JP7188482B2 - Game reservation device and game reservation program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to play reservations for game devices.

Arcade game machines (commercial game machines) that collect fees for each play have a history of more than 40 years. The arcade game market is said to be shrinking in recent years, but in 2014 it was worth about 400 billion yen.

In game arcades, "game tournaments" are sometimes held as a kind of event to attract customers. A plurality of players enter the tournament and compete for victory or defeat. Since the results of the game tournament are posted on the store, the game tournament is an opportunity for the winners and winners to gain honor. Game competitions also provide opportunities for potential players to become aware of the game. For example, if a game tournament for a certain game becomes lively, it becomes easier to convey the appeal of this game to other players who are watching the game tournament. Game arcade game tournaments have a unique excitement because they compete seriously in a space where you can see each other's faces.

JP 2008-295506 A

On the other hand, the holding of a game tournament is a heavy operational burden. A store clerk (operator) has to perform clerical work such as notifying a game tournament to be held, securing a plurality of game devices necessary for the game tournament at the date and time of the game tournament, and accepting entries from applicants. When playing a tournament game, it is necessary to call the player and guide the player to the game device, so the burden is particularly heavy.

The present invention is an invention completed based on the recognition of the above problem, and its main purpose is to propose a mechanism in which a player voluntarily holds a game competition.

An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reservation reception unit that receives a game play reservation including designation of a reservation time from a player; a reservation management unit that manages the order of play of a plurality of players based on the play reservation; Prepare.
The reservation management unit permits the player to play the game when the reservation time designated by any player is reached.

A game reservation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a reservation information receiving unit that receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of a game device installed at each store from a plurality of stores, and a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal. A reservation confirmation reception part for receiving reception, and a reservation information transmission part for transmitting reservation information of a game machine in a store where a game device corresponding to a game ID is installed and a game machine in the store to a user terminal when a confirmation request is received.

A game reservation device in another aspect of the present invention manages a predetermined store.
This game reservation device includes a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation including a player ID and a game ID from a player; a reservation confirmation unit that transmits a confirmation request including an ID to one or more stores outside its jurisdiction and receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside its jurisdiction; A recommending unit that selects a recommended store from stores whose game reservation status satisfies a predetermined recommendation condition, and a notification unit that notifies the player of the recommended store.

A game reservation device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reservation reception unit that receives game play reservations from players, and a reservation management unit that manages the play order of a plurality of players based on the play reservations.
The reservation management unit formally accepts a play reservation on the condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

A game reservation device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reservation reception unit that receives game play reservations from players, and a reservation management unit that manages the play order of a plurality of players based on the play reservations.
When a player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game, the reservation management section gives preferential treatment to the player's playing order.

A game reservation device in another aspect of the present invention is connected to a plurality of game devices via a communication network.
This game reservation device includes a reservation receiving unit for receiving a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player; An entry reception unit that receives an entry request, a game group setting unit that sets a game group including first and second players, and a reservation management that allows the game group to play a multiplayer game when the opening time comes. and

According to the present invention, a player can voluntarily hold a game competition.

It is a hardware block diagram of a game system. 1 is a functional block diagram of a game system according to a first embodiment; FIG. It is a screen figure of a reservation screen. It is a data structure diagram of time reservation information. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing play order based on time reservation and first-come-first-served reservation; 4 is a flow chart showing a play order adjustment process; FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing setting processing of an automatic execution mode; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing game setting change processing during the standby time; FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the game system in 2nd Embodiment. It is a screen figure of a reservation confirmation screen. It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a 3rd embodiment. It is a data structure diagram of customer referral information. It is a screen figure of a reservation screen. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a customer referral process; It is a functional block diagram of a game system in a 4th embodiment. 4 is a data structure diagram of point information; FIG. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a time reservation process in the fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a game system in a fifth embodiment; FIG. It is a data structure figure of game group information. It is a flowchart which shows the entry processing process to a game competition. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a process of securing a game device for a tournament; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing a tournament game;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described by dividing into five embodiments from the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment. Hereinafter, the term "this embodiment" is used without distinguishing between "first embodiment" to "fifth embodiment".

