Server System and Provision Method

Abstract

To propose a setup capable of realizing fun that can be enjoyed in an actual business game device in which a situation of a game, such as a crane game and a pusher game, changes in a virtual game play.SOLUTION: Other players 5d can view a game situation of a virtual game device in which a player 5c is playing a game and can reserve a game play in the virtual game device. When other players view a game situation in the virtual game device, a viewing mark 36 for showing that the other players are viewing the game situation is displayed along with the number of viewing people 37 on a game screen W3 of the player 5c who is playing a game in the virtual game device. When a game play in the virtual game device is reserved, a reservation mark for showing that other players reserved the game play is displayed along with the number of reserved people on a game screen of a player who is playing a game in the virtual game device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a server system that is communicatively connected to a player terminal. etc.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, games that are enjoyed by connecting to a game server via a network such as the Internet have been known. In recent years, the spread of so-called social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service) has been remarkable (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, most social games are designed on the premise of being executed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and a game specification that repeats a relatively short game play is often adopted so that players can easily play at a convenient time.

[0005] On the other hand, business-use game devices that acquire real prizes such as crane games, and business-use medal game devices (pusher games) in which a large number of real medals placed in a game space are pushed and moved by a pusher mechanism are also popular. Therefore, when trying to virtually realize the game play on such business-use game devices in a social game, it is considered that the specification of repeated game play may be suitable for social games.

[0006] ​However, commercial game machines have the added benefit of changing the game situation, such as the placement of prizes and medals, for each game play, and allowing an unspecified number of players to play, so that a game can be started with the game situation of the previous player. Therefore, if each game play is to be started from the initial state, or if the game play can be saved and the game can be continued at any time, the fun is reduced by half compared to actual commercial game machines.

[0007] In addition, in the case of commercial game machines, other players may watch you or wait for your turn. While you want to achieve good results while playing the game, if you fail, your game situation will be passed on to other players, so you will feel the pressure of doing so right then and there. These events are also one of the attractions of playing commercial game machines.

[0008] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to propose a mechanism that realizes the fun that can be experienced in actual commercial game machines with changing game situations such as crane games and pusher games through virtual game play. The second purpose is to add a different kind of excitement that can only be achieved through virtual game play while still maintaining the fun of actual commercial game machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first invention for solving the above problem is: A server system (e.g., the game server 100 in FIG. 1) capable of communicating with a plurality of player terminals (e.g., the player terminal 2000 in FIG. 1), which controls the execution of a game in which a game situation is changed for each game play in accordance with an operation input at one of the player terminals, and the previous game situation is carried over to the next game play, During the gameplay of one player, when a request to view the game situation of the gameplay is received from another player, browsing request notification means (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13) that notifies the player terminal of the player in the gameplay that the browsing request has been made, game situation disclosure means (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13) that discloses the game situation of the one player in response to the browsing request, A server system comprising:

[0010] According to this first invention, in a game in which the game situation changes with each gameplay, the game situation of each gameplay is carried over to the next gameplay. Also, when a viewing request is made by another player during the gameplay of one player, the player is notified of this, and the game situation of the gameplay of the one player is disclosed to the other player. That is, since the game situation created by oneself is made public and the presence of other players watching one's gameplay is recognized, if one does not want to pass on the game situation to other players, it is necessary to continue playing the game. Such feelings are similar to the feelings in the actual gameplay of a business-use game device, and it is possible to create an atmosphere as if one is playing the game in front of onlookers on the actual business-use game device.

[0011] Also, as a second invention, in the first invention, the onlooker presence notification means may be configured to cause the player terminal to display a display according to the number of players who have viewed. A server system may be configured.

[0012] According to this second invention, a display according to the number of viewers is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, for one player, even though there are no other players around in the real world, in addition to the presence or absence of onlookers, the player can visually feel even the number of onlookers, so that it feels like playing an actual business game device, such as feeling pressure in each game play.

[0013] Also, as a third invention, in the first or second invention, a reservation registration means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for registering a reservation for the next game play of the one player by other players during the game play of the one player, may be further provided to configure a server system.

[0014] According to this third invention, during the game play of one player, reservation registration by other players becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to simulate the event of waiting in line for game play in a business game device.

[0015] Also, as a fourth invention, in the third invention, a reservation registration notification means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for notifying the one player that the reservation registration by the reservation registration means has been performed, may be further provided to configure a server system.

[0016] According to this fourth invention, when the reservation registration is performed, the one player will be notified. That is, for one player, it will be recognized that other players are waiting in line after his / her game play, so that it is possible to experience a feeling similar to when a waiting in line occurs in an actual business game device.

[0017] Also, as a fifth invention, in the fourth invention, the reservation registration notification means causes the player terminal to perform a display according to the number of players who have made a reservation. It may be configured as a server system.

[0018] According to this fifth invention, a display according to the number of reserved players is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, for one player, even though there are no other players around in the real world, a waiting queue occurs after their own game play, and the player can visually perceive even the number of people in the waiting queue. As a result, the player can feel as if they are playing an actual business-use game device, such as feeling pressure for each game play.

[0019] Also, as a sixth invention, a server system according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, after the game play of the one player ends, a reservation fulfillment notification means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) that notifies the player terminals of the reserved players that game play has become possible according to the registration order by the reservation registration means, may further be configured as a server system.

[0020] According to this sixth invention, after the game play of one player ends, the reserved players are notified that game play has become possible. Thus, the reserved players can promptly start the game play. As a result, after the game play ends, a state similar to that of an actual business-use game device can be created, where the player who was waiting in the queue takes over and starts the next game play.

[0021] Also, as a seventh invention, a server system according to the sixth invention, further includes a priority reception means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) that preferentially receives a game play request by the one player during a given priority reception period from the game play of the one player, and the reservation fulfillment notification means notifies the player terminals of the reserved players that game play has become possible after the elapse of the priority reception period. may be configured as a server system.

