Game system, game system operation method and program

Abstract

To provide a number of users with motivation to play a game while maintaining fairness among the users.SOLUTION: A game system includes: a game control unit for controlling a game which uses a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium as a counter value for play; and a deadline management unit for managing an effective period where the first electronic game medium is available and an effective period where the second electronic game medium is available. The effective period of the first electronic game medium is extendible, while the effective period of the second electronic game medium is not extendible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game using an electronic gaming medium. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, game systems that use electronic game media such as electronic medals instead of tangible physical game media such as token coins (medals) have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic game media providing system in which users play games by using electronic game media. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-2150 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to attract a large number of users to play a game, it is effective to temporarily relax the conditions for acquiring or using game media. For example, by providing game media to users at low cost or free of charge, or by increasing the probability of winning in a lottery game, it is possible to provide an incentive for users with little gaming experience to play the game. However, if game media acquired during a period in which the conditions were relaxed can be used in games without limit even after the period has passed, there is a problem in that it is impossible to maintain fairness with users who acquire game media outside of that period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a game control unit that controls a game in which a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium are used as payment for playing, and an expiration date management unit that manages the expiration date for which the first electronic game medium can be used and the expiration date for which the second electronic game medium can be used, wherein the expiration date of the first electronic game medium is extendable and the expiration date of the second electronic game medium is not extendable.

[0006] A method of operating a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention controls a game in which a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium are used as payment for playing, while managing the expiration dates for which the first electronic game medium can be used and the expiration dates for which the second electronic game medium can be used, wherein the expiration date of the first electronic game medium is extendable and the expiration date of the second electronic game medium is not extendable.

[0007] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer system to function as a game control unit that controls a game in which a first electronic gaming medium and a second electronic gaming medium are used as payment for playing, and as an expiration date management unit that manages the expiration date for which the first electronic gaming medium can be used and the expiration date for which the second electronic gaming medium can be used, wherein the expiration date of the first electronic gaming medium is extendable and the expiration date of the second electronic gaming medium is not extendable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of user data. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a preparation process. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game device. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a control process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a control process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a preparation process in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1 according to the first embodiment. The game system 1 of the first embodiment is installed in, for example, a game facility. The game facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. A user (i.e., a player) P who plays a game in the game facility carries a recording medium 30. The recording medium 30 is a portable medium (e.g., an IC card) that stores identification information U for identifying the user P.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game system 1 of the first embodiment includes a management system 10 and a plurality of game devices 20. Each of the plurality of game devices 20 is a computer system that provides a game to a user P. The management system 10 communicates with each of the plurality of game devices 20 via a communication network 2. The communication network 2 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) established within an amusement facility. Note that communication between the management system 10 or each game device 20 and the communication network 2 may be either wired or wireless. The communication network 2 may also include, for example, the Internet.

[0012] The management system 10 manages electronic medals used in games executed by each of the multiple game devices 20. Electronic medals are electronic game media (i.e., electronic data) used as payment for playing games, and are distinguished from physical game media, which are tangible media such as physical medals (token coins), coins (real currency), or tickets.

[0013] In the game system 1 of the first embodiment, two types of electronic medals (first electronic medals and second electronic medals) are used. The first electronic medals are electronic medals that are normally used by each user P. The second electronic medals are special electronic medals that are used to encourage multiple users P to play the game.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of management system 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2, management system 10 includes a control device 11, a storage device 12, a communication device 13, a display device 14, an operation device 15, a reading device 16, a detection device 17, and a reception device 18. Note that management system 10 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a set of multiple devices configured separately from each other.

[0015] The control device 11 is configured, for example, by one or more processors, and controls each element of the management system 10. Specifically, the control device 11 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The communication device 13 communicates with each of the multiple game devices 20 via the communication network 2 under the control of the control device 11.

[0016] The display device 14 displays images under the control of the control device 11. For example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display panel is used as the display device 14. For example, an operation screen that guides the user P in operations in the preparation process Sa described below is displayed on the display device 14. The operation device 15 is an input device that accepts instructions from the user P. A plurality of operators operated by the user P, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user P, is used as the operation device 15.

[0017] The storage device 12 stores the programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is adopted as the storage device 12. The storage device 12 of the first embodiment stores user data Q. The user data Q is stored in the storage device 12 for each of multiple users P.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of user data Q. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user data Q of each user P includes identification information U and biometric information Bref of the user P, and management data A for managing the electronic medal of the user P. As described above, the identification information U is a code sequence assigned in advance to each user P. Note that other identification information associated with the identification information U recorded on the recording medium 30 may also be registered in the user data Q. The biometric information Bref is biometric information unique to the user P and is used for biometric authentication of the user P. The biometric information Bref included in the user data Q is registered in advance by the authorized user P. The biometric information Bref in the first embodiment is facial image data representing the facial image of the user P. In other words, facial authentication is performed using the biometric information Bref.

[0019] The management data A is data representing an account (hereinafter referred to as "electronic medal account") used to manage the electronic medals held by each user P. Specifically, the management data A represents the amount X1 and expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal, and the amount X2 and expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal.

[0020] The possession quantity X1 is the quantity of first electronic medals held by user P (i.e., the balance). The expiration date E1 is the end date and time of the period during which user P can validly use his / her first electronic medal. In other words, when the expiration date E1 has passed, user P will no longer be able to use his / her first electronic medal. The possession quantity X2 is the quantity of second electronic medals held by user P (i.e., the balance). The expiration date E2 is the end date and time of the period during which user P can validly use his / her second electronic medal. In other words, when the expiration date E2 has passed, user P will no longer be able to use his / her second electronic medal.

[0021] 2 acquires identification information U from a recording medium 30 held by a user P by communicating with the recording medium 30. In addition to contactless reading devices that acquire identification information U through short-range wireless communication with the recording medium 30, contact reading devices that acquire identification information U via a terminal that contacts the recording medium 30 can be used as the reading device 16.

[0022] The detection device 17 acquires biometric information B of a user P. The detection device 17 of the first embodiment is an imaging device that captures an image of the face of the user P to generate facial image data of the user P as biometric information B. The imaging device includes, for example, an optical system such as a photographic lens, and an imaging element that converts incident light from the optical system into an electrical signal.

[0023] The reception device 18 is a mechanism that accepts currency from the user P. Specifically, an insertion mechanism that accepts currency such as banknotes or coins from the user P is suitably used as the reception device 18. Note that a reader that communicates with a recording medium 30 such as an IC card used for electronic payments may also be used as the reception device 18.

[0024] A user P who has visited an amusement facility operates the operation device 15 of the management system 10 before starting to play a game on a desired game device 20. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the specific steps of the process (hereinafter referred to as "preparation process Sa") that the control device 11 executes in response to an instruction from the user P to the operation device 15. The following preparation process Sa is executed for a user P who has already created an electronic medal account. For a user P who has not yet created an electronic medal account, a predetermined process is executed to create a new electronic medal account, and then the preparation process Sa of Fig. 4 is executed.