[First embodiment]
In the game system 100 shown in the first embodiment, the playing order of arcade games can be reserved for time. A "time reservation" is a play reservation that designates the time (reservation time) at which the game is desired to be played. The game system 100 of the first embodiment can make reservations for play on a first-come-first-served basis (hereinafter referred to as "first-come-first-served reservation") as in the past. A player can make a reservation to play a desired arcade game (hereinafter referred to as a "target game") by either first-come-first-served reservation or time reservation. Hereinafter, a player who has made a time reservation and is on standby is called a "time waiting player", and a player who has made a first-come-first-served reservation and is on standby is called a "first-come-first-served standby player". When not distinguishing between the time standby player and the first-arrival standby player, they are referred to as "waiting player".

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of the game system 100. As shown in FIG.
In the game system 100, a plurality of shops 108a, 108b, . 104a, 104b, . The store management server 102 is also connected to a settlement device 114 . The payment device 114 is a server operated by a credit card company or bank.

The user terminal 104 in this embodiment is assumed to be a smart phone. The user terminal 104 may be a tablet terminal or a laptop PC. The user terminal 104 and the Internet 106 are wirelessly connected, but may be wired.

The store 108 is assumed to be an amusement park, a game center, or the like. In the store 108, a plurality of game devices 110a to 110f (hereinafter collectively referred to as "game devices 110" when not distinguished) and a game support device 112 are connected by a dedicated line. The game device 110 is a commercial game device called "satellite", a so-called arcade game machine. The game support device 112 is called a “terminal” and is a device for supporting and assisting the game play of one or more game devices 110 . The game support device 112 and the Internet 106 are connected by wire, but may be connected wirelessly.

The game support device 112 performs known functions such as replaying (video playback) the results of game play on the game device 110, creating rankings from the results of multiple game plays, and providing cards (items) that can be used in games. It has a support function. In general, the game support device 112 executes support processing as processing for making the game play on the game device 110 more interesting, such as game staging and analysis.

A player is assigned a player ID (hereinafter also referred to as "PID"). The player ID is recorded on the game card. The player ID may be recorded in the user terminal 104 owned by the player. The arcade management server 102 settles the usage fee of the game device 110 with the settlement device 114 .

When using the game system 100 , the player must sign a credit card contract with the settlement device 114 and register the player ID and account number in the store management server 102 in advance. The arcade management server 102 associates the player ID with the account number for each player and forms a list.

The player holds the game card over the game device 110 when playing the game. At this time, the game device 110 reads the player ID from the game card using a known near field communication technology such as the NFC standard (Near Field Communication). The game device 110 transmits a player ID together with a game ID (hereinafter also referred to as “GID”) that is an ID for identifying a game to the arcade management server 102 via the game support device 112 . The user terminal 104 settles the game usage fee from the account associated with the player ID.

Authentication such as a password or biometric authentication may be a condition for payment. The player may pay the usage fee by prepaid electronic money or cash, not limited to the above-mentioned post-pay type electronic payment (withdrawal from bank account), but the following description assumes post-pay type electronic payment. do. Also, in order to play a game on the game device 110, it is assumed that a play reservation must be made on the game support device 112 without fail.

Both or one of the arcade management server 102 and the game support device 112 form a "game reservation device 116". A device having the reservation function of the game reservation device and the game execution function of the game device 110 functions as an "information processing device." The information processing apparatus in this embodiment is formed as an assembly of the store management server 102 , the game support apparatus 112 and the game apparatus 110 .

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game system 100 according to the first embodiment.
Each component of the game device 110 and the game support device 102 included in the game system 100 includes computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless It is realized by hardware including a communication line and software stored in a storage device and supplying processing instructions to a computing unit. A computer program may consist of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in their higher layers, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below represents a functional block rather than a hardware configuration.
The same applies to functional blocks of other embodiments.

