Game system, method of operating the game system, and program

Abstract

Provide players with effective incentives to continue playing the game. [Solution] The game system comprises an element control unit 61 that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, and a lottery processing unit 62 that executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the multiple lottery execution elements, and the lottery processing unit 62 controls the probability of winning in the lottery process according to the state of the lottery execution element used to execute the lottery process from among the multiple lottery execution elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to games.

Background Art

[0002] Games in which a lottery process such as a slot game is executed upon the fulfillment of predetermined conditions have been proposed conventionally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medal game machine in which a slot game is started when a medal drops onto a checker. The number of holds, in which the execution of the slot game is held, is displayed by lighting a plurality of hold lamps.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, each time a medal drops onto the checker, only the same-condition slot game is monotonously repeated, and it is actually difficult to give the player a sufficient incentive to continue the game. In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to give the player an effective incentive to continue the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A game system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an element control unit that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, and a lottery processing unit that executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any one of the plurality of lottery execution elements. The lottery processing unit controls the winning probability in the lottery process according to the state of the lottery execution element used for the execution of the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements.

[0006] A method for operating a game system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for operating a game system that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements in accordance with the progress of the game, and executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the plurality of lottery execution elements, wherein the probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer system to function as an element control unit that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements in accordance with the progress of a game, and a lottery processing unit that executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the plurality of lottery execution elements, wherein the lottery processing unit controls the probability of winning in the lottery process according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the game system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the game system. [Figure 3] A floor plan of the station. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control device. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram regarding the levels of pending objects. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of the lottery process when the element used is level 1. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of the lottery process when the element used is level 2. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of the lottery process when the element used is level 3. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the basic processing steps. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the control process. [Figure 11]This is a flowchart of the control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram of the expanded symbols used in the prize draw. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of the lottery screen in a modified example. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram of the lottery screen in a modified example. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of the lottery screen in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below include various limitations that are not essential to this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a plan view of a game system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The game system 100 is installed, for example, in a gaming facility. The gaming facility is, for example, an entertainment facility such as an arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The game system 100 provides games to multiple players within the gaming facility.

[0011] As illustrated in Figure 1, the game system 100 comprises multiple (e.g., six) stations 11. The multiple stations 11 are arranged in a circumferential direction. Each station 11 is a unit used by a player to play the game. Games played by different players proceed in parallel on the multiple stations 11. Although six stations 11 are shown in Figure 1, the number or arrangement of stations 11 can be changed as desired.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 100. The game system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a control device 12 and a storage device 13 in addition to a plurality of stations 11. Note that the game system 100 can be realized as a single device or as a plurality of devices separately configured from each other.

[0013] The control device 12 is composed of one or more processors that control each element of the game system 100. For example, the control device 12 is composed of one or more types of processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an SPU (Sound Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that part or all of the functions of the control device 12 may be mounted on each station 11.

[0014] The storage device 13 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 12 and various data used by the control device 12. The storage device 13 is composed of a known recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium or a semiconductor recording medium, for example. The storage device 13 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of types of recording media. Further, a portable recording medium detachable from the game system 100 or a recording medium (e.g., cloud storage) on which the control device 12 can perform writing or reading via a communication network may be used as the storage device 13.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of any one of the plurality of stations 11. In the following description, an X-axis and a Y-axis that are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane are assumed. Specifically, the X-axis is an axis along the left-right direction of the player, and the Y-axis is an axis along the front-back direction of the player. Also, one direction along the X-axis is denoted as the "X1 direction", and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is denoted as the "X2 direction". Similarly, one direction along the Y-axis is denoted as the "Y1 direction", and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is denoted as the "Y2 direction".

[0016] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the station 11 of the first embodiment includes a display device 14, an operation unit 40, and a game mechanism 50. Each station 11 can be realized as a single device, or can also be realized by a plurality of devices that are separately configured from each other. The display device 14 displays an image under the control of the control device 12. The display device 14 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, for example.

[0017] The operation unit 40 is an interface that receives operations by the player. Specifically, the operation unit 40 includes an operation device 41, a reception device 42, and a payout device 43. The operation device 41 is an input device that receives instructions from the player. The operation device 41 is, for example, an operator that the player operates, or a touch panel that detects contact by the player.

[0018] The reception device 42 receives medals from the player. Specifically, the reception device 42 receives physical medals and electronic medals from the player. A physical medal is a disc-shaped tangible game value. An electronic medal is an intangible game value realized by electronic data. The mechanism of the reception device 42 for receiving physical medals includes an insertion port into which the physical medal is inserted and a detector that detects the insertion of the physical medal into the insertion port. Also, the mechanism of the reception device 42 for receiving electronic medals is, for example, a communication device that communicates with an account management system (not shown) that manages the player's electronic medal account. For example, the reception device 42 executes a withdrawal process for electronic medals through communication with the account management system.

[0019] The tokens (physical or electronic) received by the reception device 42 from the player are exchanged for credits. Specifically, a value corresponding to the number of tokens received by the reception device 42 is added to the player's credits (hereinafter referred to as "number of credits held"). The number of credits held represents the game value that the player consumes to play the game. The number of credits held is stored in the storage device 13.

[0020] The payout device 43 dispenses medals to the player. Specifically, the payout device 43 dispenses a quantity of medals corresponding to the number of credits held. The mechanism of the payout device 43 that outputs physical medals includes a storage container for storing physical medals and a dispensing mechanism that sequentially discharges physical medals from the storage container. The mechanism of the payout device 43 that outputs electronic medals is a communication device that performs electronic medal deposit processing by communicating with the aforementioned account management system.

[0021] The game mechanism 50 is a mechanism that provides a game to the player. The game mechanism 50 of the first embodiment provides a pusher game to the player. Specifically, the game mechanism 50 comprises a fixed table 51, a movable table 52, a fixed wall 53, an input device 54, a supply device 55, and a detection device 56.

[0022] The fixed table 51 is a flat plate-shaped structure including a mounting surface 511 and a tip portion 512. The mounting surface 511 is a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane (i.e., the horizontal plane). The tip portion 512 is the periphery of the fixed table 51 located in the Y1 direction and extends along the X axis. An elongated opening is formed in the Y1 direction of the tip portion 512 along the X axis.

[0023] The movable table 52 is a platform-shaped structure that includes a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane (i.e., the horizontal plane). The movable table 52 reciprocates in the direction of the Y axis on the fixed table 51. The surfaces of the fixed table 51 and the movable table 52 may be, for example, planes inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, or curved surfaces that are three-dimensionally curved. In the following description, the upper surfaces of the fixed table 51 and the movable table 52 will be referred to as the "game field F".

[0024] Multiple types of game objects P (P1, P2) with different shapes are placed on the game field F. Each game object P is a medium used in the games provided by the game system 100. Specifically, game tokens P1 and game balls P2 are placed on the game field F as game objects P. Game tokens P1 are disc-shaped token coins used in pusher games. Game balls P2 are rotatable spheres or polyhedra. As described above, game tokens P1 and game balls P2 differ in shape and size.