[0025] When the preparation process Sa starts, the control device 11 controls the reading device 16 to acquire identification information U from the recording medium 30 of the user P (Sa1). The control device 11 also controls the detection device 17 to acquire biometric information B of the user P (Sa2). The control device 11 executes authentication process Sa3, which authenticates the authenticity of the user P using the identification information U and biometric information B acquired through the above procedures. Specifically, the control device 11 searches the storage device 12 for user data Q including the identification information U acquired from the recording medium 30, and determines the authenticity of the user P based on whether the biometric information Bref in the user data Q is similar to (or matches) the biometric information B detected by the detection device 17. That is, if the biometric information Bref and the biometric information B are similar to or match, the authenticity of the user P is confirmed (authentication successful), and if the biometric information Bref and the biometric information B are not similar, the authenticity of the user P is denied (authentication failed). If the user P succeeds in the authentication process Sa3, data indicating successful authentication (hereinafter referred to as "authenticated data") is registered in the user data Q. The authenticated data is initialized (for example, deleted) periodically, for example, once a day. By periodically initializing the authenticated data, security can be maintained appropriately without requiring the user P to undergo excessively time-consuming authentication.

[0026] If user P succeeds in authentication process Sa3, the control device 11 executes invalidation process (Sa4) to invalidate electronic medals whose expiration date E (E1, E2) has passed. Specifically, the control device 11 adds data indicating that the electronic medals whose expiration date E has passed are invalid (hereinafter referred to as "invalid data") to the management data A. For example, if the expiration date E1 has passed, invalid data is added to the first electronic medal, and if the expiration date E2 has passed, invalid data is added to the second electronic medal. Note that electronic medals whose expiration date E has passed may also be invalidated by initializing the amount X (X1, X2) of the medals held to zero.

[0027] If the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal has not yet passed, the control device 11 extends the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal held by user P (Sa5). Specifically, the control device 11 updates the expiration date E1 to a date and time a predetermined period of time (for example, one month) from the current time. As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal is extended on the condition that user P visits the amusement facility and succeeds in the authentication process Sa3. On the other hand, the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal is not extended. Note that the authentication process Sa3 is executed only once a day for each user P. Therefore, the number of times the expiration date E1 is extended (Sa5) is also limited to once a day.

[0028] User P selects either the first electronic medal or the second electronic medal by operating the operation device 15, and then deposits currency into the acceptance device 18. User P can freely select the amount of currency (hereinafter referred to as the "deposit amount") M to be consumed to obtain the electronic medal he or she has selected. The control device 11 determines whether or not the selection of an electronic medal and the deposit of currency have been accepted from user P (Sa6). If the selection of an electronic medal and the deposit of currency have not been accepted (Sa6: NO), the control device 11 terminates the preparation process Sa. On the other hand, if the selection of an electronic medal and the deposit of currency have been accepted (Sa6: YES), the control device 11 sets the number of electronic medals to be awarded to user P (hereinafter referred to as the "award amount") according to the amount of currency M deposited accepted from user P (Sa7-Sa11).

[0029] When user P selects the first electronic medal (Sa7: YES), the control device 11 calculates the amount G1 of the first electronic medal to be awarded by multiplying the amount M of currency inserted by a predetermined conversion rate α1 (G1 = α1 × M). The control device 11 adds the amount G1 to the amount X1 of the first electronic medal held by user P, which is represented by the management data A of user P (Sa8). In other words, the first electronic medal with the amount G1 of the first electronic medal is deposited in user P's electronic medal account. The control device 11 also sets the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal (Sa9). Specifically, when the first electronic medal is awarded to user P for the first time, the control device 11 sets the expiration date E1 to a predetermined date and time. For example, the expiration date E1 is set to a date and time a predetermined period of time (for example, one month) after the current time. On the other hand, when the expiration date E1 has already been set, the control device 11 maintains the already set expiration date E1.

[0030] If user P selects the second electronic medal (Sa7: NO), the control device 11 calculates the amount G2 of the second electronic medal to be awarded by multiplying the amount M of currency inserted by a predetermined conversion rate α2 (G2 = α2 × M). The control device 11 adds the amount G2 to the amount X2 of the second electronic medals held by user P, which is represented by the management data A (Sa10). In other words, the amount G2 of the second electronic medals to be awarded is deposited in user P's electronic medal account. The control device 11 also sets the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal (Sa11). Specifically, when the second electronic medal is first awarded to user P, the control device 11 sets the expiration date E2 to a predetermined date and time. For example, the expiration date E2 is set to the closing time of the amusement facility on that day. On the other hand, if the expiration date E2 has already been set, the control device 11 maintains the set expiration date E2. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 11 functions as an expiration date management unit that manages the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal and the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal. The control device 11 also functions as an account management unit that manages the electronic medal account for each user P.

[0031] The conversion rate α1 of first electronic medals to currency and the conversion rate α2 of second electronic medals to currency are set to predetermined positive numbers. The conversion rate α2 exceeds the conversion rate α1. Therefore, the number of second electronic medals granted to user P in exchange for a predetermined amount of currency exceeds the number of first electronic medals granted to user P in exchange for the same amount of currency. In other words, user P can acquire the same number of second electronic medals with a smaller amount of currency than is necessary to acquire a predetermined number of first electronic medals.

[0032] As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal can be extended, while the expiration date of the second electronic medal cannot. In other words, the conditions for using the second electronic medal are stricter than the conditions for using the first electronic medal. Therefore, by using the above-described operation of granting the second electronic medal with a smaller amount of currency than the first electronic medal, it is possible to provide an incentive for many users P to play the game while maintaining fairness between users P who use the first electronic medal and users P who use the second electronic medal.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of each of the multiple game devices 20. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the game device 20 of the first embodiment includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, a display device 24, an operation device 25, a reading device 26, and a payout device 27. Although not illustrated in FIG. 5, the game device 20 is actually equipped with mechanisms according to the content of the game. For example, a game device 20 for a lottery game including a physical lottery is equipped with a lottery mechanism (e.g., a roulette) for the physical lottery. Furthermore, a game device 20 for a pusher game in which multiple physical medals are dropped is equipped with a pusher mechanism for moving and dropping the physical medals. Furthermore, each game device 20 may be realized as a standalone device, or may be realized as a collection of multiple devices (i.e., a system) configured separately from each other.

[0034] The control device 21 is configured, for example, by one or more processors, and controls each element of the game device 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is configured by one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 23 communicates with the management system 10 via the communication network 2 under the control of the control device 21.

[0035] The storage device 22 stores the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is adopted as the storage device 22.

