Program, game system, and user terminal

Abstract

To enhance the enjoyment of games played on arcade game machines. [Solution] A program is provided for operating a user's computer in conjunction with a game machine for stores, wherein the program causes the computer to function as a display means for displaying information about items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the game machine for each of the multiple storage compartments on the computer's display device. The display means may display a first type of information about the items as information about the items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the game machine on the display device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program for operating a user's computer in cooperation with a store game device, a game system including the store game device, a server device, and the user's computer, and a user terminal that operates in cooperation with the store game device.

Background Art

[0003] Since the advertisement information output to the store game device is related to the user, there is a possibility that the user's willingness to purchase the products displayed in the advertisement will increase. However, the server, program, etc. described in Patent Document 1 are intended to display advertisement information on the store game device, and are not intended to enhance the interest in the game on the store game device.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [1] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for operating a user's computer in cooperation with a store game machine, and the program causes the computer to function as a display means for displaying information of articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game machine on the computer's display device for each of the plurality of storage compartments.

[0007] [2] A game system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a game system comprising a store game device, a server device that operates in cooperation with the store game device, and a user's computer that operates in cooperation with the server device, wherein the computer is equipped with display means for displaying information of articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device on the computer's display device for each of the plurality of storage compartments.

[0008] [3] A user terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is a user terminal having a display device and operating in cooperation with a store game machine, and is a user terminal having a display means for displaying information of articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game machine on the display device for each of the plurality of storage compartments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes the user's computer to function as a display means, which displays information about the items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of a store game machine on the user's computer's display device for each of the multiple storage compartments.

[0010] By displaying information about the items stored in each compartment of the arcade game machine, users can easily determine whether or not items of interest to them are available. This contributes to increasing the enjoyment of playing games on the arcade game machine for users.

[0011] Furthermore, since users can visit stores equipped with arcade game machines and play games with the aim of acquiring items they are interested in, the appeal of games played on arcade game machines can be increased. Similarly, the game system and user terminal of one embodiment of the present invention can also increase the appeal of games played on arcade game machines. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the game system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the hardware in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3(A) is a diagram showing an example of a user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3(B) is a functional block diagram of the user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an example of a screen showing the mission in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is a flowchart showing the process of one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 7(B) and 7(C) are examples of user terminal screens in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of a user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]An example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14(B) is an example of an article included in a lottery-type privilege. [Figure 15] FIG. 15(A) is a schematic diagram of a game system in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15(B) is a flowchart showing the processing of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16(A) is an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16(B) is an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the processing of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A diagram showing a change in the appearance of a character in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21(A) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 21(B) to 21(D) are diagrams showing marks of game titles displayed on the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] A diagram showing a map pin on the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] A diagram showing an example of the screen of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] A diagram showing the correspondence between a game title and a character in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27]This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example of a user terminal screen in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, for the sake of clarity, unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. The game system 10 includes a server device 20, one or more user terminals (i.e., user computers) 40, and one or more store game devices 80, all of which are connected to each other via a network 30 such as the Internet.

[0015] The server device 20 is, for example, an application server, but is not limited to that. The server device 20 can link the user terminal 40 with the store game device 80 based on the user ID assigned to the user terminal 40 (i.e., the ID of user 70).

[0016] The user terminal 40 transmits the user ID stored in the user terminal 40 to the server device 20. Furthermore, when the user 70 plays a game on the store game machine 80, they input their associated user ID into the store game machine 80 using a two-dimensional code, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, etc., before playing.

[0017] For example, user 70 logs into the store's game machine 80 using an authentication card specifically for user 70. This links the user ID with the game played on the store's game machine 80, and user 70's gameplay data is stored in the server device 20.

[0018] The results of user 70 playing games on the store's game machine 80 are linked to the user ID and managed on the server device 20. Furthermore, the results of the game can be reflected on the user terminal 40 via the server device 20, allowing the user terminal 40 to operate in conjunction with user 70's gameplay on the store's game machine 80.

[0019] As an example of coordinated operation, the user terminal 40 can display missions that the user 70 has completed and / or not completed in the store game device 80, and game elements that the user 70 obtains as a result of playing the game in the store game device 80 (for example, numerical points awarded to the user 70 as a reward that at least form economic value in the game system 10).

[0020] Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, the user terminal 40 can also display information such as the location of the store where the store game machine 80 is installed, whether or not there are any tournaments using the store game machine 80, the points owned by the user 70, the user 70's ranking, and so on.

[0021] In other words, the user terminal 40 of this embodiment is not intended to have the user 70 play the same games that are playable on the arcade game machine 80, but rather to maintain the user 70's enthusiasm and motivation for playing on the arcade game machine 80 the next time, and to enhance the interest in games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0022] User terminal 40 is a computer such as a smartphone (see Figure 3(A)) or a personal computer (PC) (e.g., a tablet PC, laptop PC, or desktop PC). User terminal 40 is a device owned by user 70, and one user ID is associated with one user 70.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, the user 70 in this embodiment is a natural person and is the same person as the player of the game played on the arcade game machine 80. Therefore, user 70 may be interpreted as the player of the arcade game machine 80.

[0024] The store game machine 80 is an arcade game machine for video games installed in a commercial facility, and one of the game titles is associated with the store game machine 80 (see Figures 6(A), 6(B), 9(A), 9(B), 21(B) to 21(D), etc.).

[0025] The store game device 80 primarily reads information recorded on physical cards electronically, magnetically, and / or optically, and reflects this read information in the game (primarily competitive games).

[0026] Furthermore, the store game device 80 can also receive user 70 data recorded in the server device 20 and reflect information such as user 70's virtual deck 64, user 70's physical cards and / or virtual cards 65 (details described later) into the game.

[0027] The store game device 80 provides users 70 with a game experience that primarily involves visual effects on the display device 82 (see Figure 2(C)). Therefore, it differs from game devices that do not have video screens, such as crane games and punching machines (so-called electromechanical devices).

[0028] Next, the hardware of the server device 20, user terminal 40, and store game device 80 will be described with reference to Figures 2(A) to 2(C). Figure 2(A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the hardware of the server device 20 in one embodiment of the present invention. The server device 20 is a computer and includes a processor 21, a display device 22, an input device 23, a storage device 24, and a communication device 25.

[0029] Figure 2(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating the hardware of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 40 is a computer for user 70 and includes a processor 41, a display device 42, an input device 43, a storage device 44, and a communication device 45.

[0030] Figure 2(C) is a schematic diagram illustrating the hardware of a game machine 80 for use in a store according to one embodiment of the present invention. The game machine 80 is a stationary computer and includes a processor 81, a display device 82, an input device 83, a storage device 84, and a communication device 85.

[0031] The components of the computer are electrically connected to each other via bus 26. Interfaces may be interposed between bus 26 and each component as needed. The same applies to buses 46 and 86.

[0032] (Processors 21, 41, 81) Processor 21 controls the server device 20, processor 41 controls the user terminal 40, and processor 81 controls the store game device 80. Each of the processors 21, 41, and 81 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also have electronic circuits such as an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). In particular, processors 41 and 81 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) suitable for high-speed image processing in order to enhance visual effects.

[0033] Since the user terminal 40 in this embodiment is a smartphone, it also functions as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver (for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver) for acquiring location information. Therefore, the processor 41 includes a baseband processor, etc.

[0034] Processors 21, 41, and 81 perform various processes by reading and executing programs, data, etc., stored in the corresponding storage devices 24, 44, and 84. Therefore, processors 21, 41, and 81 may be read as control units, respectively.

[0035] (Display devices 22, 42, 82) Display device 22 displays a management screen for managing user 70, etc., in accordance with the control of processor 21. Display devices 42, 82 display application screens, etc., in accordance with the control of the corresponding processors 41, 81. Display devices 22, 42, 82 are, for example, liquid crystal displays, but may also be OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) displays or microLED displays.

[0036] (Input devices 23, 43, 83) Input device 23 is a user interface that receives input from the operator of the server device 20, and includes, for example, a touch panel, touch pad, keyboard and / or mouse. Input device 43 is a user interface that receives input from the user 70 of the user terminal 40, and is, for example, a touch panel.

[0037] The input device 83 is a user interface in the store game machine 80 that accepts input from the user 70 (i.e., the player), and includes a touch panel, a touch pad, physical buttons, and / or a two-dimensional code reader (2D Code Reader).

[0038] The input device 83 may have an RFID reader or RFID reader / writer for reading information stored in an IC (Integrated Circuit) embedded in a physical card held by the user 70 using RFID technology such as near-field communication (i.e., NFC).

[0039] (Storage devices 24, 44, 84) Storage devices 24, 44, and 84 each have a main memory and an auxiliary storage device. The main memory includes DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc., and the auxiliary storage device includes HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card), UFS (Universal Flash Storage), etc.

[0040] For example, storage device 24 stores an application for the server, storage device 44 stores an application for the user terminal 40, and storage device 84 stores an application for the store game machine 80. Each application may include various data that is referenced during application execution, in addition to the programs that make up the application.

[0041] (Communication devices 25, 45, 85) Communication devices 25 and 45 are used to exchange data between the server device 20 and the user terminal 40 via the network 30. Additionally, communication devices 25 and 85 are used to exchange data between the server device 20 and the store game machine 80 via the network 30.

[0042] By using communication devices 25, 45, and 85, the server device 20, user terminal 40, and store game device 80 can connect to the network 30 via wireless or wired communication. Wireless communication may include (i) mobile communication such as 4G, 5G, and LTE, (ii) wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, and (iii) Bluetooth®, RFID, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, when the server device 20, user terminal 40, and store game device 80 use wireless communication, the communication devices 25, 45, and 85 each include an antenna, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, etc., and when wired communication is used, the communication devices 25, 45, and 85 each include a wired LAN adapter, a LAN port, etc.

[0044] As described above, the user terminal 40 in this embodiment is a smartphone, and in order to function as a GNSS receiver for acquiring location information, it includes an RF front-end (Radio Frequency Front-End) as part of the communication device 45.

[0045] Therefore, the user terminal 40 can acquire its location information using the processor 41, communication device 45, etc. After acquiring its location information, the user terminal 40 can also inform the server device 20 of its own location.

[0046] Figure 3(A) is a diagram showing an example of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user terminal 40 is the user 70's smartphone. Figure 3(B) is a functional block diagram of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] In this embodiment, the App Distribution Platform provides a program to each user terminal 40 via the network 30 for operating the user terminal 40 in cooperation with the store game device 80, and the user terminal 40 installs the program.

[0048] The program in question is an application program that runs on the operating system of the user terminal 40. Hereafter, this specification may refer to the program as the application of this embodiment.

[0049] The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. That is, the program may be in the form of a program product. In this case, the program is installed on the user terminal 40 via the storage medium.

[0050] By installing the program on the user terminal 40, user 70 can operate the application of this embodiment on the user terminal 40. In this embodiment, where the user terminal 40 is a smartphone, this application is a dedicated application for realizing this embodiment.

[0051] In contrast, if the user terminal 40 is a laptop PC, the user 70 can operate the program that controls the user terminal 40 in conjunction with the store game machine 80 using a general-purpose application that is also used for other purposes, such as a general-purpose browser.

[0052] By operating the processor 41 according to the application (i.e., software such as a program) stored in the storage device 44 of the user terminal 40, the user terminal 40 functions as a concrete means of collaboration between software and hardware resources.

