Game system, game control method, and program

Abstract

To enable easy sharing of game experience among multiple users whose predetermined relationship has been registered.SOLUTION: This game system comprises: a relationship registering unit 31 for registering relationships among multiple users; and a participation processing unit 32 for executing participation processing. The participation processing includes: reception processing for receiving, from a second user whose relationship with a first user has been registered, use of a game value in a game played by the first user among the multiple users; and adding processing for adding a reward to the second user according to the result of the game played by the first user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to games. [Background technology]

[0002] Various technologies have been proposed for providing users with games that can be played in exchange for the consumption of gaming value such as medals. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which, for each of multiple users playing a medal game, other users with whom they have a friend relationship are registered. Users who visit a gaming facility can keep track of their friends who are located within the facility. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6265290 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 only allows each user to know which friends are present within the gaming facility. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to enable multiple users who have registered a predetermined relationship to easily share gaming experiences. [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 relationship registration unit that registers relationships between multiple users, and a participation processing unit that executes a participation process including an acceptance process that accepts the use of game value in a game played by a first user among the multiple users from a second user who has a registered relationship with the first user, and an award process that awards a reward to the second user depending on the result of the game played by the first user.

[0006] A game control method according to one embodiment of the present invention executes a participation process that includes: a reception process that registers relationships between multiple users and receives, from a second user who has registered a relationship with the first user, the use of gaming value in a game played by the first user; and an award process that awards a reward to the second user based on the result of the game played by the first user.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer system to function as a relationship registration unit that registers relationships between multiple users, and a participation processing unit that executes participation processing including an acceptance process that accepts the use of gaming value in a game played by a first user among the multiple users from a second user who has a registered relationship with the first user, and an award process that awards a reward to the second user based on the result of the game played by the first user. [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 a configuration of a game device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a play screen. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a game process. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of user data. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control system. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the game system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the game system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a candidate list. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the game system. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a friend list. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a participation process. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a normal participation process. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a special participation process. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of reservation data. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a game image in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a base game according to the fourth 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] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1 according to a first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 1 according to the first embodiment is an information system including a plurality of game devices 10 (10a, 10b) and a control system 20.

[0011] Each of the multiple gaming devices 10 is installed in a different gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. Each gaming device 10 is a computer system that provides games to users U (Ua, Ub) within the gaming facility. Of the multiple gaming devices 10, FIG. 1 illustrates, for convenience, gaming device 10a used by user Ua and gaming device 10b used by user Ub. User Ua is an example of a "second user," and user Ub is an example of a "first user."

[0012] The control system 20 is a computer system for controlling the operation of each of the multiple game devices 10. For example, a server system installed outside an amusement facility is used as the control system 20. Each of the multiple game devices 10 communicates with the control system 20 via a communication network 2 such as the Internet.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each game device 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the game device 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, an operation device 14, a display device 15, a lottery device 16, and a reception device 17. The game device 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0014] The control device 11 is configured, for example, by one or more processors that control each element of the game device 10. Specifically, the control device 11 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). The communication device 13 communicates with the control system 20 via the communication network 2.

[0015] The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, a well-known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 12. Note that a portable recording medium that is detachable from the game device 10, or a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 11 can write to or read from via the communication network 2, for example, may also be used as the storage device 12.

[0016] The operation device 14 is an input device that accepts operations by the user U. The operation device 14 is, for example, a plurality of operators operated by the user U, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user U. The display device 15 displays images under the control of the control device 11. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel are used as the display device 15.

[0017] The reception device 17 receives a value medium from the user U. The value medium may be, for example, a physical medal (token) or an electronic medal. Specifically, the reception device 17 includes a transport path for transporting the physical medals supplied to the insertion slot by the user U and a counter for counting the physical medals. The reception device 17 may also be a communication device that communicates with a management server device (not shown) that manages an electronic medal account for each user U. For example, the reception device 17 executes a withdrawal process for transferring electronic medals from an account managed by the management server device to the game device 10 and a deposit process for transferring electronic medals to an account of the management server device. The reception device 17 may also be a reader that transfers electronic medals from a recording medium, such as an IC card, on which the electronic medals are recorded to the game device 10. A quantity of game value corresponding to the quantity of value medium received by the reception device 17 is set available for use by the user U. The game value is value (credit) for the user U to play a game.

[0018] The lottery device 16 is a mechanism that executes a physical lottery that randomly selects one of a plurality of lottery numbers. Whether the user U wins (succeeds) or loses (fails) is determined according to the result of the physical lottery. For example, the lottery device 16 is exemplified by a rotating wheel (roulette) that causes a lottery object such as a sphere to enter one of a plurality of lottery holes, or a lottery machine that causes one of a plurality of lottery objects to enter one or more lottery holes. Note that an electronic lottery that determines whether the user U wins or loses through calculations by the control device 11 may be adopted instead of the physical lottery. In a configuration in which an electronic lottery is executed, the lottery device 16 may be omitted.

[0019] In the gaming device 10 of the first embodiment, multiple types of lottery games are executed, including a normal game and a special game. A lottery device 16 is used for the lottery games. The normal game is a lottery game that a user U plays regularly or repeatedly. The special game is executed when a predetermined condition (hereinafter referred to as an "execution condition") is met as a result of the normal game. The execution condition is, for example, that the number of specific items acquired by the user U in the normal game reaches a predetermined value. On the other hand, the special game is a lottery game in which a lottery is held to determine whether the user U will win or lose a special prize (jackpot) that will award a large number of rewards to the user U.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a play screen G displayed by the display device 15 for the normal game. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the play screen G includes a game image G1 and a character G2. The game image G1 is an image showing the progress of the normal game. The normal game in the first embodiment is a bingo game that uses a lottery card on which a plurality of lottery numbers are arranged in a matrix. The game image G1 is an image showing the lottery card. When the lottery numbers selected sequentially by physical lottery using the lottery device 16 among the plurality of lottery numbers on the lottery card are arranged in a single row (vertical / horizontal / diagonal), it is determined that the user U has won. The character G2 is an object for presentation that is owned by the user U.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process S executed by the control device 11 of each game device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "game process").

[0022] A user U acquires gaming value by inserting a value medium into the reception device 17. By operating the operation device 14, the user U can instruct the use of a desired quantity of gaming value (hereinafter referred to as "usage amount"). The use of gaming value means that the user U consumes gaming value (i.e., bets) to play the normal game and to obtain a reward if a win occurs. The control device 11 receives an instruction to use gaming value from the user U (S101). Specifically, the control device 11 subtracts the usage amount from the quantity of gaming value held by the user U.

[0023] When the game value is accepted, the control device 11 proceeds with the normal game (S102). Specifically, the control device 11 executes a physical lottery by controlling the lottery device 16 while displaying the play screen G on the display device 15. Furthermore, the control device 11 awards an item to the user U if a predetermined condition is met during the physical lottery. The control device 11 determines whether the user U has won or lost based on the result of the physical lottery (S103). If the user U has won the normal game (S103: YES), the control device 11 awards the user U with a quantity of game value corresponding to the amount of use as a reward (S104). That is, the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of use by a coefficient (odds) is added as a reward to the quantity of game value held by the user U. On the other hand, if the user U has lost the normal game (S103: NO), the awarding of a reward to the user U (S104) is not executed.

[0024] The control device 11 determines whether or not the execution conditions for the special game are met (S105). For example, the control device 11 determines whether or not the number of items acquired by the user U has reached a predetermined value. If the execution conditions are met (S105: YES), the control device 11 progresses the special game (S106). The content of the special game is arbitrary, but for example, a lottery game using a physical lottery by the lottery device 16 is executed. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 11 functions as an element (progression control unit) that progresses the lottery game (S102, S106). On the other hand, if the execution conditions are not met (S105: NO), the control device 11 does not execute the special game.

