System, method, and program for providing games

Abstract

To increase interest in a game.SOLUTION: A game providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a game to a user operating a player terminal 30 that is communicably connected via a communication network 20. The server 10 executes a first lottery to determine winning identification information from among multiple pieces of identification information with a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries, changes an area corresponding to the winning identification information to a winning area, and imparts a first reward according to the arrangement of the multiple winning areas becoming a predetermined pattern. Also, in accordance with the determination of the winning identification information, the game providing server executes a second lottery to determine whether or not to increase the number of remaining lotteries. Since the result is a winning, the number of remaining lotteries is increased, the player can enjoy obtaining a reward based on the arrangement of the winning area, while taking into account the increase or decrease in the number of remaining lotteries.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for providing a game.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for providing a bingo game using a computer have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an apparatus that receives information indicating an intention to participate in a game transmitted from a terminal device, sequentially distributes numbers to this terminal device, and provides a game in which the user wins when the distributed numbers form a predetermined arrangement pattern.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the conventional apparatus as described above enables a general bingo game to be easily enjoyed, since there is no novelty in the game design, the progress thereof may become monotonous. Therefore, an improvement in the interest in games such as the bingo game is desired.

[0005] One object of the embodiments of the present invention is to improve the interest in games. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by referring to the entire specification.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more computer processors and is a system for providing a game. The one or more computer processors perform the steps of presenting to a player a predetermined screen for playing the game, on which a game field is displayed with a plurality of regions corresponding to any of a plurality of different identification information; reducing the remaining number of lottery chances associated with the player and performing a first lottery to determine winning identification information from among the plurality of identification information; changing, in response to the determination of the winning identification information through the first lottery, the region corresponding to the winning identification information among the plurality of regions to a winning region; performing a second lottery to determine whether to increase the remaining number of lottery chances in response to the determination of the winning identification information through the first lottery, and increasing the remaining number of lottery chances if the result of the second lottery is a win; and awarding a first reward to the player when the arrangement of a plurality of winning regions in the plurality of regions forms a predetermined pattern.

[0007] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed by one or more computers and is a method for providing a game. The method includes the steps of presenting to a player a predetermined screen for playing the game, on which a game field is displayed with a plurality of regions corresponding to any of a plurality of different identification information; reducing the remaining number of lottery chances associated with the player and performing a first lottery to determine winning identification information from among the plurality of identification information; changing, in response to the determination of the winning identification information through the first lottery, the region corresponding to the winning identification information among the plurality of regions to a winning region; performing a second lottery to determine whether to increase the remaining number of lottery chances in response to the determination of the winning identification information through the first lottery, and increasing the remaining number of lottery chances if the result of the second lottery is a win; and awarding a first reward to the player when the arrangement of a plurality of winning regions in the plurality of regions forms a predetermined pattern.

[0008] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a game, and causes one or more computers to present to a player a predetermined screen for playing the game, the predetermined screen having a game field in which a plurality of regions corresponding to any of a plurality of different identification information are arranged; execute a first lottery for reducing the remaining number of lottery times associated with the player and determining winning identification information from among the plurality of identification information; change, in response to the determination of the winning identification information via the first lottery, a region corresponding to the winning identification information among the plurality of regions to a winning region; execute a second lottery for determining whether to increase the remaining number of lottery times in response to the determination of the winning identification information via the first lottery, and increase the remaining number of lottery times when the result of the second lottery is a win; and give a first reward to the player in response to the arrangement of a plurality of winning regions in the plurality of regions being a predetermined pattern.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention improve the interest in the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or similar components may be assigned the same reference numerals.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the configuration of a network including a game providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicably connected to a player terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In FIG. 1, only one player terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 can be communicably connected to a plurality of player terminals 30. The server 10 provides a game to a user who operates the player terminal 30. The game providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the system of the present invention.

[0013] First, the hardware configuration of the game providing server 10 will be described. The game providing server 10 is configured as a general computer. As shown in FIG. 1, it includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0014] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 15 and the like into the main memory 12, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured by, for example, DRAM or the like.

[0015] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator or the like. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. Further, the input / output I / F 13 includes an image output device such as a display and a voice output device such as a speaker.

