JP2014188328A - Game system, control method and computer program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game system capable of properly managing the use of a game element such as a character by another person.SOLUTION: In a game system 1, in which a user is enabled to play by utilizing characters CRa, CRb and CRx owned by the player and in which the values in the games of the CRa, CRb and CRx become higher as the user plays the game, a plurality of users select the candidate groups of the characters CRa and CRb to be serviced for the use by another user as an object person, from the characters individually owned by the users. A user X as an object person selects a usable character CRb, and the user X as the object person allows the use of the selected character CRb by restricting the utilization range which is set at a portion while the user X as the object person is playing the game.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game system in which game elements such as characters owned by a user can be temporarily used by other users.

  As a type of game system using a network, there is a game system in which game elements such as characters can be virtually lent and borrowed between users. For example, a game system is known that activates a community by lending and borrowing characters between users participating in a network community and increasing intimacy according to the results (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . There is also known a game system in which a borrower user selects a desired character from a group of characters set as a loan target, and the borrower user freely operates the character in exchange for payment of a rental fee corresponding to the selected character. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-200564 A JP 2011-200719 A

  The game value of a game element such as a character club is usually controlled so as to increase as the owner's user plays the game. The value of game elements possessed by beginner-level users who have just started a game or users who are less likely to play the game is absolutely low. Giving users the purpose of increasing their value will motivate the user to play the game. Indispensable to maintain or improve. However, if a high-value game element owned by another user can be borrowed even if it is paid, and the user can freely use it, the user gives up the desire to increase the value of the game element owned by the user, and the game is played. There is a risk of lowering the motivation for.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system and the like that can appropriately manage the use of other game elements such as characters by others and maintain and improve the user's motivation for playing the game. .

  A game system (1) according to the present invention includes a game machine (3) connectable to a network (5), and the game machine uses game elements (CRa, CRb, CRx) that the user owns. And the value of the game element is controlled such that the value of the game element increases in the game as the user as the owner of the game element plays the game. In the game system, from game elements each owned by a plurality of users, a candidate group of game elements to be used by another user as a target person (for example, a group of characters CR registered in the registration list 100) From the candidate selection means (33, 25, S11, S12, S21, S22) for selecting the Selection control means (34, S31, S32, S34, S35) for selecting, for each user, game elements that can be used by each user as a target person, and while the user as the target person is playing the game The use control means (35, S41, S42) for permitting the use of the game element selected by the selection control means is provided only for a part of the use range set in FIG.

  The game control method according to the present invention includes a game machine (3) connectable to the network (5), and the game machine has game elements (CRa, CRb, CRx) that the user owns. The game element is applied to a game system (1) that can be used to play a game, and the value of the game element increases in the game as the user as the owner of the game element plays the game. A game element candidate group of game elements to be used by another user as a target person (for example, the registration list 100). A group of character CRs registered in (11), (S11, S12, S21, S22) and whether the selected game element candidate group A procedure (S31, S32, S34, S35) for selecting a game element that can be used by each user as the target person for each user, and one while the user as the target person is playing the game. And a procedure (S41, S42) for permitting the use of the selected game element only within the use range set in the section.

  Furthermore, the computer system program (PG1, PG2) for the game system according to the present invention includes a plurality of computers connectable to the network (5), and causes at least a part of the plurality of computers to function as the game machine (3). In this game machine, the user can play a game using game elements (CRa, CRb, CRx) related to his / her own possession, and the user as the owner of the game element plays the game. A computer program applied to the game system (1) in which the value of the game element is controlled so that the value of the game element in the game increases as it is played, and at least one of the plurality of computers As a target from game elements owned by multiple users Candidate selection means (33, 25, S11, S12, S21, S22) for selecting a candidate group of game elements to be used by other users (for example, a group of characters CR registered in the registration list 100), selection Selection control means (34, S31, S32, S34, S35) for selecting, for each user, a game element that can be used by each user as the target person from the candidate group of game elements, and as the target person Usage control means (35, S41, S42) for permitting the use of the game element selected by the selection control means only within a usage range set in part while the user is playing the game It is comprised so that it may function as.

  According to the present invention, the use of the game element by the user as the target person is not freely allowed during the game play by the user, but is limited to a part of the use range during the game play. Therefore, when a game element having a higher value than the game element related to own possession is selected for the target user, the game element can be appropriately used. As a result, a user who has just started a game or a user with low play frequency is conscious of the high value of game elements owned by other users, and is willing to increase the value of his game elements by playing the game repeatedly. be able to. Thereby, it is possible to maintain and improve the user's motivation for playing the game.