[0025] The fixed wall 53 in Figure 3 is a structure that faces the surface of the movable table 52. The game objects P (e.g., game tokens P1 and game balls P2) placed on the movable table 52 are pressed in the Y1 direction by the fixed wall 53 as the movable table 52 moves in the Y2 direction. As a result of being pressed by the fixed wall 53, multiple game objects P fall from the movable table 52.

[0026] Furthermore, the game bodies P(P1, P2) placed on the mounting surface 511 of the fixed table 51 are pressed by the movable table 52 and move in the Y1 direction. For example, the game ball P2 is placed on multiple game tokens P1 and moves in conjunction with each game token P1. Each game body P moves on the fixed table 51 as described above and finally falls from the tip 512. As described above, the game mechanism 50 of the first embodiment is a mechanism that causes multiple game bodies P placed on the mounting surface 511 of the fixed table 51 to fall from the tip 512. In other words, according to the first embodiment, a pusher game is realized in which multiple types of game bodies P(P1, P2) fall from the mounting surface 511 of the fixed table 51 by the reciprocating motion of the movable table 52.

[0027] The insertion device 54 supplies game tokens P1 to the game field F. Specifically, the insertion device 54 supplies game tokens P1 to the game field F in response to the player's operation of the control device 41. Game tokens P1 are supplied to the game field F in exchange for the use of a predetermined number of credits held by the player. The direction, number, and timing of the game tokens P1 supplied by the insertion device 54 to the game field F change in response to the player's operation of the control device 41.

[0028] The supply device 55 supplies each game unit P to the game field F under the control of the control device 12. Specifically, the supply device 55 includes a supply mechanism for supplying game tokens P1 to the game field F and a supply mechanism for supplying game balls P2 to the game field F (not shown).

[0029] The detection device 56 is a sensor that detects game pieces P that have fallen from the fixed table 51. Specifically, the detection device 56 includes a sorting mechanism that sorts game tokens P1 and game balls P2, and an optical sensor that detects each game piece P sorted by the sorting mechanism (not shown). The game pieces P that have fallen from the fixed table 51 are supplied to the supply device 55 by being transported along a transport path (not shown).

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device 12. The control device 12 implements multiple functions (element control unit 61, lottery processing unit 62) by executing programs stored in the storage device 13.

[0031] The element control unit 61 controls the level of each of the multiple (five) reserved objects Q according to the progress of the game (see Figure 5). Each reserved object Q is a game element used (e.g., consumed) to execute a lottery process. The lottery processing unit 62 executes the lottery process in exchange for the use of one of the multiple reserved objects Q. The lottery process is a lottery game that probabilistically determines whether the player wins or loses. As illustrated above, the reserved object Q is a display object that represents the right of the player to play the lottery process. Note that the reserved object Q is an example of a "lottery execution element".

[0032] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram regarding the levels of the pending object Q. As illustrated in Figure 5, the pending image S is displayed on the display device 14 of each station 11. Multiple (5) setting points Sp are set on the pending image S. The multiple setting points Sp are, for example, points set at intervals from each other in the vertical direction. A pending object Q is placed at each setting point Sp. That is, the pending image S has up to 5 pending objects Q corresponding to different setting points Sp.

[0033] Each held object Q is set to one of several levels (levels 1 to 3). The level of a held object Q represents the state (evolution level) of the held object Q, which changes according to the progress of the game in the game system 100. The display appearance (e.g., display color) of the held object Q changes for each level. In the first embodiment, the level of the held object Q changes when a game ball P2 falls from the fixed table 51 (element change condition).

[0034] As described above, in the first embodiment, the lottery process is executed in exchange for the use of the reserved object Q. However, even if the conditions for starting the lottery process are met, the lottery process may not be able to start depending on the state of the game system 100 at the time the conditions are met. For example, the lottery process cannot be started if the lottery process that was started immediately before is still in progress, or if various events are continuing in the game system 100. The lottery processing unit 62 of the first embodiment can postpone the execution of the lottery process depending on the state of the game when the game ball P2 falls. The postponed lottery process is executed in exchange for the use of the reserved object Q when the system transitions to a state in which the lottery process can be started.

[0035] The element control unit 61 controls the level of each reserved object Q according to the number of times the lottery processing unit 62 has postponed the execution of the lottery process (hereinafter referred to as "reservation count N"). In the first embodiment, the reservation count N can change between a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 5. Specifically, the reservation count N changes each time a game ball P2 falls.

[0036] As illustrated in Figure 5, for example, in the initial state immediately after the power of the game system 100 is turned on, there are no reserved objects Q in the reserved image S. Then, each time a game ball P2 falls from the fixed table 51, a reserved object Q is added to the reserved image S, or the level of an already placed reserved object Q is updated.

[0037] First, in the process where the number of reserved items N increases from a minimum value of 0 to a maximum value of 5, Element control unit 61 This sets a number of reserved objects Q corresponding to the number of reserved objects N to level 1. For example, if the number of reserved objects N is 1 (N=1), one reserved object Q set to level 1 is set in the reserved image S. Specifically, reserved objects Q are added sequentially from the bottom to the top of the reserved image S. The number of reserved objects Q in the reserved image S increases in conjunction with the number of reserved objects N, up to a maximum of 5.

[0038] When the number of held objects N is at its maximum value of 5, each time a game ball P2 falls, one of the held objects Q in the held image S is updated from level 1 to level 2. Specifically, with each fall of a game ball P2, the held objects Q in the held image S are sequentially updated from level 1 to level 2, starting from the top and ending at the bottom. That is, of the 5 held objects Q in level 1 in the held image S, a number of held objects Q corresponding to the number of game balls P2 that have fallen are updated from level 1 to level 2. The number of held objects Q set to level 2 in the held image S increases up to a maximum of 5 with each fall of a game ball P2.

[0039] When all the reserved objects Q in the reserved image S are at level 2, each time a game ball P2 falls, one of the reserved objects Q in the reserved image S is updated from level 2 to level 3. Specifically, with each fall of the game ball P2, the reserved objects Q in the reserved image S are sequentially updated from level 2 to level 3, starting from the top and ending at the bottom. That is, of the five reserved objects Q in the reserved image S that are at level 2, a number of reserved objects Q corresponding to the number of game balls P2 that fall are updated from level 2 to level 3. The number of reserved objects Q set to level 3 in the reserved image S increases up to a maximum of 5 with each fall of the game ball P2.

[0040] As illustrated above, the element control unit 61 changes the level of one of the multiple reserved objects Q each time a game ball P2 falls. Then, during the process of updating the level of each reserved object Q, when it transitions to a state where the lottery process that is in a reserved state can be started, the lottery processing unit 62 executes the lottery process in exchange for using one of the reserved objects Q (hereinafter referred to as "target object Qa") in the reserved image S. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the lottery processing unit 62 uses one reserved object Q located at the bottom of the reserved image S as the target object Qa. That is, the lottery processing unit 62 deletes the target object Qa from the reserved image S and then starts the lottery process. The use of the target object Qa can also be rephrased as the consumption of the target object Qa.

[0041] In the held image S, the held object Q, which was located above the target object Qa, moves downward sequentially to fill the empty space (setting point Sp) created by the deletion of the target object Qa. As each held object Q moves, an empty space (i.e., a state where no held object Q is placed at setting point Sp) is created at the top of the held image S. Therefore, when the game ball P2 falls immediately afterward, a level 1 held object Q is added to the top of the held image S.

