Game system, game system operation method, and program

Abstract

To simply make roles in a game of a first value medium and second medium whose types differ from each other be different.SOLUTION: A game system 1 comprises: a first addition unit 211 that when a first value medium is input, converts the first value medium to a first game value; a second addition unit 212 that when a second value medium whose type differs from that of the first value medium is input, converts the second value medium to a second game value; and a game control unit 213 for making a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed progress. The game control unit 213, in the case of the second game value being consumed, makes the game progress so as to be advantageous to a player as compared with the case of the first game value being consumed without the second game value being consumed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system, an operation method thereof, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Games that allow the use of different types of value media have been proposed. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a game that allows the use of currency such as coins and medals (token coins). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4193202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology of Patent Document 1 allows a player to insert both coins and medals into an electronic gaming device equipped with an exchange function that converts coins into medals, with the number of medals required to start one game. In the technology of Patent Document 1, coins or medals inserted by a player are converted into credits, and the game is played by the player spending the credits. Under the technology of Patent Document 1, the amount of coins and medals inserted is converted into the quantity of one type of credit. Therefore, it is difficult to manage credits separately for coin insertion and medal insertion. While the above explanation assumes the insertion of coins or medals, similar issues can be expected in any configuration that allows the insertion of different types of value media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first conversion unit that converts a first value medium into a first game value when the first value medium is inserted, a second conversion unit that converts a second value medium of a type different from the first value medium into a second game value when the second value medium is inserted, and a game control unit that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and the game control unit progresses the game in a more advantageous manner for the player when the second game value is consumed than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed.

[0006] A method of operating a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention awards a first game value to a player when a first value medium is inserted, awards a second game value to the player when a second value medium different from the first value medium is inserted, progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and when the second game value is consumed, progresses the game in an advantageous manner for the player compared to when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a first conversion unit that converts a first value medium into a first game value when the first value medium is inserted, a second conversion unit that converts a second value medium of a type different from the first value medium into a second game value when the second value medium is inserted, and a game control unit that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and the game control unit progresses the game in a way that is advantageous to the player when the second game value is consumed compared to when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a control device in a game system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a game screen. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a control device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a lottery game process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a lottery game process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process for limiting an increase in the second credit in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a control device in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a gaming system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The gaming system 1 is a computer system for providing a lottery game to a player. The gaming system 1 is installed in a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game arcade, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. For example, a gaming system 1 used in a casino may also be referred to as a gaming machine.

[0011] A lottery game is a game that includes a lottery. Lottery games include games in which the outcome is determined solely by lottery, and games in which the outcome of the game is influenced by factors other than lottery (for example, player operations). In the former games, whether the player wins or loses (no win) or the type of win (big win or small win) is determined by lottery, and a reward for the win is awarded to the player. In the latter games, for example, if the lottery result is a win and the result of the player's operations satisfies a predetermined condition, a reward for the win is awarded to the player. Lottery games include, for example, slot games in which a win or loss is determined by a combination of multiple pictures (i.e., a winning combination), bingo games using balls, and racing games in which the player predicts the ranking of multiple factors such as racehorses.

[0012] In a configuration in which one of multiple game modes, each with different advantages / disadvantages for the player, is selected, a lottery result may be used to transition between game modes. In a configuration in which a lottery result is used to transition between game modes, whether to transition between game modes may be determined based on the lottery result, or, for example, the game mode may be transitioned when the points awarded to the player based on the lottery result reach a predetermined number. Games in which a lottery result is used to transition between game modes as described above are also included in lottery games. Furthermore, the gaming system 1 may be either a single-station machine played by a single player or a multi-station machine played by multiple players simultaneously. The gaming system 1 executes a betting-type lottery game in which players bet on one or more options.

[0013] The game system 1 accepts the input of a value medium and converts the value medium into credits, which are electronic data managed by the game system 1. A value medium is a tangible or intangible medium having value that can be converted into credits. Tangible value mediums are, for example, physical medals (token coins), physical currency (cash), or tickets. Intangible value mediums are, for example, electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), or points. The quantity of the intangible value medium is stored as electronic data on a recording medium such as an IC card.

[0014] Credits are consumed as a consideration for the lottery game. The game system 1 starts the lottery game by consuming credits in accordance with a predetermined operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as a "consuming operation"), and awards a quantity of credits according to the outcome of the lottery game. The consuming operation is specifically a betting operation in which credits are bet. The lottery game starts at the time when credits are consumed by the consuming operation. Furthermore, the game system 1 can pay out a quantity of value medium corresponding to the remaining amount of credits in accordance with a predetermined operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as a "payout operation"). Note that the type of value medium inserted as credits and the type of value medium paid out in accordance with the credits may be the same or different.

[0015] The game system 1 accepts the insertion of a first value medium and a second value medium. The first value medium and the second value medium are different types of value medium. Specifically, the first value medium is a value medium that circulates only within amusement facilities, such as medals (physical medals or electronic medals). The second value medium is a value medium that circulates in general society, such as currency (physical currency or electronic currency). In the first embodiment, the second value medium is a 100 yen coin.

[0016] In the first embodiment, credits are divided into first credits and second credits. The first credits are game value converted from a first value medium inserted into the game system 1. The second credits are game value converted from a second value medium inserted into the game system 1. The first credits are an example of a "first game value," and the second credits are an example of a "second game value." As described above, in the first embodiment, the first credits corresponding to the first value medium and the second credits corresponding to the second value medium are managed separately.

[0017] A player can acquire a first value medium from a medium providing device (not shown) installed in an amusement facility. Specifically, a player can acquire a first value medium by inserting a second value medium he or she owns into the medium providing device. For example, the medium providing device is a medal dispensing machine that provides a player with physical medals or electronic medals in exchange for inserting physical or electronic currency. The medium providing device provides the player with a quantity of first value medium equal to the quantity of second value medium inserted by the player multiplied by a predetermined conversion rate Q0. The conversion rate Q0 is a predetermined positive number set for each amusement facility. For example, the conversion rate Q0 is set to "100." In other words, 100 first value mediums are provided to the player for one second value medium. As can be understood from the above example, a player visiting an amusement facility can insert a first value medium provided by the medium providing device in exchange for a second value medium into the game system 1, or can insert the second value medium itself into the game system 1. The conversion rate Q0 may be changed in stages depending on the quantity of second value media inserted into the media providing device.

