Game management device and game program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing gambling properties and providing a highly amusing game system.SOLUTION: A game managing device includes: first granting means for granting a first medium (charged stone) exchangeable with a game item (for example, my character Co and a skill Sk) related to game properties according to reception of input of payment procedures from a user, and a first consumption medium (game dollar Dp) required for execution of a game to the user; and second granting means that permits execution of a game by consuming the first consumption medium, and grants a first application medium (application dollar Da) for permitting application to a prize according to a result of a game to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game management device and a game program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, online games using network terminals such as smartphones and game consoles have become widespread. Among these, online games are being provided that allow users at home to virtually play (execute) games such as pachinko and pachislot, which are offered in real game halls (amusement arcades), by displaying them on the screen of a network terminal. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an online gaming system in which a user can borrow coins to be used in games by depositing funds using a credit card or bank account, use these coins to play the game of their choice, and exchange any remaining coins after the game is over for prizes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2001-224854 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned online game system employs a method of directly exchanging the money deposited by the user into coins to be used in the game, which means that the outcome of the game directly affects the amount of money the user has, which inevitably makes the system more like gambling.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and one of its objectives is to provide technology that can provide a game system that is highly playable while reducing the gambling element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A game management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first granting means for granting to a user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a first consumable medium required to play the game in response to receiving input for a payment procedure from a user, and a second granting means for granting to the user a first application medium that enables the game to be played by consuming the first consumable medium and enables application for a prize depending on the result of the game. A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a first granting means that, in response to receiving input for a payment procedure from a user, grants to a user a first medium that is exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a first consumable medium necessary to run the game, and a second granting means that grants to the user a first application medium that enables the game to be played by consuming the first consumable medium and enables the user to enter a prize draw depending on the outcome of the game. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to a specific aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game system that is highly playable while reducing the gambling element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the service provided by the game system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of applying for an open contest. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a game management device and a user terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of registered contents of a user table. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of registered contents of a skill table. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of registered contents of a prize table. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen of the game. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of a game application. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a prize entry control process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like or similar structures.

[0010] A. This embodiment <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 100 according to this embodiment. The game system 100 includes a game management device 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20. The game management device 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20 are capable of communicating with each other via a network N.

[0011] One or more portions of network N may be a wired network or a wireless network, which may include, by way of example and without limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, Integrated Service Digital Networks (ISDNs), wireless LANs, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Bluetooth, satellite communications, or the like, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0012] <Overview of Game System 100> The game system 100, under the control of the game management device 10, provides various games relating to gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot online to the user terminal 20, and also enables users to enter contests in which they can win various prizes depending on the games they play.

[0013] The game management device 10 is realized by, for example, a server computer, and controls the execution of the game on each user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 is a terminal owned by each player, and is configured, for example, by a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a handheld computer device, a wearable terminal, or the like. Software related to online games (hereinafter also referred to as "game apps") is stored in the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 executes various services, including participation in the game, by running the game app, an Internet browser, or the like in response to the operation of each user. The game app may be configured to be installed in the user terminal 20, or the game management device 10 may provide the functions of the game app via the network N.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the services provided by the game system 100. As shown in FIG. The game system 100 has a feature (first feature) related to the execution control of the game application, and a feature (second feature) related to the application control for the prize draw. The first feature and the second feature will be described below.

[0015] (First feature) Prior to launching a game app, the user displays a login screen. If the user completes the necessary authentication procedures (such as entering an ID and password) and successfully logs in, the user receives a login bonus of a predetermined amount of gaming dollars Dp required to run the game (Sa1). Note that the following explanation assumes a slot machine game app and assumes that 3 gaming dollars (= gaming dollars x 3) Dp are consumed per game, but the type of game app and the amount of gaming dollars Dp consumed per game can be set or changed as desired.

