Game system, control method of game system, and program

Abstract

To maintain a user's sense of expectation for a long time in a process of progress of a game.SOLUTION: A game system comprises: a lottery section for successively selecting one of multiple lottery elements by a lottery; and a control section for controlling a game utilizing multiple blocks. One of multiple attributes and one or more lottery elements among multiple lottery elements are allocated to each of the multiple blocks. The control section erases a first block to which a lottery element selected by the lottery section among the multiple blocks is allocated for each selection of a lottery element by the lottery section, moves a second block to a space generated by the erasure of the first block, and generates a fourth block with the attribute concerned by mutually connecting the second block and the third block when an attribute of the second block is common to an attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Various games that utilize the results of lotteries such as physical lotteries or electronic lotteries have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bingo game in which the display color of a number that has entered a ball pocket among a plurality of numbers arranged on a bingo table is changed, and a reward is awarded to a user according to the arrangement of the numbers whose display color has been changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-011565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, for example, if the numbers selected by lottery are scattered over a wide area on the bingo chart, the user may perceive a low probability of winning a prize such as bingo. Therefore, there is a problem that the user's expectations may quickly fade during a single game. In consideration of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to maintain the user's expectations for a long period of time as the game progresses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lottery unit that sequentially selects one of a plurality of lottery elements by lottery, and a control unit that controls a game that uses a plurality of blocks, each of which is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more of the plurality of lottery elements, and each time the lottery unit selects a lottery element, the control unit erases a first block from the plurality of blocks that is assigned the lottery element selected by the lottery unit, moves a second block into the space created by the erasure of the first block, and, if the attribute of the second block is common to the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement, links the second block and the third block to each other to generate a fourth block of that attribute.

[0006] A control method for a game system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for a game system that sequentially selects one of a plurality of lottery elements by lottery and controls a game that uses a plurality of blocks, each of which is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more of the plurality of lottery elements, and in controlling the game, for each selection of a lottery element by lottery, a first block of the plurality of blocks to which the lottery element selected by lottery is assigned is erased, a second block is moved into the space created by the erasure of the first block, and if the attribute of the second block is common to the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement, the second block and the third block are linked to each other to generate a fourth block of that attribute.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as a lottery unit that sequentially selects one of a plurality of lottery elements by lottery, and a control unit that controls a game that uses a plurality of blocks, wherein each of the plurality of blocks is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more of the plurality of lottery elements, and the control unit, each time the lottery unit selects a lottery element, erases a first block from the plurality of blocks that is assigned the lottery element selected by the lottery unit, moves a second block to the space created by the erasure of the first block, and, if the attribute of the second block is common to the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement, generates a fourth block of that attribute by linking the second block and the third block to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a game system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a unit game screen. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a unit game process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to a specific example of progress processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of reward granting conditions. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the progress of a unit game. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the progress of a unit game. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a portion of unit game processing in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding changes in each base value in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a unit game screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 12]13 is a flowchart of a portion of unit game processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the progress of a game in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart of a process for giving points to a user in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart of a portion of unit game processing in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a portion of unit game processing in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart of a portion of unit game processing in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a unit game screen in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various limitations that are not essential to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a gaming system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The gaming system 100 is installed in a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming system 100 provides games to multiple users (i.e., players) within the gaming facility. Note that a gaming system 100 used in, for example, a casino may also be referred to as a gaming machine.

[0011] 1, the game system 100 includes a lottery mechanism 10 and a plurality of stations 20. The game system 100 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a plurality of devices configured separately from each other.

[0012] The lottery mechanism 10 executes a physical lottery using lottery balls 12. The lottery mechanism 10 includes a lottery wheel 13, a lottery field 14, and a throw-in mechanism 15. The lottery wheel 13 is a rotatably supported disk-shaped structure (roulette). The lottery wheel 13 in this embodiment rotates by being driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. However, the lottery wheel 13 does not have to rotate.

[0013] A plurality of (25) pockets 16 are provided along the circumferential direction of the lottery wheel 13. That is, the plurality of pockets 16 are arranged in a ring shape. Each of the plurality of pockets 16 is a hole into which the lottery ball 12 can enter. When a lottery ball 12 has entered one pocket 16, another lottery ball 12 cannot enter that pocket 16.

[0014] A different lottery number N (1 to 25) is assigned to each of the multiple pockets 16. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the lottery number N assigned to each pocket 16 is written near the pocket 16. In other words, the multiple lottery numbers N are arranged in a circular pattern.

[0015] The lottery field 14 is an annular plate-like member that surrounds the lottery wheel 13 in a vertical plan view. The surface of the lottery field 14 is an inclined surface that descends from the outer periphery to the inner periphery (i.e., the lottery wheel 13 side).

[0016] The throwing mechanism 15 is installed near the outer periphery of the lottery field 14, and throws the lottery ball 12 onto the surface of the lottery field 14. The lottery ball 12 thrown by the throwing mechanism 15 gradually approaches the lottery wheel 13 while rolling on the surface of the lottery field 14, and finally enters one of the multiple pockets 16 of the lottery wheel 13. The lottery result is the lottery number N among the multiple lottery numbers N that corresponds to the pocket 16 into which the lottery ball 12 entered.

[0017] As can be understood from the above explanation, the lottery mechanism 10 is a lottery unit that randomly selects one of a plurality of lottery numbers N. The lottery mechanism 10 sequentially selects one of the plurality of lottery numbers N by lottery. The lottery number N is an example of a "lottery element."

[0018] The plurality of stations 20 are arranged in a circumferential direction so as to surround the lottery mechanism 10. Each station 20 is a unit used by a user to play a game. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each station 20 includes a display device 21, an operation device 22, a reception device 23, and a payout device 24. Note that each station 20 may be connected to the lottery mechanism 10 wirelessly.

[0019] The display device 21 displays various images. The display device 21 is configured with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) panel. The operation device 22 accepts operations by the user. Specifically, the operation device 22 is a touch panel that is configured integrally with the display surface of the display device 21. However, an operator operated by the user may also be used as the operation device 22.

[0020] The reception device 23 accepts medals from users. Specifically, the reception device 23 accepts physical medals (i.e., token coins) and electronic medals from users. Physical medals are tangible, disk-shaped game value. Electronic medals are intangible game value realized by electronic data. The mechanism in the reception device 23 that accepts physical medals includes an insertion slot into which the physical medals are inserted and a detector that detects the insertion of the physical medal into the insertion slot. Furthermore, the mechanism in the reception device 23 that accepts electronic medals is, for example, a communication device that communicates with an account management system (not shown) that manages the user's electronic medal account. For example, the reception device 23 executes a withdrawal process for electronic medals by communicating with the account management system. Note that a communication device that executes a withdrawal process for electronic medals by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium that stores the number of electronic medals may also be used as the reception device 23.

[0021] The medals received by the reception device 23 from the user are exchanged for credits. Specifically, a value corresponding to the number of medals received by the reception device 23 is added to the number of credits held by the user (hereinafter referred to as "held credit number C"). Credits are gaming value that the user consumes to play the game.

[0022] The payout device 24 outputs medals. Specifically, the payout device 24 outputs a quantity of medals corresponding to the number of held credits C. The mechanism of the payout device 24 that outputs physical medals includes a storage container that stores physical medals, and a discharge mechanism that sequentially discharges the physical medals from the storage container. The mechanism of the payout device 24 that outputs electronic medals is a communications device that executes the deposit process of electronic medals by communicating with the account management system described above. Note that a communications device that executes the deposit process of electronic medals by short-range wireless communication with a recording medium that stores the quantity of electronic medals may also be used as the payout device 24.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 100. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the game system 100 of this embodiment includes a control device 31 and a storage device 32 in addition to the lottery mechanism 10 and the plurality of stations 20 described above.

[0024] The control device 31 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of 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). Note that some or all of the functions of the control device 31 may be installed in each station 20.

[0025] The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, the storage device 32 stores the credit count C of each user. The storage device 32 is configured from a known storage medium such as a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage medium, or a combination of multiple types of storage medium. Note that a portable storage medium that is detachable from the game system 100 may also be used as the storage device 32. Alternatively, a storage medium that can be written to or read from via a communication network (for example, cloud storage) may also be used as the storage device 32.

