Game system, computer program used therefor, and control method

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of causing a game to progress differently depending on whether a special user exists in a group in a game that progresses in group units. [Solution] A game machine 3 (game system) provides a quiz game that progresses in groups, and determines whether or not a special user SU, who is a user U that satisfies a special condition, is present in the group. The game machine 3 then switches the progress of the quiz game between a normal progress that is applied when no special user SU is present in the group, and a special progress that is different from the normal progress and is applied when a special user SU is present in the group, depending on whether or not a special user SU is present in the group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game system and the like that provide a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to the maximum number of members.

Background Art

[0002] There is a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to the maximum number of members. For example, as such a game, a game system that provides a battle game played through the operation of characters corresponding to a plurality of users is known (see, 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 the game of Patent Document 1, the matching between one user and other users that the user desires to play multiplayer with is realized by the consumption of virtual currency set by the one user. Therefore, for example, matching (multiplayer) with a user desired by one user, such as a famous user like a professional gamer, is realized. On the other hand, since the consumption of virtual currency is required for matching with a desired user, excessive multiplayer requests to a specific user (for example, a desired user such as a famous user) may be suppressed. However, in the game of Patent Document 1, even when a confrontation with a user desired by one user is realized, there is no change in the content of the confrontation game itself. That is, even in a confrontation with a user desired by consuming virtual currency, or in a confrontation with a general user without consuming virtual currency, one user can only play a confrontation game with the same content. As a result, playing with a specific user such as a famous user is considered sufficient once, and it does not lead to repeated play with the same user, and there is a possibility that the charm possessed by the specific user cannot be fully utilized.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game system or the like that can cause different progressions according to whether or not there is a special user in a group in a game that progresses in units of groups.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The game system of the present invention is a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to the maximum number of members, through an output device for providing the game and an input device for inputting play actions for the game, comprising: user determination means for determining whether or not there is a special user as a user who satisfies special conditions in the group; and progress switching means for switching the progress of the game according to whether or not there is the special user in the group, between a normal progression applied when the special user does not exist in the group and a special progression applied when the special user exists in the group, which is different from the normal progression.

[0007] On the other hand, the computer program of the present invention is configured to cause a computer connected to the output device and the input device to function as each means of the game system described above.

[0008] Further, the control method of the present invention includes a user determination procedure for determining whether or not there is a special user as a user who satisfies special conditions in the group in a computer incorporated in a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to the maximum number of members, through an output device for providing the game and an input device for inputting a play action for the game, a normal progress applied when the special user does not exist in the group, and a special progress applied when the special user exists in the group as a progress different from the normal progress, and a progress switching procedure for switching the progress of the game according to whether or not the special user exists in the group.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the game system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The game system 1 includes a center server 2 and a plurality of game machines 3 as client devices that can be connected to the center server 2 via a predetermined network 5. The center server 2 is configured as a single logical server device by combining server units 2A, 2B,... as a plurality of computer devices. However, the center server 2 may be configured by a single server unit. Alternatively, the center server 2 may be logically configured using cloud computing.

[0011] As the game machine 3, an appropriate computer device that provides games may be used. Such a computer device includes, for example, a user terminal device. The user terminal device is a computer device that can be connected to a network and is used for personal use by the user. For example, such a computer device includes a stationary or book-type personal computer, a stationary home game machine, or a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a portable game machine, or a portable tablet terminal device. Although various such computer devices may be appropriately used as the game machine 3, in the example of FIG. 1, a commercial (business-use) game machine is used as the game machine 3. The commercial game machine is an example of a game device and is a game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 3 is sometimes called an arcade game machine and is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store 6 for the main purpose of repeatedly allowing a large number of users to play games and increase profits.

[0012] The game machine 3 provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user up to the capacity. That is, the game machine 3 provides a type of game that progresses in common among a plurality of users grouped by matching. As such a game, the game machine 3 may appropriately provide various games such as, for example, an action game, a role-playing game, a simulation game, or a music game. As an example, a quiz game is provided. The quiz game is a type of game in which a user answers a posed question and the correctness of the answer is evaluated. The quiz game may be a cooperative type of game in which groups (teams) cooperate, but hereinafter, the case where the quiz game is configured as a competitive type of game in which achievements are competed within a group will be described.

[0013] The network 5 may be configured as appropriate as long as it can connect the game machines 3 to the center server 2. As an example, the network 5 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP / IP protocol. Typically, it is constructed by connecting the Internet 5A as a WAN and LANs 5B and 5C that connect the center server 2 and each of the game machines 3 to the Internet 5A via a router 5D. Note that a local server may be installed between the game machine 3 and the router 5D of the store 6, and the game machine 3 may be communicably connected to the center server 2 via the local server. The server units 2A, 2B... of the center server 2 may be connected to each other by the WAN 5A instead of, or in addition to, the LAN 5C.

[0014] The center server 2 provides various game machine services to the game machines 3 or their users. The game machine services may appropriately include various services necessary for the game machine 3 to provide a quiz game. As an example, it includes a matching service and a progress assistance service. The matching service is a service that matches users with each other when a plurality of users play a quiz game via the network 5. A group as opponents may be formed as appropriate, but is formed, for example, through such a matching service. That is, in the quiz game, through the matching service, each user who uses each game machine 3 installed in the same store 6 or different stores 6 is matched as an opponent.

[0015] Also, the matching service includes a normal matching service and a special matching service. The normal matching service is a service for realizing normal matching. In normal matching, each user is treated uniformly as in general matching and is alternatively matched to one of the groups for playing the quiz game.

[0016] On the one hand, a special matching service is a service for realizing special matching. In special matching, among a plurality of users to be grouped, some users are distinguished as special users from other users (hereinafter sometimes referred to as general users), and those special users and general users are matched so as to form one group.

[0017] Specifically, in the special matching service, a request for grouping (matching) with special users is received from general users, and general users are matched with special users in response to the request. Then, general users and special users are matched in response to the request, but special users are allowed to belong to multiple groups. That is, special users may be matched so as to belong to multiple groups (hereinafter sometimes referred to as special groups to which special users belong) through special matching. On the other hand, general users are matched so as to belong to any one of the groups in the same way as in the case of normal matching, and are distinguished from special users at least in terms of whether overlapping matching is possible. Details of the special matching service will be described later.

[0018] The progress assistance service is a service for supporting the progress of a quiz game. Such a service appropriately includes, for example, sharing the scores (correctness of answers, etc.) of each user in the group. Also, the progress assistance service may be appropriately omitted when the quiz game is configured not to require support, etc., but as an example, it is configured to support special progress in the quiz game.

[0019] Special progress is a progress different from normal progress. In a quiz game, special progress may be provided as appropriate. As an example, it is provided when a special user exists within a group. That is, when there is no special user within the group, the game progresses with normal progress, and when there is a special user within the group, the game progresses with special progress. Thus, the progress of the quiz game is switched according to the presence or absence of a special user. The role (function) of the special user may be set as appropriate, but as an example, it includes a role for switching such progress. And the progress assistance service is provided to support the progress when special progress is provided.

