System, method, program, and device for providing game

Abstract

A game providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention enhances interest in a game. The server 10 provides a game to a user who operates a player terminal 30 that is communicably connected over a communication network 20. The server 10 repeatedly executes a first raffle for determining a winning region from among a plurality of regions disposed in a game field, and in response to the arrangement of a plurality of the winning regions becoming a prescribed pattern, the server 10 advances to the next game field without initializing the remaining number of raffle times, which decreases in accordance with the execution of the first raffle. Therefore, a player can enjoy playing numerous game fields within the range of the remaining number of raffle times.

Description

System, method, program, and device for providing games

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing a game.

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for providing a bingo game using a computer have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a device that provides a game in which information indicating an intention to participate in a game is received from a terminal device, numbers are sequentially distributed to the terminal device, and the game is won when the distributed numbers form a predetermined arrangement pattern.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-340642

[0004] However, while the above-mentioned conventional devices allow players to casually enjoy a typical bingo game, the game design lacks novelty and the progress can sometimes become monotonous. Therefore, there is a need to improve the enjoyment of games such as bingo.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiments of the present invention is to improve the enjoyment of games. Other objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the entire specification.

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for providing a game, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors execute the steps of presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged, and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, repeated execution of the first lottery involving a reduction in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player, and changing the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to a next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a game, executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged, and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, repeated execution of the first lottery involving a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player, and changing the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to a next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a game, which causes one or more computers to execute the steps of presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged, and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, which includes repeating the execution of the first lottery with a decrease in the remaining number of lotteries associated with the player, and changing the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to the next game field without initializing the remaining number of lotteries when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

[0009] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for providing a game, and comprises means for presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player, and means for controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged, and the means for controlling the progress of the game performs a first lottery to determine a winning area from among the plurality of areas, and repeats the execution of the first lottery, which involves a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player, and changes the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to the next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries, in response to the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forming a predetermined pattern.

[0010] Various embodiments of the present invention provide increased entertainment value in games.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network including a game providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating information managed by a player information table 1511. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information managed by a game progress management table 1513. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information managed by a bingo sheet management table 1515. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of squares on a bingo sheet and square IDs assigned to each square. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the game providing server 10 in response to the start of a bingo game. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a game screen 50. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of the bingo sheet display area 54 on the game screen 50. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the multipliers set for reserved balls and the colors of the reserved balls. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the correspondence between the effects set for reserved balls and the images added to the reserved balls. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the bingo sheet display area 54 after an effect display accompanying the execution of a lottery for a winning square has been performed. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the bingo sheet display area 54 when the bomb (level 1) effect is set for the first reserved ball. A diagram illustrating the bingo sheet display area 54 when the effect of an arrow (level 2 (downward and rightward)) is set on the first reserved ball. A diagram illustrating the bingo sheet display area 54 when the winning square is a special square. A diagram illustrating the bingo sheet display area 54 when a bingo has occurred.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network including a game providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the server 10 is communicably connected to player terminals 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one player terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 10 can be communicably connected to a plurality of player terminals 30. The server 10 provides a game to users who operate the player terminals 30. The game providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the system (or device) of the present invention.

[0014] First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the game providing server 10. The game providing server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Figure 1, it includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0015] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in the storage 15 or the like into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0016] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), audio input devices such as a microphone, and image input devices such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0017] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0018] The storage 15 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk, a flash memory, or the like. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the storage 15 has various tables 151 that manage various information for providing a game. The storage 15 also stores, for example, a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the game providing server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a game. At least a portion of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the player terminal 30 via a terminal-side program 42, which will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, the game providing server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0020] The game providing server 10 configured in this manner functions as a web server and an application server, executes various processes in response to requests from the terminal-side program 42 installed in the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. The player terminal 30 outputs a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the player terminal 30. The player terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), audio input devices such as a microphone, and image input devices such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0024] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

[0025] The storage 35 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, and the like. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. The storage 35 also stores the above-mentioned terminal-side program 42. The program 42 can be configured as a web browser or other application (e.g., a game application) and can be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40 as described above.