[0026] The control device 31 of the first embodiment controls the progress of a game played by a user by executing a program stored in the storage device 32. In the first embodiment, a predetermined game (hereinafter referred to as a "unit game") progresses in parallel at each of the multiple stations 20. A unit game is a game that each user regularly plays using the station 20. The unit game of the first embodiment is a lottery game that uses the lottery mechanism 10. The control device 31 repeats the unit game multiple times for each station 20. The control device 31 is an example of a "control unit."

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a screen showing the progress of a unit game (hereinafter referred to as a "unit game screen G"). The control device 31 displays the unit game screen G on the display device 21 of each station 20, and updates the unit game screen G according to the progress of the unit game. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the unit game screen G includes a lottery area Ga and a reward area Gb. The unit game screen G also displays the number of credits C held by the user.

[0028] The lottery area Ga is an area where a unit game is played. Specifically, the lottery area Ga is a vertically long rectangular area including a first end E1 and a second end E2. The first end E1 is the upper side (top end) of the lottery area Ga, and the second end E2 is the lower side (bottom end) of the lottery area Ga.

[0029] A plurality of blocks B are arranged in the lottery area Ga. That is, the plurality of blocks B are arranged between the first end E1 and the second end E2. The unit game of the first embodiment is a game that uses the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga. Each of the plurality of blocks B is a display object that simulates, for example, a rock or a gem.

[0030] A plurality of squares Q are defined in the lottery area Ga. The plurality of squares Q are arranged in a matrix of 9 rows and 6 columns. Each of the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga is composed of a plurality of unit elements U located in different squares Q. Each unit element U is a display object corresponding to the smallest unit of a block B. A single block B is formed by connecting a plurality of unit elements U vertically or horizontally. The number and arrangement of the unit elements U constituting a single block B differ for each block B. Therefore, the shape and size of each block B differ. In other words, the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga includes two or more blocks B with different shapes and sizes. As explained above, the number of unit elements U constituting one block B corresponds to the size of the block B. Note that the plurality of blocks B may include a block B composed of one unit element U.

[0031] Each of the multiple blocks B is assigned one of four display colors (for example, red, blue, green, and pink). Each block B is displayed in the display color assigned to that block B. In FIG. 3, the display color of each block B is conveniently represented by shading. The display color in the first embodiment is an example of an "attribute." In the initial state immediately after the start of the unit game screen G, the display colors of adjacent blocks B on the unit game screen G are different. That is, on the initial unit game screen G, two blocks B with the same display color are not adjacent to each other.

[0032] Furthermore, one or more lottery numbers N out of the plurality of lottery numbers N are assigned to each of the plurality of blocks B. Specifically, each of the plurality of (25) lottery numbers N is assigned to one of the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga. Among the plurality of blocks B, there are blocks B assigned one lottery number N and blocks B assigned two or more lottery numbers N. Note that each lottery number N is assigned to one block B, and is not assigned to two or more blocks B in duplicate. In each block B, one or more lottery numbers N assigned to that block B are displayed. Specifically, one or more lottery numbers N assigned to one block B are displayed in one of the plurality of unit elements U that make up that block B.

[0033] The reward area Gb in FIG. 3 is a horizontally elongated region along the second end E2 of the lottery area Ga, and displays the reward awarded to the user according to the outcome of the unit game. The reward area Gb displays multiple (six) base values ​​W0 corresponding to the number of columns of squares Q in the lottery area Ga. That is, each of the multiple base values ​​W0 corresponds to a different column (i.e., vertical arrangement) of the multiple squares Q in the lottery area Ga. The multiple base values ​​W0 are set to any of multiple numerical values ​​within a predetermined range. For example, each base value W0 is set to one numerical value randomly selected from the multiple numerical values.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "unit game process") in which the control device 31 controls the unit game. A user can specify the amount of credits to be used in the current unit game (hereinafter referred to as "usage amount") by operating the operation device 22 of the station 20 that the user is using. The usage amount is any value specified by the user within the range of the owned credit number C. The use of credits by a user can also be expressed as a bet of the credits.

[0035] The control device 31 receives an instruction regarding the amount of use from the user (Sa1). Upon receiving the instruction regarding the amount of use from the user, the control device 31 displays an initial unit game screen G, as exemplified in Fig. 3, on the display device 21 of each station 20 (Sa2 to Sa4). As exemplified in Fig. 3, the initial unit game screen G is a screen in which a plurality of blocks B are arranged in all squares Q of the lottery area Ga.

[0036] First, the control device 31 sets a plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga (Sa2). Specifically, the control device 31 generates a plurality of initial blocks B by sequentially dividing one block B that covers the entire lottery area Ga according to a predetermined rule. The rule for dividing the blocks B includes various parameters, such as the probability of a vertically elongated block B or the probability of a horizontally elongated block B. Note that the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga may include two or more blocks B that have the same shape and size.

[0037] The control device 31 assigns one of a plurality of display colors to each of the plurality of blocks B (Sa3). Specifically, the control device 31 assigns a display color to each block B so that the display colors of adjacent blocks B in the vertical or horizontal direction are different. The control device 31 also assigns each of a plurality of lottery numbers N to each block B (Sa4). Specifically, the control device 31 assigns one or more lottery numbers N to each of the plurality of blocks B without overlapping. Through the above processes (Sa2 to Sa4), an initial unit game screen G is displayed on the display device 21.

[0038] The method of displaying the unit game screen G is not limited to the above examples. For example, the control device 31 may select one of a plurality of candidate screens stored in the storage device 32 as the initial unit game screen G. The number and arrangement of each block B differs for each candidate screen. Furthermore, each base value W0 in the reward area Gb may be set according to the amount of credit used designated by the user. For example, the greater the amount of credit used, the greater the value of each base value W0 is set to.

[0039] When the unit game screen G is displayed, the control device 31 executes a lottery process (Sa5). The lottery process is a process of selecting one of a plurality of lottery numbers N (hereinafter referred to as a "selected number Nsel") by lottery. The control device 31 of the first embodiment causes the lottery mechanism 10 to execute a lottery for the lottery number N. Specifically, the control device 31 instructs the lottery mechanism 10 to insert a lottery ball 12.

[0040] The lottery mechanism 10 throws the lottery ball 12 into the lottery field 14 in response to an instruction from the control device 31. The control device 31 specifies, as a selection number Nsel, the lottery number N, among the plurality of lottery numbers N, that corresponds to the pocket 16 into which the lottery ball 12 has entered. Note that, although the first embodiment illustrates an example in which one lottery ball 12 is thrown into the lottery field 14 in order, the lottery mechanism 10 may throw a plurality of lottery balls 12 into the lottery field 14 in parallel.

[0041] When the selection number Nsel is selected by the lottery process, the control device 31 executes the progress process (Sa6 to Sa9). FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of the progress process. In FIG. 5, a situation is assumed in which multiple blocks B (B1 to B3) exist in the lottery area Ga. Note that block B1 is an example of a "first block," block B2 is an example of a "second block," block B3 is an example of a "third block," and block B4 is an example of a "fourth block."

[0042] The control device 31 erases the block B1 to which the selection number Nsel is assigned from among the plurality of blocks B in the lottery area Ga (Sa6). In Fig. 5, a case is illustrated in which "5" is selected as the selection number Nsel from among the plurality of lottery numbers N, and as a result, the block B1 corresponding to the selection number Nsel is erased.

[0043] Note that a block B to which multiple lottery numbers N are assigned is erased when one of the multiple lottery numbers N is selected. Therefore, a block B containing a lottery number N not actually selected by the lottery mechanism 10 may be erased. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, a block B1 to which "5" as the lottery number N is assigned, including "6" and "19," is erased by selecting "5," even if "6" and "19" are not selected as the selection numbers Nsel. Furthermore, if the lottery mechanism 10 selects a lottery number N assigned to a previously erased block B in a previous progress process, the block B is not erased. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, after erasing block B1, even if "6" or "19" assigned to block B1 is selected as the selection number Nsel, block B is not erased from the lottery area Ga. Note that a lottery number N other than the selection number Nsel among the multiple lottery numbers N assigned to the erased block B may be newly assigned to another block B. The block B to which the lottery number N is reallocated is selected at random from one or more blocks B remaining in the lottery area Ga, for example.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control device 31 moves block B2 into the space created by the erasure of block B1 (Sa7). Block B2 is a block B below which a space is created by the erasure of block B1. That is, block B2 is moved if there are no other blocks B below any of the unit elements U. The control device 31 moves block B2 vertically downward until one or more of the unit elements U constituting the block B2 to be moved contact another block B (block B3 in FIG. 5) or the second end E2. That is, block B2 falls into the space created by the erasure of block B1. Blocks B located above the space created by the movement of block B2 move vertically downward sequentially under the same conditions. Note that even if a space is created by the erasure of block B1, if there are other blocks B below one or more of the unit elements U of block B2 located above the space, block B2 will not move.