(Game device 110)
Game device 110 includes user interface processing section 120 , communication section 122 , data processing section 124 and data storage section 126 .
The user interface processing unit 120 receives operations from the player via input devices such as buttons and control sticks, and is in charge of user interface processing such as image display and audio output. The communication unit 122 is in charge of communication processing with the game support device 112 and the arcade management server 102 via the Internet 106 . The data storage unit 126 stores various data. The data processing unit 124 executes various processes based on the data acquired by the user interface processing unit 120 and the communication unit 122 and the data stored in the data storage unit 126 . Data processing unit 124 also functions as an interface for communication unit 122 and data storage unit 126 . The data storage unit 126 stores various information such as game programs.

The user interface processing unit 120 includes an input unit 128 that detects touch input on the screen and receives input from the player, and an output unit 130 that outputs various information such as images and sounds to the player.

Data processing unit 124 includes game execution unit 132 . The game executing section 132 executes a game according to a game program. When the game support device 112, the arcade management server 102, or another device functions as a game server, the game executing section 132 operates in cooperation with the game program of the game server.

(Game support device 112)
Game support device 112 includes user interface processing unit 152 , data processing unit 154 , game execution unit 132 and data storage unit 136 .
The user interface processing unit 152 is in charge of processing related to the user interface, such as image display and audio output, in addition to receiving operations from the user. The communication unit 134 is in charge of communication processing with the game device 110 , the user terminal 104 and the store management server 102 . The data storage unit 136 stores various data. The data processing unit 154 executes various data processing based on the user's operation input detected by the user interface processing unit 152 and the arcade game management program stored in the data storage unit 136 . Data processing unit 154 also functions as an interface for user interface processing unit 152 , communication unit 134 and data storage unit 136 .

User interface processing section 152 includes an input section 138 and an output section 140 .
The input unit 138 receives various operations from the user. Input unit 138 includes a reservation accepting unit 142 . The player operates the game support device 112 installed in the shop 108 to make a play reservation for the target game. When making a play reservation, the player ID is input by holding the game card over the player. The reservation accepting unit 142 accepts play reservations.

The game support device 112 has a large screen monitor. The output unit 140 performs screen display, audio output, and the like. Output unit 140 includes reservation screen display unit 144 and notification unit 146 . The reservation screen display unit 144 displays the reservation screen shown in FIG. 3 on the monitor. The notification unit 146 notifies the waiting players of the play order. The notification unit 146 displays the reservation status on the monitor of the game support device 112 and calls out to the players who are close in play order. A call may be made from the communication unit 134 to the user terminal 104 of the player. When there is no first-arrival standby player, the notification unit 146 also notifies the time-waiting player that the game can be played before the reserved time (hereinafter referred to as "advance notification"). The reserved time (also called "arrival time") managed by the game support device 112 may be a time zone before and after the reserved time designated by the player. Advance notification will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, the notification unit 146 notifies the player of various information by means of images or sounds.

Data processing unit 154 includes reservation management unit 148 and game control unit 150 .
The reservation management unit 148 manages the play order for each game. The reservation management unit 148 registers the player ID in the reservation information when the play reservation is detected. The “reservation information” is information indicating the reservation status of each game, and includes the play order of the first-arrival waiting players and the reservation time of the waiting players. Game control unit 150 controls the progress of the game in cooperation with game device 110 . Game control unit 150 also controls the execution mode of game device 110 . Execution modes are described below in connection with FIG.

FIG. 3 is a screen diagram of the reservation screen 160. As shown in FIG.
The reservation screen 160 is displayed on the monitor of the game support device 112 by the reservation screen display unit 144 . The player selects a game (target game) to be played from the game selection area 162 . The game "X Taisen" is selected on the reservation screen 160 of FIG. The reservation management unit 148 detects the reservation information of the game “X Taisen” and displays it as part of the reservation screen 160 . According to FIG. 3, the number of people waiting for the game "X Great War" is 16, and the expected waiting time is "2 hours and 24 minutes". Assume that the average playing time of the game “X Match” is 9 minutes. The reservation management unit 148 calculates the expected waiting time as 9 minutes×16 people=2 hours and 24 minutes (144 minutes). The average play time may be set in advance as an assumed value for the game "Great War X", or may be calculated from the average value of actual play times.