[0018] 1, the game system 1 of the first embodiment is realized by a computer system including a control device 21, a storage device 22, a display device 23, an operation device 24, a reception device 25, and a dispensing device 26. The game system 1 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a set of multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0019] The control device 21 is one or more processors that control each element of the game system 1. Specifically, the control device 21 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0020] The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, the storage device 22 is configured with known recording media such as semiconductor recording media and magnetic recording media. Note that the storage device 22 may also be configured with a combination of multiple types of recording media. The storage device 22 stores, for example, the quantities of first credits and second credits.

[0021] The display device 23 displays various images under the control of the control device 21. For example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel is used as the display device 23. The operation device 24 is an input device that accepts instructions from the player. For example, a touch panel that detects contact by the player, or an operator operated by the player is used as the operation device 24. The operation device 24 of the first embodiment includes a consumption button (bet button) that accepts the above-mentioned consumption operation, and a payout button that accepts a payout operation.

[0022] The reception device 25 is a mechanism that accepts the insertion of a value medium by a player. The reception device 25 of the first embodiment is equipped with a first reception unit 251 and a second reception unit 252. The first reception unit 251 is a mechanism that accepts the insertion of a first value medium (a physical medal or an electronic medal). Specifically, the first reception unit 251 is equipped with an insertion slot into which the physical medal is inserted and a detector that detects the insertion of the physical medal into the insertion slot. Furthermore, in a configuration in which an electronic medal is used as the first value medium, the first reception unit 251 is used, for example, as a communication device that executes the electronic medal withdrawal process by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium such as an IC card, or as a communication device that executes the electronic medal withdrawal process by communicating with an account management server that manages the player's electronic medal account.

[0023] The second accepting unit 252 is a mechanism that accepts the insertion of a second value medium (physical currency or electronic currency). Specifically, the second accepting unit 252 includes an insertion slot into which physical currency (i.e., cash such as coins) is inserted, and a detector that detects the insertion of physical currency into the insertion slot. In addition, in a configuration in which electronic currency (electronic money) is used as the second value medium, the second accepting unit 252 is, for example, a communication device that executes a withdrawal process of electronic currency through short-range wireless communication with a recording medium such as an IC card, or a communication device that executes electronic payment through communication with an electronic payment server.

[0024] The payout device 26 is a mechanism that executes the payout of value media. The payout device 26 of the first embodiment executes the payout of a first value medium (physical medals or electronic medals). Specifically, the payout device 26 includes a storage container that stores the physical medals received by the reception device 25, a discharge device that discharges the physical medals stored in the storage container one by one, and a detector that detects the discharge of the physical medals by the discharge device. In a configuration in which electronic medals are used as the first value medium, the payout device 26 is, for example, a communication device that executes a deposit process of the electronic medals by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium such as an IC card, or a communication device that executes a deposit process of the electronic medals by communicating with an account management server that manages the player's electronic medal account.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control device 21. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the control device 21 of the first embodiment executes a program stored in the storage device 22 to realize a plurality of functions (a first conversion unit 211, a second conversion unit 212, a game control unit 213, and a payout control unit 214).

[0026] When a first value medium is inserted, the first conversion unit 211 converts the first value medium into first credits. That is, the first conversion unit 211 converts the first value medium accepted by the first acceptance unit 251 into a quantity of first credits corresponding to the amount of the first value medium inserted. The first conversion unit 211 of the first embodiment converts the first value medium into a quantity of first credits obtained by multiplying the amount of the first value medium inserted by a predetermined conversion rate Q1. The conversion rate Q1 is a predetermined positive number. Specifically, the conversion rate Q1 is set to, for example, "1." Therefore, the player is awarded the same number of first credits as the amount of the first value medium inserted. That is, the first credits increase by a unit amount (for example, "1") each time a unit amount (one coin) of the first value medium is inserted.

[0027] When a second value medium is inserted, the second conversion unit 212 converts the second value medium into second credits. That is, the second conversion unit 212 converts the second value medium accepted by the second acceptance unit 252 into a quantity of second credits corresponding to the amount of the second value medium inserted. The second conversion unit 212 of the first embodiment converts the second value medium into a quantity of second credits obtained by multiplying the amount of the second value medium inserted by a predetermined conversion rate Q2. The conversion rate Q2 is, for example, a positive number lower than the aforementioned conversion rate Q0. Specifically, the conversion rate Q2 is set to, for example, "10." That is, one second value medium is converted into ten second credits. In a configuration in which the conversion rate Q0 is set to "100" and the conversion rate Q2 is set to "10" as in the example above, the conversion rate Q2 is 1 / 10 of the conversion rate Q0. Therefore, the value of the second credits is 10 times the value of the first credits.

[0028] The game control unit 213 controls the progress of one lottery game by consuming credits in response to a consumption operation. The lottery game is repeatedly progressed with each consumption operation. The lottery executed in the lottery game is a process of randomly selecting one of a plurality of lottery elements, such as numbers. The lottery in the first embodiment is an electronic lottery in which one of a plurality of lottery elements is selected by calculation executed by the control device 21. The game control unit 213 in the first embodiment can control the probability P of a player winning in the lottery game (hereinafter referred to as "winning probability").

[0029] The game control unit 213 causes the display device 23 to display a game screen G of FIG. 3, which shows the progress of the lottery game. As shown in FIG. 3, the game screen G is an image including a first area G1 and a second area G2. An image showing the progress of the lottery game is displayed in the first area G1. The second area G2 displays the number of first credits and the number of second credits. The game screen G is updated as the lottery game progresses.

[0030] In one lottery game in the first embodiment, a predetermined number (hereinafter referred to as a "consumption unit") of first credits is consumed by one consumption operation, and a player who wins the lottery is awarded a number of first credits according to the payout as a reward. The consumption unit of first credits is, for example, "3." Furthermore, if second credits remain at the time of the consumption operation, a predetermined consumption unit (for example, "3") of second credits is consumed together with the first credits. In other words, in a lottery game in which first credits are consumed, the second credits may or may not be consumed depending on the remaining amount of second credits. Note that one first credit may be consumed for each consumption operation.

