selections in a counting period corresponding to the schedule period,
The information output by the information output unit is information prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods.
The game system according to claim 1.
The scheduled period is plural,
The plurality of scheduled periods do not overlap each other,
The number of selections counted by the counting unit is the number of selections of each of the plurality of games in each of a plurality of counting periods that do not overlap each other,
The plurality of counting periods correspond to the plurality of scheduled periods, respectively.
The scheduled data generation unit generates data that associates each of the plurality of scheduled periods with the game having the largest number of selections in the counting period corresponding to the scheduled period, based on the number of selections counted by the counting unit. When the games that are not associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods are included in the plurality of games, each of the plurality of games is associated with any of the plurality of scheduled periods. The data is changed, the changed data is the schedule data, and in other cases the data is the schedule data,
The information output by the information output unit is information prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in each of the plurality of scheduled periods.
The game system according to claim 1.
The schedule period includes a first schedule period and a second schedule period shorter than the first schedule period,
The first scheduled period and the second scheduled period do not overlap each other,
The schedule data is data that associates the first game with the largest number of selections with the first schedule period and associates a second game different from the first game with the second schedule period,
The information output by the information output unit is information prompting selection of the first game in the first scheduled period and prompting selection of the second game in the second scheduled period.
The game system according to claim 1.
The game terminal prohibits selection of a game other than a game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period;
The game system according to claim 1.
The grouping unit randomly selects one of the specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed in each grouping, and associates the game indicated by the selected selection data with the group to be formed.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
The plurality of game terminals are distributed in a plurality of game fields,
In each grouping, when the number of game halls where the specified number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is 1 in each grouping, the grouping unit uses the specified number of selection data related to the group to be formed Randomly select one and associate the game indicated by the selected selection data with the group to be formed,
In each grouping, when the number of game halls where the prescribed number of game terminals related to the group to be formed is two or more, each grouping unit has one game for each of the two or more game halls. And randomly selecting one of the two or more game venues and associating a game corresponding to the selected game venue with the group formed.
The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
A lobby server device in a game system including a plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program,
The plurality of game terminals are grouped into groups each having a prescribed number of 2 or more, and all game terminals belonging to the group are used for playing a game associated with the group,
The lobby server device
A selection data receiving unit that receives selection data indicating any of the plurality of games selected by the player of the game from each of the plurality of game terminals;
Grouping the game terminals that are the transmission source of the selection data received by the selection data receiving unit in a prescribed number in the order of arrival of the selection data to form a plurality of groups, and in each grouping, the rules relating to the group to be formed A grouping unit that identifies one game based on the selection data of the number, and associates the identified game with the group to be formed;
A counting unit that counts the number of times each of the plurality of games is selected using the selection data;
Based on the number of selections counted by the counting unit, a schedule data generation unit that generates schedule data that associates a game with the largest number of selections with a schedule period;
A schedule data transmission unit configured to transmit the schedule data to each of the plurality of game terminals and to output information based on the schedule data in the game terminal that has received the schedule data;
A lobby server device characterized by that.
A lobby server device comprising a plurality of game terminals capable of executing a game program, grouping the plurality of game terminals by two or more prescribed numbers to form a plurality of groups, and associating a game with each of the plurality of groups; And all the game terminals belonging to each of the plurality of groups are game terminals in a game system used for playing a game corresponding to the group,
An operation unit;
A selection unit for selecting one from a plurality of games based on the operation of the operation unit;
A selection data transmission unit that transmits the selection data indicating the selection result of the selection unit to the lobby server device;
From the lobby server device, a schedule data receiving unit that receives schedule data in which a game with the largest number of selections is associated with a schedule period;
An information output unit that outputs information prompting selection of a game corresponding to the scheduled period in the scheduled period based on the scheduled data;
A game terminal characterized by that.