WO2019026326A1

WO2019026326A1 - Game system, computer program used therein, and server device

Info

Publication number: WO2019026326A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/010029
Authority: WO
Inventors: 明広石原; 満美新保; 優美松浦; 恭雄藤井; 勇二恒松; 光門口
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミアミューズメント
Priority date: 2017-08-04
Filing date: 2018-03-14
Publication date: 2019-02-07
Also published as: JP2021090868A; JPWO2019026326A1; JP7228879B2; JP2023041928A

Abstract

Provided is a game system that can limit the sharing of an event set by one user with another user. This game system (1) provides a quiz game in which one user (U) among a plurality of users is allowed to set a private event (PE). When sharing of the private event (PE) with another user among the plurality of users, i.e., publicization of the private event (PE) is permitted on the basis of a permission condition, the game system (1) publishes an authentication code indicating that sharing (publicization) is to be permitted, and under the condition that permission information therefor is published, changes the private event (PE) to a public event (OE) and acquires log information needed in order to share with the other user.

Description

Game system, computer program and server device used therefor

The present invention relates to a game system or the like that provides a game that allows setting of an event by one of a plurality of users.

There is a game system that provides a game that allows setting of an event by one of a plurality of users. As such a game, a system providing a game in which an event corresponding to an option selected by a user is set is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-113175 A

In the system of Patent Document 1, since an event is set via a previously prepared option, there is no concept of judging permission or non-permission of the event. On the other hand, depending on the type of event, it may be defined by the holding period and the place (target). Then, such a holding period may be arbitrarily set by the user. In such a case, there may be a case where the setting of the user can not be accepted unconditionally, such as when the holding period and the holding place overlap.

Then, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system etc. which can restrict sharing with another user of an event set up by one user.

A game system according to the present invention is a game system providing a game allowing setting of an event by one of a plurality of users, wherein sharing of the event with another user of the plurality of users is Information issuing means for issuing permission information indicating permission of the sharing when it is permitted based on permission conditions, and necessary for sharing the event with the other user on condition of issuance of the permission information The information acquisition means which acquires the play information regarding the play condition of the said event is provided.

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to an input device and an output device used for playing the game to function as each means of the game system described above. Further, the server device of the present invention is connected to an input device and an output device used for playing the game via a network, and functions as each means of the above-mentioned game system.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the game system which concerns on one form of this invention. The functional block diagram which shows the principal part of the control system of a game system. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the game range of a quiz game. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline | summary of an example of an event service. The figure which shows an example of a structure of permission data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of formal event data. The figure which shows an example of a structure of private event data. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of permission issuance processing. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of an event process. The flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of a log acquisition process.

Hereinafter, an example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overall configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 as a server device, and a plurality of game machines 3 and a plurality of user terminal devices 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 use) game machine that allows the user to play a game in a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine. The game machine 3 is a computer device installed in a predetermined facility such as the store 6 mainly for the purpose of making a large number of users repeatedly play a game and earning a profit. The game machine 3 is configured as a game machine for playing a so-called quiz game for inputting an answer to a question. In addition, the game machine 3 is not limited to the quiz game, You may provide various games suitably.

The user terminal device 4 is a computer device which can be connected to a network and is provided for the personal use of the user. For example, a mobile terminal 4b such as a stationary or book type personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 4a or a mobile phone (including a smartphone) is used as the user terminal 4. In addition, various computer devices that can be connected to the network and provided for personal use of the user, such as stationary home game machines, portable game machines, and portable tablet terminals, are used as the user terminal 4 You may The user terminal device 4 can allow the user to enjoy various services provided by the center server 2 by implementing 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 implement network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN, and the

LANs

5B and 5C connecting the center server 2 and the game machine 3 to the Internet 5A via the router 5D. The user terminal device 4 is also connected to the Internet 5A with an appropriate configuration. 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.

The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its user. The game console service includes an event service for setting an official event in a quiz game. Specifically, when the event service includes an event service for the game machine 3 provided to the game machine 3 and an event service for the user terminal device 4 provided to the user terminal device 4, the game machine service Includes an event service for the game machine 3. Details of the event service will be described later.

The game machine service may include a service for receiving user identification information from the game machine 3 and authenticating the user. In addition, a service may be included to provide the game machine 3 with play data for receiving, storing, or storing play data of the authenticated user from the game machine 3. Further, the service for game machine distributes the program or data of the game machine 3 through the network 5 and updates the service, and when a plurality of users play a common game through the network 5, the users are matched with each other It may include a matching service or a charging service for collecting a charge from the user.

Similarly, the center server 2 provides various web services to the user of the user terminal device 4 via the network 5. When the event service includes an event service for the user terminal device 4, the web service includes the event service for the user terminal device 4. The Web service is a game information service for providing various information related to the game provided by the game machine 3, a distribution service for distributing various data or software to each user terminal device 4 (including update of data etc.), It may include services such as a community service that provides a place of interaction such as information transmission, exchange, and sharing by users, and a service that assigns a user ID for identifying each user.

Next, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the center server 2 is provided with a game service management unit 21 and a storage unit 23 as data storage means. The game service management unit 21 is a logical device 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 non-volatile storage medium (computer readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 23 may be configured to hold all data on one storage unit, or may be configured to distribute and store data in a plurality of storage units. In the storage unit 23, a computer program PG1 as software for causing the computer hardware resources of the center server 2 to function as the game service management unit 21 is recorded. Although various data are also recorded in the storage unit 23, FIG. 2 shows permission data 51 and official event data ED1. Details of the permission data 51 and the official event data ED1 will be described later.

