Game machine, game system used for the same, computer program, and control method

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of aiming at gaining both of a role for successively progressing multiple developments and a role for playing the respective developments.SOLUTION: A game machine 3 provides a quiz game that is played in units of a group SG including multiple users U and includes survival play for successively setting multiple questions. The game machine 3 successively switches respective questions on the basis of progress by a special user SU such that the special user SU functioning as a facilitator having progress authority for successively progressing multiple questions in the survival play, and a general user NU functioning as a play role (solver) who plays (answers) respective questions on the basis of progress by the special user SU are formed in the group SG. Further, the game machine 3 is restricted in terms of progress authority, and provides an extra challenge question in which both of the special user SU and the general user NU function as solvers as one of multiple questions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game machine or the like that provides a game played in units of groups including a plurality of users and sequentially includes a plurality of developments.

Background Art

[0002] There are game machines that provide games played in units of groups including a plurality of users and sequentially include a plurality of developments. For example, as such a game, a game system that provides a fighting game played through operations of characters corresponding to a plurality of users is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fighting game of Patent Document 1, matching between one user and other users (for example, famous users such as professional gamers) desired by that user for multiplayer is realized by consuming virtual currency set by the one user. In this fighting game, a famous user who desires multiplayer may play a plurality of battles (developments), but in any battle, they only play as an opponent who battles with the one user who requested the matching. That is, other users only play the role of an opponent similar to the one user in any of the plurality of battles, and no other role is prepared specifically for other users.

[0005] On the other hand, in games that include multiple stages, such as multiple matches in Patent Document 1, there is room for roles other than playing the game, such as managing the progression to each of those stages. While such roles are generally implemented by computer control, if a special user, such as a well-known user, could take on that role instead of computer control, it may be possible to give each play opportunity a unique character. This could give the user a different impression with each play, even in the same game, and make each play special. However, such roles may hinder participation as a player playing the game.

[0006] Specifically, in a quiz game with multiple questions (sequences), for example, the facilitator is sometimes expected to provide hints and guide players to the correct answer as needed. If a special user could take on this role, it could result in a unique gameplay experience, but taking on this role requires access to information such as the correct answer and hints. On the other hand, having a user who can access hints participate as a contestant is not appropriate from a fairness standpoint. In other words, taking on the role of facilitator hinders participation as a player. As a result, the original purpose of the user who requested to play with a special user may be lost.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a game console or the like that can balance the role of sequentially advancing multiple developments with the role of playing each development. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a game that is played in units of a group including multiple users and includes a game that has multiple developments in sequence, and comprises: a development switching means that switches between developments in sequence based on the progress of the special user, so that a special user that functions as a facilitator having the authority to advance the multiple developments in sequence in the game, and a general user that functions as a player who plays each development based on the progress of the special user, are formed in the group; and a development providing means that provides a specific development as one of the multiple developments in which the authority to advance is restricted and in which both the special user and the general user function as a player.

[0009] Furthermore, the game system of the present invention is a game system that is connected to the above-mentioned game machine via a network and provides the game to the special user, and comprises: an authorization granting means that grants the progress authority only to the special user among the group such that the progress authority includes the authority to refer to information necessary for the progress of each development; and an information providing means that provides the game machine with progress information for realizing the progress so that the progress by the special user is reflected on the game machine.

[0010] On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer to function as one of the means of the game console described above.

[0011] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention causes a computer incorporated into a game machine that provides a game played in units of groups including multiple users and which includes multiple developments in sequence to execute a development switching procedure that sequentially switches each development based on the progress of the special user, so that a special user that functions as a facilitator having the authority to advance the multiple developments in sequence in the game, and general users that function as players who play each development based on the progress of the special user, are formed in the group, and a development provision procedure that provides a specific development as one of the multiple developments in which the authority to advance is restricted and both the special user and the general user function as players. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the essential components of the game system's control system. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram for describing the special matching service. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the role of a special user within a special group. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the difference between normal and special game progression in a quiz game. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a survival game. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing an example of a game screen for survival play when standard questions are presented. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game screen for survival play when an extra challenge problem is presented. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for special matching processing. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for assisting the process. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for switching the question format. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for processing special questions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes an example of a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the overall configuration of the game system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The game system 1 includes a central server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices that can be connected to the central server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The central server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining a plurality of server units 2A, 2B, etc., which are computer devices. However, the central server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the central server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0014] Any suitable computer device that provides games may be used as game console 3. Such computer devices include, for example, user terminal devices. User terminal devices are computer devices that are network-connected and used for the user's personal use. For example, such computer devices include stationary or book-type personal computers, stationary home game consoles, or mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones (including smartphones), portable game consoles, and portable tablet devices. Various such computer devices may be used as game console 3 as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 1, a commercial (arcade) game console is used as game console 3.

[0015] A commercial game machine is an example of a game device, and is a game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to a predetermined play fee in exchange for payment of the play fee. This type of game machine 3 may be called an arcade game machine and is often installed in a predetermined facility. As the predetermined facility, various facilities including public facilities and private facilities may be appropriately used. In the example of FIG. 1, a store 6 as a public facility and a personal facility 7 as a private facility are being used.

[0016] The store 6 is a facility that allows any user to use it. In the store 6, a game machine 3 is installed mainly for the purpose of increasing profits by allowing a large number of users to repeatedly play games. On the other hand, the personal facility 7 is a facility that allows only a specific user to use it. In the personal facility 7, unlike the store 6, a game machine 3 is installed to allow a specific user to play a game. In the personal facility 7, the game machine 3 may provide the game to a specific user for a fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined consideration, but as an example, it is provided free of charge without an exchange of consideration. For this reason, as the game machine 3 installed in the personal facility 7, for example, a dedicated computer device for the personal facility 7 or a different computer device (a different type of device with different functions from the game machine 3) such as a stationary or book-type personal computer installed in the store 6 may be used. However, in the example of FIG. 1, the game machine 3 in the personal facility 7 is also configured as the same arcade game machine as in the store 6. Also, each game machine 3 may be installed in an appropriate number of stores 6 and personal facilities 7. For example, the installation of the game machine 3 in the personal facility 7 may be omitted so that a specific user can also use the game machine 3 in the store 6. However, in the example of FIG. 1, it is installed in one personal facility 7 and a plurality of stores 6 respectively. In this example, the game machine 3 in each store 6 and the game machine 3 in the personal facility 7 function as the normal game machine and the special game machine of the present invention respectively.

[0017] The game machine 3 provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by a plurality of matched users. That is, the game machine 3 provides a type of game that progresses in common among a plurality of users grouped by matching. As such a game, the game machine 3 may appropriately provide various games such as, for example, an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, or a music game. As an example, a quiz game is provided. The quiz game is a type of game in which a user answers a posed question and the correctness of the answer is evaluated. The quiz game may be a cooperative game in which groups (teams) cooperate, or a competitive game in which scores are competed within a group. As an example, it includes survival play. Details of the survival play will be described later.

[0018] The network 5 may be appropriately configured as long as the game machine 3 can be connected to the center server 2. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN and LANs 5B and 5C that connect the center server 2 and each of the game machines 3 to the Internet 5A via a router 5D. Note that a local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6 or the like, 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.

[0019] The central server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machine 3 or its users. These game machine services may include various services necessary for the game machine 3 to provide quiz games, but examples include a matching service and a game progression support service. The matching service matches users together when multiple users play quiz games via the network 5. Groups of opponents may be formed as appropriate, but one example is that they are formed through such a matching service. In other words, in quiz games, each user using each game machine 3 installed in the same store 6 or different stores 6, etc., is matched as an opponent through the matching service.

[0020] Furthermore, the matching service includes both a regular matching service and a special matching service. The regular matching service is a service that enables regular matching. In regular matching, each user is treated equally, just like in general matching, and is selectively matched to one of the groups to play the quiz game.

[0021] On the other hand, the special matching service is a service that enables special matching. In special matching, certain users among multiple users to be grouped are distinguished as special users from other users (which may be referred to as general users below), and these special users and general users are matched to form a single group.

[0022] Specifically, in the special matching service, general users can request to be grouped (matched) with special users, and in response to these requests, general users are matched with special users. While general users and special users are matched according to these requests, special users are allowed to belong to multiple groups. In other words, through special matching, special users may be matched to belong to multiple groups (hereinafter, the groups to which special users belong may be referred to as special groups) redundantly. On the other hand, general users are matched to belong to one of each group, as in normal matching, and are distinguished from special users at least in terms of whether or not they can be matched redundantly. Further details of the special matching service will be described later.

[0023] The progress support service is a service designed to assist in the progress of a quiz game. Such services may include, for example, sharing the performance (correctness of answers, etc.) of each user within a group. While the progress support service may be omitted if the quiz game is configured to not require support, it is sometimes configured to support special aspects of the quiz game's progression.

[0024] Special progression is a different progression from normal progression. In a quiz game, special progression may be provided as appropriate, but one example is when a special user is present in a group. In other words, the game progresses in the normal way when there is no special user in the group, and in the special progression when there is a special user in the group; the progression of the quiz game switches depending on the presence or absence of a special user. The role (function) of the special user may be set as appropriate, but one example is that it includes a role for switching between such progressions. Furthermore, a progression support service is provided to support the progression when special progression is provided.