[0025] In the special game, the control device 11 determines whether the user U has won or lost (S107). If the user U has won the special game (S107: YES), the control device 11 grants a large amount of gaming value to the user U as a reward (S108). For example, the amount of gaming value accumulated each time the normal game is played is granted to the user U as a reward for the special game. If the user U has lost the special game (S107: NO), the granting of a reward to the user U (S108) is not executed. Note that a predetermined amount of gaming value may be granted to the user U who has lost the special game.

[0026] The control device 11 determines whether a predetermined termination condition is met (S109). The termination condition is, for example, an instruction to end the operation of the game device 10 by operating the operation device 14. If the termination condition is not met (S109: NO), the control device 11 shifts the processing to step S101. On the other hand, if the termination condition is met (S109: YES), the control device 11 ends the game processing S. The game processing S exemplified above is executed in each of the multiple game devices 10.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of control system 20. As illustrated in Fig. 5, control system 20 is realized by a computer system including a control device 21, a storage device 22, and a communication device 23. Note that control system 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0028] The control device 21 is configured, for example, by one or more processors that control each element of the control system 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 23 communicates with each game device 10 via the communication network 2.

[0029] 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, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 22. Note that a portable recording medium that is detachable from the control system 20, or a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 21 can write to or read from via the communication network 2, for example, may also be used as the storage device 22.

[0030] The storage device 22 stores user data X for each of a plurality of users U. The user data X for each user U is data in which a plurality of pieces of information related to that user U are registered. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the user data X. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user data X includes identification information x1, game data x2, situation information x3, relationship information x4, interaction points x5, and candidate information x6.

[0031] The identification information x1 is a code string for identifying the user U. The identification information x1 is given to the user U who has previously registered for use, and is stored in a recording medium (e.g., an IC card) possessed by the user U. Each game device 10 starts the lottery game using the user data X including the identification information x1 received from the recording medium of the user U, and updates the user data X as the lottery game progresses.

[0032] The game data x2 is information related to the game played by the user U. Specifically, the results of games played by the user U in the past, the player name set by the user U, the character name of the character G2 owned by the user U, parameters related to the character G2, etc. are registered as the game data x2. Examples of parameters related to the character G2 include items equipped by the character G2 or ability values ​​of the character G2. Note that the character G2 does not necessarily need to appear in the game played by the user U. In other words, the parameters related to the character G2 may be omitted from the game data x2. The game data x2 can also be said to be data representing the progress of the lottery game (for example, items acquired by the user U, etc.).

[0033] The status information x3 is data that indicates the current status of the user U. Specifically, whether the user U is currently playing or not and the name of the gaming facility where the user U is located are registered in the user data X as the status information x3.

[0034] Each user U can establish a predetermined relationship (hereinafter referred to as a "friend relationship") with other users U in the lottery game. The friend relationships of each user U are divided into one-way friend relationships and two-way friend relationships. Focusing on users Ua and Ub, a one-way friend relationship is a relationship in which user Ua follows user Ub, but user Ub does not follow user Ua. On the other hand, a two-way friend relationship is a relationship in which user Ua and user Ub follow each other. In other words, for example, a relationship in which user Ua follows user Ub and user Ub follows user Ua is a two-way friend relationship (follow-follower relationship).

[0035] The relationship information x4 is information that represents a friend relationship between users U. In the first embodiment, the relationship information x4 includes following information x41 and follower information x42. The following information x41 of each user U includes identification information x1 of other users U that the user U follows. Furthermore, the follower information x42 of each user includes identification information x1 of other users U that follow the user U. When a bidirectional friend relationship is established between users Ua and Ub, the following information x41 and follower information x42 in the user data X of each of users Ua and Ub include the identification information x1 of the other user U.

[0036] The exchange points x5 are in-game value granted to each user U due to the friend relationship between the users U. For example, the user U can change the ability scores or equipment of the character G2 owned by the user U in exchange for spending the exchange points x5. For example, the user U can acquire an item such as an accessory to be equipped on the character G2 owned by the user U by spending a predetermined amount of exchange points x5. Note that in a form in which the character G2 does not appear in the lottery game, various rewards are granted to the user U in place of the exchange points x5. For example, rewards such as an item that gives an advantage in the lottery game or the right to play a specific game such as a special game may be granted to the user U in place of (or in addition to) the exchange points x5.

[0037] The candidate information x6 is information indicating other users U (hereinafter referred to as "candidate users U") who are candidates for each user U when building a friend relationship with the user U. As will be described in detail later, other users U with whom each user U has participated in past lottery games (particularly normal games) are registered as candidate users U in the candidate information x6. Specifically, the identification information x1 of the candidate users U is registered as the candidate information x6. Note that, although the first embodiment illustrates an example in which users U who have participated in past lottery games are registered as candidate users U, the candidate users U may also be determined based on the behavior of the user U while the user U is playing the lottery game.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control system 20. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the control device 21 of the control system 20 executes a program stored in the storage device 22 to realize multiple functions (a relationship registration unit 31, a participation processing unit 32, and a status notification unit 33).

[0039] The relationship registration unit 31 registers friend relationships between users U. Specifically, the relationship registration unit 31 registers friend relationships between users U by updating the relationship information x4 in the user data X of each user U.

[0040] Each user U can participate in lottery games (regular games and special games) played by other users U. If a user U wins a lottery game, other users U who participated in the lottery game will be awarded a reward. The participation processing unit 32 in FIG. 7 controls each user U's participation in a lottery game. In other words, participation in a lottery game by a user U means a game in which the user U can win a reward according to the outcome of a lottery game played by other users U. Whether or not a user U participates in a lottery game does not affect the outcome of the lottery game itself. However, it is also possible that whether or not a user U participates, or the number of participants, will affect the outcome of the lottery game.

[0041] The participation processing unit 32 in the first embodiment executes participation processing Q (see FIG. 13). The participation processing Q is processing for controlling the participation of a user U in a lottery game. The participation processing Q includes a normal participation processing Q1 and a special participation processing Q2. The normal participation processing Q1 is processing for controlling the participation of a user U in a normal game. On the other hand, the special participation processing Q2 is processing for controlling the participation of a user U in a special game. In the first embodiment, only users U who have established a two-way friend relationship with the user U can participate in the special game of the user U. On the other hand, any user U can participate in the normal game played by the user U, regardless of the presence or absence of a relationship with the user U and the type of relationship (one-way / two-way).

[0042] 7 notifies other users U participating in the lottery game of the status of the lottery game (normal game or special game) played by the user U. Therefore, the users U participating in the lottery game can check the progress status of the lottery game.

[0043] The operation of the game system 1 in the first embodiment will be described below. In the following description, it is assumed that a user Ua participates in a lottery game of another user U. Specific steps of the processing executed by the control device 21 of the control system 20 and the control device 11 of the game device 10a used by the user Ua will be exemplified below.

[0044] 8 is a specific example of the operation of the game system 1 when a user Ua participates in a lottery game of another user U without utilizing a friend relationship between the users U. The processing in FIG. 8 can also be said to be processing that is executed in an initial state where a friend relationship has not been established between the user Ua and the other user U.

[0045] The user Ua operates the operation device 14 to instruct the game device 10a to participate in the regular game of another user U. When the participation instruction is received from the user Ua (Sa101), the control device 11 transmits a notification M11 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa102). The notification M11 is a message requesting that the user Ua participate in the regular game of the other user U.

[0046] The control device 21 of the control system 20 receives the notification M11 sent by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb101). Upon receiving the notification M11, the control device 21 selects one of the multiple users U whose user data X is recorded in the storage device 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "selected user U") (Sb102). For example, the control device 21 randomly selects a user U from the multiple users U. Note that the control device 21 may also select a user U based on predetermined conditions. The control device 21 transmits a notification M12 indicating the selected user U from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 10a (Sb103). The notification M12 includes the user data X of the candidate user U.

[0047] The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the notification M12 sent by the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Sa103). The control device 11 displays information represented by the user data X in the notification M12 (e.g., game data x2) on the display device 15 (Sa104). The user Ua confirms the information of the selected user U by visually checking the display on the display device 15. Then, the user Ua operates the operation device 14 to instruct the game device 10a to participate in the normal game being played by the selected user U. Upon receiving the participation instruction from the user Ua (Sa105), the control device 11 transmits a notification M13 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa106). The notification M13 includes identification information x1 of the user Ua and identification information x1 of the selected user U.