[0016] A user can obtain paid stones Sc as a consideration for the payment and gaming dollars Dp as a bonus (i.e., ancillary items) of the consideration by performing a predetermined payment procedure (Sa2) in addition to the login procedure. As an example, when a user performs a payment procedure for 500 yen by electronic money settlement or the like, the user can obtain 10 paid stones Sc as a consideration and 1000 gaming dollars Dp as ancillary items of the consideration.

[0017] When the user starts a game, all of the gaming dollars Dp obtained in this way are exchanged and saved as game credits, and the game can be played (Sa3). In this way, in this embodiment, the game can be played free of charge by consuming a predetermined amount of gaming dollars Dp (3 gaming dollars per game) without using paid stones Sc as payment.

[0018] The paid stones Sc can be exchanged for various game items related to the playability of the game, and in this embodiment, they can be exchanged for an original character (hereinafter, My Character) Co used by the user in the game, or a predetermined skill Sk that affects the outcome of the game (Sa4, Sa5). As an example, 10 paid stones Sc can be exchanged for one specific My Character Co or one specific skill Sk. However, these are merely examples of game items exchangeable with the paid stones Sc, and for example, accessories such as sunglasses and earrings worn by the My Character Co may be set as game items exchangeable with the paid stones Sc.

[0019] In addition, by activating skill Sk, for example, at the start of a game, the user can obtain winning roles that allow the user to play the game in an advantageous position, such as Replay 1 (effect: replay) or Bell 1 (effect: payout of a specified number of coins) (details will be given later).

[0020] Furthermore, when the user activates the skill Sk, regardless of the game result, the user is granted game points Pp according to the consumption of paid stones Sc by using the skill Sk (Sa6). In addition, in this embodiment, the game points Pp granted to the user and the paid stones Sc obtained by the user as payment are set to be equivalent. Here, it is assumed that 10 paid stones Sc are exchanged for a predetermined skill (e.g., Replay 1) Sk and activated, thereby granting 100 game points Pp to the user. In this case, it can be said that the economic value of one paid stone Sc is equal to the economic value of 10 game points Pp.

[0021] The game points Pp granted to the user by activating the skill Sk can be exchanged for game items such as My Character Co and skill Sk (Sa7, Sa8). As described above, the granted game points Pp and the paid stones Sc obtained by the user in exchange for payment are equivalent. Therefore, the user can obtain My Character Co after exchanging 10 paid stones Sc for a specified skill Sk → game points Pp (Sa5 → Sa6 → Sa7).

[0022] In addition, when a skill Sk is activated by exchanging game points Pp, unlike when a skill Sk is activated by exchanging paid stones Sc, the game points Pp are not awarded to the user.

[0023] Similarly, the user can acquire a skill SK by exchanging 10 paid stones Sc for a specific skill SK → game points Pp (Sa5 → Sa6 → Sa8). However, the skill SK that can be exchanged for game points Pp is limited to a specific type of skill SK (this will be described later).

[0024] Thus, according to the first feature, when a predetermined payment procedure is performed, paid stones Sc are given to the user as payment, and game dollars Dp are given to the user as an attachment to the payment. The user can not only obtain various game items by using the paid stones Sc given as payment, but also play games by using the game dollars Dp given as an attachment to the payment and the game dollars Dp given as a login bonus. This makes it possible to realize a game system with high playability while suppressing gambling compared to conventional systems.

[0025] (Second feature) As described above, when a predetermined deposit procedure is performed (Sa2), not only are paid stones Sc given to the user as the payment value and game dollars Dp given as an accessory to the value, but also a lottery ticket Lt is given to the user as an additional bonus (i.e., accessory) to the value. The lottery ticket Lt is a ticket that allows entry into a prize draw, and the number of lottery tickets Lt given to the user corresponds to the amount of the deposit. For example, when a deposit procedure for 500 yen is performed, five lottery tickets Lt are given to the user as an accessory to the value.