[0025] Special progression may be implemented as appropriate, and the progression support service may also provide appropriate support in accordance with the special progression. As an example, it provides support to create a common progression, at least partially, among multiple special groups to which the same special user belongs. A common progression among multiple special groups may be implemented as appropriate, for example, by standardizing the start time so that the quiz game starts at the same time, or by standardizing the timing of each question when there are multiple questions, or by standardizing the scope of questions (for example, the genre when the questions are classified into genres). As an example, it is implemented by standardizing the questions. Furthermore, if a single play of the quiz game includes multiple questions, the standardization of questions may occur only for the questions presented to the special user. As an example, it may occur for all of the multiple questions, including the questions for the special user. In other words, in the case of special progression, the presentation of questions is controlled so that all of the multiple questions are common as part of the progression among multiple special groups to which the same special user belongs. As an example, the progression support service provides support to achieve such standardization of questions, and also provides support to switch the progression based on the instructions of the special user. Specifically, through the progress support service, the central server 2 determines the questions to be presented to multiple special groups to which the same special user belongs, and these determined questions are shared with the game machines 3 of each user forming the multiple special groups so that they are actually presented in the quiz game. In addition, instructions from the special user are shared with other game machines 3 through the progress support service, and the progress is switched based on those instructions. Further details of the special progress will be described later.

[0026] Furthermore, the services for the game console may also include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the game console 3 via the network 5, a service that receives user identification information from the game console 3 and authenticates the user, and a service that receives and stores the play data of the authenticated user from the game console 3, or provides the stored play data to the game console 3. In addition, the services for the game console may appropriately include billing services that collect fees from users.

[0027] Next, the main components of the control system of game system 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. First, the center server 2 is equipped with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that performs various calculation processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, with internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

[0028] The storage unit 22 is an external storage device implemented by a storage unit that includes a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data on a single storage unit, or it may be configured to distribute and store data across multiple storage units. The storage unit 22 stores a server program PG1 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary to provide various services to the user. The storage unit 22 also stores server data SD necessary for providing various services. Server data SD includes various data necessary for providing various services. Such data may appropriately include various data for the quiz game, such as ID management data that manages various IDs such as user IDs for identifying each user, but in the example in Figure 2, play data PD and question data QD are shown.

[0029] Play data PD is data that describes information about each user's past play performance. Play data PD is used, for example, to carry over previous play results (past performance) to subsequent play sessions, or to carry over settings unique to each user. Play data PD may also be used to identify each user, such as special users or general users. Furthermore, quiz games may be configured to rank each user according to their past performance, or to form multiple leagues based on those rankings, and in such cases, play data PD is also used to manage rankings and league affiliations.

[0030] Question Data (QD) is data used to manage the questions and their answers in a quiz game. Therefore, the Question Data (QD) describes various questions and their corresponding answers in an associated manner. The Question Data (QD) may also include other information relevant to each question, such as the genre to which each question belongs and hints.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 21 is equipped with various logical devices realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as a software resource. Various logical devices are provided in the control unit 21 as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 2, the game machine service management unit 24 is shown. The game machine service management unit 24 is a logical device that executes processing to provide the above-mentioned game machine services. For this reason, such processing includes various processing to realize the matching service and the progress support service. For example, the game machine service management unit 24 executes well-known processing to realize normal matching (in other words, normal matching service). Similarly, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various processing to realize special matching (in other words, special matching service), and such processing includes, for example, special matching processing. Furthermore, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various processing to realize progress support service, and such processing includes, for example, progress support processing. Details of the procedures for special matching processing and progress support processing will be described later. The control unit 21 may be connected to input devices such as a keyboard, output devices such as a monitor, etc., as needed. However, these are not shown in the illustration.

[0032] On the other hand, the game console 3 is equipped with a control unit 31 as a computer and a memory unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU, which is an example of a processor that performs various processes according to a predetermined computer program, with internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation. The control unit 31 is equipped with various logical devices that are realized by the combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG2 as a software resource, but in the example in Figure 2, a matching unit 36, an operation determination unit 37, a display control unit 38, and a progress control unit 39 are shown.

[0033] The matching unit 36 ​​is a logical device that performs various processes related to matching through the matching service. For example, the matching unit 36 ​​performs processes such as requesting matching for playing a quiz game from the center server 2, retrieving the results, and identifying multiple users belonging to each group. Therefore, for example, if a general user wishes to belong to a special group, the matching unit 36 ​​performs the process of requesting matching for that purpose.

[0034] The action determination unit 37 is a logical device that performs various processes to determine the actions of a user playing a quiz game. User actions do not necessarily have to be utilized, in which case the action determination unit 37 may be omitted, but as an example, user actions are utilized in gameplay. User actions may also be utilized as appropriate, for example, for various gameplay actions such as inputting answers in the quiz game (including cases where actions are required as answers) or requesting hints, but as an example, they may be utilized to reflect the actions of each character appearing in the quiz game.

[0035] Specifically, the quiz game may be provided as appropriate, for example, by using the speaker SP and microphone MI described later to present questions and input answers via voice, respectively. However, as an example, it may be provided by using the monitor MO and touch panel TP described later to present questions on a game screen and input answers via touch operation. Similarly, the game screen may be configured as appropriate, and the quiz game may be provided through that game screen as appropriate. As an example, the game screen includes a character as an avatar corresponding to each user (sometimes called a user character), and the quiz game progresses through that user character. The user's actual actions are reflected in the actions of that user character on the game screen. For this reason, the processing performed by the action determination unit 37 includes, for example, processing to determine the actions of each user and to determine the actions of the character based on the determination results.

[0036] The display control unit 38 is a logical device that performs various processes to control the display of the game screen for playing the quiz game. Such processes include, for example, presenting questions and their answers on the game screen. Similarly, the processes performed by the display control unit 38 include displaying a user character that reflects the user's actions on the game screen (making the user character perform actions corresponding to the user's actions) and placing the user character in an appropriate position.

[0037] The progress control unit 39 is a logical device that performs various processes to control the progress of the quiz game. The progress control unit 39 can perform various processes related to the progress of the quiz game as appropriate, for example, by determining whether each user's (user character's) answer is correct or incorrect and by aggregating the results. The progress control unit 39 also performs processes such as switching the game's progress between normal progress and special progress, and implementing progress according to those normal or special progress. Progress according to normal progress, etc., includes progress to implement a survival game. Specifically, as an example of processing to implement such progress according to normal progress, etc., the progress control unit 39 performs question switching processing and special question processing. Details of the procedures for question switching processing and special question processing will be described later.

[0038] The memory unit 32 is an external storage device implemented by a storage unit that includes a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or semiconductor storage device. Various types of data are recorded in the memory unit 32 along with the game program PG2 described above, but in the example in Figure 2, game data GD is shown. Game data GD is data that allows the user to play the quiz game according to the game program PG2. Game data GD may include various types of data such as image data for displaying various images for the quiz game, BGM data for playing various BGM, and ID management data, but in the example in Figure 2, play data PD and question data QD are shown.

[0039] Game data GD may be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method, for example, it may be pre-installed on the game console 3, or it may be stored in the storage unit 32 via various recording media. In this way, game data GD can be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method, but as an example, play data PD and question data QD are provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service, including the necessary parts.

[0040] Furthermore, the game machine 3 is appropriately equipped with various output and input devices necessary for an arcade game machine and can be connected to the control unit 31. In the example shown in Figure 2, a monitor MO and a speaker SP are connected as output devices. In other words, the output devices provided in the game machine 3 include a monitor MO and a speaker SP. The monitor MO is a display device for displaying game screens containing various images for a quiz game. The monitor MO displays various game screens (images) for providing a quiz game according to the output signals from the control unit 31.

[0041] Speaker SP is an audio output device for reproducing various sounds. Speaker SP may be used as appropriate; for example, it may be used to present questions as described above, but one example is its use to reproduce various sounds such as background music. Specifically, Speaker SP reproduces various sounds such as background music for the quiz game according to the output signal from control unit 31.

[0042] On the other hand, as an example of an input device connected to the control unit 31, Figure 2 shows a camera CA, a touch panel TP, and a microphone MI. The camera CA is a well-known optical device for photographing the user playing the game machine 3. The camera CA outputs the photographic results to the control unit 31. If the user's actions are reflected in the user character, various detection devices for detecting the user's actions (motion) may be appropriately provided on the game machine 3, and in the example of Figure 2, the camera CA is provided as an example of such a detection device.

[0043] The touch panel TP is a well-known input device that outputs signals corresponding to user touch operations (operations with a finger). Various play actions for playing the quiz game may be input to the game machine 3 via appropriate input devices, but in the example in Figure 2, a touch panel TP is provided for inputting touch operations as play actions. Touch operations are used in the quiz game for various selections, such as selecting the genre of a question or selecting an answer. The touch panel TP outputs a signal to the control unit 31 according to the position of the touch operation.