The game service management unit 21 provides the gaming machine 3 with the above-mentioned gaming machine service. The game service management unit 21 is further provided with an event providing unit 24 as a logical device. The event providing unit 24 provides various processes for realizing an event service. Such various processes include the process to be performed on the server side in the event process for managing the official event. In addition, the event providing unit 24 also executes, as such various processes, log acquisition processing for operating an official event, and permission issuance processing for adding a new official event. Procedures of event processing, log acquisition processing, and permission issuance processing will be described later.

Next, the game machine 3 is provided with a game control unit 31 and a storage unit 32 as a storage unit. The game control unit 31 is a logical device realized by a combination of hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device thereof) of the game machine 3 and a computer program PG2 as software. The game control unit 31 executes various kinds of arithmetic control necessary for the progress of the game and executes various kinds of processing necessary for enjoying the service for the game machine provided by the game service management unit 21 of the center server 2. . The game control unit 31 is provided with a game providing unit 33 as a further logical device. The game providing unit 33 also executes processing necessary to realize various events in cooperation with the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2.

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 program PG2 described above, but event data ED is shown in FIG. The event data ED is data for managing various events set in the quiz game. The event data ED includes official event data ED1 provided from the center server 2 and private event data ED2. Details of the private event data ED2 will be described later along with the official event data ED1.

In addition to the above, game data is recorded in the storage unit 32. The game data includes various data necessary for causing the user to play a predetermined quiz game according to the program PG2. Specifically, the game data includes various data such as a quiz to be presented to the user and quiz data for managing the answer. Also, the game data may include the above-described play data. The play data is data for taking over the previous play results (past results) from the next time on or for taking over the setting contents unique to each user. However, these illustrations are omitted.

The game machine 3 is provided with various input / output devices such as an input device 36 for outputting a signal corresponding to the user's operation, a display device 37 as an output device for presenting a game screen etc. 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 the card 39 possessed by the user. The card 39 may be used to authenticate the user or collect a fee.

Next, details of the quiz game event and event service will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the game range of the quiz game. As shown in FIG. 3, the game range of the quiz game includes a normal play mode and an event mode. The normal play mode is a mode in which a quiz game is played normally. On the other hand, the event mode is a mode for providing various events. Here, the event means a competition (competition) in which a plurality of users participate and compete the results of the quiz game. The event may allow not only individual users but also group users to participate. In addition, the event is not limited to the tournament, but various events (events) (appropriately given to a normal play range such as a limited-time game range, a game range including a special character, or a game range to which a special benefit is given May be included.

The event mode includes an official event OE and a private event PE. The private event PE is an event appropriately set by the user of each game machine 3 or the operator of the store 6 or the like. The private event PE may be shared by other users among a plurality of users using the game system 1 as well as the user who set it (may include the operator of the store 6), or it is set It may be provided only to the user. Each user terminal device 4 or each game device 3 may be used to set the private event PE. Further, in the private event PE, a benefit (for example, a physical benefit such as a figure or a coupon for the store 6) may be set by each user or each operator.

On the other hand, the official event OE is an event shared by a plurality of users playing the quiz game. In addition, in the official event OE, the play status is managed by an operator of the center server 2 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a server administrator). As a result, in the official event OE, the server administrator often ranks the play status, and in some cases, a predetermined benefit is given according to the result. Further, in many cases, a benefit (for example, an item for a quiz game, etc.) used in a quiz game is given as such a predetermined benefit. The official event OE includes a qualifying event OE1 as a benefit event and a main event OE2 as a special event. The main battle event OE2 is a special event for which participation is permitted when the participation conditions are satisfied. The conditions for participation include the results of the qualifying event OE1. Specifically, the participation condition is that the points (which may change according to the value of the award) given to the winners of the qualifying event (the winner, the second-win winner, the special award, etc.) become a predetermined value or more You may be satisfied if you Also, such points may be awarded through a plurality of qualifying events OE1 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a series of qualifying events OE1). Then, in the qualifying event OE1, participation in the main event event OE2 may be used as a predetermined benefit via such points.

The event service includes a formalization service for making the private event PE an official event. The formalization service also includes a service for registering the private event PE as the qualifying event OE1. That is, the event service includes a service for converting the private event PE into a qualifying event. And private event PE may function as qualifying event OE1 through such a service. In such a case, even in the case of the private event PE, points which are requirements for participation conditions are given. That is, such a private event PE is inevitably shared not only to the user U who has set it, but also to other users who use the game machine 3 of the A store 6.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing an outline of an example of an event service in the case of functioning as a service for converting a private event PE into a qualifying event. The example of FIG. 4 shows a case where a private event PE "A store tournament" set by the user U of the A store 6 is converted to a qualifying event (official event) (functions as a qualifying event OE1). In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the event service includes an application process and a formulation process. Also, in this case, the user U functions as one user of the present invention, and the other users who play the private event PE function as other users of the present invention.