[0031] In a lottery game in which second credits are consumed, the game control unit 213 progresses the lottery game under conditions that are more advantageous to the player than when the second credits are not consumed. Conditions that are advantageous to the player mean that the conditions related to the lottery game are favorable to the player in achieving the objective of the lottery game (i.e., obtaining a reward). Specifically, the game control unit 213 in the first embodiment sets the winning probability P in a lottery game in which second credits are consumed to a higher value than the winning probability P in a lottery game in which second credits are not consumed. Therefore, a player is more likely to win in a lottery game in which second credits are consumed. As can be understood from the above explanation, a player is more likely to obtain a reward in the lottery game by consuming second credits converted from the second medium of value. In other words, the expected value of the number of rewards that a player can obtain within a unit time increases. In addition, in the lottery game that proceeds under conditions advantageous to the player by consuming the second credit, a special effect is executed by displaying an image on the display device 23 or playing music on a sound emitting device (not shown) to notify the player that the conditions are advantageous to the player.

[0032] In addition to the lottery, in a lottery game in which the player's operations are reflected in the game outcome, for example, executing a process to assist the player's operations (hereinafter referred to as "operation assistance") or increasing the frequency of operation assistance are examples of conditions advantageous to the player. Operation assistance is, for example, in a game in which the timing of a player's operations is reflected in the outcome, an action of informing the player of the timing of the operations, for example, by means of images or sounds. Also, in a game in which the order of the player's operations is reflected in the outcome, an action of informing the player of the order of the operations, for example, by means of images or sounds, corresponds to operation assistance.

[0033] The payout control unit 214 in FIG. 2 controls the payout of value media. When first credits remain, the player can operate the payout button on the operation device 24 to instruct the payout of an amount of value media corresponding to the remaining amount of first credits. When the player instructs the payout of value media, the payout control unit 214 operates the discharge device of the payout device 26 until the detector of the payout device 26 detects the amount of first value media corresponding to the amount of first credits. Specifically, the amount of first value media calculated by multiplying the amount of first credits by the reciprocal 1 / Q1 of the conversion rate Q1 is paid out. For example, in a configuration in which the conversion rate Q1 is set to "1", the same amount of first value media as the first credits is paid out.

[0034] As described above, the first value medium is paid out in accordance with the quantity of first credits, while the payout of the value medium (first value medium or second value medium) in accordance with the quantity of second credits is limited. Specifically, even if a player operates the payout button when there are remaining second credits, the quantity of second credits is maintained. Therefore, a player basically operates the payout button when there are no remaining second credits by consuming all of the second credits.

[0035] Note that when a player finishes using the game system 1, a fractional amount of second credit may remain. A fractional amount of second credit is an amount less than the consumption unit of second credit. Therefore, for example, a fractional amount may occur when the consumption unit of second credit is other than "1." When a fractional amount of second credit remains, the player is encouraged to increase the amount of second credit by inserting a second value medium in the hope that the remaining amount of second credit will be a multiple of the consumption unit. In other words, it is possible to increase the player's motivation to continue playing the lottery game. For example, if the amount of second credit into which one second value medium is converted (e.g., "10") is set to a number that is not divisible by the consumption unit of second credit (e.g., "3"), a fractional amount of second credit will always remain. Note that a player can also finish using the game system 1 with remaining second credit. In this state, another player who uses the game system 1 immediately after the player can continue to consume the second credit of the previous player. However, the remaining amount of second credit may be erased at the time when the payout of the value medium is instructed so that other players cannot continue to consume the remaining amount of second credit. Also, the player may be able to select whether or not to erase the remaining amount of second credit by operating the operation device 24.

[0036] Another purpose of limiting the payout of value media according to the quantity of second credits is to prevent the payout of first value media according to the quantity of second credits from being executed together with the payout of first value media according to the quantity of first credits. As mentioned above, the value of second credits exceeds the value of first credits, so if second credits are paid out as first value media, the player may not be able to fully obtain an advantageous state in the lottery game, which may ultimately be disadvantageous to the player. For these reasons, in the first embodiment, the payout of value media according to the quantity of second credits is limited.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating specific steps of the process executed by the control device 21. When the process of FIG. 4 starts, the first conversion unit 211 determines whether the first acceptance unit 251 has accepted the insertion of a first value medium (S1). If the first acceptance unit 251 has accepted the insertion of the first value medium (S1: YES), the first conversion unit 211 converts the first value medium into a quantity of first credits corresponding to the amount of the first value medium inserted (S2). Specifically, the first conversion unit 211 increases the quantity of first credits stored in the storage device 22 by the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of the first value medium inserted by the conversion rate Q1. On the other hand, if the first acceptance unit 251 has not accepted the insertion of the first value medium (S1: NO), the conversion from the first value medium to the first credits (S2) is not executed.

[0038] The second conversion unit 212 determines whether the second acceptance unit 252 has accepted the insertion of a second value medium (S3). If the second acceptance unit 252 has accepted the insertion of a second value medium (S3: YES), the second conversion unit 212 converts the second value medium into a quantity of second credits corresponding to the amount of the second value medium inserted (S4). Specifically, the second conversion unit 212 increases the quantity of second credits stored in the storage device 22 by the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of the second value medium inserted by the conversion rate Q2. On the other hand, if the second acceptance unit 252 has not accepted the insertion of a second value medium (S3: NO), the conversion from the second value medium to second credits (S4) is not executed.

[0039] The game control unit 213 determines whether or not a consumption operation has been received from the player (S5). If a consumption operation has been received (S5: YES), the game control unit 213 executes a lottery game process S6. The lottery game process S6 is a series of processes that progress the lottery game. On the other hand, if a consumption operation has not been received (S5: NO), the lottery game process S6 is not executed. As can be understood from the above explanation, a consumption operation corresponds to an opportunity to start the lottery game. The specific procedure of the lottery game process S6 will be described later.