[0048] The control device 21 of the control system 20 receives the notification M13 transmitted by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb104). Upon receiving the notification M13, the control device 21 executes normal participation processing Q1 to allow the user Ua to participate in the normal game being played by the selected user U (Sb105). The specific steps of the normal participation processing Q1 will be described later.

[0049] When the normal participation process Q1 is executed, the control device 21 registers the identification information x1 of the currently selected user U in the candidate information x6 in the user data X of the user Ua (Sb106). That is, the selected user U who played the normal game in which the user Ua participated is registered as a candidate user U in the user data X of the user Ua. By repeating the above process, two or more users U who participated in the normal game with the user Ua are registered as candidate users U for the user Ua. Note that, although the above explanation has exemplified a form in which the control system 20 selects one selected user U, the control system 20 may select multiple users U, and the user Ua may select a desired selected user U from the multiple users U.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows a specific example of the operation of the game system 1 when a user Ua establishes a friend relationship with another user U. The user Ua operates the operation device 14 to instruct the game device 10a to present candidate users U. Upon receiving the instruction from the user Ua (Sa201), the control device 11 transmits a notification M21 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa202). The notification M21 is a message requesting the presentation of candidate users U, and includes identification information x1 of the user Ua.

[0051] The relationship registration unit 31 of the control system 20 receives the notification M21 transmitted by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb201). Upon receiving the notification M21, the relationship registration unit 31 extracts multiple candidate users U related to the user Ua (Sb202). Specifically, the relationship registration unit 31 searches the storage device 22 for the user data X of the user Ua corresponding to the identification information x1 in the notification M21, and identifies multiple candidate users U indicated by the candidate information x6 of the user data X. In other words, multiple candidate users U who have previously participated in the regular game by the user Ua are identified. The relationship registration unit 31 transmits a notification M22 indicating the multiple candidate users U from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 10a (Sb203). The notification M22 includes the user data X of each of the multiple candidate users U.

[0052] The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the notification M22 sent by the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Sa203). The control device 11 displays an image (hereinafter referred to as a "candidate list") L1 represented by each user data X in the notification M22 on the display device 15 (Sa204). As can be understood from the above explanation, the relationship registration unit 31 of the control system 20 displays the candidate list L1 including multiple candidate users U on the display device 15 of the game device 10a.

[0053] 10 is a schematic diagram of the candidate list L1. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the candidate list L1 is an image in which information on user data X is arranged for each of multiple candidate users U. For example, the player name and character name indicated by the game data x2 of the user data X, the gaming facility indicated by the situation information x3, and the value of the interaction points x5 are displayed for each candidate user U.

[0054] Furthermore, a follow image F1 is displayed for a candidate user U who is following user Ua among the multiple candidate users U. The follow image F1 is an image that indicates that the candidate user U is following user Ua. Specifically, the control device 11 displays the follow image F1 for a candidate user U whose follow information x41 in the relationship information x4 includes user Ua's identification information x1. As can be understood from the above explanation, the relationship registration unit 31 presents to user Ua multiple candidate users U who have been involved with user Ua in past regular games. Note that the follow image F1 may also be displayed for a candidate user U who is being followed by user Ua. User U can terminate the follow relationship with a candidate user U who is being followed by user Ua.

[0055] The user Ua can select one of the multiple candidate users U displayed in the candidate list L1 by operating the operation device 14. The selection of a candidate user U by the user Ua corresponds to an instruction from the user Ua to follow the candidate user U. When the selection of a candidate user U is accepted from the user Ua (Sa205), the control device 11 transmits a notification M23 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa206), as illustrated in FIG. 9. The notification M23 includes the identification information x1 of the user Ua and the identification information x1 of the candidate user U selected by the user Ua.

[0056] The relationship registration unit 31 of the control system 20 receives the notification M23 sent by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb204). Upon receiving the notification M23, the relationship registration unit 31 registers the relationship between the user Ua and the candidate user U (Sb205). Specifically, the relationship registration unit 31 searches the storage device 22 for the user data X corresponding to the identification information x1 of the user Ua in the notification M23, and registers the identification information x1 of the candidate user U in the notification M23 in the following information x41 of the user data X. The relationship registration unit 31 also registers the identification information x1 of the user Ua in the follower information x42 of the user data X of the candidate user U. As can be understood from the above explanation, the relationship registration unit 31 registers the relationship between the user Ua and the user U selected by the user Ua from among the multiple users U. The above process is repeated for each of the multiple users U, thereby establishing a friend relationship (a one-way friend relationship or a two-way friend relationship) between the multiple users U. That is, in the first embodiment, the user Ua can build a friend relationship with a candidate user U who has participated in a past lottery game.

[0057] FIG. 11 shows a specific example of the operation of the game system 1 when a user Ua participates in a lottery game for another user U by utilizing a friend relationship between the users U. The user Ua operates the operation device 14 to instruct the game device 10a to present other users U (hereinafter referred to as "registered users U") who have established a friend relationship with the user Ua. Upon receiving the instruction from the user Ua (Sa301), the control device 11 transmits a notification M31 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa302). The notification M31 is a message requesting the presentation of the registered user U and includes the identification information x1 of the user Ua.

[0058] The participation processing unit 32 of the control system 20 receives the notification M31 transmitted by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb301). Upon receiving the notification M31, the participation processing unit 32 extracts multiple registered users U related to the user Ua (Sb302). Specifically, the participation processing unit 32 searches the storage device 22 for the user data X of the user Ua corresponding to the identification information x1 in the notification M31, and identifies multiple registered users U for which the identification information x1 is registered in the relationship information x4 of the user data X. In other words, multiple registered users U who have established either a follow relationship or a follower relationship (one-way friend relationship) or both (two-way friend relationship) with the user Ua are identified. The participation processing unit 32 transmits a notification M32 indicating the multiple registered users U from the communication device 23 to the requesting game device 10a (Sb303). The notification M32 includes the user data X of each of the multiple registered users U.

[0059] The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the notification M32 sent by the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Sa303). The control device 11 displays an image L2 (hereinafter referred to as a "friend list") represented by each user data X in the notification M32 on the display device 15 (Sa304). As can be understood from the above explanation, the participation processing unit 32 of the control system 20 displays the friend list L2 including multiple registered users U on the display device 15 of the game device 10a.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a friend list L2. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the friend list L2 is an image in which user data X information for each of multiple registered users U is arranged. In the first embodiment, the friend list L2 displays user data X information for one or more registered users U who are currently playing the lottery game. For example, similar to the candidate list L1, the player name and character name indicated by the game data x2 in the user data X, the gaming facility indicated by the status information x3, and the value of the interaction points x5 are displayed for each registered user U. Note that registered users U who have finished playing the lottery game may be deleted from the friend list L2.

[0061] In addition, a relationship image F2 is displayed for each registered user U. The relationship image F2 is an image that represents the relationship between user Ua and each registered user U. Specifically, the relationship image F2 indicates whether the relationship between registered user U and user Ua is a one-way friend relationship (following relationship or follower relationship) or a two-way friend relationship. For example, the relationship image F2 of a registered user U who has established a one-way friend relationship with user Ua and the relationship image F2 of a registered user U who has established a two-way friend relationship with user Ua are displayed in different ways.

[0062] By operating the operation device 14, the user Ua can select one of the multiple registered users U displayed in the friend list L2. That is, the user Ua selects a registered user U who is currently playing a lottery game. Furthermore, by operating the operation device 14, the user Ua can instruct the selected registered user U to participate in the lottery game being played. Specifically, for a registered user U with whom a one-way friend relationship has been established, the user Ua can instruct the registered user U to participate in the regular game being played by that registered user U. That is, the control device 11 accepts an instruction from the user Ua to participate in the regular game for a registered user U who has a one-way friend relationship with the user Ua. The control device 11 does not accept an instruction to participate in the special game for a registered user U who has a one-way friend relationship with the user Ua.