[0044] The microphone MI is a well-known audio device that converts sound into electrical signals. The microphone MI may be used as appropriate, for example, for inputting answers as described above, but one example is its use for inputting voices emitted by the user. For example, in a quiz game, talk by special users may be permitted, and the microphone MI is used to input such talk (voice). Specifically, the microphone MI converts the voice emitted by the user into an electrical signal and outputs that signal to the control unit 31. In addition, the game machine 3 may be equipped with various input and output devices that are also found in commercial game machines. For example, such input devices may include a payment collection device for collecting a predetermined fee. However, these are not shown in the illustration.

[0045] Next, we will explain the details of the special matching service with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the special matching service. Figure 3(1) shows the request when special matching is performed, and Figure 3(2) shows the matching based on the request (special matching). As shown in Figure 3(1), in the special matching service, each user U is distinguished into special users SU and general users NU, and a matching request is made from a general user NU to a special user SU, wishing to be matched with the same group as that special user SU.

[0046] A period may be set for requests to match with special users SU (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "special requests"), but as an example, a predetermined limit (in other words, the maximum number of special groups) may be set, and requests will be closed when that limit is reached (a period may also be used in conjunction with this). Information such as acceptance of special requests, the number of remaining matches, or the period may be announced to general users NU as appropriate. In addition, special requests may be implemented through a device other than game machine 3, but as an example, they may be implemented through game machine 3 in the same way as normal matching. Specifically, for example, various user terminal devices may be connected to the center server 2 as appropriate in addition to game machine 3, and in that case, special requests may be implemented by a reservation service provided in advance through the user terminal device, but as an example, they may be executed through game machine 3 when playing a quiz game. Furthermore, special requests may be subject to appropriate restrictions such as skill level, play time, participation rights granted through play, etc., or time limits, but as an example, any general user NU can freely make a request without such restrictions.

[0047] A Special User SU is a User U that meets special conditions. Various conditions may be set as special conditions as appropriate, for example, a certain level of play status or fame may be used. In other words, a User U above a certain level may function as a Special User SU. Alternatively, a specific Non-Player Character (NPC) controlled through technology such as AI may function as a Special User SU, and the special conditions may be set to identify such a specific NPC. Furthermore, there may be multiple Special User SUs, and the special conditions may be set to identify that group. In this case, multiple Special User SUs may be treated as one team (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a Special User Team), and requests may be executed on a team basis. When a request is executed against a Special User Team, the Special User SUs belonging to each Special Group SG may be appropriate Special User SUs of the Special User Team, and may be determined by appropriate conditions such as random selection from the Special User Team or designation by a representative of the Special User Team. In this way, various users U (including computers) may be appropriately set as special users SU through special conditions, and special requests may be executed in appropriate units. However, in the example in Figure 3, the special conditions are specified by appropriate designators such as the operator of the center server 2 or the operator of the store 6, and one user U (which may be appropriately managed through play data PD, etc.) designated in advance by those designators functions as a special user SU. In this case, the request is executed to that one special user SU.

[0048] Furthermore, in the case of a special request, the matching performed based on that request includes two types of matching: regular matching and special matching. Regular matching is a general matching method that matches a certain number of users to form a single group, similar to the regular matching service. However, in the case of a special request, the request is made to a special user SU, and that group must include at least one special user SU. Also, in regular matching, each user, including the special user SU, is matched to belong to one group, and matching is not performed for users who belong to multiple groups.

[0049] On the other hand, in special matching, as shown in (2) of Figure 3, special users SU are not limited to one group, but are matched redundantly to belong to multiple groups. Specifically, special users SU are allowed to belong to multiple groups, and multiple special groups SG are formed through special matching, to which special users SU belong redundantly. Furthermore, games are played in parallel within these special groups SG. Each special group SG may have an appropriate number of special users SU; for example, two special users SU may be matched into each special group SG, but in the example in Figure 3, only one special user SU is matched into each special group SG. In other words, the same one special user SU, individually requested by each general user NU, belongs redundantly to multiple special groups SG. Also, the number of members in a group (unit of play) may be set to an appropriate number, and in the example in Figure 3, five users U are shown as part of it.

[0050] Special matching, in other words, matching in which one special user SU belongs to multiple special groups SG, may be implemented as appropriate. For example, special matching may be implemented by creating slots (rooms) in which one special user SU is pre-assigned to each special group SG, and each general user NU submits a matching request to each of these slots. In this way, special matching can be implemented as appropriate, but as an example, it can be implemented by forming special groups SG for each capacity according to the number of requests for special user SU. Specifically, special matching is implemented by matching one special user SU with one less general user NU than the capacity, for each request from those general user NUs. Also, in quiz games, for example, if a request period based on a time limit is set, play by groups with fewer than the capacity may be permitted, and in this case, special matching may be implemented in special groups SG with fewer than the capacity when that period ends (time up).

[0051] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the role of a special user SU in a special group SG. The special group SG functions as a single unit for playing the quiz game, but within this special group SG, special users SU and general users NU are assigned different roles. The example in Figure 4 illustrates the roles of special users SU and general users NU in such a case. While each user U in the special group SG may play the quiz game using a single game machine 3, the example in Figure 4 shows a case where each user U plays the quiz game through separate game machines 3 connected via the network 5. General users NU and special users SU may be distinguished as appropriate, but one example is that they are distinguished based on the user ID requested at the start of play. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, special users SU and each general user NU play the quiz game through separate game machines 3, but a game screen 50 based on a common game situation is displayed on each game machine 3, and different roles are assigned to each of them on that game screen 50.

[0052] Specifically, each regular user (NU) is assigned the role of a contestant. A contestant's role is to act as a player in the quiz game, answering the quiz questions (actually playing the game). On the other hand, a special user (SU) is assigned the role of a moderator (host). The moderator is responsible for managing the quiz game. The moderator is granted the necessary moderation privileges to fulfill this role. These privileges include various permissions, such as the right to switch between different stages of the quiz game, or the right to access information necessary for the game's progress. A special user (SU) may serve as both moderator and contestant, or solely as moderator, but one example is that they function solely as moderator. Furthermore, as part of the aforementioned access privileges, special access privileges are included to access information that should not be disclosed to contestants, such as the correct answers to the quiz or hints. However, a special user (SU) may also participate in the quiz game as a contestant. In this case, their special access privileges are restricted. Specifically, in Survival Play, the special user SU generally functions as a facilitator, but in certain scenarios, they function as a solver, and their special access privileges are restricted. These specific scenarios will be described later in the details of Survival Play.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 5, we will explain the normal and special progression that occurs in a quiz game. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the difference between the normal and special progression in a quiz game. More specifically, the example in Figure 5 shows the flow of the normal and special progression in a quiz game. The special progression may be any appropriate progression that differs from the normal progression, and may include appropriate elements that differ from the normal progression, such as the number of questions asked, the time allotted for answering each question, the presence or absence of hints, the presence or absence of explanations, or the presence or absence of a prize corner (a process for giving prizes). As an example, it may include the same processes as the normal progression, but the content of some processes differs. The example in Figure 5 shows the difference between the normal and special progression in such a case. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the progression of the quiz game is switched between the normal and special progression depending on whether or not there is a special user SU in the group. Both the normal and special progression include five processes in order: various preparations, practice questions, actual questions, result tabulation, and result announcement.

[0054] The various preparations are the process of carrying out preparations to start the quiz game. Such preparations include, for example, sharing information about each user U belonging to the same group. They may also include various other elements, such as the opportunity to select the genre of questions (types of questions to be asked), if such selection is possible. Furthermore, the selection at the opportunity may be carried out as appropriate, for example, by majority vote, by the result of the initial selection by any of the users U in the group, or by the result of the selection by a representative.

[0055] The practice questions stage involves presenting quiz questions (questions that do not affect the score) as practice questions. The actual questions stage involves presenting quiz questions (questions that do affect the score) as the actual test. The actual questions stage may include an appropriate number of questions (quizzes), but one example is that it may include multiple questions. The results tabulation stage involves tabulating the scores (correctness of answers) for the actual questions. The results announcement stage is the process of announcing (sharing) the scores tabulated in the results tabulation stage to each user U within the group. Stages other than the actual questions stage may be omitted as appropriate, but as an example, in a normal run, these stages are executed in order according to predetermined rules via automatic control.

[0056] The rules for proceeding to each stage may be set as appropriate. For example, the rules may be set to specific game states (situational rules) corresponding to each stage, such as when a particular selection is completed or when the last question is presented, and the game may normally proceed to the next stage after each specific game state is completed. Alternatively, each stage may be provided according to a time rule (time schedule), such as the elapsed of a predetermined amount of time. In this way, the rules may be set as appropriate, but as an example, situational rules and time rules may be combined as appropriate. In other words, each stage is provided so that it proceeds to the next stage in order when a specific game state is completed, a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, or both of the above occur.

[0057] On the other hand, the special progression also includes the same steps as the normal progression, but differs from the normal progression in at least the steps of preparation, practice problems, result tabulation, and result announcement. Specifically, in the special progression, the transition to the next step (or the end in the case of result announcement) in the preparation, practice problems, result tabulation, and result announcement is not performed by automatic control according to predetermined rules, but by manual control based on progress instructions from a special user (SU). The role of the special user (SU) in the game may be set as appropriate, but as an example, it includes progress control of each step based on such progress instructions. Progress instructions may be performed as appropriate, for example, by voice input via microphone (MI), but are also performed via touch panel (TP) as touch operations corresponding to the progress instructions.