[0036] The display device 24 displays images under the control of the control device 21. For example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel is used as the display device 24. For example, a game screen showing the status of the game is displayed on the display device 24. The operation device 25 is an input device that accepts instructions from the user P. A plurality of operators operated by the user P, or a touch panel that detects contact by the user P, is used as the operation device 25. For example, by operating the operation device 25, the user P can play the game as well as instruct the transfer (withdrawal or deposit) of electronic medals to an electronic medal account.

[0037] Withdrawing electronic medals means transferring electronic medals from the electronic medal account to each game device 20. The electronic medals withdrawn from the electronic medal account to each game device 20 are converted into credits. Credits are value used in games (play value). On the other hand, depositing electronic medals means transferring electronic medals from each game device 20 to the electronic medal account. Specifically, electronic medals converted from credits are deposited from each game device 20 to the electronic medal account.

[0038] User P plays the game by spending credits converted from electronic medals. The amount of credits increases or decreases as the game progresses. For example, if User P wins an in-game lottery or achieves a goal in various events such as a battle, the credits increase. On the other hand, if User P loses the lottery or fails to achieve a goal in various events, the credits decrease.

[0039] The storage device 22 of the first embodiment stores first credits and second credits. The first credits are credits converted from first electronic medals. The second credits are credits converted from second electronic medals. A user P selects either the first credits or the second credits to spend in a game.

[0040] 5, like the above-described reading device 16, acquires identification information U from a recording medium 30 held by a user P by communicating with the recording medium 30. For example, the above-described contactless or contact type reading device is used as the reading device 26.

[0041] The payout device 27 is a mechanism that executes the payout of physical medals (physical gaming media). For example, the payout device 27 includes a counting mechanism that counts the physical medals and a transport mechanism that transports the physical medals from the counting mechanism to a discharge port. The payout device 27 of the first embodiment dispenses a number of physical medals corresponding to the number of first credits, triggered by an instruction from the user P via the operation device 25. For example, the payout device 27 dispenses the same number of physical medals as the number of first electronic medals corresponding to the number C1 of first credits. In other words, the payout device 27 of the first embodiment is a mechanism that executes the payout of physical medals corresponding to the first electronic medals. The payout device 27 may be omitted from some or all of the multiple game devices 20.

[0042] 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating specific steps of a process (hereinafter referred to as "control process") Sb executed by the control device 21 of each game device 20. The control process Sb is started in response to an instruction from the user P via the operation device 25. Note that the process executed by the control device 11 of the management system 10 in conjunction with the control process Sb is also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0043] When the control process Sb starts, the control device 21 controls the reading device 26 to acquire the identification information U from the recording medium 30 of the user P (Sb1). The control device 21 transmits an authentication request including the identification information U acquired from the recording medium 30 from the communication device 23 to the management system 10 (Sb2).

[0044] When an authentication request is received by communication device 13 (Sc11), control device 11 of management system 10 determines whether authentication process Sa3 has been successful for user P identified by identification information U in the authentication request (Sc12). Specifically, control device 11 determines whether authenticated data is registered in user data Q including identification information U among multiple user data Q stored in storage device 12. Control device 11 transmits the result of the determination described above (hereinafter referred to as the "inquiry result") from communication device 13 to game device 20 that is the requestor (Sc13).

[0045] When the communication device 23 receives the result notification (Sb3), the control device 21 determines whether the inquiry result is positive or negative (Sb4). If the inquiry result is negative (Sb4: NO), the control device 21 displays, for example, an error image indicating a failure of the authentication process Sa3 on the display device 24, and then ends the control process Sb. Note that if the inquiry result is negative (Sb4: NO), the control device 21 may allow the user P to play the game by, for example, inserting a physical medal without using the electronic medal account.

[0046] On the other hand, if the inquiry result is positive (Sb4: YES), the control device 21 determines whether or not the user P has instructed to withdraw electronic medals (Sb5). If the user P has instructed to withdraw electronic medals (Sb5: YES), the control device 21 receives from the user P the selection of the type of electronic medal to be withdrawn (hereinafter referred to as the "withdrawal target") and the specification of the quantity Y of said electronic medals (hereinafter referred to as the "withdrawal amount") (Sb6). Note that the withdrawal amount Y may be a fixed value that is unrelated to the instruction from the user P.

[0047] The control device 21 transmits a withdrawal request from the communication device 23 to the management system 10 (Sb7). The withdrawal request includes the identification information U of the user P, the withdrawal target (first electronic medal / second electronic medal), and the withdrawal amount Y.

[0048] When a withdrawal request is received by the communication device 13 (Sc21), the control device 11 of the management system 10 determines whether the current time is within the expiration date E (E1, E2) of the electronic medal to be withdrawn by referring to the management data A of the user P indicated by the identification information U (Sc22). Specifically, if the withdrawal target is the first electronic medal, the control device 11 determines whether the current time is within the expiration date E1. On the other hand, if the withdrawal target is the second electronic medal, the control device 11 determines whether the current time is within the expiration date E2. The control device 11 determines that the expiration date E has passed for the electronic medal to which the aforementioned invalid data has been added.

[0049] If the current time is within the expiration date E (Sc22: YES), the control device 11 executes the withdrawal process Sc23. The withdrawal process Sc23 is a process of subtracting the withdrawal amount Y from the held amount X (X1, X2) of the electronic medal to be withdrawn. Specifically, if the withdrawal object is a first electronic medal, the control device 11 subtracts the withdrawal amount Y from the held amount X1 of the first electronic medal represented by the management data A of user P. That is, the first electronic medal of the withdrawal amount Y is withdrawn from the electronic medal account of user P. On the other hand, if the withdrawal object is a second electronic medal, the control device 11 subtracts the withdrawal amount Y from the held amount X2 of the second electronic medal represented by the management data A of user P. That is, the second electronic medal of the withdrawal amount Y is withdrawn from the electronic medal account of user P. Note that if the withdrawal amount Y exceeds the held amount X, the withdrawal amount Y is updated to the held amount X and then the withdrawal process Sc23 is executed. On the other hand, if the current time is not within the expiration date E (Sc22: NO), the withdrawal process Sc23 is not executed. For electronic medals whose expiration date E has passed, the invalidation process for invalidating the electronic medals is executed as described above (not shown).

[0050] When the above processing is completed, the control device 11 transmits a withdrawal notification from the communication device 13 to the requesting game device 20 (Sc24). If the withdrawal processing Sc23 is executed, a withdrawal notification including the withdrawal target and the withdrawal amount Y is transmitted. On the other hand, if the withdrawal processing Sc23 is not executed, a withdrawal notification indicating that withdrawal is not possible is transmitted.