[0026] In this embodiment, the player terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a dedicated game terminal, or the like.

[0027] A user (game player) of a player terminal 30 configured in this manner can play a game provided by the server 10 by communicating with the server 10 via a terminal-side program 42 installed in storage 35 or the like.

[0028] Next, we will explain the functions of the game providing server 10 configured as above. As shown in Figure 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a game progress control unit 113 by executing instructions included in a program (e.g., at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the game. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the player via the screens output on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and player account management.

[0030] The game progression control unit 113 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the progress of the game. For example, the game progression control unit 113 is configured to present a predetermined screen for playing the game to the player. For example, the game progression control unit 113 transmits screen data, control data, etc. of the predetermined screen to the player terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the player via the screen output on the player terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. according to the results of the processes to the player terminal 30. In this embodiment, the predetermined screen is configured to display a game field on which a plurality of areas are arranged.

[0031] The game progress control unit 113 is also configured to repeatedly execute a first drawing to determine a winning area from among multiple areas arranged on the game field. For example, the game progress control unit 113 executes one first drawing or multiple first drawing in response to a single instruction from the player. In this embodiment, the first drawing involves a decrease in the number of remaining drawing attempts associated with the player.

[0032] The first lottery is conducted, for example, according to the winning probability for each of the plurality of regions. The winning probability may be the same for all regions, or may be different for at least some of the regions. The first lottery may be configured, for example, to determine a winning region from among the plurality of regions that have not yet been determined as a winning region.

[0033] Furthermore, the game progress control unit 113 is configured to change the game field displayed on the predetermined screen to the next game field (advance to the next game field) without initializing the remaining number of lotteries when the arrangement of multiple winning areas in multiple areas arranged on the game field forms a predetermined pattern. For example, the multiple areas on the game field are arranged in a grid pattern, and the arrangement of the predetermined pattern includes an arrangement in which the areas are lined up linearly in the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal direction.

[0034] In this way, the game providing server 10 in this embodiment repeatedly executes a first drawing to determine a winning area from among a plurality of areas arranged in the game field, and when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas forms a predetermined pattern, proceeds to the next game field without initializing the remaining number of draws, which decreases with the execution of the first drawing, so that the player can enjoy playing as many game fields as possible within the range of the remaining number of draws. In other words, the server 10 increases the interest in the game.

[0035] In this embodiment, the multiple areas arranged on the game field can be configured to correspond to any of multiple different identification information. In this case, the first lottery can be configured to determine a winning identification information from the multiple identification information and determine the area corresponding to the winning identification information as the winning area. The identification information includes, but is not limited to, numbers, characters, designs, etc. Some of the multiple identification information may not correspond to multiple areas. This configuration makes it possible to determine the winning area through a lottery for identification information.

[0036] The game progress control unit 113 may also be configured to control the progress of the game based on the number of game field changes (which may also be referred to as the number of game fields played). For example, the game progress control unit 113 may grant a reward (including, for example, items, coins, points, etc.) to a player upon determination of a winning area, and the reward may be configured to be based on the number of game field changes. The reward may be granted each time a winning area is determined, or may be granted when a predetermined condition is met after determination of a winning area (for example, when the arrangement of multiple winning areas forms a predetermined pattern). For example, the greater the number of game field changes, the higher the value of the reward and / or the greater the amount of the reward. In this case, the number of game field changes may be initialized when the remaining number of lottery draws reaches zero. This configuration increases the player's motivation to play many game fields.

[0037] Furthermore, the game progress control unit 113 may be configured to increase the number of remaining lotteries in accordance with a change in the game field in response to the arrangement of multiple winning areas forming a predetermined pattern. Such a configuration helps the player to play on many game fields.

[0038] Furthermore, the predetermined screen can be configured to display an object corresponding to the first drawing to be executed next or thereafter, and in this case, the game progress control unit 113 can be configured to control the progress of the game based on the value of a parameter possessed by the object corresponding to the executed first drawing. For example, the value and / or quantity of a reward awarded to a player in association with the determination of a winning area through the execution of the first drawing is set based on the value of a parameter possessed by the object corresponding to the first drawing. Such a configuration enables the progress of the game to be based on the value of a parameter possessed by the object corresponding to the first drawing.