[0042] As described above, the level of each pending object Q in the pending image S changes moment by moment in conjunction with the progress of the game. Therefore, the level of the target object Qa consumed to start the lottery process is set to one of levels 1 to 3. The lottery processing unit 62 controls the probability of winning in the lottery process according to the level of the target object Qa used to execute the lottery process.

[0043] Figures 6 to 8 are explanatory diagrams of the lottery process according to the level of the target object Qa. As illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, the lottery process in the first embodiment is a slot game (video slot). The lottery processing unit 62 displays a lottery screen G representing the process and result of the lottery process on the display device 14.

[0044] The lottery screen G displays multiple (3) lottery reels R arranged horizontally. Each lottery reel R is a virtual cylinder that can rotate around a horizontal axis of rotation. Multiple different symbols B are arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of each lottery reel R. That is, multiple symbols B are arranged vertically in each of the multiple horizontal rows.

[0045] Each lottery reel R has multiple symbols B, including standard symbols Bi and reward symbols Bw. Standard symbols Bi indicate the type of item awarded to the player upon winning in the lottery process. Reward symbols Bw indicate the quantity of rewards awarded to the player upon winning in the lottery process. Specifically, reward symbols Bw represent the quantity of game tokens P1 (the so-called WIN count) that are inserted into the game field F upon winning in the lottery process.

[0046] When the lottery process begins, the lottery processing unit 62 rotates each of the multiple lottery reels R, and sequentially stops each lottery reel R when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation (hereinafter referred to as the "stopping point"). In other words, the lottery process is a slot game in which the symbols B in multiple rows corresponding to different lottery reels R change before stopping. Note that each lottery reel R may also be stopped in response to an operation from the player to the operating device 41.

[0047] The lottery screen G displays the lottery line L. The lottery line L is a horizontal line that represents one of the multiple symbols B on each lottery reel R. The lottery processing unit 62 determines the lottery result according to the combination of symbols B in multiple rows on the lottery line L at the time of stopping. Specifically, the lottery processing unit 62 determines the lottery result to be a win if the same symbols B are arranged on the lottery line L at the time of stopping, and determines the lottery result to be a loss if the symbols B on the lottery line L are different. If the same standard symbols Bi are arranged on the lottery line L, the lottery processing unit 62 grants the player the item corresponding to the standard symbols Bi as a reward. On the other hand, if the same reward symbols Bw are arranged on the lottery line L, the lottery processing unit 62 grants the player the reward corresponding to the reward symbols Bw. Specifically, the lottery processing unit 62 deposits the amount of game tokens P1 indicated by the reward symbols Bw into the game field F as a reward.

[0048] As illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, the lottery processing unit 62 controls the probability of winning by changing the number of lottery lines L according to the level of the target object Qa. For example, if the target object Qa is level 1, the lottery processing unit 62 sets the number of lottery lines L to 1, as illustrated in Figure 6. On the other hand, if the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, the lottery processing unit 62 sets the number of lottery lines L to 3, as illustrated in Figure 7 or Figure 8. The more lottery lines L there are, the greater the probability that the same symbol B will appear on the lottery lines L. Therefore, the probability of winning when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3 (lottery lines L=3) is higher than the probability of winning when the target object Qa is level 1 (lottery lines L=1).

[0049] When the target object Qa is level 1, as illustrated in Figure 6, a total of three symbols B spanning one row across multiple lottery reels R are displayed on the lottery screen G. The symbols B may be partially displayed in the two rows directly above and below the first row within the display area. On the other hand, when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, as illustrated in Figure 7 or Figure 8, the display area across multiple lottery reels R is expanded vertically compared to the state in Figure 6. Specifically, when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, a total of nine symbols B spanning three rows across multiple lottery reels R are displayed on the lottery screen G. As described above, the lottery processing unit 62 changes the size of the display area according to the number of lottery lines L. That is, the number of symbols B (number of rows) to be displayed changes according to the level of the target object Qa. Specifically, the number of symbols B corresponding to the number of lottery lines L are displayed.

[0050] Furthermore, the lottery processing unit 62 controls the reward corresponding to the reward symbol Bw in each lottery reel R according to the level of the target object Qa. Specifically, the amount of reward corresponding to the reward symbol Bw when the target object Qa is level 3 (Figure 8) is greater than the amount of reward corresponding to the reward symbol Bw when the target object Qa is level 1 or level 2 (Figures 6 and 7). For example, the amount of reward when the target object Qa is level 3 is set to twice the amount of reward when the target object Qa is level 1 or level 2.

[0051] [Basic Processing] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the processes executed by the control device 12 (hereinafter referred to as "basic processing"). For example, basic processing is initiated when the player makes an operation on the control device 41.

[0052] When basic processing begins, the control device 12 determines whether or not the player has instructed the insertion of game tokens P1 by operating the operating device 41 (Sa1). If the insertion of game tokens P1 is instructed (Sa1: YES), the control device 12 supplies the game tokens P1 to the game field F by controlling the insertion device 54 (Sa2). On the other hand, if the insertion of game tokens P1 is not instructed (Sa1: NO), the control device 12 does not perform the insertion of game tokens P1 (Sa2).

[0053] The control device 12 determines whether the number of game tokens P1 inserted in response to instructions from the player has reached a predetermined value (Sa3). If the number of game tokens P1 inserted has reached the predetermined value (Sa3: YES), the control device 12 supplies game balls P2 to the game field F by controlling the supply device 55 (Sa4). On the other hand, if the number of game tokens P1 inserted falls below the predetermined value (Sa3: NO), the control device 12 does not supply game balls P2 (Sa4).

[0054] Furthermore, the conditions for supplying game balls P2 are not limited to the number of game tokens P1 inserted reaching a predetermined value. For example, game balls P2 may be supplied to the game field F upon the fulfillment of any condition, such as the number of game tokens P1 that have fallen from the fixed table 51 reaching a predetermined value, game balls P2 falling from the fixed table 51, or a player winning a predetermined lottery game.

[0055] The control device 12 determines whether or not a game token P1 has fallen from the fixed table 51 (Sa5). If a game token P1 has fallen (Sa5: YES), the control device 12 dispenses a predetermined amount of game tokens P1 to the player using the dispensing device 43 (Sa6). If no game tokens P1 have fallen (Sa5: NO), the dispensing of game tokens P1 (Sa6) is not performed.

[0056] The control device 12 determines whether or not the game ball P2 has fallen from the fixed table 51 (Sa7). If the game ball P2 has fallen (Sa7: YES), the control device 12 (element control unit 61) updates the level of each held object Q in the held image S according to the rules described above, referring to Figure 5 (Sa8). If the game ball P2 has not fallen (Sa7: NO), the update of the level of each held object Q (Sa8) is not performed.