[0026] After logging in, the user operates the user terminal 20 to select a gaming machine or the like and instructs the user to start a game, whereupon the user's gaming dollars Dp are exchanged and stored for gaming credits (Sa3), enabling the user to play the game. After the user has played a predetermined number of games, when an instruction is input to end the game app and settle the account, the credits stored for the game are exchanged for application dollars Da for enabling application for a prize draw, and are given to the user (Sa9).

[0027] To explain this by way of example, when a user has 1000 gaming dollars Dp, selects a gaming machine on which to play a game, and issues a command to start the game, the 1000 gaming dollars Dp are exchanged and stored for 1000 credits, and the game can be played. The number of credits increases or decreases depending on the game results. For example, assume that the number of credits has increased to 1200 credits after 500 games have been played. If the user inputs a command to settle the account at this point, the 1200 credits are exchanged for 1200 application dollars Da, which are then awarded to the user. The user can use the awarded application dollars Da to enter a desired prize draw.

[0028] A user can enter a prize draw using only the entry dollars Da (Sa10), or can enter a prize draw using both the entry dollars Da and the lottery ticket Lt (Sa11). If the user wins a prize draw, the user can obtain the prize (e.g., a gift certificate or a home appliance).

[0029] Here, the range of prize applications possible using only the application dollars Da (such as the types of prizes offered) is different from the range of prize applications possible using the application dollars Da in combination with the lottery ticket Lt, but this will be discussed later.

[0030] In addition to being used to enter a prize draw, the entry dollars Da can also be used to play a game (Sa12). For example, if a user has 1200 entry dollars Da, the user can use 1000 entry dollars Da to enter a prize draw and the remaining 200 entry dollars Da to play a game. Here, one entry dollar Da may be set to be equivalent to one play dollar Dp, but the setting method is arbitrary.

[0031] Thus, according to the second feature, users can enter a contest using the lottery ticket Lt provided as an attachment to the payment amount and the entry dollars Da provided at the time of settlement, thereby making it possible to award prizes to players in a manner that is less gambling-like than in the past while encouraging them to play the game.

[0032] In the above example, a "closed contest" that requires the use of entry dollars Da has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to an "open contest" that does not require the use of entry dollars Da.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of entering an open contest. An "open contest" is a contest that can be entered using an entry ticket La specifically for open contests, and is held irregularly (such as once a quarter) for the purpose of attracting customers.

[0034] The dedicated application ticket La is given to the user, for example, when the user finishes the game app and settles the account. The application ticket La is not always given to the user at the time of settlement, but is given to the user, for example, when a specific event occurs (such as during a campaign). However, the circumstances in which the open prize application ticket La is given can be set arbitrarily.

[0035] <Hardware configuration> 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game management device 10 and the user terminal 20. The game management device 10 and the user terminal 20 each have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a storage device 2 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication IF (Interface) 3 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 4 for accepting input operations, and an output device 5 for outputting information. The input device 4 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. The output device 5 is, for example, a display (screen) and / or a speaker, etc.

[0036] Hereinafter, the functional configuration of the game management device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0037] <Function block configuration> The game management device (computer) 10 includes a memory unit 110, a game control unit 120, a first granting unit 130, a second granting unit 140, a third granting unit 150, a fourth granting unit 160, a receiving unit 170, and a lottery unit 180.

[0038] The game control unit 120, the first granting unit 130, the second granting unit 140, the third granting unit 150, the fourth granting unit 160, the receiving unit 170, and the lottery unit 180 are realized by the CPU 1 of the game management device 10 executing various programs stored in the storage device 2. The programs can be stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0039] The storage unit 110 is realized by the storage device 2, and stores a program for controlling the execution of the game application of the slot machine, as well as a user table 111, a skill table 112, a prize table 113, and the like.

[0040] 6 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of registered contents of user table 111, skill table 112, and prize table 113, respectively. In the user table 111, user numbers, authentication information, user basic information, game-related information, prize entry history information, and the like are registered in association with each other.