[0016] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0017] Storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. Storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, Storage 15 has a player information table 151 that manages information about game players, a game progress management table 153 that manages the progress of the game, a game field management table 155 that manages the game field used in the game, and an object management table 157 that manages information about a predetermined object used in the lottery of winning identification information. A part of these tables may be integrated into one table or divided into a plurality of tables.

[0018] Also, for example, Storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program for causing the game providing server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a game. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the player terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42 described later.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the game providing server 10 can be configured using a plurality of computers each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the server 10 can be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0020] The game providing server 10 configured as described above has functions as a web server and an application server, executes various processes in response to requests from the terminal-side program 42 installed in the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data (for example, HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. On the player terminal 30, a web page or other screen based on the received data is output.

[0021] Next, the hardware configuration of the player terminal 30 will be described. The player terminal 30 is configured as a general computer and, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, GPU, or the like, reads various programs stored in the storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32, and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is constituted by, for example, DRAM or the like.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator or the like. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. Further, the input / output I / F 33 includes an image output device such as a display and a voice output device such as a speaker.

[0024] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and combinations thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0025] The storage 35 is constituted by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. Further, the storage 35 stores the above-described terminal-side program 42. The program 42 is configured as a web browser or other application (e.g., a game application), and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40 as described above.

[0026] In this embodiment, the player terminal 30 can be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, or a dedicated game terminal, etc.

[0027] The user (game player) of the player terminal 30 configured as described above can play the game provided by the server 10 by executing communication with the server 10 via the terminal-side program 42 installed in the storage 35 or the like.

[0028] Next, the functions of the game providing server 10 configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a game progress control unit 113 by executing instructions included in a program (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40) read into the main memory 12.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the game management function. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data, control data, etc. of various screens related to the management function to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the player via the screen output on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. corresponding to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and management of player accounts, etc.

[0030] The game progress control unit 113 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the game progress. For example, the game progress control unit 113 transmits screen data, control data, etc. of various screens for advancing the game to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to the operation input by the player via the screen output on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. corresponding to the result of the process to the player terminal 30.

[0031] In this embodiment, the game progress control unit 113 is configured to present to the player a predetermined screen for playing the game, which displays a game field in which a plurality of regions are arranged. For example, the game progress control unit 113 transmits the screen data, control data, etc. of the screen to the player terminal 30. The plurality of regions arranged in the game field are configured to correspond to any of a plurality of different identification information. The correspondence relationship between each region and the identification information is managed, for example, in the game field management table 155. The identification information includes, but is not limited to, for example, numbers, characters, and patterns.

[0032] In addition, the game progress control unit 113 is configured to execute a first lottery for reducing the remaining lottery times associated with the player and determining the winning identification information from among the above-described plurality of identification information in response to an instruction by the player, the passage of time, etc. The first lottery is performed, for example, according to the winning probability of each of the plurality of identification information. The winning probability may be the same value for all the identification information, or may be different values for at least some of the identification information. The remaining lottery times of the player are managed, for example, in the game progress management table 153. The first lottery is repeatedly executed each time there is an instruction by the player.

[0033] In addition, the game progress control unit 113 is configured to change the area corresponding to the winning identification information among a plurality of areas arranged in the game field to a winning area in accordance with the determination of the winning identification information via the first lottery. The state of each area in the game field (whether it is a winning area or not) is managed, for example, in the game field management table 155. In response to the change to the winning area, typically, the display mode of the area on the predetermined screen changes.

[0034] In addition, the game progress control unit 113 executes a second lottery for determining whether to increase the remaining number of lotteries in accordance with the determination of the winning identification information, and is configured to increase the remaining number of lotteries when the result of the second lottery is a win. The second lottery may be executed each time the winning identification information is determined (that is, when the first lottery is executed), or may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the winning identification information is determined.

[0035] In addition, the game progress control unit 113 is configured to give a first reward to the player when the arrangement of a plurality of winning areas in a plurality of areas becomes a predetermined pattern. For example, the plurality of areas in the game field are arranged in a grid pattern, and the first reward is given when the winning areas are arranged in a row in the vertical direction, horizontal direction, or diagonal direction. The first reward includes various types of rewards. For example, the first reward is configured as a reward (including items, coins, points, etc.) used in other games.