[0058] Furthermore, Special User SU may be assigned various other roles as appropriate, such as a leader in a Special Group SG. Such roles may include, for example, the Special User SU making various selections, applying various rules such as setting answer times (including shortening the answer time limit) when an answer time is provided for each question, or switching between questions when the actual test consists of multiple questions (in this case, talk may be intervened between questions). In addition to giving instructions, these roles may be assigned to Special User SU as appropriate, but as an example, the Special User SU may be assigned the role of selecting a genre when there is an opportunity to select a genre for the scope of the questions (it may be at least some of the questions), and the role of switching between multiple questions in the present test.

[0059] During the various preparation phases, for example, conversations such as self-introductions are permitted and facilitated by the Special User SU. If a genre selection opportunity is offered during the preparation phases, the genre will be selected by the Special User SU. Similarly, during the practice problems, various conversations, such as hints or conversations to help participants relax, are permitted and facilitated by the Special User SU. Likewise, during the results compilation phase, various conversations aimed at building excitement for the results announcement are permitted, and during the results announcement phase, various conversations such as summaries of the results and farewell remarks are permitted and facilitated by the Special User SU. In short, during the special facilitation, various conversations by the Special User SU are inserted as appropriate at each stage. These conversations are freely executed at the discretion of the Special User SU. Therefore, the end time is not uniformly set but is manually adjusted based on the Special User SU's instructions.

[0060] While dialogue may be implemented as appropriate in each stage, as an example, special user SU is provided with a communication (voice chat) function via game console 3. The communication function is for sharing audio input via microphone MI with other users U. Special user SU will engage in dialogue through this communication function in each stage of the special progression. Differences between the special progression and the normal progression may be implemented as appropriate, such as differences in the presence or absence of stages, for example, a gift corner being provided in the special progression after the results announcement, but this is one example of how it may be implemented.

[0061] Next, we will explain survival play with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Survival play is a type of play that includes multiple developments, and only users U who meet the participation conditions in each development can proceed to the next development. In other words, survival play is a type of play that provides multiple developments so that the number of users U playing gradually decreases. In action games, multiple battles, multiple stages, or multiple missions in which the number of players (users U playing the game) decreases sequentially can function as multiple developments, depending on the type of game, but in the case of quiz games, multiple questions function as such multiple developments.

[0062] Specifically, in a survival game, multiple questions are prepared that only users U who meet the participation requirements can answer, and these questions are presented in such a way that the number of general users NU who can answer gradually decreases. Such survival play is offered as one play style during the main question stage. Quiz games may offer various play styles (play formats), such as cooperative play and one-on-one competitive play, and these may be played as appropriate, but as an example, the play style is determined by the selection of each user U. In other words, various preparation stages include an opportunity to select the play style, and if survival play is selected at that opportunity, survival play will be offered as the play style in the main stage. Groups that play such survival play may be formed as appropriate through various matching methods, for example, through special matching, but as an example, they may be formed through normal matching (including matching by a normal matching service).

[0063] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a survival play session. Survival play may be provided similarly in both normal and special play sessions, but as an example, it may be provided to include different developments between the normal and special play sessions. The example in Figure 6 shows the flow of a survival play session in such a case. As shown in Figure 6, two types of quizzes are provided for survival play: normal questions and extra challenge questions. Normal questions are quizzes (questions) that are included in both normal and special play sessions. Normal questions are structured as a competitive play session in which general user NUs within a group compete for survival. For this reason, normal questions include multiple questions, and they are presented sequentially so that the number of participants (general user NUs who can answer) gradually decreases with each question. Normal questions may include an appropriate number of questions; for example, they may include a variable number of questions so that an appropriate number of questions are presented until the number of answerable participants (hereinafter sometimes referred to as survivors) reaches a certain number, but the example in Figure 6 includes 9 questions (a fixed number). In this example, the 9th normal question functions as the last normal question of the present invention. Furthermore, the appropriate standard questions from Question 1 to Question 8, and the subsequent standard question, function as the first and second developments of the present invention, respectively.

[0064] Each regular question may be presented in an appropriate format (including cases where the format differs between questions), for example, it may be presented in a way that ensures a winner is determined, such as one-on-one or multiple-on-multiple, but as an example, it may be presented in the same way to all participants. Furthermore, each regular question may be structured in a way that reduces the number of participants as appropriate (in other words, selects participants for the next question), for example, only the winners of a competitive format may be eligible to participate as answerers in the next regular question, but as an example, those who correctly answer each regular question presented in the same way to all participants will be given the qualification to participate as answerers in the next regular question. In other words, those who correctly answer each regular question will satisfy the conditions for participating in the next regular question.

[0065] Furthermore, all correct answerers may be eligible to participate in the next regular question (all correct answerers may meet the participation requirements), but as an example, only some of the correct answerers among all correct answerers may meet the participation requirements. Appropriate correct answerers may be selected as such some correct answerers, but as an example, correct answerers other than the correct answerer who answered the latest (hereinafter referred to as the last correct answerer) may be selected. In other words, among all correct answerers, correct answerers other than the last correct answerer will meet the participation requirements. This selection of some correct answerers may be applied regardless of the situation, but as an example, it will be waived if there is only one survivor remaining. In other words, in each regular question, only those who answer correctly can proceed to the next regular question, but the participants who actually proceed to the next regular question will be correct answerers other than the last correct answerer, except in the case of only one survivor.

[0066] Furthermore, as mentioned above, only eligible participants can answer each regular question. However, answers from the loser of the previous regular question (general users NU who cannot participate as answerers in the next regular question) are permitted in the next regular question. In other words, the loser of the previous regular question may simply function as a viewer in the next regular question, watching the quiz, the answers of other answerers, or talk by special users SU, but as an example, they are also allowed to answer questions themselves. This means that even if you are eliminated earlier than other general users NU, a certain range of gameplay is guaranteed. However, answers from losers are irrelevant to determining whether or not you can participate in the next regular question. In other words, answers to the quiz and the determination of correctness are performed, but these do not affect survival in survival gameplay.

[0067] Each regular question may be presented in an appropriate manner, but as an example, it may be presented in the following manner. Specifically, in the special session, the content of each regular question is first read aloud, and each respondent (general user) is required to press a buzzer button (for example, by touching a designated location). Once the buzzer button is pressed, the reading of the question stops, and each respondent is required to enter their answer. If the answer is finished, or if the time limit for answering has expired, each respondent waits for the other respondents to answer. It may take a long time until everyone has finished answering. The moderator (special user) is required to insert talk as needed to fill the time. Once everyone has finished answering (the answers of each respondent are not yet revealed), the correct answer and the correctness of each respondent's answer are announced. This process is carried out by the moderator. In other words, the moderator's guidance, including the insertion of talk, is carried out as needed, even while each regular question is being presented. After the announcement of the correctness, explanations and talk time by the moderator are inserted as needed. Afterward, the order in which the correct answerers buzz in is announced. The proceedings leading up to this announcement are also carried out according to the instructions of the moderator. Then, the participants (survivors) who advance to the next question are determined based on the buzzer order, and the regular questions for this round conclude. In contrast, in the regular proceedings, the improvisational role of special users (SU), such as inserting commentary, is omitted, and other instructions are handled by computer control. As an example, each regular question is presented in the following manner.

[0068] In a normal game, the survival play ends after the final normal question, which is question number 9. Survivors of question number 9 may or may not be awarded a reward, but as an example, they are awarded. In other words, participants who answer question number 9 correctly are awarded a reward. Various elements can be used as such rewards, but as an example, a title that indicates successful survival in the survival play is used. In other words, survivors of question number 9 are awarded a special title as a reward.

[0069] On the other hand, the extra challenge questions are quizzes that are only presented in special play scenarios, meaning they are only playable during special play. The extra challenge questions may be provided under appropriate conditions during special play, such as when the number of survivors in the regular questions reaches a predetermined number. As an example, the 10th question is provided only if there are survivors in the final regular question (those who answered the 9th regular question correctly; however, unless there is only one correct answerer, the person with the lowest correct answer count will be excluded). In this example, the presence of survivors in the final regular question functions as a predetermined play result of the present invention.

[0070] Furthermore, as mentioned above, while answers from losers are allowed in each regular problem, answers from losers are not allowed in the extra challenge problems. In other words, only answers from survivors and special users (SU) are allowed in the extra challenge problems. Answers from losers may also be allowed in the extra challenge problems, but as an example, answers in the extra challenge problems are restricted to survivors and special users (SU) as shown here.

[0071] Extra Challenge questions have different characteristics from regular questions. Specifically, in Extra Challenge questions, special users (SUs) also participate as answerers. In other words, in Extra Challenge questions, special users (SUs) play the role of answerers, just like regular users (NUs). In this case, special users (SUs) may only play the role of answerer, but as an example, they may also play the role of moderator, thus performing both roles. Furthermore, the role of moderator is the same as in regular questions, and special users (SUs) may play the same role as moderators in Extra Challenge questions, but as an example, there are restrictions on moderation privileges in Extra Challenge questions.

