Server system and providing method

Abstract

To propose a setup capable of realizing fun that can be enjoyed in an actual business game device in which a situation of a game, such as a crane game and a pusher game, changes in a virtual game play.SOLUTION: Other players 5d can view a game situation of a virtual game device in which a player 5c is playing a game and can reserve a game play in the virtual game device. When other players view a game situation in the virtual game device, a viewing mark 36 for showing that the other players are viewing the game situation is displayed along with the number of viewing people 37 on a game screen W3 of the player 5c who is playing a game in the virtual game device. When a game play in the virtual game device is reserved, a reservation mark for showing that other players reserved the game play is displayed along with the number of reserved people on a game screen of a player who is playing a game in the virtual game device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system that is communicatively connected to a player terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Games that are enjoyed by connecting to a game server via a network such as the Internet have been known for some time, and in recent years, so-called social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service) have become increasingly popular (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-206823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, most social games have been designed to be played on mobile devices such as smartphones, and they often feature gameplay that involves repeated, relatively short sessions, allowing players to play at their convenience.

[0005] On the other hand, commercial game machines, such as crane games, in which players can win real prizes, and commercial medal game machines (pusher games) in which a large number of real medals are placed in a game space and moved by a pusher mechanism, are also popular. Therefore, if we try to virtually realize gameplay on such commercial game machines in a social game, it is thought that the repetitive gameplay specifications would be suitable for social games.

[0006] However, commercial game machines have the added benefit of changing the game situation, such as the placement of prizes and medals, with each game play, and allowing an unspecified number of players to play, so that the game can be started with the previous player's game situation intact. Therefore, if each game play starts from the initial state, or if the game play can be saved and the player can continue playing from the previous point at any time, the entertainment value of commercial game machines is reduced by half compared to actual commercial game machines.

[0007] Furthermore, with commercial game machines, players may encounter situations such as other players watching or waiting their turn. While players want to achieve good results while playing the game, they also experience the pressure of knowing that if they fail, their game status will be passed on to other players. These situations are also part of the fun of playing commercial game machines.

[0008] The present invention was devised in light of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to propose a system that can realize the fun that can be experienced in actual commercial game machines with changing game situations, such as crane games and pusher games, through virtual game play. A second purpose is to add a unique interest that can only be found in virtual game play, while maintaining the fun of actual commercial game machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first invention to solve the above problem is: A server system (e.g., game server 100 in FIG. 1) that can communicate with a plurality of player terminals (e.g., player terminal 2000 in FIG. 1), changes the game situation for each game play in accordance with operation inputs at one player terminal, and controls execution of a game in which the previous game situation is carried over to the next game play, a view request notification means (for example, the view management unit 226 of FIG. 13) for, when a view request for the game status of a game being played by one player is received from another player while the game is being played by the player, notifying the player terminal of the player currently playing the game that the view request has been made; a game status disclosure means (for example, the view management unit 226 in FIG. 13) for disclosing the game status of the one player in response to the view request; It is a server system equipped with:

[0010] According to this first aspect of the invention, in a game in which the game status changes with each play, the game status from each play is carried over to the next play. Furthermore, if another player requests to view the game while one player is playing the game, the player is notified of this request, and the game status of the first player's game play is made public to the other players. In other words, the game status created by the player is public, and the player is aware of the presence of other players watching the player's game play. Therefore, if the player does not want the game status to be carried over to the other players, the player must continue playing the game. This feeling is similar to that of playing a game on an actual commercial game machine, and can foster the feeling of playing a game in front of spectators on an actual commercial game machine.

[0011] As a second invention, in the first invention, the spectator presence notification means causes the player terminal to display information according to the number of players who have viewed the game; A server system may also be configured.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the invention, a display according to the number of players viewing the game is displayed on the player terminal of each player. Therefore, even though there are no other players around the player in the real world, the player can visually sense not only the presence or absence of spectators but also the number of spectators, which gives the player a sense of pressure with each game play, just as if they were playing an actual arcade game machine.

[0013] As a third invention, in the first or second invention, a reservation registration means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for registering a reservation for the next game play of one player by another player while the one player is playing a game; The server system may further include:

[0014] According to the third aspect of the present invention, while one player is playing a game, other players can make a reservation registration, thereby simulating the waiting-for-turn phenomenon of game play on a commercial game device.

[0015] In addition, as a fourth invention, in the third invention, a reservation registration notifying means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for notifying the one player that the reservation registration has been made by the reservation registration means; The server system may further include:

[0016] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when a reservation registration is made, the first player is notified. In other words, from the first player's perspective, he or she is aware that other players are waiting in line after his or her game play, which gives the player the same sensation as when waiting in line on an actual commercial game machine.

[0017] Further, as a fifth invention, in the fourth invention, the reservation registration notification means causes the player terminal to display information according to the number of players who have made reservations; A server system may also be configured.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a display according to the number of players who have made reservations is displayed on the player terminal of each player. Therefore, from the perspective of each player, even though there are no other players around them in the real world, there is a queue of players waiting after their turn to play a game, and the player can visually sense the number of people waiting, so the player can feel the pressure of each game play, just as if they were playing an actual commercial game machine.

[0019] In addition, as a sixth invention, there is provided a server system according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, a reservation fulfillment availability notifying means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for notifying the player terminals of the players who made the reservations that the game is now available for play, in accordance with the order of registration by the reservation registration means, after the one player has finished playing the game; The server system may further include:

[0020] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, after one player has finished playing the game, the player who made the reservation is notified that the game is available for play, so the player who made the reservation can start playing the game promptly. This creates a situation similar to that of an actual arcade game machine, where after one player has finished playing the game, a player who was waiting in line takes over and starts playing the next game.