[0045] The control device 31 determines whether the display color of the block B2 is the same as the display color of the block B3 adjacent to the moved block B2 (Sa8). The state in which the blocks B2 and B3 are adjacent to each other means that any one of the multiple unit elements U constituting the block B2 is adjacent to any one of the multiple unit elements U constituting the block B3 in the vertical or horizontal direction.

[0046] If the display color of block B2 and the display color of block B3 are the same (Sa8: YES), the control device 31 generates block B4 by connecting block B2 and block B3 to each other (Sa9), as illustrated in FIG. 5. Specifically, one or more unit elements U of the multiple unit elements U of block B2 that are adjacent to block B3 are connected to one or more unit elements U of the multiple unit elements U of block B3 that are adjacent to block B2, thereby generating the connected block B4. The display colors of each block B are maintained before and after the connection. That is, the display color of the connected block B4 is the same as the display colors of blocks B2 and B3 before the connection. On the other hand, if the display color of block B2 and the display color of block B3 are different (Sa8: NO), the control device 31 does not connect block B2 and block B3.

[0047] The lottery numbers N of each block B are maintained before and after the connection. That is, the block B4 after the connection is assigned one or more lottery numbers N assigned to the block B2 before the connection and one or more lottery numbers N assigned to the block B3 before the connection. That is, the number of lottery numbers N assigned to one block B increases when multiple blocks B are connected.

[0048] Therefore, it is possible to increase the likelihood that block B4 after the concatenation will be erased by the lottery process compared to the likelihood that both blocks B2 and B3 will be erased before the concatenation. Specifically, before the concatenation, selecting the lottery number N corresponding to block B2 erases block B2, and selecting the lottery number N corresponding to block B3 erases block B3. On the other hand, after the concatenation, selecting any of the multiple lottery numbers N corresponding to block B4 erases block B2 and block B4 corresponding to block B3. Therefore, the user's expectation that they will be able to erase a large block B can be maintained for a long time.

[0049] As explained above, the progress process includes erasing the block B corresponding to the selection number Nsel (Sa6), moving the block B to the space created by the erasure (Sa7), and connecting multiple adjacent blocks B after the movement (Sa8, Sa9).

[0050] When the progress process described above is executed, the control device 31 determines whether or not the termination condition of the unit game is met (Sa10). The termination condition may be, for example, that the number of times the lottery number N is selected reaches a predetermined value, that the number of times the lottery ball 12 is inserted reaches a predetermined value, or that the number of times the lottery process is executed reaches a predetermined value. If the termination condition is not met (Sa10: NO), the control device 31 shifts the process to the lottery process (Sa5). Therefore, the lottery process and progress process are repeated until the termination condition is met (Sa10: YES). That is, in the course of one unit game, the erasure (Sa6), movement (Sa7), and connection (Sa9) of block B are repeated.

[0051] If the termination condition is met (Sa10: YES), the control device 31 determines whether the condition for granting a reward to the user (hereinafter referred to as the "reward granting condition") is met (Sa11). The reward granting condition is a condition related to the removal of block B from the lottery area Ga. Specifically, the reward granting condition is a condition related to the state of the lottery area Ga after the removal of block B through the lottery process and the progress process.

[0052] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the reward granting condition in the first embodiment. State A in Figure 6 is a state in which the reward granting condition is met, and state B in Figure 6 is a state in which the reward granting condition is not met. As illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 6, the reward granting condition is that the space formed by the erasure of block B in the lottery area Ga is continuous from the first end E1 to the second end E2.

[0053] For example, let us focus on blank squares Q (hereinafter referred to as "blank squares Q") that do not contain any blocks B when the completion condition is met among the multiple squares Q in the lottery area Ga. As shown in state A in Figure 6, when the array of multiple blank squares Q in the vertical or horizontal direction is continuous from the first end E1 (the first row of the top row) to the second end E2 (the ninth row of the bottom row), the control device 31 determines that the reward provision condition is met.

[0054] On the other hand, when the arrangement of multiple blank cells Q is not continuous from the first end E1 to the second end E2, as in state B in Figure 6, the control device 31 determines that the reward granting condition is not met. Note that the control device 31 considers a state in which two blank cells Q are adjacent to each other in a diagonal direction as a state in which the arrangement of blank cells Q is not continuous. However, a state in which two blank cells Q are adjacent to each other in a diagonal direction may also be determined as a state in which the arrangement of blank cells Q is continuous.

[0055] If the reward granting condition described above is met (Sa11: YES), the control device 31 grants a reward to the user (Sa12). Specifically, the control device 31 grants credits to the user as a reward. For example, the control device 31 adds a reward amount W to the number of credits C held by the user stored in the storage device 32. The reward amount W granted to the user is set according to the state of the lottery area Ga and the reward area Gb at the time the completion condition is met, as exemplified below.

[0056] In the state A illustrated in FIG. 6, among the blank cells Q arranged continuously from the first end E1 to the second end E2, attention is focused on one or more blank cells Q (hereinafter referred to as "reward-eligible cells Q") adjacent to the second end E2. The control device 31 calculates the reward amount W as the sum of one or more basic values ​​W0 vertically adjacent to the reward-eligible cell Q among the multiple basic values ​​W0 corresponding to different columns of the reward area Gb. In the state A of FIG. 6, among the six cells Q located in the ninth row, three cells Q in the second to fourth columns are reward-eligible cells Q. Therefore, the sum (=5) of the basic value W0 corresponding to the second column (=3), the basic value W0 corresponding to the third column (=1), and the basic value W0 corresponding to the fourth column (=1) is calculated as the reward amount W to be granted to the user. The control device 31 adds the reward amount W to the number of credits C owned by the user.

[0057] As can be understood from the above explanation, one unit game in the first embodiment is as follows: (1) Acceptance of credit card use (Sa1) (2) Display of unit game screen G (Sa2 to Sa4), (3) Lottery processing and progress processing (Sa5 to Sa10), (4) Processing to give rewards to users (Sa11-Sa12) Includes.

[0058] 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the progress of a unit game. In Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, a plurality of blocks B and a plurality of lottery numbers N (1 to 25) in the lottery area Ga are schematically illustrated. State 1 is a state in which an initial unit game screen G is displayed immediately after the unit game has started.

[0059] When "5" is selected as the selection number Nsel in state 1, the block B assigned the lottery number "5" is erased (Sa6), as shown in state 2 of Figure 7. As shown in state 3, the three blocks B located above the erased block B are moved downward (Sa7).

[0060] As shown in state 4 of Figure 8, if the display colors of adjacent blocks B are the same after the movement, the blocks B are connected (Sa9). Specifically, a block B assigned the lottery numbers N of "4" and "21" and a block B assigned the lottery number N of "14" are connected to generate one block B. The three lottery numbers N of "4," "14," and "21" are assigned to the connected block B. Similarly, a block B assigned the lottery number N of "12" and a block B assigned the lottery number N of "10" and "23" are connected to generate one block B. The three lottery numbers N of "10," "12," and "23" are assigned to the connected block B.

[0061] When "21" is selected as the selection number Nsel in state 4, the block B assigned the lottery number "21" is erased (Sa6), as in state 5. The six blocks B located above the erased block B are moved downward (Sa7), as in state 6. In state 6 after the movement, multiple blocks B with the same display color are not adjacent to each other, so the connection of blocks B (Sa9) is not executed.

[0062] As described above, in the first embodiment, blocks B are erased according to the result of the lottery by the lottery mechanism 10, and the blocks B move into the space left after erasure, thereby connecting multiple blocks B with a common display color to each other. In other words, a large-sized block B is generated by connecting multiple blocks B with a common display color. Therefore, the user's anticipation of being able to erase a large-sized block B can be maintained for a long time.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a reward is awarded to the user when the reward awarding condition for the removal of a block B is met. Therefore, the user can be given an incentive to look forward to removing a large number of blocks B. In the first embodiment, the user is awarded a reward particularly when a continuous space is formed from the first end E1 to the second end E2. In other words, the removal of a large block B is likely to result in the reward awarding condition being met (and therefore the user being able to obtain a reward). Therefore, a game element is realized in which the user looks forward to connecting multiple blocks B and removing the connected blocks B.