[0040] The payout control unit 214 determines whether or not a payout operation has been received from the player (S7). If a payout operation has been received (S7: YES), the payout control unit 214 causes the payout device 26 to pay out a quantity of first value medium corresponding to the quantity of first credits currently remaining (S8). As described above, payout of a value medium (first value medium or second value medium) corresponding to the remaining amount of second credits is not executed. On the other hand, if payout of a value medium is not instructed (S7: NO), the payout control unit 214 does not execute payout of the first value medium. Therefore, the quantities of the first credits and second credits are maintained. If a payout operation has not been received (S7: NO) or if payout of the first value medium has been executed (S8), the control device 21 proceeds to the process of step S1 described above.

[0041] 5 is a flowchart illustrating specific steps of the lottery game process S6 executed by the game control unit 213. In the first embodiment, the consumption unit of the first credits in response to one consumption operation is "3". Similarly, the consumption unit of the second credits is also "3". When the lottery game process S6 starts, the game control unit 213 subtracts "3", which is the consumption unit, from the quantity of the first credits stored in the storage device 22 (Sa61).

[0042] The game control unit 213 determines whether the remaining amount of the second credit exceeds the consumption unit (Sa62). If the remaining amount of the second credit is less than the consumption unit (Sa62: NO), the game control unit 213 sets the winning probability P in the lottery game to the numerical value PL without consuming the second credit (Sa63).

[0043] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of second credit is equal to or greater than the consumption unit (Sa62: YES), the game control unit 213 subtracts the consumption unit from the quantity of second credit stored in the storage device 22 (Sa64). That is, the consumption unit of second credit is consumed for the lottery game together with the consumption unit of first credit. When the second credit is consumed in the above procedure, the game control unit 213 sets the winning probability P to the numerical value PH (Sa65). The numerical value PH exceeds the numerical value PL of the winning probability P when the second credit is not consumed (PH>PL).

[0044] Once the winning probability P is set (Sa63, Sa65), the game control unit 213 executes a lottery based on the winning probability P (Sa66). That is, whether a player wins or loses is determined probabilistically. As can be understood from the above explanation, the winning probability P increases by consuming second credits converted from the second value medium, which creates an advantageous situation for a player aiming to win a large number of rewards in the lottery game. As can be understood from the above explanation, the second credits can also be said to be points consumed to progress advantageously through the lottery game.

[0045] The game control unit 213 determines whether the lottery result is a win or not (Sa67). If the lottery result is a win (Sa67: YES), the game control unit 213 awards first credits in an amount corresponding to the payout as a reward (Sa68). Specifically, the game control unit 213 adds an amount corresponding to the payout to the amount of first credits stored in the storage device 22. The payout is set appropriately depending on the content of the lottery game. On the other hand, if the lottery result is a loss (Sa67: NO), the game control unit 213 ends the lottery game process S6. The above is a specific procedure of the lottery game process S6.

[0046] As explained above, in the first embodiment, the first credit converted from the first value medium and the second credit converted from the second value medium are managed separately. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which one type of credit corresponding to both the first value medium and the second value medium is handled, an operation in which the first value medium and the second value medium have different roles can be easily realized. Specifically, as exemplified in the first embodiment, an operation in which the first credit converted from the first value medium is consumed in the lottery game, and the second credit converted from the second value medium is consumed to advantageously progress through the lottery game can be easily realized.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when second credits converted from a second value medium are consumed, the lottery game proceeds more advantageously for the player than when the second credits are not consumed. Therefore, the player's input of the second value medium can be encouraged. For example, in a situation where a player uses (inputs) a large amount of only the first value medium he or she owns, even if the player occupies the game system 1 for a long period of time, the gaming facility's revenue may not be sufficiently increased. According to the first embodiment, in which a player can advantageously play the lottery game by consuming second credits converted from a second value medium, the expected number of rewards a player can earn per unit time increases, which encourages the input of second value medium (physical currency or electronic currency), and as a result, the gaming facility's revenue is likely to increase. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the payout of second value medium against the remaining second credits is prohibited, which encourages players to consume second credits. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to install a mechanism for executing the dispensing of the second value medium in the game system 1, the configuration of the game system 1 is simplified.

[0048] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following examples, elements that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of these elements will be omitted where appropriate.

[0049] In the first embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which a consumption unit of second credits is consumed together with first credits in a lottery game. In the second embodiment and the third embodiment described below, there are cases in which only first credits are consumed in a lottery game. That is, even if the remaining amount of second credits is equal to or greater than the consumption unit, there are cases in which second credits are not consumed in a lottery game. As described above, in the first embodiment, second credits are consumed with priority, while in the second and third embodiments, second credits are not consumed with priority. In the second embodiment, the player is directly involved in the consumption of second credits. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, second credits are consumed according to the progress of the lottery game. Note that the second and third embodiments may be combined.

[0050] The operation device 24 in the second embodiment includes an operation button for the player to instruct the player to consume the second credits. When the player wants to develop the lottery game advantageously, the player operates the operation button.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the game control unit 213 determines in step Sa62 whether or not the consumption of second credits is valid. For example, when an operation of the operation button is accepted and the remaining amount of second credits is equal to or greater than the consumption unit, it is determined that the consumption of second credits is valid (Sb62: YES). Note that a configuration is also envisioned in which, when an operation of the operation button is accepted, the consumption unit of second credits is repeatedly consumed until the remaining amount of second credits falls below the consumption unit. It is also envisioned that the consumption unit of second credits is consumed only once for each operation of the operation button. If the consumption of second credits is valid (Sb62: NO), the game control unit 213 subtracts the consumption unit from the quantity of second credits stored in the storage device 22 (Sa64), and sets the winning probability P to a numerical value PH (Sa65).

[0052] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of second credit falls below the consumption unit, or if no operation on the operation button is accepted, it is determined that the consumption of second credit is invalid (Sb62: NO). If the consumption of second credit is invalid (Sb62: YES), the game control unit 213 sets the winning probability P to the numerical value PL (Sa63). In other words, the second credit is not consumed. On the other hand, the operations other than the consumption of second credit are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0053] [Third embodiment] The game system 1 in the third embodiment is set to either a special mode or a normal mode. A lottery game is executed in both the special mode and the normal mode. However, the special mode is an operation mode in which a player can play the lottery game more advantageously than in the normal mode. For example, in a slot game in which winning / losing is determined by a combination of multiple symbols, the special mode is an operation mode in which a specific combination is more likely to be achieved (and therefore the player is more likely to win a reward) than in the normal mode.