A time reservation information area 164 indicates the time reservation status of the game "X Taisen". The reservation management unit 148 defines a plurality of time slots in advance. In the first embodiment, the time frame is set every hour. Up to four time reservations can be accepted per time slot. Hereinafter, the number of time-waiting players that can be accepted in one time frame will be referred to as the "time reservation upper limit number".

According to FIG. 3, there are no "vacancies" in the time slot "12:00-13:00" and the time slot "13:00-14:00". Therefore, it is impossible to reserve a time before 14:00. Since the time frame "14:00-15:00" has vacancies, the player can make a time reservation by specifying a time after 14:00 as the reservation time.

When the player selects the time reservation button 168, a time reservation screen (not shown) for inputting the player ID and reservation time (or time frame) is displayed. From the time reservation screen, the player can make a time reservation for the game "X Great War" (second reservation instruction). When the player selects the first-come-first-served reservation button 166, a first-come-first-served reservation screen (not shown) for inputting the player ID is displayed. From the first-come-first-served reservation screen, the player can make a first-come-first-served reservation for the game "X battle" (second reservation instruction).
In order to clarify the mechanism of reservation processing in the game system 100, the following description assumes that there is only one game device 110 that executes the game "X Great War".

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the time reservation information 170. As shown in FIG.
Time reservation information 170 is stored in data storage unit 136 of game support device 112 . The time reservation information 170 is prepared for each game. The time reservation information 170 shown in FIG. 4 indicates the state of time reservations for the game "X Great War". A time slot is identified by a time slot ID (hereinafter referred to as "SL"). A time frame of SL=SL01 (hereinafter referred to as “time frame (SL01)”) corresponds to “13:00-14:00”. In this time frame (SL01), four players, player (P014), player (P121), player (P018) and player (P022) have made time reservations. Since the number of waiting players for the time frame (SL01) has reached the maximum number of time reservations, there is no vacancy in the time frame (SL01). In this state, even if a new time reservation designating the time frame (SL01) is input, the reservation accepting unit 138 rejects it. The term "rejection" as used herein may refer to not accepting the input of the time reservation, or may include receiving a rejection notice after accepting the input once. In the first embodiment, the time reservation for the time slot (SL01) accepts only four players on a first-come, first-served basis.

The time frame (SL02) corresponds to "14:00-15:00". Since the time slot (SL02) has time reservations for three people, the number of people who can accept time reservations is one more. When the number of people that can be accepted is one, the reservation management unit 148 instructs the reservation screen display unit 144 to display “There are a few” in the time reservation information area 164 . When the number of available persons is two or more as in the time slot (SL03) and the time slot (SL04), the reservation management unit 148 causes the time reservation information area 164 to display "Yes".

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing play order based on time reservation and first-come-first-served reservation.
Players P1 to P5 are first-arrival waiting players. Players P6 to P9 are time-waiting players (hereinafter referred to as "time-waiting players (SL01)") targeting the time frame (SL01). Before 13:00, the reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112 sequentially guides the players P1, P2, and P3 to the game device 110 executing the game "X Great War" on a first-come, first-served basis. The notification unit 146 notifies the next-ranking player (hereinafter referred to as "second-ranking player") by displaying the player ID on the screen.

Assume that 13:00 (reservation time) arrives while player P3 is playing. At this time, the reservation management unit 148 sets the play order to the waiting players P6, P7, P8, and P9 next to the player P3. The play order of the first-arrival standby player P4 is next to the time standby player P9. That is, when the start time (reservation time) of the time slot (SL01) comes, the time standby player is prioritized over the first-arrival standby players P4 and P5.