[0053] In exceptional cases, some or all of the applications of this embodiment may be implemented in hardware by configuring physical electronic circuits, etc., on the user terminal 40 that correspond to some or all of the functions realized by loading the program.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3(B), the user terminal 40 includes a reward granting means 51, a display means 52, a point granting means 53, a deck registration means 54, a location information acquisition means 55, a store registration means 56, and a game title selection means 57. Each of these means is, for example, part of a program that constitutes an application, but some or all of them may be composed of physical devices such as circuits.

[0055] (Benefit Granting Means 51) The benefit granting means 51 grants benefits related to games on the store game machine 80 to the user 70. The benefits are, for example, prizes related to games on the store game machine 80.

[0056] The prizes include, for example, physical items such as physical cards with IC chips, bundles of these physical cards, and binders for housing these physical cards, as well as virtual items such as virtual cards displayed on the user terminal 40. In other words, the rewards are, for example, virtual items or physical items.

[0057] The reward granting means 51 grants the reward to the user 70 on the condition that some or all (at least some) of the points (i.e., game elements) granted to the user 70 have been consumed in exchange for the reward (see Figures 12 to 14(B)).

[0058] For example, when the user terminal 40 receives an operation from a user 70 to exchange some or all of the points for a reward, the reward granting means 51 causes the user terminal 40 to send a predetermined request to the server device 20 to perform a specific process of consuming the points.

[0059] Next, upon receiving this request, the server device 20 checks the user 70's ID (i.e., user ID), the points that user 70 currently possesses (i.e., point balance), etc., and verifies whether or not it is permissible to process this request.

[0060] The server device 20 then sends the processing result (success or failure) of the request, the point balance reflecting the processing result, and information about the rewards that user 70 can receive through exchange or lottery (including losing rewards) as a response to the user terminal 40, and stores this information in the storage device 24 of the server device 20. Once the user ID and the specific information about the rewards are linked on the server device 20 in this way, user 70 can secure the right to exchange for the rewards.

[0061] In this embodiment, when the reward granting means 51 grants a reward to the user 70, it means at least that the reward granting means 51 causes the user terminal 40 to send a predetermined request to the server device 20, thereby creating a right in the server device 20 for the user 70 to exchange points for a reward (i.e., the right for the user 70 to obtain virtual or real goods).

[0062] In other words, even if user 70 has not yet received the physical card as a reward, if user 70 can secure the right to exchange points for the reward at least on the server device 20, it can be considered that the reward granting means 51 has granted the reward to user 70.

[0063] If the reward is a virtual item, the reward granting means 51 causes the user terminal 40 to send a request and stores the processing result of the request, the point balance, the reward information, etc., thereby ensuring that the user 70 has the right to exchange points for a virtual item, and also allowing the response from the server device 20 to be reflected on the user terminal 40 immediately.

[0064] If the reward is a physical item, the same process will secure the user 70 the right to exchange points for the physical item. However, after the reward information is stored in the server device 20, the user 70 can only receive the physical item after entering the shipping address for the physical item via the user terminal 40 and the item is actually delivered to the user 70.

[0065] The reward granting means 51 grants user 70 either a selectable reward 62A (see Figure 13(A)) in which user 70 can choose the content of the reward, or a lottery-type reward 63A (see Figure 14(B)). In other words, the reward granting means 51 causes user 70 to send a request from user terminal 40 to server device 20, thereby creating the right for user 70 to exchange points for one of these rewards.

[0066] Selectable reward 62A is a reward whose specific content is selected by the user 70 (i.e., the first reward). The user 70 can exchange some or all of their points for the reward they have selected (see button 62 in Figure 12).

[0067] The lottery-type prize 63A is a second prize randomly selected by the server device 20. In this embodiment, the server device 20 randomly selecting a prize means, for example, obtaining a random value using a random number generator and selecting a prize according to a predetermined probability or distribution using that random value.

[0068] In other words, for the lottery-type reward 63A, the user 70 exchanges some or all of their points for the right to draw a lottery ticket (see button 63 in Figure 12), and then the server device 20 randomly selects a reward to determine the lottery result.

[0069] The prizes include winning (i.e., real and virtual items) and losing (i.e., not winning any items). The random number generator may be a true random number generator (TRNG) or a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG), and the random number generator may be implemented in the server device 20 using software or hardware.

[0070] Thus, in this embodiment, points are awarded to the user 70 according to their gameplay, and rewards are given to the user 70 on the condition that they spend the awarded points, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game at the arcade game machine 80.

[0071] Furthermore, even when not playing games on the arcade game machine 80, users 70 can be reminded of the games they played on the arcade game machine 80 through the rewards. Therefore, the interest in playing games on the arcade game machine 80 can be increased.

[0072] Furthermore, the benefits granted to user 70 include the aforementioned selectable benefits 62A and lottery-type benefits 63A. Providing users 70 with the possibility of obtaining such benefits also contributes to increasing the appeal of the games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0073] (Display means 52) The display means 52 displays an application screen on the display device 42 to enable the application to perform the functions of this embodiment. If the user terminal 40 is a laptop PC or the like, the user terminal 40 displays the web application using a general-purpose browser, so the display means 52 displays the browser screen on the display device 42.

[0074] When the display means 52 displays information from the server device 20 and / or other server devices other than the server device 20 on the display device 42, it displays the information obtained from the response, after receiving a response from the server device corresponding to a request from the user terminal 40, on the display device 42 as appropriate.

[0075] The display means 52 can display missions related to the game of the store game machine 80 on the display device 42. Missions related to the game include (i) the user 70 playing the game a predetermined number of times on the store game machine 80 (i.e., missions directly related to playing the game), and (ii) the user 70 updating their profile on the user terminal 40, reading a two-dimensional code provided on the store game machine 80 with the user terminal 40, etc. (i.e., missions indirectly related to the game other than playing the game).

[0076] Furthermore, by switching game titles, the display means 52 can also display the missions corresponding to each game title in multiple store game machines 80 on the display device 42 for each game title (see Figures 6(A), 6(B), 9(A), and 9(B)). The missions corresponding to each game title may be different for each game title, or they may be the same for multiple (for example, all) game titles.

[0077] Incidentally, the display means 52 can also display the character 67 associated with the user 70 on the display device 42 (see Figures 19(A) to 19(H)). As will be explained in more detail later, this character 67 grows according to the cumulative value of points awarded to the user 70.

[0078] Points are awarded to user 70, for example, when user 70 plays on the arcade game machine 80. In other words, character 67 can grow according to user 70's gameplay on the arcade game machine 80 (for example, the cumulative value of points earned through gameplay).

[0079] The growth of character 67 can serve as motivation for playing the arcade game machine 80, thus increasing the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80.

[0080] In this specification, character 67 refers to an individual that is depicted as having will or personality, or having some role, including humans, animals, robots, fictional beings, and other objects. In the examples shown in Figures 19(A) to 19(H), human character 67 is depicted.

[0081] Incidentally, the display means 52 can cause the display device 42 to display the map 71 (see Figure 21(A)), and the map 71 displayed on the display device 42 can also show whether or not a store game machine 80 is installed for each game title.

[0082] Specifically, the display means 52 can display on the map 71 whether or not a store game machine 80 is installed for each game title, as a mark corresponding to the game title (see Figures 21(B) to 21(D)) (see Figure 21(A)).

[0083] By displaying the installation status of the arcade game machines 80 for each game title on the map 71, users 70 can easily find the locations of arcade game machines 80 that are of interest to them.

[0084] This allows users 70 to search for stores with a clear purpose, and even when they are not in front of the store's game machine 80, they can still feel excited about the games they can experience there. Therefore, the level of interest in the games played on the store's game machine 80 can be increased.

[0085] Furthermore, the user 70 can recall the exhilaration they have already experienced with the arcade game machine 80, even when they are not playing games on the arcade game machine 80. Therefore, the user 70's enthusiasm and motivation for playing on the arcade game machine 80 the next time can be maintained. This also contributes to increasing the enjoyment of playing games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0086] Furthermore, the display means 52 can also display information about the items (e.g., physical cards) stored in each of the multiple storage compartments 76 of the store game device 80 on the display device 42 for each of the multiple storage compartments 76 (see Figures 25(A) to 25(C)).

[0087] The information about the items is not necessarily limited to detailed information about the items, but may also include information about the rarity of the items and the number of items available. The information about the number of items available indicates the timing when the physical cards are provided in the store game device 80, and may be interpreted as series information about the items.

[0088] By displaying information about the items stored in each storage compartment 76 of the arcade game machine 80, the user 70 can easily determine whether or not there are items of interest to them. In this way, the act of searching for items of interest itself increases the user's enjoyment of playing games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0089] Furthermore, since users 70 can visit stores where the store game machines 80 are installed and play games with the aim of acquiring items they are interested in, the level of interest in games played on the store game machines 80 can be increased.

[0090] (Point awarding means 53) The point awarding means (i.e., game element awarding means) 53 awards points (i.e., game elements) related to the game on the store game device 80 to the user 70.

[0091] For example, when user 70 completes (i.e., clears) the aforementioned mission and requests on user terminal 40 to receive predetermined points in accordance with the mission's completion, the point awarding means 53 causes user terminal 40 to send a request to server device 20 to receive the points.

[0092] Subsequently, the server device 20 associates predetermined points with user IDs and records them in the server device 20's storage device 24. In this way, user 70 can secure their own points.

[0093] Furthermore, when the user terminal 40 receives a response from the server device 20 confirming the completion of the mission, the user 70 can check the points received on the user terminal 40. The same applies to game elements other than points (for example, virtual objects, asset objects, etc., that the user 70 can use in the game).

[0094] In this embodiment, when the point-granting means (i.e., game element-granting means) 53 grants points (i.e., game elements) to the user 70, it means at least that the point-granting means (i.e., game element-granting means) 53 causes the user terminal 40 to send a predetermined request to the server device 20, thereby causing the server device 20 to associate the user ID with the points (i.e., game elements).

[0095] (Deck registration means 54) The deck registration means 54 causes the virtual card 65 to be registered in a virtual deck 64 constructed in the user terminal 40 or server device 20 (for example, a predetermined memory area of ​​the storage devices 44, 24) (see Figures 16(A) and 16(B)).

[0096] A deck refers to a collection of cards consisting of a predetermined number of virtual cards 65 or a predetermined number of physical cards. A virtual deck 64 refers to a collection of a predetermined number of virtual cards 65 that is constructed in part of the storage device 44 of the user terminal 40 or part of the storage device 24 of the server device 20.

[0097] The virtual card 65 has information that is electronically registered in part of the storage devices 24, 44 and is the same as or corresponds to the information on the physical card, and has the same functions as the physical card in playing the game.

[0098] The list in the virtual deck 64, including the contents of the physical cards or virtual cards 65 registered in the virtual deck 64, is displayed on the display device 42 by the display means 52 described above.

[0099] Regarding physical cards, the deck registration means 54 may register the contents corresponding to the physical card as a virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64, on the condition that the user 70 uses the physical card in the store game device 80 (see Figure 17(B)).

[0100] In this case, when a physical card is used in the store game machine 80, the store game machine 80 sends information that the card has been used to the server device 20, and then the server device 20 sends information that the card has been used to the user terminal 40.

[0101] Then, the display means 52 displays a modal window on the user terminal 40 that includes text such as "Do you want to register the used card to the deck?", and when the user terminal 40 receives a positive instruction such as "Yes" or "OK", the user terminal 40 registers the contents corresponding to the physical card as a virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64.