The application process is a process for applying to the center server 2 (or server administrator) a private event PE to be converted into a qualifying event. In the application process, first, held information of "A store tournament" is transmitted to the center server 2 by the user U via the user terminal device 4 (step S1). This event information includes the event name (event name), event grade (event level), event date (may be during the event period), number of participants, match format (for example, tournament or league match, etc.), and event location (A store 6) Or, information on each game machine 3 etc. of the A store 6 may be included. In addition, such transmission may be realized through a dedicated website (not shown) for inputting the event information. In this case, such transmission functions as at least a part of an event service for the user terminal device 4. The application may be executed through documents. Also, transmission (application) of the held information may be executed through the game machine 3. In this case, the game machine 3 may provide an application screen (not shown) exclusively for application instead of the dedicated Web site. Further, the held information may be different from or common to the information necessary for setting the private event PE.

After the transmission of the held information, if the held information satisfies the permission condition, the center server 2 (or the server administrator) may apply the application information to the store 6 of the held place, that is, the operator of the A store 6 in the application process. It is transmitted (step S2). When the operator of the store A acquires the application information, the operator of the store A judges whether or not to approve the formalization of the private event PE based on the application information, and the result (approval result) of the judgment is the center server 2 (or server To the administrator)) (step S3). These transmissions may be performed through a dedicated website as well as the application, or may be performed through the game machine 3. Alternatively, when the e-mail address of the operator of the center server 2 or store A 6 is managed by various devices such as the center server 2 or the game machine 3, the e-mail may be executed.

When the approval result is acquired from the store A, the center server 2 (or the server administrator) transmits the approval result to the user U (applicant) in the application process (step S4). This transmission is disapproved if it is not approved (is rejected) through the transmission of permission information that permits the qualifying event of the private event PE to be applied if the official event has been approved. Each is performed through transmission of the information shown. Specifically, when official event formation is approved, the center server 2 issues an authentication code indicating permission for qualifying event formation as permission information, and transmits the authentication code to the user terminal device 4. The issue of the authentication code is performed based on the permission data 51 that associates the event information while uniquely managing the authentication code. Also, transmission of the authentication code may be performed through a dedicated Web site, or may be realized through e-mail when the held information includes the e-mail address of the user U (applicant). Such transmission functions as at least a part of an event service for the user terminal 4 when realized through a dedicated website or E-mail.

The transmission of the permission (permission information such as an authentication code) may be realized by mail through a document. Further, the permission condition may include the approval of the owner of the A store 6 in the condition. That is, the permission condition may be satisfied when approved by the operator of the A store 6. In this case, the permission condition includes the first requirement based on the related information and the second requirement based on the approval result, and the procedure of step S2 is executed when the first requirement is satisfied, and the step is performed when the second requirement is satisfied. The procedure of S4 may be performed.

On the other hand, the formalization process is a process for actually setting the private event PE for which the qualifying event is permitted as the qualifying event OE1. The formalization process identifies the game machine 3 that actually provides the qualifying event OE1 that has changed from the private event PE so that the private event PE functions as the qualifying event OE1, and the private event PE is specified to the game machine 3 It is executed to provide the information necessary to make a preliminary event. Specifically, in the formalization step, the authentication code is first input to the game machine 3 by the user U (or the manager of the A store 6) that has received the authentication code (permission information) (step S5). That is, the authentication code is provided to the game machine 3 by the user U. When the game machine 3 acquires the authentication code, it transmits it to the center server 2 (step S6).

On the other hand, when the center server 2 acquires the authentication code from the game machine 3, the center server 2 transmits, to the game machine 3, information necessary for actually converting the private event PE into a qualifying event (official event) (step S7). Specifically, the center server 2 first acquires holding information of the private event PE related to the authentication code acquired from the game machine 3 while referring to the permission data 51. Thereafter, the center server 2 adds the qualifying event OE1 corresponding to the acquired held information to the official event data ED1. Then, the center server 2 transmits the official event data ED1 after the addition to the game machine 3 (the game machine 3 which has transmitted the authentication code) as information necessary for turning the private event PE into a qualifying event (official event). When the private event PE is converted to a qualifying event as part of a series of qualifying events OE1, an association with the series of qualifying events OE1 may be established through the official event data ED1. That is, the center server 2 generates the official event data ED1 so that the private event PE targeted for application functions as a series of preliminary event OE1 in step S7, and transmits such official event data ED1 to the game machine 3 Good. In addition, information to function as a series of preliminary event OE1 (information specifying a series of preliminary event OE1 and the like) may be included in the held information. Alternatively, the private event PE may be automatically distributed to the series of qualifying events OE1 based on various information such as the holding period, size, and location, and the result may function as such information.

When the official event data ED1 is acquired from the center server 2, the game machine 3 displays the official event OE included in the event mode based on the acquired official event data ED1 (step S8). In this official event data ED1, a private event PE for which a qualifying event has been applied is also officially included as an official event OE. Therefore, the official event OE is displayed so as to include the qualifying event OE1 "A store tournament". As a result, "A store tournament" is selected as an official event OE and functions. That is, the "A store tournament" is actually provided as the qualifying event OE1 (qualifying event).

The game machine 3 may update the content of the private event data ED2 with the acquisition of the official event data ED1. Specifically, the game machine 3 deletes the content of the private event data ED2 so as to delete the private event PE corresponding to the "A store tournament" based on the user's deletion instruction or the information contained in the official event data ED1. May be updated. In this case, the "A store tournament" disappears from the display of the private event PE with the official event. That is, as if it had moved from the private event PE to the official event OE, the “A store tournament” is deleted from the targets of the private event PE. In addition, various rewards (rewards) may be given to a setter of the private event PE or an applicant who has applied for becoming an official event of the private event PE in order to promote such setting and the like. Such a reward may be given at an appropriate time such as setting (or application), holding, or permission.