[0054] The game control unit 213 repeatedly executes a predetermined lottery regarding the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as "operation mode lottery") in the normal mode. The operation mode lottery is an electronic lottery that determines whether or not a win is made probabilistically. If the result of the operation mode lottery is a win, the game control unit 213 shifts the operation mode from the normal mode to the special mode. On the other hand, if the result of the operation mode lottery is a loss, the game control unit 213 maintains the operation mode in the normal mode.

[0055] The operation mode lottery is executed in normal mode on the condition that second credits are consumed. Specifically, the game control unit 213 repeatedly executes the operation of subtracting the consumption unit from the quantity of second credits and then executing the operation mode lottery until the quantity of second credits falls below the consumption unit. When the quantity of second credits falls below the consumption unit, the operation mode transitions from special mode to normal mode. As described above, in the third embodiment, second credits are consumed in normal mode. On the other hand, second credits are not consumed during the period when the operation mode is in special mode. As can be understood from the above explanation, in the third embodiment, the period or state during which second credits are consumed is limited.

[0056] [Fourth embodiment] In the first embodiment, when there is a remaining amount of second credit, the consumption unit of the second credit is consumed together with the first credit for the lottery game. In the fourth embodiment, either the first credit or the second credit is selectively consumed for the lottery game.

[0057] The operation device 24 of the fourth embodiment includes a first consumption button that accepts a consumption operation related to a first credit (hereinafter referred to as a "first consumption operation"), and a second consumption button that accepts a consumption operation related to a second credit (hereinafter referred to as a "second consumption operation"). The consumption unit of first credits by one first consumption operation is, for example, "3". Similarly, the consumption unit of second credits by one second consumption operation is also "3". Note that, as in the first embodiment, one consumption button may be provided on the operation device 24, and the second credits may be consumed when second credits remain, and the first credits may be consumed when the quantity of second credits falls below the consumption unit.

[0058] 6 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the lottery game process S6 in the fourth embodiment. When there is remaining amount of both the first credit and the second credit, the player can instruct the consumption of either the first credit or the second credit by operating the operation device 24. In other words, the player selects either the first credit or the second credit.

[0059] When the lottery game process S6 starts, the game control unit 213 determines whether or not a first consuming operation has been accepted (Sb61).

[0060] When the first consuming operation is accepted (Sb61: YES), the game control unit 213 subtracts "3", which is the consuming unit, from the quantity of the first credit stored in the storage device 22 (Sb62). In addition, the game control unit 213 sets the winning probability P in the lottery game to the numerical value PL (Sb63).

[0061] On the other hand, if a second consuming operation is accepted (Sb61: NO), the game control unit 213 subtracts "3", which is the consumption unit, from the quantity of second credits stored in the storage device 22 (Sb64). Furthermore, the game control unit 213 sets the winning probability P in the lottery game to a numerical value PH (Sb65). As in the first embodiment, the numerical value PH of the winning probability P when second credits are consumed exceeds the numerical value PL of the winning probability P when second credits are not consumed (PH>PL).

[0062] Once the winning probability P is set (Sb63, Sb65), the game control unit 213 executes a lottery based on the winning probability P (Sb66). As can be understood from the above explanation, the winning probability P increases as the second credits converted from the second value medium are consumed, which creates an advantageous situation for a player aiming to win a large number of rewards in the lottery game. In other words, the expected number of rewards that a player can win within a unit time increases.

[0063] The game control unit 213 determines whether the player has won the lottery (Sb67). If the player has won (Sb67: YES), the game control unit 213 awards the player with a quantity of first credits corresponding to the payout as a reward (Sb68), as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the game control unit 213 adds a quantity corresponding to the payout to the quantity of first credits stored in the storage device 22. The payout is set appropriately depending on the content of the lottery game. The specific steps of the lottery game process S6 in the fourth embodiment are as described above. As can be understood from the above explanation, the fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0064] In the above explanation, an example has been given in which the first credit or the second credit selected by the player is consumed, but the method of switching between the first credit and the second credit is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration is also envisioned in which the second credit is consumed first, and consumption of the first credit begins when the remaining amount of the second credit falls below the consumption unit.

[0065] [Fifth embodiment] In the first to fourth embodiments, the winning probability P when the second credit is consumed is set to a value PH that is higher than the value PL of the winning probability P when the second credit is not consumed. In the fifth embodiment and a sixth embodiment described below, the specific processing for progressing the lottery game to the player's advantage by consuming the second credit differs from the first and fourth embodiments.

[0066] The game control unit 213 of the fifth embodiment controls the length of time required for the lottery game depending on whether or not second credits are consumed. Specifically, the game control unit 213 sets the length of time of the lottery game in which second credits are consumed to be shorter than the length of time of the lottery game in which second credits are not consumed. In other words, the length of time of the lottery game is shortened by consuming second credits.

[0067] Specifically, the time length of a lottery game in which second credits are not consumed is set to, for example, six seconds. Even if the result of the lottery game is determined in less than six seconds, the next consumption operation is prohibited from being accepted until six seconds have elapsed. On the other hand, in a lottery game in which second credits are consumed, the next consumption operation can be accepted even before six seconds have elapsed. When second credits are consumed in a lottery game that progresses in response to a player's operation, the speed at which the lottery game progresses can be increased by speeding up the player's operation.

[0068] Other possible modes for shortening the length of time of the lottery game include, for example, increasing the speed of the lottery game, omitting some of the stages that make up the lottery game, or shortening or omitting the presentation of the lottery game. By shortening the length of time of the lottery game, the expected number of rewards that a player can obtain within a unit time increases. This creates an advantageous situation for players who aim to obtain a large number of rewards in the lottery game.

[0069] The configuration in which the first credit and the second credit are managed separately and the configuration in which the lottery game progresses to the player's advantage by consuming the second credit are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the second credit may be consumed together with the first credit for one lottery game, as in the first embodiment, or one of the first credit and the second credit may be selectively consumed for the lottery game, as in the fourth embodiment.