  In the present invention, game elements include characters, items, cards, and other various elements that can be virtually used by a user in playing a game. Race horses and jockeys trained by users in horse racing games, players strengthened by users in sports games, and the like are also included in one form of game elements. The concept of possession of game elements means that the game elements belong to the user as distinguished by game system data, etc., and the value changes according to the game play by the user as the owner. It is not always necessary to relate to user occupation. Ownership includes a shared form by a plurality of users. The use of the game element by the user is not limited to the user operating the game element on the game. The concept of use also includes cases where the user selects a game element at a specific stage, stage, time, etc. during game play, and the game system automatically controls actions and effects as a result of the selection. It is. For example, in a card game, an action in which a user puts a specific card into play or adds it to a deck is one form of use. Alternatively, in a sports game, an act of selecting a player trained or strengthened by a user as a member to be added to the team is also one form of use. The value of a game element is a concept indicating the level of action, influence, or effect that the use of the game element brings in the game, and a game element that provides a more advantageous or preferable action is recognized as having a higher value.

  In the present invention, the usage control means may permit the use of the selected game element in the usage range instead of the game element owned by the user as the target person. According to this, it is possible to make the user more clearly aware of the difference in the values of the game elements by restricting the use of the game elements of other users instead of the game elements of the user.

  In the present invention, range control means (34, S33) for changing the use range according to a predetermined reference item may be further provided. According to this, the range which can utilize the game element which concerns on the other user's possession can be set more appropriately. Further, the reference item may include a value of the selected game element. In this case, the range of use can be changed according to the value. Further, the reference matter may include a play situation of the game by the user as the target person. In this case, for example, a user who has just started a game or a user with low play frequency, a user who is expected to have an extremely low value of the game elements he owns, and a user who is playing a game to a considerable extent The usage range can be flexibly changed according to the play situation of the user, such as differentiating the usage range. Alternatively, when it is possible to set a predetermined personal relationship on the network between the users, the reference matter may include the personal relationship. According to this, when a game element is provided and used among users who have a personal relationship, the usage range is flexibly changed according to the personal relationship, such as expanding the usage range. Can be made.

  In the present invention, when it is possible to set a predetermined personal relationship on the network between the users, the other user as the target person may It may be limited to users who have the personal relationship. According to this, the user who is the owner of the game element and the user as the target person who uses the game element are limited to users who have already established a relationship through the network. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate and activate human exchanges between users.

  In the present invention, the selection control means is information for discriminating the value of a plurality of game elements included in the candidate group to a user as the target person (for example, a level included in the selection screen 101 of FIG. 2). It is good also as what selects the game element which can be utilized by the said subject's user by making it show together and making it designate with this user. According to this, the user can designate the game element based on the level of its value.

  The selection control means may extract a game element that matches a predetermined selection condition from the candidate group and present it to a user as the target person. According to this, it is possible to appropriately narrow down game elements to be presented to the user from a large number of game elements included in the candidate group. The selection condition may be set so that a game element used by the user within a certain past limit period is not suitable. According to this, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a high-value game element is repeatedly selected, and it is possible to suppress a bias in an opportunity that a game element included in the candidate group is used by a user other than the owner.

  In this invention, the privilege control means (24, S51, S52) which provides a predetermined privilege to the user of the owner of the game element utilized by the user as the subject may be further provided. According to this, it is possible to give the user the motivation to play the game in order to increase the value of the game element owned by himself / herself by causing the other user to use the game element owned by himself / herself.

  In addition, in the above description, in order to make an understanding of this invention easy, the reference sign of the accompanying drawing was attached in parenthesis, but this invention is not limited to the form of illustration by it.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the game element of the user as the owner is used by another user as the target person, the freedom of the game element during the game play by the user of the target person Is not allowed to be used, but is allowed to be used only within a certain range of use during game play. You can select an element and use the game element appropriately. As a result, a user who has just started a game or a user with low play frequency is conscious of the high value of game elements owned by other users, and is willing to increase the value of his game elements by playing the game repeatedly. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to maintain and improve the user's motivation for playing the game.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the mechanism in which a user uses the character which concerns on own possession to another user. The functional block diagram in the principal part of the game system of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process for a user to register into a center server as a candidate of the support character which makes the other user use the character which he owns. The flowchart which shows the process for selecting the support character with respect to a user. The flowchart which shows the process for switching control of permission and prohibition of use of the selected support character. The flowchart which shows the process for providing a privilege to an owner user in return of use of a support character.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the game system will be described with reference to FIG. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, and a game machine 3 and a user terminal device 4 as client devices connectable to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B... As a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