[0072] Specifically, the moderator, as described above, handles various aspects of the quiz, such as announcing correct answers and the order of buzzers, as well as inserting appropriate commentary. The moderator is granted moderation authority, which includes the power to perform these actions. In addition to these moderation authority, moderation authority may also include other various permissions as appropriate, but as an example, it includes special reference authority, as described above. In other words, moderation authority includes the power to access various information used for the quiz that cannot be disclosed to the contestants, such as answers or hints, in order to give hints to the quiz in the normal questions. Special user SU is expected to provide hints, for example, as a type of commentary, based on this information, until all contestants have finished answering. Furthermore, hints may be provided when the question is deemed difficult (for example, when there are many incorrect answers), while referring to the answering status of each contestant. For this reason, special user SU may be granted the power to refer to the answering status of each contestant midway through the quiz as part of special reference authority.

[0073] On the other hand, when a special user functions as a contestant, information that should not be disclosed to the contestant, such as hints, should be withheld. For this reason, in extra challenge questions, special access rights to information that should not be disclosed to the contestant, such as answers, hints, or the answer status of other contestants, are restricted compared to the progress rights in regular questions. All permissions may be restricted, and progress to various announcements may be implemented by computer control, but as an example, the permission to progress to various announcements and to insert talk as appropriate will remain with the special user SU. In other words, only some permissions that affect the correctness of the quiz, such as special access rights, are restricted, while permissions that do not affect the outcome are retained.

[0074] Extra Challenge questions proceed in essentially the same way as regular questions, except for restrictions on progress privileges. However, the format of Extra Challenge questions differs from that of regular questions. Specifically, Extra Challenge questions may be presented in a competitive format where all users U, including special users SU, compete against each other, just like regular questions. However, as an example, they may be presented as a competitive play type where a regular user NU competes against a special user SU. In other words, the competition format changes from a competition between regular users NU to a competition between a regular user NU and a special user SU. Also, while a buzzer system may be maintained in Extra Challenge questions, as an example, the buzzer system may not be applied, and the winner between regular user NU and special user SU will be determined based on whether the quiz is answered correctly or incorrectly. The winner and loser may be determined as appropriate. For example, if a regular user NU defeats a special user SU in an extra challenge problem, that is, if a regular user NU answers the problem correctly and special user SU answers it incorrectly (including cases where the answer could not be submitted within the time limit), all regular users NU (which may include regular users NU who dropped out during the regular problems, or only those who participated in the extra challenge problem) may be declared the winner. However, as an example, only the regular user NU who actually defeated special user SU may be declared the winner. The winner will be celebrated by the other respondents (which may be all regular users or other regular users who participated in the extra challenge problem), or awarded a crown to signify the honor of victory. Furthermore, the winner will be awarded a title as a reward for their victory in the extra challenge problem (victory against the special user). Such a reward may be awarded upon participation in the extra challenge problem, that is, upon the realization of the match against special user SU, or it may be awarded both upon participation and victory (separate rewards), but as an example, it may be awarded only upon victory. The special progression then concludes after the extra challenge problem. As an example, the survival gameplay might proceed in this manner.

[0075] Figures 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of game screens 50 for survival play. Specifically, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a game screen 50 for survival play when a normal question is presented. As shown in Figure 7, the game screen 50 for survival play includes a survivor count display area 51, an air area 52, a ground area 53, a question area 54, and a facilitator image 55. The survivor count display area 51 is an area for displaying the number of participants (survivors) who have the right to answer the currently presented question. In normal questions, only those who answer the current question correctly are given the right to answer the next question. The right to answer is the right to participate as a responder (participant excluding losers) in survival play. The survivor count display area 51 displays the number of survivors who have the right to answer, but in the example of Figure 7, the survivor count display area 51 displays the information "100 survivors" indicating that there are 100 survivors. The number of people forming a group can be set as appropriate, but as an example, in survival play it is set to 100 people (including special user SU). Also, this number of survivors may be displayed as the number excluding special user SU, but as an example, it is displayed as the number including special user SU. Therefore, the information "100 people alive" indicates the survival of all participants, including special user SU. The survivor count display area 51 may appropriately include various information such as information indicating the total number of questions (e.g., "10 questions in total"), information indicating which question number is currently being addressed (e.g., "Question 1"), and information indicating the correct / incorrect history for each regular question. In this example, 100 participants and 99 general users NU function as three or more users and two or more general users, respectively, according to the present invention.

[0076] Furthermore, the right to answer the next question may be lost after a single incorrect answer, but as an example, it may be maintained up to a certain number of incorrect answers. Specifically, each answerer is given a certain number of lives, which indicate the number of incorrect answers they can tolerate, and the number of lives decreases by one when they answer incorrectly. These lives decrease not only when answering incorrectly, but also, for example, when answering the latest (when they are the last to answer correctly). The right to answer is maintained until the number of lives reaches zero, and as long as a participant has the right to answer, they can participate as an answerer in the next regular question. In other words, even if an answerer answers incorrectly in the current regular question (an incorrect answerer) or is the last to answer correctly, as long as they have lives remaining, they do not lose the right to answer and can continue to participate as an answerer in the next regular question. In this case, even if an answerer answers incorrectly in the quiz, or is the last to answer correctly, if they have lives remaining, they meet the conditions for participating in the next regular question. The number of lives may be notified as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 7, it is displayed in the survival count display area 51 through the display of "LIFE" and the number of hearts next to it. This indicates that the number of remaining lives (rights to answer) for a general user NU (respondent) using the game screen 50 for survival play in the example of Figure 7 is two. In this case, the general user NU is allowed up to two incorrect answers. In this example, the number of remaining lives functions as the result of the play according to the present invention. Furthermore, the result of having remaining lives, and the participant with remaining lives, function as the victory and winner, respectively, according to the present invention.

[0077] The aerial region 52 and the ground region 53 are areas for creating the aerial and ground environments within the quiz game's game space, respectively. The game space for the quiz game may be constructed as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 7, it is constructed as a virtual stadium (virtual three-dimensional space) including these aerial and ground areas. Various objects may be placed in the aerial region 52 (the aerial area of ​​the game space) and the ground region 53 (the ground area of ​​the game space) as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 7, the avatar wipe image 60 (only a portion of the symbols are shown) is placed in the aerial region 52, and the avatar image 61 (only a portion of the symbols are shown) is placed in the ground region 53. Both the avatar wipe image 60 and the avatar image 61 are images that represent avatars (user characters) corresponding to participants in the quiz (regular questions). Each avatar may be uniquely set for each participant to identify them, but as an example, a certain number of avatars may be prepared, and an avatar selected from these may be used for each participant (resulting in some overlap among participants).

[0078] Avatar wipe image 60 is an image that displays a magnified view of the head of each avatar. Avatar wipe image 60 may be animated as needed, but as an example, it is displayed statically without animation. On the other hand, avatar image 61 is an image that shows the entire body of each avatar. Avatar image 61 is the avatar of each participant and moves as needed in response to the participant's actions. These avatar wipe images 60 and avatar image 61 may be used interchangeably as needed, but in the example in Figure 7, avatar wipe image 60 is used to represent all participants (excluding special user SU), and avatar image 61 is used to represent some of the high-priority participants among all participants.

[0079] Specifically, in the virtual stadium constructed as the game space, 99 avatar wipe images 60, each corresponding to one of the 99 general users NU, are placed in the air. However, since the game screen 50 for survival play is displayed as the result of a virtual camera capturing the virtual stadium, only some of the avatar wipe images 60 included in the virtual camera's shooting range (set by shooting conditions such as shooting direction and field of view) are displayed. On the other hand, the avatar images 61 are placed on the ground of the virtual stadium (the ground portion of the virtual stadium), but the virtual camera's shooting range is set to capture all the avatar images 61 on the ground. Therefore, the game screen 50 for survival play displays all the avatar images 61 located on the ground of the virtual stadium. An appropriate number of avatar images 61 may be placed in the ground area 53 (the ground of the virtual stadium), but in the example in Figure 7, six avatar images 61 corresponding to six participants are placed.

[0080] The participants whose avatar images are displayed as Avatar Image 61 (a select group of high-priority participants) may be set as appropriate, but as an example, they are set in the order of priority: Real Users, Survivors, and the results of the draw. Real Users are general users (NU) who are not so-called NPCs (Non-Player Characters). It is preferable that all 99 participants (excluding Special Users SU) be matched by general users (NU), but if 99 general users (NU) cannot be gathered due to, for example, a time limit, then priority will be given to the number of participants, and NPCs (computer-controlled characters) may be matched into the group. The condition of Real Users is intended to exclude such NPCs from being targeted for Avatar Image 61. Survivors are participants who have the right to answer, as mentioned above. In the first question of a normal problem, all participants are survivors, but as the problem progresses, the number of losers (participants who have lost the right to answer) increases. The condition of Survivors is intended to exclude as many of these losers' Avatar Images 61 as possible. The results of the draw are the result of randomly selecting all survivors. If there are more than six survivors, the number of avatar images 61 that can be placed in ground area 53 will exceed that number. The random draw condition is used to limit the number of target avatar images 61 to six.

