Information processing device and game control method

Abstract

To easily diversify free games.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 displays a symbol display area 21 in which multiple symbols are rearranged, executes a symbol lottery to rearrange symbols in the symbol display area 21 in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be executed to output a game result, executes a normal game based on the symbol lottery in the normal state, shifts the normal state to the special state when the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition, determines whether or to execute a condition determination game that determines whether or not the free game is executed under advantageous conditions for each free game until the condition determination game succeeds, and executes the free game after the special state under advantageous conditions when the condition determination game is executed to be successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a game control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in stationary slot machines, and more recently in smartphones (information processing devices) and social games with slot game applications installed, a lottery for the normal game is held on the condition that a specified number of bets is made, and symbols are rearranged based on the results of the lottery.

[0003] For example, in the slot game of Patent Document 1, if the symbols rearranged by lottery in the normal game form a predetermined combination, the player is given a special benefit such as a payout or a transition to a special state that is more advantageous than the normal game. Generally, one special state is formed by N symbol rearrangements (hereinafter referred to as "free games") without any bet requirement, and the free games are set so that payouts for winning prizes are more likely to be obtained than in the normal game. Furthermore, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose slot games having a configuration with multiple types of free games with different advantages. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0200346 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,033,800 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Publication No. 9,033,801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, slot games that employ a format in which similar free games are executed multiple times have become too common and have become monotonous. On the other hand, if you try to add variety to the transitions to special states, the game itself may become more complex and the program may become bloated.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an information processing device and a game control method that can easily diversify free games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device of the present invention comprises: a display on which a plurality of symbols are rearranged; a controller that executes a lottery for selecting symbols to be rearranged on the display and outputs a game result in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be played; and The controller a normal game based on the symbol lottery is executed in the normal state; If the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition, the normal state is transitioned to the special state, determining whether or not to execute a condition determination game for determining whether or not the free game will be advantageous for each free game until the condition determination game is successful; If the condition determination game is executed and succeeds, the subsequent free games in the special state are executed under the advantageous conditions.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the free game in the special state is executed under different conditions depending on whether the condition determination game is executed and successful or unsuccessful. This allows the content of the free game to vary depending on the result of the condition determination game, thereby providing a mechanism that brings diversity to the free game.

[0009] In the information processing device of the present invention, The controller may always execute the condition determination game before the first free game in the special state.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to clearly indicate the start of a special state through the condition determination game.

[0011] In the information processing device of the present invention, The controller may determine the probability of occurrence of the condition determination game based on the result of the symbol lottery in the base game in which the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0012] According to the above configuration, there is no need to perform a separate lottery to determine the probability of occurrence of the condition determination game, and it is possible to reduce CPU resources.

[0013] The game control method of the present invention comprises: rearranging the plurality of symbols on the display; executing a symbol lottery to determine the plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the display in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be played, and outputting a game result; executing a normal game based on the symbol lottery in the normal state; transitioning from the normal state to the special state when the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition; determining whether or not to execute a condition determination game for determining whether or not the free game will be advantageous for each free game until the condition determination game is successful; If the condition determination game is executed and successful, the subsequent free games in the special state are executed under the advantageous conditions; It is characterized by including.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the free game in the special state is executed under different conditions depending on whether the condition determination game is executed and successful or unsuccessful. This allows the content of the free game to vary depending on the result of the condition determination game, thereby providing a mechanism that brings diversity to the free game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a game control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing transitions of the game state. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the information processing terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of the information processing terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a special state lottery table. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a game control process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a first special state execution process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The information processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to execute a condition-setting game in which, if a prize is won, a free game can be executed under advantageous conditions. The condition-setting game always occurs in the first game of a special state, and even if a prize is not won, it is executed with a predetermined probability from the second game onwards. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is a specific example and does not particularly limit the present invention, and the specific configuration of each means, each process, etc. can be appropriately modified in design.

[0018] In this embodiment, the condition-setting game may refer to either or both of a lottery to determine whether or not a player will acquire the right to play a free game under advantageous conditions and an effect that displays the result of the lottery. In this embodiment, when both are used interchangeably, the lottery process for the condition-setting game itself is referred to as the condition-setting lottery, and the effect based on the result of the lottery is referred to as the condition-setting game. When the information processing device 1 conducts a condition-determining lottery, it displays a corresponding condition-determining game.