[0041] The user number is information for uniquely identifying a user. The authentication information is information for logging in to the game system 100, and includes, for example, a user ID and a password. The user basic information includes, for example, a user name, gender, age, family structure, address, contact information, place of employment, annual income, hobbies, and the like. The game-related information includes game items owned by the user at the time (for example, My Character Co and paid stones Sc, etc.), game dollars Dp, game points Pp, lottery tickets Lt, application dollars Da, and the like. The game history information is information indicating the wins and losses of the user's games over a predetermined period of time in the past, and the prize history information is information indicating the user's application status for prizes over a predetermined period of time in the past, whether or not they won, and prizes obtained, etc.

[0042] In the skill table 112, a skill number, a winning combination obtained by activating a skill Sk, an effect of the winning combination, the presence or absence of a special effect, activation conditions, etc. are registered in association with each other.

[0043] The skill number is information for uniquely identifying the skill Sk. The winning combination is, for example, Replay 1, Bell 1, Cherry 1, etc., and the effect of the corresponding winning combination is, for example, replay, medal payout (increase in credits), state transition, etc. The special effect is, for example, assist time (AT) lottery, bonus start, AT start, etc. The activation condition specifies the condition for activating the corresponding skill Sk.

[0044] In this embodiment, two methods are provided: a method using paid stones Sc and a method using game points Pp. For example, in the case of Replay 1, a skill (skill number: "1") corresponding to Replay 1 can be activated by using one paid stone Sc or 10 game points Pp.

[0045] However, some skills Sk cannot use game points Pp (i.e., only paid stones Sc can be used). For example, if you have a cherry 1, you can only activate the skill (skill number: "6") that corresponds to the cherry 1 by using 5 paid stones.

[0046] Also, as mentioned above, when a skill Sk is activated, regardless of the game result, the user is given game points Pp according to the consumption of paid stones Sc by using the skill Sk. For example, if the economic value of one paid stone Sc is equal to the economic value of 10 game points Pp, and 20 paid stones Sc are used to activate a skill (skill number: "7") corresponding to Cherry 2, 200 game points Pp (=20 x 10 game points Pp) are given to the user.

[0047] The prize table 113 specifies the details of closed prize contests. Prize numbers, prizes, entry conditions, lottery results, winning rates, and bonus information are registered in association with each other in the prize table 113.

[0048] The prize number is information for uniquely identifying the prize. The prize is a product or service that the user can obtain by winning the prize, such as a gift certificate (worth 2000 points) or a game machine A. The entry conditions stipulate the conditions for entering the corresponding prize. In this embodiment, depending on the prize contents, there are prizes that can be entered only with entry dollars Da and prizes that can be entered by using both entry dollars Da and a lottery ticket Lt.

[0049] As an example, for prizes that are not expensive (e.g., prizes less than a certain amount), only the application dollars Da can be used to apply, but for prizes that are expensive (e.g., prizes that are more than a certain amount), both the application dollars Da and the lottery ticket Lt must be used to apply. Using FIG. 8 as an example, for the prize "gift certificate (2000 points)", only 4000 application dollars Da can be used to apply, but for the prize "game machine A", a user must have 50000 application dollars Da and 13 lottery tickets Lt.

[0050] The lottery announcement specifies the timing of the announcement of the lottery results, for example, "immediately" or "August 24th 12:00". The winning rate indicates the probability of winning the prize (initial value), for example, "10%". In FIG. 8, the same winning rate ("10%) is set for all prizes, but some (or all) may be set to different values.

[0051] The accumulation information specifies the amount of the application dollars Da required to increase the probability of winning the prize. For example, for the prize "gift certificate (2000 points)," the probability of winning can be increased by accumulating (i.e., betting) 4000 application dollars Da.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of bets can be increased in the range of 1 bet to 9 bets, and the winning probability is set to increase by 10% per bet. For example, when 3 bets are made on the above-mentioned prize "gift certificate (2000 points)", the winning probability increases to 40%, which is the initial value of 10% plus 30% (=3×10%). However, when 9 bets are made, the winning probability is not increased to 100%, which is the initial value of 10% plus 90% (=9×10%), but is set to the upper limit of 99%. Note that a part of the information registered in the prize table 113 (for example, the hatched part shown in FIG. 8) is displayed on the user terminal 20. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set which information is to be displayed on the user terminal 20.