[0020] Special progress may be realized as appropriate, and the progress assistance service may also perform appropriate support according to the special progress. As an example, it performs support to cause at least a partially common progress among a plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs repeatedly. The common progress among the plurality of special groups may be realized as appropriate. For example, it may be realized as the synchronization of time such as the start time when the quiz game starts at the same time, or the time when each question is presented in the case of including a plurality of questions, or it may be realized as the synchronization of the presented range (for example, the genre when the questions are classified by genre). As an example, it is realized as the synchronization of questions. Also, the synchronization of questions may occur only in the questions presented to the special user when one play of the quiz game includes a plurality of questions, but as an example, it occurs in all of the plurality of questions including the questions for the special user. That is, in the case of special progress, the presentation of questions is controlled so that all of the plurality of questions are common as a part of the progress among the plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs. The progress assistance service performs support to realize such synchronization of questions as an example. Specifically, through the progress assistance service, the questions to be presented to the plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs are determined by the center server 2, and the determined questions are shared by the game machines 3 of each user forming the plurality of special groups so that the determined questions are actually presented in the quiz game. The details of the special progress will be described later.

[0021] In addition, the game console service may also include, among other things, a distribution service that distributes and updates the programs or data of the game console 3 via the network 5, a service that receives the user's identification information from the game console 3 and authenticates the user, a service that receives and stores the play data of the authenticated user from the game console 3, or a service that provides the play data to be stored to the game console 3. Furthermore, the game console service may appropriately include a charging service that collects fees from users, etc.

[0022] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the main part of the control system of the game system 1 will be described. First, the center server 2 is provided with a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22 as a storage means. The control unit 21 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various arithmetic processes and operation controls according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation.

[0023] The storage unit 22 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (a computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk array. The storage unit 22 may be configured to hold all data on one storage unit, or may be configured to store data distributed among a plurality of storage units. Recorded in the storage unit 22 is a server program PG1 as an example of a computer program that causes the control unit 21 to execute various processes necessary for providing various services to users. Also recorded in the storage unit 22 is server data SD necessary for providing various services. The server data SD includes various data necessary for providing various services. Such data may appropriately include various data for quiz games, but in the example of FIG. 2, play data PD and question data QD are shown.

[0024] Play data PD is data in which information regarding the past play performance of each user is described. The play data PD is used, for example, to carry over the play results (past performance) up to the previous time to after the next time, or to carry over the settings specific to each user. The play data PD may be used, for example, for identifying each user such as a special user or a general user. Also, the quiz game may be configured to rank each user according to past results, or to form a plurality of leagues according to the ranking or the like, and in such a case, the play data PD is also used for managing the ranking, the league to which the user belongs, and the like.

[0025] Question data QD is data used for managing the questions presented in the quiz game and the answers to those questions. For this reason, various questions and the answers corresponding to each question are described in association with each other in the question data QD. The question data QD may appropriately include various types of information related to the presentation of each question, such as the genre to which each question belongs and hints, among other things.

[0026] In addition, the control unit 21 is provided with various logical devices realized by the combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 21 and the server program PG1 as software resources. The control unit 21 is appropriately provided with various logical devices. In the example of FIG. 2, the game machine service management unit 24 is shown. The game machine service management unit 24 is a logical device that executes processes for providing the above-described services for the game machine. Therefore, such processes include the above-described matching service and various processes for realizing the progress assistance service. For example, the game machine service management unit 24 executes well-known processes for realizing normal matching (in other words, the normal matching service). Similarly, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing special matching (in other words, the special matching service). For example, such processes include special matching processes. In addition, the game machine service management unit 24 executes various processes for realizing the progress assistance service. For example, such processes include synchronization control processes. Details of the procedures for the special matching process and the synchronization control process will be described later. Note that input devices such as keyboards and output devices such as monitors may be connected to the control unit 21 as necessary. However, their illustrations are omitted.

[0027] On the other hand, the game machine 3 is provided with a control unit 31 as a computer and a storage unit 32 as a storage means. The control unit 31 is configured as a computer that combines a CPU as an example of a processor that executes various processes according to a predetermined computer program and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation. The control unit 31 is provided with various logical devices realized by the combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG2 as software resources. In the example of FIG. 2, the matching unit 36, the operation determination unit 37, the display control unit 38, and the progress control unit 39 are shown.

[0028] The matching unit 36 is a logical device that executes various processes related to matching through a matching service. For example, the matching unit 36 requests the center server 2 for matching to play a quiz game, obtains the result, and executes a process of identifying a plurality of users belonging to each group. Therefore, for example, when a general user wishes to belong to a special group, the process of requesting matching for that purpose is executed by the matching unit 36.

[0029] The operation determination unit 37 is a logical device that executes various processes for determining the operations of users playing a quiz game. The operations of users may not be utilized, and in that case, the operation determination unit 37 may be omitted. However, as an example, the operations of users are utilized for playing the game. Also, the operations of users may be utilized as appropriate. For example, in a quiz game, the input of an answer (including the case where an operation is required as an answer) or various play actions such as a request for a hint may be utilized. However, as an example, it is utilized so as to be reflected in the operations of each character appearing in the quiz game.

[0030] Specifically, the quiz game may be provided as appropriate. For example, it may be provided so that questions are presented by voice and answers are input through the speaker SP and the microphone MI described later. However, as an example, it is provided so that questions are presented on the game screen and answers are input by touch operations through the monitor MO and the touch panel TP described later. Similarly, the game screen may be configured as appropriate, and the quiz game may also be provided as appropriate through the game screen. However, as an example, the game screen includes a character (sometimes called a user character) as an avatar corresponding to each user, and the quiz game progresses through that user character. Then, the actual operations of the user are reflected in the operations of that user character on the game screen. Therefore, the processes executed by the operation determination unit 37 include, for example, processes of determining the operations of each user and determining the operations of the character based on the determination result.

[0031] The display control unit 38 is a logical device that executes various processes for controlling the display of a game screen for playing a quiz game. Such processes include, for example, processes of presenting a problem on the game screen and presenting its answer. Similarly, the processes executed by the display control unit 38 include processes of displaying a user character reflecting the user's actions on the game screen (causing the user character to execute actions according to the user's actions) and arranging the user character at an appropriate position. For example, as one of the processes for arranging a character, the display control unit 38 executes a character arrangement process. Details of the procedure of the character arrangement process will be described later.

[0032] The progress control unit 39 is a logical device that executes various processes for controlling the progress of a quiz game. The progress control unit 39 can appropriately execute various processes related to the progress of the quiz game. For example, it executes processes of determining whether the answers of each user (user character) are correct and aggregating the results. Further, the progress control unit 39 executes processes of switching the progress of the game between normal progress and special progress and realizing the progress according to the normal progress or special progress. For example, as one of the processes for switching the progress of the game, the progress control unit 39 executes a progress switching process. Details of the procedure of the progress switching process will be described later.

[0033] The storage unit 32 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit including a non-volatile storage medium (a computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk and a semiconductor storage device. Various data are recorded in the storage unit 32 together with the game program PG2 described above. In the example of FIG. 2, game data GD is shown. The game data GD is data for allowing the user to play a quiz game according to the game program PG2. The game data GD may include various data such as image data for displaying various images for the quiz game and BGM data for playing various BGMs. In the example of FIG. 2, play data PD and question data QD are shown.

[0034] The game data GD may be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method. For example, it may be pre-installed in the game machine 3, or may be stored in the storage unit 32 via various recording media. Thus, the game data GD can be stored in the storage unit 32 by an appropriate method. As an example, the play data PD and the question data QD are provided from the center server 2 through a distribution service so as to include necessary parts.

[0035] In addition, various output devices and input devices necessary for an arcade game machine may be appropriately provided in the game machine 3 and connected to the control unit 31. In the example of FIG. 2, a monitor MO and a speaker SP are connected as output devices. That is, the output devices provided in the game machine 3 include the monitor MO and the speaker SP. The monitor MO is a display device for displaying a game screen including various images for a quiz game. The monitor MO displays various game screens (images) for providing a quiz game according to an output signal from the control unit 31. In this example, the monitor MO functions as the output device of the present invention.