[0036] In this way, the game providing server 10 in the present embodiment executes a first lottery for determining winning identification information from among a plurality of identification information, along with a decrease in the remaining lottery times, changes the area corresponding to the winning identification information to a winning area, awards a first reward when the arrangement of a plurality of winning areas becomes a predetermined pattern, and also executes a second lottery for determining whether to increase the remaining lottery times in response to the determination of the winning identification information. Since the remaining lottery times are increased when the result is a win, the player can enjoy obtaining a reward based on the arrangement of the winning areas while considering the increase and decrease in the remaining lottery times. In this way, the server 10 improves the interest in the game.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the first lottery for determining the winning identification information may be configured to determine the winning identification information from among the non-winning identification information among the plurality of identification information. The winning status (presence or absence of winning) of each piece of identification information is managed, for example, in the game progress management table 153, the game field management table 155, or the object management table 157.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the plurality of areas in the game field may be configured to have areas corresponding to each of the plurality of identification information. For example, a plurality of areas of two or more predetermined numbers are configured to respectively correspond to the same predetermined number of identification information. Such a configuration can realize a good tempo of game progress because the area corresponding to the winning identification information determined through the first lottery is included in the plurality of areas.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the second lottery for determining an increase in the remaining lottery times may be configured such that the winning probability increases as the remaining lottery times at that time decrease. Such a configuration promotes the player with fewer remaining lottery times to continue playing the game.

[0040] Also, the winning probability of the second lottery may be made to vary based on the progress of the game. The progress of the game includes, but is not limited to, for example, the number of executions of the first lottery for determining the winning identification information, the change status of the winning areas in a plurality of areas (e.g., the arrangement status of a plurality of winning areas, etc.), or the awarding status of the first reward. Such a configuration makes it possible to vary the possibility of recovering the remaining number of lotteries based on the progress of the game.

[0041] Further, the game progress control unit 113 may be configured to increase the remaining number of lotteries along with the consumption (e.g., charging) of a predetermined value by the player. The predetermined value includes a real value (e.g., currency) or a virtual value (e.g., an item). Such a configuration enables the continuation of the game by consuming the predetermined value.

[0042] In the present embodiment, a second reward may be given to the player in response to the change of the area corresponding to the winning identification information to a winning area. The second reward may be the same type of reward as the first reward given in response to the arrangement of a plurality of winning areas becoming a predetermined pattern, or may be a different type of reward from the first reward. Such a configuration gives the player the pleasure of obtaining a reward corresponding to the change to the winning area.

[0043] In this case, each of the plurality of identification information has a parameter, and the second reward may be given based on the value of the parameter of the winning identification information. For example, the second reward varies in value (including the variation of the quantity) for the player based on the value of the parameter. The parameter includes the identification information itself. Such a configuration gives the player the pleasure of obtaining the second reward based on the value of the parameter of the winning identification information.

[0044] Further, each of a plurality of regions in the game field may have a parameter, and a second reward may be given based on the value of the parameter of the region corresponding to the winning identification information. For example, the second reward varies in value (including variation in quantity) for the player based on the value of the parameter. Such a configuration gives the player enjoyment regarding the acquisition of the second reward based on the value of the parameter of the region corresponding to the winning identification information.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the predetermined screen for playing the game can be configured to display a plurality of predetermined objects corresponding to non-winning identification information among the plurality of identification information in a state where the corresponding identification information is unrecognizable. In this case, the game progress control unit 113 can be configured to execute a first lottery along with the identification of one predetermined object included in these plurality of predetermined objects. The identification of the predetermined object is performed according to the selection by the player or automatically by the game progress control unit 113. Such a configuration enables the display of the object corresponding to the non-winning identification information when the first lottery is executed.

[0046] In this case, each of these plurality of predetermined objects may have a parameter, and a second lottery for determining an increase in the remaining number of lottery times may have a winning probability based on the value of the parameter of the predetermined object identified when the first lottery is executed. The parameter of such a predetermined object is managed, for example, in the object management table 157. Such a configuration gives the player enjoyment regarding the execution of the second lottery based on the value of the parameter of the predetermined object.