[0102] In this embodiment, the virtual deck 64 is constructed on the server device 20 according to the user 70's operations on the user terminal 40, and the constructed virtual deck 64 is reflected from the server device 20 to the store game device 80, for example, according to a predetermined operation by the user 70.

[0103] However, the virtual deck 64 may be built on the user terminal 40. In this case, the user terminal 40 reflects the virtual deck 64 on the user terminal 40 to the server device 20, and then the server device 20 reflects the virtual deck 64 to the store game device 80.

[0104] (Location information acquisition means 55) The location information acquisition means 55 uses a communication device 45 or the like to cause the user terminal 40 to acquire location information (for example, longitude and latitude information) of the user terminal 40 that the user 70 possesses.

[0105] The acquired location information of the user terminal 40 is displayed on the display device 42 using a map application via the display means 52. For example, the Google Maps Platform provided by Google LLC can be used as the map application.

[0106] The user terminal 40 can send the acquired location information of the user terminal 40 to other server devices other than the server device 20 (for example, a server on which an API (Application Programming Interface) is implemented), or it can send it to the server device 20.

[0107] (Store registration means 56) The store registration means 56, in accordance with the user 70's operation, causes the user 70 to register specific information such as the user 70's favorite store ID and address in the user terminal 40. The information is registered to, for example, the storage device 44 of the user terminal 40, but the information may also be registered to the storage device 24 of the server device 20.

[0108] For example, when user 70 taps the white heart mark 74B (see Figure 22(A)) displayed to the right of the store name on the user terminal 40, the store registration means 56 registers the store as user 70's favorite store on the user terminal 40.

[0109] The display means 52 can display a mark indicating that a store registered by the store registration means 56 is a favorite store of the user 70, as a heart mark 74A with a predetermined color such as red or pink, on the map 71 of the display device 42 (see Figures 21(A) and 22(A)).

[0110] (Game title selection means 57) The game title selection means 57 is implemented as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and allows the user 70 to select one of several game titles when the map 71 (see Figure 21(A)), which will be described later, is displayed on the display device 42.

[0111] The provision of the aforementioned benefits, the awarding of points, the display of the growth of character 67, the display of the store game device 80 on map 71, and the display of items stored in storage unit 76 all contribute to enhancing the enjoyment of the game on the store game device 80.

[0112] This makes it possible to maintain or increase the frequency of visits by users 70 who come specifically to play games on the arcade game machine 80. It can also contribute to creating a nationwide or global trend of playing games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0113] (Example of Home Screen Configuration) Here, referring to Figures 4(A) to 5(E), an example of the home screen configuration when the application of this embodiment is executed will be described. The home screen will differ in color scheme, design, and text depending on the game title, but the shape, design, size, and layout of the buttons and windows will be basically the same.

[0114] In Figures 4(A) to 4(C), "Game" is selected from among "Game," "Message," and "System." When user 70 selects a game title using the toggle button 61, the display means 52 displays a screen corresponding to the game title on the user terminal 40.

[0115] Figures 4(A) to 4(C) show examples of the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4(A) is the screen of the first game title, Figure 4(B) is the screen of the second game title, and Figure 4(C) is the screen of the third game title. The first to third game titles are all different game titles.

[0116] Figures 5(A) to 5(E) show a portion (footer) of an example screen of user terminal 40. This footer is displayed in the form of a picker view or a cyclical slider (i.e., a carousel), and the user 70 can change the element located in the center of the footer by swiping the footer left or right. The element located in the center of the footer is shown with a brief textual description of that element.

[0117] The display means 52 displays a brief description of the element placed in the center of the footer in text on the screen, and also displays content corresponding to that element on the screen. For example, if "Notifications" as shown in Figure 5(A) is selected, the display means 52 displays notifications, announcements, etc., related to the game title (see Figures 4(A) to 4(C)).

[0118] Screens with "Announcements" selected as the footer include information about the game title, such as tournament information and information about newly released expansions. Note that "expansion" refers to divisions such as the 1st expansion, 2nd expansion, 3rd expansion, etc., and can also refer to generations or series.

[0119] When "Mission" as shown in Figure 5(B) is selected, the display means 52 displays "Mission" mainly related to the game title selected by the toggle button 61 (see Figures 6(A) to 10). When "Present" as shown in Figure 5(C) is selected, the display means 52 displays a screen for offering a reward (see Figures 11 to 14(B)).

[0120] When "Ranking" as shown in Figure 5(D) is selected, the display means 52 displays a screen showing the user 70's ranking, etc. (see Figures 18 to 20). Also, when "Store List" as shown in Figure 5(E) is selected, the display means 52 displays a screen for searching for stores where the store game machine 80 is installed, etc. (see Figures 21(A) to 24).

[0121] (Mission) Now, with reference to Figures 6(A) to 10, the mission will be explained. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are examples of screens showing the mission of the first game title in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] User 70 can selectively display either "Missions" or "Weekly," which are located as buttons near the footer. Tapping "Missions" displays missions without a set completion deadline (i.e., Type 2 missions) (see Figure 6(A)), while tapping "Weekly" displays missions with a set completion deadline (i.e., Type 1 missions) (see Figure 6(B)).

[0123] Thus, missions include those with and without deadlines. While the missions displayed in "Weekly" are updated weekly, all missions may or may not be completely changed each week. One or more missions may be common to both "Missions" and "Weekly."

[0124] The "Mission" and "Weekly" buttons are radio buttons. User 70 can switch between "Mission" and "Weekly" using the radio buttons, or by swiping the display area left or right.

[0125] As shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the display means 52 can display multiple missions on the display device 42 at once. In the example shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), three missions are displayed at once, but if the user 70 swipes the screen downwards, one or more hidden missions will be displayed.

[0126] The display means 52 can display a certain number of missions or more on the display device 42 over a predetermined period. For example, the display means 52 can always display five or more missions on the display device 42 every week.

[0127] The display means 52 may add one or more new missions per week and display them on the display device 42 along with uncompleted missions. This can stimulate the user 70's motivation to complete the missions.

[0128] Figure 6(A) shows an example of a screen where the "Mission" radio button is selected, illustrating an example of a mission without a set completion deadline. This type of mission includes, for example, playing a game of a specified game title three times, coming to a store and scanning the QR code (registered trademark) provided on the store's game machine 80, or playing the same game title a total of five times on the store's game machine 80.

[0129] Figure 6(B) is an example of a screen where the "Weekly" radio button is selected, showing an example of a mission with a set completion deadline. This type of mission includes, for example, updating user 70's profile, introducing the application of this embodiment to user 70's friends (for example, introducing a downloadable URL for the application of this embodiment to friends via a social networking service, etc.), and playing the same game title a total of 5 times on the arcade game machine 80.

[0130] Thus, the missions displayed on the display device 42 are determined on the premise that the user 70 will play on the store game machine 80. As mentioned above, if the user 70 completes the mission, they can receive points.

[0131] Figure 7(A) is a flowchart showing the processing of the display means 52 in one embodiment of the present invention. Each time the screen corresponding to the footer "Mission" is updated, the display means 52 reflects the information from the server device 20 on the screen of the user terminal 40.

[0132] If a predetermined mission is completed by user 70 in the store game machine 80 (YES in S10), the user terminal 40 receives information to that effect from the server device 20 during the update, and the display device 42 displays on the display device 42 that user 70 can receive points (S12) (see Figure 7(B)).

[0133] In contrast, if the predetermined mission has not been achieved by user 70 (NO in S10), the user terminal 40 receives information from the server device 20 that the mission has not been achieved during the update, and the display device 42 displays on the display device 42 that the predetermined mission has not been achieved (S14) (see Figure 7(C)).

[0134] In this way, the display means 52 updates the information from the server device 20 each time the information is updated, even if the user 70 does not perform any special operation to participate in the mission, and displays the mission completion status on the display device 42 in accordance with the user 70's gameplay on the store game device 80.

[0135] In this embodiment, the display means 52 displays the mission completion status on the display device 42 as either completed or not completed (i.e., binaryly). However, the progress towards completing the mission may also be displayed on the display device 42 using indicators such as progress bars, level meters, or graphs.

[0136] This allows users 70 to easily grasp their progress visually, thus maintaining their enthusiasm and motivation for playing the arcade game machine again. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment of the games on the arcade game machine.

[0137] Figures 7(B) and 7(C) show examples of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. For completed missions, as shown in Figure 7(B), the display means 52 displays a "Receive" button in a manner that allows it to receive an operation from the user 70.

[0138] When the user 70 taps the "Receive" button, the user 70 can receive points. On the other hand, for uncompleted missions, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the display means 52 displays the "Uncompleted" button in a manner that does not accept operations from the user 70.

[0139] FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) are examples of screens of the user terminal 40 in an embodiment of the present invention, and are screens displayed when the user 70 taps the "Receive" button.

[0140] FIG. 8(A) is a screen when the user 70 taps "Receive" within the frame of "Scan the in-store QR code (registered trademark)" in FIG. 6(A), and FIG. 8(B) is a screen when the user 70 taps "Receive" within the frame of "Update the profile once" in FIG. 6(B).

[0141] FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B) are examples of screens of the user terminal 40 in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9(A) is an example of a screen when "Weekly" with a due date set in the second game title is selected, and FIG. 9(B) is an example of a screen when "Weekly" with a due date set in the third game title is selected.

[0142] Also in the second and third game titles, the display means 52 causes the display device 42 to display missions and points in the same manner as in the first game title. Note that the missions are not limited to the above examples. Some of the missions may depend on the play status (e.g., play frequency) of the user 70 in the store game device 80.

[0143] For example, based on information from the server device 20, the display means 52 may vary the content of the missions displayed on the display device 42 according to the time elapsed since the user 70 last played on the store game device 80.

[0144] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the user terminal 40 when the display means 52 changes the content of the mission in one embodiment of the present invention. The server device 20 transmits to the user terminal 40 information on how much time has passed since the last time the user 70 played on the store game machine 80, and the display means 52 changes the display content based on this information.

[0145] First, the server device 20 determines whether a first predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the last time user 70 played on the store game machine 80 (S20). If the first predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S20), the server device 20 sends information to that effect and / or information about a high-difficulty mission to the user terminal 40.

[0146] If the first predetermined time has not elapsed, it is highly likely that user 70 has been playing the arcade game machine 80 fairly frequently. In this case, the display means 52 displays a high-difficulty mission for advanced players on the display device 42 in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80 (S21).

[0147] In response to this, if the first predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S20), the server device 20 determines whether a second predetermined time (for example, 168 hours (i.e., one week)) has elapsed since the last time user 70 played on the store game machine 80 (S22).

[0148] If the second predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S22), the server device 20 transmits information to that effect and / or information about a medium-difficulty mission to the user terminal 40. If the first predetermined time has elapsed but the second predetermined time has not elapsed, it is highly likely that the user 70 has been playing on the arcade game machine 80 with some frequency. In this case, the display means 52 displays a medium-difficulty mission for intermediate players on the display device 42 in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80 (S23).

[0149] In response to this, if the second predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S22), the server device 20 transmits information to that effect and / or information about low-difficulty missions to the user terminal 40. If the second predetermined time has elapsed, it is highly likely that the user 70 has not been playing the arcade game machine 80 very often. In this case, the display means 52 displays low-difficulty missions for beginners on the display device 42 in order to enhance the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80.

[0150] For example, difficulty is determined by how many times a given game title must be played in order for user 70 to obtain a predetermined number of points. In one specific example, the number of times user 70 must play to obtain 120 points is "5 times" for low-difficulty missions, "10 times" for medium-difficulty missions, and "15 times" for high-difficulty missions.