[0070] [Sixth embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, if there are remaining second credits, a predetermined amount of second credits are consumed together with first credits for one lottery game. If there are no remaining second credits, only first credits are consumed for the lottery game. In the sixth embodiment, if the lottery result in the lottery game is a win, the player is awarded a quantity of first credits calculated by multiplying the consumption unit of first credits by a multiplier R as a reward.

[0071] The game control unit 213 of the sixth embodiment controls the amount of reward that a player can acquire when winning a lottery game, depending on whether or not second credits are consumed. Specifically, the game control unit 213 sets the multiplier R applied to calculating the reward in the lottery game, depending on whether or not second credits are consumed in the lottery game. For example, if second credits are consumed in the lottery game, the game control unit 213 sets the multiplier R to a numerical value RH, and if second credits are not consumed, the game control unit 213 sets the multiplier R to a numerical value RL. The numerical value RH is greater than the numerical value RL (RH>RL).

[0072] In the above configuration, the number of rewards for a predetermined amount of first credits in a lottery game in which second credits are consumed exceeds the number of rewards for that predetermined amount in a lottery game in which second credits are not consumed. As the number of rewards increases by consuming second credits as described above, the expected number of rewards that a player can earn within a unit time increases. This creates an advantageous situation for players who aim to earn a large number of rewards in the lottery game. Note that the configuration in which first credits and second credits are managed separately is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0073] [Seventh embodiment] As mentioned above, the payout of value media according to the quantity of second credits is limited (typically prohibited). Therefore, if an excessively large number of second credits are awarded to a player by inserting second value media, the player may not be able to consume all of the second credits. For example, if a player who arrives at a gaming facility just before the facility closes inserts a large number of second value media, the player may not be able to consume all of the second credits before the facility closes. Taking the above into consideration, in the seventh embodiment, when the quantity of second credits has reached an upper limit, further increases in the second credits are limited.

[0074] 7 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of the process for limiting the increase of the second credit in the seventh embodiment. For example, the process of FIG. 7 is executed immediately before step S1 in FIG.

[0075] When the process starts, the control device 21 determines whether the amount of second credits has reached the upper limit (Sc1). If the amount of second credits has reached the upper limit (Sc1: YES), the control device 21 controls the game system 1 in a state in which an increase in the quantity of second credits is limited (hereinafter referred to as the "limited state"). The limited state is, for example, a state in which the insertion port for the second value medium in the second reception unit 252 is blocked by a blocking mechanism (not shown). That is, in the limited state, the player cannot insert the second value medium into the insertion port. However, the limited state is not limited to the above examples. For example, a state in which the second value medium inserted into the insertion port in the second reception unit 252 is directly discharged from the discharge port of the discharge device is also an example of the limited state. In the limited state in which the second value medium is directly discharged from the discharge port, the second value medium inserted into the insertion port is not detected. Therefore, even if the player inserts the second value medium into the insertion port, the second credits are not increased. When a second value medium is inserted in the restricted state, the player may be given first credits in an amount corresponding to the amount of the second value medium inserted.

[0076] On the other hand, if the quantity of second credits is below the upper limit (Sc1: NO), the control device 21 controls the game system 1 to a state in which an increase in the quantity of second credits is permitted (hereinafter referred to as the "acceptance state") (Sc3). The acceptance state is a state in which, when the second acceptance unit 252 accepts the insertion of a second value medium, the second conversion unit 212 converts the second value medium into second credits. As can be understood from the above explanation, when the second credits reach the upper limit, the game system 1 is controlled to the restricted state, and when the second credits fall below the upper limit, the game system 1 is controlled to the acceptance state.

[0077] The seventh embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, when the amount of second credits reaches the upper limit, an increase in the second credits is limited, so the amount of second credits is limited to an appropriate range. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the amount of second credits becomes excessive and the player is unable to consume all of them.

[0078] [Eighth embodiment] In the above-described embodiments, a configuration in which a second value medium is converted into second credits has been exemplified. In the eighth embodiment, a second value medium inserted by a player is converted into first credits and second credits. Specifically, when the second accepting unit 252 accepts the insertion of a second value medium, the first converting unit 211 converts the second value medium into first credits, and the second converting unit 212 converts the second value medium into second credits. For example, by inserting a unit amount of the second value medium (e.g., "1 coin"), a predetermined amount of first credits (e.g., "10") and a predetermined amount of second credits (e.g., "10") are granted to the player.

[0079] 8 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of the process executed by the control device 21 in the eighth embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, step S4 of the first embodiment is replaced by step S4a in FIG.

[0080] The process (S1, S2) of converting the first value medium accepted by the first accepting unit 251 into first credits is the same as in the first embodiment. When the second accepting unit 252 accepts the second value medium (S3), the first converting unit 211 converts the second value medium into first credits, and the second converting unit 212 converts the second value medium into second credits. That is, an amount corresponding to the amount of the second value medium inserted is added to both the first credits and the second credits. The operation of consuming the first credits or the second credits is the same as in the first embodiment. Note that in the lottery game process S6, the consumption unit of the first credits is consumed (Sa61) as in the first embodiment, and if the remaining amount of second credits exceeds the consumption unit, the consumption unit of the second credits is consumed (Sa64).

[0081] In the eighth embodiment, both the first credit and the second credit increase when the second value medium is inserted, so the aforementioned effect of encouraging the player to insert the second value medium is particularly remarkable.

[0082] It is also possible to treat the second credits converted from the second value medium as "points" to distinguish them from the first credits. Points are displayed on the display device 23 (second area G2) as information for advantageously developing the lottery game. By visually checking the points displayed on the display device 23, the player can grasp how long the situation in which the lottery game can be advantageously developed will continue. If the second value medium were converted only into the second credits (points) under the above configuration, the player may mistakenly believe that the second value medium is not converted into credits to be consumed for playing the lottery game. In the eighth embodiment, the second value medium is converted into both the first credits and the second credits, thereby reducing the possibility that the player may mistakenly believe that the second value medium is not converted into credits.