[0021] Further, as a seventh invention, there is provided a server system according to the sixth invention, further comprising priority acceptance means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 of FIG. 13) for accepting game play requests from said one player on a priority basis during a given priority acceptance period from the start of game play by said one player; the reservation fulfillment availability notifying means notifies the player terminal of the player who made the reservation that the game is now available for play after the priority acceptance period has elapsed; A server system may also be configured.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, after one player has finished playing the game, the player who made the reservation after the priority acceptance period has elapsed is notified that game play is now possible. That is, after the end of a game play, the player can decide whether or not to continue with the next game play during the priority acceptance period in which game play requests are accepted with priority.

[0023] In addition, as an eighth invention, in the first to seventh inventions, Executing a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game as the game; A server system may also be configured.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as a game. Such games aim to achieve an objective of winning prizes, medals, or other game media by playing the game multiple times in a row, and a technique of encouraging game play by resetting the game situation, such as the placement positions of game media in the game space, over time works effectively.

[0025] In addition, as a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions, the game execution control means causes the player terminal to execute the game; A server system may also be configured.

[0026] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the game is executed on the player terminals, and therefore, processing related to the progress / situation changes of the game can be executed on the player terminal side, thereby distributing and reducing the load on the server system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of the game system. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of a player terminal. [Figure 3] An example of a game screen. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of game status transfer. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of viewing the game status. [Figure 6] An example of the game screen when a reservation is made. [Figure 7] An example of the next screen after the game ends. [Figure 8] 10 shows an example of a game device list screen. [Figure 9] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 10] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 11] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 12] An example of a viewing screen. [Figure 13] Functional configuration diagram of the game server. [Figure 14] 10 shows an example of the data structure of player management data. [Figure 15] 10 shows an example of the data structure of virtual game device management data. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a player terminal. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of the viewing and reservation management process on the game server. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart of a virtual game device management process in the game server. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart of processing in a player terminal. [Figure 20] Continuation of the flowchart in Figure 19. [Figure 21] 10 is another example of a game device list screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where a crane game is executed in a network game system will be described, but the applicable embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0029] [Overall configuration] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system in this embodiment. The game system is configured with a game server 1000 connectable to a communication line 1 and a player terminal 2000 provided for each player. The communication line 1 refers to a communication path over which data communication is possible. In other words, the communication line 1 includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0030] The game server 1000 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc., and can provide various services for operating the network game of this embodiment and distribute client programs, data, etc. necessary for running the game.

[0031] The player terminal 2000 is a computer, such as an electronic device realized by a smartphone, a portable game device, a home game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, etc. The player terminal 2000 can connect to the communication line 1 via a mobile phone base station, a wireless communication base station, etc., and perform data communication with the game server 1000.

[0032] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smartphone, which is an example of a player terminal 2000. The player terminal 2000 includes a directional input key 2002, a home key 2004, a touch panel 2006, a speaker 2010, a microphone 2012, a GPS antenna 2014, a control board 2018, and a memory card reader 2030 that can read and write data from and to a memory card 2032, which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, the player terminal 2000 is provided with a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc., which are not shown.

[0033] The control board 2018 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, ASIC, and various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM. The control board 2018 is also equipped with a wireless communication module 2020 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station, and a GPS module 2022. The control board 2018 is also equipped with so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 2002 and the home key 2004, a driver circuit for the touch panel 2006, a circuit for generating a signal of the sound collected by the microphone 2012, and a signal input / output circuit for the memory card reader 2030. These elements equipped on the control board 2018 are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals.

[0034] [Game Overview] In the game system of this embodiment, a crane game is played. This crane game is configured as a virtual reproduction of a crane game machine, which is an arcade game machine installed in an actual game arcade or the like.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an example of a game screen W1 displayed on the player terminal 2000. The game screen W1 displays the game space (play space) of a virtual crane game machine (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual game machine"). One large prize 14 is placed approximately in the center of a field 12 within the game space, and many small prizes 16 are placed around the large prize 14. The large prize 14 and the small prizes 16 are collectively referred to as prizes. These prizes can also be called game media. An opening, a prize drop opening 18, is formed in front of the field 12, and a chucker 20 is provided in this prize drop opening 18 to detect prizes that fall. However, since this is a virtual chucker 20, in actual internal calculations, the chucker 20 detects a prize when it passes a predetermined position.

[0036] A crane device 22 for grabbing prizes is provided above the game space. The crane device 22 has a main body 22a that can move in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, and a pair of arms 22b that are attached to the bottom of the main body 22a and operate to pinch the prizes from the left and right.

[0037] Furthermore, a roulette 24 is provided at the back of the game space. When the chucker 20 detects a prize falling, a lottery is held by the roulette 24, and if the numbers match, the player wins and receives a predetermined prize. The prize here is something that is advantageous for winning a prize. For example, this relates to the settings of the crane device 22, such as increasing the force (arm force) with which the arms 22b grip the prize, narrowing the width (arm width) over which the arms 22b close, or widening the width of the claws at the tips of the arms 22b.

[0038] At the bottom of the game screen W1, operation icons 30 for operating the crane device 22 are displayed. The player operates the operation icons 30 to operate the crane device 22, just as in an actual crane game device, and aims to drop the large prize 14 into the prize drop hole 18 and obtain it. For example, a first operation moves the main body 22a backward to position it in the front-to-back direction, and a second operation moves each of the left and right arms 22b toward the center to determine the left-to-right width of the left and right arms 22b. This completes the player's operation input. Then, the main body 22a descends to a predetermined height, and each of the left and right arms 22b further closes (moves) toward the center by a predetermined width (predetermined movement amount). Then, while maintaining the distance between the left and right arms 22b, the main body 22a rises, moves toward the player, returns to its original position, and then the arms 22b open. This series of operations is automatically executed.