[0019] In this embodiment, advantageous conditions obtained in the condition-setting game are not particularly limited. For example, advantageous conditions may be conditions that make the symbol array to be arranged in the symbol lottery more advantageous than usual. For example, advantageous symbol arrays may include a large number of advantageous symbols, a high probability of rearrangement of advantageous symbols, etc. Furthermore, advantageous symbols may include wild symbols that can substitute for other symbols, trigger symbols that act as retriggers that trigger special states or increase the number of free games in special states, etc. Furthermore, advantageous symbols may be symbols that increase the number of advantageous symbols described above when rearranged.

[0020] The information processing device 1 has a display 2 that displays a game screen, a memory 3, a touch panel 5 that functions as an input device for switching the number of bets and accepting the start of a slot game, and a controller 4. The controller 4 has a function of executing a normal game in a normal state, which is conditional on the consumption of game value that can be switched on the touch panel 5, and a function of transitioning to a special state that is set to be more advantageous than the normal game when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0021] Note that game value is consumed as a condition for playing a base game under normal circumstances and may be awarded as a game result. That is, a user bets game value to play one slot game (unit game) and may acquire a bonus such as game value as a result of the slot game. Game value may be game points that do not contain valuable information and are used in the game as a pseudo-substitute for credit, or may be coins, banknotes, or electronic valuable information equivalent thereto. Note that in the following description, game value may be referred to as credit. Furthermore, the amount of game value used for betting may be referred to as the number of bets.

[0022] A "unit game" is a series of actions from the start of betting acceptance to the state where a prize can be achieved (when a symbol combination satisfies a predetermined relationship). In other words, a unit game includes one bet time for accepting bets, one game time for rearranging symbols, and one payout time for the payout process when a prize is achieved. Note that if no prize is achieved, no payout is made, and therefore no payout time is included.

[0023] The special state includes one or more free games. A free game is a game in which a payout is set higher than in a normal game. Generally, a free game is set so that symbol combinations are more likely to be achieved than in a normal game, and as a result, a user is more likely to receive a payout higher than in a normal game. A free game is a game that can be played with a smaller bet of game value than in a normal game. "Playable with a smaller bet of game value" includes a case where the bet is "0." Therefore, a free game may be a game that is played without a bet of game value and pays out game value in an amount corresponding to the rearranged symbols. In other words, a special state may be a game that is started without the consumption of game value. In contrast, a normal game is a game that is played with a bet of game value and pays out game value in an amount corresponding to the rearranged symbols. In other words, a normal game is a game that is started with the consumption of game value.

[0024] In this way, the special state is a game state to which a transition can be made when a trigger condition is established as a result of the normal game. In this embodiment, the special state includes N free games that are not conditional on the consumption of a bet. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a slot game is executed in which the positions for rearranging symbols are determined based on a lottery and the game result is determined based on the positions, but this is not limiting.

[0025] In this embodiment, a condition-setting game is always executed before the first free game in the special state, but this is not limited to this. Furthermore, as long as the condition-setting game is not won in the special state, the condition-setting game may be executed before the free game. That is, before the free game, it is determined whether or not to execute the condition-setting game, and if executed, it is determined whether or not a win has been obtained. Then, in the special state, after the condition-setting game is won, the free games thereafter are set to advantageous conditions.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the information processing terminal 1 is a smartphone having a touch panel 5 provided on the display 2, but is not limited to this. The information processing terminal 1 may be either a portable or a stationary type. Examples of portable information processing terminals 1 include portable computers, laptop computers, tablet PCs, handheld PCs, and portable information devices such as PDAs (Personal Data Assistants).

[0027] Examples of the display system of the display 2 include a liquid crystal system, an organic electroluminescence system, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) system, and a plasma system. The touch panel 5 is configured to be able to detect the coordinates of a part touched by a user's finger or the like. Known technologies such as an electromagnetic induction system and a capacitance system are employed for the touch panel 5. Based on the signal from the touch panel 5, the information processing terminal 1 detects the coordinates touched by the user and the manner of touch, such as a swipe, to determine the object or the like on the screen touched by the user, and responds according to the determination result.

[0028] In this embodiment, the touch panel 5 operates as an input device for accepting changes in the number of bets, but is not limited to this. For example, the input device may be a microphone or a camera, or may accept the user's voice or gestures as instruction operations.

[0029] As will be described later, a symbol display area in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged is provided on the display 2. Note that the term "a plurality of symbols are rearranged" includes the concept of symbols being determined as a result of a symbol lottery, and is not limited to the actual rearrangement of symbols as an effect.