[0022] According to this seventh invention, after the end of the game play by one player, the player is notified that the reserved player game play has become possible after the expiration of the priority reception period. That is, after the end of the game play, it is possible to decide whether to continue the next game play during the priority reception period in which game play requests are preferentially received.

[0023] Also, as an eighth invention, in the first to seventh inventions, A server system may be configured to execute a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game as the game.

[0024] According to this eighth invention, a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game. Such a game achieves the purpose of obtaining game media such as prizes and medals by continuously playing the game multiple times, and a method of promoting game play by resetting the game situation such as the arrangement position of the game media in the game space over time effectively functions.

[0025] Also, as a ninth invention, in any of the first to eighth inventions, The game execution control means may configure a server system that causes the player terminal to execute the game.

[0026] According to this ninth invention, the game is executed on the player terminal. Therefore, since the processing related to the progress / change of the game can be executed on the player terminal side, the load on the server system can be dispersed and reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the case of executing a crane game in a network game system will be described, but the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0029] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system according to the present embodiment. The game system includes a game server 1000 connectable to a communication line 1 and player terminals 2000 prepared for each player. The communication line 1 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 1 includes not only a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), but also a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method may be wired / wireless.

[0030] The game server 1000 is a server system including one or more server devices, storage devices, etc., and provides various services for operating the network game of the present embodiment, and can distribute a client program, data, etc. necessary for executing the game.

[0031] The player terminal 2000 is a computer, and is an electronic device realized by, for example, a smartphone, a portable game device, a home game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, etc. The player terminal 2000 can be connected to the communication line 1 via a mobile phone base station, a wireless communication base station, etc., and can perform data communication with the game server 1000.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a smartphone which is an example of the player terminal 2000. The player terminal 2000 includes a direction input key 2002, a home key 2004, a touch panel 2006, a speaker 2010, a microphone 2012, a GPS antenna 2014, a control board 2018, and a memory card reader / writer 2030 capable of reading and writing data to and from a memory card 2032 which is a computer-readable storage medium. In addition, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc. (not shown) are provided.

[0033] The control board 2018 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, ASIC, and various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM. The control board 2018 is also equipped with a wireless communication module 2020 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station and a GPS module 2022. Furthermore, the control board 2018 is equipped with so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits) such as a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 2002 and the home key 2004, a driver circuit for the touch panel 2006, a circuit for generating a voice signal collected by the microphone 2012, and a signal input / output circuit to the memory card reader 2030. Each element mounted on the control board 2018 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like, enabling data reading / writing and signal transmission / reception.

[0034] [Game Overview] In the game system of this embodiment, a crane game is played. This crane game has a configuration that virtually reproduces a crane game device, which is a commercial game device installed in an actual game center or the like.

[0035] Figure 3 is an example of the game screen W1 displayed on the player terminal 2000. The game screen W1 displays the state of the game space (play space) in a virtual crane game device (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual game device"). On the field 12 in the game space, one large prize 14 is arranged approximately in the center, and a number of small prizes 16 are arranged so as to fill the periphery of the large prize 14. The large prize 14 and the small prizes 16 are collectively referred to as prizes. These prizes can also be said to be game media. In front of the field 12, a prize drop port 18, which is an opening, is formed, and a checker 20 for detecting the dropping prizes is provided at the prize drop port 18. However, it is a virtual checker 20, and in actual internal calculations, it is assumed that the checker 20 detects when a prize passes through a predetermined position.

[0036] At the upper part of the game space, a crane device 22 for grabbing prizes is provided. The crane device 22 has a main body part 22a that can move in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and a pair of arms 22b attached to the lower part of the main body part 22a and operating to clamp from the left and right.

[0037] Also, a roulette 24 is provided at the back of the game space. When a prize falling by the chucker 20 is detected, a lottery by this roulette 24 is conducted, and when the outcomes match, it is a win and a predetermined privilege is obtained. The privilege here is content that is advantageous for obtaining a prize. For example, it relates to settings of the crane device 22 such as strengthening the force (arm force) with which the arm 22b clamps the prize, narrowing the width (arm width) by which the arm 22b closes, and widening the width of the claw part at the tip of the arm 22b.

[0038] At the lower part of the game screen W1, an operation icon 30 for operating the crane device 22 is displayed. The player operates the operation icon 30 in the same way as an actual crane game device to operate the crane device 22, aiming to drop the large prize 14 into the prize drop opening 18 to obtain it. For example, in the first operation, the main body part 22a is moved backward to perform positioning in the front-rear direction, and in the second operation, each of the left and right arms 22b is moved toward the center direction to determine the left-right width of the left and right arms 22b. This is the player's operation input so far. Then, a series of operations are automatically executed, such as the main body part 22a descending to a predetermined height, each of the left and right arms 22b closing (moving) further by a predetermined width (predetermined amount of movement) in the center direction, the main body part 22a rising while maintaining the interval between the left and right arms 22b, moving forward to return to the original position, and then the arms 22b opening.

[0039] Note that the operations of these game devices, particularly the operation of the crane device 22 and the calculation of prize placement, etc., are executed as virtual simulations. For example, virtual weights are set in advance for each prize, and the arm forces of the left and right arms 22b are also set virtually. Then, through known physical calculation processing, the grasping of the arm 22b, the movement and fall of the prizes, the interference between the prizes, etc. are calculated.

[0040] Also, at the upper part of the game screen W1, a viewpoint switching icon 32 for switching the viewpoint for viewing the game space and the number 34 of tickets held by the player are displayed.

[0041] The viewpoints are set to three viewpoints for viewing the game space of the virtual game device, for example, from the front, the right side, and the left side respectively. By operating the viewpoint switching icon 32, the display of the game screen W1 viewed from each viewpoint is switched.