[0039] The operations of these game devices, particularly the operation of the crane device 22 and calculations for prize placement, are performed as virtual simulations. For example, a virtual weight is set in advance for each prize, and the arm forces of the left and right arms 22b are also set virtually. Then, using known physical calculation processing, calculations are made for the gripping of the arms 22b, the movement and falling of the prizes, interference between prizes, and so on.

[0040] Also displayed at the top of the game screen W1 are a viewpoint switching icon 32 for switching the viewpoint from which the game space is viewed, and the number of tickets 34 held by the player.

[0041] Three viewpoints are set to view the game space of the virtual game device, for example, from the front, the right side, and the left side, and by operating the viewpoint switching icon 32, the display switches to a game screen W1 showing the game space from each viewpoint.

[0042] The number of tickets 34 is displayed along with the maximum number of tickets that can be held (MAX). Tickets are virtual gaming media that can be used in the game, and one game play can be performed by using (consuming) one ticket. Tickets increase (recover) by one ticket every time a predetermined recovery time (e.g., 60 minutes) has passed, up to a predetermined maximum number of tickets. Tickets can also be obtained by paying without waiting for recovery over time, or by using a predetermined paid item.

[0043] In addition, the crane game of this embodiment is configured such that multiple virtual game machines are prepared (installed) and shared by multiple players, just like in an actual game arcade, etc. In other words, a player selects an available virtual game machine (one on which no other player is playing) from among the multiple virtual game machines and plays the game.

[0044] Furthermore, the game status at the end of a game play on a certain virtual game device is carried over to the next game play on that virtual game device. Here, the game status represents the state of the game space, specifically, the placement positions of each prize, and the settings of the arm strength, arm width, claw size, etc. of the crane device 22. If a bonus is won by the roulette 24 during that game play, the game status at the end of the game play is the state in which that bonus is applied.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the handover of the game status. As shown in FIG. 4, when game play by player 5a ends on a certain virtual game device, a priority acceptance period is set starting from the end time t2 of that play. During the priority acceptance period, only the player who played the game immediately before (the last player) can play the game on that virtual game device. In other words, when a play request is made by the last player during the priority acceptance period, game play begins by taking over the game status at the end of the previous game play. On the other hand, if the priority acceptance period ends before the last player has started playing the game, that virtual game device becomes available, and all players can play the game.

[0046] Furthermore, a reset waiting period (reset time condition) is set starting from the end time t2 of the game play. This reset waiting period is set to be longer than the priority acceptance period and shorter than the recovery time required for one ticket to be increased (recovered). If the reset waiting period ends without any player starting game play, the game status of that virtual game device is reset to its initial state. By setting the reset waiting period to be longer than the priority acceptance period, players other than the last player can also start their next game play by inheriting the game status at the end of the last game play.

[0047] The game status of the virtual game device is made public so that any player can view it. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating viewing of the game status. In the example shown in Figure 5, a player 5c is playing a game on a certain virtual game device, and another player 5d is viewing the game status.

[0048] At this time, on the game screen W3 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of player 5c who is playing the game, a viewing mark 36 indicating that other players are viewing the game is displayed together with a number of viewers 37 indicating the number of players viewing the game.

[0049] Furthermore, a viewing screen W5 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the viewing player 5d (viewing player) displays a game space image 40 that indicates the game status of the virtual game device being viewed. This game space image 40 is a still image that is updated every predetermined time (for example, every minute), but it may also be a moving image. A reservation icon 42 that instructs a reservation for the virtual game device is displayed at the bottom of the viewing screen W5. Then, by selecting the reservation icon 42 on the viewing screen W5, the viewing player 5d can make a reservation to take over the game status and play a game on this virtual game device when it becomes available. Note that this game status can be viewed at any time, regardless of the play status of the virtual game device, such as whether it is in play or available.

[0050] When a reservation is made, a reservation mark 38 indicating that the game has been reserved by another player is displayed on the game screen W7 of the player playing the game on the virtual game device, along with a reservation count 39 indicating the number of players who have made reservations, as shown in Fig. 6. This recreates the situation in which other people (spectators) are watching the player playing, as in an actual crane game device, and furthermore, the situation in which players are waiting their turn (making a reservation).

[0051] Then, when game play on the virtual game device ends, a game end screen W9, an example of which is shown in Figure 7, is displayed on the player terminal 2000 of player 5c (the last player) who played the game. The game end screen W9 displays an image 50 of the game space at the end of game play, and also displays a countdown of the remaining time 52 of the reset waiting period. In addition, a continue play icon 54, which instructs the player to continue playing the game, is displayed at the bottom of the game end screen W9.

[0052] On this game end screen W9, if the continue play icon 54 is selected before the reset waiting time expires, i.e., before the remaining reset waiting time display 52 reaches zero, the next game play will start with the game status shown in the game space image 50, i.e., the game status at the end of the previous game play. However, even if you are within the reset waiting period, if the priority acceptance period has ended and another player has already started playing a game, you will not be able to continue playing the game.

[0053] The game end screen W9 may also display a countdown of the remaining time of the priority acceptance period. The countdown display of the remaining time of the priority acceptance period may also be displayed only on the player terminal 2000 of the last player. By displaying the countdown of the remaining time of the priority acceptance period, the last player will be troubled during the countdown whether or not to let go of the game situation that he or she has built up through his or her game play up to that point. In particular, when the view mark 36 or reservation icon 42 is displayed, other players are either watching (view mark 36) or waiting their turn (reservation icon 42). Taking this into consideration, the player will decide whether or not to continue playing the game.