[0083] In the first to seventh embodiments, as described above, the payout of the second credit converted from the second value medium is prohibited. On the other hand, in the eighth embodiment, the payout of the second credit converted from the second value medium is prohibited as in the above-described embodiments, but the payout of the first credit converted from the second value medium by the first conversion unit 211 is permitted. As can be understood from the above explanation, in the present invention, the payout of all credits converted from the second value medium is not prohibited.

[0084] [Variations] The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0085] (1) In the above-described embodiments, an electronic lottery is exemplified in which one of a plurality of lottery elements is probabilistically selected by calculations executed by the control device 21. However, a physical lottery may be executed in the lottery game in which one of a plurality of lottery elements is selected using a tangible lottery object such as a sphere. In a configuration in which a physical lottery is executed, as in the above-described embodiments, the winning probability P (first embodiment), the length of time of the lottery game (fifth embodiment), or the amount of reward (sixth embodiment) is controlled depending on whether or not second credits are consumed.

[0086] (2) The type of game in which the first credit and the second credit are consumed is not limited to a lottery game. For example, the game control unit 213 may control an exploration game in which a character representing a player explores a search location such as a cave or a building, or a fighting game in which a character representing a player competes against other characters. The specific configuration for progressing the game to the player's advantage depends on the type of game. For example, in a fighting game, the game progresses to the player's advantage by strengthening the character through control of parameters related to the player's character. In addition, in an exploration game, the game progresses to the player's advantage by reducing the size or required time of the search location through control of parameters related to the search location.

[0087] (3) In the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the payout of a value medium according to the quantity of second credits is prohibited has been exemplified, but the payout of a value medium according to the quantity of second credits may be permitted. For example, the payout control unit 214 may cause the payout device 26 to pay out the first value medium or the second value medium according to the quantity of second credits.

[0088] (4) In the above-described embodiments, examples have been given in which a consumption unit of first credits is consumed in a lottery game, but the consumption amount of first credits is not limited to the consumption unit. For example, a consumption amount of first credits designated by a player may be consumed in a lottery game. The same applies to the consumption amount of second credits; the consumption amount is not limited to the consumption unit. For example, a consumption amount of second credits designated by a player may be consumed in a lottery game. A configuration in which the larger the consumption amount of second credits, the more advantageously the lottery game unfolds is also preferable.

[0089] (5) As a configuration for progressing the lottery game to the player's advantage, the first embodiment exemplifies a configuration for increasing the winning probability P, the fifth embodiment exemplifies a configuration for shortening the length of the lottery game, and the sixth embodiment exemplifies a configuration for increasing the amount of reward when a player wins. Since the object of the lottery game is to obtain a reward, each of the above configurations for progressing the lottery game to the player's advantage is encompassed as a configuration for increasing the expected number of rewards that the player can obtain within a unit time. Furthermore, each of the above configurations for progressing the lottery game to the player's advantage can also be said to be a configuration for shortening the time required for the player to obtain a predetermined amount of reward. Note that multiple processes for progressing the game to the player's advantage may be combined.

[0090] [Note] From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0091] A game system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix 1) of the present invention comprises a first conversion unit (211) that converts a first value medium into a first game value when the first value medium is inserted, a second conversion unit (212) that converts a second value medium of a type different from the first value medium into a second game value when the second value medium is inserted, and a game control unit (213) that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and the game control unit (213) progresses the game in a more advantageous manner for the player when the second game value is consumed than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment, the first gaming value converted from the first value medium and the second gaming value converted from the second value medium are managed separately. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which one type of credit corresponding to both the first value medium and the second value medium is processed, operation in which the roles of the first value medium and the second value medium are differentiated can be easily realized. Furthermore, when the second gaming value converted from the second value medium is consumed, the game progresses more advantageously for the player than when the second gaming value is not consumed. This encourages players to insert the second value medium.

[0093] A "value medium (first value medium, second value medium)" is a tangible or intangible medium that has value that can be converted into game value consumed for a game. Examples of tangible value mediums include physical medals (token coins), currency (coins), or tickets. Examples of intangible value mediums include electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), or points. The first value medium and the second value medium are mutually distinct value mediums. For example, the first value medium is a physical medal or electronic medal, and the second value medium is physical currency or electronic currency. In other words, the first value medium is a token currency used exclusively for the game, and the second value medium is real currency (legal tender). The first value medium may also be described as a value medium that can be paid out to a player depending on the outcome of the game, and the second value medium as a value medium that cannot be paid out to a player. In other words, the first value medium is a value medium that can increase the quantity held by a player before and after playing a game.

[0094] "Game value" is the value consumed as payment for playing a game. A typical example of "game value" is numerical data such as credits. "Consumption" of game value can also be referred to as "betting" in a lottery game, for example. Furthermore, "when second game value is consumed" includes cases where only the second game value is consumed and cases where both the first game value and the second game value are consumed.

[0095] A game being "advantageous" to a player means that the conditions relating to the progress of the game are favorable to the player in achieving the objective of the game. For example, in a lottery game in which winning / losing is selected probabilistically, a state in which the probability of winning is increased corresponds to an "advantageous" state. Furthermore, since the shorter the length of a single game, the more efficiently a player can achieve their objective, a state in which the length of a single game is shortened also corresponds to an "advantageous" state. Furthermore, in a game in which the objective is to obtain a reward, a state in which the amount of reward awarded to the player depending on the game result is large corresponds to an "advantageous" state.

[0096] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, when the second value medium is inserted, the first conversion unit converts the second value medium into the first gaming value, and the second conversion unit converts the second value medium into the second gaming value. In the above embodiment, the second value medium is converted into the first gaming medium and the second gaming medium. Therefore, the player does not need to insert both the first value medium and the second value medium.

[0097] The gaming system (1) according to a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 includes a payout control unit (214) that executes the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the first gaming value, and the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value is limited. According to the above aspect, since the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value is limited, it is possible to dedicate the second gaming value to progress the game to the player's advantage.