[0036] The speaker SP is an audio output device for reproducing various sounds. The speaker SP may be used appropriately. For example, it may be used for presenting questions as described above. As an example, it is used for reproducing various sounds such as BGM. Specifically, the speaker SP reproduces various sounds such as BGM for a quiz game according to an output signal from the control unit 31.

[0037] On the other hand, as an example of the input device connected to the control unit 31, a camera CA, a touch panel TP, and a microphone MI are shown in the example of FIG. 2. The camera CA is a well-known optical device for photographing a user who plays the game machine 3. The camera CA outputs the photographing result to the control unit 31. When the user's actions are reflected in the user character, various detection devices for detecting the user's actions (motions) may be appropriately provided in the game machine 3. In the example of FIG. 2, the camera CA is provided as an example of such a detection device.

[0038] The touch panel TP is a well-known input device that outputs a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation (an operation of touching with a finger). In the game machine 3, various play actions for playing a quiz game may be input via an appropriate input device. In the example of FIG. 2, a touch panel TP is provided for inputting a touch operation as a play action. The touch operation is used for various selections such as, for example, selection of a question genre or selection of an answer in a quiz game. The touch panel TP outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the touch operation to the control unit 31. In this example, the touch panel TP functions as the input device of the present invention.

[0039] The microphone MI is a well-known acoustic device that converts sound into an electrical signal. The microphone MI may be used as appropriate, and may be used, for example, for input of an answer as described above. As an example, it is used for input of sound emitted by a user. For example, in a quiz game, talk by a special user or the like may be permitted, and the microphone MI is used for input of such talk (sound). Specifically, the microphone MI converts the sound emitted by the user into an electrical signal and outputs the signal to the control unit 31. Note that the game machine 3 may be provided with various other input devices and output devices provided in business-use game devices. For example, such input devices include a price collection device for collecting a predetermined price. However, these are not shown in the drawings.

[0040] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, details of the special matching service will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the special matching service. Further, (1) in FIG. 3 shows a request when the special matching is executed, and (2) shows the matching (special matching) based on the request. As shown in (1) of FIG. 3, in the special matching service, each user U is distinguished into a special user SU and a general user NU, and matching is requested so that the general user NU hopes to be matched with the special user SU in the same group as the special user SU.

[0041] A request for matching with a special user SU (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a special request) may have a set possible period. As an example, a predetermined capacity (in other words, the maximum number of special groups) is set, and when that capacity is reached, the request is closed (the possible period may also be used in combination). Information such as the reception of such special requests, the remaining number of available matches, or the possible period may be appropriately notified to the general user NU. Also, the special request may be realized via a device separate from the game machine 3, but as an example, it is realized via the game machine 3 in the same way as normal matching. Specifically, for example, various user terminal devices may be appropriately connected to the center server 2 in addition to the game machine 3. In that case, the special request may be realized by a reservation service provided in advance through the user terminal device, but as an example, it is executed through the game machine 3 during the play of a quiz game. Furthermore, the special request may have appropriate restrictions such as the playing status such as the participation right given through skill (level), play time, play, etc., or time limits, etc., but as an example, any general user NU can freely request without such restrictions.

[0042] The special user SU is a user U among each user U who satisfies special conditions. Various conditions may be appropriately set as the special conditions. For example, conditions such as the play status at a predetermined level may be used. That is, a user U at a predetermined level or higher may function as the special user SU. Alternatively, as the special user SU, a specific non-player character (NPC) controlled through technologies such as AI may function, and the special conditions may be set to identify such a specific NPC. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of special users SU as such special users, and the special conditions may be set to identify the group. In this case, the plurality of special users SU may be treated as one team (hereinafter, may be called a special user team), and requests may be executed in units of that team. When a request is executed for the special user team, the special user SU belonging to each special group SG may be an appropriate special user of the special user team, and may be determined under appropriate conditions such as being random from the special user team or being designated by a representative of the special user team. In this way, various users U (including computers) may be appropriately set as the special user SU through special conditions, and special requests may be executed in appropriate units. However, in the example of FIG. 3, as the special condition, the designation result by an appropriate designee such as the operator of the center server 2 or the operator of the store 6 is used, and one user U (appropriately managed through play data PD, etc.) designated in advance by those designees functions as the special user SU. In this case, a request is executed for that one special user SU.

[0043] In the case of a special request, as shown in (2) of FIG. 3, the special user SU is not limited to one group, but is overlapped and matched to belong to a plurality of groups. Specifically, the special user SU is allowed to belong to a plurality of groups, and a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs overlappedly are formed through special matching. Also, in these special groups SG, the game is played so as to proceed in parallel. Each special group SG may belong to an appropriate number of special users SU. For example, two special users SU may be matched to each special group SG, but in the example of FIG. 3, one special user SU is matched to each special group SG. That is, the same one special user SU individually requested from each general user NU belongs to a plurality of special groups SG overlappedly. Also, the maximum number of members in one group (unit of play) may be set to an appropriate number, but in the example of FIG. 3, it is set to 5 people. For this reason, each special group SG is formed by one special user SU and four general users NU.

[0044] Special matching, in other words, the matching that forms a plurality of special groups SG to which one special user SU belongs overlappedly may be realized as appropriate. For example, a frame (room) may be formed in advance with one special user SU assigned as the maximum number of members corresponding to each special group SG, and special matching may be realized by each general user NU making a matching request for each such frame. In this way, special matching can be realized as appropriate, but as an example, it is realized by forming each special group SG for each maximum number of members according to the number of requests for the special user SU. Specifically, special matching is realized by matching one special user SU and four general users NU for each request of four general users NU with the same one special user SU. Also, in the quiz game, play in a group with a number of people less than the maximum number of members may be allowed, for example, when a requestable period based on a time limit is provided. In this case, in special matching, a special group SG with a number of people less than the maximum number of members may be formed as the period ends (time up).

[0045] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the roles of special users SU in the special group SG. The special group SG functions as a single unit for playing a quiz game, and different roles are assigned to the special users SU and the general users NU within the special group SG. The example of FIG. 4 shows the roles of the special user SU and the general user NU in such a case. Also, each user U of the special group SG may play the quiz game while sharing one game machine 3, but the example of FIG. 4 shows the case where each user U plays the quiz game through separate game machines 3 connected via the network 5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the special user SU and each general user NU play the quiz game through separate game machines 3, but a common game screen 50 is displayed on each game machine 3, and different roles are set on the game screen 50.

[0046] Specifically, the role of an answerer is set for each general user NU. The answerer is the role of answering questions in the quiz game. On the other hand, two roles, namely the role of a game host (emcee) and the role of an answerer, are set for the special user SU. The game host is the role of taking charge of the progress of the quiz game. The special user SU may take on an appropriate role different from that of the general user NU. For example, the special user SU may only take on the role of the game host in the quiz game, but as an example, the special user SU takes on both a game host different from that of the general user NU and an answerer similar to that of the general user NU. That is, the special user SU participates in the quiz game as both a game host and an answerer.

[0047] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the normal progress and special progress that occur in the quiz game will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the difference between the normal progress and the special progress in the quiz game. More specifically, the example of FIG. 5 shows the flow of the normal progress and the special progress in the quiz game. Further, the special progress may be an appropriate progress different from the normal progress. For example, it may include appropriate elements different from the normal progress such as the number of questions to be asked, the answering time for each question, the presence or absence of hints, the presence or absence of explanations, or the presence or absence of a present corner (a process for presents). As an example, although it includes the same processes as the normal progress, the content of some processes is different. The example of FIG. 5 shows the difference between the normal progress and the special progress in such a case. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the progress of the quiz game is switched between the normal progress and the special progress according to whether there is a special user SU in the group. However, both the normal progress and the special progress include five processes in order: various preparations, practice questions, main questions, result aggregation, and result announcement.