[0063] On the other hand, for a registered user U with whom a two-way friend relationship has been established, user Ua can instruct the registered user Ua to participate in a normal game or a special game played by the registered user Ua. Specifically, user Ua operates the operation device 14 to select a lottery game in which user Ua wishes to participate, from the normal game or the special game. That is, the control device 11 accepts an instruction from user Ua to participate in a normal game or a special game for registered user U who has a two-way friend relationship with user Ua. As can be understood from the above explanation, user Ua is prohibited from participating in a special game with registered users U with whom he has a one-way friend relationship, but is permitted to participate in a special game with registered users U with whom he has a two-way friend relationship.

[0064] When the control device 11 receives the selection of the registered user U and an instruction to participate in the lottery game from the user Ua (Sa305), the control device 11 transmits a notification M33 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Sa306), as illustrated in Fig. 11. The notification M33 includes identification information x1 of the user Ua, identification information x1 of the candidate user U selected by the user Ua, and information indicating the lottery game (normal game / special game) selected by the user Ua.

[0065] The participation processing unit 32 of the control system 20 receives the notification M33 transmitted by the game device 10a via the communication device 23 (Sb304). Upon receiving the notification M33, the participation processing unit 32 executes the participation process Q (Sb305). As described above, the participation process Q is a process for allowing the user Ua to participate in the lottery game being played by the registered user U.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of the participation process Q. When the participation process Q is started, the control device 21 of the control system 20 determines whether the lottery game in which the user Ua has instructed to participate is a normal game (Sc101). That is, it is determined whether the normal game or the special game is specified in the notification M33. If the user Ua selects the normal game (Sc101: YES), the control device 21 executes the normal participation process Q1 (Sc102). On the other hand, if the user Ua selects the special game (Sc101: NO), the control device 21 executes the special participation process Q2 (Sc103). As can be understood from the above explanation, if the user Ua selects a registered user U with whom a one-way friend relationship has been established, the normal participation process Q1 is executed. If the user Ua selects a registered user U with whom a two-way friend relationship has been established, the normal participation process Q1 or the special participation process Q2 is executed. In the following description, it is assumed that a user Ua participates in a lottery game using a game device 10a while a user Ub plays using a game device 10b.

[0067] 14 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the normal participation process Q1. When the normal participation process Q1 starts, the status notification unit 33 of the control system 20 acquires status data indicating the progress of the normal game from the game device 10b (Q101). Specifically, the status notification unit 33 inquires about the status of the normal game from the game device 10b and receives the status data transmitted from the game device 10b via the communication device 23. The status notification unit 33 transmits the status data of the normal game from the communication device 23 to the game device 10a (Q102). The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the status data transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Sd101) and causes the display device 15 to display the progress indicated by the status data (Sd102).

[0068] The status notification unit 33 of the control system 20 determines whether the normal game has ended by referring to the status data received from the game device 10b (Q103). If the normal game has not ended (Q103: NO), the status notification unit 33 proceeds to step Q101. That is, the operation of notifying the game device 10a of the progress status of the normal game (Q101-Q102) is repeated until the normal game ends. On the other hand, if the normal game has ended (Q103: YES), the participation processing unit 32 determines whether the user Ub has won the normal game (Q104).

[0069] As explained with reference to Fig. 4, the control device 11 of the gaming device 10b awards a reward to the user Ub who wins the normal game (S104). If the user Ub wins the normal game (Q104: YES), the participation processing unit 32 awards a reward to the user Ua who participated in the normal game (Q105). For example, a predetermined amount of gaming value is awarded to the user Ua as the reward.

[0070] In the normal participation process Q1 (Sb105) illustrated in FIG. 8, a friend relationship (neither a one-way friend relationship nor a two-way friend relationship) is established between user Ua and user Ub (selected user U). In the normal participation process Q1 (Sc102) illustrated in FIG. 13, a one-way friend relationship or a two-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub (registered user U). When a reward is awarded to user Ua due to user Ub winning the normal game (Q104: YES), the participation processing unit 32 determines whether a two-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub (Q106).

[0071] When a two-way friend relationship has not been established between user Ua and user Ub (Q106: NO), this includes when a friend relationship has not been established between user Ua and user Ub, and when a one-way friend relationship has been established between user Ua and user Ub. When a two-way friend relationship has not been established (Q106: NO), the participation processing unit 32 determines whether a one-way friend relationship has been established between user Ua and user Ub (Q107).

[0072] If a one-way friend relationship is established (Q107: YES), the participation processing unit 32 adds a predetermined value to the interaction points x5 of the user Ua, who is a participant of the normal game (Q108). On the other hand, if a friend relationship is not established between the users Ua and Ub (S107: NO), the participation processing unit 32 does not grant the interaction points x5 to the user Ua (Q108).

[0073] Furthermore, if a two-way friend relationship has been established (Q106: YES), the participation processing unit 32 adds a predetermined value to both the interaction points x5 of the user Ub playing the normal game and the interaction points x5 of the participating user Ua (Q109). If user Ub loses the normal game (Q104: NO), the granting of the game value and interaction points x5 (Q105-Q109) is not executed. Even if user Ub loses the normal game, interaction points x5 may be granted to user Ua (and user Ub). That is, interaction points x5 may be granted to user Ua (and user Ub) as a benefit for participating in the normal game, regardless of the result of user Ub's normal game. On the other hand, it is preferable that the granting of game value to user Ua be controlled depending on whether user Ub wins or loses the normal game.

[0074] As can be understood from the above examples, if a two-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub (Q106: YES), interaction points x5 are awarded to both user Ua and user Ub, whereas if a two-way friend relationship is not established (Q106: NO), interaction points x5 are awarded only to user Ua. Furthermore, if a friend relationship is not established between user Ua and user Ub (Q107: NO), interaction points x5 are not awarded to either user Ua or user Ub. In other words, if a friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub, user Ua is allowed to earn interaction points x5 if user Ub wins, whereas if a friend relationship is not established between user Ua and user Ub, user Ua is not allowed to earn interaction points x5. As can be understood from the above explanation, the actions permitted for user Ua who is not registered as a friend with user Ub in the base game are more restricted than the actions permitted for user Ua who is registered as a friend with user Ub in the base game. On the other hand, if user Ub wins in the base game, the reward (game value) is awarded to both user Ua and user Ub, regardless of the existence and nature of the friend relationship between user Ua and user Ub (one-way friend relationship / two-way friend relationship).

[0075] The status notification unit 33 transmits status data representing the result of the normal game to the game device 10a (Q11). The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the status data transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Sd103), and causes the display device 15 to display the result of the normal game represented by the status data (Sd104). The specific steps of the normal participation process Q1 are as described above.

[0076] 15 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the special participation process Q2. When user Ua selects user Ub, with whom he or she has a two-way friend relationship, from the friend list L2 (FIG. 11: Sa305), the user Ua can specify the desired amount of use and instruct the game device 10a to use the game value by operating the operation device 14. The use of game value means that user Ua consumes (i.e., bets) the game value in exchange for participating in the special game played by user Ub and obtaining a reward if user Ub wins.

[0077] The control device 11 of the gaming device 10a receives an instruction to use gaming value from the user Ua (Se101). Specifically, the control device 11 subtracts the amount used from the quantity of gaming value held by the user Ua. The control device 11 transmits a notification M41 from the communication device 13 to the control system 20 (Se102). The notification M41 is a message indicating that the user Ua will use gaming value for the special game of the user Ub, and includes the identification information x1 of the user Ua and the amount of gaming value used.

[0078] The participation processing unit 32 of the control system 20 executes a reception process R1 (Q201). The reception process R1 is a process of receiving, from the user Ua, the use of the game value in the special game played by the user Ub. Specifically, the reception process R1 is a process in which the participation processing unit 32 receives, via the communication device 23, a notification M41 including the amount of game value used.