[0054] 4, if the priority acceptance period ends before the last player has started the next game play, that virtual game device becomes available and other players can play the game. In other words, when the priority acceptance period for a virtual game device ends, if there is a reserved player, the reserved player will start playing the game, taking over the game status at the end of the previous game play.

[0055] A player can freely select a virtual game device to view. At that time, a game device list screen W11, an example of which is shown in Fig. 8, is displayed on the player terminal 2000. As shown in Fig. 8, the game device list screen W11 displays a list of each of the available virtual game devices 60, together with the current game status 62, the approximate remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period, a view icon 66, etc.

[0056] The play status 62 indicates whether the player is available to play a game. For a virtual game device where no player is playing a game and the priority acceptance period is in progress, if the player matches the last player on that virtual game device, the device is considered to be available for game play; if they do not match, the device is considered to be in play because game play is not possible.

[0057] The remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period is displayed only for virtual game devices for which the reset waiting period has not yet ended. Note that for virtual game devices for which the player is the last player and for which the priority acceptance period has not yet ended, a message indicating that the priority acceptance period is still in effect may be displayed.

[0058] When the view icon 66 of any virtual game device 60 is selected on this game device list screen W11, a view screen for that virtual game device is displayed. Specifically, if another player is playing a game on that virtual game device, a view screen W5 such as that shown in the lower right of Fig. 5 is displayed. A view mark 36 is displayed on the game screen W3 of the other player playing the game (lower left of Fig. 5).

[0059] Furthermore, if the virtual game device is within the priority acceptance period, a viewing screen W13, an example of which is shown in Fig. 9, is displayed. On this viewing screen W13, a game space image 40 at the end of the most recent game play is displayed as the current game status of the virtual game device, together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period.

[0060] When you select the reservation icon 42 on the viewing screens W5 and W13 to make a reservation, a reserved mark 48 indicating that you have made a reservation will be displayed on the viewing screen W15, as shown in Figure 10, and a reservation cancellation icon 70 will be displayed to instruct you to cancel the reservation.

[0061] Furthermore, if the play status of the virtual game device is empty, a viewing screen W17, an example of which is shown in Fig. 11, is displayed. This viewing screen W17 displays a game space image 40 that shows the current game status of the virtual game device. If the reset waiting period has not yet ended, the state of the game space at the end of the last game play is displayed as the game space image 40, together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period. If the reset waiting period has ended, the state of the game space reset to its initial state is displayed as the game space image 40.

[0062] Also, a play icon 72 that instructs the user to start playing a game is displayed at the bottom of the viewing screen W17. In the case of an available virtual game device, no reservation is required, and the user can start playing a game on that virtual game device by selecting this play icon 72.

[0063] If the player's ticket possession count is "0", the play execution icon 72 is not displayed on the viewing screen W19 as shown in FIG. 12, and the player cannot play the game. In such a case, the player can wait for the ticket time to recover, or select the ticket purchase icon 74 to move to a specific purchase site and purchase a ticket. At this purchase site, in addition to tickets, various items that can be used in the game can also be purchased.

[0064] [Function Configuration] (A) Game Server 1000 Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game server 1000. According to Fig. 13, the game server 1000 is functionally configured to include an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

[0065] The operation unit 110 accepts various operation inputs for managing the game server 1000, and outputs operation signals corresponding to the operations to the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0066] The display unit 120 displays various display screens based on image signals input from the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a CRT, or a projector.

[0067] The communication unit 130 is connected to the communication line 1 and performs data communication with an external device (mainly, the player terminal 2000). This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a jack for a wired cable, a control circuit for the jack, etc.

[0068] The server processing unit 200 comprehensively controls the operation of the game server 1000 based on programs and data read from the server storage unit 300, data received from external devices (mainly player terminals 2000) via the communication unit 130, etc. This function is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, and its control program. In this embodiment, the server processing unit 200 has a game management unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a communication control unit 240.

[0069] The game management unit 210 has a player management unit 212, a billing management unit 214, a ticket management unit 216, a virtual game device management unit 218, a game status reset unit 220, a game play management unit 222, a lottery control unit 224, a viewing management unit 226, and a reservation management unit 228, and manages the execution of the crane game of this embodiment.

[0070] The player management unit 212 performs processes related to player registration and management to enable game play of this embodiment. Specifically, it receives player names, passwords, etc. from the player terminals 2000 and registers them as new players, manages player management data 320, which is information about these registered players, and authenticates players in response to requests from the player terminals 2000.

[0071] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of player management data 320. According to Fig. 14, player management data 320 is generated for each registered player, and stores account information 321 for authenticating the registered player, an acquired prize list 322 which is information on prizes acquired by the game player while playing the game, the number of tickets held by the player 323, and play history data 330.

[0072] The play history data 330 is generated for each game played to date, and stores the virtual game device number 331 on which the game was played, the start date and time 332 and end date and time 333 of the game play, won prize information 334, and won benefit information 335. The won prize information 334 is information on whether or not a large prize has been won and the type of large prize won. The won benefit information 335 is information on whether or not a benefit has been won by lottery and the type of benefit won.

[0073] The billing management unit 214 communicates with an external billing system to perform billing processing related to payment of purchase amounts for billable items that can be used in the game, including tickets. The billing processing will be described as billing using real-world currency, but it goes without saying that billing using in-game currency (points, etc.) or game site currency (equivalent to billing processing) may also be used.

[0074] The ticket management unit 216 manages the tickets held by registered players. Specifically, one ticket is consumed (decreased) as payment for each game play. Furthermore, each time a predetermined recovery time elapses, tickets are recovered (increased) by one, up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 5 or 20 tickets). Furthermore, the number of tickets held is increased in response to tickets purchased through a charge or acquired through the use of a predetermined charge item.