[0053] 4, the game control unit 120 controls the progress of the game in accordance with the user's operation of the user terminal 20. In addition, the game control unit 120 generates various game screens in accordance with the progress of the game and transmits them to the user terminal 20.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen P1 of a game displayed on the user terminal 20. As shown in FIG. The menu screen P1 displays a progress field F1 showing the current game progress, an operation button B1 for purchasing paid stones Sc, an operation button B2 for instructing the start of the game, an operation button B3 for entering a prize draw, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the progress field F1 displays the game dollars Dp and entry dollars Da, the number of paid stones Sc, and the number of lottery tickets Lt owned by the user, but in addition to this, information on the user's character Co, etc. may also be displayed.

[0055] In response to receiving a payment procedure from a user, the first granting unit 130 grants to the user paid stones (first medium) Sc as payment consideration, and gaming dollars (first consumption medium) Dp and lottery tickets (second application medium) Lt as accessories to the consideration. The first granting unit 130 updates the game-related information of the user registered in the user table 111 based on the paid stones Sc, gaming dollars Dp, lottery tickets Lt, etc. granted to the user.

[0056] The second granting unit 140 exchanges the credits stored for the game into application dollars (first application medium) Da at a predetermined timing in response to the execution of the game by the user, and grants the application dollars Da to the user. In this embodiment, when an instruction to settle is input by the user, all credits are exchanged into application dollars Da and granted to the user. The second granting unit 140 updates the game-related information of the user registered in the user table 111 based on the application dollars Da granted to the user, etc.

[0057] The third granting unit 150 grants the user game points (second medium) Pp that can be exchanged for a specific My Character Co or a specific skill Sk when paid stones Sc are exchanged for and activated by a skill Sk.

[0058] The fourth granting unit 160 grants free gaming dollars (first consumable medium) Dp to a user when the user satisfies the set requirements (when the user logs in in this embodiment). The requirements for granting free gaming dollars Dp can be appropriately set by the system operator or the like.

[0059] The reception unit 170 receives applications for prizes from users. Specifically, the reception unit 170 receives applications for a "closed prize" using only the application dollar Da or a combination of the application dollar Da and the lottery ticket Lt, and also receives applications for an "open prize" using the application ticket La.

[0060] The lottery unit 180 performs a lottery drawing for a prize according to the application content accepted by the acceptance unit 170, and displays the lottery result on the user terminal 20 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the lottery unit 160 compares the accepted application content with the application conditions and the like registered in the prize table 113 by referring to the prize table 113, and specifies the prize to be selected based on the comparison result. Then, the lottery unit 160 performs a lottery drawing for the specified prize, and displays the lottery result on the user terminal 20.

[0061] Next, the execution flow of the game application by the game system 100 will be described, followed by the flow of entry into the prize draw.

[0062] <Game app control process> 10 is a flowchart showing the control process of the game application executed by the game management device 10. It is assumed that the user has already successfully logged in and is in the virtual game arcade. The game management device 10 first displays a game machine selection screen (not shown) on the user terminal 20, thereby prompting the user to select a game machine.

[0063] A user selects a gaming machine on which to play a game by operating the user terminal 20. When the game management device 10 receives an instruction to select a gaming machine from the user terminal 20, the game management device 10 registers the selected gaming machine in the user table 111 (step S1).