[0079] The status notification unit 33 of the control system 20 acquires status data indicating the progress of the special game from the game device 10b (Q202). Specifically, the status notification unit 33 inquires about the status of the special game from the game device 10b and receives the status data transmitted from the game device 10b via the communication device 23. The status notification unit 33 transmits the status data of the special game from the communication device 23 to the game device 10a (Q203). The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the status data transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Se103) and displays the progress indicated by the status data on the display device 15 (Se104).

[0080] The control device 11 of the gaming device 10a determines whether the special game has ended by referring to the situation data received from the control system 20 (Se105). If the special game has not ended (Se105: NO), the control device 11 transitions the process to step Se101. That is, until the special game played by the user Ub ends, the process of receiving instructions from the user Ua to use the game value (including instructions on the amount of use) (Se101, Se102) and displaying the status of the special game (Se103, Se104) is repeated. That is, the user Ua can adjust (e.g., increase) the amount of game value used in the special game while checking the status of the special game on the display device 15 at any time.

[0081] The status notification unit 33 of the control system 20 determines whether the special game has ended by referring to the status data received from the game device 10b (Q204). If the special game has not ended (Q204: NO), the status notification unit 33 proceeds to step Q201. That is, until the special game ends, the operation of accepting participation by the user Ua (Q201) and notifying the game device 10a of the progress of the special game (Q202-Q203) is repeated. On the other hand, if the special game has ended (Q204: YES), the participation processing unit 32 determines whether the user Ub has won the special game (Q205).

[0082] If user Ub wins the special game (Q205: YES), the participation processing unit 32 executes the awarding process R2 (Q206). The awarding process R2 is a process for awarding a reward to user Ua in response to user Ub's win in the special game. In the first embodiment, the participation processing unit 32 awards user Ua a reward in an amount corresponding to the amount of use specified by user Ua (hereinafter referred to as the "reward amount"). For example, the amount of use is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient to calculate the reward amount. In addition, in the awarding process R2, the participation processing unit 32 awards interaction points x5 to both user Ua and user Ub. Specifically, a predetermined value is added to each of the interaction points x5 of user Ua and user Ub. On the other hand, if user Ub loses the special game (Q205: NO), the participation processing unit 32 does not execute the awarding process R2.

[0083] Specifically, in the awarding process R2, the participation processing unit 32 transmits a notification M42 indicating the reward amount of the gaming value from the communication device 23 to the gaming device 10a. After the special game ends (Se105: YES), the control device 11 of the gaming device 10a receives the notification M42 transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Se106). The control device 11 adds the reward amount indicated in the notification M42 to the quantity of gaming value held by the user Ua (Se107). In other words, the gaming value that the user Ua can use in the lottery game increases.

[0084] When the awarding process R2 is executed or when the user Ub loses the special game (Q205: NO), the status notification unit 33 transmits status data indicating the result of the special game (win / lose) to the game device 10a (Q207). The control device 11 of the game device 10a receives the status data transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 13 (Se108) and causes the display device 15 to display the result of the special game indicated by the status data (Se109). The specific steps of the special participation process Q2 are as described above.

[0085] As described above, in the first embodiment, a user Ua who has registered a relationship (bidirectional friend relationship) with a user Ub can participate in a special game played by the user Ub. Specifically, the user Ua participates in a special game by using game value and receives a reward according to the outcome of the special game played by the user Ub. Therefore, the user Ua can easily share the experience of the special game with the user Ub who has registered a relationship with the user Ua.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, user Ua can participate in a special game while checking the status of the special game played by user Ub. Therefore, user Ua can participate in the special game while checking the status of the special game played by user Ub. For example, user Ua can determine the amount of game value to be used (bet amount) while checking the status of the game played by user Ub.

[0087] As illustrated in the first embodiment, user Ua, who has established a two-way friend relationship with user Ub, is permitted to participate in the special game played by user Ub. On the other hand, user Uc (third user), who does not have a two-way friend relationship with user Ub, is not permitted to participate in the special game played by user Ub. As can be understood from the above explanation, the actions permitted for user Uc in the lottery game in relation to user Ub are more restricted than the actions permitted for user Ua in the lottery game in relation to user Ub. User Ua is a user U whose relationship with user Ub (specifically, a two-way friend relationship) is registered, and user Uc is a user U whose relationship with user Ub is not registered. According to the above configuration, registering the relationship with user Ub relaxes the restrictions on the actions permitted in the lottery game. This promotes the registration of relationships between users U.

[0088] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

[0089] In the first embodiment, an example was given in which user Ua participates in a special game that user Ub is currently playing. However, it is entirely conceivable that user Ub may not play the special game during the period in which user Ua is playing the lottery game. Taking the above into consideration, in the second embodiment, user Ua can reserve participation in a special game that user Ub will play in the future. In other words, even if user Ub does not play the special game during the period in which user Ua is playing the lottery game, user Ua can use the game value for user Ub's special game and earn a reward according to the result of the special game.

[0090] When user Ua selects a desired registered user U from the friend list L2 (Sa305) and specifies the amount of game value to be used in the special game (Se101), the participation processing unit 32 of the second embodiment executes reception processing R1 (Q201). User Ua's selection of registered user U and specification of the amount of game value to be used correspond to a reservation instruction for participation in the special game. By specifying reservation participation, user Ua can finish the lottery game without waiting to participate in the special game.

[0091] In the reception process R1 of the second embodiment, the participation processing unit 32 stores reservation data D representing a reservation for participation by user Ua in the storage device 22. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the reservation data D includes identification information x1 of user Ua, identification information x1 of user Ub selected by user Ua to participate in the special game, and the amount of game value used Zb. After the reservation data D is stored, the special game played by user Ub starts. Then, when the special game ends, the participation processing unit 32 adds data representing the result of the special game to the reservation data D, as illustrated by the dashed line in FIG. 16. Furthermore, if user Ub wins in the special game, the participation processing unit 32 also adds the amount of game value reward Zp to be awarded to user Ua as a reward to the reservation data D.

[0092] At any time after the special game ends (e.g., at a later date), the user Ua starts the lottery game. For example, the lottery game is started when the user Ua logs in to the game system 1. When the start of the lottery game by the user Ua is detected, the participation processing unit 32 of the control system 20 executes the awarding process R2. In the awarding process R2 of the second embodiment, the participation processing unit 32 transmits a notification M42 indicating the reward amount Zp added to the reservation data D to the game device 10a (Q206). As in the first embodiment, the control device 11 of the game device 10a adds the reward amount Zp indicated in the notification M42 to the quantity of play value held by the user Ua (Se107). In addition, the status notification unit 33 transmits status data indicating the result of the special game added to the reservation data D to the game device 10a (Q207). The control device 11 of the game device 10a causes the display device 15 to display the result of the special game indicated by the status data (Se108, Se109).

[0093] As can be understood from the above description, in the second embodiment, when a reservation participation instruction is received from user Ua, the participation processing unit 32 executes the reception processing R1, and then executes the awarding processing R2 when user Ua starts using the game system 1. That is, the awarding processing R2 is executed after user Ua starts using the game system 1 (e.g., logs in). Therefore, user Ua does not need to be using the game system 1 during the period in which user Ub's special game is in progress. For example, user Ua can return home after receiving a reservation participation instruction and, after resuming use of the game system 1, for example, the next day or later, receive a reward according to the result of the special game. Furthermore, the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0094] [Third embodiment] In the above-described embodiments, a situation (hereinafter referred to as "Situation A") in which users Ua and Ub use game devices 10 (10a, 10b) in different gaming facilities is assumed. However, the relationship between users Ua and Ub and the game devices 10 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a situation (hereinafter referred to as "Situation B") in which users Ua and Ub use different game devices 10 in the same gaming facility, or a situation (hereinafter referred to as "Situation C") in which users Ua and Ub use the same game device 10, is also assumed. Situation B can be described as a situation in which the game device 10a and the game device 10b are installed in the same gaming facility. Situation C can be described as a situation in which the game device 10a used by user Ua and the game device 10b used by user Ub constitute a single device. The participation processing unit 32 can recognize which of situations A to C the situation of users Ua and Ub corresponds to by referring to the situation information x3 of each user data X.