[0039] In this case, the game progress control unit 113 may be configured to enhance the value of a parameter of the object displayed on the predetermined screen (the object corresponding to the first lottery to be executed next or later), in accordance with a change in the game field in response to the arrangement of the multiple winning areas conforming to a predetermined pattern. This configuration provides the player with the enjoyment of enhancing the value of a parameter of the object in accordance with a change in the game field.

[0040] Furthermore, the game progress control unit 113 may be configured to execute a second drawing to determine whether or not to increase the number of remaining draws in association with the execution of a first drawing, and to increase the number of remaining draws if the result of the second drawing is a win. The second drawing may be executed each time a first drawing is executed, or may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the execution of the first drawing. This configuration provides the player with the enjoyment of the increase in the number of remaining draws through the execution of a second drawing.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second lottery for determining the increase in the remaining number of lottery draws may be configured so that the fewer the number of lottery draws remaining at that time, the higher the probability of winning. This configuration encourages players who have a small number of lottery draws remaining to continue playing the game.

[0042] The probability of winning the second lottery may also be varied based on the progress of the game. The progress of the game may include, but is not limited to, the number of times the first lottery has been executed, the arrangement of multiple winning areas, or the status of awarding of rewards associated with the determination of winning areas. This configuration makes it possible to vary the possibility of recovering the remaining number of lottery draws based on the progress of the game.

[0043] The game progress control unit 113 may also be configured to increase the remaining number of lottery draws in response to the player's consumption of a predetermined value (e.g., a fee). The predetermined value may include real value (e.g., currency) or virtual value (e.g., an item). This configuration allows the game to continue by consuming the predetermined value.

[0044] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the game providing server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the server 10 provides a solo play bingo game. First, in this example, information managed by each table included in the various tables 151 will be described.

[0045] 2 illustrates information managed by the player information table 1511 in this example. The player information table 1511 in this example manages information about players of the game, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "basic information" including account name and date of birth, and "number of owned coins" which is the number of coins (rewards) that can be acquired through playing the bingo game, in association with "player accounts" that identify individual players.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates information managed by the game progress management table 1513 in this example. The game progress management table 1513 in this example manages information related to the progress of individual games, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "player account" which identifies a player of the game in association with a "play ID" which identifies an individual play of the game, the "number of remaining turns" (number of remaining draws) indicating the number of draws remaining in the draw (first draw) to determine a winning square (winning area) in a bingo game, the "number of acquired coins", the "number of bingo sheets" indicating the number of bingo sheets (game fields) that have been played, "first reserved ball parameter information" which is information related to the parameters of the reserved balls (objects) corresponding to the next drawing of a winning square, "second reserved ball parameter information" which is information related to the parameters of the reserved balls corresponding to the drawing of a winning square that will be held the next time (the second time from that point), "third reserved ball parameter information" which is information related to the parameters of the reserved balls corresponding to the drawing of a winning square that will be held the time after that (the third time from that point), and "fourth reserved ball parameter information" which is information related to the parameters of the reserved balls corresponding to the drawing of a winning square that will be held the time after that (the fourth time from that point).

[0047] 4 illustrates information managed by the bingo sheet management table 1515 in this example. The bingo sheet management table 1515 in this example manages information related to the bingo sheet being played, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as an "assigned number" indicating the number assigned to the corresponding square, a "winning square flag" indicating that the square is a winning square, etc., in association with a combination of a "play ID" that identifies an individual play of the game and a "square ID" (identification information) that identifies an individual square (area) placed on the bingo sheet.

[0048] 5 shows an example of the layout of the squares on a bingo sheet and the square IDs assigned to each square. As shown in the figure, the bingo sheet in this example has a total of 25 squares arranged in a 5x5 grid, and square IDs 1 to 25 are assigned in order from top to bottom row, and from left to right within each row.