[0051] When the communication device 23 receives the withdrawal notification (Sb8), the control device 21 determines whether or not the withdrawal process Sc23 has been executed by referring to the withdrawal notification (Sb9). If the withdrawal process Sc23 has been executed (Sb9: YES), the control device 21 increases the credits by an amount corresponding to the withdrawal amount Y in the withdrawal notification. Specifically, if the withdrawal target is a first electronic medal, the control device 21 adds the amount (β1 × Y) obtained by multiplying the withdrawal amount Y by the conversion rate β1 to the first credit. That is, the first electronic medal is transferred from the electronic medal account of the user P to the game device 20, and the first electronic medal is converted into the first credit. On the other hand, if the withdrawal target is a second electronic medal, the control device 21 adds the numerical value (β2 × Y) obtained by multiplying the withdrawal amount Y by the conversion rate β2 to the second credit. That is, the second electronic medal is transferred from the electronic medal account of the user P to the game device 20, and the second electronic medal is converted into the second credit. The conversion rates β1 and β2 (so-called credits / medals) are set to a predetermined positive number (for example, 1). On the other hand, if the withdrawal process Sc23 is not executed (Sb9: NO), the addition of credits (Sb10) is not executed. As described above, the user P can use the electronic medals in games on the game device 20 by transferring the electronic medals from his / her electronic medal account to the desired game device 20 (i.e., withdrawing the electronic medals). Note that a configuration in which the conversion rates β1 and β2 are different, or a configuration in which the conversion rates β1 and β2 are set individually for each game device 20, is also conceivable.

[0052] When the process for withdrawing electronic medals (Sb6-Sb10) has been executed, or when an instruction to withdraw electronic medals has not been given (Sb5: NO), the control device 21 determines whether or not an instruction to deposit electronic medals has been given by the user P (Sb11), as exemplified in Fig. 7. When an instruction to deposit electronic medals has been given (Sb11: YES), the control device 21 receives a selection of the type of electronic medal (hereinafter referred to as "deposit target") from the user P (Sb12).

[0053] The control device 21 transmits a deposit request from the communication device 23 to the management system 10 (Sb13). The deposit request includes the identification information U of the user P, the deposit object (first electronic medal / second electronic medal), and the deposit amount Z. The deposit amount Z is a quantity corresponding to the quantity of credits corresponding to the deposit object. Specifically, when the deposit object is a first electronic medal, the control device 21 calculates the deposit amount Z1 by multiplying the quantity C1 of the first credits by the conversion rate γ1 (Z1 = γ1 × C1). On the other hand, when the deposit object is a second electronic medal, the control device 21 calculates the deposit amount Z2 by multiplying the quantity C2 of the second credits by the conversion rate γ2 (Z2 = γ2 × C2). The conversion rates γ1 and γ2 are set to predetermined positive numbers (for example, 1). Note that the conversion rate γ1 may be set to the reciprocal of the conversion rate β1, 1 / β1, and the conversion rate γ2 may be set to the reciprocal of the conversion rate β2, 1 / β2. The conversion rate γ1 and the conversion rate γ2 may be different.

[0054] When the communication device 13 receives the deposit request described above (Sc31), the control device 11 of the management system 10 executes deposit processing Sc32. Deposit processing Sc32 is processing for adding a deposited amount Z to the owned amount X (X1, X2) of the electronic medals to be deposited. Specifically, when the deposit object is a first electronic medal, the control device 11 adds the deposited amount Z1 to the owned amount X1 of the first electronic medal represented by the management data A of user P. That is, the first electronic medals with the deposited amount Z1 are deposited into user P's electronic medal account. On the other hand, when the deposit object is a second electronic medal, the control device 11 adds the deposited amount Z2 to the owned amount X2 of the second electronic medal represented by the management data A of user P. That is, the second electronic medals with the deposited amount Z2 are deposited into user P's electronic medal account. When deposit process Sc32 is executed, control device 11 transmits a deposit notification indicating completion of deposit process Sc32 from communication device 13 to game device 20 that has made the request (Sc33).

[0055] When the communication device 23 receives a deposit notification (Sb14), the control device 21 updates the quantity of credits corresponding to the deposit object to zero (Sb15). That is, if the deposit object is a first electronic medal, the control device 21 updates the quantity C1 of the first credits to zero. On the other hand, if the deposit object is a second electronic medal, the control device 21 updates the quantity C2 of the second credits to zero. Note that in the above explanation, the entire quantity of the first credits or second credits is deposited as electronic medals into the electronic medal account, but a configuration in which first electronic medals equivalent to a portion of the first credits (for example, an amount specified by user P) are deposited into the electronic medal account, or a configuration in which second electronic medals equivalent to a portion of the second credits (for example, an amount specified by user P) are deposited into the electronic medal account is also conceivable.

[0056] As explained above, the withdrawal of electronic medals from the electronic medal account and the deposit of electronic medals to the electronic medal account are executed in each game device 20. Therefore, for example, when focusing on a first game device 20 and a second game device 20 among the multiple game devices 20, the deposit of electronic medals from the first game device 20 to the electronic medal account and the withdrawal of electronic medals from the electronic medal account to the second game device 20 are executed. In other words, the electronic medals are transferred from the first game device 20 to the second game device 20 via the electronic medal account (management system 10).

[0057] When the processes for depositing electronic medals (Sb11-Sb15) have been executed, or when an instruction to deposit electronic medals has not been given (Sb11: NO), the control device 21 determines whether or not a payout of the first electronic medals has been given by the user P (Sb16). When an instruction to payout the first electronic medals has been given (Sb16: YES), the control device 21 executes payout process Sb17. Payout process Sb17 is a process in which the payout device 27 ejects a quantity of physical medals corresponding to the quantity C1 of the first credits. Payout of the second electronic medals as physical medals is not permitted. Specifically, the control device 21 does not accept an instruction to payout the second electronic medals, and the payout process Sb17 is not executed for the second electronic medals. On the other hand, when an instruction to payout the first electronic medals has not been given (Sb16: NO), the control device 21 does not execute payout process Sb17.

[0058] In a configuration in which the payout of the second electronic medal as a physical medal is permitted, the restriction on the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal can be easily avoided by paying out the second electronic medal as a physical medal and then using that physical medal in a game. In other words, the purpose of making the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal non-extendable is diminished. In the first embodiment, because the payout of the second electronic medal as a physical medal is not permitted, the purpose of limiting the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal can be effectively maintained.

[0059] After executing the above process, the control device 21 progresses the game in exchange for consuming credits (Sb18). Specifically, the control device 21 starts the game by consuming a predetermined amount of credits, and progresses the game while consuming credits as needed in accordance with instructions from the user P via the operation device 25. The control device 21 also grants a predetermined amount of credits to the user P as a reward in accordance with the results of various events within the game. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 21 of the first embodiment functions as a game control unit that controls a game in which first electronic medals and second electronic medals are used as payment for playing.