[0075] The virtual game device management unit 218 manages the multiple virtual game devices that are available. Information about the virtual game devices is managed as virtual game device management data 340.

[0076] Fig. 15 shows an example of the data configuration of virtual game device management data 340. According to Fig. 15, the virtual game device management data 340 is generated for each virtual game device, and stores a virtual game device No. 341 which is an identification number, crane initial setting information 342 which is information about the initial state of the game status, prize initial placement position information 343, initial game space image 344, prize information 345, priority acceptance time 346, reset wait time 347, play status 348, last player name 349, last play end date and time 350, reset flag 351 which indicates whether the game status has been reset to the initial state, crane setting information 352 which is information about the current game status, prize placement position information 353, and game space image 354, a viewing player list 356, and a reservation player list 358.

[0077] The prize information 345 is information such as the type and model data of each prize (large prize 14 and small prize 16) placed in the game space. The play status 348 is either "playing" when a player is playing the game, "priority acceptance in progress" when no game is being played but the priority acceptance period is in progress, or "empty" when no game is being played and the priority acceptance period has ended.

[0078] The viewing player list 356 is a list of players viewing the game status of the virtual game device. There is no particular limit to the number of viewing players.

[0079] The reserved player list 358 is a list of players who have reserved a game play on the game device. Priority is assigned to the reserved players, and in this embodiment, the earlier the reservation date and time, the higher the priority. There is no particular limit on the number of reserved players, but a limit may be set.

[0080] The game status reset unit 220 resets the game status to the initial state for each virtual game device when the time elapsed since the end of the last game play reaches a predetermined reset waiting time without any player starting game play.

[0081] The lottery control unit 224 controls the lottery performed by the roulette 24 during game play. Specifically, it generates lottery schedule information, which is information on the lottery results (win / lose) of the roulette 24 and the benefits to be obtained if a win occurs. At this time, the winning probability used to determine the lottery results is changed according to the game situation at the start of game play. For example, if the position of the large prize 14 is close to the prize drop opening 18 and it is likely to fall, the winning probability is set higher than usual. For example, this can be set when the planar distance (bird's-eye view distance) between the prize drop opening 18 and the center position or center of gravity of the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, when the virtual distance is within 3 cm). The lottery performed by the roulette 24 is triggered by the detection of a falling prize by the chucker 20.

[0082] The game play management unit 222 controls each game play at the player terminal 2000. That is, when a play request is made from the player terminal 2000, the game play management unit 222 transmits to the player terminal 2000 game status information including crane setting information 352 and prize placement position information 353, which are the game status of the requested virtual game device, and lottery schedule information regarding the lottery by the roulette 24. Furthermore, when game result information is received from the player terminal 2000, the game play management unit 222 generates and updates play history data 330 (see FIG. 14 ) for the game play of the relevant player based on the game result information, and also updates virtual game device management data 340 of the relevant virtual game device.

[0083] The view management unit 226 manages the views of players on virtual game devices. Specifically, when a view request is made from a player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a viewing player to the viewing player list 356 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be viewed. Furthermore, when a viewing end notification is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the viewing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be ended. Furthermore, for each virtual game device, a game space image showing the current game status of that virtual game device is transmitted to each viewing player.

[0084] The reservation management unit 228 manages reservations for player game play on virtual game devices. Specifically, when a reservation request is made from a player terminal 2000, the reservation management unit 228 adds the relevant player as a reserved player to the reserved player list 358 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be reserved. Also, when a reservation cancellation request is made from a player terminal 2000, the reservation management unit 228 deletes the relevant player from the reserved player list 358 of the virtual game device to be canceled.

[0085] 13, the image generation unit 230 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc. Also, in a configuration in which the game server 1000 provides images to be displayed on the player terminal 2000, an image of the game screen can be generated.

[0086] The communication control unit 240 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 130.

[0087] The server storage unit 300 stores system programs for realizing various functions for the server processing unit 200 to comprehensively control the game server 1000, as well as programs and data for realizing various functions of the present embodiment. It is also used as a working area for the server processing unit 200, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the server processing unit 200 in accordance with the various programs, data received by the communication unit 130, etc. This function is realized by storage devices such as various types of IC memory, hard disk, ROM, RAM, etc. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 300 stores a system program 310, a game management program 312, player management data 320, and virtual game device management data 340.

[0088] Fig. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the player terminal 2000. According to Fig. 16, the player terminal 2000 is functionally configured to include an operation input unit 612, an image display unit 614, a sound output unit 616, a communication unit 618, a terminal processing unit 700, and a terminal storage unit 800.

[0089] The operation input unit 612 outputs operation input signals to the device processing unit 700 in response to various operation inputs made by the player. This function is realized by elements that are directly operated by the player with their fingers, such as button switches, joysticks, touchpads, and trackballs, as well as elements that detect movement and posture, such as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, tilt sensors, and geomagnetic sensors. In FIG. 2, these elements include the directional input keys 2002, the home key 2004, and the touch panel 2006.

[0090] The device processing unit 700 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory, and controls the input and output of data between the device and each functional unit of the player terminal 2000, including the operation input unit 612 and the terminal storage unit 800. The device processing unit 700 controls the operation of the player terminal 2000 by executing various arithmetic processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 612, and the like. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the control board 2018. The device processing unit 700 also includes a game control unit 710, an image generation unit 722, a sound generation unit 724, and a communication control unit 726.

[0091] The game control unit 710 has an operation signal transmission control unit 712, a game screen display control unit 714, and a game play execution unit 716, and executes various calculation processes to cause the computer to function as a terminal for playing games.

[0092] The operation signal transmission control unit 712 executes processing for transmitting various data and request information to the game server 1000 in response to operations performed on the operation input unit 612 .