[0047] Also, the above-described second reward may be given based on the value of the parameter of the predetermined object specified when the first lottery is executed. For example, the second reward varies in value for the player (including the case where the quantity varies) based on the value of the parameter. Such a configuration gives the player a sense of enjoyment regarding the acquisition of the second reward based on the value of the parameter of the predetermined object.

[0048] In addition, the game progress control unit 113 may be configured to end the play of the game using the game field in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition includes, but is not limited to, for example, the condition that the remaining number of lottery times becomes 0, or the condition that is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game. Such a configuration creates a need to obtain the first reward before the play of the game using the game field ends, and as a result, can improve the interest in the game.

[0049] In this embodiment, the game field has a plurality of levels, and after the play of the game ends, the level of the next game field may be changed (leveled up or down) in response to the satisfaction of a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition includes various conditions, for example, conditions related to the progress of the game (such as the acquisition status of the first reward and / or the second reward, etc.). For example, the higher the level of the game field, the higher the difficulty of obtaining the first reward (in other words, the difficulty of the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas becoming a predetermined pattern), and the higher the value of the first reward. Such a configuration gives the player a sense of enjoyment regarding the level of the game field.

[0050] Next, a specific example as one aspect of the game providing server 10 of this embodiment having such a function will be described. In this example, the server 10 provides a bingo game for solo play where one person plays.

[0051] First, in this example, the information managed by each table will be described. FIG. 2 illustrates the information managed by the player information table 151 in this example. The player information table 151 in this example manages information regarding players of the game, and as illustrated, associates with a "player account" that identifies an individual player, and includes "basic information" such as an account name and date of birth, the number of coins (first and second rewards) that can be acquired through playing the bingo game, which is the "number of held coins", the number of consecutive times of play in which bingo has occurred, which is the "number of consecutive bingo times", and information such as the "bingo sheet level", which is the level of the bingo sheet (game field) used when playing the bingo game. The bingo sheet level is set to "1" as the initial value.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates the information managed by the game progress management table 153 in this example. The game progress management table 153 in this example manages information regarding the progress of individual games, and as illustrated, associates with a "play ID" that identifies an individual play of the game, and includes a "player account" that identifies the player of the game, the "remaining number of turns" (remaining number of lottery draws) indicating the remaining number of lottery draws (first lottery draw) for determining the winning numbers in the bingo game, the "remaining time", a "bingo occurrence flag" indicating that one or more bingo has occurred, and information such as the "number of acquired coins".

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates the information managed by the game field management table 155 in this example. The game field management table 155 in this example manages information regarding the bingo sheet used when playing the bingo game, and as illustrated, associates with a combination of a "play ID" that identifies an individual play of the game and a "mass ID" that identifies an individual mass (area) arranged on the bingo sheet, and includes the "arrangement position" indicating the arrangement position of the mass on the bingo sheet, the "number" indicating the corresponding (assigned) number (identification information), and information such as a "winning mass flag" indicating whether the corresponding number is a winning mass.

[0054] In the bingo sheet of this example, NxN cells are arranged in a grid vertically and horizontally, and in the arrangement position of the game field management table 155, a combination of the vertical position (row) and the horizontal position (column) is set.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates the information managed by the object management table 157 in this example. The object management table 157 in this example manages information regarding bingo balls (predetermined objects) used during the play of the bingo game. As shown in the figure, it manages information such as "type" indicating the type of bingo ball and "status" indicating the status of the bingo ball, in association with a combination of "play ID" identifying an individual play of the game and "ball ID" identifying an individual bingo ball in that play.

[0056] As described above, in this example, the information managed by each table has been explained. Next, in this example, the processes executed by the server 10 and the screens output on the player terminal 30 will be described.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processes executed by the game providing server 10 in response to the start of the bingo game in this example. First, as shown in the figure, the server 10 sets the bingo sheet and bingo balls and starts decreasing the remaining time (step S100).

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates a game screen 50 (predetermined screen) output on the player terminal 30 in response to the start of the bingo game. As shown in the figure, the screen 50 has a basic information display area 52 for displaying basic information of the game, a bingo sheet display area 54 for displaying the bingo sheet, a ball accommodation object 55 for accommodating the bingo balls used in the drawing of winning numbers, a reserved ball display area 56 for displaying four bingo balls used in subsequent draws, a winning number display area 57 for displaying the winning numbers, and a draw button 58. Below the winning number display area 57, a cannon object 571 having the appearance of a cannon is arranged.