Furthermore, when the official event OE is carried out, the game machine 3 provides the center server 2 with logs (various achievements) of the official event (step S9). The log information is information required to realize the official event OE. Specifically, the log information includes information on the play status of the official event OE (for example, the number of points obtained for the main battle event OE2, etc.). Then, the center server 2 manages the result of the official event OE based on the log information, provides information of the play record as a part of the web service to each user terminal device 4 (shared with each user), etc. You may If the private event PE is an official event, this log also includes log information of the private event PE. That is, the center server 2 may manage or provide the result so as to include the play status of the private event PE that has been converted to the qualifying event. Specifically, the center server 2 sets a ranking (ranking) for each user based on the play status (for example, the grant status of points) of the entire series of qualifying events OE1 including such private event PE, Whether to participate in the main battle event OE2 may be determined according to the ranking result. In such a case, this log information functions as play information of the present invention. Further, the procedures of steps S6 to S7 and S9 of the formulation process function as an event service for the game machine. As an example, an event service is thus provided.

Each user may participate in only a part of the series of preliminary event OE1. In this case, ranking may be performed in the whole of the preliminary event OE1 based on the partial results, and it may be determined whether or not to participate in the main event OE2. In addition, when the event service is used by the operator of the store 6, steps S1 and S4 may be executed for the store 6 (the game machine 3 or the user terminal device 4 for the operator, etc.). In this case, the procedures of steps S2 and S3 may be omitted. In addition, when ID information for identifying a setter such as a user ID for identifying each user or an operator ID for identifying an operator of each store 6 is required when setting a private event, such ID information may be used. The target for application or non-application for the official event may be determined based on the above. Specifically, for example, in the case where the setter of the private event is a specific user authorized by the server administrator based on the operator of the store 6 or the reliability, the private event is automatically determined based on the ID information. It may be determined as an official event application target, and formalization may be promoted along the procedure of the event service. On the other hand, setting of a private event and formalization of an event (providing an event service) may be performed simultaneously. That is, the setting of the private event may be performed as part of the event service through, for example, a dedicated website. In such a case, the type of event to be set (for example, a private event or an official event) may be designated in the event service. Alternatively, all private events may be subject to an application process or the like so as to be an official event. That is, there is no need to have an event that is actually executed as a private event. Further, not only the log information but also other information may be used to determine the play result of the official event OE such as the ranking. Specifically, additional information (for example, information on actual winning results, etc.) regarding the play status of the event is transmitted from the operator of the store 6 to the server administrator, and the additional information is also added to determine the play result. It is also good. When such additional information can not specify the track record (for example, winning results) only with log information, for example, when the held information does not include information of the match format, or the arrangement of each user in the tournament, the center server 2 May be used, for example, when not managing the information on the details of the battle format.

In addition, the game machine 3 may provide the center server 2 with information on the play status (so-called log) only for the official event OE, and not only for such an official event but also for the play status relating to the normal game. Information may also be provided to the center server 2. That is, the log information provided by the game machine 3 to the center server 2 may include log information other than the play status of the official event OE, such as information on the play status of a normal game. The configuration of the log relating to the normal game may be the same as or different from the log relating to the official event OE. That is, the items constituting the log relating to the normal game may be the same as or different from the items constituting the log relating to the official event OE. If they are the same item, they may be distinguished only in type by a header or the like. Or when these items differ, one part may differ or all may be different. When a part differs, there may be an item which exists only in one side, or items which are different from each other may be contained in both. Specifically, log data for managing the log of the official event OE may include a dedicated data item (additional data) which is not present in the log data for managing the log related to the normal game.

Next, details of the permission data 51, the official event data ED1, and the private event data ED2 will be described. The permission data 51 is data for uniquely managing permission information. Specifically, the permission data 51 is a set of records in which permission information is uniquely described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the permission data 51. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the permission data 51 includes a permission record 51R that associates unique permission information with the corresponding private event PE for each private event PE. The permission record 51R includes information of “permission”, “event ID”, and “detail”.

“Permit” is permission information indicating permission for formal event formation. Specifically, in the “permission”, information indicating an authentication code is described as the permission information. A unique number having a predetermined number of digits may be described as information indicating such an authentication code. “Event ID” is information indicating a unique event ID for each official event in order to identify each official event. “Details” is information indicating details of the official event corresponding to the “event ID”. In the “detail”, the above-mentioned event information (information provided at the time of application) may be described as information indicating the details of the official event. These pieces of information are recorded in association with each other in the permission record 51R.

The official event data ED1 is data for managing each official event OE of the quiz game. The official event data ED1 is a set of records defining each official event OE. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the official event data ED1. As shown in FIG. 6, the official event data ED1 includes an official event record RS1 that associates each official event OE with its details. The official event record RS1 includes information of "event ID", "detail", "approval range", and "type". The “event ID” and the “detail” are the same information as the permission data 51.