[0093] The game screen display control unit 714 performs control to display the game screen based on various data received from the game server 1000. For example, if the online game of this embodiment is realized as a web game, it can be realized using web technology that actively controls screen display using HTML based on a web browser, together with Java (registered trademark) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), or a plug-in such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods are also acceptable.

[0094] The game play execution unit 716 controls the execution of game play based on the game status information 826 and lottery schedule information 828 received from the game server 1000. Specifically, the game play execution unit 716 sets the crane device 22 according to the crane setting information included in the received game status information 826, and places each prize according to the prize placement position information to set the game status (configure the game space). Next, the crane device 22 is operated according to the player's operation instructions. Furthermore, each prize is moved in accordance with the operation of the crane device 22.

[0095] Then, when the chucker 20 detects that a prize has fallen (more specifically, when the prize has passed through the expected detection range of the chucker 20), a roulette lottery process is performed in accordance with the lottery schedule information 828. In other words, the rotation and stopping of the roulette 24 is controlled in accordance with the given lottery result, and if the lottery result is a win, a predetermined benefit is applied.

[0096] When one game play is completed, game result information including the position information of each prize, setting information of the crane device 22, and an image of the game space is generated as the game status at the time of the end of the game play and transmitted to the game server 1000.

[0097] The image generation unit 722 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc. The image generation unit 722 generates one game screen per frame time (e.g., 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing results by the game control unit 710, and outputs an image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 614.

[0098] The image display unit 614 displays various game images based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 722. For example, this can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the touch panel 2006.

[0099] The sound generation unit 724 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files, or the like, and generates sound signals of game-related sound effects, background music, and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the game screen display control unit 714, and outputs them to the sound output unit 616. The sound output unit 616 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, background music, and the like based on the sound signals input from the sound generation unit 724. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to speaker 2010.

[0100] The communication control unit 726 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 618. The communication unit 618 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line 1. This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the wireless communication module 2020.

[0101] The terminal storage unit 800 stores system programs for implementing various functions that allow the terminal processing unit 700 to comprehensively control the player terminal 2000, programs necessary for game play, various data, and the like. It is also used as a work area for the terminal processing unit 700, and temporarily stores the results of calculations executed by the terminal processing unit 700 in accordance with the various programs, input data entered from the operation input unit 612, and the like. These functions are realized by, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the IC memory or memory card 2032 mounted on the control board 2018. In this embodiment, the terminal storage unit 800 stores a system program 810, a game client program 812, player registration information 820, owned ticket count 822, game device list information 824, game status information 826, and lottery schedule information 828.

[0102] The system program 810 is a program for implementing the basic input / output functions of the player terminal 2000 as a computer. The game client program 812 is application software that is read and executed by the terminal processing unit 700 to implement the functions of the game control unit 710, but may also be configured as a part of the system program 810. The game client program 812 may be a dedicated client program depending on the technical method used to implement the online game, or may be configured as a web browser program and a plug-in that implements interactive image display.

[0103] The player registration information 820 is the registration details for the game system, and includes information such as the player name and password. The number of owned tickets 822, game device list information 824, game status information 826, and lottery schedule information 828 are temporarily received data from the game server 1000. The game device list information 824 is information for displaying, for example, a game device list screen W11, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8.

[0104] [Processing flow] (A) Game Server 1000 FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing executed by the game server 1000 for managing viewing and reservations of virtual game devices.

[0105] According to FIG. 17, when a game device list request is received from a player terminal 2000 (step A1: YES), game device list information 824 including a game space image showing the play status and current game status of each virtual game device is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A3).

[0106] Then, if a viewing request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A5: YES), detailed information about the requested virtual game device to be viewed is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A7). Next, the requesting player is added as a viewing player to the viewing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be viewed (step A9). Furthermore, if the play status of the virtual game device to be viewed is currently playing (step A11: YES), viewing status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A13).

[0107] Furthermore, if a viewing end notification is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A15: YES), the player who sent the notification is deleted from the viewing player list 356 of the virtual game device whose viewing is to be ended (step A17). Furthermore, if the play status of the virtual game device whose viewing is to be ended is currently playing (step A19: YES), viewing status information is sent to the virtual game device (step A21).

[0108] Furthermore, if a reservation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A23: YES), the requesting player is added as a reserved player to the reservation player list 358 of the virtual game device for which the reservation is requested (step A25). Next, if the play status of the virtual game device for which the reservation is made is in progress (step A27: YES), reservation status information is sent to that virtual game device (step A29).

[0109] Furthermore, if a reservation cancellation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A31: YES), the requesting player is deleted from the reservation player list 358 of the virtual game device whose reservation is to be canceled (step A33). If the play status of the virtual game device to be reserved is in play (step A35: YES), reservation status information is sent to that virtual game device (step A37).

[0110] Furthermore, if a game space image (game situation) is received from a player terminal 2000 (step A39: YES), the viewing player list 356 of the virtual game device on which the transmitting player is playing the game is referenced, and the received game space image is transmitted to the player terminal 2000 of each viewing player (step A41). After that, the process returns to step A1, and the same process is repeated.

[0111] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing for managing game play on virtual game devices, which is executed by game server 1000. Although Fig. 18 shows processing for one virtual game device, similar processing is performed in parallel for all virtual game devices.

[0112] 18, first, as an initial setting, the game status of the target virtual game device is reset to an initial state (step B1). Then, when a play request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step B3: YES), the game play management unit 222 determines whether or not the requesting player is allowed to play the game.

[0113] That is, if the virtual game device is currently being played by another player (step B5: NO), or if the requesting player does not have a ticket (step B7: NO), it is determined that game play is not possible, and a play-prohibited notification is sent to the corresponding player terminal 2000 (step B9).