[0030] The memory 3 stores various data and programs for implementing the functions of the controller 4. The data and programs stored in the memory 3 may be pre-stored at the time of factory shipment, or may be downloaded and stored from a server (not shown) or the like via communication means. That is, the programs are stored in the memory 3, which is a non-transitory recording medium. The communication means may be a transmission path that allows two-way communication, such as the Internet or cable television, or may be broadcasting that transmits information only in one direction. The data and programs stored in the memory 3 may also be stored on a recording medium such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, MO (magneto-optical disk), or flash memory, and may be read from the recording medium and installed in the memory as needed.

[0031] 1, the program stored in the memory 3 executes the following processes to realize the above-mentioned functions. That is, the program stored in the memory 3 is configured to cause the information processing device 1 to execute the following processes: a process (A1) for executing a base game in a base state, a process (A2) for determining whether a predetermined condition is met, a process (A3) for transitioning from the base game to a special state if the predetermined condition is met (A2: YES), a process (A4) for determining whether a condition-setting game is executed, a process (A5) for executing the condition-setting game if the condition-setting game is executed (A4: YES), a process (A6) for determining whether a win has been achieved as a result of executing the condition-setting game, a process (A7) for setting advantageous conditions if the condition-setting game is won (A5: YES), a process (A8) for executing a free game with the set content, a process (A9) for determining whether the special state has ended, and a process (A10) for determining whether a win has already been achieved. That is, the program causes the information processing terminal 1 (computer) to execute the above-mentioned processes.

[0032] Furthermore, the information processing terminal 1 having the above program executes the processes (A1) to (A10), whereby a game control method including the processes (A1) to (A10) is realized in the information processing device 1.

[0033] As will be described later, in this embodiment, an information processing system 1000 is configured that includes an information processing terminal 1 having a display 2, a touch panel 5, and a controller 4, and a server 10. For example, in the information processing device 1, the server 10 may have at least some of the functions of the controller 4. That is, the computer that causes the program to execute the above-described processes may represent the information processing terminal 1, or may represent the information processing terminal 1 and the server 10. In the latter case, the server 10 and the information processing device 1 can be considered as an information processing device that is controlled integrally. Furthermore, the processes and operations of the server 10 and the information processing device 1 can be substituted as an invention of a program, a game control method, or a system realized between the server 10 and the information processing device 1.

[0034] Thus, the information processing device 1 has a display 2 on which a plurality of symbols are rearranged, and a controller 4 that executes a lottery for symbols to be rearranged on the display 2 and outputs a game result in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be played. The controller 4 executes a normal game based on a symbol lottery in the normal state, and if the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition, the controller 4 transitions from the normal state to the special state, and determines for each free game whether or not to execute a condition determination game that determines whether or not to make the free game under advantageous conditions until the condition determination game is successful, and if the condition determination game is executed and is successful, the controller 4 executes subsequent free games in the special state under advantageous conditions.

[0035] In this way, the free game in the special state is executed under different conditions depending on whether the condition determination game is executed and successful or unsuccessful. This allows the content of the free game to vary depending on the result of the condition determination game, making it possible to provide a mechanism that brings diversity to the free game.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing terminal 1 includes, within a housing 11, a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a flash memory 104, an operation button 108, a power switch 109, a bus line 110, a network I / F 111, a camera 112, an image sensor I / F 113, a microphone 114, a speaker 115, an audio input / output I / F 116, a display I / F 117, a sensor controller 118, a short-range communication circuit 119, and an antenna 119a of the short-range communication circuit 119.

[0037] The server 10 is a so-called computer including a CPU 1101, a ROM 1102, a RAM 1103, a storage device 1104 such as a hard disk drive, and a network I / F 1111. The information processing terminal 1 and the server 10 are connected via the Internet (not shown). That is, the server 10 communicates with information processing devices 1 as multiple user terminal devices via a communication network and provides games to the multiple information processing devices 1. In this way, the slot game executed in this embodiment is executed as an online game. As a result, a player can play the slot game by accessing content provided by the server 10 via an application such as a browser using an information processing device 1 such as a smartphone or PC.

[0038] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 functions as the main component of the controller in the information processing terminal 1 and controls the overall operation of the information processing terminal 1. The CPU 1101 functions as the main component of the controller in the server 10 and controls the overall operation of the server 10. In other words, the CPUs 101 and 1101 function as controllers that control the overall operation of the information processing system 1000. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 stores programs used to drive the CPU 101, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

[0039] RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 and RAM 1103 are used as work areas for CPU 101 and CPU 1101. Operation button 108 is a button that is operated when initially setting up information processing terminal 1. Power switch 109 is a switch for turning the power of information processing terminal 1 on and off.