[0057] The control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) determines whether or not it is possible to start the lottery process (Sa9). For example, if the lottery process that was started immediately before is not continuing, or if various events are not continuing, the control device 12 determines that it is possible to start the lottery process. If it is possible to start the lottery process (Sa9: YES), the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) puts it on hold. Image S The control device 12 uses one of the multiple pending objects Q as the target object Qa (Sa10) and then executes control processing including the lottery process (Sa11). On the other hand, if it is not possible to start the lottery process (Sa9: NO), the control device 12 does not execute control processing. That is, the control device 12 suspends the lottery process while maintaining each pending object Q as it was updated due to the fall of the previous game ball P2.

[0058] [Control Processing] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the control process (Sa11). When the control process starts, the control device 12 determines whether the target object Qa is at level 1 or not (Sb1). If the target object Qa is at level 1 (Sb1: YES), the control device 12 sets the lottery line L to one and sets the reward amount represented by the reward symbol Bw to a standard value (hereinafter referred to as "standard reward") (Sb2). The control device 12 executes the lottery process under the above conditions (Sb3). That is, the control device 12 rotates multiple symbols B, including the reward symbol Bw of the standard reward, on each lottery reel R and then stops them, and determines whether the player wins or loses according to the combination of symbols B on the single lottery line L at the time of stopping.

[0059] On the other hand, if the target object Qa is not level 1 (Sb1: NO), the control device 12 determines whether the target object Qa is level 2 or not (Sb4). If the target object Qa is level 2 (Sb4: YES), the control device 12 sets the lottery lines L to 3 and sets the reward amount represented by the reward symbol Bw as the standard reward (Sb5). The control device 12 executes the lottery process under the above conditions (Sb6). That is, the control device 12 rotates multiple symbols B, including the standard reward symbol Bw, on each lottery reel R and then stops them, and determines whether the player wins or loses according to the combination of symbols B on the 3 lottery lines L at the time of stopping.

[0060] On the other hand, if the target object Qa is not level 2 (Sb4:NO), it means that the target object Qa is level 3. If the target object Qa is level 3 (Sb4:NO), the control device 12 sets the lottery lines L to 3 and sets the reward amount represented by the reward symbol Bw as the additional reward (Sb7). The additional reward is a reward amount that exceeds the standard reward. For example, the additional reward is twice the reward amount of the standard reward. The control device 12 executes the lottery process under the above conditions (Sb8). That is, the control device 12 rotates multiple symbols B, including the reward symbol Bw of the additional reward, on each lottery reel R and then stops them, and determines whether the player wins or loses according to the combination of symbols B on the three lottery lines L at the time of stopping.

[0061] When the control process exemplified above is executed, the control device 12 determines whether the result of the lottery process is a win or a loss (Sa12), as illustrated in Figure 9. If the result of the lottery process is a win (Sa12: YES), the control device 12 grants the reward to the player (Sa13). For example, the control device 12 controls the supply device 55 to supply the amount of game tokens P1 indicated by the reward symbol Bw to the game field F. If the result of the lottery process is a loss (Sa12: NO), the control device 12 does not grant the reward (Sa13).

[0062] Furthermore, in the lottery process when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, three lottery lines L are set. Therefore, there is a possibility of winning as many times as there are lottery lines L. If a win is achieved for multiple lottery lines L, the player is awarded the reward corresponding to each lottery line L. For example, if the reward symbol Bw is set for multiple lottery lines L, the amount of game tokens P1 equal to the sum of the reward amounts indicated by the reward symbol Bw for all multiple lottery lines L will be supplied to the game field F.

[0063] As illustrated in Figure 9, the control device 12 determines whether a predetermined special condition has been met (Sa14). The special condition is a condition for executing a special lottery. For example, special conditions include the total number of special items given to the player according to the lottery result reaching a predetermined value, and the special object (e.g., a ball or card) that is put into the game field F along with the game tokens P1 and game balls P2 falling from the fixed table 51.

[0064] If the special conditions are met (Sa14:YES), the control device 12 executes a special lottery (Sa15). The special lottery is a lottery process that probabilistically determines whether the player wins or loses. Specifically, the special lottery is a jackpot challenge in which a large amount of reward (hereinafter referred to as "special reward") is given to the player upon winning. For example, if the result of the special lottery is a win, the control device 12 puts a large amount of game tokens P1 into the game field F as the special reward. On the other hand, if the result of the special lottery is a loss, the control device 12 gives the player a reward less than the special reward, for example. If the special conditions are not met (Sa14:NO), the special lottery (Sa15) is not executed. After executing the above process, the control device 12 moves the process to step Sa1.

[0065] As described above, in the first embodiment, the probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the level of the target object Qa used to execute the lottery process. Therefore, an effective incentive can be given to the player to continue the game in order to advance the level of each pending object Q.

[0066] Furthermore, a slot game is executed as part of the lottery process. Therefore, players who expect to play the slot game are given an incentive to aim for the progression of the level of each reserved object Q. In particular, in the first embodiment, the number of lottery lines L changes according to the level of the reserved object Q. For example, the number of lottery lines L increases as the level of the reserved object Q progresses. Therefore, a highly engaging lottery process can be provided to the player, in which they expect to achieve a desired combination of symbols B for each of the lottery lines L whose number changes according to the level of the reserved object Q. In addition, in the first embodiment, the reward corresponding to the reward symbol Bw changes according to the level of the reserved object Q. With the above configuration, players who expect to acquire a desired reward are given an effective incentive to aim for the progression of the level of each reserved object Q.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a lottery process is performed in exchange for the use of a reserved object Q, and the level of the reserved object Q is changed each time a game ball P2 is dropped. Therefore, an effective incentive can be provided to the player to continue the game in order to drop the game ball P2. In addition, in the first embodiment, the level of each reserved object Q is controlled according to the number of reserved objects N in the lottery process. Therefore, an effective incentive can be provided to the player to continue the game in order to increase the number of reserved objects N.

[0068] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will now be described. For elements whose function is the same as in the first embodiment in each of the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the control process in the second embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 11, when the target object Qa is at level 2 (Sb4: YES), the control device 12 performs the setting of the lottery line L and the reward amount (Sb5), similar to the first embodiment.

[0070] After the above process is completed, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) of the second embodiment performs an auxiliary lottery (Sc1). The auxiliary lottery is an electronic lottery that probabilistically determines whether a player wins or loses. The control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) determines whether the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win or not (Sc2).

[0071] If the result of the auxiliary lottery is a loss (Sc2:NO), the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) performs the lottery process in the same manner as in the first embodiment (Sb6). Specifically, the control device 12 rotates multiple symbols B, including the standard reward symbol Bw, on each lottery reel R and then stops them, and determines whether the player has won or lost according to the combination of symbols B on the three lottery lines L at the time of stopping.

[0072] On the other hand, if the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win (Sc2:YES), the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) changes the lottery line L to one line and changes each of the multiple rows of symbols B on the lottery screen G to a single symbol (hereinafter referred to as "extended symbol Ba") (Sc3). The control device 12 executes the lottery process (hereinafter referred to as "prize lottery") under the above conditions (Sc4).