[0114] On the other hand, if the game status of the virtual game device is available (step B5: YES) and the requesting player has a ticket (step B7: YES), game play is possible, so one of the requesting player's tickets is consumed (step B11). Then, game status information including crane setting information 352 and prize placement position information 353, which are the game status of the virtual game device, is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B13). Also, assuming that the chucker 20 has been detected, the lottery control unit 224 determines in advance the lottery result of the roulette 24 with priority, generates lottery schedule information, and transmits it to the player terminal 2000 together with the game status information.

[0115] Thereafter, when one game play ends at the player terminal 2000 and the transmitted play result information is received (step B15), the corresponding virtual game device management data 340 and player management data 320 are updated based on this play result information (step B17).

[0116] If a large prize 14 has been won in the game play (step B19: YES), a new large prize is placed in the game space of the virtual game device, and the game situation is reset (step B21).Then, the process proceeds to step B3.

[0117] If the large prize 14 has not been won (step B19: NO), information on the remaining time (remaining time information) for the priority acceptance period starting from the end of the game play and the reset waiting period is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B23). Then, if a play request is received from the last player within the priority acceptance period (step B25: NO) (step B27: YES), the process proceeds to step B5, and the player starts playing the game.

[0118] On the other hand, if the priority acceptance period ends (step B25: YES) without receiving a play request from the last player (step B27: NO), the system then determines whether or not there is a reserving player. If there is a reserving player (step B29: YES), the system notifies the reserving player with the highest priority that he or she can take over play on the reserved virtual game device (step B31). Then, if a play request is received from the reserving player in response to this notification (step B33: YES), the system proceeds to step B5, and the reserving player begins playing the game.

[0119] On the other hand, if a predetermined time limit has elapsed without receiving a play request from the reserving player, or if a non-execution notice has been received from the reserving player indicating that the player will not take over (step B35: YES), the reserving player is deleted from the reserving player list 358 (step B37). Next, it is determined whether the reset waiting period has ended, and if not (step B41: NO), the process returns to step B29 and similar processing is performed on the remaining reserving players.

[0120] If there is no reserved player (step B29: NO), the system waits for play requests from all players, and if a play request is received from any player (step B39: YES) within the reset acceptance period (step B41: NO), the system proceeds to step B5 and allows that player to start playing the game. Then, when the reset waiting period ends (step B41: YES), the game space of the virtual game device is reset to its initial state (step B43), and the system returns to step B1.

[0121] (B) Player terminal 2000 Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing in the player terminal 2000. According to Fig. 19, the player terminal 2000 first transmits a request for a list of virtual game devices to the game server 1000 (step C1). Then, it receives game device list information transmitted from the game server 1000 and displays a list of virtual game devices based on the received game device list information (step C3).

[0122] Next, when the player selects one of the listed virtual game devices and issues a viewing instruction (step C5: YES), a viewing request for the selected virtual game device is sent to the game server 1000 (step C7). Then, viewing information sent from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C9), and a game space image showing the game status of that virtual game device, etc. is displayed (step C11).

[0123] If the play status of the virtual game device is in play (step C13: "in play"), when a game space image representing the latest game status is received from the game server 1000 (step C15: YES), the display is updated to the received game space image (step C17). Then, if a reservation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C23: YES), a reservation request for the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C25). Furthermore, if a reservation cancellation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C27: YES), a reservation cancellation request for the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C29).

[0124] If the player performs an operation to instruct the end of viewing (step C19: YES), the virtual game device transmits a viewing end notification to the game server 1000 (step C21), and then the process returns to step C3.

[0125] On the other hand, if the play status of the virtual game device is empty (step C13: "empty"), the player does not have a ticket (step C31: NO), and the player issues a ticket purchase instruction (step C37: YES), the system transfers to a designated purchase site and performs ticket purchase processing (step C39).

[0126] If the player has a ticket (step C31: YES) and has performed a play instruction operation (step C33: YES), a request to play the game on the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C35).

[0127] Then, in response to this request, the game server 1000 sends game status information 826, which is received (step C41), and game play is started using the received game status information 826. That is, the crane apparatus 22 is set up in accordance with the crane setting information 352 included in the received game status information 826, and prizes are placed in accordance with the prize placement position information 353, thereby setting up the game space (step C43). Next, the crane apparatus 22 starts moving and operating in accordance with the player's operation instructions (step C45), and the prizes start moving in accordance with the movement of the crane apparatus 22 (step C47).

[0128] Furthermore, if viewing status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C49: YES), viewing displays such as the viewing mark 36 and number of viewers 37 are updated in accordance with this viewing status information (step C51). Furthermore, if reservation status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C53: YES), reservation displays such as the reservation mark 38 and number of reservations 39 are updated in accordance with this reservation status information (step C55). Furthermore, if the specified game status notification timing arrives (step C57: YES), an image of the current game space is sent to the game server 1000 (step C59).

[0129] Furthermore, if the chucker 20 detects a prize dropping into the prize drop opening 18 (step C61: YES), the lottery process is started (step C63) in accordance with the lottery schedule information 828 received together with the game status information 826. If the lottery result is a win (step C65: YES), the acquired benefit is applied (step C67). Thereafter, if the game play has not ended (step C69: NO), the process returns to step C45 and the same process is performed.

[0130] Then, when the game play ends (step C69: YES), play result information is generated that indicates the game status at the end of the game play, including information on the placement position of each prize, setting information for the crane device 22, an image of the game space, as well as whether or not a prize has been won and whether or not a prize has been won by lottery, and is sent to the game server 1000 (step C71).