[0095] The participation processing unit 32 of the third embodiment changes the mode of the participation process Q depending on which of the above-described situations A to C the user Ua and user Ub are in. Specifically, the participation processing unit 32 varies the maximum quantity of game value that the user Ua can use for the special game played by the user Ub (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum usage amount") depending on the situations of the user Ua and user Ub. For example, the participation processing unit 32 notifies the gaming device 10 of the maximum usage amount according to the situations of the user Ua and user Ub. The control device 11 of the gaming device 10 limits the usage amount Zb received from the user Ua and user Ub to a range below the maximum usage amount notified by the participation processing unit 32. For example, the maximum usage amount is individually set for each situation so that the maximum usage amount in situation C exceeds the maximum usage amount in situation B and the maximum usage amount in situation B exceeds the maximum usage amount in situation A. In other words, with regard to participation in the special game, situation C is treated more favorably than situation B, and situation B is treated more favorably than situation A. Therefore, users Ua and Ub are encouraged to visit the same gaming facility together (situation B or C) rather than visiting different gaming facilities (situation A). Also, users Ua and Ub are encouraged to play together on one gaming device 10 (situation C) rather than using different gaming devices 10 (situation B).

[0096] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the third embodiment has the advantage that the manner of the participation process Q is diversified depending on the relationship between the user Ua and the user Ub and the game system 1 (the positional relationship between the user Ua and the user Ub).

[0097] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a game image G1 used in a base game in the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the game image G1 in the fourth embodiment is an image in which a plurality of lottery numbers N selected by lottery by the lottery device 16 are arranged in a plane. The plurality of lottery numbers N are divided into a first group N1 and a second group N2. The plurality of lottery numbers N constituting the first group N1 are arranged in a circular ring shape. On the other hand, the plurality of lottery numbers N constituting the second group N2 are arranged in a circular ring shape within an area surrounded by the first group N1. The control device 11 moves the plurality of lottery numbers N of the second group N2 in a circumferential direction in response to an instruction from the user U via the operating device 14. On the other hand, the position of each lottery number N of the first group N1 is fixed. However, a configuration in which the plurality of lottery numbers N of the first group N1 move in a circumferential direction is also conceivable.

[0098] Each of the multiple lottery numbers N is adjacent to two or more other lottery numbers N. For example, each lottery number N in the second group N2 is adjacent to two lottery numbers N in the second group N2 located on both sides of the second group N2 in the circumferential direction and one lottery number N in the first group N1. Furthermore, a specific lottery number N in the first group N1 (specifically, "1" to "5") is adjacent to two lottery numbers N in the first group N1 located on both sides of the first group N1 in the circumferential direction, and the remaining lottery numbers N in the first group N1 (specifically, "6" to "15") are adjacent to one lottery number N in the first group N1 and one lottery number N in the second group N2.

[0099] Each of the multiple lottery numbers N is set to either a valid state or an invalid state. The valid lottery numbers N and the invalid lottery numbers N are displayed in different manners. In the initial stage immediately after the start of the normal game, as illustrated in FIG. 17, certain lottery numbers N (specifically, "1" to "5") among the multiple lottery numbers N are set to a valid state, and the remaining lottery numbers N (specifically, "6" to "25") are set to an invalid state.

[0100] In the normal game, the lottery device 16 repeats a lottery operation of randomly selecting one of a plurality of lottery numbers N (hereinafter referred to as "selected number N") a predetermined number of times. When the selected number N is in an invalid state, the control device 11 transitions the selected number N from the invalid state to a valid state. For example, when the lottery number N "7" in the invalid state as shown in state 1 of FIG. 18 is selected by lottery, the lottery number N "7" transitions from the invalid state to the valid state as shown in state 2.

[0101] Furthermore, if the selected number N is already in a valid state, the control device 11 sets one or more lottery numbers N adjacent to the selected number N to a valid state. For example, as in state 2 of FIG. 18 , if the lottery number N "1" that is already in a valid state is selected by lottery, the lottery number N "6" adjacent to the lottery number N "1" transitions from an invalid state to a valid state, as in state 3. Furthermore, if the lottery number N adjacent to the selected number N that is in a valid state is already in a valid state, the control device 11 also sets the other lottery numbers N adjacent to the lottery number N to a valid state. For example, as in state 2 of FIG. 18 , if the lottery number N "7" adjacent to the valid selected number N "1" is already in a valid state, the other lottery number N "17" adjacent to the lottery number N "7" also transitions from an invalid state to a valid state. As described above, if the lottery number N adjacent to the selected number N is already in a valid state, the other lottery numbers N adjacent to the lottery number N are also set to a valid state in a chain reaction.

[0102] The control device 11 counts the number of lottery numbers N that are in a valid state when the physical lottery has been repeated a predetermined number of times by the lottery device 16, and provides a reward according to the number to the user U. For example, an amount according to the number of lottery numbers N that are in a valid state is added to the amount of gaming value held by the user U.

[0103] The fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, there is a possibility that multiple lottery numbers N may transition to a valid state in a chain reaction. That is, the result of one physical lottery may cause a large number of lottery numbers N to transition to a valid state all at once. Therefore, a highly entertaining normal game can be provided to the user U.

[0104] [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.

[0105] (1) The method for establishing a friend relationship between users U is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. For example, when user Ub approves a request from user Ua, the control device 21 of the control system 20 may register a friend relationship (e.g., a bidirectional friend relationship) between user Ua and user Ub.

[0106] Alternatively, a friend relationship between user Ua and user Ub may be registered using, for example, an authentication code consisting of numbers or letters. Specifically, game device 10a presents the authentication code to user Ua by displaying it on display device 15. User Ua notifies user Ub, who is an acquaintance of user Ua, of the authentication code presented by game device 10a. Any method, such as email or SMS (Short Message Service), may be used to notify user Ub of the authentication code. User Ub inputs the authentication code notified by user Ua into game device 10b. If the authentication code presented to user Ua matches the authentication code input by user Ub, control device 21 of control system 20 registers a friend relationship between user Ua and user Ub.

[0107] The total number of users U with whom each user U can establish friend relationships may be limited to a range below a predetermined value. It is also possible to envision a configuration in which friend relationships between users U can be dissolved in response to an instruction from each user U. It is also preferable to configure a lock function that does not accept an instruction to dissolve a friend relationship between users U, so that it can be set for each friend relationship between users U.

[0108] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the establishment of a two-way friend relationship between user Ua and user Ub is exemplified as a condition for user Ua to participate in a special game played by user Ub. However, the relationship required between user Ua and user Ub for user Ua to participate in user Ub's special game is not limited to a two-way friend relationship. For example, user Ua's participation in user Ub's special game may be permitted on the condition that a one-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub. In other words, the condition for user Ua's participation is that user Ua follows user Ub, or that user Ua is followed by user Ub.

[0109] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, a user U who played a regular game in which user Ua participated was registered as a candidate user U, but the conditions for a candidate user U are not limited to the above examples. For example, another user U who participated in a regular game played by user Ua may be registered as a candidate user U. That is, a user U who was involved with user Ua in a past game (e.g., a regular game) is selected as a candidate user U who will be a candidate for establishing a friend relationship with user Ua. However, prior involvement with user Ua is not a necessary condition for a candidate user U. That is, any user U who has not been involved with user Ua in the past may be selected as a candidate user U.

[0110] (4) In the above-described embodiments, when user Ub wins a special game, a reward amount of gaming value corresponding to the amount of usage specified by user Ua is awarded to user Ua. However, the amount of reward awarded to user Ua according to the result of user Ub's special game is not limited to the above examples. For example, user Ua may be awarded a reward amount of gaming value corresponding to the amount of gaming value acquired by user Ub by winning the special game. For example, a configuration is envisioned in which the amount of reward awarded to user Ua increases as the amount of gaming value acquired by user Ub by winning the special game increases.