[0040] In this embodiment, the flash memory 104, which functions as the memory 3, is a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium that stores various data such as game programs, communication programs, image data, and sound data. The storage device 1104 functions as a database and is a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium that stores game data for each of the multiple information processing terminals 1. In response to a request from the game program of the information processing terminal 1, the server 10 returns a response by appropriately referencing the database in the storage device 1104.

[0041] The network I / F (Interface) 111 is an interface for data communication using a communication network such as the Internet. The camera 112 is a type of built-in imaging means that captures an image of a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 101. The image sensor I / F 113 is a circuit that controls the operation of the camera 112. The microphone 114 is a type of built-in sound collection means that inputs audio. The audio input / output I / F 116 is a circuit that processes input and output of audio signals between the microphone 114 and the speaker 115 under the control of the CPU 101. The display I / F 117 is a circuit that transmits image data to the display 2 under the control of the CPU 101. The display 2 is provided on the front surface of the housing 11. The sensor controller 118 is a circuit that accepts input from a touch panel 5 provided on the display 2. The near-field communication circuit 119 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The bus line 110 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting the components such as the CPU 101.

[0042] Next, a slot game executed by the information processing device 1 of this embodiment will be described. The slot game is playable by a user as a game element in an application installed in the information processing terminal 1. The slot game is a game in which a plurality of symbols fluctuate and then stop (rearrange) in a symbol display area, and a bonus such as game value is awarded depending on the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area. That is, when a predetermined combination is displayed in the symbol display area, a bonus corresponding to the combination is awarded, and when the predetermined combination is not displayed in the symbol display area, no bonus is awarded.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing device 1, which is a gaming machine that executes a slot game, has the following functions. Specifically, the information processing device 1 has a BET input unit 601 and a spin input unit 602. The BET input unit 601 and the spin input unit 602 are types of input devices. The BET input unit 601 has a function of accepting a bet through a user operation. The spin input unit 602 has a function of accepting the start of a game through a user operation, i.e., a start operation.

[0044] The information processing device 1 also has a start check unit 603, a normal game execution unit 605, a bonus game start determination unit 606, a bonus game execution unit 607, a lottery game execution unit 608, a random number extraction unit 615, a symbol determination unit 612, a random number extraction unit for effects 616, an effect content determination unit 613, a sound output unit 617, an effect display processing unit 618, a prize determination unit 619, a prize awarding unit 620, and a game display processing unit 631.

[0045] The base game running unit 605 has a function of running a base game, which is a base game, on the condition of operation of the bet input unit 601. The bonus game start determination unit 606 determines whether or not to run a bonus game based on the combination of symbols rearranged in the base game. That is, the bonus game start determination unit 606 has a function of determining that a bonus game has been won when a bonus trigger condition is established, and shifts processing to the bonus game running unit 607 so that a bonus game is run from the next unit game. The lottery game running unit 608 has a function of drawing lots for multiple prizes including a bonus game, and by being run after the bonus game running unit 607 is run, it is possible to run the bonus game repeatedly.

[0046] The symbol determination unit 612 has a base game processing unit 612a and a bonus game processing unit 612b. The symbol determination unit 612 including these processing units 612a and 612b has the following functions: determine symbols to be rearranged using random numbers from a random number extraction unit 615; rearrange the determined symbols in the game area 291 of the display 2; output symbol rearrangement information to a win determination unit 619; and output an effect command signal to an effect random number extraction unit 616 based on the combination of rearranged symbols.

[0047] The random number value extraction unit for effect 616 has a function of extracting a random number value for effect when receiving a performance command signal from the symbol determination unit 612, and a function of outputting the random number value for effect to the performance content determination unit 613. The performance content determination unit 613 has a function of determining a performance content using the random number value for effect, a function of outputting video information of the determined performance content to the performance display processing unit 618, and a function of outputting audio / light emitting information of the determined performance content to the sound output unit 617.

[0048] The winning determination unit 619 has a function of determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on the symbol combination when symbol rearrangement information is obtained, a function of calculating a payout amount based on the winning combination when it is determined that a winning has occurred, and a function of outputting a payout signal based on the payout amount to the prize awarding unit 620. The prize awarding unit 620 has a function of paying out gaming value to the user.

[0049] Although not shown, the output contents from each of the above processing units are appropriately transmitted to the server 10 connected via a communication line.

[0050] Next, the transition of basic game states controlled by the information processing terminal 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The information processing terminal 1 has a normal state and a special state as game states. The special state has a first special state and a second special state. The normal state is a state in which the normal game is executed.

[0051] The first special state is a special state in which the above-mentioned condition-setting game is executed. Specifically, in the first special state, a free game is executed, which is set to be more advantageous if the result of the condition-setting game is a win.