[0081] Above each avatar image 61, an answer popup 63 (with only partial symbols) is displayed at appropriate intervals. The answer popup 63 is an object that pops up (appears) to display the answer of the respondent corresponding to each avatar image 61. The answer popup 63 may contain various information as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 7, it includes an answer field 63A, a correct / incorrect field 63B, and a name field 63C. The answer field 63A is the part that displays each respondent's answer (e.g., "December"). The correct / incorrect field 63B is the part that displays whether the answer is correct or incorrect (e.g., "INCORRECT"). The name field 63C is the part that displays each respondent's username (e.g., "ACTY").

[0082] On the other hand, the facilitator image 55 is an image representing the facilitator, that is, the special user SU. As the facilitator image 55, an avatar image 61 corresponding to the special user SU may be used, similar to the general user NU, but in the example in Figure 7, a photograph (upper body portion) of the special user SU is used. The facilitator image 55 may contain various information as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 7, it includes name information 55A ("Mr. A") indicating the name of the special user SU (which may be their real name, a name used in the game, etc.). Such a facilitator image 55 may be placed in an appropriate position; for example, it may be placed on the ground of the virtual stadium, similar to the avatar image 61, but as an example, it may be placed separately from the avatar image 61 in a predetermined position (for example, the lower left corner of the game screen 50).

[0083] The question area 54 is the area for displaying quizzes (questions) that are normally presented as questions. The question area 54 may contain various information about the quiz as appropriate, but it includes the reference information area 54A and the question area 54B. The reference information area 54A is the part that displays reference information about each quiz, such as the question number indicating which question the current question is ("Question 1"), the genre of the current question ("Lifestyle"), and the creator of the current question (for example, "Mr. A" indicating the special user SU who is the moderator). The question area 54B is the part that displays the question being presented. In addition, the correct answer popup 54C is displayed in the question area 54B at an appropriate timing, overlapping with a part of the question area 54B. The correct answer popup is an object that pops up to display the correct answer ("November") to the current question.

[0084] On the other hand, Figure 8 schematically shows an example of a game screen 50 for survival play when an extra challenge problem is presented. Components common to Figure 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figure 8 and their explanations are omitted. As shown in Figure 8, the game screen 50 for survival play of an extra challenge problem has an additional facilitator avatar image 65 compared to the case of a normal problem. The facilitator avatar image 65 is the avatar image 61 corresponding to the facilitator (special user). On the other hand, the display of the facilitator image 55 is omitted. In the extra challenge problem, the facilitator also participates as a respondent, so the facilitator avatar image 65 is displayed instead of the facilitator image 55. The facilitator avatar image 65 may be configured as appropriate, but in the example of Figure 8, it includes a photograph section 65A for displaying an image of the facilitator's head.

[0085] Furthermore, the game screen 50 for survival play of the extra challenge problems reflects the results of play in the regular problems as appropriate. Such play results include the survival status of each participant. The survival status of each participant may be reflected as appropriate on the game screen 50, but in the example of Figure 8, it is reflected in each participant's avatar wipe image 60 and avatar image 61. Specifically, the avatar wipe image 60 of a participant who has lost the right to answer (loser) is given an effect (e.g., a diagonal line to the right) indicating the loss of the right to answer (elimination or dropout). Similarly, the avatar image 61 of a loser is given the information "Dropout" above the name field 63C (the entire answer popup 63 may pop up when an answer is given, but as an example, the name field 63C is always displayed) to indicate that the person is a loser. On the other hand, survivors are not given such information. In other words, the survival status is notified through the addition of information (including effects) indicating a loser to the avatar wipe image 60 and avatar image 61. In the example shown in Figure 8, some survivors are located in the airborne region 52, while some losers are located in the ground region 53. The survivors in the airborne region 52 correspond to NPCs, and the losers in the ground region 53 correspond to real users. Therefore, the display is as shown due to the priority order.

[0086] In the survival game screen 50 for the extra challenge questions, other information such as the number of survivors ("10" indicating 10 people), the current question number ("Question 10"), or the correct / incorrect history (the number of "〇" indicating correct answers) is reflected in the survivor count display area 51. Similarly, there may be appropriate differences in the survival game screen 50 between the regular questions and the extra challenge questions, and in the example in Figure 8, there is a difference in the shape of the question area 54. As an example, in the extra challenge questions, a quiz game is realized through such a game screen 50. In this example, the four survivors (excluding losers and NPCs) corresponding to the four avatar images 61 placed in the ground area 53 function as the remaining general users of the present invention.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 12, the special matching process, progress support process, question switching process, and special question presentation process will be explained. The special matching process is the process for realizing special matching. Special matching can be realized as appropriate, but the example in Figure 9 shows a case where the same one special user SU is matched with a predetermined number of general users NU (the number obtained by subtracting one person equivalent to a special user SU from the total capacity) according to the number of requests. In addition, a request period may be set for special requests, but the example in Figure 9 shows a case where a predetermined capacity is set. In this case, when the number of special requests reaches the predetermined capacity, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the special matching process in Figure 9 and first obtains requests from each user U (S101). These requests include not only special requests (requests from general users NU) but also requests from special users SU.

[0088] Special users SU may participate in the quiz game as appropriate. For example, if special matching is achieved through a pre-registration service, a participation request may be sent from the center server 2 via email or other means of communication at an appropriate time between the start of the reservation service and the start of play, and special users SU may participate in the special matching based on that request. In other words, special users SU may make matching requests in response to various requests. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 may perform a process to determine whether a request has been made from special users SU at an appropriate time near the predetermined capacity, and if there is no request, it may request a request from special users SU via an appropriate means of communication. Alternatively, the game machine service management unit 24 may perform a similar request if the requests obtained in step S101 do not include a request from special users SU. In that case, the game machine service management unit 24 may also wait for a request from special users SU in step S101. On the other hand, special users SU may make matching requests in the same way as general users NU, waiting until the predetermined capacity is reached.

[0089] Next, the game machine service management unit 24 performs special matching based on the request obtained in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 first distinguishes between requests from special users SU and requests from general users NU. Next, the game machine service management unit 24 matches one special user SU with a predetermined number of general users NU in groups of a certain capacity, so that an appropriate number of special groups SG to which the special user SU may overlap are formed according to the number of requests from general users NU. For example, if the capacity is 100, a general user NU is randomly matched with one special user SU every 99 people, and the same matching for the same special user SU is repeated until the number of general users NU becomes zero. The predetermined capacity for special requests is set according to the capacity of the special group SG, but for example, if a special request is executed due to a time limit, the final matching may allow matching of fewer than 100 general users NU with special users SU. In other words, matching may be performed in such a way that the formation of special groups SG with fewer than the capacity is permitted. In this case, it is permissible to play with a group smaller than the maximum capacity, but as an example, NPCs will be added to reach the maximum capacity. For example, the game machine service management unit 24 will perform special matching in this manner.

[0090] Next, the game machine service management unit 24 provides the matching results from step S102 to each game machine 3 (step S103). Specifically, it provides information on the 100 users U (including special users SU) of the special group SG to which each user U belongs to the game machine 3 used by that user U. This information also includes granting progress privileges to special users SU. More specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 identifies the game machine 3 used by special users SU based on, for example, the user ID corresponding to special users SU, and sends the matching results so that they include predetermined information to allow progress only on that game machine 3, thereby granting progress privileges to special users SU. After providing the matching results, the game machine service management unit 24 terminates the special matching process. This realizes special matching. Specifically, depending on the number of special requests, duplicate matching of special users SU is permitted, and multiple special groups SG are formed to which the same special users SU belong more than once. In addition, only special users SU are granted progress privileges to advance the quiz game.

[0091] The progress support process is a process to assist special progress by a special user SU. The example in Figure 10 shows a case where a process is executed to share progress instructions (switching instructions) from the special user SU with each general user NU's game machine 3 as such assistance. When the game machine service management unit 24 receives information corresponding to a progress instruction (which may be executed as appropriate, but is permitted for a predetermined period such as at the start of the question presentation in the actual question process, or after the answer to the previous question has been announced) from the special user SU's game machine 3, it starts the progress support process in Figure 10 and first obtains the information of the transmitted progress instruction (step S201).

[0092] Next, the game machine service management unit 24 provides the progress instruction information obtained in step S201 to the other game machines 3 in the group (game machines 3 used by general users NU) (step S202). In other words, the game machine service management unit 24 transmits the progress instruction of special user SU to the other game machines 3 so that it can be shared by the game machines 3 used by general users NU. After this transmission, the game machine service management unit 24 terminates the progress assistance process. As a result, the progress instruction of special user SU is shared among the game machines 3 in the group. Based on this progress instruction, the quiz game proceeds on each game machine 3.

[0093] The question switching process is the process for switching between questions when multiple questions (quizzes) are prepared in the main question stage (including survival play). The example in Figure 11 shows the question switching process when questions are switched based on progress instructions from a special user SU in a special progression. In this case, when the progress control unit 39 receives progress instruction information from the game machine service management unit 24 (center server 2) via the process in Figure 10, it starts the process in Figure 11 and first acquires the transmitted progress instruction information (step S301).

[0094] Next, the progress control unit 39 executes a question switching based on the progress instruction obtained in step S301 (step S302). In other words, the progress control unit 39 switches the question to the next question in order to proceed according to the progress instruction from the special user SU. After this switching, the progress control unit 39 terminates the question switching process. This ensures that the actual question process proceeds based on the progress instruction from the special user SU, i.e., the switching of questions is realized.