The reservation management unit 148 calculates the number of waiting players to be displayed on the reservation screen 160 for only the first-arriving waiting players. The reservation management unit 148 may calculate the number of waiting players including the time waiting players who are likely to be prioritized. For example, when the player P10 confirms the reservation for the game "X battle" on the reservation screen 160 at 12:30, it is assumed that there are four waiting players for the time frame (SL01) and five waiting players on a first-come-first-served basis. do. In this case, it is assumed that it will take 9 (minutes)×5 (persons)=45 minutes for all the first-come-first-served waiting players to complete the play of “Great War X”. Therefore, it is expected that all of the first-arriving standby players will not be able to complete their play before 13:00, and an interruption by the time-waiting players will occur. It is assumed that it will take 9 (minutes) x 4 (persons) = 36 minutes for the 4 time-wait players to complete playing the game "Great War X". Therefore, the reservation management unit 148 may indicate to the player P10 that the waiting time is 1 hour and 21 minutes (45+36=81 minutes).

As described above, when 13:00 which is the start time (reservation time) of the time slot (SL01) has passed, the time waiting player is given priority over the first-arrival reservation player. In addition, the reservation management unit 148 changes the waiting player to the first-arriving waiting player when the time, for example, 12:51, which is earlier than the start time of the time frame (SL01) by a predetermined time, for example, 9 minutes earlier than the average playing time, has passed. may be prioritized. In this case, the arrival time may be set as 12:51. According to such a control method, it is easy to suppress the deviation between 13:00, which is the start time of the time frame (SL01), and the time at which the waiting player can actually start playing. Not only when the start time of the time slot actually arrives, but also from a predetermined time before the reserved time, the waiting player may be prioritized over the first-arriving waiting player.

It should be noted that if the time standby player cancels the time reservation, there will be a "vacancy" in the time frame. It is also possible to protect the interests of the subsequent first-arrival standby players without accepting new time reservations for the vacant slots. For example, in FIG. 5, after the start time of the time frame (SL01) has passed or a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before the start time of the time frame (SL01), the time standby player P7 cancels the time reservation. In this case, there is one "empty" in the time slot (SL04). Next, another player P10 attempts to make a time reservation by designating this time frame (SL04). At this time, the reservation accepting unit 142 may refuse the time reservation of the player P10. That is, when the time standby player P7 cancels the time reservation, the reservation management unit 148 changes the reservation order of P6->P7->P8->P9->P4 to P6->P8->P9->P4 so that the first-arrival standby player P4 is placed in front of the first-arrival standby player P4. may be managed so that the time-waiting player does not newly interrupt. According to such a control method, the first-arrival standby players P4 and P5 can secure the profit of moving up the ranking due to the cancellation of the time-waiting player P7, thereby preventing the first-arrival standby players from being excessively waited due to interruption of the time reservation. be able to.

Moreover, similar processing may be performed not only for the time frame immediately before the start or already started, but also for the future time frame. For example, at the stage of 13:20, it is assumed that the time reservation is canceled in the time frame (SL02) corresponding to 14:00-15:00. At this time as well, the reservation reception unit 142 may reject a new time reservation for the time frame (SL02), or may accept a new time reservation for the time frame (SL02) that has not reached the start time when a cancellation occurs. good too.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the play order adjustment process.
The adjustment process shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the game support device 112 each time a game in which there is a standby player is played. Here, a method of selecting the next player when a certain player P11 finishes the game G1 will be described. Also, it is assumed that the time standby player is prioritized over the first-arrival standby player on the condition that the reservation time, that is, the start time of the time slot has passed.

When the reservation time of the latest time slot (SLX) has passed when the player P11 finishes playing (Y of S10) and there is a waiting player (SLX) (Y of S12), the reservation management unit 148 changes the play order so that the time waiting player (SLX) has priority (S14). That is, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the reservation manager 148 selects the player next to player P11 from the time waiting players (SLX). The notification unit 146 calls the next-ranked player from among the time waiting players (SLX) (S26). When there is no time waiting player (SLX) (N of S12) and there is a first-arrival waiting player (Y of S28), the notification unit 146 calls the first-arriving waiting player as the next player (S26).