[0049] The information managed by each table in this example has been described above. Next, the processing executed by the server 10 and the screens output on the player terminals 30 in this example will be described.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing executed by the game server 10 in response to the start of a bingo game in this example. As shown in the figure, the server 10 first initializes the parameters of the reserved balls (step S100) and updates the bingo sheet (step S105). Specifically, the bingo sheet update involves setting the assigned numbers of each square on the bingo sheet for the corresponding play in the bingo sheet management table 1515, and updating the winning square flag of each square to a value indicating that it is not a winning square. In this example, the assigned numbers of each square are set to numbers randomly selected from 1 to 150 so as not to overlap with each other. As will be described in more detail later, the center square on the bingo sheet (square ID = 13) is a special square to which no assigned number is assigned.

[0051] 7 illustrates an example of a game screen 50 (predetermined screen) that is output in response to the start of a bingo game on a player terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 50 has a basic information display area 52 that displays basic information about the game, a bingo sheet display area 54 that displays a bingo sheet, a reserved ball display area 56 that displays four reserved balls that correspond to (are to be used in) the lottery for the winning squares to be held next or thereafter, and a lottery button 58.

[0052] The basic information display area 52 has a remaining turn number display area 521 that displays the number of remaining turns, a coin number display area 522 that displays the number of acquired coins, and a sheet number display area 523 that displays the number of bingo sheets currently being played (number of sheets). This information is managed in the game progress management table 1513. In this example, the initial value of the remaining turn number is 15.

[0053] 8 illustrates details of the bingo sheet display area 54 of the game screen 50. As shown in the figure, the area 54 displays a bingo sheet 541, and the bingo sheet 541 has a total of 25 squares 542 arranged in a 5x5 grid pattern. The bingo sheet 541 in FIG. 8 is a bingo sheet immediately after an update (initial setting) has been performed, and all of the squares 542 are non-winning squares that have not been set as winning squares.

[0054] The reserved ball display area 56 has a shape corresponding to the upper left portion of the ring surrounding the circular lottery button 58, and four reserved ball objects 561 to 564 corresponding to the four reserved balls corresponding to the next and subsequent winning square lottery drawings are arranged side by side. Of the four reserved ball objects 561 to 564, the first reserved ball object 561 located above the lottery button 58 corresponds to the first reserved ball corresponding to the next lottery drawing, the second reserved ball object 562 located to the lower left of the object 561 corresponds to the second reserved ball corresponding to the lottery drawing after next, the third reserved ball object 563 located to the lower left of the object 562 corresponds to the third reserved ball corresponding to the lottery drawing after next, and the fourth reserved ball object 564 located to the lower left of the object 563 corresponds to the fourth reserved ball corresponding to the lottery drawing after next.

[0055] In this example, the parameters of the reserved balls are set as a multiplier and an effect. Figure 9 illustrates the correspondence between the multiplier set for the reserved balls and the color of the reserved balls. As shown in the figure, in this example, the reserved ball multiplier is set to one of 1x, 2x, 3x, and 5x, and each reserved ball object 561 to 564 has a color corresponding to the set multiplier.

[0056] 10 illustrates the correspondence between the effects set for reserved balls and the images attached to the reserved balls. As shown in the figure, in this example, one of the following effects is set for reserved balls: normal (no effect), bomb (level 1), bomb (level 2), arrow (level 1), and arrow (level 2). An image corresponding to the set effect is attached to each reserved ball object 561-564. The effect set for reserved balls is the effect of adding a winning square. Specifically, bomb (level 1) is the effect of changing the four squares adjacent to the winning square determined in accordance with the execution of the corresponding lottery into winning squares, and bomb (level 2) is the effect of changing the eight squares surrounding the winning square determined in accordance with the same lottery into winning squares. Additionally, the arrow (level 1) has the effect of changing a square aligned in one direction (any one of up, down, left, and right) based on the winning square determined in accordance with the execution of the corresponding lottery into a winning square, and the arrow (level 2) has the effect of changing a square aligned in two directions (any two of up, down, left, and right) based on the winning square into a winning square. The direction of the arrow in the image corresponding to the effect of the arrow (level 1) and the arrow (level 2) follows the direction of the set effect (the direction in which the square is changed into a winning square).