[0052] The second special state is set to be more advantageous than the first special state. Specifically, in the second special state, the condition setting game is not executed, and the free game, which is always set to be advantageous, is executed.

[0053] In the normal state, if three or more trigger symbols are included in the 15 symbols determined in the symbol lottery of the slot game in the normal game, the normal state transitions to the first special state, and seven free games are executed. In this embodiment, there are two types of trigger symbols: a first bonus symbol and a second bonus symbol.

[0054] In this embodiment, the probability of determining whether or not to execute a condition-setting game is preliminarily associated with the respective numbers of first and second bonus symbols in the base game after transition to the first special state. That is, the information processing device 1 determines the occurrence probability of the condition-setting game based on the result of a symbol lottery in the base game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In addition, in this embodiment, the success probability when the condition-setting game is executed is set to a fixed probability (e.g., 70%), but is not limited to this. For example, the success probability when the condition-setting game is executed may also refer to a probability preliminarily associated with the respective numbers of first and second bonus symbols in the base game after transition to the first special state. In addition, the condition-setting game is always executed before the first free game in the first special state, but is not limited to this.

[0055] In addition, a transition from the first special state to the second special state is possible. The transition from the first special state to the second special state is determined by lottery, and the probability of winning is determined by reference to the probability previously associated with the number of first bonus symbols and the number of second bonus symbols in the base game in which the transition to the first special state occurs.

[0056] In this way, if three or more trigger symbols (first bonus symbol, second bonus symbol) are drawn in the symbol lottery in the normal game, the state transitions from the normal state to the first special state. The transition from the first special state to the second special state is also determined by lottery, and if a win occurs, the state transitions from the first special state to the second special state, and if a win does not occur, the state transitions from the first special state to the normal state.

[0057] Next, a slot game screen displayed on the display 120 of the information processing device 1 will be described. The slot game screen is displayed in the base game and the free game in the special state. Specifically, the slot game screen is displayed as an effect based on rearranged symbols determined by symbol lottery in the base game in the base state and the free game in the special state.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, in a slot game, five video reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged are moved within the symbol display area 21 (scrolling image of the five video reels), and then stopped and displayed (rearranged). A bonus (a payout, a free game, etc.) is awarded depending on the combination of 15 symbols (the number of symbols of the same type) displayed within the symbol display area 21. The state in which the five video reels are moved and then stopped and displayed within the symbol display area 21 is referred to as "rearrangement." Credits are awarded as a payout depending on the combination of symbols (rearranged symbols) displayed within the symbol display area 21.

[0059] Specifically, in this embodiment, a "LEFT TO RIGHT" method is used to determine whether a win has been achieved. "LEFT TO RIGHT" is a method of determining whether a win has been achieved when a predetermined number or more of the same symbols stop consecutively on a payline set on multiple moving reels, starting from the leftmost reel.

[0060] When a slot game is executed, a slot game screen is displayed on the display 120. The slot game screen displays a symbol display area 21 (first reel 211, second reel 212, third reel 213, fourth reel 214, and fifth reel 215) consisting of display areas for five video reels arranged in a 3-row, 5-column matrix, a game information display area 22 that displays information that increases or decreases as the slot game is executed (such as the current number of owned coins), and an operation display area 24 that the player operates to progress through the slot game. The operation display area 24 displays a spin button 241, an AUTO button 242, an ITEM button 243, a bet button 244, a WIN display unit 245, and a shop button 246.

[0061] In this way, in the present embodiment, the area where multiple symbols are rearranged is set as the symbol varying area, but this is not limiting. For example, in the symbol display area, each area where one symbol is rearranged may be set as an individual symbol varying area.

[0062] A touch panel 5, through which the slot game screen is visible, is provided on the front of the display 120. The touch panel 5 is configured to detect the coordinates of the area touched by the player's finger or the like. For example, touching the image of the spin button 241 allows one slot game (unit game) to be played. Touching the image of the AUTO button 242 allows consecutive slot games to be played. Touching the image of the ITEM button 243 allows the player to select and use previously acquired items (which have effects that affect the slot game). Touching the image of the shop button 246 accesses the server 100 from the information processing device 1, allowing the player to move to a shop where cash (payments that can be made with cash, credit cards, electronic money, prepaid cards, etc. held by the player) can be exchanged for credits (coins) that can be used in the slot game, or where cash or coins can be exchanged for items. The exchanged credits (coins) that can be used in the slot game are added to the value of a coin counter provided in the RAM 103.