[0095] The special question processing is the process for implementing extra challenge questions in survival play. The example in Figure 12 shows the special question processing when a special user SU participates in an extra challenge question as a respondent, with some of their progress privileges restricted. Furthermore, the example in Figure 12 shows the special question processing when a general user NU is granted a reward only when they defeat the special user SU in the extra challenge question. In such cases, the progress control unit 39 starts the special question processing shown in Figure 12 if there are survivors remaining after the final question of the normal questions (for example, question 9) in the special progress, and first determines whether the target user U (user U using their own game console 3) is a special user SU (step S401). This determination can be implemented as appropriate, but one example is that it is implemented based on the user ID that is requested to be entered when requesting a match. In other words, the progress control unit 39 determines that user U is a special user SU if their user ID is a user ID that indicates a special user SU, and determines that user U is not a special user SU (in other words, a general user NU) if their user ID is not such a user ID.

[0096] If user U, who is currently playing, is a special user SU (step S401: Yes), the progress control unit 39 restricts the progress authority of special user SU (step S402). In other words, if user U, who is currently playing, is a special user SU, restrictions are placed on their progress authority. Specifically, for example, if some of the progress authority of special user SU, such as switching questions, remains for extra challenge questions, the progress control unit 39 restricts the special reference authority, which is access to information that answerers would normally not be able to access, such as answers and hints, in order to prevent unfairness to the answerers' participation.

[0097] On the other hand, if the user U playing does not qualify as a special user SU (step S401: No), or after restricting progress privileges, the progress control unit 39 provides an extra challenge problem (step S403). In this case, the progress control unit 39 provides the extra challenge problem so that special user SU can also function as a solver. For example, such provision is realized through the game screen 50 in the example of Figure 8. That is, the progress control unit 39 provides the extra challenge problem by displaying the game screen 50 in the example of Figure 8 via the monitor MO.

[0098] Next, the progress control unit 39 determines whether or not the quiz (question) presented as an extra challenge question was answered correctly (step S404). If the quiz was not answered correctly, that is, if the answer given by the user U during play was incorrect (step S404: No), the progress control unit 39 skips the subsequent processing and terminates this special question processing. On the other hand, if the quiz was answered correctly (step S404: Yes), the progress control unit 39 proceeds to step S405 and, as in step S401, determines whether or not the user U during play is a special user SU. If the user U during play is a special user SU (step S405: Yes), the progress control unit 39 again skips the subsequent processing and terminates this special question processing. When terminating these special question processing, the progress control unit 39 may add appropriate termination animations, including the display of words of encouragement such as "Too bad."

[0099] On the other hand, if user U playing does not correspond to special user SU, that is, if user U playing corresponds to general user NU (step S405: No), the progress control unit 39 determines whether user U playing has defeated special user SU (step S406). Specifically, the progress control unit 39 first obtains the answer results of each user U provided via the center server 2, and determines whether user U playing has won based on those answer results. For example, the progress control unit 39 determines that user U playing has won if special user SU answered the quiz incorrectly (including cases where the answer could not be answered within the time limit).

[0100] If user U, who is currently playing, has not defeated special user SU (for example, if special user SU has also answered the quiz correctly), the progress control unit 39 skips the subsequent processing and terminates the special question processing for this session (step S406: No). In this case, an appropriate ending animation may be added.

[0101] On the other hand, if user U, who is currently playing, has defeated special user SU (step S406: Yes), the progress control unit 39 grants a reward to the general user NU, who is currently playing (step S407). Specifically, as an example of a reward, the progress control unit 39 grants a special title to the general user NU. In this case, an appropriate victory animation may be added to show the general user NU's victory. After granting this reward, the progress control unit 39 terminates the special animation processing for this instance. As a result, if there are survivors remaining after the final question of the regular questions in the special progression (for example, question 9), some of the progress privileges are restricted, and an extra challenge question is realized in which special user SU also participates as a respondent. Furthermore, if general user NU defeats special user SU in that question, a special reward (for example, a title) indicating that victory is granted.

[0102] As explained above, in this configuration, when the quiz game is played by a special group SG, a special user SU is formed within the special group SG who acts as a moderator with the authority to advance multiple quizzes in sequence, and a general user NU acts as a respondent who answers each quiz based on the progress made by the special user SU. On the other hand, in a survival play with special progression, if there are survivors remaining after the final question of the regular questions (for example, question 9), the moderation authority (special reference authority) is restricted, and an additional extra challenge question is provided in which both the special user SU and the general user NU can act as respondents. This makes it possible to have multiple questions where the special user SU acts as a moderator and questions where the special user SU acts as a respondent. Through these two types of questions, the special user SU can be made to take on both the role of moderator and respondent. Therefore, it is possible to balance the role of moderator and respondent for the special user SU, and in turn, improve the enjoyment of the game.

[0103] Additionally, while extra challenge questions are offered in Survival Play, Survival Play includes multiple regular questions, and only those with remaining lives can participate as answerers in the next regular question. The number of remaining lives decreases if a quiz is answered incorrectly or if the player comes in last place with the fewest correct answers. Therefore, the number of participants playing as answerers (survivors) in the next regular question can be gradually reduced based on the results of the previous regular question. This allows for the provision of multiple regular questions as a survival game where surviving until the final regular question is considered an achievement. Furthermore, only those who survive until the end of such regular questions are offered an additional extra challenge question. Thus, the extra challenge question can be used as a reward for surviving the final regular question (by answering correctly or retaining lives in the case of incorrect answers, etc.).

[0104] Furthermore, unlike general users NU who participate in the quiz game from game machine 3 installed in store 6, special users SU can also participate in the quiz game from game machine 3 installed in private facility 7. In other words, even if special users SU use a physically different game machine 3 from the one used by general users NU, survival play (special progression) including extra challenge questions can be realized. On the other hand, the installation of a device different from game machine 3 is permitted in private facility 7, and special users SU can participate in special progression through such a device. In particular, if special users SU are well-known users, participation from public facilities such as store 6 is often difficult, which may consequently hinder special users SU's participation in the quiz game. In this case, participation from game machine 3 installed in private facility 7 is permitted, which can encourage active participation by special users SU. In addition, a dedicated device tailored to the role of special users SU, or a device with fewer functions than general users NU's game machine 3, can be used as a game machine for special users SU. Through these measures, the entertainment value of the game can be further enhanced.

[0105] In the above configuration, the progress control unit 39 of the game machine 3 functions as the deployment switching means of the present invention by executing the procedure in step S302 of Figure 11. Furthermore, the progress control unit 39 of the game machine 3 functions as the deployment providing means of the present invention by executing the procedure in step S403 of Figure 12. On the other hand, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the authorization granting means of the present invention by executing the procedure in step S103 of Figure 9. Furthermore, the game machine service management unit 24 of the center server 2 functions as the information providing means of the present invention by executing the procedure in step S202 of Figure 10.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in forms that have been modified or changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in forms obtained by appropriately combining various technical means included in the embodiments described above and the forms that have been modified as described below. For example, in the embodiments described above, a special group SG is formed through special matching. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, a special group SG may be formed through normal matching. Specifically, as described above, a special user SU can be matched with other general users NU not only through special matching which is matched redundantly, but also through normal matching, but a special user SU may be set retrospectively in a group formed through a normal matching service. In other words, after a group is formed by a certain number of general users NU through a normal matching service, a special user SU may be set from the users U belonging to that group based on various special conditions.

[0107] In the above-described configuration, an extra challenge question is provided if there are survivors at the final regular question in a specially designed survival game. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. An extra challenge question may be provided unconditionally after the final regular question in a specially designed survival game, regardless of whether there are survivors or not. Similarly, an extra challenge question may be provided at an appropriate time. For example, an extra challenge question may be provided at the beginning of the survival game, or at an appropriate point in the middle (therefore, the name of the extra challenge question may be changed as appropriate). Furthermore, the timing of the provision of the extra challenge question may be set as appropriate based on various conditions such as randomness, a predetermined play situation, or designation by a special user SU (special operation). Moreover, an extra challenge question is not limited to survival play, but may be provided in any special configuration in which multiple questions are provided.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the special user SU plays the role of moderator in the extra challenge questions and other questions. In the extra challenge questions, some of the moderation privileges are restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the reference configuration, the special user SU's moderation privileges do not need to be restricted in the extra challenge questions. Specifically, for example, if the moderation privileges do not include special reference privileges, such restrictions may be omitted. In other words, if there are no privileges to access information that is undesirable for a contestant, such as hints or access to the correct answer in regular questions, the restrictions on moderation privileges in extra challenge questions may be omitted. Also, if a game other than a quiz game is provided, such as a fighting game with multiple matches, there may not be any privileges to access undesirable information in the first place. In such cases as well, the restrictions on moderation privileges may be omitted. As a result, the special user SU does not need to play the role of moderator.