[0064] [Second embodiment] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a portion of the unit game processing in the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when a block B corresponding to selection number Nsel (hereinafter referred to as "erased block B") is erased (Sa6), the control device 31 determines whether the size of the erased block B exceeds a predetermined threshold (Sb1). Specifically, the control device 31 determines whether the number of unit elements U constituting the erased block B (i.e., the size) exceeds the threshold. The threshold is a predetermined positive number. For example, a predetermined value (e.g., 7) that exceeds the maximum size of the blocks B included in the initial unit game screen G is set as the threshold.

[0065] If the size of the deleted block B exceeds the threshold (Sb1: YES), the control device 31 increases the base value W0 in the reward area Gb (Sb2). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the control device 31 selects one of the multiple (six) base values ​​W0 in the reward area Gb and doubles that base value W0. The base value W0 to be increased is selected randomly from the multiple base values ​​W0, for example. FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the base value W0 in the second column, "3," is changed to "6."

[0066] As in the first embodiment, the reward amount W granted to the user is set according to the base value W0 in the reward area Gb. Specifically, the total value of one or more base values ​​W0 corresponding to the reward target square Q among the multiple base values ​​W0 in the reward area Gb is calculated as the reward amount W. Therefore, when the base value W0 increases because the size of the erased block B exceeds the threshold, the user can obtain a larger reward amount W than when the base value W0 does not increase. As explained above, in the second embodiment, when the size of the block B erased by selecting the lottery number N exceeds the threshold, the reward amount W is greater than the reward amount W when the size is below the threshold.

[0067] The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a user can earn a large number of rewards by erasing a large block B. Therefore, a game element is realized in which a user looks forward to linking multiple blocks B and erasing the linked blocks B.

[0068] For example, as mentioned above, in a configuration in which the threshold is set to exceed the maximum size of the initial block B, the base value W0 cannot be increased unless blocks B are linked within a unit game. Therefore, users expect multiple blocks B to be linked and then deleted after the linking.

[0069] [Third embodiment] 11 is a schematic diagram of a unit game screen G in the third embodiment. In addition to the same elements as in the first embodiment (lottery area Ga, reward area Gb, and owned credit number C), the unit game screen G in the third embodiment displays the owned point number P and the owned item number M.

[0070] The number of owned points P is the number of points owned by the user. Points are a gaming value that the user collects to acquire a specific item (hereinafter referred to as a "specific item"). Points are a gaming value that is separate from credits. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the number of owned points P is displayed in the form of a linear gauge that represents the number of owned points P within a range between an initial value (=0) and a predetermined value (maximum value) Pmax.

[0071] The number of owned items M is the number of specific items owned by the user. The specific items are items that the user needs to play the special lottery game described below. The number of owned points P and the number of owned items M are stored in the storage device 32.

[0072] 12 is a flowchart of a portion of the unit game processing in the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, when block B (erased block B) corresponding to selection number Nsel is erased (Sa6), the control device 31 awards points to the user (Sc1). Specifically, the control device 31 increases the number of points P held by the user. As explained above, the number of points P is the cumulative value of points awarded to the user.

[0073] The control device 31 of the third embodiment grants points to the user according to the size of the erasure block B corresponding to the selection number Nsel. For example, a value corresponding to the number of unit elements U that make up the erasure block B (i.e., the size) is added to the number of points P held. Therefore, the greater the number of unit elements U that make up the erasure block B, the greater the number of points P held. Note that if the block B is not erased in the progress processing, the granting of points to the user (Sc1) is not executed.

[0074] The control device 31 determines whether the number of possessed points P has reached a predetermined value Pmax (Sc2). The predetermined value Pmax is set to a predetermined positive number (e.g., 45). If the number of possessed points P has reached the predetermined value Pmax (Sc2: YES), the control device 31 grants a specific item to the user (Sc3). Specifically, the control device 31 adds 1 to the number of possessed items M of the user. As specific items are repeatedly granted to the user over multiple unit games, the number of possessed items M sequentially increases. Note that while the number of possessed points P (reward) is managed for each user, the number of possessed items M (specific items) may be managed for each station 20. In other words, when a user finishes a game using a station 20, the number of possessed items M may be carried over to the next play by another user who uses that station 20.

[0075] When the specific item is granted to the user, the control device 31 updates the number of points P held to an initial value (e.g., 0) (Sc4). That is, the user can acquire the specific item in exchange for consuming a quantity of points equivalent to the predetermined value Pmax.

[0076] On the other hand, if the number of possessed points P does not reach the predetermined value Pmax (Sc2: NO), the granting of the specific item (Sc3) and the initialization of the number of possessed points P (Sc4) are not executed. Other processes such as the movement (Sa7) and connection (Sa8, Sa9) of block B are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0077] If the termination condition is met after the progress process is executed (Sa10: YES), the control device 31 updates the number of owned points P to the initial value (Sc5). That is, in the third embodiment, the number of owned points P is initialized to the initial value (e.g., 0) for each unit game. Other processes, such as the granting of rewards to the user (Sa11, Sa12), are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0078] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the progress of a game in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a special lottery game is executed in addition to the unit game similar to that in the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the control device 31 progresses the unit game through the unit game processing described above (Sd1). As described above, the user can acquire a specific item in the unit game.

[0079] When the unit game process is executed, the control device 31 determines whether the number of items M held by the user has reached a predetermined value Mmax (Sd2). If the number of items M held is below the predetermined value Mmax (Sd2: NO), the control device 31 proceeds to step Sd1. That is, the unit game is repeated at each of the multiple stations 20.

[0080] On the other hand, if the number of owned items M reaches the predetermined value Mmax (Sd2: YES), the control device 31 executes a special lottery game (Sd3). The special lottery game is a lottery game in which whether a user wins or loses is determined by lottery. For example, the special lottery game includes a physical lottery using the lottery mechanism 10 or an electronic lottery using calculation processing by the control device 31. The specific content of the special lottery is arbitrary.

[0081] When the special lottery game is executed, the control device 31 updates the number of possessed items M to an initial value (for example, 0) (Sd4). That is, the user can play the special lottery game in exchange for consuming a number of special items equivalent to the predetermined value Mmax.

[0082] The control device 31 determines whether the user has won the special lottery game (Sd5). If the user has lost the special lottery game (Sd5: NO), the control device 31 shifts the process to step Sd1. That is, the unit game is repeated. If the user has lost the special lottery game, a reward according to the result of the special lottery game may be awarded to the user.

[0083] On the other hand, if the user wins the special lottery game (Sd5: YES), the control device 31 awards a special reward to the user (Sd6). The special reward is a sufficiently large reward (jackpot) compared to the reward the user can earn in the unit game. Specifically, a large number of credits is awarded to the user as the special reward. That is, the control device 31 adds a value equivalent to the special reward to the number of credits C held by the user. As described above, the special lottery game is a lottery game in which the user can earn a special reward. Once the special reward is awarded to the user (Sd6), the unit game is resumed (Sd1).

[0084] The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, specific items are awarded to users by accumulating points awarded by clearing blocks B, and users can play a special lottery game by accumulating specific items. Therefore, users who aim to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain special rewards) can be given an effective incentive to expect to clear a large number of blocks B.

[0085] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a user can earn many points by erasing a large block B. Therefore, a user who aims to play the special lottery game (and thereby earn a special reward) can be effectively motivated to link multiple blocks B and erase the linked blocks B. The configuration of the second embodiment is similarly applied to the third embodiment.

[0086] [Fourth embodiment] In the third embodiment, a value corresponding to the number of unit elements U constituting the erase block B (i.e., the size) is added to the number of possessed points P. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in the method of determining the amount of the possessed points P to be awarded. The other configurations and operations of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments.

[0087] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (Sc1) of awarding points to a user in the unit game process illustrated in Fig. 12. When the erasure block B corresponding to the selection number Nsel is erased (Sa6), the process of Fig. 14 is executed.

[0088] The control device 31 determines whether the erasure block B includes a specific shape (hereinafter referred to as the "specific shape") (Sc11). As illustrated in FIG. 15, the specific shape is, for example, a square in which a plurality of unit elements U are arranged in a K-by-K matrix (K is a natural number equal to or greater than 2). For example, the specific shape may be a shape consisting of four unit elements U, 2 vertically and 2 horizontally, or a shape consisting of nine unit elements U, 3 vertically and 3 horizontally. The specific shape may be included in an initial block B that has not been concatenated with a plurality of blocks B, or may be included in a block B generated by concatenating a plurality of blocks B (Sa9). The control device 31 may differentiate the display mode of each unit element U included in the specific shape from the display mode of each unit element U not included in the specific shape.