[0073] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the extended symbol Ba in the prize draw. As illustrated in Figure 12, the extended symbol Ba is a single symbol that appears consecutively across multiple columns of the standard draw screen G shown in Figures 6 to 8. Specifically, the extended symbol Ba is an image of a size equivalent to 3 rows vertically x 3 columns horizontally of symbol B in the standard draw screen G. Specifically, in the draw screen Ga of Figure 12, a single draw reel R is displayed with multiple extended symbols Ba arranged in the circumferential direction. The multiple extended symbols Ba include the reward symbol Bw, which represents the reward amount of the standard reward. The types of symbols B placed on each draw reel R in the standard draw screen G and the draw reel R in the draw screen Ga to The type of extended pattern Ba that is placed is the same.

[0074] In the prize drawing (Sc4), the lottery processing unit 62 rotates the lottery reel R and stops the lottery reel R at a predetermined time after the start of rotation. The lottery processing unit 62 determines the extended symbol Ba located on the lottery line L at the time of stopping as the lottery result. As described above, since the extended symbol Ba on the lottery screen Ga is a single symbol that spans multiple columns, there is no possibility that the symbol B will differ in each of the multiple columns. In other words, in the lottery processing (Sc4) using the lottery screen Ga in the second embodiment, the lottery result is inevitably a win, and the winning details are determined according to the type of extended symbol Ba.

[0075] As can be understood from the above explanation, the prize draw in the second embodiment corresponds to the process of rotating multiple draw reels R while maintaining the state in which identical symbols B are arranged horizontally in the draw process of the first embodiment (i.e., the state in which a win is confirmed). After the execution of the control processes illustrated above, the determination of the draw result (Sa12) and the awarding of the reward (Sa13) are performed, similar to the first embodiment.

[0076] In the above explanation, we assumed that the target object Qa is at level 2, but the same process is performed when the target object Qa is at level 3. That is, as illustrated in Figure 11, when the target object Qa is at level 3 (Sb4:NO), the control device 12 performs an auxiliary lottery (Sc5) after setting the lottery line L and the reward amount (Sb7), and determines whether the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win or a loss (Sc6). If the result of the auxiliary lottery is a loss (Sc6:NO), the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) performs the lottery process in the same way as in the first embodiment (Sb8). Specifically, the control device 12 rotates multiple symbols B, including the reward symbol Bw which is twice the standard reward, on each lottery reel R and then stops them, and determines whether the player has won or lost according to the combination of symbols B on the three lottery lines L at the time of stopping.

[0077] On the other hand, if the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win (Sc6:YES), the control device 12 changes each of the multiple rows of symbols B on the lottery screen G to a single extended symbol Ba (Sc7), changes the lottery line L to one, and then executes the bonus lottery (Sc8). The multiple extended symbols Ba placed on the lottery reel R in the bonus lottery include the reward symbol Bw which represents the amount of the additional reward. The types of symbols B placed on each lottery reel R on the standard lottery screen G and the lottery reel R on the lottery screen Ga to The type of extended pattern Ba that is placed is the same.

[0078] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, the lottery conditions differ depending on whether the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win or a loss.

[0079] On the other hand, if the target object Qa is level 1 (Sb1: YES), the control device 12 does not perform the auxiliary lottery (Sc1, Sc2, Sc5, Sc6), the expansion of the symbol B (Sc3, Sc7), or the bonus lottery (Sc4, Sc8). As described above, in the second embodiment, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) changes multiple rows of symbol B to a single expanded symbol Ba when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3.

[0080] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the target object Qa is at a specific level (level 2 or level 3), multiple rows of symbols B are changed to a single extended symbol Ba. In the prize draw using the extended symbol Ba, the draw result is always a win. Therefore, it is possible to provide an effective incentive for players who expect to win in the draw process to aim for level progression of the held object Q.

[0081] [Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, the set of multiple symbols B (hereinafter referred to as "Group 1") placed on each lottery reel R during the lottery process (Sb3) when the target object Qa is level 1 differs from the set of multiple extended symbols Ba (hereinafter referred to as "Group 2") placed on the lottery reel R during the bonus lottery (Sc4, Sc8) when the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3.

[0082] In other words, if the target object Qa is level 1, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) sequentially changes each of the symbols B in multiple rows on the lottery line L to one of the multiple symbols B belonging to the first group. On the other hand, if the target object Qa is level 2 or level 3, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) sequentially changes the extended symbols Ba on the lottery line L to one of the multiple symbols B of the second group, which includes special symbols. Special symbols are special symbols that are not included in the first group.

[0083] Specifically, the special symbol is symbol B, which corresponds to the right to play the special lottery. In other words, if the special symbol is selected in the prize lottery, the player is granted the right to play the special lottery. That is, the result of the judgment in step Sa14 of the basic processing is positive, and the control device 12 starts the special lottery (Sa15).

[0084] The same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved in the third embodiment. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, in the prize draw that may be performed when the target object Qa is at level 2 or level 3, a single extended symbol Ba on the draw line L sequentially changes into one of a plurality of symbols B, including a special symbol. Therefore, an effective incentive can be provided for players aiming to win a special symbol to advance the level of each held object Q.

[0085] [Differentiation] The following are examples of specific modifications that may be added to each of the embodiments exemplified above. Two or more embodiments may be arbitrarily selected from the following examples and merged as appropriate, provided they do not contradict each other.

[0086] (1) In each of the above-described forms, the probability of winning in the lottery process was controlled by changing the number of lottery lines L. However, the method for controlling the probability of winning in the lottery process (including the prize lottery) is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. For example, the probability of winning in the lottery process may be controlled by reducing the number or number of types of symbols B arranged on each lottery reel R, or by expanding the circumferential range corresponding to one symbol B.

[0087] (2) In each of the above-described forms, a slot game was given as an example of the lottery process (including the prize lottery), but the specific method of the lottery process is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. For example, a roulette game using a rotating disc with multiple areas corresponding to winning / losing, or a dice game using a die made of polyhedrons to determine winning / losing, may be performed as the lottery process.

[0088] (3) In each of the above forms, an example configuration is given in which a maximum of 5 pending objects Q are set. Ta However, the maximum number of pending objects Q is not limited to the examples above and can be changed as desired. Also, although the examples above illustrate a form in which the level of pending objects Q changes in three stages (level 1 to level 3), the number of levels of pending objects Q can be changed as desired. For example, the level of pending objects Q may change to four or more stages.

[0089] (4) In each of the above-described forms, an example was given in which the level of the held object Q is changed when the game ball P2 falls from the fixed table 51. However, the conditions for changing the level of the held object Q (hereinafter referred to as "element change conditions") are not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired.

[0090] For example, in a configuration in which a lottery hole (so-called checker) is formed on the front of the movable table 52, the control device 12 (element control unit 61) may change the level of the held object Q when a game token P1 falls into the lottery hole of the movable table 52. For example, each time a game token P1 falls into the lottery hole, the control parameter increases by a predetermined range, and when the value of the control parameter reaches a threshold, a lottery game is executed in which one of several rewards is probabilistically selected. The control parameter is displayed on the display device 14 by, for example, a linear or arc-shaped status gauge. A full status gauge corresponds to the value of the control parameter reaching a threshold. Among the multiple rewards that are candidates for selection in the lottery game, there is an effect (or an item having such an effect) that changes the level of the held object Q. The element control unit 61 changes the level of the held object Q when such an effect is selected by the lottery game as the result of the lottery.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, the element control unit 61 may change the level of the held object Q as an element change condition, such as when a predetermined amount of coins have been inserted by the player. The element control unit 61 may also change the level of the held object Q as a reward corresponding to the result of a game (e.g., a lottery game) that is performed in exchange for inserting coins. In other words, the element change condition may be that the game started by inserting coins results in a predetermined outcome. Also, examples of "element change conditions" include any condition that can be met as the game progresses, such as when the total number of game tokens P1 or game balls P2 that have fallen from the fixed table 51 reaches a predetermined value, or when the number of game tokens P1 inserted by the insertion device 54 reaches a predetermined value.