[0048] The various preparations are the processes in which the preparations for starting the quiz game are executed. Such preparations include, for example, the sharing of information of each user U belonging to the same group. In addition, other various elements such as the opportunity to select the genre of the question range (the type of questions to be asked) may be included if possible. Further, the selection in the opportunity to select may be realized as appropriate. For example, it may be realized by a method such as a majority vote, or by a method such as the first selection result by any user U in the group or the selection result by the representative.

[0049] The practice questions are the process in which quizzes (questions) as practice questions (questions that do not affect grades) are presented. The main exam questions are the process in which quizzes (questions) as the main exam (questions that affect grades) are presented. An appropriate number of questions (quizzes) may be prepared for the main exam questions, and for example, multiple questions are included. Result aggregation is the process in which grades (results of the correctness of answers to questions) in the main exam questions are aggregated. Result announcement is the process in which the grades aggregated in result aggregation are announced (shared) to each user U within the group. The processes other than the main exam questions may be omitted as appropriate, but for example, in normal operation, these processes are executed so as to proceed to each process in order by automatic control according to a predetermined rule.

[0050] The predetermined rules for proceeding to each process may be set as appropriate. For example, when a specific selection is completed, or when the last question presentation is completed, it is set to a specific play situation (situational rule) corresponding to the process, and normal operation may proceed to the next process every time a specific play situation ends. Alternatively, each process may be provided according to a time rule (time schedule) such as the elapse of a predetermined time. In this way, the predetermined rules can be set as appropriate, but for example, a situational rule and a time rule are combined and set as appropriate. That is, each process is provided so as to proceed to the next process in order when a specific play situation ends, when a predetermined time has elapsed, or when both of them occur.

[0051] On the one hand, the special progress includes the same processes as the normal progress, but is different from the normal progress at least in the processes of various preparations, practice questions, result aggregation, and result announcement. Specifically, in the special progress, the switching to the next process (ending in the case of result announcement) in various preparations, practice questions, result aggregation, and result announcement is not automatic control according to a predetermined rule, but is executed by manual control based on the progress instruction by the special user SU. The role of the special user SU (the person in charge of progress) in the game may be set as appropriate, but for example, it includes the progress control of each process based on such a progress instruction. The progress instruction may be executed as appropriate, for example, by voice input through the microphone MI, but is executed through the touch panel TP as a touch operation corresponding to the progress instruction. In this example, the special progress functions as the user progress of the present invention.

[0052] In addition, various other roles, such as the leader in the special group SG, may be appropriately set for the special user SU. Such roles include, for example, the application of various rules such as shortening the answer time (time limit) when various selections are provided to the special user SU and a time limit is provided for each question, or the role of switching each question when the main exam questions include multiple questions (in this case, talk may intervene between questions). These roles may be appropriately set for the special user SU in addition to the progress instruction. As an example, a role of selecting a genre in the genre selection opportunity for selecting the genre of the question range (even at least some of the questions) is further set.

[0053] For example, in various preparations, conversations such as self-introductions are permitted and are realized through the progress of the special user SU. Also, when a genre selection opportunity is provided in various preparations, the genre is selected by the special user SU. In practice problems, various conversations such as hints and conversations for relaxation are permitted and are realized through the progress of the special user SU. Similarly, in result aggregation, various conversations for the purpose of, for example, livening up the result announcement are permitted, and in result announcements, various conversations such as summarizing the results and saying goodbye are permitted, and each is realized through the progress of the special user SU. That is, in special progress, various conversations by the special user SU are appropriately inserted in each process. And these conversations are freely executed at the discretion of the special user SU. For this reason, the end time is not uniformly set and is manually switched based on the progress instructions by the special user SU.

[0054] The conversations in each process may be appropriately realized. As an example, the special user SU is provided with a communication (voice chat) function via the game machine 3. The communication function is a function for sharing the voice input through the microphone MI with other users U. The special user SU executes conversations through this communication function in each process of special progress. The difference between special progress and normal progress may be appropriately realized as, for example, other differences such as the presence or absence of processes, such as a present corner being provided in special progress after the result announcement. As an example, it is realized in this way.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the game screen 50 for the quiz game will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the game screen 50 for the quiz game. The quiz game may include various game screens for play, but the example of FIG. 6 shows, as one type of such a game screen, the process of the main questions in the quiz game, that is, the game screen for display during question presentation and answer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the answer screen). Further, the example of FIG. 6 shows the answer screen 50 when the special group SG plays the quiz game. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the answer screen 50 includes a user character 51, an answer seat 52, a question display area 53, and a time limit area 54.

[0056] The user character 51 is a character as the avatar (embodiment) of each user U as described above. The user character 51 includes a general user character 51N corresponding to the general user NU and a special user character 51S corresponding to the special user SU. Specifically, the number of user characters 51 corresponding to the number of users U forming the special group SG is displayed on the answer screen 50. In the example of FIG. 6, five user characters 51 including four general user characters 51N respectively corresponding to four general users NU and one special user character 51S corresponding to one special user SU are displayed. In this example, the special user character 51S and the general user character 51N function as the special character and the general character of the present invention, respectively.

[0057] The answer seat 52 is the position where the character functioning as the answerer in the quiz game should be placed. The answer screen 50 is provided with the number of answer seats 52 corresponding to the number of user characters 51. In the example of FIG. 6, since the special user SU functions as both the progress controller and the answerer, five answer seats 52 corresponding to the five user characters 51 are provided side by side at equal intervals. Each answer seat 52 is provided with an answer display section 52A on which the answer of each user character 51 (in other words, each user U) to the posed question is displayed. Also, the user characters 51 may be appropriately arranged on each answer seat 52. For example, the special user character 51S and the general user character 51N may be arranged without distinction in the same way, but as an example, they are arranged so as to be distinguished according to their roles. Specifically, the answer seat 52 includes a general answer seat 52N and a special answer seat 52S.

[0058] The general answer seat 52N is the answer seat 52 where the general user character 51N among the user characters 51 should be placed. The general user characters 51N may be appropriately arranged on the general answer seat 52N. For example, they may be arranged according to past achievements such as level, but as an example, they are arranged randomly. That is, the four general user characters 51N are randomly arranged on the four general answer seats 52N respectively.

[0059] On the other hand, the special answer seat 52S is the answer seat 52 where the special user character 51S among the user characters 51 should be placed. The special user character 51S also functions as the progress controller in the quiz game as described above. For this reason, the special answer seat 52S also functions as the position where the progress controller assisting the progress of the quiz game should be placed. When the special user character 51S does not take on the role of the answerer, a dedicated arrangement position for the progress controller may be provided separately from the answer seat 52. However, when the progress controller and the answerer have dual roles, any one of the answer seats 52 (or a plurality of answer seats 52 if there are a plurality of special users SU) functions as the special answer seat 52S where the progress controller and the answerer should be placed. In this example, the answer seat 52 and the special answer seat 52S function as the answerer position and the progress controller position of the present invention respectively.