  The game machine 3 is configured as a commercial (business) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer device installed in a predetermined facility such as the store 6 for the purpose of increasing the profit by repeatedly playing a game with a large number of users. One or more appropriate number of game machines 3 are installed in the store 6. In FIG. 1, the game machine 3 is drawn without distinction, but the hardware configuration and game content may be appropriately selected. The game machine 3 may be configured as a dedicated machine having a physical configuration (for example, an operation unit) suitable for a specific game, or may be configured as a general-purpose machine that can handle various games by rewriting software. May be.

  On the other hand, the user terminal device 4 is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for a user's personal use. For example, a stationary or book-type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a or a mobile terminal device 4b such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal device 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to the network and are used for personal use of the user, such as stationary home game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminal devices, are used as the user terminal device 4. It's okay. The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by installing various computer software.

  The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 can be connected to the center server 2 respectively. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using a TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN and LANs 5B and 5C that connect the Internet 5A to the center server 2 and the game machine 3 via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. Note that a local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B,... Of the center server 2 may be connected to each other by the WAN 5A instead of or in addition to the LAN 5C.

  Next, the features of the game in the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the same game can be played on each game machine 3 of the game system 1. In FIG. 2, users A, B, and X are illustrated. However, the play time of each user does not necessarily match. In the game, the users A, B, and X operate characters CRa, CRb, and CRx (which may be represented by the reference symbol CR) as game elements related to the respective possessions, and these characters CR are virtual games. You can act in space. The progress of the game is controlled according to the action of the character CR. The action of the character CR includes exploration, battle, and the like. Various parameters that determine the value of the character, such as the level and the possessed weapon, are set in the character CR. The values of these parameters are controlled so as to gradually increase as the owner user plays the game repeatedly. That is, as the user plays the game, control is performed such that the character CR gains experience and the level increases, or possesses a stronger weapon. The value of the character CR increases as the value of the parameter group increases. As the value of the character CR increases, the user can advance the game more advantageously and obtain a high score. The act of increasing the value of the character CR may be expressed by terms such as training and strengthening.

  In the game system 1, the character CR owned by each user can be used by a user other than the owner under certain conditions. In FIG. 2, the characters CRa and CRb that the users A and B belong to are set as characters CR that can be used by the target person with other users as the target person, and as the target person. A case where the user X of the user plays a game using another person's character CR (in this example, the character B of the user B) is illustrated. In order for the users A and B to allow others to use the characters CRa and CRb, the game machine 3 first instructs the center server 2 to register the characters CRa and CRb. However, instead of or in addition to the game machine 3, the user terminal device 4 may be able to instruct the registration of the character CR. In addition, in the setting of FIG. 2, the users A and B are intended to use the character CR owned by the other user, and the user X makes the other user use the character CRx that the user X owns. , Does not exclude.

  The center server 2 registers the instructed characters CRa and CRb in the registration list 100. In the registration list 100, information necessary for specifying the character CR for which each user has instructed registration is registered in a one-to-one correspondence with the list number. Information necessary for specifying the character CR includes a user ID for identifying the owner user, a character ID for identifying the character, a level for determining the value of the character CR, and a group of parameters such as owned weapons. Including. A group of characters CR registered in the registration list 100 corresponds to a candidate group of game elements to be used by other users. The character ID is identification information necessary for specifying attributes such as the name and image data of the character CR. Note that certain restrictions may be imposed on the registration of the character CR. For example, registration may be permitted only for characters CR whose value is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Or you may impose restrictions on the number of times and the timing of registration.

  On the other hand, when the user X plays a game on the game machine 3, the registration list 100 is provided from the center server 2 to the game machine 3. The target user provided with the registration list 100 may be all users who play the game, or is limited to a specific user, for example, a user whose game level or skill does not reach a predetermined standard. May be. The game machine 3 refers to the registration list 100 when the user X starts the game, determines the character CR that can be used temporarily by the user X, and displays the selection screen 101 according to the determination result. To present. From the selection screen 101, the user X designates one character (a character of another person) CR desired to be used. Hereinafter, the character CR of another person designated by the user may be referred to as a support character CR. The selection screen 101 is a screen in which the character CR that can be used by the user X is displayed in a list form together with information (characters and images indicating levels and possessed weapons) for determining the value. By presenting information for determining the value, it is possible to give a guideline for designating the support character CR to the user X.