[0151] The points, number of plays required, and difficulty levels mentioned above are examples. The points that user 70 can receive upon completing a mission may be fixed regardless of the mission's difficulty (for example, 120 points), or they may increase progressively, linearly, or exponentially according to the difficulty level.

[0152] (Benefits) Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 14(B), the benefits of this embodiment will be further explained. The user 70 can acquire points mainly by completing missions and can exchange the acquired points for benefits. Therefore, it can be said that the benefit granting means 51 of this embodiment grants benefits to the user 70 according to the user's mission completion status.

[0153] Furthermore, users 70 may earn points for a designated game title by participating in a tournament (details below) using the store game device 80 and playing the game, or by winning a prize in such a tournament.

[0154] Furthermore, the more points a user has, the more types or number of rewards they can exchange them for. Therefore, it can be said that the reward-granting means 51 of this embodiment grants more rewards to a user 70 the more times that user 70 plays the same game title.

[0155] By the way, there are certain constraints on the timing at which the reward granting means 51 grants the reward to the user 70. As shown in Figure 11, the reward granting means 51 in this embodiment does not grant the reward to the user 70 while the user 70 is playing on the store game device 80.

[0156] Of course, the reward granting means 51 can grant points and / or rewards to user 70 after user 70 has played on the store game machine 80. For example, the reward granting means 51 can grant points and / or rewards to user 70 during the period between user 70's play on the store game machine 80 and user 70's next play on the store game machine 80.

[0157] Figure 11 shows the processing of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether or not to grant a reward when a user 70 has a quantity of points that can be exchanged for a reward, taking into account whether or not the user 70 is currently playing on the store game machine 80.

[0158] When user 70 selects "Present" (see Figure 5(C)) in the footer of the initial screen (S31), the reward granting means 51 sends a request to the server device 20, and the server device 20 determines whether user 70 is playing the game of the game title corresponding to this initial screen on the store game device 80 (S32).

[0159] If user 70 is not currently playing the game in question on the arcade game machine 80 (NO in S32), the server device 20 records the processing result (success) of the request and sends a response to the user terminal 40 to that effect.

[0160] As a result, user 70 can operate buttons 62 and 63 on the gift corner screen (see Figure 12) (S33). That is, when buttons 62 and 63 are tapped, the reward granting means 51 accepts the operation.

[0161] After the reward granting means 51 makes buttons 62 and 63 operable, the reward granting means 51 checks whether the user 70 has secured the right to exchange points for rewards on the server device 20 (S34). For example, the reward granting means 51 can check whether this securing has occurred by checking whether the user terminal 40 has received a response to a request to the server device 20.

[0162] If the answer to S34 is YES, the flow ends, but if the answer to S34 is NO, the flow returns to S32. Due to this flow, if user 70 starts playing on the store game machine 80 after buttons 62 and 63 have become operable, and before the right to exchange for the reward is secured on the server device 20, the reward will not be granted to user 70.

[0163] In response to this, if user 70 is playing the game in question on the arcade game machine 80 (YES in S32), the server device 20 records the processing result (failure) of the request and sends a response to the user terminal 40 to that effect. In this case, user 70 will be unable to operate buttons 62 and 63 on the gift corner screen (see Figure 12) (S35).

[0164] By not awarding bonuses while playing games on the store's game machine 80, even if communication between the store's game machine 80 and the server device 20 is interrupted or errors occur, only the correct data can ultimately be reflected on the server device 20 and / or the user terminal 40, thus ensuring data consistency between the store's game machine 80 and the server device 20. This type of processing also serves as a countermeasure against cheating.

[0165] Figure 12 is an example of the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an example of the screen when "Present" is selected in the footer. Following the flow described in Figure 11, the buttons 62 (corresponding to the selection-type reward 62A) and 63 (corresponding to the lottery-type reward 63A) shown in Figure 12 become operable or inoperable.

[0166] When buttons 62 and 63 (selectable reward 62A) are operable, the user 70 taps button 62, and a screen for selecting the selectable reward (i.e., the first reward) 62A is displayed on the display device 42. Figures 13(A) to 13(C) are examples of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and are the screens when the user 70 selects the selectable reward 62A.

[0167] Figure 13(A) is an image-based list of the selectable rewards 62A. User 70 can select the item to exchange by tapping the "Exchange" button. Note that in the example shown in Figure 13(A), only physical items are displayed.

[0168] Figure 13(B) is a screen used to confirm the user 70's intention to exchange after the user 70 taps the "Exchange" button for a specified physical item. When the user 70 taps the "Confirm" button shown in Figure 13(B), the reward granting means 51 grants the user 70 the right to obtain the specified physical item on the server device 20.

[0169] By the way, there is a limit to the number of physical items that can be granted. Specifically, for each benefit shown in the list in Figure 13(A), the maximum number that can be granted is set at, for example, 50.

[0170] In this case, if the same or different users 70 exchange the rewards and the total number reaches 50, the "Exchange" button will become unusable on the user terminal 40 of the 51st and subsequent exchange requestors. At this point, the display means 52 may display a "Sold Out" button on the display device 42 instead of "Exchange".

[0171] The maximum number of rewards that can be granted may be set to any natural number (for example, 1). A period for granting rewards (for example, 3 months, 6 months, etc.) may also be set. Setting a maximum number, a period, etc., creates a sense of scarcity and exclusivity for the rewards, thereby increasing the appeal of the game on the arcade game machine 80.

[0172] Figure 13(C) is the screen that the user 70 transitions to after tapping the "Confirm" button in Figure 13(B), and it is a screen that notifies the user that the exchange is complete. In Figure 13(C), when the user 70 taps the "Enter application address" button, the user transitions to a screen where they can enter their address, residence, etc., to which the physical goods will be delivered.

[0173] (Lottery-type prize 63A) Figure 14(A) is an example of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and shows the screen when buttons 62 and 63 are operable and user 70 selects the lottery-type prize (i.e., second prize) 63A.

[0174] In particular, Figure 14(A) shows the lottery result display screen. This screen appears after tapping button 63 in Figure 12, and then tapping "Draw 1 time 200P" (not shown), which is displayed as a modal window.

[0175] If user 70 selects the lottery-type reward 63A, the reward granting means 51 grants user 70 the right to receive a real item, a virtual item, or a losing item on the server device 20. As mentioned above, there is an upper limit on the number of real items that can be granted. However, there is no upper limit on the number of virtual items that can be granted in this embodiment.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, losing is included as one form of prize in the lottery-type prize 63A. If the result of the lottery is a losing result, the display means 52 displays a message indicating that the winner did not win (for example, the words "You lost" or "Too bad") in a modal window. However, losing is not mandatory, and some game element (for example, 1 point as a consolation prize) may be adopted as a prize instead of losing.

[0177] Figure 14(B) shows an example of an item included in the lottery-type prize 63A. The prizes awarded to the user 70 by the prize awarding means 51 include, for example, prize A, prize B, prize C, and a losing prize (losing prizes are not shown in Figure 14(B)). For example, the probability of winning prize A is set to be between 0.05% and 1.00%, the probability of winning prize B is between 0.50% and 5.00%, and the probability of winning prize C is set to be between 5.00% and 10.0%.

[0178] The prize awarded to user 70 as lottery-type prize 63A includes a first type of prize 63A1 and a second type of prize 63A2. The first type of prize 63A1 and the second type of prize 63A2 are either real items or virtual items, respectively.

[0179] The first type of reward 63A1 is a reward that can be used by the user 70 when playing on the store game machine 80, and includes, for example, a booster pack 66A1 (prize A), a promotional card 66B1 (prize B), a promotional pack 66B2 (prize B), etc. (see Figure 14(B)).

[0180] Booster Pack 66A1 consists of multiple physical or virtual cards 65 that are not generally available for sale and are special editions. Booster Pack 66A1 is used to enhance a virtual deck 64 and is characterized by containing rare cards.

[0181] Furthermore, promotional card 66B1 is a non-saleable physical card or virtual card 65, and promotional pack 66B2 is a bundle of multiple promotional cards 66B1.

[0182] The second type of reward 63A2 is a reward that cannot be used by the store game machine 80 when the user 70 plays on the store game machine 80, and includes, for example, a binder 66A2 (prize A), a digital coupon 66C (prize C), etc. (see Figure 14(B)).

[0183] Binder 66A2 is a card album or card file that can hold multiple physical cards, while digital coupon 66C is an Amazon gift code, Google Play gift code, etc.

[0184] The reward granting means 51, when the lottery-type reward 63A described above is selected, grants the user 70 a reward randomly selected from rewards including the first type reward 63A1, the second type reward 63A2, and a losing reward, at the predetermined probability described above.

[0185] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user 70 has a strong interest in the games on the arcade game machine 80, so the prizes that are directly related to the game title (e.g., Prize A and Prize B) are set to be less likely to be won than the prizes that are not directly related to the game title (e.g., Prize C).

[0186] In other words, the probability that user 70 will receive one of the first and second type benefits 63A1 and 63A2 that is directly related to the game title on the store's game machine 80 is lower than the probability that user 70 will receive one of the first and second type benefits 63A1 and 63A2 that is not directly related to the game title on the store's game machine 80.

[0187] Providing the user 70 with the possibility of obtaining the first and second types of benefits 63A1 and 63A2 contributes to increasing the interest in games at the store game machine 80.

[0188] By the way, the display and granting of rewards are not limited to the examples described above. The display means 52 may cause the display device 42 to display rewards granted to the user 70 on the condition that a specific mission is completed.

[0189] For example, the display means 52 may display the above-mentioned Prize A or Prize B rewards in a manner that allows the user 70 to select them without consuming points, on the condition that the user completes a mission that is relatively difficult to achieve (for example, a mission to play a total of 200 times on the arcade game machine 80).

[0190] Furthermore, the reward granting means 51 may grant predetermined rewards to the user 70 on the condition that the mission with a set completion deadline (i.e., the first type of mission) is completed within the set deadline.

[0191] For example, if user 70 completes a mission that is relatively difficult to achieve by a predetermined deadline, the display means 52 displays a predetermined reward in a dialog window or modal window in a manner that user 70 can select without consuming points. Then, in response to user 70 indicating their intention to accept the reward, the reward granting means 51 grants the reward to user 70.

[0192] (Normal operating conditions or tournament conditions) Next, with reference to Figures 15(A) and 15(B), a store game device 80 in normal operating conditions 90 or tournament conditions 92 will be described. Figure 15(A) is a schematic diagram of a game system 10 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0193] The game system 10 shown in Figure 15(A) includes a store game device 80 in a normal operating state at the store (i.e., first state) 90, and store game devices 80-1 and 80-2 in a tournament state at the store (i.e., second state) 92.

[0194] In particular, Figure 15(A) shows a scenario where the first user 70-1 plays on store game machine 80-1, which is in tournament mode 92, and the second user 70-2 plays on a different store game machine 80-2. Note that store game machines 80-1 and 80-2 are usually installed in the same store, but they may be installed in different stores.

[0195] In Figure 15(A), the arrow from user 70 to the store game machine 80 indicates that user 70's user ID is linked to playing a game on the store game machine 80. Note that the number of store game machines 80 in tournament status 92 is not limited to 2, but may be 3 or more.