[0060] The control device 21 determines whether or not an instruction to end the game has been received from the user P (Sb19). If an instruction to end the game has not been received (Sb19: NO), the control device 21 proceeds to step Sb5 in Fig. 6. That is, the control device 21 selectively executes processing for withdrawing electronic medals (Sb5-Sb10), processing for depositing electronic medals (Sb11-Sb15), and processing for paying out physical medals (Sb16-Sb17) in accordance with instructions from the user P. If an instruction to end the game has been received from the user P (Sb19: YES), the control device 21 ends the control processing Sb.

[0061] The control of the game by the control device 21 (Sb18) will be described in detail below. The control device 21 of the first embodiment progresses the game in one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode. The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the user P plays the game by consuming a first credit, and the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the user P plays the game by consuming a second credit. The game executed in the first operation mode can also be described as a game played by using a first electronic medal. Similarly, the game executed in the second operation mode can also be described as a game played by using a second electronic medal. The control device 21 selects one of a plurality of operation modes in response to an instruction from the user P to the operating device 25. The content of the lottery game is common between the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

[0062] User P can acquire predetermined items (hereinafter referred to as "collectible items") by playing the game. Specifically, the control device 21 grants the collectible items to user P when various conditions are met, such as winning a lottery or achieving a goal. The collectible items are objects (so-called steps) that serve as conditions for starting a special event. In other words, when the number of collectible items acquired by user P reaches a predetermined number, the control device 21 starts a special event in which user P participates. The special event is a game event in which user P is awarded a large reward (so-called jackpot) if successful, for example.

[0063] There are two types of collectible items: first collectible items and second collectible items. The first collectible items are collectible items that the user P can acquire in the first operation mode. The second collectible items are collectible items that the user P can acquire in the second operation mode. The control device 21 counts the number N1 of first collectible items and the number N2 of second collectible items independently of each other. That is, the number N1 of first collectible items is the number of first collectible items acquired by the user P in the game in the first operation mode, and is counted independently of the number N2 of second collectible items in the second operation mode. Similarly, the number N2 of second collectible items is the number of second collectible items acquired by the user P in the game in the second operation mode, and is counted independently of the number N1 of first collectible items in the first operation mode. The numbers N1 and N2 are maintained before and after switching between operation modes.

[0064] When the number N1 of first collectible items reaches a predetermined number in the first operation mode, the control device 21 starts a special event in exchange for the use of the predetermined number of first collectible items. Similarly, when the number N2 of second collectible items reaches a predetermined number in the second operation mode, the control device 21 starts a special event in exchange for the use of the predetermined number of second collectible items. As can be understood from the above explanation, user P cannot acquire or use the second collectible items in the first operation mode in which the first electronic medal is used, and cannot acquire or use the first collectible items in the second operation mode in which the second electronic medal is used. Note that the content of the special event in the first operation mode may be different from the content of the special event in the second operation mode.

[0065] In a configuration in which the number of collectible items awarded to user P in a game played using the first electronic medal and the number of collectible items awarded to user P in a game played using the second electronic medal are counted without distinction, the purpose of operating the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal with different values ​​is undermined. In the first embodiment, the number N1 of first collectible items and the number N2 of second collectible items are counted separately from each other. With the above configuration, it is prohibited to use collectible items acquired in a game played using either the first electronic medal or the second electronic medal in a game played using the other. Therefore, the purpose of operating the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal with different values ​​can be effectively maintained.

[0066] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For elements in the following exemplary aspects that have the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted where appropriate.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the conversion rate α2 for the second electronic medal exceeds the conversion rate α1 for the first electronic medal provides an incentive to many users P to play the game using the second electronic medal. In the second embodiment, when the second electronic medal is used, the game progresses more advantageously for users P than when the first electronic medal is used, providing an incentive to many users P to play the game using the second electronic medal. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the conversion rate α2 exceeds the conversion rate α1 may be adopted, as in the first embodiment, or a configuration in which the conversion rates α1 and α2 are equal may be adopted.

[0068] The game provided by the gaming device 20 of the second embodiment is a lottery game in which whether a user P wins or loses is determined probabilistically according to the result of a lottery such as a physical lottery or an electronic lottery. Good examples of lottery games include slot games in which the win or loss is determined by the combination of multiple pictures, or racing games in which the ranking of multiple elements such as racehorses is predicted. Note that lottery games also include games in which factors other than the lottery (for example, operations by the user P) are reflected in the game outcome in addition to the lottery.

[0069] The control device 21 of the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, selects one of a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode that can be played by using a first electronic medal (first credit) and a second operation mode that can be played by using a second electronic medal (second credit). The content of the lottery game is common between the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

[0070] The control device 21 sets the winning probability in the lottery game so that the winning probability L2 in the lottery game played using the second electronic medal is greater than the winning probability L1 in the lottery game played using the first electronic medal (L2>L1). In other words, the winning probability L2 in the second operation mode is greater than the winning probability L1 in the first operation mode. Therefore, users P are more likely to win in the second operation mode. In other words, according to the second embodiment, many users P can be given an incentive to play the lottery game using the second electronic medal.

[0071] [Third embodiment] In the first embodiment, both the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal can be deposited into the electronic medal account. In the above configuration, both the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal are transferred between the first game device 20 and the second game device 20.

[0072] In contrast to the first embodiment, in the third embodiment, a first electronic medal can be deposited into an electronic medal account, but a second electronic medal cannot be deposited into an electronic medal account. Specifically, the control device 21 only accepts instructions to deposit a first electronic medal from the user P (Sb11), but does not accept instructions to deposit a second electronic medal. It is also possible to assume that, upon receiving an instruction to deposit a second electronic medal from the user P, the control device 21 displays on the display device 24 that the instruction is invalid and does not execute the processing for depositing the second electronic medal (Sb13-Sb15) in accordance with the instruction. The processing for depositing a first electronic medal (Sb13-Sb15) is the same as in the first embodiment. As described above, since the deposit of a second electronic medal is not permitted in the third embodiment, the user P uses the second credits generated by withdrawing the second electronic medal only in the game device 20 from which the second electronic medal was withdrawn.

[0073] First electronic medals can be deposited into an electronic medal account. Therefore, by transferring first electronic medals between multiple game devices 20, the first electronic medals can be used in a variety of game devices 20. Because a larger amount of currency is required to acquire first electronic medals compared to second electronic medals, it is not particularly problematic for first electronic medals to be used in a variety of game devices 20.

[0074] In a configuration in which the transfer of second electronic medals between multiple game devices 20 is also permitted (for example, the first embodiment), a user P can increase his / her collection of second electronic medals, for example, by playing a low-difficulty game in which second electronic medals are awarded as rewards, and then transfer the increased second electronic medals to another game device 20 to play the game. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user P will be able to play a game for an excessively long time in the game device 20 to which the second electronic medals are transferred. Because second electronic medals can be obtained more cheaply than first electronic medals, there is a problem in that if second electronic medals are used for a long time in various game devices 20, the profits of the gaming facility will decrease.