  On the selection screen 101, the user who owns each character CR and the length of time during which the character CR can be used (usage time) are also displayed. For example, regarding the character CRa of the user A, the owner is the user A (however, the nickname of the user A, etc.), together with the image and name “Dragon S”, and the usage time is 60 seconds. That the level is 21 is displayed. The usage time is set according to the value of the character CR and the like. For example, the use time is set longer as the value of the character CR is higher. Alternatively, the use time may be set shorter as the value of the character CR is higher. Further, the usage time may be set in consideration of the personal relationship between users. This point will be described later.

  When the user X designates one character CR from the selection screen 101, the game is started. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the user X designates the character CRb (character named “King X”) related to the possession of the user B as the support character CR. The game by the user X is advanced by operating the character CRx that the user X owns. At this time, the operation of the support character CRb by the user X is prohibited. When a predetermined banning condition is satisfied during the game, the operation of the support character CRb by the user X is banned. For example, the user X operates his / her character CRx in a range in which a play fee is paid to play the game, and when the play in the range ends, the ban condition is satisfied. Thereafter, the user can operate the support character CRb only for the usage time instead of the user character CRx. In this case, the game ends when the use time set for the support character CRb elapses. In this example, the usage range of the support character CRb is set as a time range starting from the time when the banning condition is satisfied and ending when the usage time has passed.

  As described above, in the game system 1, the use of the support character CRb by the user X is not freely allowed during the game play by the user X, but is limited to a part of the use range during the game play. . Therefore, the user can appropriately experience the operation of the support character CR having a higher value than the character CR related to the user's own possession. As a result, a user who has just started the game or a user with low play frequency is conscious of the value of the character CR that has been nurtured or strengthened by other users, and is willing to increase the value of his character CR by playing the game repeatedly. Can be generated. As a result, it is possible to maintain and improve the user's motivation for playing the game.

  The lifting conditions are not limited to the above example, and can be set appropriately. For example, the banning condition may be set so as to be satisfied at any time during the game play. The banning condition may be satisfied when the user performs a predetermined operation during the game. The banning condition may be satisfied when the game play by the user is in a specific state. For example, the lifting conditions may be satisfied when the user falls into a crisis. During the game play by the user, a state where the banning condition is satisfied and a state where the banning condition is not satisfied may alternately appear. Even in this case, after the total time of using the selected character CR reaches the usage time, it becomes impossible to use the character CR of another person.

  In FIG. 2, when the user X uses the character CRb owned by the user B, a predetermined privilege is given to the owner user B from the center server 2. By granting a privilege, it is possible to give each user a motivation that allows others to use the character CR that he or she has nurtured or strengthened. Preferably, a privilege that gives the user B some advantageous situation in the game of the game machine 3 is given to the owner user B. According to this, in order for the user of the owner of the support character CR to enjoy the privilege, the game machine 3 needs to play the game. Therefore, it is possible to maintain and improve the motivation to play the game even for a user who has advanced the game to a considerable extent.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the principal part of the control system of the game system 1 related to the function of allowing each user to use the character CR owned by each user for other users will be described. First, the center server 2 is provided with a game service management unit 21, a Web service management unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The management units 21 and 22 are logical devices realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) of the center server 2 and software. The storage unit 23 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a nonvolatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The memory | storage part 23 may be comprised so that all the data may be hold | maintained on one memory | storage unit, and may be comprised so that data may be distributed and memorize | stored in a some memory | storage unit. The storage unit 23 records a computer program PG1 as software for causing the computer hardware resources of the center server 2 to function as the management units 21 and 22. Various data are also recorded in the storage unit 23. FIG. 3 shows the play data 51 and the registration list 100 described above. The play data 51 is data in which game play contents are stored in order for the user to continue playing the game. The play data 51 is created for each user and is recorded in the storage unit 23 in association with the user identification information. However, FIG. 3 shows only the play data 51 associated with one user identification information.