[0196] When playing on a store game machine 80 in its normal operating state 90, user 70 will play against a computer (i.e., a so-called AI match or CPU match), or user 70 will play against another user 70 in a state where it is not determined which store game machine 80 user 70 will play against. The opposing user 70 may be a user 70 that does not have a user ID or user terminal 40.

[0197] In contrast, when playing on a store game machine 80 in tournament mode 92, the other users 70 who will be opponents, or the store game machine 80 used by the other users 70 who will be opponents, are predetermined.

[0198] The points awarded to user 70 for playing on the store's game machine 80 under normal operating conditions 90 may be different from the points awarded to user 70 for playing on the store's game machine 80 under tournament conditions 92.

[0199] For example, the points awarded to user 70 when playing on a store game machine 80 in tournament mode 92 may be set higher than the points awarded to user 70 when playing on a store game machine 80 in normal operating mode 90.

[0200] In a specific example, while a user 70 can receive 30 points by playing three times on a store game machine 80 in normal operating conditions 90 (see Figure 6(A)), a user 70 can receive 100 points, which is more than three times the amount, by playing once on a store game machine 80 in tournament conditions 92.

[0201] Furthermore, for example, if user 70 places highly in a competition, they can receive a relatively high number of points (e.g., 1000 points). Even if they do not place, user 70 can still receive a relatively low number of predetermined points (e.g., 50 points) as a participation prize.

[0202] The higher the points, the more selectable rewards and types become available in the selection-type reward 62A, and the more chances you get to draw in the lottery-type reward 63A. In this way, points can be considered a currency with economic value related to the game, and it can be said that the higher the points, the higher the economic value related to the game.

[0203] Figure 15(B) is a flowchart showing the processing of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. The server device 20 determines whether or not the user 70's play was on a store game device 80 that is in tournament status 92 (S41).

[0204] If the game is played on the store game machine 80 (YES in S41), when the user terminal 40 updates the information from the server device 20, the display means 52 displays a relatively high point value. Then, when the user 70 taps "Receive" (see Figure 7(B)), the point awarding means 53 awards the corresponding points to the user 70 (S42).

[0205] In contrast, if the game was not played on the store game machine 80 (NO in S41), when the user terminal 40 updates the information from the server device 20, the display means 52 displays a relatively low point value. Then, in response to the user 70's operation on the user terminal 40, the point awarding means 53 awards the corresponding points to the user 70 (S43).

[0206] In the example above, numerical points were given as an example of a game element, but the game element may be (i) a virtual object that the user 70 can use in the game (e.g., a virtual card), or (ii) an asset object that cannot be used directly in the game but is associated with the character 67 (e.g., an accessory object, a title object, a badge object), etc.

[0207] Even when the game element is not a point, the means for granting the game element (i.e., the means for granting points 53) may set the economic value of the game element granted to the user 70 when the user 70 plays on the store game machine 80 in tournament mode 92 to be higher than the economic value of the game element granted to the user 70 when the user 70 plays on the store game machine 80 in normal operating mode 90.

[0208] For example, the game elements with relatively high economic value are ranked from Ultra Rare (UR), Super Super Rare (SSR), Super Rare (SR), Rare (R), and Normal (N).

[0209] Furthermore, if game elements are randomly assigned to users 70 on the server device 20, the probability of a game element being assigned to user 70 is lowest for UR and highest for N (i.e., probability P is P UR <P SSR <P SR <P R <P N (This is the result).

[0210] (Virtual Deck 64 and Deck Registration Means 54) Next, with reference to Figures 16(A) to 17, the virtual deck 64 and the like displayed on the user terminal 40 will be described. Figures 16(A) and 16(B) are examples of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0211] Figure 16(A) shows an example where one virtual deck 64 is constructed with a maximum of eight virtual cards 65. For example, by tapping "My Page" (see Figure 4(A), etc.), user 70 can proceed to the deck registration screen shown in Figure 16(A).

[0212] User 70 can name the virtual deck 64. Furthermore, by sequentially tapping each of the multiple (eight in this embodiment) rectangular frames within a single virtual deck 64, User 70 can register one virtual card 65 in each rectangular frame. Finally, when User 70 taps "Register" in the upper right corner of the screen, the deck registration means 54 registers the selected one or more virtual cards 65 into the virtual deck 64.

[0213] The virtual deck 64 may have a deck for use with the store's game machine 80 in tournament mode 92 (see the "Tournament Registration" tab in Figure 16(B)) and a deck for use with the store's game machine 80 in normal operating mode 90 (see the "My Deck" tab in Figure 16(B)). Both "Tournament Registration" and "My Deck" in Figure 16(B) may have one or more virtual decks 64A, 64B, etc.

[0214] The deck registration means 54 can control the user terminal 40 so that the virtual cards 65 registered in the virtual deck 64 of the user terminal 40 or server device 20 become available for use in the store game device 80 when the tournament is in operation 92.

[0215] For example, the deck registration means 54 displays a predetermined button (not shown) on the screen that reflects the virtual deck 64 created by user 70 using user terminal 40 to server device 20. When user 70 taps the predetermined button (i.e., according to user 70's predetermined operation), the virtual cards 65 registered in the virtual deck 64 become available for use on the store game device 80 in tournament status 92 via server device 20.

[0216] This allows user 70 to take their time to calmly strategize on user terminal 40 and then register a virtual deck 64. Moreover, the registered virtual deck 64 can be directly reflected on the store's game device 80.

[0217] Incidentally, some of the virtual cards 65 can only be used in the store game machine 80 when a tournament is being held 92. In cases where the use of virtual cards 65 registered in the virtual deck 64 is limited to tournaments only, the deck registration means 54 controls the user terminal 40 so that the virtual cards 65 cannot be used in the store game machine 80 when it is operating normally 90.

[0218] For example, if a virtual card 65 that can only be used on the store game machine 80 in tournament state 92 is registered in a virtual deck 64, the deck registration means 54 controls the user terminal 40 so that this virtual deck 64 is not reflected on the store game machine 80 in normal operating state 90.

[0219] Specifically, the user terminal 40 sends a request to the server device 20 to prevent the virtual deck 64, which contains virtual cards 65 usable only on the store game device 80, from being reflected on the store game device 80. In response to this request, the server device 20 does not reflect the virtual deck 64 on the store game device 80.

[0220] This allows us to provide users 70 with tournament-exclusive strategies and game experiences, creating a sense of exclusivity at the tournament. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the enjoyment of the game on the store's game machine 80 when the tournament is being held 92.

[0221] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 17(A) and 17(B), the reward granting means 51 and the deck registration means 54 may cooperate to register the virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64. Figure 17(A) is a flowchart showing the processing of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0222] As shown in Figure 17(A), if the user 70 is granted the right to obtain a physical card, which is a real item (YES in S51), the deck registration means 54 registers the contents corresponding to the physical card as a virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64 (S54).

[0223] In contrast, if user 70 is not granted the right to obtain a physical card, which is a real item (NO in S51), and user 70 is granted the right to obtain a virtual card 65, which is a virtual item (YES in S53), then the deck registration means 54 registers the virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64 (S55).

[0224] Furthermore, if user 70 is not granted the right to obtain the virtual card 65, which is a virtual item (NO in S53), the deck registration means 54 will not register to the virtual deck 64 because there is nothing to register.

[0225] Whether it is a physical card or a virtual card 65, by immediately registering the information of the card assigned to user 70 into the virtual deck 64, the user 70 is saved the trouble of registering each card into the virtual deck 64 themselves.

[0226] Figure 17(B) is a flowchart showing another process of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 17(B), after YES in S51, a step to determine whether the user 70 used the physical card in the store game machine 80 (S52) is added to the flowchart in Figure 17(A).

[0227] In S52, the deck registration means 54 registers the contents corresponding to the physical card as a virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64, on the condition that the user 70 uses a physical card in the store game device 80 (YES in S52).

[0228] In other words, in the flow shown in Figure 17(B), after a physical card is assigned to user 70, the deck registration means 54 registers the contents corresponding to the physical card as a virtual card 65 in the virtual deck 64, triggered when user 70 uses that physical card.

[0229] In contrast, if the answer in S52 is NO, the deck registration means 54 does not register the contents corresponding to the physical cards in the virtual deck 64. As shown in the flowchart in Figure 17(B), this eliminates the need for the user 70 to manually register each card in the virtual deck 64.

[0230] Furthermore, the automatic addition of a new virtual card 65 to the virtual deck 64 triggered by the use of a physical card in the arcade game machine 80 enhances the enjoyment of the game in the arcade game machine 80.

[0231] Next, we will explain the user 70's My Page with reference to Figures 18 to 20. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, it is the screen that appears when user 70 taps the "My Page" button in Figure 4(A).

[0232] As shown in Figure 18, the rectangular area at the top of "My Page" displays the user ID, username (i.e., a name used to identify user 70, unlike the user ID, such as real name or handle name), total points earned by user 70 to date, user 70's rank, user 70's position, and user 70's rank.

[0233] As described above, users 70 are awarded points based on their gameplay, such as completing the mission of playing on the arcade game machine 80, participating in tournaments using the arcade game machine 80, and achieving high rankings in tournaments.

[0234] In this embodiment, the cumulative points, unlike the point balance described above, do not decrease even after points are exchanged for rewards, and represent the cumulative value of points awarded to date. In this embodiment, the ranking of each user 70 is determined according to these cumulative points. In other words, the ranking of multiple users 70 is determined in descending order of the number of points awarded.

[0235] In the example shown in Figure 18, user 70's rank is 10th. When user 70 taps the text "10th," the display means 52 may display the ranks of multiple users 70 (for example, all users 70), including user 70 and other users 70, on the display device 42 using a modal window or the like.

[0236] In this case, the display means 52 may display the ranking and cumulative points of each user 70 in a list format. Displaying such a leaderboard stimulates the competitive spirit of the users 70, thereby further enhancing the appeal of the game in the store game machine 80.

[0237] Furthermore, the display means 52 of this embodiment displays the rank of the user 70, for example, as Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Master, etc. In one example, the cumulative points and rank are defined as follows. Such ranking can also enhance the appeal of the game on the store game machine 80.

[0238] Total points: Rank 0 to 500: Bronze 501 to 1000: Silver 1001 to 10000: Gold 10001 to 30000: Platinum 30001 to 100000: Master

[0239] At the very top of the My Page, within a rectangular frame, is a button 66 that displays the user's tournament record, character 67, etc. In the example shown in Figure 18, button 66 is displayed within a rectangular frame containing the word "Details".

[0240] When user 70 taps button 66, their tournament record, items acquired so far, their title, character 67, etc., are displayed in a modal window, for example. Their title is automatically determined by the application of this embodiment based on, for example, their tournament record, cumulative points, etc.

[0241] The display means 52 can display the character 67 on the display device 42 in a different appearance depending on the gameplay status of the arcade game machine 80. The gameplay status is, for example, the cumulative value of points (mainly earned at the arcade game machine 80), and the change in appearance is a change in the appearance of the character 67.

[0242] The display means 52 refers to a predetermined table and displays the grown character 67 on the display device 42 according to the points awarded (in this embodiment, the cumulative value of the awarded points). For example, the cumulative value of points and the appearance of the character 67 are predetermined in a one-to-one correspondence in a predetermined table (not shown).

[0243] The predetermined table may be set in advance in the application of this embodiment. Alternatively, the predetermined table may be stored in the server device 20. In this case, when updating information from the server device 20, the visual information of the character 67 corresponding to the accumulated point value is transmitted to the user terminal 40.