[0057] In the initial setting of the parameters of the reserved balls, a multiplier and an effect are set for each of the four reserved balls, and specifically, the first to fourth reserved ball parameter information for the corresponding play is updated in the game progress management table 1513. The set multiplier is determined by lottery according to the winning probability set for each of the four values ​​(the higher the multiplier, the lower the winning probability). The set effect is also determined by lottery according to the winning probability set for each of the five values ​​(the winning probability for normal (no effect) is the highest, the winning probability for bomb (level 1) and arrow (level 1) is the next highest, and the winning probability for bomb (level 2) and arrow (level 2) is the lowest). The direction (the change to the winning square) of the arrow effect is determined randomly.

[0058] 6, after updating the bingo sheet, the server 10 waits for a lottery instruction from the player (NO in step S110). The lottery instruction from the player is accepted in response to selection of the lottery button 58 on the game screen 50.

[0059] Then, when the player issues a lottery instruction (i.e., selects the lottery button 58) (YES in step S110), the server 10 decreases the number of remaining turns (step S120). Specifically, the number of remaining turns for the corresponding play is updated (decreased by 1) in the game progress management table 1513.

[0060] Next, the server 10 conducts a lottery to determine a winning square (step S130). Specifically, one winning square is determined by lottery from among the non-winning squares on the bingo sheet (i.e., one square ID is determined from the non-winning square IDs). The non-winning squares are identified by referencing the winning square flags in the bingo sheet management table 1515. In this example, each square has the same winning probability. However, the winning probabilities of at least some of the multiple squares may be different from one another. In response to the determination of a winning square, the winning square flag of the corresponding square is updated in the bingo sheet management table 1515.

[0061] In this example, as the lottery for the winning square is executed, an effect display using reserved balls is performed on the game screen 50 illustrated in Fig. 7. Specifically, an animation display is performed in which the first reserved ball object 561 is shot upward and lands at the position of the square 542 determined to be the winning square among the multiple squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541 displayed in the bingo sheet display area 54.

[0062] 11 shows an example of the bingo sheet display area 54 after an effect display accompanying the execution of a lottery for a winning square has been performed. In the bingo sheet display area 54 in this state, as shown in the figure, an assigned number ("75" in the example of FIG. 11) is displayed in a winning square 542A among the multiple squares 542 on a bingo sheet 541. In this example, the assigned number is not displayed in the non-winning squares 542 among the multiple squares 542, but is displayed in the winning squares 542.

[0063] In this example, if an effect is set on the reserved ball corresponding to the executed winning square lottery (i.e., the first reserved ball at that time), an additional winning square is determined as described above. In response to the determination of the additional winning square, the winning square flag of the corresponding square is updated in the bingo sheet management table 1515.

[0064] 12 shows an example of the bingo sheet display area 54 after the effect display accompanying the execution of the lottery for the winning square has been performed, in which the bomb effect (level 1) is set for the first reserved ball. In the bingo sheet display area 54 in this state, as shown in the figure, of the multiple squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541, in addition to the winning square 542A, the four squares 542 adjacent to it above, below, left, and right are determined to be winning squares, and assigned numbers are displayed in these winning squares.

[0065] 13 shows an example of the bingo sheet display area 54 after the effect display accompanying the execution of the lottery for the winning square has been performed, in which the effect of an arrow (level 2 (downward and rightward)) has been set for the first reserved ball. In the bingo sheet display area 54 in this state, as shown in the figure, of the multiple squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541, in addition to the winning square 542A, three squares 542 located below it and one square 542 located to the right of it are determined to be winning squares, and assigned numbers are displayed in these winning squares.

[0066] In this example, if the winning square is a special square located in the center of the bingo sheet, additional winning squares are determined. Specifically, a predetermined number (e.g., two) of additional winning squares are randomly determined from among the non-winning squares among the plurality of squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541. In response to the determination of the additional winning squares, the winning square flags of the corresponding squares are updated in the bingo sheet management table 1515.