  The game service management unit 21 provides a predetermined game service to the game machine 3. As a game service, for example, user authentication information (for example, user identification information and password) is received from the game machine 3 to authenticate the user, and play data 51 corresponding to the user is received from the game machine 3 and stored therein. 23, or a service for providing the game machine 3 with user play data 51 stored in the storage unit 23, and software of the game machine 3 (computer program PG2 and various data for the game machine 3) are networked. There is a service etc. that is updated through 5. The game service management unit 21 is further provided with a play data management unit 24 and a registration management unit 25 as logical devices for executing processing related to the use of the character CR. The play data management unit 24 stores the play data 51 in the storage unit 23 in response to a request from the game machine 3 and provides the play data 51 to the game machine 3. The play data management unit 24 is also responsible for recording data as a privilege in the play data 51 of the user who has used the character CR by another person. The registration management unit 25 registers the character CR in the registration list 100 in response to a request from the game machine 3 or provides the registration list 100 to the game machine 3 in response to a request from the game machine 3.

  The web service management unit 22 provides various web services to the user terminal device 4. As an example, the Web service management unit 22 receives user authentication information (for example, unique identification information and password for each user) from the user terminal device 4, authenticates the user, and responds to the authenticated user request. Thus, the play data 51 of the user is provided to the user terminal device 4 as browsing data. Note that the web service management unit 22 may be appropriately provided with a function of providing a community service that provides an exchange place such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing using the user terminal device 4. Those explanations are omitted.

  Further, the center server 2 charges a charge as a consideration for providing a paid service on the game to each user of the game machine 3 and the user terminal device 4 and collects the charge from the user. Has also been implemented. As a specific method of payment, the user pays for the service by using electronic payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or electronic currency, which can be paid for using electronic data exchange, Anything that collects the price commensurate with the price. The electronic payment may be a publicly known one, and a description of a specific configuration and procedure for realizing it is omitted.

  Next, the game machine 3 is provided with a game control unit 31 and a storage unit 32. The game control unit 31 is a logical device realized by a combination of hardware of the game machine 3 (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device thereof) and a computer program PG2 as software. The game control unit 31 executes various arithmetic controls necessary for the progress of the game, and executes various processes necessary for enjoying the game service provided by the game service management unit 21 of the center server 2. The game control unit 31 is provided with a registration management unit 33, a selection control unit 34, and a usage control unit 35 as further logical devices. The registration management unit 33 is in charge of processing related to registration of the character CR in the registration list 100. The selection control unit 34 is in charge of processing for causing the user of the game machine 3 to select the support character CR. The usage control unit 35 is in charge of processing for switching and controlling permission and prohibition of the use of the support character CR. The game control unit 31 also includes a process for causing the character CR owned by the user to act in accordance with an instruction from the user to advance the game, or a parameter group of the character CR owned by the user according to the game play situation. A logical device in charge of various processes necessary for the progress of the game, such as a process for changing the game, is provided. Since these processes may be the same as the processes of a known game machine, description thereof will be omitted.

  The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the above-described program PG2. In FIG. 3, play data 51 provided from the center server 2 is shown. The play data 51 includes character information 53, selection history information 54, and a friend list 55. The character information 53 is information for determining a parameter group (level, owned weapon, etc.) describing the character ID of the character CR owned by the user and the value of the character CR. The game control unit 31 updates the parameter group values of the character information 53 according to the game play status by the user. As a result, the value of the character CR owned by the user varies. The selection history information 54 is information in which a user records a history of using the support character CR. In the selection history information 54, the use date and time of the support character CR by the user, the user ID of the owner of the support character CR, and the like are recorded. That is, in the selection history information, information necessary for specifying when and to what extent a user owns a character is recorded as a selection history.

  The friend list 55 is information for identifying other users registered as friends with respect to the user of the game machine 3 (user associated with the play data 51). That is, in the game system 1, it is possible to set a friend relationship as a predetermined personal relationship on the network 5 between users. For example, the game system 1 is equipped with a function in which a user applies to another user for setting a relationship as a friend, and the friend's relationship is set if the other party accepts it. By setting friend relationships, a service is provided in which users can communicate with each other or compete for game rankings between friends. In the friend list 55, information (for example, user ID) for identifying other users set as friends by the user is recorded. The friend list 55 may be configured as data different from the play data 51. In addition, when the user of the user terminal device 4 uses the community service of the Web service management unit 22 to set a friend relationship, other users as friends recorded in the friend list 55 can use the community service. The friend to be formed may be the same or different. In the latter case, a friend relationship for the users of the game machine 3 is established separately from the friend relationship between the users of the user terminal device 4. It should be noted that the function for setting friend relationships is incorporated in various existing game systems, and it is only necessary that the friend relationship can be set in the game system 1 of the present embodiment in the same manner as a known system. Therefore, the details of the mechanism for realizing the function will not be described.