[0075] Taking the above circumstances into consideration, the third embodiment employs a configuration in which second electronic medals cannot be deposited into an electronic medal account, as described above. In other words, the use of second electronic medals is limited to the game device 20 from which the second electronic medals are withdrawn, and the transfer of second electronic medals between multiple game devices 20 is prohibited. This configuration reduces the possibility that second electronic medals will be used over a long period of time in various game devices 20. This has the advantage of making it easier to ensure profits for the gaming facility.

[0076] [Variations] The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that can be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

[0077] (1) One of the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal may be converted into the other. For example, a configuration is possible in which the control device 21 converts a first electronic medal withdrawn from the electronic medal account to the game device 20 into a second electronic medal, or a configuration is possible in which the control device 21 converts a second electronic medal withdrawn from the electronic medal account to the game device 20 into a first electronic medal.

[0078] In a configuration in which depositing second electronic medals is prohibited, such as in the third embodiment, the user P must either use up all of the second electronic medals withdrawn to the game device 20 or end the game with the second electronic medals remaining (i.e., abandon the remaining second electronic medals). Considering the above circumstances, a configuration in which the control device 21 converts the second electronic medals withdrawn from the electronic medal account to the game device 20 into first electronic medals is preferable. The converted first electronic medals are deposited in the electronic medal account by the processing (Sb13-Sb15) illustrated in FIG. 7. With the above configuration, the second electronic medals remaining in the game device 20 can be converted into first electronic medals and then deposited in the electronic medal account. This has the advantage of providing the user P with an incentive to return to the gaming facility. Another advantage is that the user P does not need to use up all of the second electronic medals withdrawn to the game device 20.

[0079] In the above configuration, the second electronic medals are converted into the first electronic medals at a predetermined conversion rate ρ, for example. That is, the second electronic medals are converted into the number of first electronic medals obtained by multiplying the number of the second electronic medals by the conversion rate ρ. The conversion rate ρ is a predetermined positive number.

[0080] Considering that currency is converted into first electronic medals at a conversion rate α1 and into second electronic medals at a conversion rate α2, a configuration is envisioned in which the conversion rate ρ is set to the multiplication value α1 / α2 of the reciprocal of the conversion rate α2, 1 / α2, and the conversion rate α1. According to the above configuration, second electronic medals are converted into first electronic medals without reducing their value relative to the currency. However, allowing conversion without reducing their value as described above would undermine the purpose of the third embodiment, which prohibits the deposit of second electronic medals. Therefore, it is desirable to set the conversion rate ρ from second electronic medals to first electronic medals to a value lower than the multiplication value α1 / α2 of the reciprocal of the conversion rate α2, 1 / α2, and the conversion rate α1. For example, the conversion rate ρ is set to a value approximately 1 / 10 of the multiplication value α1 / α2. In other words, user P converts second electronic medals into first electronic medals, accepting the reduction in value, and deposits the first electronic medals into his / her electronic medal account.

[0081] Since the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal have different values ​​relative to currency, it is preferable that conversion between the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal is not permitted. Specifically, it is preferable that the first electronic medal cannot be converted into the second electronic medal. It is also possible that the second electronic medal cannot be converted into the first electronic medal. For example, mutual conversion between the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal is prohibited.

[0082] In the above explanation, an example has been given of a configuration in which the control device 21 of the game device 20 performs the conversion from one of the first electronic medal and the second electronic medal to the other, but a configuration in which the control device 11 of the management system 10 converts the first electronic medal held in the electronic medal account into the second electronic medal, or converts the second electronic medal held in the electronic medal account into the first electronic medal, is also envisioned.

[0083] (2) In the third embodiment, a configuration in which second electronic medals cannot be deposited into an electronic medal account is exemplified, but the configuration for restricting the use of second electronic medals to a specific game device 20 is not limited to the above example. For example, while allowing the deposit of second electronic medals into an electronic medal account, second electronic medals deposited into an electronic medal account in response to a deposit request sent by a specific game device 20 may only be permitted to be withdrawn to game devices 20 of the same model. In other words, second electronic medals deposited into an electronic medal account from a specific game device 20 are prohibited from being withdrawn from game devices 20 of other models.

[0084] For example, the control device 11 registers information for identifying the model of the game device 20 that sent the deposit request (hereinafter referred to as "model information") in the management data A, corresponding to the amount X2 of the second electronic medals held to be deposited. When a withdrawal request for second electronic medals is received from the game device 20, the control device 11 compares the model information corresponding to the second electronic medals with the model information of the game device 20 that sent the request. If the model information matches, the control device 11 transfers the second electronic medals to the game device 20 that sent the withdrawal request; if the model information differs, the control device 11 does not transfer the second electronic medals. The amount X2 of the second electronic medals held and the expiration date E2 may be managed individually for each model of game device 20. As described above, with a configuration in which second electronic medals are dedicated to a specific game device 20, the user P can suspend a game using that game device 20 by depositing the second electronic medals into an electronic medal account.

[0085] (3) The users P to whom the second electronic medals are awarded may be limited to users P who satisfy certain conditions. For example, from the perspective of providing an incentive to play to users P who have little experience playing games, the second electronic medals may be awarded only to users P who have little experience playing the game, as shown in the following example.

[0086] The user data Q of each user P includes a history of playing each game by the user P. The history includes, for example, the number of times each game has been played in the past (hereinafter referred to as "number of plays").

[0087] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the preparation process Sa in this embodiment. When the user P selects the second electronic medal (Sa7: NO), the control device 11 determines whether the number of plays included in the user data Q is below a predetermined threshold (Sa20). If the number of plays is below the threshold (Sa20: YES), it can be determined that the user P has little experience playing games. Therefore, the control device 11 awards the second electronic medal with an award amount G2 (Sa10, Sa11), as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the number of plays exceeds the threshold (Sa20: NO), the awarding of the second electronic medal to the user P (Sa10, Sa11) is not executed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, instead of awarding the second electronic medal, the control device 11 awards the user P with a quantity (award amount G1) corresponding to the currency accepted from the user P (Sa8, Sa9).

[0088] According to the above configuration, by awarding the second electronic medal to a user P with little gaming experience, the range of users P who play the game can be effectively expanded. Note that the condition for a user P to be awarded the second electronic medal is not limited to the number of plays being below a threshold. For example, a user P whose amount X1 of first electronic medals in his electronic medal account is below a predetermined threshold is presumed to be a user P with little gaming experience. Therefore, if the amount X1 is below the threshold, the awarding of the second electronic medal to user P may be permitted.

[0089] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the payout device 27 is installed in the game device 20, but the payout device 27 may be installed in the management system 10. Also, the payout device 27 may be installed as a device separate from the management system 10 and the game device 20.