[0067] 14 illustrates the bingo sheet display area 54 after a display effect has been displayed in response to the drawing of a winning square, where the winning square is a special square. In this state, as shown in the figure, the bingo sheet display area 54 displays a rabbit symbol in the winning square 542B, which is a special square among the multiple squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541, and also displays assigned numbers in two randomly determined winning squares 542C and 542D. It should be noted that additional display effects may be displayed in response to the determination of additional winning squares.

[0068] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6 , once a winning square has been determined, the server 10 then updates the reserved balls (step S135). In updating the reserved balls, the second reserved ball changes to the first reserved ball, the third reserved ball changes to the second reserved ball, the fourth reserved ball changes to the third reserved ball, and a new fourth reserved ball is set. Specifically, in the game progress management table 1513, the value of the second reserved ball parameter information is set to the first reserved ball parameter information, the value of the third reserved ball parameter information is set to the second reserved ball parameter information, the value of the fourth reserved ball parameter information is set to the third reserved ball parameter information, and a value corresponding to the new fourth reserved ball is set to the fourth reserved ball parameter information. In conjunction with the updating of the reserved balls, the display of the first to fourth reserved ball objects 561 to 564 on the game screen 50 is also updated.

[0069] Next, if a bingo does not occur on the bingo sheet 541 as a result of determining the winning square (NO in step S140), the server 10 awards coins corresponding to the determined winning square to the player (step S150). Specifically, the number of coins earned in the corresponding play is updated (increased by a predetermined number) in the game progress management table 1513, and the number of coins owned by the corresponding player is updated (increased by a predetermined number) in the player information table 1511. In response to the awarding of the coins, a corresponding effect may be displayed on the game screen 50 (for example, an animation display in which an object having the appearance of a coin appears from the currently determined winning square 542).

[0070] In this example, the number of coins awarded upon determining the winning square is calculated by multiplying the "total value of the allocation numbers of the winning squares determined this time" by the "multiplier set for the first reserved ball."

[0071] Next, the server 10 executes a lottery (second lottery) for restoring the number of remaining turns (step S160). Specifically, a lottery is executed to determine whether or not to restore the number of remaining turns according to a predetermined probability of winning.

[0072] The winning probability of the remaining turn recovery lottery is adjusted based on the number of remaining turns at that time and the multiplier set for the first reserved ball (before the update) relative to a standard value (e.g., 30%). For example, if the number of remaining turns at that time is two or less, 10% points are added to the standard value of the winning probability. Also, for example, if the multiplier set for the first reserved ball is 2x, 5% points are added to the winning probability, and if the multiplier set for the first reserved ball is 3x, 10% points are added to the winning probability.

[0073] If the result of the lottery to restore the number of remaining turns is a win (YES in step S170), the server 10 restores the number of remaining turns (step S180). Specifically, the number of remaining turns for the corresponding play is updated in the game progress management table 1513. In this example, the number of turns restored when the result of the lottery is a win is the number corresponding to the multiplier set for the first reserved ball (for example, 2 times if the multiplier is 2).

[0074] If there are turns remaining (one or more) (NO in step S190), the process returns to waiting for a lottery instruction from the player (step S110), and each time a lottery instruction is given by the player, a series of processes is repeated, from reducing the number of remaining turns to restoring the number of remaining turns if the result of the lottery to restore the number of remaining turns is a win (steps S120 to S180).

[0075] On the other hand, if a bingo occurs on the bingo sheet 541 as a result of determining the winning squares (YES in step S140), the server 10 awards coins associated with the bingo occurrence to the player (step S200). Specifically, the number of coins earned for the corresponding play is updated (increased by a predetermined number) in the game progress management table 1513, and the number of coins owned by the corresponding player is updated (increased by a predetermined number) in the player information table 1511. In this example, a bingo occurs when five winning squares are lined up in a straight line in one direction (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal). For example, in the bingo sheet 541 illustrated in FIG. 15, the five squares 542 lined up horizontally in the top row are winning squares, indicating that a bingo has occurred.