[0089] If the erasure block B does not contain a specific shape (Sc11: NO), the control device 31, as in the third embodiment, adds a numerical value corresponding to the number of unit elements U that constitute the erasure block B (i.e., the size) to the number of points P held (Sc12).

[0090] On the other hand, if erasure block B includes a specific shape (Sc11: YES), the control device 31 adds a numerical value exceeding the number of unit elements U constituting erasure block B to the number of possessed points P (Sc13). Specifically, the control device 31 adds the sum of a numerical value α obtained by multiplying the number of unit elements U in the specific shape part of erasure block B by K and the number β of unit elements U in the part other than the specific shape part to the number of possessed points P (Sc13).

[0091] For example, the erasure block B illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a specific shape in which four unit elements U are arranged in two rows and two columns (K=2). Therefore, the value α is "8", which is twice the number of unit elements U that make up the specific shape ("4"). On the other hand, the value β is "2", which is the number of unit elements U that make up the part of the erasure block B other than the specific shape. Therefore, the sum of the values ​​α and β, "10", is added to the number of points P held.

[0092] As explained above, when erasing block B has a predetermined size, the number of points awarded to the user when erasing block B includes a specific shape exceeds the number of points awarded to the user when erasing block B does not include the specific shape. In other words, when erasing block B includes a specific shape, control device 31 awards a larger number of points to the user than when erasing block B does not include the specific shape.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment, when the block B to be erased contains a specific shape, a larger number of points are awarded to the user even if the size of the block B to be erased is equal to or smaller than the size of the block B that does not contain the specific shape. Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain a special reward) can be effectively motivated to hope for erasing a block B containing a specific shape from among multiple blocks B. Also, in the fourth embodiment, a block B containing a specific shape can be generated by connecting multiple blocks B (Sa9). Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain a special reward) can be effectively motivated to hope for multiple blocks B to be connected to generate a block B containing a specific shape (and thereby for that block B to be erased). Note that the configuration of the second embodiment is similarly applicable to the fourth embodiment.

[0094] [Fifth embodiment] In the third embodiment, when block B is erased (Sa6) according to the lottery result, points are awarded to the user (Sc1). In the fifth embodiment, the conditions for awarding points to the user differ from those in the third embodiment. Other configurations and operations in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment. Therefore, the fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments.

[0095] The control device 31 of the fifth embodiment awards points to a user (Sc1) when a block B previously generated by connecting two or more blocks B (Sa9) among the multiple blocks B in the lottery area Ga is erased (Sa6) according to the lottery result.

[0096] That is, even if a block B that has not been linked in the past is deleted, points are not awarded to the user, but points are awarded to the user only when a block B generated by a linkage in the past is deleted. For example, even if block B2 or block B3 illustrated in FIG. 6 is deleted individually, points are not awarded to the user. On the other hand, if block B4 generated by linking block B2 and block B3 is deleted, points are awarded to the user.

[0097] As in the third embodiment, the control device 31 adds a numerical value corresponding to the number of unit elements U constituting the erasure block B (i.e., the size) to the number of points held P. However, the method of determining the amount of points to be awarded to a user is not limited to the above example. For example, the configuration of the fourth embodiment in which the amount of points to be awarded increases when the erasure block B includes a specific shape is similarly applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0098] As in the third embodiment, when the number of owned points P reaches a predetermined value Pmax, a specific item is awarded to the user (Sc3), and when the number of owned items M reaches a predetermined value Mmax, a special lottery game is started (Sd3).

[0099] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, points are awarded to users by erasing linked blocks B. Therefore, users who aim to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain special rewards) can be effectively motivated to link multiple blocks B and erase linked blocks B. The configuration of the second embodiment is similarly applicable to the fifth embodiment.

[0100] [Sixth embodiment] In the third embodiment, when block B is erased (Sa6) according to the lottery result, points are awarded to the user (Sc1). In the sixth embodiment, the conditions for awarding points to the user differ from those in the third embodiment. Other configurations and operations in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment. Therefore, the sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments.

[0101] 16 is a flowchart of a portion of the unit game processing in the sixth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16, if the display colors of adjacent blocks B after movement are the same (Sa8: YES), the control device 31 executes a process of linking the blocks B (Sa9) and a process of awarding points to the user (Sc1). That is, the control device 31 of the sixth embodiment awards points to the user when multiple blocks B are linked. Note that points may also be awarded to the user when a block B generated by linking multiple blocks B includes a specific shape.

[0102] The method for determining the number of points to be given to a user is arbitrary, but the following modes are envisaged, for example. (1) The user is awarded points in a number corresponding to the number of times blocks B are connected (the number of connected points) in one progression process. (2) The user is awarded points in a number corresponding to the cumulative number of times that block B is connected in one unit game. (3) The user is given points in an amount corresponding to the number of unit elements U that make up block B after multiple blocks B are concatenated. (4) When block B2 is moved and connected to block B3 as shown in the example of Figure 6, the user is awarded points in an amount corresponding to the number of unit elements U that make up the moved block B2. (5) When block B2 is moved and connected to block B3 as shown in the example of Figure 6, the user is awarded points in an amount equivalent to the number of unit elements U that make up the existing block B3.

[0103] As in the third embodiment, the control device 31 awards a specific item to the user when the number of owned points P reaches a predetermined value Pmax (Sc2 to Sc4). Also, as in the third embodiment, the control device 31 starts a special lottery game when the number of owned items M reaches a predetermined value Mmax.

[0104] As described above, in the sixth embodiment, specific items are awarded to users by accumulating points awarded by linking blocks B, and users can play special lottery games by accumulating specific items. Therefore, users who aim to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain special rewards) can be effectively motivated to link multiple blocks B. Note that the configurations of the second to fifth embodiments are also applicable to the sixth embodiment.

[0105] [Seventh embodiment] In the seventh embodiment, as in the first or third embodiment, a unit game including a lottery process (that is, a lottery using the lottery mechanism 10) and the erasure of block B (Sa6) is repeated multiple times.

[0106] In the third embodiment, the number of possessed points P is initialized for each unit game (Sc5). On the other hand, in the seventh embodiment, the number of possessed points P in a unit game can be continued in the immediately following unit game.

[0107] 17 is a flowchart of a portion of the unit game processing in the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, when the termination condition is met (Sa10: YES), the control device 31 determines whether the reward granting condition is met (Sa11). When the reward granting condition is met (Sa11: YES), the control device 31 grants a reward to the user (Sa12), as in the first embodiment.

[0108] The user can instruct whether or not to continue using the reward acquired in the current unit game in the next unit game by operating the operation device 22. The control device 31 determines whether or not the user has instructed to continue using the reward awarded in the current unit game (Se1).

[0109] If continuous use of the reward is instructed (Se1: YES), the control device 31 maintains the number of points P held in the current unit game in the next unit game (Se2). That is, initialization of the number of points P held (Sc5) is not executed.

[0110] On the other hand, if the reward granting condition is not met (Sa11: NO), or if continued use of the reward is not instructed (Se1: NO), the control device 31 sets the current number of held points P to an initial value (e.g., 0) (Se3), as in the third embodiment.

[0111] As explained above, the number of points P held by a user in a unit game for which a reward has been awarded will continue to be held in the immediately following unit game. In other words, a user who has earned a reward in one unit game can play the next unit game while maintaining the number of points P held by that user by continuing to use that reward. This increases the user's chances of winning a specific item, and as a result, also increases the user's chances of playing a special lottery game.

[0112] The seventh embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first and third embodiments. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the number of points P held in a unit game is continued in the immediately following unit game. Therefore, a user who aims to play the special lottery game (and further to obtain a special reward) can be effectively encouraged to play the unit game multiple times.

[0113] The configurations of the second to sixth embodiments are similarly applied to the seventh embodiment. Also, in the above explanation, an example was given in which the number of possessed points P is maintained, but the parameter maintained in successive unit games is not limited to the number of possessed points P. For example, the number of possessed items M may be maintained in the immediately following unit game.

[0114] [Eighth embodiment] 18 is a flowchart of a portion of the unit game processing in the eighth embodiment. If the reward granting condition is met (Sa11: YES), the control device 31 determines whether all blocks B in the lottery area Ga have been erased (Sf1). If one or more blocks B exist in the lottery area Ga (Sf1: NO), the control device 31 grants the user a reward (hereinafter referred to as the "normal reward") with a reward amount W according to the state of the lottery area Ga and the reward area Gb, as in the first embodiment (Sf2).