  The game machine 3 is provided with various input / output devices such as an input device 36 that outputs a signal corresponding to a user operation, a display device 37 for presenting a game screen to the user, and a card reader 38. The card reader 38 is a device for reading a unique card ID for each card recorded on a card 39 possessed by the user as a kind of identification information to be used for user authentication. Note that user identification information to be used for user authentication may be different between user authentication in the game machine 3 and user authentication in the user terminal device 4, or may be common. For example, in the game machine 3, the card ID recorded on the user's card 39 is used as identification information, and the card ID and the play data 51 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 23. When using a user ID uniquely set for each user as user identification information, by setting a correspondence between the user ID and the card ID, any ID is also used as the user identification information. be able to. Further, by associating the card ID with the user ID, the correspondence between the user ID of the owner of the character CR registered in the registration list 100 and the card ID is specified, and the play data corresponding to the user ID 51 can also be specified. However, in the registration list 100, a card ID instead of the user ID or a further ID associated with both the user ID and the card ID may be recorded as information for identifying the owner.

  The user terminal device 4 is provided with a Web service processing unit 41 as a logical device realized by a combination of the computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device) and software. . The web service processing unit 41 executes processes necessary for receiving various services provided by the web service management unit 22 of the center server 2. The user terminal device 4 is also provided with an external storage device for storing appropriate data, but the illustration thereof is omitted.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, various processes performed in the game system 1 in order to realize the mechanism of FIG. 2 will be described. 4 to 7 are processes after the user has been authenticated by the center server 2. FIG. 4 shows a process for a user to register a character associated with the user in the registration list 100. When the user of the game machine 3 instructs the registration of the character CR, the registration management unit 33 of the game machine 3 starts the character registration process of FIG. 4. First, from the character information 53 held in the storage unit 32 of the game machine 3. The user is made to select a registration target character CR (step S11). Next, the registration management unit 33 instructs the center server 2 to register in the registration list 100 with the character information 53 related to the character CR selected by the user (step S12). Thereafter, the registration management unit 33 ends the process of FIG. When the registration management unit 25 of the center server 2 is instructed to register from the game machine 3, it starts the character registration process of FIG. 4. First, it receives the instruction from the game machine 3 and stores the character information 53 to be registered. Obtain (step S21). If there is no problem with the character information 53, the registration management unit 25 records the character information 53 in the registration list 100 (step S22), and thereafter ends the processing of FIG.

  The group of characters CR registered in the registration list 100 by the processing of FIG. 4 corresponds to a candidate group of game elements to be used by the user. That is, the candidate group of character CR as a game element is selected by performing the processing of FIG. Note that certain restrictions may be imposed on the characters CR that can be registered in the registration list 100 as described above. When such a restriction is set, it is only necessary to determine whether the character CR can be registered by the registration management unit 33 of the game machine 3 or the registration management unit 25 of the center server 2.

  FIG. 5 shows a process executed by the selection control unit 34 of the game machine 3 to cause the user to select the support character CR. When the user starts playing the game on the game machine 3 or when playing a mode in which the support character CR can be used, the selection control unit 34 starts the support character selection process of FIG. When the process is started, the selection control unit 34 first acquires the registration list 100 from the registration management unit 25 of the center server 2 (step S31). However, if the registration list 100 has already been acquired at the time of user authentication or the like, step S31 may be omitted. The registration list 100 is stored in the main storage device of the game control unit 31, but may be stored in the storage unit 32 as necessary.

  After acquiring the registration list 100, the selection control unit 34 extracts the character CR to be presented to the user from the registration list 100 (step S32). That is, since it is naturally expected that a large number of characters CR are registered in the registration list 100, the selection control unit 34 extracts the character CR that meets a predetermined selection condition, so that the selection screen 101 displays the character CR. Narrow down the number of characters CR to be presented. The selection condition may be set as appropriate, but as an example, the selection condition may be set so that the character CR used as the support character CR by the user within a certain past limited period is not suitable. In this case, the selection control unit 34 can determine the suitability of the character CR with reference to the selection history information 54 recorded in the play data 51. Alternatively, the selection condition may be set so that only the character CR whose owner is another user for whom the user has set a friend relationship is suitable. In this case, the selection control unit 34 can determine the suitability of the character CR with reference to the friend list 55. When only the character CR related to the possession of the user for whom the friend relationship is set is extracted, as a result, the target person who uses the character CR related to his / her own possession to the user who is in the friend relationship Limited. In addition to the above, the selection condition may be set so that the character CR having a lower value than the character CR owned by the user is not suitable. The selection condition may be set so that the character CR to be presented on the selection screen 101 is randomly extracted from the character CR of the registration list 100. These condition settings may be performed in a superimposed manner unless there is an exclusive relationship.