[0111] (5) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, user Ua who participated in user Ub's special game was awarded a gaming value as a reward, but the type of reward awarded to user Ua is not limited to the above examples. For example, user Ub may be awarded a gaming value of a different type from the gaming value used (bet) by user Ub in the special game, an object such as an item or character that can be used in a lottery game, or the right to play a predetermined game as a reward for participating in the special game.

[0112] (6) In the above-described embodiments, a user Ua who has registered a two-way friend relationship with user Ub is permitted to participate in a special game played by user Ub. However, the behavior of user Ua, whose permission is controlled depending on the existence of a relationship between user Ub and user Ub, is not limited to participation in a special game. For example, a configuration is envisioned in which message exchange between user Ua and user Ub is permitted on the condition that a specific relationship (e.g., a one-way friend relationship or a two-way friend relationship) is established between user Ua and user Ub. Another configuration is envisioned in which a ranking among multiple users U, including user Ua and user Ub, is displayed on the display device 15 of each game device 10 on the condition that a specific relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub. The control device 21 of the control system 20 may calculate the total amount of game value earned within a group including user Ua and user Ub, compare the total value with other groups, and display the ranking on each display device 15.

[0113] Furthermore, the degree of behavior permitted for each user U may be controlled in stages depending on the relationship between the users U. A preferred embodiment is one in which the upper limit (maximum usage amount) of game value usage permitted for user Ua in a special game played by user Ub varies depending on the relationship between user Ua and user Ub. For example, the control device 21 controls the maximum usage amount depending on the relationship between user Ua and user Ub so that the maximum usage amount when a two-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub exceeds the maximum usage amount when a one-way friend relationship is established between the two users. Another possible embodiment is one in which the types or number of characters of messages that can be exchanged between user Ua and user Ub are increased when a two-way friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub compared to when a one-way friend relationship is established.

[0114] (7) The information displayed in the friend list L2 is not limited to the information exemplified in FIG. 12. For example, the friend list L2 may display whether each registered user U is currently playing a game. Furthermore, in a situation where a registered user U uses a game device 10 that allows the user to selectively play one of multiple game modes, the game mode selected by the registered user U may be displayed in the friend list L2. Note that a form in which a user U participating in a lottery game can select which of multiple game modes to participate in is also envisioned.

[0115] (8) In the above-described embodiments, the case where user Ua and user Ub play the same type of lottery game has been exemplified. However, the above-described embodiments also apply when user Ua and user Ub play different types of games. That is, the game provided by game device 10a and the game provided by game device 10b may be different types of games. In the above-described embodiments, the type of game currently being played by each registered user U may be displayed in friend list L2.

[0116] (9) In each of the above-described embodiments, the amount of game value used is a variable value according to instructions from user Ua. However, the quantity (amount used) of game value used by user Ua in a special game by user Ub may be a fixed value that does not depend on instructions from user Ua. Similarly, the amount of reward awarded to user Ua may be a fixed value that does not depend on the outcome of the special game. Similarly, for the regular game played by user Ub, both a form in which user Ua can instruct the amount of game value used and a form in which the amount of game value used is a fixed value may be adopted. Therefore, the amount of game value awarded to user Ua (Q105) when user Ub wins in the regular game may be either a variable value or a fixed value.

[0117] (10) In the above-described embodiments, a user Ua participates in a special game played by a user Ub. However, the type of lottery game in which the user Ub participates is not limited to the special game. For example, a configuration in which the user Ua can participate in games other than the normal game and the special game is also conceivable. As can be understood from the above examples, any user Ua can participate in games other than the special game played by the user Ub, regardless of whether or not they have a friend relationship with the user Ub. However, a preferred configuration is one in which only users Ua who have a registered friend relationship (one-way friend relationship or two-way friend relationship) with the user Ub can participate in the special game. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments illustrate a lottery game, the type of game in the present invention is not limited to the above examples.

[0118] (11) In each of the above-described modes of the base game, if a friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub, exchange points x5 are awarded to one or both of user Ua and user Ub; if a friend relationship is not established, exchange points x5 are not awarded to user Ua or user Ub. The configuration of varying the reward for user U depending on whether or not a friend relationship exists between user Ua and user Ub is not limited to the above examples. For example, the amount of game value awarded to user Ua (Q105) when user Ub wins a base game may be varied depending on whether or not a friend relationship exists between user Ua and user Ub. For example, a mode is envisioned in which the amount of game value awarded to user Ua when a friend relationship is established between user Ua and user Ub exceeds the amount of game value awarded to user Ua when a friend relationship is not established.

[0119] (12) In the above-described embodiments, the game device 10a and the game device 10b are configured as separate entities. However, the game device 10a and the game device 10b may be configured as an integrated entity. For example, a game unit may be assumed that includes a lottery unit having a lottery device 16 and multiple stations used by different users U. One of the multiple stations corresponds to the game device 10a, and another station corresponds to the game device 10b. Situation C in the third embodiment can also be expressed as a situation in which user Ua uses one of the multiple stations of the game unit (game device 10a), and user Ub uses another station (game device 10b).

[0120] (13) In the above-described embodiments, the user Ua specifies the amount of game value to be used in the special game. However, a configuration is also envisioned in which the user Ua participating in the special game of user Ub can select one of multiple options. For example, the user Ua may select one of multiple amounts of game value to be used. In the reception process R1, the participation processing unit 32 accepts the selection of the amount of game value by user Ub as an instruction to use the game value. If user Ub wins in the special game, the user Ua is awarded a reward amount of game value corresponding to the amount of game value selected by user Ua.

[0121] Furthermore, in a configuration in which user Ub wins one of multiple lottery prizes in a special game, a configuration is also envisioned in which user Ua participating in the special game can select one of the multiple lottery prizes. The participation processing unit 32 may vary the amount of reward awarded to user Ua depending on whether the lottery prize won by user Ub is the same as the lottery prize selected by user Ua. As can be understood from the above example, a configuration in which user Ua participating in a special game selects one of multiple options and is awarded a reward based on the result of the special game played by user Ub is preferred. For example, if user Ua and user Ub select the same lottery prize, user Ua will also be awarded a reward if user Ub wins the special game. Furthermore, if user Ua and user Ub select different lottery prizes, a situation may occur in which one of user Ua and user Ub wins but the other loses. For example, a situation may be envisaged in which user Ua wins and is awarded a reward, while user Ub loses and is not awarded a reward, or in which user Ub wins and is awarded a reward, while user Ua loses and is not awarded a reward.

[0122] (14) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game system 1 includes a control system 20 separate from the multiple game devices 10. However, it is also possible to envision a configuration in which the functions of the control system 20 illustrated in each of the above-described embodiments are installed in one of the multiple game devices 10, or in which the functions are installed in a distributed manner in the multiple game devices 10. In other words, a control system 20 configured separately from the multiple game devices 10 is not essential. Also, some functions of the control system 20 may be installed in one or more game devices 10.

[0123] (15) The functions of the control system 20 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 21 and a program stored in the storage device 22. The program according to each of the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via the communication network 2, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0124] [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 illustrated embodiments.

[0125] [Appendix 1] A game system (1) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention includes a relationship registration unit (31) that registers relationships between multiple users (U); a participation processing unit (32) that executes a participation process including: an acceptance process (R1) that accepts the use of gaming value in a game played by a first user (Ub) among the multiple users (U) from a second user (Ua) whose relationship with the first user (Ub) is registered; and an award process (R2) that awards a reward to the second user (Ua) based on the outcome of the game played by the first user (Ub). According to the above aspect, the second user (Ua) whose relationship with the first user (Ub) is registered can participate in the game played by the first user (Ub). Specifically, the second user (Ua) participates in the game by using gaming value and receives a reward based on the outcome of the game played by the first user (Ub). Therefore, the second user (Ua) can easily share the gaming experience with the first user (Ub) who has registered a relationship with the second user (Ua).

[0126] A "relationship" between multiple users (U) is, for example, a relationship established by a one-way request from one user A to the other user B (a one-way friend relationship), or a relationship established by a two-way request from user A to user B (a two-way friend relationship). Examples of one-way friend relationships include a follow relationship or a follower relationship.