[0060] The special answer seat 52S may be appropriately distinguished from the general answer seat 52N, and may be distinguished visually in terms of shape, color scheme, etc., but as an example, it is distinguished by the placement position. That is, the special answer seat 52S is arranged at a predetermined position for indicating the special user character 51S (the host) so as to be distinguished from the general answer seat 52N. Such a predetermined position may be set as appropriate, and may be set at various positions such as the answer seat 52 corresponding to the center among the five horizontally arranged answer seats 52, or the answer seat 52 corresponding to the left end, etc. In the example of FIG. 6, it is set at the position of the answer seat 52 corresponding to the right end. That is, the rightmost answer seat 52 among the five horizontally arranged answer seats 52 functions fixedly as the special answer seat 52S, and the special user character 51S as the host is arranged there.

[0061] The question display area 53 is an area where the questions presented as quizzes are displayed. Also, the quiz game may include various question presentation formats, and the question presentation format may be appropriately presented to each user U, but in the example of FIG. 6, it is presented through the question display area 53. That is, the question display area 53 includes information on the question presentation format in addition to the quiz questions. For example, the quiz game may include various formats such as a quick-press format in which only the user U who executes a predetermined touch operation earliest is given the right to answer, a participation-by-all format in which all users U are given a predetermined time and the right to answer, and after the elapse of the predetermined time, the answers of all users U and their correctness are presented. And, for example, in the case of the quick-press format, information such as quick-press quizzes can be presented in the question display area 53, and in the case of the participation-by-all format, information such as participation by all can be presented, but in the example of FIG. 6, the information “Flip Quick Writing Quiz!” is presented as the information on the question presentation format. “Flip Quick Writing Quiz!” is a question presentation format in which all are given the right to answer, but the correctness of the answer is in the order of those who are fast, and only the user character 51 (the general user character 51N in the middle in the example of FIG. 6) who presents the correct answer earliest is determined as the correct answer.

[0062] The time limit area 54 indicates the remaining time of the answer time (time limit), that is, the remaining time that each user U can answer. For example, in each question type such as "Flip and Quick Write Quiz!", answering may be allowed without a time limit until the correct answer appears. As an example, a time limit is provided, and the remaining time of the time limit is presented through the time limit area 54. In addition, the right to answer for each user character 51 may be appropriately restricted according to the question type, etc., such as only once for one question. However, in the example of FIG. 6, such a restriction is not provided, and multiple answers by each answerer are allowed within the time limit. That is, each user U can repeatedly present answers until the correct answer appears.

[0063] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, the special matching process, progress switching process, character placement process, and synchronization control process will be described. The special matching process is a process for realizing special matching. Special matching can be realized as appropriate. The example of FIG. 7 shows a case where the same special user SU and a general user NU for each predetermined number (the number obtained by subtracting one corresponding to the special user SU from the fixed number) are matched according to the number of requests. In addition, a possible period of the request may be provided for the special request. However, the example of FIG. 7 shows a case where a predetermined fixed number is provided. In this case, when the number of special requests reaches the predetermined fixed number, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the special matching process of FIG. 7 and first acquires requests from each user U (S101). This request includes not only special requests (requests from general users NU) but also requests from special user SU.

[0064] In addition, the special user SU may participate in the quiz game as appropriate. For example, when special matching is realized through a prior reservation service or the like, a participation invitation is executed from the center server 2 through various communication means such as e-mail at an appropriate time from the start of the reservation service to before the start of play, and the special user SU may participate in the special matching based on the invitation. That is, the special user SU may execute a matching request in response to various invitations. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 may execute a process for determining whether a request is being executed from the special user SU at an appropriate time near the predetermined capacity. If there is no request, a request may be requested (invited) from the special user SU through an appropriate communication means. Alternatively, the game machine service management unit 24 may execute the same request when the request obtained in step S101 does not include a request from the special user SU. In that case, the game machine service management unit 24 may also wait for a request from the special user SU in step S101. On the other hand, the special user SU may execute a matching request in the same manner as the general user NU so as to wait until the predetermined capacity is reached.

[0065] Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 executes special matching based on the request obtained in step S101 (step S102). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 first discriminates between a request from the special user SU and a request from the general user NU. Next, the game machine service management unit 24 matches one special user SU with a predetermined number of general users NU for each capacity, such that an appropriate number of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs overlaps are formed according to the number of requests from the general users NU. For example, when the capacity is four, every four general users are randomly matched with one special user SU, and the same matching for the same special user SU is repeatedly executed until the number of general users becomes zero. The predetermined capacity of the special request is set according to the capacity of the special group SG. However, for example, when the special request is executed under a time limit, matching between less than four general users NU and the special user SU may be allowed in the last matching. That is, the matching may be executed such that the formation of a special group SG that does not reach the capacity is allowed. As an example, the game machine service management unit 24 executes special matching in this way.

[0066] Next, the game machine service management unit 24 provides the matching result of step S102 to each game machine 3 (step S103). Specifically, information on five users U (including the special user SU) of the special group SG to which the user belongs is provided to the game machine 3 used by each user U. Then, after providing the matching result, the game machine service management unit 24 ends the current special matching process. Thereby, special matching is realized. Specifically, overlapping matching of the special user SU is allowed according to the number of special requests, and a plurality of special groups SG to which the same special user SU belongs overlaps are formed.

[0067] The switching process is a process for switching the game progress between normal progress and special progress. The switching between normal progress and special progress may be appropriately realized based on various conditions. The example in FIG. 8 shows a case where it is realized according to whether there is a special user SU in the group, in other words, whether the group playing the game corresponds to a special group SG. In this case, when the progress control unit 39 obtains the matching result through, for example, the special matching process in FIG. 7, it starts the progress switching process in FIG. 8, and first determines whether there is a special user SU in the group for play obtained as the matching result, in other words, whether the group to be played corresponds to the special group SG (step S201). Then, when there is no special user SU, that is, when the group to be played does not correspond to the special group SG, the progress control unit 39 skips the subsequent processes and ends the current progress switching process. In this case, the progress of the quiz game is not switched and is provided in the normal progress as usual.

[0068] On the other hand, when there is a special user SU, that is, when the group to be played corresponds to the special group SG, the progress control unit 39 switches the game progress from normal progress to special progress (step S202). For example, as in the example of FIG. 5, when the automatic switching progress in which the switching of each process is automatically controlled by the game is provided as the normal progress and the manual switching progress in which the switching of some processes is controlled manually by the special user SU is provided as the special progress, the progress control unit 39 switches the game progress from the automatic switching progress as the normal progress to the manual switching progress as the special progress. Then, after switching the game progress, the progress control unit 39 ends the current progress switching process.

[0069] According to the procedure of FIG. 8, when there is a special user SU in the group (corresponding to the special group SG), the game progress is switched from the normal progress to the special progress. More specifically, when the group to be played corresponds to the special group SG, the game progress is switched to manual switching and changes to the ad-hoc switching by the special user SU. On the other hand, when the group to be played does not correspond to the special group SG, the game progresses in the normal progress. More specifically, each process of the game progresses so as to be automatically switched along a predetermined rule such as a time schedule. As a result, the switching of the game progress between the normal progress and the special progress is realized according to whether there is a special user SU in the group (whether it corresponds to the special group SG).

[0070] The character placement process is a process for placing each user character 51 at an appropriate position on the game screen. The quiz game may include various game screens, but the example of FIG. 9 shows a process for placing each user character 51 at an appropriate position on the answer screen 50. In this case, the display control unit 38 starts the character placement process of FIG. 9 every time the display timing of the answer screen 50 arrives, and first determines the type of each user character 51 (step S301). Each user character 51 can be classified into an appropriate type. As an example, on the answer screen 50, it is classified into a general user character 51N and a special user character 51S. In this case, the display control unit 38 determines whether each user character 51 corresponds to either the general user character 51N or the special user character 51S.