  Next, the selection control unit 34 determines the usage time for each extracted character CR according to a predetermined reference item (step S33). Reference items include, for example, the value of the character CR, the game play status of the user, or friend relationships. That is, as described above, the use time is set longer as the value of the character CR is higher, or conversely, the use time is set shorter as the value of the character CR is higher. As a user's play situation, a user's level and play frequency may be referred, and use time may be set comparatively long, so that a level and frequency are low. Or about character CR which makes the owner the user who has a friend relationship, utilization time may be set comparatively long rather than the character CR of the user who does not have a friend relationship.

  After determining the usage time, the selection control unit 34 presents the extracted character CR to the user on the selection screen 101 (step S34). The selection screen 101 includes value (parameter group) information, name, image, and usage time acquired from the registration list 100 regarding the extracted character CR. The usage time is the time length determined in step S33.

  Next, the selection control unit 34 determines which character CR has been designated by the user from the selection screen 101, and confirms the selection so that the designated character CR is set as the support character CR (step S35). ). The selection result may be held in the main storage device of the game control unit 31. After the selection is confirmed, the selection control unit 34 finishes the process of FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows processing executed by the usage control unit 35 in order to allow the user to use the support character. While the user is playing the game, the usage control unit 35 repeatedly executes the process of FIG. 6 at a constant period. When the process is started, the usage control unit 35 first determines whether or not a predetermined banning condition is satisfied in the game being played (step S41). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the lifting condition is not satisfied while the user X is playing the game by operating his / her character CRx within the range in which the play fee has been paid, and when the play of the range ends. It is filled. However, as described above, the banning conditions can be set appropriately. Further, if the usage time set for the support character CR elapses, it is determined that the banning condition is not satisfied thereafter.

  If the banning condition is not satisfied, the usage control unit 35 ends the process of FIG. In this case, the user cannot operate the support character CR. On the other hand, when the banning condition is satisfied, the usage control unit 35 changes the operation target of the user from the character CR related to the user's possession to the support character CR (step S42). Thereby, temporary use of the support character CR is permitted, and the operation of the support character CR by the user is started. Subsequently, the usage control unit 35 records the usage history of the current support character CR in the selection history information 54 (step S43), and then ends the process of FIG. Note that the play data 51 is transmitted from the game machine 3 to the center server 2 at an appropriate time, for example, when the game play is completed, and stored in the storage unit 23.

  FIG. 7 shows a process executed by the play data management unit 24 of the center server 2 in order to give a privilege as a reward for letting another user use his / her character CR. When the processing of FIG. 7 is started, the play data management unit 24 first refers to the selection history information 54 of the play data 51 received from the game machine 3 to determine the usage status of each character CR registered in the registration list 100. It discriminate | determines (step S51). Next, the play data management unit 24 gives a privilege to the play data 51 of the user who is the owner of the newly used character CR (step S52). The privilege may be anything that can be used by the owner's user in the game of the game machine 3. For example, the value of the parameter group of the character CR is updated so that the value of the used character CR is increased, or game element data that can be temporarily used in the game is recorded in the play data 51. After granting the privilege, the play data management unit 24 finishes the process of FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, the registration management unit 33 of the game machine 3 and the registration management unit 25 of the center server 2 function as candidate selection means of the present invention by executing steps S11, S12, S21, and S22 of FIG. . Further, the selection control unit 34 of the game machine 3 functions as the selection control means of the present invention by executing the processes of steps S31, S32, S34, and S35 of FIG. The play data management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the use control means of the present invention by executing the processes of steps S41 and S42 of FIG. 6, and the play data management unit 24 of the center server 2 executes the processes of steps S51 and S52 of FIG. It functions as a privilege control means. Moreover, the selection control part 34 of the game machine 3 functions as a range control means of the present invention by executing the process of step S33 of FIG.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and can be implemented in an appropriate form. For example, in the above embodiment, a time range starting from the time when the ban is satisfied and starting from the time when the usage time set for the support character CR has passed is set as the usage range. It is not limited to such a continuous time range. The use range may be set so that the use time is divided and the support character is used intermittently by the user. Alternatively, the use range can be defined by the number of times that the use range can be used during game play.