[0063] In the special state, the spin button 241 changes to an area 241a that displays the number of remaining free games. That is, when the special state starts, the number displayed in the area 241a counts down each time a free game is played.

[0064] Next, an example of a display screen of a condition-setting game displayed in the symbol display area 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, a condition-setting game is displayed as a symbol display area 21A in which the symbol display area 21 is changed to one row and five columns so that the condition-setting game can be easily distinguished from a free game. In addition, the stopping order in a condition-setting game is reversed from that in a normal game. That is, the symbol display area 21A has a first reel 211A, a second reel 212A, a third reel 213A, a fourth reel 214A, and a fifth reel 215A, and each area in which one symbol is rearranged becomes an individual symbol varying area.

[0065] Then, the variable display starts on all reels, and an effect of the bell symbol 500A stopping is displayed in the order of the fifth reel 215A, the fourth reel 214A, the third reel 213A, and the second reel 212A. After that, if the success symbol 500B stops on the first reel 211A, an effect is produced indicating that the condition setting game has been successful, and the subsequent free games are set to favorable conditions. Furthermore, if any other symbol stops on the first reel 211A, an effect is produced indicating that the condition setting game has been unsuccessful.

[0066] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a special state lottery table stored in the flash memory 104 of the information processing device 1 will be described. The special state lottery table has a first bonus symbol number column, a second bonus symbol number column, a condition setting game occurrence probability column, and a second special state transition probability column. The special state lottery table sets the occurrence probability of the condition setting game and the transition probability to the second special state for the number of first bonus symbols and second bonus symbols rearranged in the symbol lottery that triggers the special state. However, the occurrence probability of the condition setting game and the transition probability to the second special state are not limited to this, and may be fixed.

[0067] For example, before a free game is executed in the first special state, the special state lottery table is referenced. Whether or not to execute a condition-setting game is determined by referring to the probability in the condition-setting game occurrence probability column corresponding to the number of first and second bonus symbols won in the symbol lottery in the base game that triggered the first special state. Furthermore, whether or not to transition from the first special state to the second special state is determined by referring to the probability of transition to the second special state corresponding to the number of first and second bonus symbols won in the symbol lottery in the base game that triggered the first special state.

[0068] The set probability is not particularly limited, but may be set so that the higher the proportion of symbols with a low rearrangement probability, the higher the success probability. For example, in this embodiment, the second bonus symbol has a lower winning probability in the symbol lottery than the first bonus symbol. And, the higher the proportion of second bonus symbols with a low winning probability, the higher the success probability of both.

[0069] The second bonus symbol, which has a low probability of winning, may have an additional function in addition to the function of the trigger symbol. For example, the second bonus symbol may have a function as a wild symbol that can substitute for other symbols.

[0070] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a game control process executed by the CPU 101 of the information processing device 1 will be described.

[0071] First, the CPU 101 performs a bet / start check process (S10). In this bet / start check process, the number of credits (number of coins) to be bet is determined by touching the "+" button and the "-" button (see FIG. 5) of the bet button 244 in the operation display area 24 of the display 120 of the information processing device 1. The betted number of credits is then stored in the bet number counter of the RAM 103. When a bet is placed, the betted number of credits is subtracted from the value of the coin number counter provided in the RAM 103. By determining the betted number of credits in this manner, the payout for the winning combination is calculated by multiplying the betted number of credits by the payout number corresponding to the number of symbols of the same type (3 to 5) rearranged (displayed) in the symbol display area 21 as a result of the slot game. In addition, in this bet / start check process, the CPU 101 determines whether the spin button 241 has been touched. If the spin button 241 has been touched, the process proceeds to S21, where the slot game proceeds.

[0072] Next, the CPU 101 executes a symbol lottery process (S11). Here, symbols to be stopped are determined by lottery from among a plurality of symbols arranged on each of the five video reels (the first reel 211, the second reel 212, the third reel 213, the fourth reel 214, and the fifth reel 215). These symbols to be stopped are symbol data of 15 symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 21. In this way, the 15 symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 21 are determined.

[0073] Then, the CPU 101 stores the determined 15 symbols to be stopped in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 103.

[0074] Next, the CPU 101 performs a payout amount determination process based on the result of the symbol lottery process (S12). In this process, the CPU 101 determines the number of symbols of the same type to be rearranged (displayed) in the symbol display area 21. If a predetermined number or more (3 to 5) of symbols of the same type are rearranged on a payline, the CPU 101 determines a payout amount (payout value) corresponding to the number of symbols of the type to be arranged, based on the pay table stored in the RAM 103. If the predetermined number or more of symbols of either type are not rearranged, no payout amount is provided (payout value is 0). The determined payout amount (payout) is stored in a payout amount storage area provided in the RAM 103.