[0042] The number 34 of tickets is displayed together with the maximum number (MAX) of tickets that can be held. Tickets are virtual play media that can be used within the game. By using (consuming) one ticket, one game play can be performed. Tickets increase (recover) one by one up to a predetermined upper limit every time a predetermined recovery time (for example, 60 minutes) elapses. Also, without waiting for recovery due to the passage of time, they can be obtained by charging, or can also be obtained by using a predetermined charged item.

[0043] Also, in the crane game of this embodiment, a plurality of virtual game devices are prepared (installed) like an actual game center, etc., and are shared by a plurality of players. That is, the player selects an available (not in use by other players) virtual game device from among these plurality of virtual game devices to perform a game play.

[0044] Also, the game situation at the end of a game play in a certain virtual game device is carried over to the next game play in the same virtual game device. Here, the game situation represents the state of the game space. Specifically, it includes the arrangement positions of various prizes, and settings such as the arm force, arm width, and claw size of the crane device 22. And when a privilege is obtained by the roulette 24 in the game play, the game situation at the end of the game play is in a state where the privilege is applied.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the inheritance of the game situation. As shown in Figure 4, in a certain virtual game device, when the game play by the player 5a ends, a priority acceptance period starting from the end time point t2 is set. During the priority acceptance period, only the player who performed the previous game play (the last player) can perform the game play in the virtual game device. That is, when a play request is made by the last player during the priority acceptance period, the game play starts with the game situation at the end of the previous game play carried over. On the other hand, when the priority acceptance period ends without the game play by the last player starting, the virtual game device becomes available, and all players can perform the game play.

[0046] Also, a reset waiting period (reset time condition) starting from the end time point t2 of the game play is set. This reset waiting period is defined as a period longer than the priority acceptance period and shorter than the recovery time required for one more ticket to increase (recover). And when the reset waiting period ends without the game play by any player starting, the game situation of the virtual game device is reset to the initial state. By setting the reset waiting period to be longer than the priority acceptance period, players other than the last player can also start the next game play with the game situation at the end of the last game play carried over.

[0047] The game situation in the virtual game device is publicly available for any player to view. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the viewing of the game situation. In the example shown in Figure 5, in a certain virtual game device, player 5c is playing the game, and it shows the state where player 5d is viewing the game situation.

[0048] At this time, on the game screen W3 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of player 5c who is playing the game, a viewing mark 36 indicating that other players are viewing is displayed together with the number of viewers 37 indicating the number of players viewing.

[0049] Also, on the viewing screen W5 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the viewing player 5d (viewing player), a game space image 40 showing the game situation of the virtual game device being viewed is displayed. This game space image 40 is a still image updated every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), but it can also be a video. Also, at the bottom of the viewing screen W5, a reservation icon 42 for instructing a reservation for the virtual game device is displayed. Then, when the viewing player 5d selects the reservation icon 42 on the viewing screen W5, the viewing player can make a reservation to continue playing the game taking over the game situation when this virtual game device becomes available. Note that this viewing of the game situation can be done at any time regardless of the play status of the virtual game device such as during play or when it is available.

[0050] When a reservation is made, as shown in Figure 6, on the game screen W7 of the player who is playing the game in the virtual game device, a reservation mark 38 indicating that it has been reserved by other players is displayed together with the number of reserving players 39 indicating the number of players making the reservation. This reproduces a situation where, like in an actual crane game device, players during play are being watched by others (visitors), and further, a situation where they are waiting in line (reserving).

[0051] When the game play on the virtual game device ends, a game end screen W9 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5c (the last player) who played the game play. On the game end screen W9, an image 50 of the game space at the end of the game play is displayed, and the remaining time 52 of the reset waiting period is displayed in a countdown manner. Also, at the bottom of the game end screen W9, a continue play icon 54 for instructing a subsequent game play is displayed.

[0052] On this game end screen W9, if the continue play icon 54 is selected before the reset waiting time ends, that is, before the remaining time display 52 of the reset waiting time becomes zero, the next game play starts with the game situation shown by the game space image 50, that is, the game situation at the end of the immediately previous game play. However, even within the reset waiting period, if the priority reception period has ended and a game play by another player has already started, a subsequent game play cannot be performed.

[0053] Note that on the game end screen W9, it may be set to display the remaining time of the priority reception period in a countdown manner. Also, the countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period may be displayed only on the player terminal 2000 of the last player. By having the remaining time of the priority reception time displayed in a countdown manner, the last player will be troubled during the countdown as to whether it is okay to let go of the game situation created by his / her own game play up to this point. In particular, when the viewing mark 36 or the reservation icon 42 is displayed, other players are in a state of watching (viewing mark 36) or waiting in line (reservation icon 42). Taking this point into consideration, it is decided whether to continue the subsequent game play.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4, when the priority reception period ends without the final player starting the next game play, the virtual game device becomes available, and game play by other players becomes possible. That is, when the priority reception period of the virtual game device ends, if there is a reserved player, the game play by this reserved player is started while inheriting the game situation at the end of the previous game play.

[0055] The player can freely select the virtual game device to view. In that case, for example, a game device list screen W11 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 8, each of the prepared virtual game devices 60 is listed together with the current game situation 62, the approximate remaining time 64 of the reset standby period, the viewing icon 66, etc.

[0056] The play situation 62 indicates whether the player can play the game. For a virtual game device that is in the priority reception period and no game play is being performed by any player, if the player matches the final player of the virtual game device, the game play is possible and it is regarded as available. If they do not match, the game play is impossible and it is regarded as in play.