  In the above embodiment, a candidate group of game elements to be used by other users is selected based on an instruction from the user for the game element owned by the user. At least a part of the candidate group is the owner's Regardless of the user's intention, it may be automatically selected by a computer of the game system, for example, the center server 2. A process of selecting a game element that can be used by a user as a target person from the selected candidate group of game elements may be automatically selected by the computer without requesting an instruction from the user of the target person. .

  In the present invention, the game machine is not limited to a commercial game machine, and any game machine that can be connected to a network may be used as appropriate. The game machine is not limited to an example in which an input / output function for a user and various arithmetic processing functions necessary for game control are integrated in a computer device as a single physical device. For example, a game device performs arithmetic control on a server device, and a network terminal device for the server device is used as a remote operation terminal device that should have an input / output function. The present invention can be applied even to a configuration that functions as a simple game machine. Therefore, each means of the present invention is not limited to an example realized by a single computer apparatus, and each means may be realized by appropriately cooperating a plurality of computer apparatuses. Or when making a network terminal device function as a remote control terminal device, all the means may be implement | achieved by the server apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Center server 3 Game machine 4 User terminal device 5 Network 21 Game service management part 22 Web service management part 24 Play data management part (privilege control means)
25, 33 Registration Management Department (candidate selection means)
31 Game control unit 34 Selection control unit (selection control means, range control means)
35 Use control unit (use control means)
51 Play Data 100 Registration List 101 Selection Screen PG1, PG2 Computer Program

Claims (13)

A game machine that can be connected to a network, in which the user can play a game using a game element owned by the user, and the user as the owner of the game element In the game system in which the value of the game element is controlled to increase the value of the game element in the game as the game is played,
Candidate selecting means for selecting a candidate group of game elements to be used by other users as target persons from game elements owned by a plurality of users,
Selection control means for selecting, for each user, a game element that can be used by each user as the target person from the selected group of game elements,
Usage control means for permitting the use of the game element selected by the selection control means only within a usage range set in part while the user as the target is playing the game;
A game system with   The game system according to claim 1, wherein the usage control unit permits the use of the selected game element in place of the game element owned by the user as the target in the usage range.   The game system according to claim 1, further comprising range control means for changing the use range in accordance with a predetermined reference matter.   The game system according to claim 3, wherein the reference item includes a value of the selected game element.   The game system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reference matter includes a play situation of the game by a user as the target person.   The game according to claim 3, wherein a predetermined personal relationship on the network can be set between the users, and the personal relationship is included in the reference item. system.   A user in which a predetermined personal relationship on the network can be set between the users, and the other user as the target person has the personal relationship with the user as the owner The game system according to claim 1, which is limited to the above.   The selection control means can be used by the target user by presenting a plurality of game elements included in the candidate group together with information for determining the value to the user as the target and specifying the user The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a game element is selected.   The game system according to claim 8, wherein the selection control unit extracts a game element that satisfies a predetermined selection condition from the candidate group and presents the game element to a user as the target person.   The game system according to claim 9, wherein the selection condition is set so that game elements used by the user within a certain past limit period do not match.   The game system as described in any one of Claims 1-10 further provided with the privilege control means which provides a predetermined privilege to the user of the owner of the game element which the user as said object person utilized. A game machine that can be connected to a network, in which the user can play a game using a game element owned by the user, and the user as the owner of the game element A game control method applied to a game system (1) in which the value of the game element is controlled so that the value of the game element in the game increases as the game is played,
A procedure for selecting a candidate group of game elements to be used by another user as a target person from game elements each owned by a plurality of users;
A procedure for selecting, for each user, a game element that can be used by each user as the target person from the selected group of game elements,
A game control method comprising: a procedure for permitting use of a selected game element only within a use range set in part while a user as the target person is playing the game. A plurality of computers connectable to a network, wherein at least a part of the plurality of computers functions as a game machine, and the game machine allows a user to play a game using game elements owned by the user; A computer program that can be applied to a game system in which the value of the game element is controlled such that the value of the game element increases in the game as a user who plays the game plays. Because
At least one of the plurality of computers is
Candidate selection means for selecting a game element candidate group to be used by another user as a target person from game elements owned by a plurality of users,
Selection control means for selecting, for each user, game elements that can be used by each user as the target person from the selected group of game elements, and while the user as the target person is playing the game A computer program for a game system configured to function as a use control unit that permits use of a game element selected by the selection control unit only within a part of the use range set in FIG.

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