[0075] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not three or more trigger symbols have been drawn in the symbol lottery process of step S11, thereby establishing the execution condition for the first special state (S13). If the execution condition for the first special state has been established (S13: YES), the CPU 101 sets a first special state flag in a predetermined storage area of ​​the flash memory 104 to ON (S14). In this way, the first special state flag is a flag that indicates whether or not three or more trigger symbols have been drawn in the symbol lottery in the base game, thereby triggering the first special state.

[0076] Then, the CPU 101 executes a second special state transition lottery process (S15). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains the second special state transition probability corresponding to the number of first bonus symbols and second bonus symbols among the symbols selected in step S11 from the special state lottery table (see FIG. 7). The CPU 101 then executes a lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the second special state based on the obtained probability.

[0077] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether to transition to a second special state after the first special state based on the result of the lottery in step S15 (S16). If the transition to the second special state is to occur (S16: YES), the CPU 101 sets a second special state flag in a predetermined storage area of ​​the flash memory 104 to ON (S17).

[0078] After step S17, the CPU 101 executes an effect determination process (S19). The CPU 101 samples a random number value for an effect and determines one of a plurality of predetermined effect contents by lottery. For example, the CPU 101 starts scrolling each of the first reel 211, the second reel 212, the third reel 213, the fourth reel 214, and the fifth reel 215 in the symbol display area 21 (see FIG. 3), and determines an effect to stop and display the 15 symbols determined in the symbol lottery process of step S21 on each of the reels. More specifically, for example, if a trigger symbol is a winning symbol, the CPU 101 may determine a predictive effect indicating that the trigger symbol will stop in the display area where the trigger symbol stops during scrolling. Furthermore, for example, the CPU 101 determines an effect to highlight a winning symbol among the stopped and displayed symbols, an effect to display a payout on the WIN display unit 245 (see FIG. 5), a special WIN effect when the payout is equal to or greater than a predetermined multiple of the bet amount, etc.

[0079] Then, the CPU 101 executes the effect content at the timing of the determined effect content (S20). For example, the CPU 101 controls the display 120 to display an image for the effect and the speaker 115 to output sound. For example, the CPU 101 starts scrolling a plurality of symbols on the reels in the symbol display area 21, and then displays an image of the symbols to be stopped in a stopped state. For example, the CPU 101 displays an image highlighting a winning symbol among the stopped symbols, and executes an effect in which the owned credits are incremented. For example, the CPU 101 executes an effect for transitioning to the special state as described above. If there is a credit amount to be added as a result of the game, the CPU 101 executes a payout process for adding the credit amount to the owned credits (S21). The payout process may be executed at a predetermined timing during the effect execution process in step S24 (for example, at the timing of the effect in which the owned credits are incremented). Then, the CPU 101 ends this subroutine. Here, the CPU 101 may clear data that is no longer needed for each unit game in the working area of ​​the RAM 103, such as the value of the bet counter in the BET number storage area for the executed unit game and the symbols that have been determined by lottery to be displayed in the symbol display area 21.

[0080] Thereafter, the CPU 101 determines whether the first special state flag is ON (S23). If the first special state flag is ON (S23: YES), the CPU 101 executes a first special state execution process (S24) and ends this routine. The first special state execution process will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0081] Thereafter, the CPU 101 determines whether the second special state flag is ON (S25). If the second special state flag is ON (S25: YES), the CPU 101 executes a second special state execution process (S26) and ends this routine.

[0082] On the other hand, if the second special state flag is not ON (S25: NO), the CPU 101 ends this routine. Then, when the user operates the spin button 241 (see FIG. 5), the game control process of this routine is started again.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a first special game execution process executed by the CPU 101 of the information processing device 1 will be described.

[0084] First, the CPU 101 determines whether the free game to be executed in the first special state is the first free game (S31). If it is not the first free game (S31: NO), the CPU 101 executes a condition-setting game execution lottery to determine whether a condition-setting game is executed (S32), and determines whether the lottery is won (S33).

[0085] If it is determined in step S31 that this is the first time (S31: YES) or if it is determined in step S33 that a win has been made (S33), the CPU 101 executes a condition setting lottery (S34). In this way, the information processing device 1 is configured to always execute a condition determination game before the first free game in the special state. In this embodiment, the success probability of the condition setting lottery is set to a fixed value, but is not limited to this.