[0064] The game management device 10 exchanges all game dollars Dp owned by the user into game credits and stores them (step S2). Note that, even if there are no game dollars Dp or credits at this point, if there are application dollars Da, the game management device 10 exchanges the application dollars Da into game credits and stores them. As described above, in order for a user to start a game, it is essential that the user possesses gaming dollars Dp and application dollars Da, but the user does not need to possess paid stones Sc that are given as compensation for payment (paid stones Sc are necessary only for activating skills Sk). Therefore, the game management device 10 may check with the user whether or not the user possesses gaming dollars Dp and application dollars Da before executing step S2, and if the user does not possess either of them, may display a message or the like on the user terminal 20 encouraging the user to possess gaming dollars Dp. For example, if a predetermined amount of gaming dollars Dp is granted to the user by the user viewing a video advertisement or the like, the possession of gaming dollars Dp may be encouraged by displaying a message on the user terminal 20 encouraging the user to view a video advertisement or the like.

[0065] The game management device 10 sets the initial settings (probabilities of winning combinations, etc.) of the selected gaming machine, and prepares to start the game (step S3).

[0066] After that, the game management device 10 judges whether the skill Sk has been activated by the user (step S4). As described above, the user can exchange and activate a specific skill Sk by using paid stones Sc or game points Pp. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, some skills Sk cannot be activated by using game points Pp.

[0067] When the game management device 10 detects that a specific skill Sk has been activated by the user (step S4; YES), it sets a flag (hereinafter also referred to as a "skill flag") that indicates a winning combination (e.g., "Cherry 1") corresponding to the activated skill (step S5), and proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when the game management device 10 does not detect the activation of a specific skill Sk (step S4; NO), it proceeds to step S6.

[0068] In step S6, the game management device 10 judges whether or not a command to start a game has been input by the user. When inputting a command to start a game, the user presses a virtual lever or the like displayed on the user terminal 20.

[0069] When the game management device 10 determines that a game start command has been input by the user (step S6; YES), it checks whether or not the skill flag has been set (step S7). If the skill flag has not been set (step S7; NO), the game management device 10 performs a lottery for a hand, sets a flag indicating the lottery result (hereinafter also referred to as a "lottery flag") (step S8), and proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the skill flag has been set (step S7; YES), the game management device 10 proceeds to step S9.

[0070] In step S9, the game management device 10 refers to the skill flag and the lottery flag, and displays the result according to the flag on the user terminal 20. For example, if the skill flag corresponding to "Cherry 1" is set, the game management device 10 displays a screen showing the winning role "Cherry 1" on the user terminal 20. Then, the game management device 10 increases or decreases the user's credit according to the result (step S10). For example, if "Cherry 1" is won, the user's credit is increased by "4" in accordance with the payout of four medals.

[0071] After increasing or decreasing the user's credits, the game management device 10 returns to step S4 and repeats the above-mentioned processing.

[0072] While repeatedly executing such processing, if the game management device 10 determines that the skill Sk has not been activated (step S4; NO) and that an instruction to start the game has not been input (step S6; NO), it determines whether or not the game application should be terminated (step S11). For example, if it detects that a virtual settlement button or the like has been pressed by the user, the game management device 10 determines that the game application should be terminated (step S11; YES) and proceeds to step S12. Note that if the game management device 10 determines that the game application should not be terminated (step S11; NO), it returns to step S4.

[0073] In step S12, the game management device 10 exchanges the credits reserved for the game for application dollars Da, and updates the registered contents of the user table 111.

[0074] Furthermore, the game management device 10 counts the number of paid stones Sc used until the game application is terminated, grants the user game points Pp according to the counting result, and updates the registered contents of the user table 111 (step S13).

[0075] Then, the game management device 10 judges whether or not a specific event has occurred for which an application ticket La for the open contest should be distributed (step S14). As described above, the application ticket La for the open contest is given to the user when a specific event has occurred (for example, during a campaign or when it is the first game of the day). The specific event for which the application ticket La should be distributed may be appropriately set by, for example, the system administrator. The specific event setting at that time is preferably such that the user can satisfy the conditions without purchasing paid stones Sc by performing a predetermined payment procedure. As described above, in the case of the first game of the day, the user can satisfy the conditions free of charge by using game dollars Dp obtained by logging in. Of course, the conditions that can be satisfied free of charge are not limited to this, and an event may be generated, for example, when the number of times a game is executed using game dollars Dp exceeds a threshold value.