[0076] In this example, the number of coins awarded when a bingo occurs is calculated by multiplying the "total number of assigned numbers of the currently determined winning squares" by the "multiplier set for the first reserved balls," the "bingo multiplier," and the "number of bingo sheets." The bingo multiplier is predetermined, and is, for example, 3x. In response to the awarding of the coins, a corresponding effect display may be displayed on the game screen 50. Thus, in this example, the number of coins awarded when a bingo occurs increases as the number of bingo sheets increases (i.e., the more times the bingo sheets are changed), which is advantageous for the player.

[0077] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6 , the server 10 then strengthens the reserved balls (step S210). Specifically, the effect of one reserved ball randomly selected from among the first to fourth reserved balls at that time, excluding reserved balls with the bomb (level 2) or arrow (level 2) effect, is strengthened. For example, if the pre-strengthening effect set for the reserved ball to be strengthened is normal (no effect), the effect of bomb (level 1) or arrow (level 1) is set; if the pre-strengthening effect is bomb (level 1), the effect of bomb (level 2) is set; and if the pre-strengthening effect is arrow (level 1), the effect of arrow (level 2) is set. As the reserved ball is strengthened, the corresponding information among the first to fourth reserved ball parameter information in the game progress management table 1513 is updated, and the display of the corresponding object among the first to fourth reserved ball objects 561-564 on the game screen 50 is updated.

[0078] Next, the server 10 restores the remaining number of turns (step S220). Specifically, the remaining number of turns for the corresponding play is updated in the game progress management table 1513. In this example, the number of turns restored in response to the occurrence of a bingo is a predetermined number (e.g., five turns).

[0079] The server 10 then updates the number of bingo sheets (step S230) and returns to updating the bingo sheets in step S105. Specifically, in the game progress management table 1513, the number of bingo sheets for the corresponding play is updated (incremented by 1), and in the bingo sheet management table 1515, the assigned numbers of each square in the corresponding play are reset, and the winning square flags of each square are updated to values ​​indicating that the square is not a winning square. Thus, in this example, when the bingo sheet is changed (updated) to the next bingo sheet, the number of remaining turns and the parameters of the first to fourth reserved balls are not initialized.

[0080] When there are no more turns remaining (YES in step S190), the server 10 ends the current game (step S240). When the next game is played, a new record is inserted into the game progress management table 1513, and information such as the number of remaining turns, the number of bingo sheets, and the parameters of the first to fourth reserved balls is initialized.

[0081] In the above example, the number of coins awarded when a bingo occurs increases as the number of bingo sheets increases, but instead of or in addition to this, the number of coins awarded when a winning square is determined may be determined based on the number of bingo sheets.

[0082] In the above example, one winning square is determined by lottery from among the non-winning squares of the multiple squares on the bingo sheet, but a winning number may be determined by lottery from among multiple numbers (for example, numbers from 1 to 150 set as assigned numbers), and the square to which the winning number is set as the assigned number may be determined as the winning square. In this case, the assigned numbers may be displayed in the non-winning squares 542 on the bingo sheet 541 displayed in the bingo sheet display area 54, and an image corresponding to the winning square may be added to the square 542 determined as the winning square.

[0083] In the above example, the coins held by the player may be used in games other than the bingo game, for example, to purchase items, etc. The other games include various types of games.

[0084] In the above example, the player may be allowed to specify a coin acquisition multiplier when issuing a lottery instruction for a winning square. The specification of such a multiplier involves, for example, consuming a predetermined number of coins. In this case, the number of coins awarded upon determination of a winning square is calculated by applying the multiplier set for the first reserved ball as well as the coin acquisition multiplier specified by the player.

[0085] In the above example, the number of remaining turns may be increased by the player spending a predetermined value (e.g., real currency, coins, or other items) immediately after the number of remaining turns is exhausted or at any other timing. The number of remaining turns may also be increased over time (e.g., by recovering one turn every time one minute passes). In this way, even if the number of remaining turns is exhausted, the player can recover the number of remaining turns by spending a predetermined value or by the passage of time, and continue playing the bingo sheet at that time.