On the other hand, “approval range” is information indicating the range in which the official event has been approved. Specifically, the “approval range” indicates a case ID indicating a game machine 3 that has been permitted to be an official event through transmission of permission information (ID unique to each game machine 3 to identify each game machine 3) In the case where permission is given in units of stores 6, information on a store ID for identifying each store 6 may be described). In the case of the official event OE set by the server administrator of the center server 2 (provided as the official event OE from the beginning), the same information as the information of the holding place included in the information of “detail” is “approved” The information may be described in the “range” or the “approval range” information may be omitted. The “type” is information indicating the type of the official event corresponding to the “event ID”. As the “type” information, information indicating a main event event OE2, a qualifying event OE1, or a private event PE (formulated from the private event PE) may be used. "Relation" is information indicating the association of each event. “Related” is information (for example, a unique ID or a number for each series of qualifying events OE1) that correlates each qualifying event OE1 (including a private event PE made into a qualifying event) functioning as a series of qualifying events OE1 May be described. These pieces of information are recorded in association with each other in the official event record RS1. When the corresponding private event PE is deleted from the private event data ED2 with the formation of an official event, the official event data ED1 is used to specify information on the “private ID” described later in order to specify such a private event PE. May be included. Further, the held information included in the "detail" functions as the event information of the present invention, and the information of the case ID included in the "approval range" functions as the game identification information of the present invention. Then, by including these, the official event data ED1 functions as the event data of the present invention.

Private event data ED2 is data for managing a private event PE of the quiz game. The private event data ED2 is a set of records defining each private event PE. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the private event data ED2. As shown in FIG. 7, the private event data ED2 includes a private event record RS2 that associates each private event PE with its details. The private event record RS2 includes information of “private ID” and “detail”. “Details” is the same information as the official event data ED1. The “private ID” is information indicating a private ID unique to each private event PE in order to identify each private event PE. These pieces of information are recorded in association with each other in the private event record RS2.

Note that the official event record RS1 including “type” information indicating the private event PE may function as the private event record RS2. That is, the private event data ED2 may function as part of the official event data ED1. In this case, event ID information may be described in “private ID”. That is, as information of "event ID" (or "private ID"), information of event ID which uniquely manages all events so as to identify not only each private event PE but also each official event OE may be used. The private event data ED2 may also be managed by the center server 2 in the same manner as the official event data ED1. Furthermore, these private event data ED2 and official event data ED1 may not be provided to the game machine 3. That is, the private event PE and the official event OE are centrally managed by the center server 2, and the game machine 3 may not recognize these. In this case, the official event OE, etc. is guided through an email, a web site, etc. without going through the game machine 3, and the center server 2 takes the log information corresponding to the holding period etc. OE etc. may be realized.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the procedure of the permission issuing process, the event process, and the log acquisition process executed by the event providing unit 24 or the game providing unit 33 will be described. The permission issuing process is a process for issuing permission information based on an application for turning a private event PE into an official event. When the event information for the application is acquired (or after the acquisition may take a predetermined cycle), the event providing unit 24 starts the permission issuance process of FIG. 8 and the private event PE corresponding to the acquired event information is the permission condition. It is determined whether the condition is satisfied (step S101). The permission condition is satisfied even when the holding condition of the private event PE satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when all items are properly input, or when a predetermined participation scale, participation period, etc.). Alternatively, the operation may be satisfied when an operation indicating permission is performed by the operator based on the held information on the private event PE. In addition, when the permission condition includes the first condition and the second condition, the first condition is satisfied based on such a holding condition, and the second condition is satisfied when the approval of the official event arrival is received from the store 6 You may Then, the permission condition may be satisfied when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. If the private event PE does not satisfy the permission condition based on these, the event providing unit 24 skips the subsequent processing and ends the current processing.

On the other hand, when the private event PE satisfies the permission condition, the event providing unit 24 issues permission information to the private event PE that satisfies the permission condition (step S102). More specifically, while referring to the permission data 51, the event providing unit 24 newly issues a unique authentication code as the permission information to the private event PE. Subsequently, the event providing unit 24 transmits the issued permission information (for example, a newly issued authentication code) to the applicant (step S103). This transmission may be performed through E-mail (eg, may be included in the event information), or may be performed through a dedicated website (eg, notification by posting on a dedicated website). Then, after transmitting the permission information, the event providing unit 24 ends the current process. As a result, whether or not the official event can be made is determined based on the permission condition, and when the official event is permitted, the permission information indicating the permission is issued and transmitted to the applicant. More specifically, steps S1 and S4 in the application process of the example of FIG. 4 are realized.

Also, event processing is processing for providing a private event PE for which officialization has been permitted as an official event OE. More specifically, the private event PE for which the official event is permitted is managed as an official event OE through event processing. The left side of the example of FIG. 9 shows the process of the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3, and the right side shows the process of the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2.

When an acceptance operation for accepting that the private event PE permitted to be an official event is actually provided as an official event OE is executed, the game providing unit 33 starts the event processing of FIG. 9 and first obtains the permission information. (Step S201). More specifically, the game providing unit 33 acquires information of an authentication code corresponding to the private event PE as the permission information. The information of the authentication code may be acquired from the input result when the acceptance operation includes the input operation of the authentication code. Alternatively, in the case where the authentication code information (permission information) is directly provided to the game machine 3 such as when the application is executed through the game machine 3, the provision result (acquisition result) May be obtained from Subsequently, the game providing unit 33 transmits the acquired permission information to the center server 2 (step S202).