[0127] The type of "game" is arbitrary. For example, a lottery game in which a lottery process (e.g., physical lottery or electronic lottery) is executed to determine whether a user (U) wins or loses by lottery is an example of a "game." However, the present invention can be applied to any game, such as a competitive game in which a first user (Ub) competes against other users, a competitive game in which a first user (Ub) competes against other users (U) in sports or board games, a music game in which a first user (Ub) moves in time with music, an action game in which a first user (Ub) achieves various objectives by operating a character, or an exploration game in which a first user (Ub) explores various places by operating a character.

[0128] "Game value" refers to tangible or intangible value used as payment for playing a game. Tangible game value is, for example, physical medals (token coins), currency (coins), or tickets. Intangible game value is, for example, electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), credits, or points.

[0129] "Using" gaming value means consuming gaming value as payment for playing a game or as payment for obtaining a reward. The act of using gaming value as payment for obtaining a reward is also referred to as "betting."

[0130] A "reward" is a value granted to a second user (Ua) in consideration for participating in a game. The type of "reward" is arbitrary, but an example of a "reward" is the same type of gaming value as the gaming value used by the user (U). However, the type of gaming value used by the second user (Ua) to participate in a game may differ from the type of reward granted to the second user (Ua). For example, a virtual object (e.g., an item or character) that the user (U) can use in the game, or points that can be used in the game, may be granted to the second user (Ua) as a "reward." Furthermore, the right to play a specific game, or a tangible object such as an item related to the game, may be granted to the second user (Ua) as a "reward."

[0131] "Providing the second user (Ua) with a reward according to the game result" means that the presence or amount of a reward for the second user (Ua) varies depending on the game result. For example, if the first user (Ub) wins the lottery game, a reward is provided to the second user (Ua), and if the first user (Ub) loses the lottery game, no reward is provided to the second user (Ua). The amount of reward provided to the second user (Ua) may vary depending on the amount of gaming value used by the second user (Ua), or may be a fixed amount.

[0132] [Appendix 2] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the actions permitted for a third user (U) among the multiple users (U) whose relationship with the first user (Ub) is not registered in the game in relation to the first user (Ub) are restricted compared to the actions permitted for the second user (Ua) in relation to the first user (Ub) in the game. According to the above aspect, by registering the relationships between the users (U), the restrictions on the actions permitted for each user (U) are relaxed. Therefore, the registration of relationships between users (U) is promoted.

[0133] "The actions permitted for a third user (U) who has no registered relationship with a first user (Ub) in relation to the first user (Ub) in relation to a game are restricted compared to the actions permitted for a second user (Ua) in relation to the first user (Ub)" includes, for example, [Aspect 1] actions that are not permitted for the third user (U) are permitted for the second user (Ua), or [Aspect 2] certain actions are permitted for both the second user (Ua) and the third user (U), but the manner or extent of such actions is restricted for the third user (U) compared to the second user (Ua). Specific examples of Aspect 1 include a situation in which the second user (Ua) is permitted to participate in a game played by the first user (Ub) but the third user (U) is not permitted, or a situation in which dialogue (message exchange) between the second user (Ua) and the first user (Ub) is permitted but the third user (U) is not permitted. Furthermore, as a specific example of aspect 2, a form is envisaged in which the quantity of gaming value that a third user (U) can use in a game played by a first user (Ub) is limited to a range below a predetermined value, while a second user (Ua) can use a quantity of gaming value that exceeds the predetermined value.

[0134] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the relationship registration unit (31) presents, to one of the multiple users (U), two or more users (U) who have been involved with the one user (U) in past games, and registers the relationship between the one user (U) and a user (U) selected by the one user (U) from among the two or more users (U). According to the above aspect, each user (U) can register a relationship between the user (U) and the users (U) who have been involved in past games.

[0135] [Appendix 4] The game system (1) according to any one of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3 includes a status notification unit (33) that notifies the second user (Ua) of the progress of the game being played by the first user (Ub). According to the above aspect, the second user (Ua) can participate in the game being played by the first user (Ub) while checking the status of the game. For example, the second user (Ua) can determine the amount of gaming value to be used (amount of bet) while checking the status of the game being played by the first user (Ub).

[0136] [Appendix 5] In any of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, when the second user (Ua) instructs to participate in a reservation, the participation processing unit (32) executes the reception process (R1) and then executes the awarding process (R2) when the second user (Ua) starts using the game system (1). According to the above aspect, the awarding process (R2) is executed after the second user (Ua) starts using the game system (1) (e.g., logs in). Therefore, the second user (Ua) does not need to be using the game system (1) during the period in which the first user (Ub)'s game is progressing. For example, the second user (Ua) can return home after receiving the reservation and resume using the game system (1), for example, the next day, and then receive a reward based on the result of the game.

[0137] [Appendix 6] In any specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, the participation processing unit (32) changes the mode of the participation processing depending on whether the first user (Ub) and the second user (Ua) are using the same game device (10), different game devices (10) in the same facility, or game devices (10) in different facilities. According to the above mode, the mode of the participation processing can be diversified depending on the relative positions of the game devices (10) used by the first user (Ub) and the second user (Ua).

[0138] The "mode of participation processing" refers to a condition or method related to the participation processing. Examples of the condition related to the participation processing include the maximum amount of gaming value that the second user (Ua) can use (i.e., the maximum number of bets), or the range or condition of the amount of reward granted to the second user (Ua) (e.g., the relationship with the amount of gaming value used). Examples of the method related to the participation processing include a visual or auditory presentation method related to the participation processing.

[0139] [Appendix 7] A game control method according to one aspect (Appendix 7) of the present invention executes a participation process including a reception process (R1) for registering relationships between multiple users (U) and receiving the use of gaming value in a game played by a first user (Ub) among the multiple users (U) from a second user (Ua) whose relationship with the first user (Ub) is registered, and a granting process (R2) for granting a reward to the second user (Ua) depending on the result of the game played by the first user (Ub).

[0140] [Appendix 8] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 8) causes a computer system to function as a relationship registration unit (31) that registers relationships between multiple users (U), and a participation processing unit (32) that executes participation processing including an acceptance process (R1) that accepts the use of gaming value in a game played by a first user (Ub) among the multiple users (U) from a second user (Ua) whose relationship with the first user (Ub) is registered, and an award process (R2) that awards a reward to the second user (Ua) depending on the result of the game played by the first user (Ub). [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1...game system, 2...communication network, 10 (10a, 10b)...game device, 11...control device, 12...storage device, 13...communication device, 14...operation device, 15...display device, 16...lottery device, 17...reception device, 20...control system, 21...control device, 22...storage device, 23...communication device, 31...relationship registration unit, 32...participation processing unit, 33...status notification unit.

Claims

1. A game system in which a plurality of game devices are connected to a communication network, a participation processing unit that executes a participation process including a selection of a first user from among a plurality of users, an acceptance process that accepts from a second user a request for use of game value in a game played by the first user, and an award process that awards a reward to the second user according to the result of the game played by the first user; When the second user instructs to participate in the reservation, the participation processing unit executes the acceptance processing and then executes the awarding processing when the second user starts using the game system. Game system.

2. A computer incorporated in a game system in which multiple game devices are connected to a communication network, executing a participation process including a selection of a first user from among a plurality of users, an acceptance process for accepting from a second user a request for use of game value in a game played by the first user, and an award process for awarding a reward to the second user according to the result of the game played by the first user; When the second user instructs to participate in the reservation, the participation process executes the awarding process when the second user starts using the game system after the acceptance process is executed. Game control method.

3. A computer incorporated in a game system in which a plurality of game devices are connected to a communication network, functioning as a participation means for executing a participation process including a selection of a first user from among a plurality of users, an acceptance process for accepting from a second user the use of game value in a game played by the first user, and an award process for awarding a reward to the second user according to the result of the game played by the first user; When the second user instructs to participate in the reservation, the participation means executes the acceptance process, and then executes the awarding process when the second user starts using the game system. program.

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