[0059] The basic information display area 52 includes a remaining time display area 521 for displaying the remaining time, a remaining turn number display area 522 for displaying the remaining turn number, and a coin number display area 523 for displaying the number of acquired coins. These pieces of information are managed in the game progress management table 153.

[0060] In this example, there are multiple levels on the bingo sheet, and depending on the level of the bingo sheet, the initial values of the remaining time and the remaining turn number, as well as the number of squares on the bingo sheet, are different. The game screen 50 in FIG. 7 corresponds to the case where the level of the bingo sheet is "1". In this case, the initial value of the remaining time is 15 minutes, and the initial value of the remaining turn number is 15 times. The level of the bingo sheet applied to the player is managed in the player information table 151 as described above.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates the details of the bingo sheet display area 54 of the game screen 50. As shown in the figure, the area 54 displays a bingo sheet 541, and a plurality of squares 542 are arranged in a grid pattern on the bingo sheet 541. The level of the bingo sheet 541 in FIG. 8 is "1". In this case, a total of 25 squares, 5x5 vertically and horizontally, are arranged.

[0062] In the setting of the bingo sheet in step S100, numbers from 1 to the maximum value (the number of squares) are randomly assigned to a plurality of squares according to the level of the bingo sheet. For example, in the bingo sheet 541 in FIG. 8, numbers from 1 to 25 are randomly assigned to the 25 squares 542, and the corresponding numbers are displayed in each square 542. The numbers assigned to each square are managed in the game field management table 155 as described above.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates the details of the ball storage object 55 on the game screen 50. The ball storage object 55 has a spherical storage portion 551 and a support portion 552 that supports the storage portion 551. Inside the storage portion 551, a plurality of bingo balls 553 are stored. The bingo balls 553 stored in the storage portion 551 of the ball storage object 55 are, in the initial state immediately after the game starts, among the 25 bingo balls corresponding to 25 squares, the remaining 21 bingo balls excluding the 4 bingo balls arranged in the hold ball display area 56. Thus, in this example, the number of bingo balls is the same as the number of squares on the bingo sheet.

[0064] In this example, there are three types of bingo balls, and values of different parameters (acquired coin multipliers) are set for each type of bingo ball. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the three types of bingo balls. As shown in the figure, the set acquired coin multipliers are "1.0" for type A bingo balls, "1.5" for type B bingo balls, and "2.0" for type C bingo balls. These three types of bingo balls have mutually different appearances (for example, colors and patterns, etc.). Details of the acquired coin multipliers will be described later.

[0065] Here, the bingo balls 553 stored in the storage portion 551 of the ball storage object 55 have an appearance corresponding to their type, but their numbers are not displayed (no number is assigned to each bingo ball 553).

[0066] Returning to the game screen 50 in FIG. 7, in the hold ball display area 56, four bingo balls 561 used in the subsequent draws are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The four bingo balls 561 are arranged such that the bingo ball 561 with an earlier order of use in the draw is on the right side, that is, the rightmost bingo ball 561 is used in the next draw.

[0067] Here, the bingo balls 561 arranged in the hold ball display area 56 have an appearance according to their types, similar to the above-described bingo balls 553, but the numbers are not displayed (no number is assigned to each bingo ball 561).

[0068] In the setting of the bingo balls in step S100, in the object management table 157, the same number of bingo balls as the plurality of squares on the bingo sheet are registered, and the type and status of each of these plurality of bingo balls are set. The type of each bingo ball is randomly set by a lottery according to the winning probability for each type (type A has the highest probability and type C has the lowest probability). The status of the bingo ball includes "being held", indicating that it is held in the holding part 551 of the ball storage object 55, "first hold", indicating that it is arranged on the rightmost side of the hold ball display area 56, "second hold", indicating that it is arranged second from the right side of the hold ball display area 56, "third hold", indicating that it is arranged third from the right side of the hold ball display area 56, "fourth hold", indicating that it is arranged fourth (the leftmost side) from the right side of the hold ball display area 56, and "drawn", indicating that it has been used in the lottery of the winning number. At the stage of setting the bingo balls, a value corresponding to any of "being held", "first hold", "second hold", "third hold", and "fourth hold" is set.