[0092] (5) In the above-described embodiments, an example was given in which each reserved object Q is changed to a higher level only after the levels of all reserved objects Q in the reserved image S have reached a predetermined value. However, the method of changing the level of each reserved object Q is not limited to the above examples. For example, the level of each reserved object Q may increase from the minimum value (level 1) to the maximum value (level 3). For example, the control device 12 increases the level of one reserved object Q in the reserved image S each time a game ball P2 falls, and when the level of the reserved object Q reaches the maximum value (level 3), a new reserved object Q is added to the reserved image S by the fall of the game ball P2, and the level of the reserved object Q is increased each time a game ball P2 falls.

[0093] (6) In each of the above-described forms, one reserved object Q located at the bottom of the multiple reserved objects Q was selected as the target object Qa. However, the method of selecting the target object Qa from the multiple reserved objects Q in the reserved image S is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. Configurations in which the target object Qa is randomly selected from the multiple reserved objects Q in the reserved image S, or configurations in which the reserved object Q with the highest level among the multiple reserved objects Q is selected as the target object Qa, are also conceivable.

[0094] (7) The lottery line L in the lottery process is not limited to a horizontal straight line. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13, the lottery line L added according to the level of the target object Qa may also be a diagonal lottery line L. It is possible for a horizontal lottery line L and a diagonal lottery line L to be won simultaneously. In the above explanation, we have focused on the normal lottery process, but in the prize lottery in the second embodiment, a diagonal lottery line L may also be set in addition to the horizontal lottery line L. As can be understood from the above examples, the number of lottery lines L may be changed arbitrarily.

[0095] (8) In each of the above-described forms, an example was given in which the lottery line L is set to one in the prize lottery when the result of the auxiliary lottery is a win. However, as illustrated in Figure 14, the lottery line L may be maintained as three in the prize lottery, similar to the normal lottery process when the result of the auxiliary lottery is a loss. The extended symbol Ba in the prize lottery is the size of three lottery lines L. Therefore, in the prize lottery, wins for three lottery lines L are inevitably achieved.

[0096] (9) In each of the above-described forms, the number of lottery lines L was set to one when the target object Qa was level 1, and the number of lottery lines L was set to three when the target object Qa was level 2 or level 3. However, the relationship between the number of target objects Qa and the number of lottery lines L is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. For example, when the target object Qa is level 2, the number of lottery lines L may be set to two.

[0097] (10) In each of the above-described forms, the reward amount of the reward pattern Bw is set as the standard reward when the target object Qa is at level 1 or level 2, and the reward amount of the reward pattern Bw is set as an additional reward when the target object Qa is at level 3. However, the relationship between the target object Qa and the reward amount shown by the reward pattern Bw is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. For example, the reward amount of the reward pattern Bw may be set as the first-stage additional reward when the target object Qa is at level 2, and the reward amount of the reward pattern Bw may be set as the second-stage additional reward when the target object Qa is at level 3. The first-stage additional reward is a reward amount that exceeds the standard reward, and the second-stage additional reward is a reward amount that exceeds the first-stage additional reward.

[0098] (11) In the second embodiment, all of the symbols B in multiple columns on the lottery screen G were changed to a single extended symbol Ba. That is, the size of the extended symbol Ba corresponds to 3 rows vertically and 3 columns horizontally of a standard symbol B. However, the size of the extended symbol Ba in the prize lottery is not limited to the above examples and may be changed as desired. For example, as illustrated in Figure 15, the size of the extended symbol Ba may be the size of 2 rows vertically and 2 columns horizontally of a standard symbol B.

[0099] In the lottery screen G illustrated in Figure 15, a lottery reel R1 with multiple extended symbols Ba arranged circumferentially and a lottery reel R2 with multiple standard symbols B arranged circumferentially are displayed in parallel. In the second embodiment described above, the result of the prize lottery is necessarily a win, but in the prize lottery using the lottery screen G of Figure 15, the same symbols B may not be arranged on the lottery line L on lottery reels R1 and R2. Therefore, the result of the prize lottery may be a loss. Note that multiple lottery lines L may be set in the lottery screen G of Figure 15.

[0100] The size of the extended pattern Ba may be changed according to the level of the target object Qa. For example, if the target object Qa is level 2, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) sets the extended pattern Ba to a size of 2 rows vertically and 2 columns horizontally, as shown in the example in Figure 15. On the other hand, if the target object Qa is level 3, the control device 12 (lottery processing unit 62) sets the extended pattern Ba to a size of 3 rows vertically and 3 columns horizontally, as shown in the example in Figure 12.

[0101] (12) The types of symbols B displayed on the lottery screen G are not limited to the examples in each of the forms described above and may be changed at will. For example, symbols B that have the effect of transitioning to other lottery modes such as probability variation mode or high payout mode, symbols B that have the effect of transitioning to a specific lottery game in which high payouts can be obtained, or symbols B that have the effect of dropping a special object (e.g., a ball or a card) into the game field F, which will trigger a special lottery when dropped from the fixed table 51, may be displayed on the lottery screen G.

[0102] (13) In each of the above-described embodiments, the element control unit 61 controlled the level of each reserved object Q, but the state of the reserved object Q controlled by the element control unit 61 is not limited to the level. For example, the size of the reserved object Q or the display characteristics such as the display gradation may be controlled. Also, in a configuration in which the reserved object Q is represented by a character or an item, for example, the stages of growth or evolution of the reserved object Q (or the changes in appearance corresponding to each stage) may be controlled. As can be understood from the above examples, the "state" of the reserved object Q is an arbitrary parameter that represents the stage of change of the reserved object Q.

[0103] (14) In each of the above-described embodiments, the element control unit 61 controlled the level of each reserved object Q, but the object of control by the element control unit 61 is not limited to display objects such as reserved objects Q. For example, the element control unit 61 may control the numerical values ​​of each of a plurality of control parameters. The control parameters are, for example, parameters corresponding to the number of reserved objects N, and are updated, for example, each time a game ball P2 falls (i.e., when an element change condition is met). The lottery processing unit 62 executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of a predetermined amount of the control parameters. The reserved objects Q exemplified in each of the above-described embodiments and the control parameters controlled by the element control unit 61 are comprehensively represented as elements used for executing the lottery process (lottery execution elements).

[0104] (15) In each of the above-described forms, the lottery process (Sb3, Sb6, Sb8) and the prize draw (Sc4, Sc8) were implemented by electronic lottery, but the lottery process and the prize draw may also be implemented by physical lottery using a physical lottery mechanism. Similarly, the auxiliary lottery (Sc1, Sc5) may be implemented by either electronic lottery or physical lottery.