When neither the waiting player (SLX) nor the first waiting player exists (N in S12, N in S28), the player waits in a future time frame, in other words, in one of the time frames after the time frame (SLX). When a player (referred to as "waiting time player P12") exists (N of S18), the notification unit 146 notifies the waiting player P12 in advance (S20). For example, when player P11 finishes playing at 13:04, only time-waiting player P12 with a reservation time of 15:00 exists. At this time, the notification unit 146 notifies the player P12 that the game G1 can be played even though the reserved time 15:00 has not yet arrived. If the player P12 approves (Y of S22), the reservation management unit 148 sets the player P12 as the next player (S24), and the notification unit 146 calls the player P12 (S26). If the player P12 does not approve (N of S22), the carry-over is not executed. At this time, the notification unit 146 may advance notification to another time standby player for the future time frame, and set the time standby player who has accepted the advance as the next player.

When the player P11 finishes playing the game G1, the reservation time of the latest time frame (SLX) has not passed (N of S10), and if there is a first-arrival standby player (Y of S16), the notification unit 146 calls the first waiting player as the next player (S26). When the reservation time of the time frame (SLX) has not passed (N of S10) and there is no first-arrival waiting player (N of S16), but there is a waiting player in one of the future time frames (N of S18). Y), the carry-up processing after S20 is executed. When there is no waiting player in any of the future time frames (N of S18), the game support device 112 waits for acceptance of play reservations.

In summary, when the reservation time of the time slot (SLX) arrives, or when the reservation time approaches (for example, when the arrival time arrives a predetermined time before the reservation time), there is a time waiting player (SLX). Then, the time waiting player (SLX) becomes the next player. If there is no time waiting player (SLX), but there is a first-arriving waiting player, the first-arriving waiting player becomes the next player. Even if there is no waiting player (SLX) or first-arriving waiting player, if there is a waiting player for a future time frame, the waiting player can play the game G1 earlier than the reserved time.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing setting processing of the automatic execution mode.
The game device 110 has two types of execution modes, a normal execution mode and an automatic execution mode. In normal run mode, the player is free to play the game. In the automatic execution mode, not the player, but the NPC (Non Player Character), ie, the AI (Artificial Intelligence), is the subject of operation. FIG. 7 assumes a situation where player P13 has made a time reservation or a first-come-first-served reservation for game G1, and is playing another game G2 while waiting. Assume that the player P13 becomes the next player in the game G1 while the game G2 is being executed.

First, when the play of the game G1 ends, the reservation management unit 148 identifies the next ranked player of the game G1 (S30). As described with reference to FIG. 6, the notification unit 146 calls the player P13. When the player P13 is playing another game (game G2) (S32), the game control unit 150 causes the game device 110 (game G2) being played by the player P13 to transmit an end instruction (S34). If the player P13 is not playing another game (N of S32), the subsequent processing is skipped.

When the game execution unit 132 of the game device 110 receives the end notification, it changes from the normal execution mode to the automatic execution mode (S36). When the mode is changed to the automatic execution mode, the operation of game G2 is changed from player P13 to NPC. The player P13 can play the reserved game G1 after leaving the continuation of the game G2 to the NPC. Also, the reservation time of the game G1 can be observed. Note that the game control unit 150 may transmit the end notification in advance when the player in the previous rank of the player P13 starts playing the game G1.

Even when the player P13 is playing another game G2 using the waiting time of the game G1, the player P13 can leave the continuation of the game G2 to the NPC when the turn of the game G1 comes. The game control unit 150 also records the play result of the game G2 by the NPC as the game history of the player P13. Therefore, the player P13 can enjoy benefits such as battle records, items, and game points obtained from the play results of the NPCs.