[0069] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, after setting the bingo sheet and the bingo balls and starting to decrease the remaining time, next, while there is remaining time (NO in step S105), the server 10 waits for a lottery instruction from the player (step S110). The lottery instruction from the player is received according to the selection of the lottery button 58 on the game screen 50.

[0070] When a lottery instruction by the player (i.e., selection of the lottery button 58) is performed (YES in step S110), the server 10 decreases the remaining number of turns (step S120). Specifically, in the game progress management table 153, the remaining number of turns of the corresponding play is updated (decreased by 1).

[0071] Subsequently, the server 10 executes a lottery for the winning number and sets the winning square (step S130). Specifically, out of the plurality of numbers corresponding to the plurality of squares on the bingo sheet, one winning number is determined by lottery from among the non-winning numbers, and the square corresponding to the winning number is set (changed) as the winning square. The non-winning numbers are specified by referring to the winning square flag in the game field management table 155. Also, in this example, the winning probability of each number is the same value. Note that the winning probabilities of at least some of the plurality of numbers may be different from each other. According to the setting of the winning square, the winning square flag of the corresponding square is updated in the game field management table 155.

[0072] In this example, along with the execution of the lottery for the winning number, in the game screen 50 illustrated in FIG. 7, an effect display using bingo balls is performed. Specifically, the bingo ball 561 arranged on the rightmost side in the hold ball display area 56 is put into the cannon object 571, and an animation display is performed in which one bingo ball 553 (specified by lottery) is replenished to the leftmost side of the hold ball display area 56 from the ball storage object 55. After that, the winning number is displayed in the winning number display area 57 (see FIG. 11). Further, after that, the bingo ball 561 is fired from the cannon object 571, and an animation display is performed in which it lands at the position of the corresponding square 542 (to which the winning number is assigned) among the plurality of squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541 displayed in the bingo sheet display area 54. In response to the movement of these bingo balls 553 and 561, the status of the corresponding bingo ball is updated in the object management table 157.

[0073] Specifically, the status of the bingo ball that was "Pending 1st" is changed to "Drawn", the status of the bingo ball that was "Pending 2nd" is changed to "Pending 1st", the status of the bingo ball that was "Pending 3rd" is changed to "Pending 2nd", and the status of the bingo ball that was "Pending 4th" is changed to "Pending 3rd". Also, the status of the bingo ball replenished from the ball storage object 55 to the leftmost side of the pending ball display area 56 is changed from "Stored" to "Pending 4th".

[0074] FIG. 12 illustrates the bingo sheet display area 54 after the production display associated with the execution of the winning number lottery is performed. In the bingo sheet display area 54 in this state, as shown in the figure, among the plurality of squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541, the square 542A to which the winning number ("12" in the example of FIG. 12) is assigned is changed to a winning square, and a star-shaped winning object 543 indicating that it is a winning square is arranged in the square 542A.

[0075] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the winning number lottery is thus executed to set the winning squares, next, the server 10 awards a coin (second reward) associated with the setting of the winning squares to the player (step S140). Specifically, in the game progress management table 153, the number of coins acquired for the corresponding play is updated (increased by a predetermined number), and in the player information table 151, the number of coins held by the corresponding player is updated (increased by a predetermined number). In addition, in response to the awarding of the coin, a corresponding production display (for example, an animation display in which an object having the appearance of a coin is generated from the square 542 where the bingo ball 561 has landed) may be performed on the game screen 50.

[0076] In this example, the number of coins awarded along with the setting of the winning squares is determined based on the winning numbers themselves and the types of bingo balls used in the lottery (which are managed in the object management table 157). Specifically, the standard number of coins awarded increases as the numbers of the winning numbers get larger, and based on this standard number of coins, the number of coins obtained by applying the acquired coin multiplier according to the type of bingo ball used is awarded to the player.