[0115] On the other hand, if all blocks B in the lottery area Ga are erased (Sf1: YES), the control device 31 grants the user an additional reward (hereinafter referred to as "additional reward") in addition to the normal reward of reward amount W (Sf3). Specifically, the control device 31 adds the normal reward amount W and the quantity of the additional reward to the user's owned credit count C. The quantity of the additional reward is set to, for example, a predetermined numerical value. As explained above, the quantity of reward granted to the user when all blocks B in the lottery area Ga are erased exceeds the quantity of reward granted to the user when one or more blocks B remain in the lottery area Ga.

[0116] The eighth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, when all the blocks B in the lottery area Ga are erased, an additional reward is awarded to the user in addition to the normal reward (reward amount W). Therefore, an incentive can be given to the user to expect to erase a large number of blocks B.

[0117] In the eighth embodiment, a large block B generated by concatenating multiple blocks B can be erased all at once, so the user can fully expect to erase all blocks B. Furthermore, even if the reward condition is met early in the unit game, the user can expect to receive an additional reward by erasing all blocks B.

[0118] [Variations] The above-described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that can be applied to each of 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.

[0119] (1) The display color of each block B may be changed during the progress of the unit game. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19 , a special image Z is displayed in one or more of the multiple blocks B in the lottery area Ga. The block B to which the special image Z is added is selected, for example, at random from the multiple blocks B in the lottery area Ga. When a block B to which the special image Z is added is erased, the control device 31 randomly changes the display color of each block B in the lottery area Ga. For example, the display color of all the blocks B in the lottery area Ga may be changed, or the display color of some of the blocks B selected from the multiple blocks B may be changed.

[0120] Furthermore, the display color of each block B may be changed in response to an instruction from the user via the operation device 22. For example, during a waiting period for accepting an instruction from the user to use credits (bet), the control device 31 accepts an instruction from the user to change the display color of each block B. For example, the control device 31 accepts from the user a designation of the block B to be changed and a designation of the display color after the change. When an instruction to change the display color is accepted from the user during the waiting period, the control device 31 changes the display color of the block B selected by the user from among the multiple blocks B to the display color designated by the user. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to realize a game feature in which the user strategically designates the display color of each block B so that a large number of blocks B are connected and eliminated.

[0121] (2) In the above-described embodiments, multiple lottery numbers N are assigned to each block B without overlapping, but one lottery number N may be assigned to multiple blocks B in a duplicated manner. In other words, when a specific lottery number N is selected by the lottery process, multiple blocks B corresponding to that lottery number N may be erased. According to the above-described embodiment, a sense of expectation can be given to the user that multiple blocks B will be erased all at once by selecting one lottery number N. Note that when blocks B with a common lottery number N are linked, the number of lottery numbers N does not increase in the linked block B. Therefore, a game feature is realized in which the user expects blocks B with no overlapping lottery numbers N to be linked.

[0122] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, a number of lottery numbers N equal to or less than the number of unit elements U constituting one block B is assigned to the block B, but the number of lottery numbers N assigned to one block B is not limited to the above examples. For example, a number of lottery numbers N exceeding the number of unit elements U constituting one block B may be assigned to the block B. For example, multiple lottery numbers N may be assigned to one unit element U. According to an embodiment in which multiple lottery numbers N are assigned to one block B, it is possible to give the user a sense of expectation that there is a high possibility that block B will be deleted as a result of the lottery process.

[0123] (4) In the above-described embodiments, the termination condition is, for example, that the number of times the lottery number N is selected reaches a predetermined value. However, the termination condition of the unit game process is not limited to the above examples. For example, the unit game process may be terminated when a specific lottery number N is selected from among a plurality of lottery numbers N, or when the lottery ball 12 enters a specific pocket 16 from among a plurality of pockets 16. The user expects that a large number of blocks B will be connected and deleted so that the reward condition will be met before the termination condition is met.

[0124] The termination condition may include multiple different conditions, and may be determined to be met when all of the multiple conditions are met, or when any of the multiple conditions is met.

[0125] (5) In the above-described embodiments, the blocks B move downward within the lottery area Ga. However, the direction in which the blocks B move is not limited to the above examples. For example, the blocks B may move horizontally (to the right or left) or upward within the lottery area Ga. The blocks B may also move in different directions. For example, the direction in which the blocks B move may differ for each display color.

[0126] (6) In the above-described embodiments, the condition for granting a reward is that the space formed in the lottery area Ga is continuous from the first end E1 to the second end E2. However, the condition for granting a reward is not limited to the above. For example, the condition for granting a reward may be that the number of blank squares Q, in which no blocks B exist, among the squares Q, exceeds a predetermined value, that the height of the blocks B in the lottery area Ga (the position of the topmost unit element U in the vertical direction) falls below a predetermined value, or that all blocks B assigned a specific display color (e.g., one or more colors) among the multiple display colors are erased from the lottery area Ga.

[0127] The reward condition may include multiple different conditions, and may be determined to be met when all of the multiple conditions are met, or when any of the multiple conditions is met.

[0128] (7) In the above-described embodiments, one block B moves (i.e., falls) until it hits another block B located below it, but the conditions for the movement of each block B are not limited to the above examples. For example, one block B may move downward, jumping over another block B located below it.

[0129] (8) In the above-described embodiments, multiple blocks B are linked (Sa9) after the blocks B are moved (Sa7) in the lottery area Ga. However, the timing of linking multiple blocks B is not limited to the above examples. For example, adjacent blocks B with a common display color may be linked when a predetermined condition is met in the unit game process. For example, blocks B may be linked every time a predetermined time period elapses.

[0130] (9) In the second embodiment, an example was given in which one of the multiple base values ​​W0 in the reward area Gb is increased when the size of the erased block B exceeds a threshold value, but the method for increasing the base value W0 is not limited to this example. For example, when the size of the erased block B exceeds a threshold value, all base values ​​W0 in the reward area Gb may be increased. Furthermore, the method for increasing each base value W0 is also arbitrary. For example, the control device 31 may multiply or add a random number of 1 or more to each base value W0.

[0131] In the second embodiment, the method for setting the reward amount W when the size of the erased block B exceeds the threshold to a value greater than the reward amount W when the size is below the threshold is not limited to increasing each base value W0 as exemplified above. For example, when a block B with a size exceeding the threshold is erased in a unit game, the control device 31 may award to the user as a reward the sum of the reward amount W of the normal reward according to the base value W0 and the quantity of the additional reward.

[0132] (10) In the second embodiment, the base value W0 is increased when the size of the erasure block B exceeds the threshold value. However, the benefit given to the user when the size of the erasure block B exceeds the threshold value is not limited to this example. For example, the control device 31 may give the user a specific item when the size of the erasure block B exceeds the threshold value (Sb1: YES).

[0133] (11) In the second embodiment, the base value W0 is increased when the size of the erased block B exceeds a threshold value. However, the condition for increasing the base value W0 is not limited to the size of the erased block B exceeding a threshold value. For example, the base value W0 may be increased when the number of points P exceeds a predetermined value, or when a block B containing a specific shape is erased.

[0134] (12) In the fourth embodiment, a square shape in which a plurality of unit elements U are arranged in a matrix of K columns and K rows is exemplified as the specific shape, but the specific shape is not limited to this example. For example, a shape in which a predetermined number or more of unit elements U are arranged in a line may be determined to be the specific shape. Furthermore, in addition to a square shape or a line, any shape formed by a plurality of unit elements U may be determined to be the specific shape, such as an L-shape or T-shape in which a plurality of unit elements U are arranged in two directions, or a rectangular shape in which a plurality of unit elements U are arranged in a matrix.

[0135] (13) In the third embodiment, points are awarded to a user when a block B is deleted. In the fifth embodiment, points are awarded to a user when a block B generated by a previous linkage is deleted. In the sixth embodiment, points are awarded to a user when multiple blocks B are linked.

[0136] Points may be awarded to a user when two or more of the above-described conditions are met. Furthermore, points awarded to a user when different conditions are met may be managed independently of one another. For example, points awarded when a block B is deleted (third embodiment), points awarded when a linked block B is deleted (fifth embodiment), and points awarded when a block B is linked (sixth embodiment) may be controlled independently of one another as individual parameters.