[0076] When the game management device 10 determines that a specific event has occurred in which application tickets La should be distributed (step S14; YES), it grants the application ticket La to the user, updates the registered contents of the user table 111 (step S15), and then terminates the game app. On the other hand, when the game management device 10 determines that a specific event has not occurred (step S14; NO), it terminates the game app without granting the application ticket La to the user. Note that the number of application tickets La granted to the user may be fixed (e.g., 1), or may be set to be different depending on the contents of the campaign, etc.

[0077] <Control process for prize applications> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling entry into a contest, which is executed by the game management device 10. As shown in FIG. When the game management device 10 receives an application for a contest from a user, it determines whether or not the received application is for a "closed contest" (step S101).

[0078] When the game management device 10 determines that it is a "closed contest" (step S101; YES), it displays the prizes and application conditions registered in the contest table 113 on the user terminal 20 (step S102), thereby prompting the user to select which contest (prize) to apply for.

[0079] The user selects a prize to enter by appropriately operating the user terminal 20. When the game management device 10 accepts the user's selection of the prize (step S103), it displays to the user terminal 20 that it is possible to increase (i.e., bet) the entry dollars Da to increase the probability of winning the prize (step S104).

[0080] The game management device 10 detects whether or not a bet has been placed by the user (step S105). When the game management device 10 detects that a bet has been placed (step S105; YES), it changes the probability of winning the prize in accordance with the bet (step S106) and returns to step S105. When the probability of winning the prize is changed, it is possible to notify the user of the change so that the user can recognize it. For example, when the probability of winning the prize falls within a predetermined range (for example, 20% to 40%), the display mode of the icon for operating the accumulation of the application dollars Da may be changed. As an example, the color of the icon for operating the accumulation of the application dollars Da may be changed (for example, to red), or the brightness or lighting pattern of the icon may be changed. Note that the display mode of the icon may be changed in stages as the probability of winning increases. In addition, when the upper limit of the accumulation (99% in this embodiment) is reached, it is possible to make the user easily recognize that further accumulation is not possible by darkening the icon.

[0081] On the other hand, when the game management device 10 determines that the user has not placed a bet (or that the bet has been completed) (step S105; NO), it determines whether or not the user has input a command to start a lottery (step S107). When the game management device 10 determines that the command to start a lottery has not been input (step S107; NO), it returns to step S105.

[0082] On the other hand, when the game management device 10 determines that an instruction to start the lottery has been input (step S107; YES), it conducts the lottery for the corresponding prize, displays the lottery result on the user terminal 20 (step S108), and ends the process. Note that if the lottery for the closed prize is not conducted immediately, the lottery result may be displayed on the user terminal 20 at a later date.

[0083] On the other hand, when the game management device 10 determines in step S101 that the contest is not a "closed contest" (step S101; NO), it determines whether or not the contest is an "open contest" (step S109).

[0084] When the game management device 10 determines that the received application is for an "open contest" (step S109; YES), it displays the open contests that can be applied for on the user terminal 20 (step S110). Specifically, the game management device 10 identifies the open contests that can be applied for based on the application period of the contest, the number of lottery tickets Lt required for application, and the like, and displays them on the user terminal 20.

[0085] The user selects the prize to be entered by appropriately operating the user terminal 20. When the game management device 10 accepts the user's selection of the prize (step S111), it confirms that the entry has been made properly, displays on the user terminal 20 a message indicating that the entry to the prize has been completed (step S112), and ends the process. Note that for the open prize contest, a lottery is held after the entry period, and the lottery results will be displayed on the user terminal 20 at a later date.