[0244] In this embodiment, the growth of character 67 refers to a change or improvement in at least one aspect of character 67, such as appearance, abilities, or skills, which the user 70 can visually perceive.

[0245] Figures 19(A) to 19(D) show the changes in the appearance of character 67 in one embodiment of the present invention. When the cumulative value of points is relatively small, character 67 is character 67A, which represents an ordinary person, as shown in Figure 19(A).

[0246] However, as the accumulated points increase, the character gradually transforms into a more powerful-looking character 67, as shown in Figure 19(B) through Figure 19(D) (i.e., grows). Figure 19(B) shows character 67B, which is character 67A that has grown and is now equipped with a sword and shield. Figure 19(C) shows character 67C, which is character 67B that has grown even further. Figure 19(D) shows character 67D, which is character 67C that has grown even further.

[0247] As described above, the points awarded to user 70 are spent. However, even when points are spent, the display means 52 maintains the growth state of character 67 according to the accumulated value of points before consumption, similar to the ranking of user 70 described above. That is, the display means 52 displays character 67 on the display device 42 so that the appearance of character 67 differs according to the accumulated value of points awarded.

[0248] In this way, regardless of whether points are consumed, displaying the character 67 on the display device 42 according to the accumulated point value helps maintain the user 70's enthusiasm and motivation for playing the game on the arcade game machine 80 next time, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80.

[0249] As described above, one game title is associated with one store game machine 80, and the point awarding means 53 awards points to the user 70 for each game title played by the user 70 from among multiple game titles. Therefore, the character 67 displayed on the display device 42 may differ depending on the My Page of each game title shown in Figures 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C).

[0250] In other words, the character 67 in the first game title grows according to the accumulated points in the first game title, the character 67 in the second game title grows according to the accumulated points in the second game title, and the character 67 in the third game title grows according to the accumulated points in the third game title.

[0251] Figures 19(E) to 19(H) show the changes in the appearance of character 67 in one embodiment of the present invention, and show character 67 in a different game title (e.g., a second game title) from the game title shown in Figures 19(A) to 19(D) (e.g., a first game title).

[0252] As the accumulated points increase, character 67 grows in stages, progressing from character 67E (see Figure 19(E)), character 67F (see Figure 19(F)), character 67G (see Figure 19(G)), to character 67H (see Figure 19(H)).

[0253] Incidentally, the character 67 may grow according to the total cumulative points accumulated in each game title played by user 70. In other words, the display means 52 may display the grown character 67 according to the cumulative points of all game titles played by user 70, rather than the cumulative points for each game title.

[0254] In this way, by treating points like experience points, playing on the arcade game machine 80 can be projected onto the growth of the character 67, thereby further increasing the enjoyment of playing on the arcade game machine 80.

[0255] Furthermore, character 67 may grow according to the progress of missions made by user 70. In this case, character 67 will grow to the next stage, conditional on user 70 completing a predetermined mission. The display means 52 will then display character 67 on the display device 42 so that the appearance of character 67 changes according to the character 67's growth.

[0256] By the way, user 70 can allow other users 70 (i.e., users other than user 70 themselves) to view their character 67 by posting information such as image links to social networking services (SNS).

[0257] For example, when user 70 taps button 68 in Figure 18, the display means 52 displays the modal window shown in Figure 20 on the display device 42. Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. When user 70 taps button 69 corresponding to the word "Share", the display means 52 displays a screen for posting information such as an image link to a social networking service.

[0258] Next, with reference to Figures 21 to 24, the map function in the application of this embodiment will be described. Figure 21(A) is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and is the screen when "Store List" shown in Figure 5(E) is selected.

[0259] As described above, the display means 52 displays on the map 71, as a mark corresponding to the game title, whether or not a store game machine 80 is installed for each game title. This allows, for example, a user 70 to easily find the location of a store game machine 80 that interests them using the user terminal 40.

[0260] Furthermore, since users 70 can search for stores with a clear purpose, they can feel a sense of excitement about the games they can experience at the store's game machine 80, even when they are not in front of it. Therefore, the level of interest in the games at the store's game machine 80 can be increased.

[0261] Furthermore, the user 70 can recall the exhilaration they have already experienced with the arcade game machine 80, even when they are not playing games on the arcade game machine 80. Therefore, the user 70's enthusiasm and motivation for playing on the arcade game machine 80 the next time can be maintained. This also contributes to increasing the enjoyment of playing games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0262] Figures 21(B), 21(C), and 21(D) show game title marks displayed on the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. The game title marks displayed on the display device 42 are identical to the marks physically attached to the store game machine 80.

[0263] The game title marks shown in Figures 21(B), 21(C), and 21(D) are physically attached to the arcade game machine 80, for example, by being affixed to the surface of the arcade game machine 80's casing (e.g., the front or side), a decorative panel fixed to the arcade game machine 80, or a POP (Point of Purchase) for the casing.

[0264] Furthermore, the outermost rectangular frame in Figures 21(B) and 21(D), and the outermost circle in Figure 21(C), serve, for example, to improve the visibility of the map 71. Therefore, when physically attached to a game device 80 for use in stores, symbols, letters, and other marks located inside this rectangular frame and circle may be considered as marks for the game title.

[0265] Figure 21(B) shows the mark for the first game title, and the arcade game machines 80 for the first game title are marked with the same mark as in Figure 21(B) (see Figure 4(A)). Therefore, the user 70 can understand at a glance where each game title's arcade game machine 80 is located on the map 71.

[0266] Each arcade game machine 80 is associated with one of several different game titles. The display means 52 displays on the map 71 for each arcade whether or not an arcade game machine 80 corresponding to each game title is installed at that arcade.

[0267] Specifically, if one or more arcade game machines 80 corresponding to the first game title are installed in a single arcade, the display means 52 will display a mark corresponding to the first game title on the map 71 adjacent to the right of a map pin indicating the location of that arcade. The display means 52 will display other game titles and other arcades in the same manner.

[0268] That is, when one or more individual store game devices 80 corresponding to a plurality of different game titles are installed in one store, as shown in FIG. 21(A), the display means 52 displays each mark of the plurality of game titles in a row adjacent to the right side of the mark of the one store on the map 71.

[0269] In addition, the display means 52 of the present embodiment displays each mark of the plurality of game titles in a horizontal row on the map 71, and also displays each mark of the plurality of game titles in a predetermined order on the map 71.

[0270] For example, when displaying marks of two or more game titles, the display means 52 arranges the mark of the first game title on the leftmost side, arranges the mark of the second game title adjacent to the right of the mark of the first game title, and arranges the third game title on the rightmost side.

[0271] Of course, when only the store game device 80 of the second game title or the third game title is installed in one store, the display means 52 displays the mark of the second game title or the third game title on the map 71 in a manner adjacent to the right side of the map pin indicating the position of the mark of the one store.

[0272] Note that the predetermined order is not limited to the above order, and may be the order of the second, third, and first game titles, or the order of the third, second, and first game titles. The main point is that any order may be used as long as it is a predetermined order.

[0273] In addition, the display means 52 displays each mark of the plurality of game titles on the map 71 such that each mark of the plurality of game titles has a different color scheme. By using different color schemes, the visibility of the marks corresponding to the game titles is improved.

[0274] Note that Figures 21(A) to 21(D) are drawn as line diagrams and therefore do not show colors, but on the actual screen of the display device 42, the marks for each game title are displayed using a combination of two or more colors.

[0275] Incidentally, as shown in the lower part of Figure 21(A), the display means 52 displays the location of the store game machine 80 (i.e., the address of the installation location) along with the location information of the user terminal 40 obtained by the instruction of the location information acquisition means 55 on the map 71 of the display device 42.

[0276] The display means 52 displays the locations of the store game machines 80 located within a predetermined radius (for example, within a radius of 7 km) centered on the acquired location information of the user terminal 40, along with the location information of the user terminal 40, on the display device 42 (see the dashed circle in Figure 21(A)).

[0277] Such a display method can be implemented, for example, by using the Google Maps Platform mentioned above. Note that the dashed circle indicating a predetermined radius and the arrow indicating a predetermined radius are added in Figure 21(A) for explanatory purposes and may be omitted in the actual map 71.

[0278] The display means 52 can also display information about the store where the store game device 80 is installed, along with the location information of the user terminal 40, on the display device 42. Specifically, as shown in Figure 21(A), the display means 52 can display text information such as the address as store information on the display device 42 (see Figures 22(A) and 22(B)).

[0279] Store information includes, but is not limited to, the store's name, address, distance from the user terminal 40's current location, and the game titles of the game machines 80 installed in the store.

[0280] Figures 22(A) and 22(B) show examples of the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22(A) shows the screen when the list, in which each of the rectangular frame areas 71A containing text information such as addresses is a list item, is scrolled upwards.

[0281] As the list is scrolled upwards, the display area of ​​the list on the screen increases, and the display area of ​​map 71 decreases. Figure 22(B) shows the screen when the list is scrolled further upwards, with map 71 almost completely obscured.

[0282] As shown in Figures 22(A) and 22(B), the display means 52 displays information on one or more stores where the store game device 80 is installed, along with the location information of the user terminal 40, in a list format on the display device 42, ordered by proximity to the user terminal 40.

[0283] Specifically, the store with the shortest distance from the user 70's current location is placed at the top of the list, and the stores with the longest distances are placed lower down the list. In this embodiment, the order of stores based on proximity to the user terminal 40 is determined based on the length of the distance the user 70 travels to the store, but it may also be determined by the straight-line distance from the user terminal 40 to the store.

[0284] By the way, when user 70 taps the white heart mark 74B displayed to the right of the store name (see Figures 22(A) and 22(B)), the store registration means 56 causes the user terminal 40 or server device 20 (for example, a predetermined memory area of ​​the storage devices 44, 24) to record information such as the store's address and coordinates on the map, and also registers the store as user 70's favorite store in the user terminal 40 or server device 20.

[0285] If the store is registered as a favorite store on the user terminal 40, the white heart mark 74B changes to a heart mark 74A with a predetermined color such as red or pink (see the upper rectangular frame area 71A in Figure 22(A)). Note that in Figure 22(A), the heart mark 74A is drawn as a line diagram, so instead of coloring the heart mark 74A, a grid-like hatching is applied.

[0286] In contrast, the white heart mark 74B (see the square frame area 71A at the bottom of Figure 22(A)) indicates that the store is not registered as a favorite store on the user terminal 40 or the server device 20. When the user 70 taps the heart marks 74A and 74B, the store registration means 56 causes the user terminal 40 or the server device 20 to switch between registering and unregistering the store.

[0287] In other words, tapping the white heart mark 74B switches it to the heart mark 74A with a predetermined color, and tapping the heart mark 74A with a predetermined color switches it back to the white heart mark 74B.

[0288] By the way, stores where the store game device 80 is installed are indicated on map 71 by one of the map pins shown in Figures 23(A) to 23(D). Each of Figures 23(A) to 23(D) is a diagram showing the map pins on the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0289] Note that the map pins in Figures 23(A) to 23(D) differ from the map pins in Map 71 shown in Figure 21(A), which are drawn as line diagrams. They are drawn to reflect shading and are closer to how they would appear on a real screen.

[0290] The display means 52 displays a first mark 72 (see Figures 23(A) and 23(C)) indicating that the store game machine 80 is in operation at the location of the designated store on the map 71 when the store game machine 80 is in operation at the designated store.

[0291] On the other hand, when the store game device 80 is not operating in a predetermined store, the display means 52 causes the map 71 to display a second mark 73 (see FIGS. 23(B) and 23(D)) indicating that it is not operating.