[0105] (16) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game system 100 is shown as being installed in real space, but the game system 100 can also be realized as a virtual object installed in a virtual space realized by computational processing. Therefore, a service similar to the game system 100 in the above-described embodiments may be provided by an information device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. For example, a game similar to the game system 100 can be realized as an application game provided by a program executed by the information device, or as a cloud game provided by a server that can communicate with the information device.

[0106] (17) The functions of the game system 100 in each of the above-described forms are realized through the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 12 and the program stored in the storage device 13, as described above. The programs exemplified above can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical recording medium (optical disc) like a CD-ROM, but also includes any known form of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except for transient propagation signals (transitory, propagating signals), and volatile recording media are not excluded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes programs via a communication network, the recording medium that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[0107] (18) The notation “nth” (where n is a natural number) in this application is used solely as a formal and convenient label to distinguish each element in notation and has no substantive meaning whatsoever. Therefore, there is no room for restrictive interpretation of the position or order of each element based on the notation “nth.” Furthermore, the “nth” element does not require the “(n-1)” element or the “(n+1)” element.

[0108] [Note] From the above description, preferred embodiments of this disclosure can be understood, for example, as follows. For the sake of ease of understanding each embodiment, the reference numerals in the drawings are conveniently included in parentheses below, but this does not mean that this disclosure is limited to the embodiments shown.

[0109] [Note 1] A game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 1) comprises an element control unit (61) that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements (Q) in accordance with the progress of the game, and a lottery processing unit (62) that executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q), wherein the lottery processing unit (62) controls the probability of winning in the lottery process according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q) used to execute the lottery process. In the above aspect, the probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q) used to execute the lottery process. Therefore, an effective incentive can be given to the player to continue the game in order to advance the state of each lottery execution element (Q).

[0110] A "game" is any process that progresses according to the actions of the players. A "lottery execution element (Q)" is any element used to execute a lottery process. The state of a lottery execution element (Q) is represented, for example, by a numerical level.

[0111] A "lottery process" is a process that selects a lottery result in a substantially random manner. For example, a typical example of a "lottery process" is a process that selects one of several lottery elements. However, a "lottery process" does not need to be completely random in a strict sense. Furthermore, a "lottery process" can be either a physical lottery using a physical lottery mechanism, or an electronic lottery implemented through computational processing by a computing device.

[0112] The "winning probability" in a lottery process is the probability that the result of the lottery process will be determined to be a win. For example, in a lottery process that determines whether a player wins or loses, the "winning probability" is the probability that a win will be selected. In a lottery process that selects one of several lottery elements by lottery, the "winning probability" is the probability that one or more lottery elements corresponding to a "win" will be selected from among the multiple lottery elements.

[0113] "Controlling the probability of winning according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q)" means a process that changes the probability of winning in conjunction with the state of the lottery execution element (Q). For example, a form is envisioned in which the probability of winning increases as the state level of the lottery execution element (Q) progresses.

[0114] [Note 2] In the specific example of Appendix 1 (Appendix 2), the lottery process is a slot game in which each of the multiple rows of symbols (B) on the lottery line (L) changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of the multiple rows of symbols (B) on the lottery line (L) at the time of the stop. In the above embodiment, a slot game is executed as the lottery process. Therefore, an incentive can be given to players who expect to play the slot game to aim for the progression of the state of each lottery execution element (Q).

[0115] [Note 3] In the specific example of Appendix 2 (Appendix 3), the lottery processing unit (62) controls the winning probability by changing the number of lottery lines (L) according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q). In the above embodiment, the number of lottery lines (L) changes according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q). For example, the number of lottery lines (L) increases as the state of the lottery execution element (Q) progresses. With the above configuration, the player can be provided with a highly engaging lottery process in which they expect a specific combination of symbols (B) to be formed for each of the lottery lines (L) whose number changes according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q). In slot games, the combination of symbols (B) in multiple rows that is a condition for winning is typically a combination of the same type of symbols (B), but it may also be a combination of different symbols (B).

[0116] [Note 4] In the specific example of Appendix 2 or Appendix 3 (Appendix 4), the lottery processing unit (62) sequentially changes each of the multiple rows of symbols (B) on the lottery line (L) to one of the multiple symbols (B) including the reward symbol (Bw), and if a combination of the multiple rows of symbols (B) including the reward symbol (Bw) is established on the lottery line (L) at the time of stopping, the unit grants the player a reward corresponding to the reward symbol (Bw), and controls the reward corresponding to the reward symbol (Bw) according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q). In the above embodiment, the reward corresponding to the reward symbol (Bw) changes according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q). With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an effective incentive for players who expect to acquire a desired reward to aim for the progression of the state of each lottery execution element (Q).

[0117] A "reward" is something that benefits the user. For example, "game items" used in a game are given as an example of a reward. A "game item" can be any tangible object, such as game tokens, game cards, or game balls. In addition, the right to perform a specific action, such as the right to play a specific game, may also be granted to the user as a "reward." A "reward" can also be described as an objective that the player aims to acquire in the game.

[0118] "Reward control" includes both controlling the quantity of the reward and controlling the type of reward (e.g., game tokens, game cards, or game balls). Controlling the quantity of the reward is, for example, a process that increases the quantity of the reward as the state of the lottery execution element (Q) progresses. Note that the state of the lottery execution element (Q) of The manner in which the quantity of the reward changes in response to progress is arbitrary. For example, the quantity corresponding to the state of the lottery execution element (Q) may be associated with the "reward pattern (Bw)". Furthermore, the control of the type of reward may involve, for example, changing the reward to a higher value as the state of the lottery execution element (Q) progresses.

[0119] [Note 5] In any specific example from Appendix 2 to Appendix 4 (Appendix 5), the lottery processing unit (62) determines a win if the same symbol (B) is arranged across multiple rows on the lottery line (L) at the time of the stop, and changes the symbols (B) across multiple rows to a single symbol (Ba) when the state of the lottery execution element (Q) is in a specific state. In the above embodiment, when the state of the lottery execution element (Q) is in a specific state, the symbols (B) across multiple rows are changed to a single symbol (Ba). When the symbols have been changed to a single symbol (Ba) across multiple rows, the lottery result is always a win. Therefore, it is possible to provide an effective incentive for players who expect to win in the lottery process to aim for the state of the lottery execution element (Q) to progress.

[0120] [Note 6] In the specific example of Appendix 5 (Appendix 6), the lottery processing unit (62) sequentially changes each of the multiple symbols (B) in multiple rows on the lottery line (L) to one of the multiple symbols (B) of the first group when the state of the lottery execution element (Q) is the first state, and sequentially changes the single symbol (Ba) on the lottery line (L) to one of the multiple symbols (B) of the second group, which includes a special symbol (B) not included in the first group. In the above embodiment, when the state of the lottery execution element (Q) is the second state, the single symbol (Ba) on the lottery line (L) sequentially changes to one of the multiple symbols (B) including the special symbol (B). Therefore, an effective incentive can be provided for players aiming to win a special symbol (B) to aim for the state of the lottery execution element (Q) to progress.