[0086] On the other hand, if the game management device 10 determines in step S109 that the contest is not an "open contest" (step S109; NO), it determines whether or not the contest entry should be terminated (step S113). For example, if the user inputs an instruction to enter another contest, the game management device 10 determines that the contest entry should not be terminated (step S113; NO) and returns to step 101. On the other hand, if the user inputs an instruction to terminate the contest entry, the game management device 10 determines that the contest entry should be terminated (step S113; YES) and ends the process.

[0087] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a predetermined deposit procedure is performed, paid stones Sc are given to the user as payment, and game dollars Dp are given to the user as an attachment to the payment. The user can not only obtain various game items by using the paid stones Sc given as payment, but also play games by using the game dollars Dp given as an attachment to the payment or the game dollars Dp given as a login bonus. This makes it possible to realize a game system with high playability while suppressing gambling compared to conventional systems.

[0088] In addition, users can enter a lottery by using the lottery ticket Lt provided as an attachment to the payment, and the entry dollars Da provided at the time of settlement after the game is completed. This makes it possible to provide prizes to players in a manner that is less gambling-like than before, while encouraging them to play the game.

[0089] B.Other When a user watches a video advertisement in the game system 100, free stones (free stones) or game dollars Dp that can be exchanged for and activated with a specific skill Sk may be given to the user as an incentive for watching the advertisement. However, when a specific skill Sk is activated using free stones, game points Pp may not be given to the user.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, games related to gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot are exemplified as an example of an online game, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to all kinds of games, such as action games, RPG games, and puzzle games. In addition, in this embodiment, as an example of a "closed prize contest," a prize contest that can be entered only with application dollars Da and a prize contest that can be entered with a combination of application dollars Da and lottery ticket Lt are exemplified, but in addition to (or instead of) this, a prize contest that can be entered only with lottery ticket Lt may be provided.

[0091] In this embodiment, a "unit" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of the "unit" are realized by software. Also, the functions of one "unit" or device may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, and the functions of two or more "units" or devices may be realized by one physical means or device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100...game system, 10...game management device, 20...user terminal, 110...storage unit, 111...user table, 112...skill table, 113...prize table, 120...game control unit, 130...first granting unit, 140...second granting unit, 150...third granting unit, 160...fourth granting unit, 170...reception unit, 180...lottery unit, Sc...paid stones, Dp...game dollars, Co...my character, Pp...game points, Sk...skill, Lt...lottery ticket, Da...application dollars, La...application ticket, P1...menu screen

Claims

1. a first providing means for providing, in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from a user, a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to playability of a game and a first consumable medium required for playing the game to the user; a second granting means for granting to the user a first application medium that enables the user to play the game by consuming the first consumable medium and that enables the user to apply for a prize depending on the result of the game; the first medium is exchangeable for a skill that affects the outcome of the game; a third providing means for providing the user with a second medium exchangeable for the game item when the first medium is exchanged for the skill and the skill is activated; A game management device comprising:

2. There are multiple types of the above skills, The game management device described in claim 1, wherein the amount of the second medium granted by the third granting means is determined according to the amount of the first medium used to activate the skill, regardless of the outcome of the game.

3. The game management device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first medium and the second medium that is granted to the user when the first medium is exchanged for the skill and the skill is activated are equivalent.

4. The game management device according to claim 1 , wherein the second medium is exchangeable for a specific type of skill among a plurality of types of the skills.

5. Computer, a first providing means for providing, in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from a user, a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to playability of a game and a first consumable medium required for playing the game to the user; a second granting means for granting to the user a first application medium that enables the user to play the game by consuming the first consumable medium and that enables the user to apply for a prize depending on the result of the game; the first medium is exchangeable for a skill that affects the outcome of the game; A program for functioning as a third granting means for granting a second medium exchangeable for the game item to the user when the first medium is exchanged for the skill and the skill is activated.

Images