When acquiring the permission information, the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2 starts the event processing of FIG. 9 and updates data so as to reflect the acquired permission information (step S301). Specifically, the event providing unit 24 updates the official event data ED1 so as to add the official event record RS1 corresponding to the acquired permission information. This addition provides the same quiz game of the store 6 as the target of the official event OE is the unit of the store 6 (that is, along with the transmission of permission information from one game machine 3 of the store 6). It may be executed in all the game machines 3) or may be executed in units of each game machine 3. Also, the event providing unit 24 may realize this addition by acquiring the event information while referring to the permission data 51 based on the permission information. Furthermore, such addition may function as an association for functioning as a series of qualifying events OE1 because the official event data ED1 includes "related" information. That is, in step S301, the event providing unit 24 sets the association to the private event PE to function as a series of preliminary event OE1 by adding the official event record RS1 including the “related” information based on the designated information. You may Subsequently, the event providing unit 24 transmits the updated data to the game machine 3 (step S302). Specifically, the event providing unit 24 transmits the latest official event data ED1 including the official event record RS1 corresponding to the acquired permission information to the game machine 3. Then, after transmitting the latest official event data ED1 to the game machine 3, the event providing unit 24 ends the current process.

On the other hand, when acquiring the latest official event data ED1, the game providing unit 33 of the game machine 3 updates the data (step S203). Specifically, the game providing unit 33 updates the official event data ED1 so as to replace the existing official event data ED1 with the acquired latest official event data ED1. In addition, when the corresponding private event PE is deleted from the private event data ED2 with the formalization of the event, the game providing unit 33 deletes the private event PE so as to delete the private event PE together with the update of the official event data ED1. You may update ED2. Alternatively, when the private event data ED2 is managed by the center server 2, such deletion may be updated and transmitted by the center server 2 together with the update and transmission of the official event data ED1. Then, the game providing unit 33 may update the private event data ED2 to the latest one with the update of the official event data ED1 in step S203. After updating the data in step S203, the game providing unit 33 ends the current process. As a result, the private event PE permitted to be official event-ized is actually managed and provided as the official event OE. Also, when associated with another qualifying event OE1, such a private event PE is provided as one of a series of qualifying events OE1. More specifically, the formulation process corresponding to steps S6 to S8 in the example of FIG. 4 is realized.

On the other hand, the log acquisition process is a process for managing log information of the official event OE. The example of FIG. 10 shows the case where the result of the official event OE is shared by each user terminal device 4 based on the log information. Further, the example of FIG. 10 shows a case where the center server 2 side acquires logs (detailed information regarding the performance of the event such as the play result) in each game machine 3 of the store 6 which holds the official event OE in a predetermined cycle. ing. The log may be transmitted from the game machine 3 to the center server 2 at an appropriate time after the end of the event. In this case, steps S401 to S402 in the example of FIG. 10 may be omitted.

In a predetermined cycle, the event providing unit 24 starts the log acquisition process of FIG. 10, and first acquires the official event data ED1 (step S401). Subsequently, the event providing unit 24 specifies a target for acquiring log information (step S402). Specifically, the event providing unit 24 specifies each game machine 3 that actually holds the official event OE based on the information of the "approval range" (or the holding place included in the "detail") of the official event data ED1. . Next, the event providing unit 24 acquires a log related to the corresponding official event OE from each of the specified game machines 3 (step S403). Further, when acquiring the information of the log from each game machine 3, the event providing unit 24 generates related information related to each official event OE (step S404). The related information is information to be shared with each user through the Web service as information on each official event OE (for example, the ranking of winners, the number of points earned by each participant, etc.). Further, in the case of the series of qualifying events OE1, the related information may include information on playing status such as winning status in the whole of them. That is, in step S403, the event providing unit 24 may generate a ranking of each user in each official event OE, or may generate a ranking of each user in the entire series of preliminary event OE1. Then, the event providing unit 24 provides the created related information as a part of the Web service to each user, and ends the current process. As a result, the log regarding the official event is acquired by the center server 2 and shared by each user as a part of the web service. Moreover, such acquisition is limited to the game machine 3 that has permitted the holding (provided the authentication code) in the case of the official event OE that has changed from the private event PE. More specifically, the formulation process corresponding to step S9 in the example of FIG. 4 is realized.

As described above, according to this aspect, the private event PE can be an official event through the event service. Specifically, the center server 2 acquires log information necessary to share the play status of the private event PE as the official event OE on condition of issuance of the permission information (authentication code) based on the permission condition. As a result, acquisition of log information necessary for sharing the private event PE can be limited to the case where the permission information is issued, that is, when the formalization of the private event PE is permitted. That is, for example, as a result of giving points to function as the qualifying event OE1, sharing of the play status in the private event PE with other users, in other words, a case where the private event PE is actually functioned as the official event OE is permission information Can be restricted if

Furthermore, when such a private event PE is applied for by the user playing the game, an opportunity for approval is given to the store 6 functioning as a venue of the private event PE. Then, the provision destination of the official event data ED1 (including the official event record RS1 corresponding to such a private event PE) for causing the private event PE to function as the official event OE is the game machine 3 that actually obtained the permission information. Limited to Also, if such official event data ED1 does not exist, the private event PE is neither displayed nor provided as an official event OE. That is, after provision of such official event data ED1, the private event PE is actually provided as an official event OE, and log information is also acquired. In this way, whether or not the permission information is used (for example, whether or not it is actually transmitted to the center server 2 via the game machine 3), the operator of the store 6 who holds the private event PE is actually privately An opportunity can be given to determine whether to provide the event PE as an official event OE. That is, the case where the private event PE is actually made to function as the official event OE can be further limited to the case where it is approved by the store 6 operator. As a result, for example, when the holding period overlaps with other official events OE, it is possible to restrict the formalization of an inappropriate private event PE, such as when the holding size (the number of participants or the period) is not sufficient.