[0077] Then, as a result of the setting of the winning squares, if bingo has occurred on the bingo sheet 541 (YES in step S150), the server 10 awards the player the coins (first reward) associated with the bingo (step S160). Specifically, in the game progress management table 153, the number of coins acquired for the corresponding game play is updated (increased by a predetermined number), and in the player information table 151, the number of coins held by the corresponding player is updated (increased by a predetermined number). According to the awarding of the coins, a corresponding effect display may be performed on the game screen 50. The number of coins associated with the bingo is predetermined. Bingo means that the winning squares are arranged in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. For example, in the bingo sheet 541 illustrated in FIG. 13, five squares 542 arranged vertically in the rightmost column are the winning squares, indicating that bingo has occurred. Note that in response to the occurrence of bingo, the bingo occurrence flag for the corresponding play is updated in the game progress management table 153.

[0078] Next, the server 10 executes a lottery for recovering the remaining number of turns (second lottery) (step S170). Specifically, a lottery is conducted to determine whether to recover the remaining number of turns according to a predetermined winning probability.

[0079] The winning probability of the lottery for remaining turn number recovery is corrected based on the remaining turn number at that time and the type of bingo balls used in the lottery of the winning number with respect to the standard value (for example, 30%). For example, when the remaining turn number at that time is within 2 turns, 10% points are added to the standard value of the winning probability. Also, for example, when the type of bingo balls used is type B, 5% points are added to the winning probability, and when the type of bingo balls is type C, 10% points are added to the winning probability.

[0080] And when the result of the lottery for remaining turn number recovery is a win (YES in step S180), the server 10 recovers the remaining turn number. Specifically, in the game progress management table 153, the remaining turn number of the corresponding play is updated (increased by 1).

[0081] And when there is a remaining turn number (1 or more) (NO in step S200), it returns to waiting for a lottery instruction from the player (step S110), and each time there is a lottery instruction from the player, a series of processes from the decrease in the remaining turn number to the recovery of the remaining turn number when the result of the lottery for remaining turn number recovery is a win are repeatedly performed (steps S120 to S190).

[0082] When the remaining time runs out (YES in step S105) or the remaining number of turns runs out (YES in step S200), the server 10 ends the play of the current game and updates the bingo sheet level (step S210). Specifically, in the play of the current game (the current bingo sheet), if bingo has occurred (determined by referring to the bingo occurrence flag in the game progress management table 153), the consecutive bingo count in the player information table 151 is updated (increased by 1). When the consecutive bingo count reaches a threshold (for example, 3 times), the level of the bingo sheet is incremented (level up). On the other hand, if bingo has not occurred in the current game play, the consecutive bingo count is cleared to 0 and the level of the bingo sheet is decremented (level down). When the level of the bingo sheet increases, the initial values of the remaining time and the remaining number of turns are changed (for example, increased), and the number of squares arranged on the bingo sheet is also changed (for example, increased). When playing the next game, the updated bingo sheet level is applied.

[0083] In the example described above, in the setting of the bingo sheet, numbers from 1 to the maximum value (the number of squares) are randomly assigned to a plurality of squares according to the level of the bingo sheet. However, the maximum value of the numbers may be set larger than the number of squares. In this case, for example, for 25 squares, 25 numbers randomly selected from the numbers from 1 to 100 are assigned. In this way, a bingo sheet with a large number assigned is advantageous for the player (the amount of coins given with the setting of the winning squares increases as the number of the winning number increases), so the hit or miss of the bingo sheet occurs, improving the interest in the game. Also, when setting the bingo sheet, one or more squares (for example, the central square) may be set as the winning squares from the beginning.

[0084] In the example described above, the coins held by the player are used in other games other than the bingo game, for example, for purchasing items and the like. Other games include various types of games.

[0085] In the above example, when the player gives an instruction to draw the winning numbers, the player may be able to specify the acquired coin multiplier. Such specification of the acquisition multiplier may be performed, for example, with the consumption of a predetermined number of coins. In this case, the quantity of coins given along with the setting of the winning square is applied with the acquired coin multiplier specified by the player in addition to the acquired coin multiplier corresponding to the type of bingo ball.

[0086] In the above example, the number of bingo balls (the number of numbers to be drawn) is set to be the same as the number of squares on the bingo sheet, but the number of bingo balls may be larger than the number of squares. In this case, if there is no square on the bingo sheet corresponding to the determined winning number, no coins will be given along with the setting of the winning square.