[0057] The remaining time 64 of the reset standby period is displayed only for virtual game devices whose reset standby period has not ended. Note that for a virtual game device for which the player is the final player and the priority reception period has not ended, it may be displayed that it is in the priority reception period.

[0058] On this game device list screen W11, when the viewing icon 66 of any virtual game device 60 is selected, a viewing screen for the virtual game device is displayed. Specifically, when another player is performing game play on the virtual game device, for example, a viewing screen W5 as shown in the lower right of FIG. 5 is displayed. And a viewing mark 36 is displayed on the game screen W3 of the other player who is performing the game play (lower left of FIG. 5).

[0059] Also, if the virtual game device is within the priority reception period, for example, a browsing screen W13 shown as an example in FIG. 9 is displayed. On this browsing screen W13, as the current game situation of the virtual game device, the game space image 40 at the end of the previous game play is displayed together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period.

[0060] On the browsing screens W5 and W13, when the reservation icon 42 is selected to make a reservation, as shown in FIG. 10, on the browsing screen W15, a reserved mark 48 indicating that the user has already made a reservation is displayed, and a reservation cancellation icon 70 for instructing the cancellation of this reservation is also displayed.

[0061] Also, if the play status of the virtual game device is available, for example, a browsing screen W17 shown as an example in FIG. 11 is displayed. On this browsing screen W17, a game space image 40 indicating the current game situation of the virtual game device is displayed. If it is before the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space at the end of the last game play is displayed as the game space image 40 together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period. If it is after the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space reset to the initial state is displayed as the game space image 40.

[0062] Also, at the bottom of the browsing screen W17, a play execution icon 72 for instructing the start of game play is displayed. In the case of an available virtual game device, there is no need for a reservation, and by selecting this play execution icon 72, the game play on the virtual game device can be started.

[0063] Also at this time, when the number of tickets held by the player is "0", as shown in FIG. 12, the play execution icon 72 is not displayed on the browsing screen W19, and the game play cannot be performed. In such a case, the player can wait for the ticket to be restored over time, or select the ticket purchase icon 74 to move to a predetermined purchase site and purchase a ticket. At this purchase site, in addition to tickets, various items that can be used in the game can also be purchased.

[0064] [Functional Configuration] (A) Game Server 1000 FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the game server 1000. According to FIG. 13, the game server 1000 functionally includes an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

[0065] The operation unit 110 receives various operation inputs for the management of the game server 1000 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the performed operation to the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

[0066] The display unit 120 displays various display screens based on the image signal input from the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a CRT, or a projector.

[0067] The communication unit 130 is connected to the communication line 1 and performs data communication with an external device (mainly the player terminal 2000). This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA, a wired cable jack, and its control circuit.

[0068] The server processing unit 200 comprehensively controls the operations of the game server 1000 based on programs and data read from the server storage unit 300, received data from external devices (mainly player terminals 2000) via the communication unit 130, and the like. This function is realized by microprocessors such as CPUs and GPUs, arithmetic units such as ASICs, and their control programs. In this embodiment, the server processing unit 200 includes a game management unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a communication control unit 240.

[0069] The game management unit 210 includes a player management unit 212, a billing management unit 214, a ticket management unit 216, a virtual game device management unit 218, a game status reset unit 220, a game play management unit 222, a lottery control unit 224, a browsing management unit 226, and a reservation management unit 228, and manages the execution of the crane game of this embodiment.

[0070] The player management unit 212 performs processes related to player registration and management for enabling the game play of this embodiment. Specifically, it performs processes such as receiving a player name, password, etc. from the player terminal 2000 and registering them as a new player, managing player management data 320 which is information of these registered players, and player authentication processing in response to requests from the player terminal 2000.

[0071] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the player management data 320. According to FIG. 14, the player management data 320 is generated for each registered player and stores account information 321 for authenticating the registered player, a acquired prize list 322 which is information of prizes acquired by the game player in the game play, the number of tickets held by the player 323, and play history data 330.

[0072] The play history data 330 is generated for each game play performed so far, and stores the virtual game device No. 331 on which the game play was performed, the start date and time 332 of the game play, the end date and time 333, the acquired prize information 334, and the acquired privilege information 335. The acquired prize information 334 is information on whether a large prize has been acquired and the type of the acquired large prize. The acquired privilege information 335 is information on whether a privilege has been acquired by lottery and the type of the acquired privilege.

[0073] The billing management unit 214 performs a billing process related to the payment of the purchase amount of the billing items that can be used in the game including tickets by communicating with an external billing system. Although the billing process is described as billing in real-world currency, it goes without saying that it may also be billing in in-game currency (such as points) or in-game site currency (billing equivalent process).

[0074] The ticket management unit 216 manages the tickets held by registered players. Specifically, each time a game play is performed, one ticket is consumed (decreased) as a price. Also, each time a predetermined recovery time elapses, the tickets are recovered (increased) one by one up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 5 or 20, etc.). Also, the number of tickets held is increased according to the purchase of tickets by billing or the acquisition of tickets by using a predetermined billing item.

[0075] The virtual game device management unit 218 manages a plurality of prepared virtual game devices. Information about the virtual game device is managed as virtual game device management data 340.

[0076] FIG. 15 shows an example of the data configuration of the virtual game device management data 340. According to FIG. 15, the virtual game device management data 340 is generated for each virtual game device, and includes a virtual game device No. 341 which is an identification number, a crane initial setting information 342 which is information on the initial state of the game situation, a prize initial arrangement position information 343, an initial game space image 344, a prize information 345, a priority reception time 346, a reset waiting time 347, a play status 348, a final player name 349, a final play end date and time 350, a reset flag 351 indicating whether the game situation has been reset to the initial state, a crane setting information 352 which is information on the current game situation, a prize arrangement position information 353, a game space image 354, a browsing player list 356, and a reservation player list 358.