[0292] FIGS. 23(A) and 23(C) show a first mark 72 indicating that the store game device 80 is operating, and FIGS. 23(B) and 23(D) show a second mark 73 indicating that the store game device 80 is not operating.

[0293] In this specification, the store game device 80 being in operation means that the store game device 80 is not in a maintained state or a state of suspension of use, but in a state where someone can play with the store game device 80.

[0294] Thus, by displaying the first mark 72, the display means 52 can cause the display device 42 to display information regarding games that can be played by the user 70 on the store game device 80.

[0295] As shown in FIGS. 23(C) and 23(D), the display means 52 superimposes a heart mark 74A indicating that it is a favorite store on the first mark 72 or the second mark 73 so that the heart mark 74A is not completely hidden, and displays it on the map. In the present embodiment, the heart mark 74A is superimposed on the first mark 72 or the second mark 73.

[0296] As shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B), the heart mark 74A is not superimposed on the map pin of a store for which favorite registration has not been made, and a white circle is displayed at approximately the center of the map pin.

[0297] As shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(C), the first mark 72 is displayed as a relatively large and dark map pin. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 23(B) and 23(D), the second mark 73 is displayed as a relatively small and light map pin.

[0298] Figure 23(C) shows the first mark 72 with the heart mark 74A superimposed, and Figure 23(D) shows the second mark 73 with the heart mark 74A superimposed. Note that in the second mark 73, the heart mark 74A is displayed smaller and fainter than in Figure 23(C), as shown in Figure 23(D).

[0299] Now, let's return to Figures 22(A) and 22(B). The display means 52 causes the display device 42 to display a message indicating that the store is a store where a tournament using the store game device 80 is being held.

[0300] For example, to indicate that a store is hosting a tournament, the words "Tournament Held" are displayed in the upper left corner of the rectangular frame area 71A where textual information such as the address is written (see the bottom rectangular frame area 71A in Figure 22(A), and the bottom and second-to-bottom rectangular frame areas 71A in Figure 22(B)). However, other words, symbols, marks, or combinations thereof, such as "Tournament in Progress," may also be used.

[0301] In this specification, "tournament" refers to an event in which multiple users 70 use their own cards (physical cards and / or virtual cards 65) to compete using one or more store game machines 80 under predetermined rules, and a winner or ranking is determined among those multiple users 70.

[0302] Next, the selective display function of map 71 will be explained. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating the selective display function of map 71.

[0303] As shown in Figure 24, the display means 52 causes the display device 42 to display a pull-down list 75A, a first checkbox 75B, a second checkbox 75C, etc., in the area between the map 71 and the rectangular frame area 71A.

[0304] The pull-down list 75A is used to select or deselect a game title. The first checkbox 75B is used to select or deselect a favorite store. Similarly, the second checkbox 75C is used to select or deselect a store where a tournament is being held. Figure 24 shows the screen when user 70 selects the first game title (see Figure 21(B)) using the pull-down list 75A.

[0305] Figure 21(A) above shows the screen when the user 70 does not select any game title from the pull-down list 75A. If the user 70 does not select any of the multiple game titles, the display means 52 displays information on the display device 42 about stores where a store game machine 80 having any of the multiple game titles is installed.

[0306] For example, in the example shown in Figure 21(A), since the user 70 has not selected any of the multiple game titles, the display means 52 causes the display device 42 to display information on stores where a store game machine 80 having at least one of the first to third game titles is installed.

[0307] In this way, the display means 52 displays information on the display device 42 about stores where a store game machine 80 having the game title selected by the user 70 from among multiple game titles is installed, making it easier for the user 70 to find their desired store.

[0308] Returning to Figure 24, when user 70 checks the first checkbox 75B, only the rectangular area 71A corresponding to the stores that user 70 has registered as favorite stores will be displayed in the list. However, stores that were not registered as favorites will not be displayed in the list.

[0309] Furthermore, when user 70 checks the second checkbox 75C, only the rectangular area 71A corresponding to stores where the tournament is being held will be displayed in the list. However, stores where the tournament is not being held will not be displayed in the list.

[0310] In this way, the display means 52 displays on the display device 42 that a tournament using the store game device 80 is being held at a designated store, along with the location where the store game device 80 is installed. This makes it easier for the user 70 to find their desired store.

[0311] Next, referring to Figures 25(A) to 26(C), we will describe the physical cards (i.e., articles, real items) stored in the storage compartments 76 of the arcade game machine 80. One arcade game machine 80 is equipped with one or more storage compartments 76, and each storage compartment 76 stores multiple physical cards.

[0312] The storage section 76 has a columnar shape to accommodate multiple physical cards stacked on top of each other. Therefore, the storage section 76 is also called a cylinder. For example, a user 70 can receive one physical card provided by the store game machine 80 each time they play the game.

[0313] Figures 25(A) to 25(C) show examples of the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention, and represent the screen when user 70 taps "Shop Details" in the top-level rectangular frame area 71A of the list in Figure 24, after selecting the first game title in the pull-down list 75A.

[0314] Figure 25(A) shows that two store game machines 80-1 and 80-2 for the first game title are in operation in this store, and further shows what kind of physical cards are stored in each of the multiple storage compartments 76 in each of the store game machines 80.

[0315] As shown in Figure 25(A), the display means 52 displays on the display device 42 the game title of the store game machine 80, information indicating whether the store game machine 80 corresponding to the game title is in operation, and information on the physical card corresponding to the game title. By scrolling the list vertically, it is also possible to display list items that are currently hidden.

[0316] Furthermore, the display means 52 causes the display device 42 to display either or both of the following as information about the physical card: information about the rarity of the physical card, such as normal, rare, and super rare (i.e., first type of information), and information about the number of cards in the series (i.e., second type of information).

[0317] In the example shown in Figure 25(A), the display means 52 displays information on rarity (normal, rare), number of units (SEASON:06, 6th unit), and function and role of the card (UT booster) on the display device 42.

[0318] In the first game title, there are three types of physical cards that serve different functions and roles in the game: UT (Unit), PL (Pilot), and CP (Custom). UT boosters, PL boosters, and CP boosters are all used in the store game machine 80 to strengthen (i.e., boost) the deck.

[0319] Furthermore, the information regarding the physical cards stored in the storage section 76 is not limited to the example described above; the display means 52 can display at least two different types of information on the display device 42. That is, the second type of information regarding the item, such as rarity information and ammunition count information, can be different from the first type.

[0320] As described above, when the user terminal 40 acquires new information from the server device 20, the display means 52 displays the updated information on the display device 42. As a result, the display means 52 periodically updates the information on the physical card, as shown in Figure 25(A), and displays the information on the physical card on the display device 42 along with information indicating that an update has occurred.

[0321] In the upper right corner of the rectangular frame area corresponding to the store game machines 80-1 and 80-2, the timing of the last update of the information in the storage unit 76 for each store game machine 80-1 and 80-2 is displayed.

[0322] The timing of the last update is displayed as follows: for example, if it was less than 24 hours ago, it will be displayed as "X hours ago" in one-hour increments; if it was between 24 hours and less than 7 days ago, it will be displayed as "X days ago" in one-day increments; if it was between 7 days and less than 4 weeks ago, it will be displayed as "X weeks ago" in one-week increments; if it was between 4 weeks and less than 1 year ago, it will be displayed as "X months ago" in one-month increments; and if it was more than 1 year ago, it will be displayed as "More than 1 year ago".

[0323] Displaying the update timing on the display device 42 in this way helps users 70 who wish to acquire a physical card to recall the new game experience that comes with this physical card and stimulates their sense of ownership of the physical card, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game on the arcade game machine 80.

[0324] For example, after user 70 taps "Shop Details" in the rectangular frame area 71A (see Figures 22(A), 22(B), and 24), and then selects a second game title through a predetermined operation, the screen shown in Figure 25(B) is displayed.

[0325] The example shown in Figure 25(B) illustrates that four arcade game machines 80 of a second game title are operating in the same arcade as the one shown in Figure 25(A). In Figure 25(B), two of the four arcade game machines, 80-3 and 80-4, are displayed, but of course, other list items will be displayed if you scroll.

[0326] In the example shown in Figure 25(B), the display means 52 displays both information about the physical card, including information about its rarity and information about the number of cards it has in circulation, on the display device 42.

[0327] In the store game device 80-3, the four storage compartments 76 are labeled Cylinder A, Cylinder B, Cylinder C, and Cylinder D, and no physical cards are stored in Cylinders C and D. In the example shown in Figure 25(B), information indicating the function and role of the cards is not displayed.

[0328] Figure 25(C) shows the screen after user 70 taps "Shop Details" in the rectangular frame area 71A and then selects a third game title through a predetermined operation.

[0329] The example shown in Figure 25(C) illustrates that four arcade game machines 80 of a third game title are in operation at the same arcade as the one shown in Figure 25(A). In Figure 25(C), all four arcade game machines 80-7, 80-8, 80-9, and 80-10 are displayed.

[0330] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 25(C), each of the store game devices 80-7 to 80-10 has two storage compartments 76, and each storage compartment 76 displays only the information of the physical card, namely the number of bullets (i.e., Chapter 6 of SC) related to the physical card.

[0331] Note that "SC" in "SC6 Chapter" is an abbreviation for Special Card, and "Chapter 6" in "SC6 Chapter" means that it is the 6th installment of the SC series. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 25(C), information such as the rarity of the physical card, and information indicating the card's function and role are not displayed.

[0332] In this way, the display means 52 displays information about the physical cards for each of the multiple game titles on the display device 42. The display means 52 also displays information about the physical cards for each of the multiple arcade game machines 80 installed in a single arcade on the display device 42.

[0333] This allows user 70 to easily determine whether or not there are items of interest to them. This, in turn, increases user 70's interest in the games on the arcade game machine 80.

[0334] Furthermore, since users 70 can visit stores where the store game machines 80 are installed and play games with the aim of acquiring items they are interested in, the level of interest in games played on the store game machines 80 can be increased.

[0335] Furthermore, if user 70 taps on the "Store Details" of another store, the display means 52 will display the information of the physical cards in the storage unit 76 at that store on the display device 42, similar to Figures 25(A) to 25(C). In this way, the display means 52 can display the information of the physical cards for each store where the store game device 80 is installed.

[0336] The display means 52 may display on the display device 42 information of physical cards stored in each of the multiple storage units 76, which are information of physical cards that have been provided to the user 70 from the store game machine 80 to date.

[0337] For example, after the store game machine 80 dispenses a physical card to the dispenser, the store game machine 80 notifies the server device 20 of the type of physical card dispensed. Subsequently, the user terminal 40 updates the information provided by the server device 20, so that the information of the physical card provided by the store game machine 80 to the user 70 is reflected in the user terminal 40. This allows the user 70 to centrally manage the information of the physical cards on the user terminal 40.

[0338] Figures 26(A) to 26(C) show the correspondence between game titles and characters 77 in one embodiment of the present invention. Each of the multiple game titles is associated with information of at least one character 77.

[0339] Unlike Character 67, which is associated with User 70 as mentioned above, Character 77 actually appears in the game of the game title. However, similar to Character 67, Character 77 is an individual that represents animals, robots, virtual creatures, and other objects, including humans, as if they possess will or personality, or as having some kind of role.

[0340] When a physical card is provided from the store game device 80 to the user 70, the display means 52 may display information about the physical card (such as rarity and number of cards) along with information about at least one character 77 on the display device 42.