[0087] In the above example, the winning probability of the draw for restoring the remaining turns is subject to correction based on the remaining turns at that time and correction based on the type of bingo ball. However, instead of or in addition to such corrections, corrections based on the progress of the bingo game (the number of times of drawing for determining the winning numbers, the arrangement status of the winning squares, and the status of coin acquisition, etc.) may be made.

[0088] In the above example, immediately after the remaining turns run out or at an arbitrary timing, the player may increase the remaining turns with the consumption of a predetermined value (for example, real currency, or coins or other items, etc.). Also, the remaining turns may be increased according to the passage of time (for example, it is restored once every minute). By doing so, even if the remaining turns run out, as long as there is remaining time, the player can continue to play the bingo sheet at that time by consuming a predetermined value or restoring the remaining turns due to the passage of time. For example, a player aiming for the occurrence of bingo multiple times (and the accompanying coin acquisition) has an incentive for such restoration of the remaining turns.

[0089] In the above-described example, the same type of reward (coins) is given to the player along with the setting of the winning cell and with bingo, but different types of rewards may be given. Also, the reward associated with the setting of the winning cell may not be given.

[0090] In the above-described example, the number of coins given along with the setting of the winning cell may be based on a parameter associated with the winning cell (for example, the type of cell). For example, when the cell located at the center among a plurality of cells becomes the winning cell, the number of coins given may be increased. Also, based on such a parameter associated with the winning cell, a special effect (for example, an effect of additionally changing other cells to winning cells, etc.) may be generated.

[0091] The game providing server 10 according to the present embodiment described above executes a first lottery for determining winning identification information from among a plurality of identification information (for example, numbers) as the remaining number of lottery times (for example, the remaining number of turns) decreases, changes the area (for example, a cell) corresponding to the winning identification information to a winning area, gives a first reward (for example, coins) when the arrangement of a plurality of winning areas becomes a predetermined pattern (for example, an arrangement pattern in a row, etc.), and also executes a second lottery for determining whether to increase the remaining number of lottery times in response to the determination of the winning identification information, and increases the remaining number of lottery times when it is a win. Therefore, the player can enjoy obtaining the reward based on the arrangement of the winning areas while considering the increase and decrease of the remaining number of lottery times. In this way, the server 10 improves the interest in the game.

[0092] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the game providing server 10 in the above-described embodiment can be realized by the cooperation of the game providing server 10 and the player terminal 30, or can be realized by the player terminal 30. That is, the system of the present invention can be constituted by the game providing server 10, or can be constituted by the game providing server 10 and the player terminal 30, or can be constituted by the player terminal 30.

[0093] The processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented by implementing the logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memories, non-volatile memories, and magnetic disks. Also, the processes and procedures described in this specification can be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed on various computers.

[0094] Even if it is described that the processes and procedures described in this specification are executed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures can be executed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described in this specification can be realized by integrating them into fewer components or decomposing them into more components.

[0095] In this specification, when a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without being limited to either singular or plural, unless the context requires otherwise, the component can be either singular or plural.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 10 Game Providing Server 11 Computer Processor 111 Management Function Control Unit 113 Game Progress Control Unit 15 Storage 151 Player Information Table 153 Game Progress Management Table 155 Game Field Management Table 157 Object Management Table 30 Player terminal 40 Server-side program 42 Terminal-side program 50 Game screen 541 Bingo sheet 542 Square 553 Bingo ball 561 Bingo ball

Claims

[Claim 1] A system for providing games, comprising one or more computer processors, The steps include presenting to the player a predetermined screen for playing the game, which displays a game field in which multiple areas corresponding to any of a plurality of mutually different identification pieces of information are arranged, The steps include: reducing the remaining number of draws associated with the player and performing a first draw to determine the winning identification information from the plurality of identification information; In response to the determination of the winning identification information via the first lottery, the step of changing the area corresponding to the winning identification information among the plurality of areas to a winning area, The steps include: performing a second lottery to determine whether or not to increase the remaining number of lottery draws in response to the determination of the winning identification information via the first lottery; and increasing the remaining number of lottery draws if the result of the second lottery is a win; The process involves the steps of: granting a first reward to the player in accordance with the arrangement of multiple winning areas in the multiple areas to a predetermined pattern; system.

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