[0077] The prize information 345 is information such as the type and model data of each prize (large prize 14 and small prize 16) arranged in the game space. The play status 348 is one of "playing" in which game play is being performed by any player, "priority reception in progress" in which game play is not being performed but within the priority reception period, and "idle" in which game play is not being performed and the priority reception period has ended.

[0078] The browsing player list 356 is a list of players who are browsing the game situation in the virtual game device. There is no particular limitation on the number of these browsing players.

[0079] The reservation player list 358 is a list of players who have reserved game play in the game device. The reservation players are assigned priorities, and in this embodiment, the earlier the reservation date and time, the higher the priority. Also, although there is no particular limitation on the number of reservation players, a limitation may be provided if desired.

[0080] For each virtual game device, when the elapsed time from the end of the last game play reaches a predetermined reset waiting time without any player starting a game play, the game situation reset unit 220 resets the game situation to the initial state.

[0081] The lottery control unit 224 controls the lottery by the roulette 24 during the game play. Specifically, it generates lottery result information (winning / losing) of the roulette 24 and lottery schedule information which is information on the privilege obtained when winning. At this time, the winning probability for determining the lottery result is changed according to the game situation at the start time of the game play. For example, when the position of the large prize 14 is likely to fall near the prize drop port 18, the winning probability is set higher than normal. For example, it can be the case where the planar distance (overhead distance) between the center position or the center of gravity position of the prize drop port 18 and the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, within 3 cm as a virtual distance). Note that the lottery by the roulette 24 is triggered by the detection of the dropped prize by the chucker 20.

[0082] The game play management unit 222 controls each game play on the player terminal 2000. That is, when a play request is made from the player terminal 2000, it transmits game situation information including the crane setting information 352 and the prize arrangement position information 353 which are the game situations of the requested virtual game device, and lottery schedule information regarding the lottery by the roulette 24 to the player terminal 2000. Also, when receiving game result information from the player terminal 2000, based on this game result information, it generates and updates play history data 330 (see FIG. 14) for the corresponding player's game play, and updates the virtual game device management data 340 of the corresponding virtual game device.

[0083] The browsing management unit 226 manages the browsing of players in the virtual game device. Specifically, when a browsing request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a browsing player to the browsing player list 356 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be browsed. Also, when a browsing end notification is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device for which browsing is to end. Also, for each virtual game device, a game space image indicating the current game situation of the virtual game device is transmitted to each browsing player.

[0084] The reservation management unit 228 manages the reservation of game play by players for the virtual game device. Specifically, when a reservation request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a reserved player to the reserved player list 358 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be reserved. Also, when a reservation cancellation request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the reserved player list 358 of the virtual game device for which reservation cancellation is requested.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 13, the image generation unit 230 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, and the like. Also, in the case of a configuration in which the game server 1000 provides the image to be displayed on the player terminal 2000, an image of the game screen can be generated.

[0086] The communication control unit 240 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 130.

[0087] The server storage unit 300 stores a system program for realizing various functions for the server processing unit 200 to integrally control the game server 1000, programs and data for realizing the various functions of the present embodiment, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area for the server processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the server processing unit 200 according to various programs, received data by the communication unit 130, and the like. This function is realized by a storage device such as various IC memories, hard disks, ROMs, and RAMs, for example. In the present embodiment, the server storage unit 300 stores a system program 310, a game management program 312, player management data 320, and virtual game device management data 340.

[0088] FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 16, the player terminal 2000 functionally includes an operation input unit 612, an image display unit 614, a sound output unit 616, a communication unit 618, a terminal processing unit 700, and a terminal storage unit 800.

[0089] The operation input unit 612 outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 700 in response to various operation inputs made by the player. This function is realized by elements that the player directly operates with a finger, such as button switches, joysticks, touch pads, and trackballs, as well as elements that detect motion and posture, such as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, inclination sensors, and geomagnetic sensors. In FIG. 2, the direction input key 2002, the home key 2004, and the touch panel 2006 correspond to this.

[0090] The terminal processing unit 700 is implemented by electronic components such as microprocessors such as CPUs and GPUs, ASICs, and IC memories, and performs input / output control of data with each functional unit of the player terminal 2000 including the operation input unit 612 and the terminal storage unit 800. Then, based on a predetermined program, data, an operation input signal from the operation input unit 612, etc., it executes various arithmetic processes to control the operation of the player terminal 2000. In FIG. 2, the control board 2018 corresponds to this. Further, the terminal processing unit 700 includes a game control unit 710, an image generation unit 722, a sound generation unit 724, and a communication control unit 726.

[0091] The game control unit 710 has an operation signal transmission control unit 712, a game screen display control unit 714, and a game play execution unit 716, and executes various arithmetic processes for making the computer function as a terminal for game play.

[0092] The operation signal transmission control unit 712 executes processes for transmitting various data and request information to the game server 1000 in response to operations made by the operation input unit 612.

[0093] The game screen display control unit 714 performs control for displaying a game screen based on various data received from the game server 1000. For example, if the online game of the present embodiment is realized as a web game, web technologies for actively controlling screen display using HTML together with Java (registered trademark) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) based on a web browser, or plug-ins such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash can be used. Of course, other methods may also be used.

[0094] The game play execution unit 716 controls the execution of game play based on the game situation information 826 and the lottery schedule information 828 received from the game server 1000. Specifically, the crane device 22 is set according to the crane setting information included in the received game situation information 826, and each prize is arranged according to the prize arrangement position information to set the game situation (configure the game space). Then, the crane device 22 is operated according to the operation instruction of the player. Also, as the crane device 22 operates, each prize is moved.

[0095] And if the dropping of a prize is detected by the checker 20 (specifically, if the prize has passed through the assumed detection range of the checker 20), a roulette lottery process according to the lottery schedule information 828 is performed. That is, the rotation and stop of the roulette 24 are controlled according to a given lottery result, and if the lottery result is a win, a determined privilege is applied.