[0121] "Special Symbol (B)" is a symbol (B) that corresponds to a special reward. A special reward is a special reward that is not given to the player by combinations of multiple symbols (B) in Group 1. For example, a large number of game units or the right to play a specific game may be given to the player as a special reward.

[0122] [Note 7] In any specific example of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6 (Appendix 7), the element control unit (61) changes the state of one of the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q) each time an element change condition is met, and the lottery processing unit (62) executes the lottery process in exchange for using the lottery execution element (Q). In the above embodiment, the lottery process is executed in exchange for using the lottery execution element (Q), and the state of the lottery execution element (Q) is changed each time an element change condition is met. Therefore, an effective incentive can be given to the player to continue playing in order to meet the element change condition.

[0123] An "element change condition" is any condition that can occur probabilistically during the course of a game. For example, in a pusher game that uses physical tokens or other game objects, an example of an "element change condition" is when a game object falls into a predetermined lottery hole (checker). Also, in a game where multiple types of game objects are placed on a game table, an example of an "element change condition" is when a particular type of game object falls off the game table.

[0124] [Note 8] In the specific example of Appendix 7 (Appendix 8), the lottery processing unit (62) can suspend the execution of the lottery process depending on the state of the game when the element change condition is met, and the element control unit (61) controls the state of each of the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q) according to the number of times the execution of the lottery process has been suspended (N). In the above embodiment, the state of each lottery execution element (Q) is controlled according to the number of times the lottery process has been suspended (N). Therefore, an effective incentive can be given to the player to continue the game in order to increase the number of times the lottery process has been suspended (N).

[0125] "The state of the game when the element change condition is met" refers to any situation in which the execution of the lottery process should be suspended. Examples of "the state of the game" include situations in which the lottery process is being executed due to the past fulfillment of the element change condition when the element change condition is met, or situations in which various events, such as a special lottery, are being executed when the element change condition is met. In addition to the state of the game being played by a player, the state of games being played by other players (for example, a situation in which another player is conducting a special lottery) may also be included in "the state of the game".

[0126] [Note 9] A method of operating a game system (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure (Appendix 9) is a method of operating a game system (100) that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements (Q) in accordance with the progress of the game, and executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q), wherein the probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q) used for executing the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q).

[0127] [Note 10] A program relating to one aspect of this disclosure (Appendix 10) is a program that causes a computer system to function as an element control unit (61) that controls the state of each of a plurality of lottery execution elements (Q) in accordance with the progress of the game, and a lottery processing unit (62) that executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of any of the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q), wherein the lottery processing unit (62) controls the probability of winning in the lottery process according to the state of the lottery execution element (Q) used for executing the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements (Q). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 100...Game system, 11...Station, 12...Control device, 13...Storage device, 14...Display device, 40...Operation unit, 41...Operation device, 42...Reception device, 43...Dispensing device, 50...Game mechanism, 51...Fixed table, 511...Placement surface, 512...Tip, 52...Movable table, 53...Fixed wall, 54...Input device, 55...Supply device, 56...Detection device, 61...Element control unit, 62...Lottery processing unit.

Claims

1. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, A lottery processing unit executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. Equipped with, The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled by changing the number of lottery lines according to the state of the lottery execution element used to execute the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements. Game system.

2. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, A lottery processing unit executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. Equipped with, The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. Each of the symbols in the multiple rows on the aforementioned lottery line is sequentially changed to one of the multiple symbols, including the reward symbol. If, at the time of the aforementioned stop, a combination of symbols from the multiple rows, including the reward symbol, is established on the lottery line, the player shall be awarded the reward corresponding to the reward symbol. The reward corresponding to the aforementioned reward symbol is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element. Game system.

3. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, A lottery processing unit executes a lottery process in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. Equipped with, The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. If the same symbol is arranged across multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the aforementioned stop, it is determined that the draw is a winner. If the state of the aforementioned lottery execution element is in a specific state, the multiple rows of symbols are changed to a single symbol. Game system.

4. The lottery processing unit, If the state of the lottery execution element is the first state, the symbols in each of the multiple rows on the lottery line are sequentially changed to one of the multiple symbols of the first group. If the state of the lottery execution element is a second state different from the first state, the single symbol on the lottery line is sequentially changed to one of the multiple symbols of the second group, which includes special symbols not included in the first group. The game system according to claim 3.

5. The element control unit changes the state of one of the plurality of lottery execution elements each time the element change condition is met. The lottery processing unit executes the lottery process in exchange for using the lottery execution element. A game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The lottery processing unit can postpone the execution of the lottery processing depending on the state of the game when the element change condition is met. The element control unit controls the state of each of the plurality of lottery execution elements according to the number of times the lottery process has been suspended. The game system according to claim 5.

7. The state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements is controlled according to the progress of the game. A lottery process is performed in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. The method of operation of the game system, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled by changing the number of lottery lines according to the state of the lottery execution element used to execute the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements. How the game system works.

8. The state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements is controlled according to the progress of the game. A lottery process is performed in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. The method of operation of the game system, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. Each of the symbols in the multiple rows on the aforementioned lottery line is sequentially changed to one of the multiple symbols, including the reward symbol. If, at the time of the aforementioned stop, a combination of symbols from the multiple rows, including the reward symbol, is established on the lottery line, the player shall be awarded the reward corresponding to the reward symbol. The reward corresponding to the aforementioned reward symbol is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element. How the game system works.

9. The state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements is controlled according to the progress of the game. A lottery process is performed in exchange for the use of one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. The method of operation of the game system, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. If the same symbol is arranged across multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the aforementioned stop, it is determined that the draw is a winner. If the state of the aforementioned lottery execution element is in a specific state, the multiple rows of symbols are changed to a single symbol. How the game system works.

10. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, and A lottery processing unit that performs a lottery process in exchange for using one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. It is a program that makes a computer system function as follows: The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled by changing the number of lottery lines according to the state of the lottery execution element used to execute the lottery process from among the plurality of lottery execution elements. program.

11. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, and A lottery processing unit that performs a lottery process in exchange for using one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. It is a program that makes a computer system function as follows: The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. Each of the symbols in the multiple rows on the aforementioned lottery line is sequentially changed to one of the multiple symbols, including the reward symbol. If, at the time of the aforementioned stop, a combination of symbols from the multiple rows, including the reward symbol, is established on the lottery line, the player shall be awarded the reward corresponding to the reward symbol. The reward corresponding to the aforementioned reward symbol is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element. program.

12. An element control unit that controls the state of each of the multiple lottery execution elements according to the progress of the game, and A lottery processing unit that performs a lottery process in exchange for using one of the multiple lottery execution elements, in which each of the symbols in multiple rows on the lottery line changes and then stops, and the lottery result is determined according to the combination of symbols in the multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the stop. It is a program that makes a computer system function as follows: The lottery processing unit, The probability of winning in the lottery process is controlled according to the state of the lottery execution element used for executing the lottery process among the plurality of lottery execution elements. If the same symbol is arranged across multiple rows on the lottery line at the time of the aforementioned stop, it is determined that the draw is a winner. If the state of the aforementioned lottery execution element is in a specific state, the multiple rows of symbols are changed to a single symbol. program.

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