In addition, through such event service, a private event PE that has been converted into a qualifying event is set as part of a series of qualifying events OE1. Specifically, based on the holding information of such a private event PE, a series of preliminary event OE1 including the private event PE is associated, and each user is ranked throughout the series of preliminary event OE1. That is, not only the preliminary event OE1 prepared in advance but also the private event PE set after the event is provided as a series of preliminary events OE1 to be ranked. Thus, a series of qualifying events OE1 including such private events PE can be set after the fact. More specifically, for example, after a set of qualifying events OE1 have been set, they function as a part of it later, or another existing set of qualifying events OE1 has set another new set of qualifyings A series of qualifying events OE1 including such private events PE can be set so that the event OE1 is added. As a result, when such a private event PE is realized by operation, that is, it is possible to reduce the time and labor of the manager of the store 6 and the server administrator, as compared with the case where the play status is counted by operation. Furthermore, even if the private event PE is set with a high degree of freedom, a series of qualifying events OE1 including such private event PE can be set after the fact. That is, it is possible to allow addition of a private event PE arbitrarily defined by the user to the series of qualifying events OE1.

Furthermore, since the private event PE can function as an official event OE through such an event service, more official events OE can be provided as compared to the case where such a private event PE is not provided. More specifically, for example, more qualifying events OE1 can be provided through such a private event PE. As a result, since the results of the private event PE can be utilized as part of the conditions for participation in the main event OE2, the main event on the basis of more results than when such a private event PE is not provided It is possible to determine whether or not to participate in OE2. As a result, it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to participate. In addition, the attraction of the private event PE can be improved. Furthermore, when the related information of such a private event PE is shared with other users through the Web service, for example, the play status (results) of the private event PE, such as the ranking and the grant situation of points, It can be shared with other users through 4. This can further improve the user's interest in the private event PE.

In the above embodiment, the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as an example of the information issuing unit of the present invention by executing step S102 of the routine of FIG. 8. In addition, the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as an example of the information acquisition unit and the related information provision unit of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. More specifically, the event providing unit 24 functions as an example of an information acquisition unit by executing step S403 of FIG. 9 and as an example of a related information providing unit by executing step S405. Further, the event providing unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as an example of an event information providing unit and a data updating unit of the present invention by executing the routine of FIG. 9. More specifically, the event providing unit 24 functions as an example of an event information providing unit by executing step S302 in FIG. 9, and functions as an example of a data updating unit by executing step S301. On the other hand, the storage unit 23 of the center server 2 functions as data storage means of the present invention by storing the official event data ED1.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in an embodiment to which appropriate modifications or changes are made. For example, in the above embodiment, the game machine 3 is configured as an arcade game machine. However, the game machine 3 is not limited to the game machine configured as an arcade game machine. The user terminal device 4 may function as the game machine 3. In addition, the game machine 3 may be configured as a game machine that virtually operates on a server such as the center server 2 while using the user terminal device 4 or the like as a remote input / output device. On the other hand, the game machine 3 may function as the center server 2. That is, the game machine 3 may execute all or a part of the role (various processing and the like) of the center server 2 in the above-described form. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be omitted, and the game machine 3 may function as the game system 1.

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

A game system according to the present invention is a game system which provides a game allowing setting of an event by one user (U) of a plurality of users, wherein the game system (1) according to the present invention includes the plurality of users Information sharing means (24) for issuing permission information indicating permission of the sharing when the sharing of the event with another user among the above is permitted based on the permission condition, and the condition of issuing the permission information And information acquiring means (24) for acquiring play information on the play status of the event necessary to share the event with the other users.

According to the present invention, the play information necessary for sharing the play status of the event is acquired on condition of issuance of the permission information based on the permission condition. This makes it possible to limit the acquisition of play information necessary for sharing an event to the case where the permission information is issued. That is, sharing of an event set by one user with another user can be limited to the case where permission information is issued. As a result, it is possible to restrict the sharing of inappropriate events with other users, such as when the holding periods overlap.

Various events may be adopted as an event. For example, as an event, one specified by information related to the execution of a holding period, a holding place (target) or the like, or one specified by a participation result such as when a predetermined privilege is given to a participant is adopted. You may Specifically, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the game includes a benefit event (OE1) for giving a predetermined benefit, the information issuing unit is an event for the benefit. The authorization information may be issued such that the event functions.

If the event is identified by the presence or absence of a predetermined benefit, such predetermined benefit may or may not be associated with the game. Also, such predetermined benefits may be physical benefits or electronic benefits. Further, such a benefit may be a tangible benefit including an electronic benefit, or an intangible benefit including an eligibility for participation in another event. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the game further includes a special event (OE2) that is permitted to participate when the performance in the event for the bonus satisfies the participation condition. The participation in the special event may be used as the predetermined benefit. In this case, the performance of the event set by one user can be utilized as part of the participation condition for the special event. This makes it possible to determine whether or not to participate in a special event based on more achievements than when such an event is not used, so it is possible to more appropriately determine whether or not to participate. . As a result, the attraction of the event set by one user can also be improved.