[0086] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the condition-setting lottery has been won (S35). If the condition-setting lottery has been won (S35: YES), the CPU 101 sets advantageous conditions for the free game (S36). In this embodiment, the CPU 101 applies a symbol sequence that is more advantageous than normal as the advantageous condition. This application remains valid until the currently running first special state ends. Note that if the condition-setting game is not executed (S33: NO) or if the condition-setting lottery has not been won (S35: NO), step S36 is not executed.

[0087] Thereafter, the CPU 101 executes a symbol lottery process using the selected lottery table (S44). Then, the CPU 101 executes a payout number determination process based on the result of the symbol lottery process (S45). In this process, the CPU 101 determines the payout number (payout value) corresponding to the number of symbols of the same type (3 to 5) to be rearranged (displayed) in the symbol display area 21 based on the pay table stored in the RAM 103. Then, the sum of these determined payout numbers (payouts) is stored in a payout number storage area provided in the RAM 103.

[0088] Then, the CPU 101 executes an effect determination process (S46). The CPU 101 extracts a random number value for the effect, determines one of a plurality of predetermined effect contents by lottery, and executes the effect content at the timing of the determined effect content (S47). For example, the CPU 101 controls the display of an effect image on the display 120 and the output of sound from the speaker 115. Also, for example, the CPU 101 starts scrolling a plurality of symbols on the reels in the symbol display area 21, and then displays an image of symbols to be stopped in a stopped state. Also, for example, the CPU 101 displays an image highlighting symbols related to a win among the stopped symbols, and performs an effect in which the owned credit number is incremented. Then, if there is a credit number to be added as a result of the above game, the CPU 101 executes a payout process to add the credit number to the owned credits (S48).

[0089] Then, the CPU 101 executes a free game number subtraction process (S49). Specifically, the CPU 101 subtracts 1 from the value of the remaining number of free games stored in a predetermined area. Then, the CPU 101 executes initialization process at the end of one game (S50) and ends this subroutine. In step S50, data that becomes unnecessary for each unit game is cleared from the working area of ​​the RAM 103, such as the value of the bet counter in the BET number storage area for the executed unit game, the symbols determined by lottery to be displayed in the symbol display area 21, and the symbol string determined to be displayed in the display area 23.

[0090] Then, the CPU 101 determines whether there are no free games remaining in the first special state being executed (S51). If there are free games remaining (S51: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the condition setting lottery in step S34 has been won in this first special state and the advantageous conditions have been set in step S36 (S52). If the lottery has been won (S52: YES), the process proceeds to step S44, and the free game is executed with the advantageous conditions set again.

[0091] If no win has been achieved (S52: NO), the CPU 101 returns to step S31 and performs a lottery to determine whether or not to apply advantageous conditions to the next or subsequent free games. If there are no free games remaining in step S51 (S51: YES), the CPU 101 executes a payout process (S53) and ends this subroutine. Although the second special state execution process is not shown, the same processes as steps S44 to S51, S53, etc. in the first special state execution process are performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Information processing terminal 2. Display 3. Memory 4 Controller 5 Touch Panel

Claims

1. a display on which a plurality of symbols are rearranged; a controller that executes a lottery for selecting symbols to be rearranged on the display and outputs a game result in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be played; and The controller a normal game based on the symbol lottery is executed in the normal state; If the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition, the normal state is transitioned to the special state, determining whether or not to execute a condition determination game for determining whether or not the free game will be advantageous for each free game until the condition determination game is successful; If the condition determination game is executed and successful, the subsequent free games in the special state are executed under the advantageous conditions; The information processing device is characterized in that the condition determination game is always executed before the first free game in the special state.

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the probability of the condition determination game occurring before the second or subsequent free game in the special state based on the result of the symbol lottery in the normal game in which the predetermined condition is satisfied, and determines whether or not to execute the condition determination game.

3. The special state has a first special state and a second special state, the first special state is a special state to which a transition can be made from the normal state and in which the condition determination game can be executed; 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second special state is a special state to which a transition can be made from the first special state, in which the condition determination game is not executed, and in which the free game is always executed advantageously.

4. A game control method executed by a computer, comprising: rearranging the plurality of symbols on the display; executing a symbol lottery to determine the plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the display in a normal state and a special state in which a predetermined number of free games can be played, and outputting a game result; executing a normal game based on the symbol lottery in the normal state; transitioning from the normal state to the special state when the game result of the normal game satisfies a predetermined condition; determining whether or not to execute a condition determination game for determining whether or not the free game will be advantageous for each free game until the condition determination game is successful; If the condition determination game is executed and successful, the subsequent free games in the special state are executed under the advantageous conditions; always executing the condition determination game before the first free game in the special state; A game control method comprising:

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