In S36, the game execution section 132 may allow the player P13 to select whether or not to change to the automatic execution mode. When the player P13 selects the automatic execution mode, the game G2 is in the automatic execution mode. At this time, the player P13 should play the game G1 that has been waiting for reservation. If player P1 does not select the automatic run mode, player P1 continues game G2. At this time, the reservation management section 148 may cancel the play reservation of the player P13 for the game G1.

When the player P13 becomes the second-ranked player of the game G1 while playing the game G2, the player P13 may interrupt the game G2 by himself or cancel the play reservation of the game G1. When the game G2 is interrupted or when the game G2 is changed to the automatic execution mode, the fee management unit (not shown) may refund all or part of the usage fee for the game G2.

When the player P13 becomes the second-ranked player in the game G1 while playing the game G2, the reservation management unit 148 may lower the player P13's playing rank in the game G1. For example, in the situation shown in FIG. 5, when player P6, who has made a time reservation for game G1, is playing game G2 and comes next in the order of game G1, the play order of player P6 is changed to that of player P7. You can change it later. Alternatively, the play order of player P6 may be changed to be after the first-arrival standby player P4. According to such a control method, it is possible to continue to enjoy another game G2 without bothering the standby player of the game G1 or canceling the play reservation of the game G1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing game setting change processing during the standby time.
The setting change process shown in FIG. 8 is executed in the game device 110 when the player P13 starts the game G2. The game execution unit 132 first transmits the player ID of the player P13 to the game support device 112, and inquires whether the player P13 is a standby player (S40). The reservation management unit 148 refers to the reservation information and determines whether or not the player P13 is a standby player. If the player P13 is the standby player (S42), the game control unit 150 changes the playing conditions of the game G2 to the player's advantage. The game execution unit 132 changes the play conditions of the game G2 according to the instruction from the game control unit 150 (S44). The "play condition" here means the setting when the player P13 executes the game G2. Changing the playing conditions in favor of the player specifically means lowering the usage fee, giving game points, giving useful objects such as items and characters, or making it easier to obtain useful objects. and so on. If the game G2 is a crane game, the gripping force of the arm may be strengthened to facilitate acquisition of prizes. The game execution unit 132 starts the game with the changed settings (S46). If it is not on standby (N of S42), the setting is not changed.

Such a control method gives the player P13 an incentive to play another game G2 during the waiting time of the game G1. The playing conditions of the game G1, not the game G2, may be changed in favor of the player. Having other games played while waiting for a popular game contributes to the expansion of operating company earnings. By having a player waiting for a reservation for the popular game G1 play another game G2 that is not as popular as the game G1, it becomes easier to secure an opportunity to convey the appeal of the game G2. After making a reservation to play the game G1, the player may go out of the shop 108 for eating and drinking if the waiting time is long. Giving an incentive to play another game while waiting makes it easier for the player to stay at the store 108 .

The game system 100 has been described above based on the first embodiment.
The game system 100 of the first embodiment can accept two types of play reservations: a conventional first-come-first-served reservation (first reservation instruction) and a time reservation (second reservation instruction). According to the time reservation, the player can play the game at the reserved time. Since the waiting time is easier to estimate than the first-come-first-served reservation, the player can plan the game.

A maximum number of time reservations is set for the time frame. By setting a limit on the acceptable number of time-waiting players to be prioritized, time-waiting players and first-arrival waiting players can coexist. Further, the notification unit 146 notifies the time standby player in advance when there is no first-arrival standby player. Even a player on standby may be able to play the game earlier than the reserved time depending on the availability of the game device 110 . Moving up the play reservation also contributes to improving the operating rate of the game.

If the player plays another game G2 while waiting for the game G1, the player can make effective use of the game time, and the operating company can also increase profit opportunities. When it is the turn to play the game G1 during the play of the game G2, the game G2 may be automatically executed, either the game G1 or the game G2 may be canceled, or the playing order of the game G1 may be changed. You can carry it down. Even if the player is waiting for the game G1, the player can continue playing the game G2 by lowering the playing order of the game G1. The player can flexibly change the play order of the game G1 according to the game situation without being bound by the play reservation of the game G1. Therefore, even while waiting for the game G1, it is possible to enjoy another game G2 with peace of mind. Moving down the play order also benefits other players waiting for the game G1. It should be noted that the player may be able to select any one of canceling the game G1, lowering the playing order, or switching to automatic execution after notification of the game G2 while the game G2 is being played.