The game as described above may be provided directly by the gaming system or indirectly via the gaming machine. That is, one game machine providing a game as described above may function as the game system of the present invention, and the game system of the present invention is connected to a game machine providing a game as described above. It is also good. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, the information acquisition means is provided with the game via a game machine (3) connected via a network (5). The play information may be acquired from the game machine. In addition, when a game is provided through a game machine, the concept of the user described above includes not only the user of the game machine (person who plays the game) but also the operator (manager) of the game machine. May be included. Also, the acquisition of the play information is not limited to the case where only the play information of the corresponding event is extracted and acquired from the game machine, but the various events acquired regardless of permission or non-permission (shared non-permission set by the user It may include the case of acquiring by extracting the play information necessary for sharing the corresponding event from various information of the event (including the event). That is, the information acquisition means acquires information on various events (for example, from the game machine if there is a game machine), and then acquires play information necessary to share the sharing permission event from the acquired information. It may be (extracted).

In the case where the game described above is provided via a gaming machine, the permission information may be issued directly to the gaming machine. Alternatively, the permission information may be issued indirectly through provision (for example, e-mail etc.) to a manager of the game machine, etc., and may be provided (input) to the game machine through such a manager or the like. . Furthermore, the play information may be automatically acquired from the game machine in response to the issuance of the permission condition, or a condition may be set for acquiring the play information. For example, the game system according to the present invention further includes event information providing means (24) for providing event information for realizing the event to the game machine when the permission information is obtained from the game machine, The information acquisition means may adopt a mode of acquiring the play information from the game machine when the game machine provides the event after acquiring the event information. Furthermore, as such an aspect, when a plurality of game machines providing the game are connected via the network, a game providing the event among game machine identification information for identifying each game machine Data storage means (23) for storing event data (ED1) in which the game machine identification information (for example, the information of "approval range") of the game is associated with the event, and the game in which the permission information is acquired Updating means (24) for updating the event data so that the game machine is associated with the event, the event information providing means providing the event information to the game machine associated with the event by the event data The provided aspects may be employed. In these cases, the provision destination of the event information is limited to the game machine that has actually obtained the permission information. Also, play information is acquired after provision of event information. Thereby, for example, when the game machine is operated by another operator, or when there is another entity that determines whether to share the event, whether to use the permission information (for example, event information providing means) Through the other parties, it is possible to give an opportunity to decide whether or not to actually realize sharing of the event.

The play information may be used as appropriate. For example, as one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when a plurality of user terminal devices (4) used respectively by the plurality of users are connected through a network (5), the event is generated based on the play information. A mode may be adopted which further comprises related information provision means (24) for providing related related information to each user terminal. In this case, for example, by using information on the play status as the related information, it is possible to share information on the play status of the event with each user via each user terminal device. In addition, when a game machine intervenes, each user terminal device may be connected via the same network as a game machine, and may be connected via a different network (including partial sharing).

On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention causes a computer (24) connected to the input device (36) and the output device (37) used for playing the game to function as each means of the game system described above. It is constructed. In addition, the server device (2) of the present invention is connected to the input device (36) and the output device (37) used for playing the game via the network (5), and as each means of the above-mentioned game system It works. The game system of the present invention can be realized through the computer program or server device of the present invention.

1 game system 2 center server 3 game machine 4 user terminal device 5 network 23 storage unit (data storage means)
24 event provider (computer, information issuing means, information acquiring means, event information providing means, data updating means)
36 Input Device 37 Display Device (Output Device)
U user (one user)
PE Private event (event)
OE1 Qualifying Event (Event for Reward)
OE2 Main Event (Special Event)
ED1 Official Event Data (Event Data)

Claims

A game system providing a game that allows setting of an event by one of a plurality of users, the game system comprising:
An information issuing unit that issues permission information indicating permission of the sharing when sharing of the event with another user among the plurality of users is permitted based on a permission condition;
An information acquisition unit that acquires play information related to the play status of the event necessary to share the event with the other user, on condition of issuance of the permission information;
, A game system.
The information issuing means issues the permission information so that the event functions as an event for the benefit when the game includes an event for a benefit for giving a predetermined benefit. Game system.
The game further includes a special event that is permitted to participate if the achievements in the event for the benefit meet the participation condition,
The game system according to claim 2, wherein participation in the special event is used as the predetermined benefit.
The game according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information acquisition means acquires the play information from the game machine when the game is provided via a game machine connected via a network. system.
The game machine further comprises event information providing means for providing the game machine with event information for realizing the event when acquiring the permission information from the game machine.
5. The game system according to claim 4, wherein said information acquisition means acquires said play information from said game machine when said game machine provides said event after acquiring said event information.
When a plurality of game machines respectively providing the game are connected via the network, the game machine identification information of the game machine which provides the event among the game machine identification information for identifying each game machine Data storage means for storing event data described in association with the event;
Data updating means for updating the event data such that the game machine having acquired the permission information is associated with the event;
Equipped with
The game system according to claim 5, wherein the event information providing means provides the event information to a game machine associated with the event by the event data.
When a plurality of user terminal devices respectively used by the plurality of users are connected through a network, the system further comprises related information providing means for providing related information related to the event to each user terminal based on the play information. The game system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A computer program configured to cause a computer connected to an input device and an output device used for playing the game to function as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A server device connected to an input device and an output device used for playing the game via a network and functioning as each means of the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.