[0071] Subsequently, the display control unit 38 determines the arrangement positions where each user character 51 should be arranged on the answer screen 50 (step S302). When all the user characters 51 are general user characters 51N, on the answer screen 50, any of the five answer seats 52 is determined to be an appropriate position as the arrangement position for each general user character 51N. Therefore, the display control unit 38 randomly assigns each answer seat 52 to each general user character 51N. Then, the display control unit 38 determines the assigned answer seat 52 as the arrangement position for each general user character 51N. On the other hand, when any one of the user characters 51 corresponds to the special user character 51S, on the answer screen 50, the rightmost answer seat 52 indicating the facilitator is determined as the appropriate position where the special user character 51S should be arranged. Therefore, the display control unit 38 assigns the rightmost answer seat 52 to the special user character 51S and determines the rightmost answer seat 52 as the arrangement position for the special user character 51S. On the other hand, on the answer screen 50, any of the remaining four answer seats 52 is determined to be an appropriate position as the arrangement position for the remaining four general user characters 51N. Therefore, the display control unit 38 randomly assigns the remaining four answer seats 52 to the four general user characters 51N and determines the answer seat 52 assigned to each general user character 51N as the arrangement position for each general user character 51N.

[0072] Next, the display control unit 38 arranges each user character 51 at the arrangement position determined in step S302 (step S303). Specifically, the display control unit 38 controls the display of the monitor MO so that each user character 51 is displayed at the arrangement position determined in step S302 on the answer screen 50. Then, after arranging each user character 51, the display control unit 38 ends the current character arrangement process. As a result, each user character 51 is arranged at an appropriate position on the answer screen 50. Specifically, for example, in the case of the special group SG (when there is a special user SU in the group), on the answer screen 50, the special user character 51S is arranged at the rightmost answer seat 52, and each general user character 51N is randomly arranged at the remaining four answer seats 52. Specifically, the special user character 51S is arranged at the special answer seat 52S indicating the progress role, and the remaining general user characters 51N are uniformly arranged at the general answer seats 52N indicating general answerers. That is, each user character 51 is arranged at the answer seat 52 corresponding to the role on the answer screen 50.

[0073] The synchronization control process is a process for controlling the progress of the game so that at least a part of the progress is common among a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly. The common progress that occurs among the plurality of special groups SG may be appropriate progress. However, the example in FIG. 10 shows a case where the questions presented in the quiz game function as the common progress, that is, the case where the question presentation among the plurality of special groups SG is controlled so that the questions are common. Further, such commonality of questions may occur only in the questions presented to the special user SU. However, the example in FIG. 10 shows a case where it occurs in all questions when the quiz game includes a plurality of questions, that is, the case where the question presentation among the plurality of special groups SG is controlled so that all questions (for example, all questions of practice questions and main questions) presented in the quiz game are common among the plurality of special groups SG. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 starts the synchronization control process of FIG. 10 every time the various preparation processes are completed, and first identifies the special group SG for which the questions should be made common (step S401). The commonality of questions is executed in a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly. Therefore, the game machine service management unit 24 identifies, in step S401, a plurality of special groups SG to which the special users SU included in the special group SG for which the current quiz game is provided belong redundantly.

[0074] Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 determines the question presentation conditions to be reflected in the questions to be presented (step S402). The question presentation conditions may be set as appropriate and may be omitted (in that case, the process of step 402 may also be omitted). For example, the genre of the questions to be presented is used. In this case, the special user SU is given the right to select in the genre selection opportunity so that a common genre is selected among the plurality of special groups SG. Also, the genre selected in any one special group SG (for example, the special group SG to which the various preparation processes are first provided) may be automatically reflected in the selection of the genre in the other special groups SG. In this case, the game machine service management unit 24 determines, in step S402, the genre selected by the special user SU as the question presentation condition.

[0075] Next, the game machine service management unit 24 determines a question to be presented based on the presentation conditions in step S403 (step S403). Specifically, the game machine service management unit 24 randomly determines a predetermined number (the number of questions required for presentation) of questions from the genres selected by the special user SU among a large number of questions prepared in advance as the questions to be presented.

[0076] Subsequently, the game machine service management unit 24 transmits the determination result of step S403 to all the special groups SG so that the questions to be presented determined in step S403 are shared by all the special groups SG determined in step S401 and are actually presented (step S404). After this transmission, the game machine service management unit 24 ends the current synchronization control process. As a result, all the questions presented among the plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs redundantly are made common. That is, the presentation of questions (quizzes) (the progress of the game) is controlled among the plurality of special groups SG so as to include the presentation of all the questions as a common progress.

[0077] As described above, according to this form, when there is a special user SU in the group, the progress of the game is switched to a special progress different from the normal progress applied when there is no special user SU in the group. That is, the progress of the quiz game is switched between the normal progress and the special progress according to whether there is a special user SU in the group. Specifically, when there is no special user SU in the group, the game progresses in the normal progress in which each process such as practice questions progresses automatically according to a predetermined rule. On the other hand, when there is a special user SU in the group, the game progresses in the special progress in which an appropriate process progresses manually according to the progress instruction by the special user SU. As a result, different progress can be caused in the progress of the game according to whether there is a special user SU in the group.

[0078] For example, in special progress, since the determination of whether to proceed to the next step can be entrusted to the special user SU, it is possible to interpose a conversation between the special user SU and other general users NU. That is, in the case of special progress, it is possible to provide a conversation time with the special user SU as a progress that does not occur in the case of normal progress. As a result, by utilizing the special progress including such a conversation time, it is possible to give a privilege to the opportunity to play with the special user SU. Furthermore, by using such a conversation time (privilege), the opportunity to play with the special user SU can be utilized as an event, and its charm can be improved.

[0079] Also, when steps such as practice problems proceed to the next step (are switched) according to the progress instruction of the special user SU, it is possible to give the special user SU the discretion of whether to proceed to the next step, in other words, whether to continue the conversation or end it. Therefore, by utilizing such discretion of the special user SU, the personality of the special user SU can be reflected in the progress of the game. Furthermore, the progress content (for example, the content of the conversation) can be made different for each opportunity to play, and the uniqueness of each opportunity to play can also be improved. As a result, the event nature of the opportunity to play with the special user SU, and thus the charm of the opportunity to play with the special user SU, can be further improved. As a result, it is possible to promote the play with the special user SU, and thus lead to the charm of the game and the promotion of play.

[0080] Furthermore, in the special matching, matching with a special user SU is requested from each general user NU, and based on the request, the special user SU is matched with each general user NU so as to belong to a plurality of special groups SG in an overlapping manner. That is, in response to a request from the general user NU, matching is executed so that a plurality of special groups SG to which the special user SU belongs in an overlapping manner are formed with the special user SU as the axis. As a result, the special user SU can be made to belong to a plurality of special groups SG in which the game progresses in parallel. As a result, compared to the case where the special user SU can belong to only one group in a single play, the number of users matched with the special user SU, and thus the opportunity to play with the special user SU, can be increased. For this reason, it is possible to respond to a relatively large number of requests from many requests to play with the special user SU. In particular, this is effective when the eventfulness and attractiveness of the opportunity to play with the special user SU are improved through special progress.