[0090] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the management system 10 is equipped with a function (hereinafter referred to as the "giving function") for granting to the user P an electronic medal corresponding to the currency accepted by the acceptance device 18. However, the acceptance device 18 and the giving function may be equipped in each game device 20. In the third embodiment, in which depositing of second electronic medals is prohibited, there is little need for the management system 10 to grant the second electronic medal to the user P. Therefore, the acceptance device 18 and the giving function may be equipped in the game device 20, and the granting of the second electronic medal to the user P may be performed only by the game device 20. In other words, each game device 20 may manage the electronic medal account for the second electronic medal. Note that a configuration in which the acceptance device 18 and the giving function are equipped in the game device 20 has the advantage that withdrawal of the second electronic medal via the management system 10 can be omitted. As can be understood from the above examples, the acceptance device 18 and the giving function are equipped in any of the elements constituting the game system 1 (for example, the management system 10 or the game device 20).

[0091] (6) In the above-described embodiments, facial authentication using facial image data of user P as biometric information B has been exemplified, but the type of biometric information B is not limited to the above examples. For example, any biometric authentication such as iris authentication using user P's iris pattern as biometric information B, fingerprint authentication using user P's fingerprint pattern as biometric information B, vein authentication using user P's vein pattern as biometric information B, or voice authentication using user P's voiceprint pattern as biometric information B can be executed as the authentication process Sa3 in the above-described embodiments. The detection device 17 is collectively expressed as an element that acquires each of the above-described examples of biometric information B (for example, facial image data, iris pattern, fingerprint pattern, vein pattern, or voiceprint pattern).

[0092] (7) Although the configuration for executing the payout of physical medals has been exemplified, the payout device 27 may execute the payout of tickets or coins. As can be understood from the above examples, the objects to be paid out by the payout device 27 are collectively expressed as physical gaming media.

[0093] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the second electronic medal is granted to the user P in exchange for currency (Sa10), but the conditions for granting the second electronic medal to the user P are not limited to the above examples. For example, if the user P acquires the first electronic medal in exchange for currency, the second electronic medal may be granted to the user P. In other words, the second electronic medal is granted to the user P free of charge on the condition that the user P acquires the first electronic medal. For example, the second electronic medal is granted to the user P in a quantity calculated by multiplying the grant amount G1 of the first electronic medal by a predetermined coefficient.

[0094] (9) In the above-described embodiments, both the number N1 of first collectible items and the number N2 of second collectible items are counted, but only one of the numbers N1 and N2 may be counted. For example, in the first operating mode, the control device 21 counts the number N1 of first collectible items but does not count the number N2 of second collectible items. When the first operating mode is switched to the second operating mode, the control device 21 initializes the number N1 of first collectible items to zero and then counts the number N2 of second collectible items. Furthermore, when the second operating mode is switched to the first operating mode, the control device 21 initializes the number N2 of second collectible items to zero and then counts the number N1 of first collectible items.

[0095] (10) In the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been exemplified in which first credits corresponding to first electronic medals and second credits corresponding to second electronic medals coexist in the game device 20, but a configuration in which only one of the first credits and the second credits is counted in the game device 20 is also envisioned. For example, when a user P issues a command to withdraw a second electronic medal while there is a remaining amount in the first credits, a first electronic medal (deposit amount Z1) corresponding to the quantity C1 of the first credits may be automatically deposited into the electronic medal account. Similarly, when a user P issues a command to withdraw a first electronic medal while there is a remaining amount in the second credits, a second electronic medal (deposit amount Z2) corresponding to the quantity C2 of the second credits may be automatically deposited into the electronic medal account.

[0096] (11) In each of the above-described embodiments, the expiration date E1 of the first electronic medal is extended each time the authentication process Sa3 is successful, but the conditions for extending the expiration date E1 are not limited to the above examples. For example, the expiration date E1 may be extended when the reading device 16 of the management system 10 acquires the identification information U from the recording medium 30 of the user P (i.e., when the presence of the user P is confirmed). The expiration date E1 may also be extended when the granted amount G1 is added to the owned amount X1 of the electronic medal (Sa8). The expiration date E1 may also be extended when the first electronic medal is withdrawn from the electronic medal account.

[0097] (12) In each of the above-described embodiments, an expiration date E2 is set for the second electronic medal, but registration of the expiration date E2 in the user data Q is omitted. For example, if the quantity of the second electronic medals for each user P is updated to zero when a predetermined expiration date determined for the second electronic medal (for example, closing time of the gaming facility) arrives, it is not necessary to set the expiration date E2 of the second electronic medal for each user data Q.

[0098] (13) In each of the above-described embodiments, the management system 10 within the gaming facility managed the electronic medal account of each user P, but a device separate from the management system 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "account management system") may manage the electronic medal account for each user P. The account management system is realized, for example, by a server device outside the gaming facility, and stores and updates, for example, management data A for each user P. As can be understood from the above examples, the relationship between the functions of the game system 1 and the devices (which device each function is installed in) is arbitrary.

[0099] (14) As described above, the functions of the management system 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 11 and a program. Similarly, the functions of the game device 20 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 21 and a program. The programs according to each of the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium. A good example is an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but it also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium other than a transitory, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0100] [Note] From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments.

[0101] [Appendix 1] A game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 1) comprises a game control unit (21) that controls a game in which a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium are used as payment for playing, and an expiration date management unit (11) that manages an expiration date (E1) for which the first electronic game medium can be used and an expiration date (E2) for which the second electronic game medium can be used, wherein the expiration date (E1) of the first electronic game medium is extendable and the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium is not extendable.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the expiration date (E1) of the first electronic game medium is extendable, while the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium is not extendable. That is, the conditions for use of the second electronic game medium are stricter than the conditions for use of the first electronic game medium. Therefore, for example, by providing the second electronic game medium to users (P) under conditions that are more lenient than those for the first electronic game medium, it is possible to provide an incentive for many users (P) to play games while maintaining fairness between users (P) who use the first electronic game medium and users (P) who use the second electronic game medium.

[0103] An "electronic gaming medium" is an electronic medium (i.e., electronic data) that has value as consideration to be consumed by a user (P) to play a game. "Use of electronic gaming medium" means that a user (P) uses an electronic gaming medium to perform some action related to playing a game. For example, typical examples of "use of electronic gaming medium" include using an electronic gaming medium to start playing, or to perform various actions such as participating in a specific event within a game or acquiring an item.

[0104] The "expiration date" of an electronic game medium is the date by which the electronic game medium can be used effectively in a game. Once the expiration date has passed, the electronic game medium becomes unusable in a game (i.e., invalid). For example, invalidation of an electronic game medium can be achieved by, for example, associating data indicating invalidity with the electronic game medium, or by erasing the electronic game medium.