[0137] (14) In the above-described embodiments, multiple blocks B having a common display color are connected, but the attribute that is a condition for connecting multiple blocks B is not limited to the display color. For example, multiple blocks B may be connected if adjacent blocks B have a common pattern or shape. As shown in the above examples, the attribute that is a condition for connecting multiple blocks B is comprehensively expressed as a visually distinguishable display mode.

[0138] (15) In the above-described embodiments, a physical lottery in which the lottery ball 12 is caused to enter one of the plurality of pockets 16 is exemplified, but the physical lottery method for selecting one of the plurality of lottery numbers N is not limited to the above examples. For example, one of the plurality of lottery numbers N may be selected by any type of lottery game, such as a slot game in which a plurality of rotating bodies with a plurality of pictures formed around them are rotated, or a dart game in which a dart is projected onto a playing surface that is partitioned into a plurality of areas corresponding to different numbers N.

[0139] (16) In each of the above-described embodiments, one of the plurality of lottery numbers N is selected by a physical lottery using the lottery mechanism 10. However, the element (lottery unit) for selecting one of the plurality of lottery numbers N by lottery is not limited to the lottery mechanism 10. For example, one of the plurality of lottery numbers N may be selected by an electronic lottery realized by calculation processing by the control device 31. In other words, the lottery processing in each of the above-described embodiments may be either a physical lottery or an electronic lottery.

[0140] (17) In each of the above-described embodiments, the lottery mechanism 10 selected one of a plurality of lottery numbers N, but the element (lottery element) selected by the lottery mechanism 10 is not limited to the above examples. For example, a form in which the lottery mechanism 10 selects one of a plurality of colors, a form in which the lottery mechanism 10 selects one of a plurality of symbols (characters, etc.), or a form in which the lottery mechanism 10 selects one of a plurality of characters is also envisioned. In other words, the lottery element is comprehensively expressed as an element selected by lottery, and the lottery number N in each of the above-described embodiments is merely one example of the lottery element.

[0141] (18) In each of the above-described embodiments, credits are provided as a reward to the user, but the reward provided to the user is not limited to these examples. For example, tangible gaming value such as physical medals, currency (coins), or tickets may be provided to the user as a reward. Furthermore, intangible gaming value such as electronic medals or points may be provided to the user as a reward. The gaming value consumed by the user and the gaming value provided to the user as a reward may be the same or different.

[0142] (19) In the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 is installed in a real space. However, the game system 100 may also be implemented as a virtual object installed in a virtual space realized by computational processing. Therefore, a service similar to the game system 100 in the above-described embodiments may be provided to a user by an information device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. For example, a game similar to the game system 100 may be implemented as an application game provided by a program executed by the information device, or as a cloud game provided by a server capable of communicating with the information device.

[0143] (20) The functions of the game system 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by cooperation between one or more processors constituting the control device 31 and a program stored in the storage device 32. The program according to the above-described embodiments may be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium may be, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) such as a CD-ROM, but may also include any known form 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 a communication network, the recording medium storing the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0144] [Note] From the above description, for example, preferred aspects of the present disclosure can be understood as follows: Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently written in parentheses below, but this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated aspects.

[0145] [Appendix 1] A game system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present disclosure includes a lottery unit (10) that sequentially selects one of a plurality of lottery elements (N) by lottery, and a control unit (31) that controls a game using a plurality of blocks (B), wherein each of the plurality of blocks (B) is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements (N) among the plurality of lottery elements (N), and the control unit (31) controls the plurality of blocks (B) to select one of the plurality of lottery elements (N) by lottery for each selection of the lottery element (N) by the lottery unit (10). The first block (B1) to which the lottery element (N) selected by the lottery unit (10) from the lock (B) is assigned is erased, a second block (B2) is moved to the space created by the erasure of the first block (B1), and if the attribute of the second block (B2) is common to the attribute of a third block (B3) adjacent to the second block (B2) after the movement, the second block (B2) and the third block (B3) are linked to each other to generate a fourth block (B4) of the attribute.

[0146] In the above embodiment, blocks (B) are erased according to the results of the lottery by the lottery unit (10), and the blocks (B) are moved to the space left after erasure, thereby linking multiple blocks (B) with a common attribute. That is, a large-sized block (B) is generated by linking multiple blocks (B) with a common attribute. Therefore, the user's anticipation of being able to erase a large-sized block (B) can be maintained for a long time.

[0147] The "lottery element (N)" is an element that is the subject of a lottery by the lottery unit (10). For example, any element that can be identified as a subject of a lottery, such as a number, a design, or a display color, is exemplified as the "lottery element (N)". Note that each of the plurality of blocks (B) may be assigned a plurality of lottery elements (N) without overlap, or a common lottery element (N) may be assigned to two or more blocks (B).

[0148] The "lottery" is a process of substantially randomly selecting one of a plurality of lottery elements (N). Note that the lottery by the lottery unit (10) does not have to be completely random. The "lottery" may be, for example, a physical lottery using a physical lottery mechanism, or an electronic lottery realized by calculation processing by a calculation device.

[0149] A "block (B)" is an object displayed on a display device. The multiple blocks (B) include two or more blocks (B) with different shapes. The multiple blocks (B) may include two or more blocks (B) with a common shape, or each of the multiple blocks (B) may have the same shape.

[0150] The "attributes" are characteristics that allow a user to distinguish between blocks (B). For example, the "attributes" may be visually distinguishable display aspects such as the display color, pattern, or shape of the block (B).

[0151] "Each selection of the lottery element (N)" means that an operation may be executed in response to the selection of the lottery element (N). It is not necessarily necessary to execute the erasure of the first block (B1), the movement of the second block (B2), and the generation of the fourth block (B4) in all cases in which the lottery element (N) is selected. In other words, the above processing may be executed in response to some of the multiple selections of the lottery element (N), and not in response to the remaining selections.

[0152] [Appendix 2] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the fourth block (B4) is assigned the one or more lottery elements (N) assigned to the second block (B2) and the one or more lottery elements (N) assigned to the third block (B3). In the above embodiment, the one or more lottery elements (N) of the second block (B2) and the one or more lottery elements (N) of the third block (B3) are maintained in the fourth block (B4) after the combination. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the fourth block (B4) will be erased by selecting the lottery element (N) corresponding to the fourth block (B4) compared to the possibility that both the second block (B2) and the third block (B3) will be erased before the combination. Therefore, the user's expectation that they will be able to erase a large block (B) can be maintained for a long time.

[0153] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the control unit (31) further provides a reward to the user when a predetermined condition regarding the deletion of the block (B) is met. In the above embodiment, a reward is provided to the user when a predetermined condition regarding the deletion of the block (B) is met. Therefore, an incentive can be provided to the user to expect the deletion of a large number of blocks (B).

[0154] A "reward" is something that benefits a user. Specifically, a value medium is exemplified as a reward. A value medium can be tangible or intangible value. Tangible value media include, for example, physical medals (token coins), currency (coins), physical cards, or tickets. On the other hand, intangible value media include, for example, electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), credits, points, or items. However, a "reward" is not limited to a value medium. For example, the right for a user to perform a specific action, such as the right to play a specific game, may be granted to a user as a "reward."

[0155] [Appendix 4] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the plurality of blocks (B) are arranged between a first end (E1) and a second end (E2), and the predetermined condition includes that a space formed by the removal of the blocks (B) is continuous from the first end (E1) to the second end (E2). In the above embodiment, a reward is awarded to the user when a continuous space is formed from the first end (E1) to the second end (E2). In other words, by removing a large block (B), there is a high possibility of obtaining a reward. Therefore, a game element is realized in which the user looks forward to connecting the plurality of blocks (B) and removing the connected blocks (B).

[0156] The state in which "the space formed by the erasure of block (B) is continuous from the first end (E1) to the second end (E2)" includes not only the case in which the space is continuous from the first end (E1) to the second end (E2) as a result of the erasure of block (B), but also the case in which the space is continuous from the first end (E1) to the second end (E2) as a result of the erasure of block (B) and another block (B) moving.

[0157] [Appendix 5] In the specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of Supplementary Note 3 or Supplementary Note 4, when the size of the block (B) erased by selecting the lottery element (N) exceeds a threshold, the quantity of the reward exceeds the quantity of the reward when the size is below the threshold. In the above-described embodiment, a user can obtain a large number of rewards by erasing a large block (B). Therefore, a game feature is realized in which the user looks forward to connecting multiple blocks (B) and erasing the connected blocks (B).