[0081] On the other hand, when a plurality of special groups SG are formed, the burden on the special user SU who belongs to them simultaneously may increase, but the burden can be reduced through partial commonality of the progress. Specifically, for example, when the questions to be presented are made common among a plurality of special groups SG to which the same special user SU belongs in an overlapping manner, the consideration of the special user SU regarding the questions to be presented can be made common among the plurality of special groups SG. Thereby, compared with the case where different questions are presented among a plurality of special groups SG, the burden on the special user SU regarding the consideration of the questions can be reduced.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the progress control unit 39 of the game machine 3 functions as the user discrimination means and the progress switching means of the present invention by executing the procedure of FIG. 8. Specifically, the progress control unit 39 functions as the user discrimination means by executing step S201 of FIG. 8, and functions as the progress switching means by executing step S202. Further, the display control unit 38 of the game machine 3 functions as the character arrangement means of the present invention by executing the procedure of step S303 of FIG. 9.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in a form with appropriate modifications or changes. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the special group SG is formed through special matching. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the special group SG may be formed through normal matching. That is, the special user SU may be matched with other general users NU not only through the overlapping special matching but also through normal matching. Alternatively, the special user SU may be set post hoc to a group formed through normal matching. That is, after a group is formed by the general users NU up to the capacity through normal matching, the special user SU may be set from the users U belonging to the group based on various special conditions.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, special progress is used as a privilege for playing with the special user SU. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, various privileges such as granting of various items and points, or unlocking of special music in a music game may be set for playing with the special user SU. Therefore, special matching (overlapping matching) may be utilized for the matching for these various privileges. In other words, the special matching for overlappingly matching the special user SU may be provided independently of the special progress. Further, when a plurality of privilege candidates are prepared, the privilege set for playing with the special user SU may be selected by the special user SU from those candidates. That is, the special user SU may be given the right to select the privilege set for playing.

[0085] Also, in the above-described form, in the quiz game, the special user SU not only serves as the host but also serves as the answerer. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the special user SU does not have to serve as the answerer. In this case, the special user character 51S corresponding to the special user SU may be appropriately distinguished from the general user character 51N on the game screen such as the answer screen 50. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the answer screen 50 according to a modified example. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the special user character 51S is displayed so as to be distinguished from the general user character 51N at the answer seat 52 so as to indicate a role of a host different from the answerer. Such a distinction may be realized as appropriate. In the example of FIG. 11, the special user character 51S is displayed on the answer screen 50 so that the whole body is displayed, unlike the general user character 51N of the answerer, at the dedicated arrangement at the right end indicating the host. Also, in the example of FIG. 11, it is displayed that the question is being presented by the special user character 51S. The host may appropriately include various roles, and as an example, may include such a role as the question presenter of such a question.

[0086] In the above-described form, the special user SU is given the authority to advance (switch) each process of the game through a special process. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. The special user SU may be appropriately given a part of the authority held by an administrator related to the progress (including realization) of the quiz game, such as an administrator of the center server 2 or an administrator of the game machine 3. For example, as another example of such authority, the authority to set matching (including both normal matching and special matching) may be used. That is, various matchings may be set by the special user SU. Specifically, for example, the authority related to the realization of pre-matchings such as setting a matching opportunity that is executed in advance through a reservation service, setting the period of the matching, and setting the notification of the matching may be given to the special user SU. Also, in this case, the special user SU may be given the option to choose whether or not to participate in the matching set by oneself. That is, for the matching set by the special user SU, the special user SU may or may not participate.

[0087] In the above form, common progress among a plurality of special groups SG is realized by problem generalization. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, common progress may be appropriately realized by generalizing various times such as the question-posing time of each problem, or by generalizing the question-posing format. Also, for common progress, various types of progress different from those of general users NU may be appropriately given to special users SU. For example, in the case of a quick-press type of question-posing, usually only the user U who obtains the right to answer by quick-pressing is given the opportunity to answer, but the special user SU may be given the opportunity to answer regardless of whether they have the right to answer. Specifically, for example, when the quick-press type of question-posing format is commonly applied among a plurality of special groups SG and the question-posing time is generalized, whether the special user SU can obtain the right to answer depends on the quick-press situation of the general users NU belonging to each special group SG. Therefore, if the opportunity to answer is given only when the special user SU obtains the right to answer in the same way as the general user NU, the special user SU needs to check the quick-press situation and the presence or absence of the right to answer for each special group SG. To reduce such labor and time, the special user SU is given a uniform opportunity to answer regardless of the presence or absence of the right to answer, and the answer in this opportunity to answer is reflected in the answer in the special group SG having the right to answer. Various types of progress different from those of the general user NU, such as this opportunity to answer, may be appropriately set for the special user SU.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the game machine 3 executes the processes of FIGS. 8 to 9, and the center server 2 executes the processes of FIGS. 7 and 10. As a result, the game machine 3 alone functions as the game system of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, the center server 2 may execute all or part of the role of the game machine 3 (for example, the processes of FIGS. 8 to 9). Therefore, for example, when the center server 2 executes all of the processes of FIGS. 8 to 9, the center server 2 alone (including the case where it is realized by a combination of a plurality of server devices) may function as the game system of the present invention. Alternatively, conversely, all or part of the role of the center server 2 (for example, the processes of FIGS. 7 and 10) may be executed by the game machine 3. In this case, the center server 2 may be omitted.

[0089] Various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, corresponding members illustrated in the accompanying drawings are appended in parentheses in order to facilitate the understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

[0090] The game system of the present invention is a game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to the maximum number of participants, through an output device (MO) for providing the game and an input device (TP) for inputting play actions for the game, comprising: user determination means (39) for determining whether or not there is a special user (SU) as a user who satisfies special conditions in the group; and progress switching means (39) for switching the progress of the game according to whether or not the special user exists in the group, between normal progress applied when the special user does not exist in the group and special progress applied when the special user exists in the group, which is different from the normal progress.

[0091] According to the present invention, when there is a special user in a group, the progress of the game is switched to a special progress different from the normal progress applied when there is no special user in the group. As a result, in a game that progresses in units of groups, different progress can be caused depending on whether or not there is a special user in the group. As a result, for example, by utilizing the special progress, benefits can be given to the opportunity to play with the special user. Furthermore, by using such benefits, the opportunity to play with the special user can be utilized as an event, and its appeal can be improved. By these means, the play with the special user can be promoted, and ultimately, the appeal of the game and the promotion of play can be achieved.

[0092] As games, various games that progress in units of groups such as action games, role-playing games, and simulation games may be appropriately provided. Also, the special progress may appropriately differ from the normal progress depending on the type of such games. For example, the special progress may include appropriate additional elements such as a process not included in the normal progress (for example, a present corner, etc.) or a play range (development). Or, conversely, a process included in the normal progress (for example, a process that requires time and effort, etc.) may be appropriately omitted. Also, for example, while the normal progress automatically progresses according to a predetermined rule such as a time schedule, the special progress may appropriately include manual progress by the user. That is, the progress control method may differ between the normal progress and the special progress. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the present invention, when the special user exists in the group, the progress switching means switches the progress of the game to the user progress so that the user progress that progresses based on a progress instruction input by the special user through the input device is executed as the special progress. In this case, discretion regarding the progress of the game can be given to the special user. Therefore, by utilizing such discretion of the special user, the personality of the special user can be reflected in the progress of the game, and ultimately, the appeal of the opportunity to play with the special user can be improved.

[0093] The user progress may be realized as appropriate. For example, when a quiz game is provided as a game, the special progress may include various elements different from the normal progress, such as the number of questions to be presented, the answering time for each question, the presence or absence of hints, or the presence or absence of explanations. These appropriate elements may be switched as the user progress based on the user's instructions. Also, for example, in a mode where the user progress is provided as the special progress, as the game, a quiz game including a plurality of questions presented in units of the group is provided, and the progress switching means includes switching of each question among the plurality of questions, setting of the time limit when a time limit for answering is provided for each question, and at least one of selection of the genre to which at least some of the plurality of questions belong when the plurality of questions are classified into a plurality of genres. The progress of the game may be switched to the user progress so as to be executed based on the progress instruction as the user progress.