[0109] In the above-described configuration, common progression is achieved among multiple special groups (SGs) by standardizing the problems. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, common progression may be achieved as appropriate by standardizing various timings, such as the timing of when each problem is presented, or by standardizing the format of the problems. Furthermore, in order to achieve common progression, special users (SUs) may be assigned various progressions that differ from those of general users (NUs) as appropriate. Moreover, such common progression may be appropriately removed in whole or in part from the special progression. For example, when survival play is played by groups formed by special matching, extra challenge problems do not need to be standardized among the special groups (SGs) to which the same special user (SU) belongs. Specifically, extra challenge problems may only be presented to the special group (SG) to which the same special user (SU) belongs, in which there are survivors remaining after the final problem of the normal problems (the conditions for presenting extra challenge problems may be as appropriate). In other words, differences may arise among the special groups (SGs) to which the same special user (SU) belongs, such as the presence or absence of extra challenge problems.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the processing in Figures 11 and 12 is performed by the game machine 3, and the processing in Figures 9 and 10 is performed by the central server 2. As a result, the game machine 3 functions as the game machine of the present invention, and the server device (including cases where it is realized by a combination of multiple server devices) functions as the game system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the central server 2 may perform all or part of the role of the game machine 3 (e.g., the processing in Figures 11 and 12). For this reason, if the central server 2 performs all of the processing in Figures 11 and 12, the central server 2 alone (including cases where it is realized by a combination of multiple server devices) may function as the game machine of the present invention. Alternatively, conversely, the game machine 3 in the personal facility 7 may perform all or part of the role of the central server 2 (e.g., the processing in Figures 9 and 10). In this case, the central server 2 may be omitted. The game machine 3 in the personal facility 7 may function as the game system of the present invention. Or, the game system 1 as a whole may function as the game machine or game system of the present invention.

[0111] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below. In the following description, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings are indicated in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms.

[0112] The present invention provides a game (3) that is played in units of a group (SG) including a plurality of users (U) and that provides a game that sequentially includes a plurality of developments, and comprises a development switching means (39) that sequentially switches each development based on the progress of the special user, so that a special user (SU) that functions as a facilitator having the authority to advance the plurality of developments in order in the game, and a general user (NU) that functions as a player who plays each development based on the progress of the special user, are formed in the group, and a development providing means (39) that provides a specific development as one of the plurality of developments in which the authority to advance is restricted and in which both the special user and the general user functions as a player.

[0113] According to the present invention, a group is formed consisting of a special user who functions as a facilitator, having the authority to advance multiple developments in sequence, and general users who function as players, playing each development based on the progress made by the special user. On the other hand, certain developments are also provided in which the authority to advance is restricted, and both the special user and general users function as players. This makes it possible to have developments in which the special user functions as a facilitator and developments in which the special user functions as a player in multiple developments. Through these two types of developments, the special user can be made to take on both the role of facilitator and the role of player. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a balance between the role of facilitator and the role of player by the special user, and ultimately improve the enjoyment of the game.

[0114] Each of the multiple developments may be configured as appropriate. For example, each development may be configured to be played by the same number of people (either all or some of the group). Alternatively, the number of players in each development may vary as appropriate. Such variations may include randomly increasing or decreasing the number of players in each development, or gradually increasing the number of participants, or increasing or decreasing as appropriate according to various rules. Similarly, the number of people in a group may be set as appropriate according to the configuration of each development. For example, the number of people in a group may be a small number, such as two, or a large number, such as one hundred. Specifically, for example, in one embodiment of the game machine of the present invention, the multiple users include three or more users each functioning as a special user and two or more general users, and the development switching means may switch the first development to the next development so that only general users whose play results in the first development meet the participation conditions function as players in the next development. In this case, the number of users who play the next development can be reduced based on the play results of the first development, so the number of users playing each development can be gradually reduced. This allows for multiple scenarios in the survival game, where surviving until the final stage is considered an achievement.

[0115] A specific development may be provided as part of a group of developments. For example, a specific development may be provided in the middle of a group of developments. Alternatively, a specific development may be provided at the beginning or end of a group of developments. Furthermore, a specific development may be provided unconditionally as part of a group of developments, or it may be provided only when certain conditions are met. Specifically, for example, in a configuration where only general users whose play results in one development meet the participation conditions function as players in the next development, the group of developments includes a group of normal developments for determining whether or not to provide the specific development, and the development providing means may provide the specific development after the last normal development if a predetermined play result occurs in the last normal development of the group of normal developments. In this case, the specific development can be used as a reward for the predetermined play result in the last normal development.

[0116] The format of play in each development may be as appropriate, for example, it may be provided so that each user in a group cooperates, or so that each user competes against each other. Furthermore, these formats of play may be common to all developments or differ from each other. In other words, all or part of multiple developments may include developments with different formats of play from other developments. The relationship between a special user and a general user in a particular development may also be either cooperative or competitive. For example, in an embodiment in which a particular development is provided when a predetermined play result occurs in the last normal development, the multiple normal developments are configured as competitive play between two or more general users, the participation condition is met when the play result of the first development is a victory so that only the winner of the first development can advance to the next development, and the particular development may be provided as competitive play in which a match is held between the general user remaining in that particular development as the winner of the last normal development and the special user. In this embodiment, the development providing means may also provide the particular development in such a way that if the remaining general user defeats the special user in that particular development, the remaining general user is granted a reward proving victory over the special user.

[0117] The games described above may be various types of games played in groups containing multiple users and containing multiple sequences of events. For example, the game described above may be a fighting game containing multiple matches in sequence. Similarly, the game described above may be an action game, role-playing game, or simulation game containing multiple stages or missions in sequence as multiple sequences of events. For example, in one embodiment of the game machine of the present invention, the game may be configured as a quiz game containing multiple questions, and each of the multiple questions may function as one of the multiple sequences of events.

[0118] Furthermore, the game system of the present invention is a game system (2) connected to the above-mentioned game machine via a network (5) and providing the game to the special user, comprising: an authorization granting means (24) that grants the progress authority only to the special user among the group such that the progress authority includes the authority to refer to information necessary for the progress of each development; and an information providing means (24) that provides the game machine with progress information to realize the progress so that the progress by the special user is reflected on the game machine.

[0119] In the aforementioned game console, a special user may use the same game console as a general user. On the other hand, according to the game system of the present invention, progress privileges, including the right to access information necessary for the progress of each development, are granted only to the special user, and progress information for realizing progress by the special user is provided to the aforementioned game console connected via the network. Therefore, the aforementioned game can be realized even when a special user uses a game console that is physically different from the game console used by a general user.

[0120] A special user may use the same type of game console as a general user, or a different type of game console (a game console with different functions). Furthermore, the special user's game console may function as the game system of the present invention, or a separate device (e.g., a server device) may function as the game system of the present invention. Specifically, for example, in one embodiment of the game system of the present invention, the game consoles include a regular game console used by the general user and a special game console used by the special user, with multiple game consoles used by multiple users connected to each other, the game being provided to the special user via the special game console, and the special game console being configured as a different device from the regular game console. In this case, a dedicated device specialized for the special user's role, or a device with fewer functions than a general user's game console, can be used as a game console for the special user.

[0121] On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause the computer (31) to function as each of the means of the game machine described above.

[0122] Furthermore, the control method of the present invention causes a computer (31) incorporated into a game machine (3) that is played in units of groups (SG) including multiple users (U) and provides a game that includes multiple developments in sequence, to execute a development switching procedure that sequentially switches each development based on the progress of the special user, so that a special user (SU) that functions as a facilitator having the authority to advance the multiple developments in sequence in the game, and a general user (NU) that functions as a player who plays each development based on the progress of the special user, are formed in the group, and a development provision procedure that provides a specific development as one of the multiple developments in which the authority to advance is restricted and both the special user and the general user function as a player. The game machine of the present invention can be realized by executing the computer program or control method of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 2. Center Server (Game System) 3 game consoles 5 Network 24. Game Machine Service Management Department (Means of granting authority, means of providing information) 31. Control Unit (Computer) 39 Progress Control Unit (Deployment Switching Means, Deployment Providing Means) U User NU General User SG Special Group (Group) SU Special Users PG2 Game Program (Computer Program)

Claims

1. A game machine that provides a game played in units of groups including a plurality of users and including a plurality of developments in order, A group forming means for forming, in the group, a special user who functions as a progress role having the right to progress the game in the game, and a general user who functions as a play role for playing each development based on the progress by the special user; Development providing means for providing, as one of the plurality of developments, a specific development in which the right to progress is restricted and both the special user and the general user function as the play role; A game machine comprising:

2. A game system that provides a game played in units of groups including a plurality of users and including a plurality of developments in order, A group forming means for forming, in the group, a special user who functions as a progress role having the right to progress the game in the game, and a general user who functions as a play role for playing each development based on the progress by the special user; Development providing means for providing, as one of the plurality of developments, a specific development in which the right to progress is restricted and both the special user and the general user function as the play role; A game system comprising:

3. A computer program configured to cause a computer to function as each means of the game machine according to Claim 1.

4. In a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game played in units of groups including a plurality of users and including a plurality of developments in order, A group forming procedure for forming, in the group, a special user who functions as a progress role having the right to progress the game in the game, and a general user who functions as a play role for playing each development based on the progress by the special user; A deployment providing procedure in which a restriction is provided on the progress authority, and a specific deployment in which both the special user and the general user function as the play role is provided as one of the plurality of deployments, A control method to be executed.

Images