[0086] In the example described above, the probability of winning the lottery to restore the number of remaining turns is adjusted based on the number of remaining turns at that time and the multiplier set for the first reserved ball (before the update), but instead of or in addition to these adjustments, adjustments may be made based on the progress of the bingo game (the number of times the lottery for winning squares has been held, the positioning of the winning squares, the number of coins acquired, etc.).

[0087] The game providing server 10 according to the present embodiment described above repeatedly executes a first drawing to determine a winning area from among a plurality of areas (e.g., squares 542) arranged on a game field (e.g., a bingo sheet 541), and when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas forms a predetermined pattern (e.g., five winning squares 542 arranged in a straight line), the game server 10 proceeds to the next game field without initializing the remaining number of draws (e.g., the number of remaining turns), which decreases with the execution of the first drawing. This allows the player to enjoy playing as many game fields as possible within the range of the remaining number of draws. In other words, the server 10 enhances the enjoyment of the game.

[0088] In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the game providing server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by cooperation between the game providing server 10 and the player terminals 30, or may be realized by the player terminals 30. In other words, the system of the present invention may be constituted not only by the game providing server 10, but also by the game providing server 10 and the player terminals 30, or may be constituted by the player terminals 30.

[0089] The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented as a computer program corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed by various computers.

[0090] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0091] 10 Game providing server 11 Computer processor 111 Management function control unit 113 Game progress control unit 15 Storage 1511 Player information table 1513 Game progress management table 1515 Bingo sheet management table 30 Player terminal 40 Server side program 42 Terminal side program 50 Game screen 541 Bingo sheet 542 Square 561 First reserved ball object 562 Second reserved ball object 563 Third reserved ball object 564 Fourth reserved ball object

Claims

1. A system for providing a game, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors execute the steps of: presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player; and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged; and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes: a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, the first lottery being repeated with a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player; and changing the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to a next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries when the arrangement of the winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of areas correspond to any of a plurality of mutually different identification information, and the first lottery determines a winning identification information from the plurality of identification information, and determines the area corresponding to the winning identification information as the winning area.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first lottery determines the winning area from among the plurality of areas that have not been determined as the winning area.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game controls the progress of the game based on the number of times the game field has been changed.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game includes awarding a reward to the player based on the number of times the game field has been changed in accordance with the determination of the winning area.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game includes initializing the number of changes to the game field in response to the remaining number of lotteries becoming zero.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game includes increasing the number of remaining lottery draws in accordance with a change from the game field displayed on the predetermined screen to the next game field.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined screen displays an object corresponding to the first lottery to be executed next or thereafter, and the step of controlling the progress of the game controls the progress of the game based on the value of a parameter possessed by the object corresponding to the executed first lottery.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game includes enhancing the value of the parameter possessed by the object displayed on the predetermined screen in accordance with a change from the game field displayed on the predetermined screen to the next game field.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the progress of the game includes conducting a second lottery to determine whether to increase the number of remaining lottery draws in conjunction with the execution of the first lottery draw, and increasing the number of remaining lottery draws if the result of the second lottery draw is a win.

11. A method for providing a game, executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of: presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player; and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged; and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes: a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, the first lottery being repeated with a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player; and changing the game field displayed by the predetermined screen to the next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

12. A program for providing a game, the program causing one or more computers to execute the steps of: presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player; and controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged; and the step of controlling the progress of the game includes: a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, the first lottery being repeated with a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player; and changing the game field displayed on the predetermined screen to the next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern.

13. A device for providing a game, comprising: means for presenting a predetermined screen for playing the game to a player; and means for controlling the progress of the game, wherein the predetermined screen displays a game field in which a plurality of areas are arranged; and the means for controlling the progress of the game performs a first lottery for determining a winning area from among the plurality of areas, the first lottery being repeated with a decrease in the number of remaining lotteries associated with the player; and, when the arrangement of the plurality of winning areas in the plurality of areas forms a predetermined pattern, changes the game field displayed on the predetermined screen to the next game field without initializing the number of remaining lotteries.

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