[0158] [Appendix 6] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, the control unit (31) awards points to a user when a block (B) is erased by selecting the lottery element (N), awards a specific item to the user when the cumulative total of the points awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value, and executes a special lottery game in which the user can earn a special reward when the number of the specific items awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value. According to the above aspect, the specific item is awarded to the user by accumulating points awarded by erasing blocks (B), and the user can play the special lottery game by accumulating the specific items. Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and thereby earn a special reward) can be effectively motivated to erase a large number of blocks (B).

[0159] [Appendix 7] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of Supplementary Note 6, the control unit (31) awards the user points according to the size of the block (B) erased by selecting the lottery element (N). In the above embodiment, a user can earn many points by erasing a large block (B). Therefore, a user who aims to play the special lottery game (and thereby obtain a special reward) can be effectively motivated to connect multiple blocks (B) and erase the connected blocks (B).

[0160] [Appendix 8] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 6 or Supplementary Note 7, the plurality of blocks (B) includes two or more blocks (B) having different shapes, and the control unit (31) awards more points to the user when a block (B) erased by selecting the lottery element (N) includes a specific shape compared to when the block (B) does not include the specific shape. In the above aspect, when a block (B) erased by selecting the lottery element (N) includes a specific shape, the user is awarded more points even if the size of the block (B) is equal to or smaller than the size of a block (B) that does not include the specific shape. Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and further to win a special reward) can be effectively motivated to erase a block (B) that includes a specific shape from among the plurality of blocks (B).

[0161] [Appendix 9] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of any of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, the control unit (31) awards points to a user when a block (B) generated by connecting two or more blocks (B) among the plurality of blocks (B) is erased by selecting the lottery element (N). In the above aspect, points are awarded to a user by erasing the connected blocks (B). Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and further to obtain a special reward) can be effectively motivated to connect multiple blocks (B) and erase the connected blocks (B).

[0162] [Appendix 10] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 10) of any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, the control unit (31) awards points to a user when the second block (B2) and the third block (B3) are connected, awards a specific item to the user when the total number of points awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value, and executes a special lottery game in which the user can earn a special reward when the number of the specific items awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value. According to the above aspect, the specific item is awarded to the user by accumulating points awarded by connecting blocks (B), and the user can play the special lottery game by accumulating the specific items. Therefore, a user aiming to play the special lottery game (and thereby earn a special reward) can be effectively motivated to connect multiple blocks (B).

[0163] [Appendix 11] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 11) of any of Supplementary Notes 6 to 10, the control unit (31) further awards a reward to the user when a predetermined condition regarding the erasure of the block (B) is met, and repeats a unit game including the lottery by the lottery unit (10) and the erasure of the block (B) multiple times, and the number of points in a first unit game in which the user was awarded a reward among the multiple unit games is continued in a second unit game immediately following the first unit game. In the above aspect, the number of points in the first unit game is also continued in the second unit game immediately following the first unit game. Therefore, a user who aims to play a special lottery game (and thereby obtain a special reward) can be effectively encouraged to repeatedly play the unit game multiple times.

[0164] [Appendix 12] A control method for a game system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 12) of the present disclosure is a control method for a game system (100) that controls a game using a plurality of blocks (B) by sequentially selecting any one of a plurality of lottery elements (N) by lottery, wherein each of the plurality of blocks (B) is assigned any one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements (N) among the plurality of lottery elements (N), and in controlling the game, A first block (B1) to which the lottery element (N) selected by the lottery is assigned from among a number of blocks (B) is erased, a second block (B2) is moved to the space created by the erasure of the first block (B1), and if the attribute of the second block (B2) is common to the attribute of a third block (B3) adjacent to the second block (B2) after the movement, the second block (B2) and the third block (B3) are linked to each other to generate a fourth block (B4) of the attribute.

[0165] [Appendix 13] A program according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 13) of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as a lottery unit (10) that sequentially selects one of a plurality of lottery elements (N) by lottery, and a control unit (31) that controls a game that uses a plurality of blocks (B), wherein each of the plurality of blocks (B) is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements (N) among the plurality of lottery elements (N), and the control unit (31) controls the selection of the lottery element (N) by the lottery unit (10). For each selection, the lottery unit (10) erases a first block (B1) from the plurality of blocks (B) to which the lottery element (N) selected by the lottery unit (10) is assigned, moves a second block (B2) to the space created by the erasure of the first block (B1), and if the attribute of the second block (B2) is common to the attribute of a third block (B3) adjacent to the second block (B2) after the movement, the second block (B2) and the third block (B3) are linked to each other to generate a fourth block (B4) of the attribute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 100...game system, 10...lottery mechanism, 12...lottery ball, 13...lottery wheel, 14...lottery field, 15...deposit mechanism, 16...pocket, 20...station, 21...display device, 22...operation device, 23...reception device, 24...dispensing device, 31...control device, 32...memory device.

Claims

1. a lottery unit that sequentially selects any one of a plurality of lottery elements by lottery; a control unit for controlling a game using a plurality of blocks; Each of the plurality of blocks is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements among the plurality of lottery elements; The control unit, each time the lottery element is selected by the lottery unit, erasing a first block to which the lottery element selected by the lottery unit is assigned from among the plurality of blocks; moving a second block into the space created by erasing the first block; If the attribute of the second block and the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement are common, the second block and the third block are linked to each other to generate a fourth block having the attribute. Game system.

2. The fourth block is assigned the one or more lottery elements assigned to the second block and the one or more lottery elements assigned to the third block. The game system of claim 1.

3. The control unit further When a predetermined condition regarding the deletion of the block is met, a reward is given to the user. The game system of claim 1.

4. the plurality of blocks are arranged between a first end and a second end; The predetermined condition includes that the space formed by erasing the block is continuous from the first end to the second end. The game system of claim 3.

5. The quantity of the reward when the size of the block erased by the selection of the lottery element exceeds a threshold value exceeds the quantity of the reward when the size is below the threshold value.

5. The game system according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The control unit When a block is erased by selecting the lottery element, points are awarded to the user; When the cumulative total of points awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value, a specific item is awarded to the user; When the number of the specific items given to the user reaches a predetermined value, a special lottery game is executed in which the user can win a special reward. The game system of claim 1.

7. The control unit awards points to the user according to the size of the block erased by the selection of the lottery element. The game system of claim 6.

8. the plurality of blocks includes two or more blocks having different shapes, The control unit awards a larger number of points to the user when the block erased by the selection of the lottery element includes a specific shape compared to when the block does not include the specific shape. The game system of claim 6.

9. The control unit When a block generated by connecting two or more blocks among the plurality of blocks is erased by selecting the lottery element, points are awarded to the user. The game system of claim 6.

10. The control unit When the second block and the third block are connected, points are awarded to the user; When the total number of points awarded to the user reaches a predetermined value, a specific item is awarded to the user; When the number of the specific items given to the user reaches a predetermined value, a special lottery game is executed in which the user can win a special reward. The game system of claim 1.

11. The control unit further When a predetermined condition regarding the deletion of the block is met, a reward is given to the user; repeating a unit game including the lottery by the lottery unit and the erasure of the blocks a plurality of times; The number of points in a first unit game in which a reward is awarded to the user among the plurality of unit games is continued in a second unit game immediately following the first unit game. The game system according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. Selecting any one of a plurality of lottery elements in sequence by lottery; Controlling a game that uses multiple blocks A method for controlling a game system, comprising: Each of the plurality of blocks is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements among the plurality of lottery elements; In controlling the game, for each selection of the lottery element by the lottery, erasing a first block to which the lottery element selected by the lottery is assigned from among the plurality of blocks; moving a second block into the space created by erasing the first block; If the attribute of the second block and the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement are common, the second block and the third block are linked to each other to generate a fourth block having the attribute. How to control the game system.

13. a lottery unit that sequentially selects any one of a plurality of lottery elements by lottery; and a control unit for controlling a game using a plurality of blocks; A program that causes a computer system to function as Each of the plurality of blocks is assigned one of a plurality of attributes and one or more lottery elements among the plurality of lottery elements; The control unit, each time the lottery element is selected by the lottery unit, erasing a first block to which the lottery element selected by the lottery unit is assigned from among the plurality of blocks; moving a second block into the space created by erasing the first block; If the attribute of the second block and the attribute of a third block adjacent to the second block after the movement are common, the second block and the third block are linked to each other to generate a fourth block having the attribute. program.

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