[0341] Furthermore, not limited to cases where a physical card is provided from the store game device 80 to the user 70, the display means 52 may display all physical cards that may be provided from the store game device 80 in the form of a character directory, displaying the information of the physical card and the information of the character 77 on the display device 42.

[0342] In this case, the display means 52 may display a list, roster, encyclopedia, etc., of the characters 77 so that the characters 77 on the physical cards owned by the user 70 and the characters 77 on the physical cards not yet owned by the user 70 can be easily distinguished.

[0343] Next, referring to Figures 27 to 28(C), we will explain an example of how the results of user 70's gameplay are reflected. Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0344] The display means 52 displays the results of a game played by user 70 in a store game machine 80 under normal operating conditions on the display device 42. In the example shown in Figure 27, the result of a game in which user 70 wins three consecutive times against the computer or another user 70 is displayed.

[0345] Figure 27 shows an example of the display when "Mission" is placed in the center of the footer. However, the display means 52 may also display the user 70's most recent match results (i.e., wins, losses, etc.) in chronological order on the display device 42, for example, on the My Page.

[0346] In the example shown in Figure 27, 300 points, corresponding to the reward for this mission, are displayed to the left of "Receive." Since User 70 has completed the mission "Win 3 times in a row," if User 70 taps the "Receive" button, User 70 will receive these 300 points.

[0347] Figures 28(A) to 28(C) show examples of the screen of a user terminal 40 in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 28(A), the display means 52 can display on the display device 42 the results of play by the user 70 in the store game machine 80 in tournament state 92.

[0348] Figure 28(B) is the screen displayed when user 70 taps the "Rewards" button located at the top of the screen shown in Figure 28(A). It displays the details of the rewards (i.e., benefits) corresponding to the ranking in each tournament, broken down by rank.

[0349] Figure 28(C) is the screen displayed when user 70 taps the rectangular area containing the tournament name "ABCD" in Figure 28(B). It displays user 70's ranking in this tournament and the rewards earned (specifically, game elements (typically points)).

[0350] The display means 52 can display on the display device 42 any benefits that are granted to the user 70 (i.e., benefits that have not yet been granted but may be granted in the future) in response to the user 70 playing in the store game machine 80 under normal operating conditions and / or during a tournament (see, for example, Figure 13(A)).

[0351] Of course, the display means 52 can also display on the display device 42 the benefits that have been granted to the user 70 (i.e., already granted) in response to the user 70 playing in the store game machine 80 under normal operating conditions and / or during a tournament (see, for example, Figure 13(C)).

[0352] The above-mentioned benefits are, for example, benefits granted to user 70 by spending points earned through gameplay. However, benefits such as virtual cards 65, physical cards, or items other than these cards may also be granted to user 70 simply for playing on a store game machine 80 in normal business conditions and / or during a tournament.

[0353] Rewards that are given solely for playing the game are, for example, given to the user 70 when they achieve a predetermined number of wins in matches or when they achieve a high ranking in a tournament. In this case as well, the display means 52 may display on the display device 42 the rewards that will be given when a predetermined mission is completed and / or the rewards that have actually been given so far.

[0354] With regard to the processes or operations described above, you may freely modify the processes or operations as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processes or operations, such as when a process uses data that is not yet available for use in that process.

[0355] Furthermore, the embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit.

[0356] In the above-described embodiment, the processing flow between the user terminal 40 and the server device 20 is a client / server system, where the user terminal 40 triggers the granting of benefits or game elements by sending a request to the server device 20.

[0357] The server device 20 then actively grants the user 70 the benefits and / or game elements, and the user terminal 40 then displays the granted benefits and / or game elements. However, this is just one example of a processing flow and is not necessarily limited to this flow.

[0358] For example, the application of this embodiment may proactively provide benefits and / or game elements to the user 70 by having the user 70's computer interact with the store game device 80 via the network 30 or directly, without going through the exchange of requests and responses with the server device 20.

[0359] In other words, the user 70's computer may function as a reward granting means 51 that grants rewards to the user 70 related to games on the store game machine 80 by executing a program on the user 70's computer that operates the user 70's computer in conjunction with the store game machine 80.

[0360] Similarly, the user 70's computer may function as a means for providing game elements to the user 70 by executing a program on the user 70's computer that operates the user 70's computer in conjunction with the store game device 80.

[0361] Furthermore, some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0362] [Note 1] A program for operating a user's computer in conjunction with a game machine for a store, wherein the program causes the computer to function as a display means for displaying information of items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the game machine for each of the multiple storage compartments on the computer's display device.

[0363] [Note 2] The display means is the program described in [Note 1] which causes the display device to display a first type of information relating to the articles as information relating to the articles contained in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device.

[0364] [Note 3] The program described in [Note 1] or [Note 2] causes the display means to display a second type of information, different from the first type, concerning the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device, on the display device.

[0365] [Note 4] The program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 3], wherein the first type of information is information corresponding to the rarity of the item, and the second type of information is information corresponding to the time when the item is provided in the store game machine.

[0366] [Note 5] The program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 4] causes the display means to display both the first type of information and the second type of information on the display device as information of the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device.

[0367] [Note 6] The display means is a program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 5] that periodically updates the information of the article.

[0368] [Note 7] The display means is a program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 6] that displays information about the article on the display device along with information indicating that it is time for an update.

[0369] [Note 8] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 7] that displays information about the item on the display device, along with information indicating whether or not the store game device is in operation.

[0370] [Note 9] The store game device is associated with one of several different game titles, and the display means displays information about the item along with the game title of the store game device on the display device, according to the program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 8].

[0371] [Note 10] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 9] that displays information about the item on the display device for each of the plurality of game titles.

[0372] [Note 11] Each of the plurality of game titles is associated with information of at least one character, and the display means causes the display device to display the information of the item together with the information of at least one character, according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 10].

[0373] [Note 12] The display means is a program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 11] that displays information about the article for each store where the store game device is installed.

[0374] [Note 13] The display means is a program described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 12] that displays information about the item on the display device for each of the multiple store game devices installed in a single store.

[0375] [Note 14] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 13] that causes the display device to display information about games that can be played by a user in the store game machine.

[0376] [Note 15] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 14] that displays the results of a user's gameplay in the store game machine on the display device.

[0377] [Note 16] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 15] that displays on the display device the benefits granted to the user in accordance with the user's play in the store game machine.

[0378] [Note 17] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 16] that displays on the display device the benefits granted to the user in accordance with the user's play in the store game machine.

[0379] [Note 18] The display means is a program according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 17] which displays information of the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device on the display device, provided by the store game device.

[0380] [Note 19] A game system comprising a game machine for a store, a server device that operates in cooperation with the game machine for the store, and a user's computer that operates in cooperation with the server device, wherein the computer is provided with display means for displaying information of articles stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the game machine for each of the multiple storage compartments on the computer's display device.

[0381] [Note 20] A user terminal having a display device and operating in conjunction with a store game machine, the user terminal comprising a display means for displaying information of articles stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the store game machine on the display device for each of the multiple storage compartments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0382] 10: Game system, 20: Server device, 21: Processor, 22: Display device, 23: Input device, 24: Storage device, 25: Communication device, 26: Bus, 30: Network, 40: User terminal (user's computer), 41: Processor, 42: Display device, 43: Input device, 44: Storage device, 45: Communication device, 46: Bus, 51: Reward granting means, 52: Display means, 53: Point granting means (game element granting means), 54: Deck registration method, 55: Location information acquisition method, 56: Store registration method, 57: Game title selection method, 61: Switch button, 62, 63, 66, 68, 69: Buttons, 62A: Selectable bonus (1st bonus), 63A: Lottery-type bonus (2nd bonus), 63A1: 1st type bonus, 63A2: 2nd type bonus, 64, 64A, 64B: Virtual deck, 65: Virtual card, 66A1: Booster pack, 66A2: Binder, 66B1: Promotional card, 66B2: Promotional pack, 66C: Digital coupon, 67, 67A, 67B, 67C, 67D, 67E, 67F, 67G, 67H: Character, 70: User, 70-1: First user, 70-2: Second user, 71: Map, 71A: Square frame area, 72: First mark, 73: Second mark, 74A, 74B: Heart mark, 75A: Pull-down list, 75B: 1: Checkbox 1, 75C: 2nd checkbox, 76: Storage unit, 77: Character, 80, 80-1, 80-2, 80-3, 80-4: Game machines for stores, 80-7, 80-8, 80-9, 80-10: Game machines for stores, 81: Processor, 82: Display device, 83: Input device, 84: Memory device, 85: Communication device, 86: Bus, 90: Normal operating state (1st state), 92: Tournament held state (2nd state)

Claims

1. A program that operates a user's computer in conjunction with a game machine for stores, The computer functions as a display means for displaying information about the items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the aforementioned store game device on the computer's display device, for each of the multiple storage compartments. The aforementioned article is a physical card used in the game of the aforementioned store game machine, Each of the aforementioned multiple storage compartments contains multiple physical cards stacked on top of each other. The display means is a program that causes each storage unit to display information about the plurality of physical cards stored in the storage unit.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display a first type of information relating to the articles, as information relating to the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device.

3. The program according to claim 2, wherein the display means causes the display device to display a second type of information relating to the articles, which are different from the first type, as information relating to the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device.

4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the first type of information is information corresponding to the rarity of the article, and the second type of information is information corresponding to the time when the article is provided in the store game device.

5. The program according to claim 3, wherein the display means causes the display device to display both the first type of information and the second type of information as information of the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device.

6. The display means is a program according to claim 1 that periodically updates information about the article.

7. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information about the article along with information indicating that it is time for an update.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information about the item along with information indicating whether or not the store game machine is in operation.

9. The aforementioned arcade game device is associated with one of several different game titles. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information about the article along with the game title of the game machine for the store.

10. The program according to claim 9, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information about the article for each of the plurality of game titles.

11. Each of the aforementioned game titles is associated with information on at least one character. The program according to claim 10, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information of the article together with information of at least one character.

12. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays information about the article for each store where the store game device is installed.

13. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information about the item for each of the multiple store game devices installed in a single store.

14. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display information regarding games that a user can play in the store game machine.

15. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to show the results of a user's gameplay in the store game machine.

16. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display the benefits granted to the user in accordance with the user's play in the store game machine.

17. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means causes the display device to display the benefits granted to the user in response to the user's play in the store game machine.

18. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display means is information of the articles stored in each of the plurality of storage compartments of the store game device, and the program causes the display device to display information of the articles provided by the store game device.

19. A game system comprising a game machine for stores, a server device that operates in conjunction with the game machine for stores, and a user's computer that operates in conjunction with the server device, The computer includes a display means for displaying information about the items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments of the store game machine on the computer's display device, for each of the multiple storage compartments. The aforementioned article is a physical card used in the game of the aforementioned store game machine, Each of the aforementioned multiple storage compartments contains multiple physical cards stacked on top of each other. The aforementioned display means is a game system that displays information about the plurality of physical cards stored in each storage compartment.

20. A user terminal having a display device and operating in conjunction with a game machine for stores, The aforementioned store game device is equipped with a display means for displaying information about the items stored in each of the multiple storage compartments on the display device for each of the multiple storage compartments, The aforementioned article is a physical card used in the game of the aforementioned store game machine, Each of the aforementioned multiple storage compartments contains multiple physical cards stacked on top of each other. The display means is a user terminal that displays information about the plurality of physical cards stored in each storage compartment.

Images