[0096] When one game play ends, game result information including the position information of each prize, the setting information of the crane device 22, and the image of the game space is generated as the game situation at the end point of the game play and transmitted to the game server 1000.

[0097] The image generation unit 722 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory used for the expansion of texture data. The image generation unit 722 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1 / 60 second) based on the processing result by the game control unit 710 and outputs the image signal of the generated game screen to the image display unit 614.

[0098] The image display unit 614 displays various game images based on the image signals input from the image generation unit 722. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, the touch panel 2006 corresponds to this.

[0099] The sound generation unit 724 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc., and generates sound signals of sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to the game based on the processing results by the game screen display control unit 714, and outputs them to the sound output unit 616. The sound output unit 616 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, etc. based on the sound signals input from the sound generation unit 724. In FIG. 2, the speaker 2010 corresponds to this.

[0100] The communication control unit 726 executes data processing related to data communication and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 618. The communication unit 618 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack and control circuit of a wired communication cable, etc. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 2020 corresponds to this.

[0101] The terminal memory unit 800 stores a system program for realizing various functions for the terminal processing unit 700 to integrally control the player terminal 2000, programs necessary for game play, various data, etc. Further, it is used as a work area for the terminal processing unit 700, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 700 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 612, etc. Such functions are realized by, for example, IC memories such as RAM and ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, and optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. In FIG. 2, the IC memory and memory card 2032 mounted on the control board 2018 correspond to this. In the present embodiment, the terminal memory unit 800 stores a system program 810, a game client program 812, player registration information 820, the number of tickets held 822, game device list information 824, game status information 826, and lottery schedule information 828.

[0102] The system program 810 is a program for realizing the basic input / output functions of the player terminal 2000 as a computer. The game client program 812 is application software for realizing the functions as the game control unit 710 when read and executed by the terminal processing unit 700, but may be configured as a part of the system program 810. The game client program 812 may be a dedicated client program according to the technical method for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program and a plugin for realizing interactive image display.

[0103] The player registration information 820 is the registration content in the game system, and is information such as the player name and password. The number of tickets held 822, game device list information 824, game status information 826, and lottery schedule information 828 are temporarily received data from the game server 1000. The game device list information 824 is, for example, information for displaying a game device list screen W11 shown as an example in FIG. 8.

[0104] [Processing Flow] (A) Game Server 1000 FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a processing flow for managing browsing and reservation of virtual game devices executed in game server 1000.

[0105] According to FIG. 17, if a game device list request is received from player terminal 2000 (step A1: YES), game device list information 824 including a game space image indicating the play status of each virtual game device and the current game status is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A3).

[0106] Then, if a browsing request is received from player terminal 2000 (step A5: YES), detailed information of the requested virtual game device to be browsed is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A7). Next, the player who is the request source is added to the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed as a browsing player (step A9). Further, if the play status of the virtual game device to be browsed is in play (step A11: YES), browsing status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A13).

[0107] Also, if a browsing end notification is received from player terminal 2000 (step A15: YES), the player who is the transmission source is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed (step A17). Also, if the play status of the virtual game device to be browsed is in play (step A19: YES), browsing status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A21).

[0108] Also, if a reservation request is received from player terminal 2000 (step A23: YES), the player who is the request source is added to the reservation player list 358 of the requested virtual game device to be reserved as a reservation player (step A25). Next, if the play status of the virtual game device to be reserved is in play (step A27: YES), reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A29).

[0109] Also, if a reservation cancellation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A31: YES), the player who is the request source is deleted from the reservation player list 358 of the virtual game device to be cancelled (step A33). If the play status of the virtual game device to be reserved is in progress (step A35: YES), reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A37).

[0110] Also, if a game space image (game status) is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A39: YES), the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device on which the player who is the transmission source is playing the game is referred to, and the received game space image is transmitted to each player terminal 2000 of the browsing players (step A41). Then, the process returns to step A1 and the same process is repeated.

[0111] FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a process for managing the game play of a virtual game device, which is executed in the game server 1000. In FIG. 18, the process for one virtual game device is shown, but the same process is performed in parallel for all virtual game devices.

[0112] According to FIG. 18, first, as an initial setting, the game status of the target virtual game device is reset to the initial state (step B1). Then, if a play request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step B3: YES), the game play management unit 222 determines whether the game play by the requesting player is possible.

[0113] That is, if the virtual game device is being played by another player (step B5: NO), or if the requesting player does not hold a ticket (step B7: NO), it is determined that the game play is impossible, and a play impossible notification is transmitted to the corresponding player terminal 2000 (step B9).

[0114] On the one hand, if the game situation of the virtual game device is available (step B5: YES) and the requesting player holds a ticket (step B7: YES), the game play is possible. Therefore, one ticket held by the requesting player is consumed (step B11). Then, game situation information including the crane setting information 352 and the prize arrangement position information 353, which are the game situations of the virtual game device, is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B13). Also, assuming the case where the checker 20 is not detected, the lottery control unit 224 determines in advance and preferentially the lottery result by the roulette 24, generates lottery scheduled information, and transmits it to the player terminal 2000 together with the game situation information.

[0115] After that, if one game play is completed at the player terminal 2000 and the transmitted play result information is received (step B15), based on this play result information, the corresponding virtual game device management data 340 and player management data 320 are updated (step B17).

[0116] Also, if the large prize 14 is obtained in the game play (step B19: YES), a new large prize is arranged in the game space of the virtual game device, and the game situation is reset (step B21). Then, the process proceeds to step B3.