[0131] Furthermore, if no prize has been won in the game play (step C73: NO), remaining time information, which is information on the remaining time of the priority acceptance period and the reset waiting period, sent from the game server 1000 is received (step C75), and based on the received remaining time information, a countdown display of the remaining time of the priority acceptance period and the reset waiting period is started (step C77).

[0132] Thereafter, if the player performs a play instruction operation (step C79: YES), a play request is sent to the game server 1000 (step C81), and the process proceeds to step C41.

[0133] [Action and effect] In this way, according to the game system of this embodiment, the game status can be carried over to start the next game play, but within the priority acceptance period, only the player who last played the game can start playing the game. If the reset waiting period ends without any player starting game play, the game status will be reset.

[0134] Furthermore, other players can view the game status of a virtual game device on which a player is playing a game and reserve a game to play on that virtual game device. When the game status of a virtual game device is viewed, a viewing mark 36 indicating that the game is being viewed by other players is displayed on the game screen of the player playing the game on that virtual game device, along with the number of viewing players 37. When a game to play on a virtual game device is reserved, a reservation mark 38 indicating that the game has been reserved by another player is displayed on the game screen of the player playing the game on that virtual game device, along with the number of reservations 39.

[0135] Therefore, the player can recreate the situation of an actual crane game machine, in which the player can sense the presence of other players (spectators) watching the player's game play and other players waiting their turn.

[0136] [Variations] It should be noted that the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0137] (A) Reset wait time The length of the reset waiting period (reset waiting time) may be changed depending on the game situation at the end of game play. For example, in a game situation advantageous to the player, such as when the large prize 14 is close to the prize drop opening 18 and is likely to fall, the reset waiting time may be shortened to prompt the last player to make a quick decision about continuing game play. For example, a game situation advantageous to the player may be determined to be one in which the planar distance (bird's-eye view distance) between the prize drop opening 18 and the center position or center of gravity of the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, a virtual distance within 3 cm).

[0138] (B) Recovering the game state after a reset Furthermore, the game status is reset when the reset waiting period has elapsed, but even after the reset, if other players have not started playing the game, the game status before the reset can be restored by paying a specified fee.

[0139] (C) Application of Acquired Benefits The application of the lottery-acquired benefit may be limited to a certain number of times, such as only being applied to the next game play, or a time limit, such as 30 minutes. Note that these limitations may be invalidated by resetting the game situation, even if the benefit is applied within the limited number of times or time limit.

[0140] (D) Game device list screen On the game device list screen W11 (see FIG. 8), as shown in FIG. 21, for virtual game devices whose play status is "playing," the total number of players who have viewed the virtual game device within a predetermined time period in the past (e.g., the past 10 minutes) 68 and the total number of players who have reserved the virtual game device 69 may be displayed. This allows users to see which virtual game devices are in a highly popular game status.

[0141] (E) Gameplay execution In the above embodiment, one game play is executed by the player terminal 2000, but the game may be a so-called browser game, in which the game server 1000 controls the game in accordance with the player's operation input at the player terminal 2000.

[0142] (F) Game Type Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a crane game is played, but the present invention can be applied to any game that is played by a player alone, such as a medal game device such as a pusher game, in which the game situation changes each time depending on the player's operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1000 game servers 110 operation unit, 120 display unit, 130 communication unit 200 Server processing unit 210 Game Management Department 212 player management unit, 214 billing management unit, 216 ticket management unit 218 Virtual game device management unit, 220 Game status reset unit 222 Game play management unit, 224 Lottery control unit 226 Viewing Management Department, 228 Reservation Management Department 230 image generation unit, 240 communication control unit 300 Server storage unit 310 System Program, 312 Game Management Program 320 player management data, 340 virtual game device management data 2000 player terminals 612 operation input unit, 614 image display unit, 616 sound output unit, 618 communication unit 700 Terminal Processing Unit 710 Game control unit 712 operation signal transmission control unit, 714 game screen display control unit 716 Game Play Execution Department 722 image generation unit, 724 sound generation unit, 726 communication control unit 800 Terminal memory unit 810 System program, 812 Game client program 820 Player registration information, 822 Number of tickets held 824 Game device list information, 826 Game status information, 828 Lottery schedule information

Claims

1. A server system that can communicate with a plurality of player terminals, changes the game situation for each game play in accordance with an operation input at one player terminal, and controls execution of a game in which the previous game situation is carried over to the next game play, a view request notification means for, when a view request for viewing the game status of a game being played by one player is received from another player while the player is playing the game, notifying the player terminal of the player currently playing the game that the view request has been made; a game status disclosure means for disclosing the game status of the one player in response to the viewing request; A server system comprising:

2. the spectator presence notification means causes the player terminal to display information according to the number of players who have viewed the game; The server system according to claim 1 .

3. a reservation registration means for registering a reservation for the next game play of one player by another player while the one player is playing a game; 3. The server system according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. a reservation registration notifying means for notifying the one player that the reservation registration has been made by the reservation registration means; The server system of claim 3 further comprising:

5. the reservation registration notification means causes the player terminal to display information according to the number of players who have made reservations; The server system according to claim 4.

6. a reservation fulfillment availability notifying means for notifying the player terminals of the players who made the reservation, in accordance with the order of registration by the reservation registration means, that the game is now available for play after the one player has finished playing the game; The server system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising:

7. The game system further comprises a priority acceptance means for accepting a game play request from said one player on a priority basis during a given priority acceptance period from the game play of said one player, the reservation fulfillment availability notifying means notifies the player terminal of the player who made the reservation that the game is now available for play after the priority acceptance period has elapsed; The server system according to claim 6.

8. Executing a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game as the game; The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the game execution control means causes the player terminal to execute the game; The server system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images