[0105] [Appendix 2] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the first electronic game medium and the second electronic game medium are provided to a user (P) in exchange for currency, and the conversion rate (α2) of the second electronic game medium to the currency is higher than the conversion rate (α1) of the first electronic game medium to the currency. In the above embodiment, the second electronic game medium is provided to the user (P) under more favorable conditions than the first electronic game medium. Therefore, an incentive to play games using the second electronic game medium can be provided to many users (P).

[0106] "The conversion rate of electronic game media to currency" means the quantity of electronic game media granted to a user (P) in exchange for a predetermined amount of currency. Therefore, "the conversion rate (α2) of second electronic game media to currency exceeds the conversion rate (α1) of first electronic game media to currency" means that the quantity of second electronic game media granted to a user (P) for a predetermined amount of currency is greater than the quantity of first electronic game media granted to a user (P) for that predetermined amount.

[0107] [Appendix 3] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1, the game is a lottery game in which winning / losing is determined probabilistically, and the winning probability (L2) in the lottery game played using the second electronic gaming medium is higher than the winning probability (L1) in the lottery game played using the first electronic gaming medium. In the above-described aspect, the winning probability is higher in the lottery game using the second electronic gaming medium than in the lottery game using the first electronic gaming medium. Therefore, an incentive to play the game using the second electronic gaming medium can be provided to many users (P). Note that the "lottery game" may be either a physical lottery using a lottery object such as a sphere, or an electronic lottery realized by arithmetic processing by a computing device.

[0108] [Appendix 4] A game system (1) according to any one of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3 includes a payout device (27) that executes the payout of a physical game medium corresponding to the first electronic game medium, and the payout of the second electronic game medium as a physical game medium is not permitted. In a configuration in which the payout of the second electronic game medium as a physical game medium is permitted, the restriction on the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium can be easily avoided by paying out the second electronic game medium as a physical game medium and then using the physical game medium in a game. In other words, the purpose of making the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium non-extendable is negated. According to the aforementioned aspect in which the payout of the second electronic game medium as a physical game medium is not permitted, the operation of restricting the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium can be effectively maintained.

[0109] A physical gaming medium is a tangible medium that has value as consideration to be consumed by a user (P) to play a game. Examples of "physical gaming medium" include physical medals (token coins), real currency (cash), and tickets.

[0110] With respect to the second electronic gaming medium, "payout as a physical gaming medium is not permitted" means that the process of paying out the second electronic gaming medium as a physical gaming medium is not only prohibited in the game device (20), but is also not permitted in any device within the game system (1).

[0111] [Appendix 5] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the game control unit (21) starts a special event on the condition that a predetermined number of items are acquired, and the number (N1) of items acquired by the user (P) in the game played using the first electronic gaming medium and the number (N2) of items acquired by the user (P) in the game played using the second electronic gaming medium are counted independently of each other. In the above-mentioned aspect, it is possible to prohibit the application of items acquired in a game played using the second electronic gaming medium to a game played using the first electronic gaming medium.

[0112] [Appendix 6] A gaming system (1) according to any one of the specific examples (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5 includes an account management unit (11) that manages an account for electronic gaming media for each user (P). Electronic gaming media withdrawn from the account can be used on each of a plurality of gaming devices (20) that offer different games. The first electronic gaming medium can be deposited into the account, and the second electronic gaming medium cannot be deposited into the account. In the above-described embodiment, the first electronic gaming medium used on the gaming device (20) can be deposited into the account and used on other gaming devices (20). On the other hand, since the second electronic gaming medium cannot be deposited into the account, the second electronic gaming medium withdrawn from the account to the gaming device (20) cannot be used on other gaming devices (20). In other words, the use of the second electronic gaming medium on multiple gaming devices (20) can be restricted.

[0113] [Appendix 7] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the second electronic game medium is provided only to users (P) who satisfy specific conditions. In the above-described aspects, since the second electronic game medium is provided only to users (P) who satisfy specific conditions, for example, by providing the second electronic game medium to users (P) who have little experience with games, the range of users (P) who play the game can be effectively expanded.

[0114] [Appendix 8] In the specific example of any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, the first electronic game medium is not convertible into the second electronic game medium.

[0115] [Appendix 9] In a specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of Supplementary Note 8, the second electronic game medium cannot be converted into the first electronic game medium.

[0116] [Appendix 10] An operating method of a game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 10) controls a game in which a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium are used as payment for playing, while managing an expiration date (E1) for which the first electronic game medium can be used and an expiration date (E2) for which the second electronic game medium can be used, wherein the expiration date (E1) of the first electronic game medium is extendable and the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium is not extendable.

[0117] [Appendix 11] A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix 11) is a program that causes a computer system to function as a game control unit (21) that controls a game in which a first electronic game medium and a second electronic game medium are used as payment for playing, and as an expiration date management unit (11) that manages the expiration date (E1) until which the first electronic game medium can be used and the expiration date (E2) until which the second electronic game medium can be used, wherein the expiration date (E1) of the first electronic game medium is extendable and the expiration date (E2) of the second electronic game medium is not extendable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1...game system, 2...communication network, 10...management system, 11...control device, 12...storage device, 13...communication device, 14...display device, 15...operation device, 16...reading device, 17...detection device, 18...reception device, 20...game device, 21...control device, 22...storage device, 23...communication device, 24...display device, 25...operation device, 26...reading device, 27...dispensing device, 30...recording medium.

Claims

1. A first electronic game medium whose validity period for use in games can be extended and a second electronic game medium whose validity period cannot be extended, comprising a management unit for managing the validity period, The system comprises a game control unit that controls a game played by a player using the first electronic game medium or the second electronic game medium, The game control unit, The number of first items acquired by the player in the first game played using the first electronic game medium and the number of second items acquired by the player in the second game played using the second electronic game medium are counted separately. A special event is initiated upon acquisition of a predetermined number of the first item or a predetermined number of the second item. Game system.

2. A game system that manages the expiration dates of a first electronic game medium whose expiration date for use in a game can be extended and a second electronic game medium whose expiration date cannot be extended, and controls a game played by a player using the first electronic game medium or the second electronic game medium, The number of first items acquired by the player in the first game played using the first electronic game medium and the number of second items acquired by the player in the second game played using the second electronic game medium are counted separately. A special event is initiated upon acquisition of a predetermined number of the first item or a predetermined number of the second item. How the game system works.

3. A first electronic game medium whose validity period for use in games can be extended and a second electronic game medium whose validity period cannot be extended, wherein a management unit for managing the validity period, A program that causes a computer to function as a game control unit that controls a game played by a player using the first electronic game medium or the second electronic game medium, The game control unit, The number of first items acquired by the player in the first game played using the first electronic game medium and the number of second items acquired by the player in the second game played using the second electronic game medium are counted separately. A special event is initiated upon acquisition of a predetermined number of the first item or a predetermined number of the second item. program.

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