[0117] If the large prize 14 is not obtained (step B19: NO), information on the remaining time (remaining time information) of each of the remaining priority acceptance period and reset waiting period starting from the end of the game play is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B23). Then, if a play request from the last player is received within the priority acceptance period (step B25: NO) (step B27: YES), the process proceeds to step B5, and the game play by the player is started.

[0118] On the other hand, if the priority reception period has ended without receiving a play request from the last player (step B27: NO), then it is subsequently determined whether there is a reserved player. If there is a reserved player (step B29: YES), the reserved player with the highest priority is notified that continued play on the reserved virtual game device is possible (step B31). Then, if a play request is received from the reserved player in response to this notification (step B33: YES), the process proceeds to step B5 to start the game play by the reserved player.

[0119] On the other hand, if a predetermined limit time has elapsed without receiving a play request from the reserved player, or if a non-execution notification indicating that continued play will not be performed is received from the reserved player (step B35: YES), the reserved player is deleted from the reserved player list 358 (step B37). Subsequently, it is determined whether the reset waiting period has ended. If it has not ended (step B41: NO), the process returns to step B29 to perform the same process for the remaining reserved players.

[0120] If there is no reserved player (step B29: NO), play requests from all players are awaited. If a play request is received from any player within the reset reception period (step B41: NO) (step B39: YES), the process proceeds to step B5 to start the game play by the player. Then, when the reset waiting period ends (step B41: YES), after resetting the game space of the virtual game device to the initial state (step B43), the process returns to step B1.

[0121] (B) Player Terminal 2000 FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow in the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 19, in the player terminal 2000, first, a list request for virtual game devices is sent to the game server 1000 (step C1). Then, the game device list information sent from the game server 1000 is received, and based on the received game device list information, the virtual game devices are displayed in a list (step C3).

[0122] Next, when a browsing instruction operation is performed by the player to select one virtual game device from the list-displayed virtual game devices (step C5: YES), a browsing request for the selected virtual game device is sent to the game server 1000 (step C7). Then, the browsing information sent from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C9), and a game space image or the like indicating the game status of the virtual game device is displayed (step C11).

[0123] When the play status of the virtual game device is in progress (step C13: "In progress"), when a game space image, which is the latest game status, is received from the game server 1000 (step C15: YES), the display is updated with the received game space image (step C17). And if a reservation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C23: YES), a reservation request for the virtual game device is sent to the game server 1000 (step C25). Also, if a reservation cancellation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C27: YES), a reservation cancellation request for the virtual game device is sent to the game server 1000 (step C29).

[0124] Also, if a browsing end instruction operation is performed by the player (step C19: YES), after sending a browsing end notification for the virtual game device to the game server 1000 (step C21), the process returns to step C3.

[0125] On the other hand, when the play status of the virtual game device is available (step C13: "available"), if the player does not hold a ticket (step C31: NO), and a ticket purchase instruction operation is performed by the player (step C37: YES), the player moves to a predetermined purchase site and performs a ticket purchase process (step C39).

[0126] Also, when the player holds a ticket (step C31: YES) and a play instruction operation is performed by the player (step C33: YES), a game play request in the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C35).

[0127] Then, game status information 826 transmitted from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C41), and a game play using the received game status information 826 is started. That is, the crane device 22 is set according to the crane setting information 352 included in the received game status information 826, prizes are arranged according to the prize arrangement position information 353, and a game space is set (step C43). Next, the movement / operation of the crane device 22 according to the operation instruction of the player is started (step C45), and the movement of each prize accompanying the movement of the crane device 22 is started (step C47).

[0128] Also, if browsing status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C49: YES), browsing displays such as a browsing mark 36 and the number of browsers 37 are updated according to this browsing status information (step C51). Also, if reservation status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C53: YES), reservation displays such as a reservation mark 38 and the number of reservations 39 are updated according to this reservation status information (step C55). Also, when the determined game status notification timing is reached (step C57: YES), an image of the current game space is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C59).

[0129] Also, if the chucker 20 detects a prize that has fallen into the prize drop opening 18 (step C61: YES), a lottery process is started according to the lottery schedule information 828 received together with the game status information 826 (step C63). If the lottery result is a win (step C65: YES), the obtained privilege is applied (step C67). After that, if the game play has not ended (step C69: NO), the process returns to step C45 and the same process is performed.

[0130] Then, when the game play ends (step C69: YES), information on the arrangement positions of each prize, the setting information of the crane device 22, the image of the game space, which are information indicating the game status at the end of the game play, as well as play result information including whether a prize has been obtained and whether a prize has been obtained by lottery are generated and transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C71).

[0131] Also, when no prize has been obtained in the game play (step C73: NO), remaining time information, which is information on the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period, transmitted from the game server 1000 is received (step C75), and based on the received remaining time information, a countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period is started (step C77).

[0132] After that, if a play instruction operation is performed by the player (step C79: YES), a play request is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C81), and the process proceeds to step C41.

[0133] [Advantages and effects] As described above, according to the game system of this embodiment, the next game play can be started while inheriting the game status. However, within the priority reception period, only the player who performed the last game play can start the game play. And when the reset waiting period ends without any player starting the game play, the game status is reset.

[0134] In addition, the game situation of a virtual game device in which a certain player is playing a game can be viewed by other players, and the game play on the virtual game device can be reserved. When viewing the game situation of the virtual game device, a viewing mark 36 indicating that it is being viewed by other players is displayed on the game screen of the player who is playing the game on the virtual game device, together with the number 37 of viewing players. Also, when reserving the game play on the virtual game device, a reservation mark 38 indicating that it has been reserved by other players is displayed on the game screen of the player who is playing the game on the virtual game device, together with the number 39 of reserved players.

[0135] Therefore, players can reproduce a situation like that of an actual crane game device, such as feeling the presence of other players (onlookers) watching their game play and the presence of other players waiting in line.