[0094] Special users may appropriately perform various roles in the game. For example, the roles of special users may be the same as or different from those of other users. Also, when the roles of special users are different from those of other users, those roles may or may not be presented to each user. Furthermore, the roles of special users may not be related to the special progress. In other words, the special progress may be set independently of the roles of special users. On the other hand, the roles of special users may be related to the special progress. For example, as an aspect in which the quiz game of the present invention is provided, a display device (MO) that displays a game screen (50) including a character (51) corresponding to each user of the group, an answerer position (52) where an answerer who answers each of the plurality of questions should be arranged, and a progress role position (52S) where a progress role who assists in the progress of the quiz game should be arranged is used as the output device, and when the quiz game is provided through the game screen, a special character (51S) corresponding to the special user and a general character (51N) corresponding to a general user (NU) as a user other than the special user belonging to the group function as the progress role and the answerer, respectively. An aspect including a character arrangement means (38) for arranging the special character and the general character at the progress role position and the answerer position of the game screen may be adopted.

[0095] On the other hand, the computer program (PG2) of the present invention is configured to cause a computer (31) connected to the output device and the input device to function as each means of the game system described above.

[0096] Further, the control method of the present invention provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to the capacity, through an output device (MO) for providing the game and an input device (TP) for inputting play actions for the game to a computer (31) incorporated in a game system (3). The computer is made to execute a user determination procedure for determining whether or not there is a special user (SU) as a user who satisfies special conditions in the group, a normal progression applied when the special user does not exist in the group, and a progression switching procedure for switching the progression of the game according to whether or not the special user exists in the group, between the normal progression and a special progression applied when the special user exists in the group as a progression different from the normal progression. By executing the computer program or the control method of the present invention, the game system of the present invention can be realized.

[0097] (Reference Example) In the game of Patent Document 1, matching between one user and other users desired by that user for multiplayer is realized by consumption of virtual currency set by the one user. For this reason, for example, matching (multiplayer) with a user desired by one user such as a famous user like a professional gamer is realized. On the other hand, since consumption of virtual currency is required for matching with a desired user, excessive multiplayer requests to a specific user (for example, a desired user such as a famous user) may be suppressed. However, that specific user is only matched one-on-one with one user. For this reason, if many users desire to play with the same specific user, there is a possibility that many users who cannot play with the specific user will remain. In particular, when the number of specific users is small, this tendency becomes more pronounced.

[0098] Therefore, the reference example aims to provide a game system or the like that can increase the number of users matched with the special user.

[0099] The game system of the reference example is a game system (2) that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to the maximum number of members, and requests for matching to a special group (SG) to which a special user (SU) as a user satisfying special conditions belongs are obtained from each general user (NU) as a user different from the special user by a request acquisition means (36), and while the special user is overlapped and matched to the plurality of special groups such that a plurality of special groups in which the game progresses in parallel are formed as the special group, each general user is matched such that each general user belongs to any one of the plurality of special groups based on the request, and includes a matching means (36).

[0100] According to the reference example, matching with the special user is requested from each general user, and based on the request, the special user is matched with each general user so as to belong to a plurality of groups overlapped. That is, in response to a request from a general user, matching is executed so that a plurality of groups to which the special user belongs overlapped are formed with the special user as the axis. As a result, the special user can be made to belong to a plurality of groups in which the game progresses in parallel overlapped. As a result, compared to the case where the special user can belong to only one group in one play, the number of users matched with the special user can be increased. For this reason, even when there are many requests to play with the special user, relatively many requests can be responded to.

[0101] Duplicate matching of special users may be realized as appropriate. For example, in advance, a plurality of rooms for matching (frames for groups) to which special users respectively belong repeatedly may be prepared, and each general user may request to enter (belong to) each room. Then, every time the maximum number of members is reached, the users belonging to each room may be matched as one group. Alternatively, a general user may simply request matching with a special user, and according to the number of such requests, the special user may be matched with a predetermined number of general users up to the maximum number of members, and as a result, a plurality of groups to which the special users respectively belong repeatedly may be formed. Specifically, for example, in one aspect of the game system of the reference example, the matching means may match the special user and each general user so that the plurality of special groups to which the special user belongs repeatedly are formed for each maximum number of members according to the number of the requests.

[0102] The progress of the game among the plurality of special groups may partly or wholly include common progress, or may not include such progress. That is, although the game progresses in parallel among the plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs, their progress may not affect each other and may be executed independently. On the other hand, the games that progress in parallel among the plurality of special groups to which the same special user belongs may be appropriately affected by the progress of other groups so that common progress occurs. Specifically, as one aspect of the game system of the reference example, an aspect may be adopted that includes progress control means for controlling a part of the progress among the plurality of special groups so that common progress occurs among the plurality of special groups in at least a part of the progress of the game.

[0103] Common progress may occur appropriately in the game. For example, as games, various games that progress in units of groups such as action games, role-playing games, and simulation games may be appropriately provided. And the common progress may occur appropriately according to the types of those games and the like. In particular, in games where the operation status (play status) of other users is not reflected in one's own play, there are often relatively few uncomfortable feelings even if common progress is included. Specifically, for example, when a game includes a plurality of steps, the start timing of each step may occur as common progress. Also, for example, when a music game is provided as the game, various progressions such as the music for play, the difficulty level, and the start timing of the music may be used as common progress. Or, when a quiz game is provided as the game, various progressions such as the timing when questions are presented, the number of questions presented, the content of the questions, the genre (field) to which the presented questions belong, or the answering time may be used as common progress. For example, in a mode where common progress occurs among a plurality of special groups, as the game, a quiz game including a plurality of questions presented in units of the groups is provided, and the progress control means may control the questions presented to the special user among the plurality of special groups so that the questions presented to the special user in the quiz game are common among the plurality of special groups as part of the progress. In this case, the consideration of the special user regarding the presented questions can be made common among the plurality of special groups. Thereby, the burden on the special user can be reduced.

[0104] On the other hand, the computer program (PG1) of the reference example is configured to cause the computer (21) to function as each means of the above-described game system.

[0105] Further, the control method of the reference example causes a computer (21) incorporated in a game system (2) that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user (U) up to the fixed number of people, to obtain a request for requesting matching to a special group (SG) to which a special user as a user (U) satisfying special conditions belongs, from each general user (NU) as a user different from the special user, and a request acquisition procedure, while overlappingly matching the special user to the plurality of special groups so that a plurality of special groups in which the game progresses in parallel are formed as the special group, and matching each general user so that each general user belongs to any one of the plurality of special groups alternatively based on the request, and execute a matching procedure. By executing the computer program or the control method of the reference example, the game system of the reference example can be realized.

Explanation of Signs

[0106] 3 Game machine (Game system) 31 Control unit (Computer) 38 Display control unit (Character arrangement means) 39 Progression control unit (User discrimination means, Progression switching means) 50 Answer screen (Game screen) 51 User character (Character) 52 Answer seat (Answerer position) 51N General user character (General character) 51S Special user character (Special character) 52S Special answer seat (Conductor position) U User MO Monitor (Display device, Output device) NU General user SU Special user TP Touch panel (Input device) PG2 Game program (Computer program)

Claims

【Claim 1】 A game system that provides a game that progresses in units of groups formed by matching each user, group forming means for forming a special group including a special user as a user predetermined based on a predetermined condition among the users, or a general group composed only of users who are not special users; voice input means that allows only at least one of the special users belonging to the special group to perform voice distribution to other users belonging to the special group; A game system comprising:

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