[0098] "Payment of a value medium" refers to, for example, dispensing a tangible value medium to a player, or transferring an intangible value medium (for example, an electronic medal) to an account owned by a player. "Restricting the payout of value media" means that the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value is restricted compared to the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the first gaming value. A typical example of "restriction" is "prohibition," but it is not necessary to completely prohibit the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value. For example, assuming a configuration in which the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the first gaming value is executed when any of a plurality of conditions is met, a configuration in which the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value is prohibited when some of the plurality of conditions is met corresponds to a configuration in which "the payout of value media is restricted." For example, assuming a configuration in which the payout control unit (214) executes the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the first gaming value in response to an instruction from the player, a configuration in which the payout of a quantity of value media corresponding to the quantity of the second gaming value in response to an instruction from the player is prohibited is included in the configuration in which "the payout of value media is restricted" even if payout is permitted under other conditions.

[0099] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the second conversion unit (212) limits an increase in the quantity of the second game value when the quantity of the second game value reaches an upper limit. Because the payout of value media according to the second game value is limited, in a configuration in which no upper limit is set on the quantity of the second game value, the second game value may become excessively large, and the player may not be able to consume all of the second game value. The above-mentioned aspect in which no second game value is added when the quantity of the second game value reaches an upper limit has the advantage of being able to limit the quantity of the second game value to an appropriate range.

[0100] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the game is a lottery game in which winning or losing is determined by lottery, and advantageously progressing the game includes setting the probability (P) of the player winning in the game in which the second game value is consumed to a higher value than the probability (P) of the player winning in the game in which the second game value is not consumed. According to the above aspect, the probability (P) of winning in the lottery game increases by consuming the second game value, creating an advantageous situation for a player aiming to win in the lottery game.

[0101] The "lottery" may be either a physical lottery using a lottery object such as a sphere, or an electronic lottery realized by calculation processing by a calculation device.

[0102] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, advantageously progressing the game includes shortening the length of time of the game in which the second game value is consumed compared to the length of time of the game in which the second game value is not consumed. According to the above aspect, the length of time of the game is shortened by consuming the second game value, which creates an advantageous situation for a player who aims to achieve an objective in the game.

[0103] "Shortening the game length" means shortening the time required to play one game. For example, this could mean increasing the speed at which the game progresses, omitting some of the stages that make up the game, or shortening or omitting actions for game effects.

[0104] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the game is a lottery game in which winning or losing is determined by lottery, and a player is awarded a reward in a quantity corresponding to the amount of the first game value consumed if the player wins the lottery, and advantageously progressing the game includes setting the quantity of rewards for a predetermined amount of the first game value in the game in which the second game value is consumed to a numerical value greater than the quantity of rewards for the predetermined amount of the first game value in the game in which the second game value is not consumed. According to the above aspect, the quantity of rewards for a predetermined amount of the first game value increases as the second game value is consumed, creating an advantageous situation for players aiming to win a large number of rewards.

[0105] The amount of the reward is set to a value obtained by multiplying the consumption amount of the first gaming value by a multiplier (odds), for example. Therefore, "setting the amount of the reward for a predetermined amount of the first gaming value to a large value" includes, for example, increasing the multiplier.

[0106] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, the first game value is consumed in the game, and if there is a remaining amount of the second game value, the second game value is consumed together with the first game value. In the above-mentioned aspect, the game in which the first game value is consumed is used as the basis, and by consuming the second game value converted from the second value medium for the game, the game progresses in an advantageous manner for the player.

[0107] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, one of the first game value and the second game value is selectively consumed in the game. In the above aspect, a game in which the first game value is consumed and a game advantageous to a player who has consumed the second game value are selectively executed.

[0108] "Selective consumption of one of the first game value and the second game value" means that a game in which the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed, and a game in which the second game value is consumed without the first game value being consumed, are both executed. For example, a configuration in which one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed preferentially, and when the entire amount of that game value is consumed, the other is consumed, or a configuration in which the game value selected by the player from the first game value and the second game value is consumed for the game is assumed.

[0109] The operating method of the game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 10) involves converting a first value medium into a first game value when a first value medium is inserted, converting the second value medium into a second game value when a second value medium different from the first value medium is inserted, progressing a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and when the second game value is consumed, progressing the game in an advantageous manner for the player compared to when the first game value is consumed without consuming the second game value.

[0110] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 11) is a program that causes a computer to function as a first conversion unit (211) that converts a first value medium into a first game value when the first value medium is inserted, a second conversion unit (212) that converts a second value medium of a type different from the first value medium into a second game value when the second value medium is inserted, and a game control unit (213) that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, and the game control unit (213) progresses the game in a way that is more advantageous to the player when the second game value is consumed than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1...game system, 21...control device, 211...first conversion unit, 212...second conversion unit, 213...game control unit, 214...payout control unit, 22...storage device, 23...display device, 24...operation device, 25...reception device, 251...first reception unit, 252...second reception unit, 26...payout device.

Claims

1. a first conversion unit that converts a first value medium into a first gaming value when the first value medium is inserted; a second conversion unit that converts a second value medium into a second game value when a second value medium different from the first value medium is inserted; a game control unit that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, the game control unit, when the second game value is consumed, progresses the game in a more advantageous manner for the player than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed; In the game, the second game value is consumed preferentially, and when the remaining amount of the second game value reaches a predetermined number, consumption of the first game value is started. Game system.

2. When a first value medium is inserted, the first value medium is converted into a first gaming value; When a second value medium different from the first value medium is inserted, the second value medium is converted into a second game value; proceeding with a game in which at least one of the first gaming value and the second gaming value is consumed; When the second game value is consumed, the game is advanced more advantageously for the player than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed; In the game, the second game value is consumed preferentially, and when the remaining amount of the second game value reaches a predetermined number, consumption of the first game value is started. How the game system works.

3. A first conversion unit that converts a first value medium into a first gaming value when the first value medium is inserted; a second conversion unit that converts a second value medium into a second game value when a second value medium different from the first value medium is inserted; a program that causes a computer to function as a game control unit that progresses a game in which at least one of the first game value and the second game value is consumed, the game control unit, when the second game value is consumed, progresses the game in a more advantageous manner for the player than when the first game value is consumed without the second game value being consumed; In the game, the second game value is consumed preferentially, and when the remaining amount of the second game value reaches a predetermined number, consumption of the first game value is started. program.

Images