[0136] [Modification Example] Note that the applicable embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0137] (A) Reset Waiting Time The length of the reset waiting period (reset waiting time) may be changed according to the game situation at the end of the game play. For example, in a game situation advantageous to the player, such as when the large prize 14 is close to the prize drop opening 18 and is likely to fall, by shortening the reset waiting time, the final player can be prompted to make a prompt decision for subsequent game play. For example, the case where the planar view distance (bird's-eye view distance) between the center position or the center of gravity position of the prize drop opening 18 and the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, within 3 cm as a virtual distance) can be regarded as a game situation advantageous to the player.

[0138] (B) Recovery of Game Situation after Reset Also, when the reset waiting period elapses, the game situation is reset. However, even after the reset, if the game play by other players has not started, it may be possible to restore the game situation before the reset by a predetermined charge.

[0139] (C) Application of acquired benefits It may be possible to set a limit on the number of times of application of the acquired benefits by lottery, such as being applied only to the next game play, or a time limit such as only 30 minutes. Note that these restrictions may be invalidated by a game situation reset even if the number of times is below the limit or within the time limit.

[0140] (D) Game device list screen On the game device list screen W11 (see Fig. 8), as shown in Fig. 21, for the virtual game device whose play status is "playing", the total number of players 68 viewed within a predetermined time in the past (for example, the past 10 minutes) and the total number of reserved players 69 may be displayed. According to this, it is possible to know which virtual game device is in a highly noticeable game situation.

[0141] (E) Execution of game play In the above-described embodiment, the player terminal 2000 performs one execution of game play. However, it may be a so-called browser game in which the game server 1000 controls according to the player's operation input on the player terminal 2000.

[0142] (F) Types of games Also, in the above-described embodiment, a crane game is performed. However, for example, any game that can be played independently by a player, such as a medal game device such as a pusher game, and whose game situation changes every time by the player's operation, can be applied to any of them.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0143] 1000 Game server 110 Operation unit, 120 Display unit, 130 Communication unit 200 Server Processing Unit 210 Game Management Unit 212 Player Management Unit, 214 Billing Management Unit, 216 Ticket Management Unit 218 Virtual Game Device Management Unit, 220 Game Status Reset Unit 222 Gameplay Management Unit, 224 Lottery Control Unit 226 Browsing Management Unit, 228 Reservation Management Unit 230 Image Generation Unit, 240 Communication Control Unit 300 Server Memory Unit 310 System Program, 312 Game Management Program 320 Player Management Data, 340 Virtual Game Device Management Data 2000 Player Terminal 612 Operation Input Unit, 614 Image Display Unit, 616 Sound Output Unit, 618 Communication Unit 700 Terminal Processing Unit 710 Game Control Unit 712 Operation Signal Transmission Control Unit, 714 Game Screen Display Control Unit 716 Gameplay Execution Unit 722 Image Generation Unit, 724 Sound Generation Unit, 726 Communication Control Unit 800 Terminal Memory Unit 810 System Program, 812 Game Client Program 820 Player Registration Information, 822 Number of Tickets Held 824 Game Device List Information, 826 Game Status Information, 828 Lottery Schedule Information

Claims

1. A server system that provides a player terminal with a game play related to a game in which the game situation in the game space changes according to each game play based on operation input on the player terminal and the previous game situation is carried over to the next game play, The player terminal is a smartphone having a touch panel, During the game play of one player, a browsing request receiving means for receiving a browsing request of the game situation of the game play from another player, A browsing game space image display unit that displays an image of the game space during the game play of the one player in response to the browsing request, and a reservation icon arranged outside the browsing game space image display unit, and a browsing control for displaying a browsing screen including the above on the touch panel of the player terminal of the other player. Game situation display control means, On the touch panel of the player terminal of the one player, a player game space image display unit that displays an image of the game space during the game play of the one player, an operation icon arranged outside the player game space image display unit, and the above regarding the game situation of the one player. Game play display control means for displaying a game screen including the display of the number of the other players related to the browsing control being performed, It is equipped with, The browsing screen and the game screen have the same display position and display size of the browsing game space image display unit in the browsing screen and the display position and display size of the player game space image display unit in the game screen, The browsing screen does not include the operation icon, The game screen does not include the reservation icon, The game play display control means arranges and displays the operation icon so as to overlap the position where the reservation icon in the browsing screen is displayed on the game screen. Server system.

2. Reservation registration means for receiving, based on an operation input to the reservation icon, a reservation for the next game play of the one player by the other player during the viewing control. The server system according to claim 1, further comprising .

3. A game play providing method in which a computer system provides a game play related to a game in which the game situation in a game space changes according to each game play based on an operation input at a player terminal and the previous game situation is carried over to the next game play, wherein the player terminal is a smartphone having a touch panel, a viewing request receiving step of receiving, from another player, a viewing request for the game situation of the game play during the game play of one player; a game situation display control step of performing viewing control to display, on the touch panel of the player terminal of the other player, a viewing screen including a viewing game space image display unit that displays an image of the game space during the game play of the one player in response to the viewing request, and a reservation icon arranged outside the viewing game space image display unit; a game play display control step of displaying, on the touch panel of the player terminal of the one player, a game screen including a player game space image display unit that displays an image of the game space during the game play of the one player, an operation icon arranged outside the player game space image display unit, and a display of the number of the other players related to the viewing control being performed on the game situation of the one player; including wherein the viewing screen and the game screen have the same display position and display size of the viewing game space image display unit in the viewing screen and the display position and display size of the player game space image display unit in the game screen, the viewing screen does not include the operation icon, the game screen does not include the reservation icon, The game play display control step is a step of arranging and displaying the operation icon so as to overlap the position where the reservation icon in the browsing screen is displayed on the game screen. Providing method.

Images