The first embodiment has been described on the premise that a play reservation is made for one game device 110 . When there are a plurality of game devices 110 capable of executing the target game, the game support device 112 distributes play reservations to the plurality of game devices 110 . For example, when any one of the plurality of game devices 110 executing the game G1 becomes available, the reservation management unit 148 may assign the next player to the available game device 110 . The same applies to other embodiments.

In the game "X Taisen" in the first embodiment, it has been explained that time reservations for up to four people are accepted for one time slot. Since the average playing time of the game "X Great War" is 9 minutes, the 1-hour time frame can be divided between the waiting players' playing time (9×4=36 minutes) and the first-come-first-served waiting play. The maximum number of time reservations may be set according to the type of game. A game with a short average play time may be set with a larger upper limit number of time reservations per time frame than a game with a long play time.

In the first embodiment, the game system 100 is described as being capable of accepting both time reservations and first-come-first-served reservations. As a modification, the game device 110 dedicated to time reservation and the game device 110 dedicated to first-come-first-served reservation may be prepared separately.

In the first embodiment, the player operates the game support device 112 to make a play reservation. As a modification, the player may make a play reservation to the game support device 112 via the user terminal 104 . Also, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided in the game device 110 or may be provided in the store management server 102 .

In the first embodiment, it has been explained that the time reservation is made by designating the time frame. As a modification, a time reservation may be made by designating an arbitrary reservation time. For example, when player P1 makes a time reservation with a reservation time of 13:00, when the reservation time reaches 13:00, the reservation management unit 148 may change the order of play as necessary.

[Second embodiment]
The player often visits the store 108 after searching for the store 108 that has the game (target game) that the player wants to play. However, at the visited store 108, there are many waiting players in the target game, so that the game cannot be played after all. Meanwhile, another store 108 may have the target game readily available. However, unless you actually go to another store 108, you cannot know whether or not you can play immediately. In the game system 100 shown in the second embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of the target game for each store 108 from the user terminal 104 . Furthermore, the player can make a reservation to play the target game without visiting the store 108 by specifying the game ID and the "store ID" that identifies the store from the user terminal 104 .

Hereinafter, the store 108A where a certain game support device 112A is installed will be referred to as a "jurisdictional store", and the stores 108 other than the store 108A will be referred to as "non-jurisdictional stores". Also, the description will be made assuming that one game support device 112 is installed in one store 108 . That is, the game support device 112 manages play reservations for the plurality of game devices 110 installed at the store under its jurisdiction.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of game system 100 in the second embodiment.
Each component such as the arcade management server 102 included in the game system 100 also shows a functional unit block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 9, the functional blocks assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 (first embodiment) are the same as the functional blocks described in relation to the first embodiment. has the function of

(Store management server 102)
Store management server 102 includes communication section 172 , data processing section 174 and data storage section 176 .
The communication unit 172 is in charge of communication processing with the user terminal 104 , the game support device 112 and the settlement device 114 via the Internet 106 . The data storage unit 176 stores various data. The data processing unit 174 executes various processes based on data acquired by the communication unit 172 and data stored in the data storage unit 176 . Data processing unit 174 also functions as an interface for communication unit 172 and data storage unit 176 . The data storage unit 176 stores various information such as a reservation management program.

Communication unit 172 includes reservation information reception unit 180 , reservation confirmation reception unit 182 , reservation reception unit 184 , reservation information transmission unit 186 , reservation instruction unit 196 and reservation confirmation screen transmission unit 197 .
The reservation information receiving unit 180 receives reservation information for each store under its jurisdiction from a plurality of game support devices 112 (stores 108). The reservation information indicates the reservation status of a plurality of game devices 110 (games) installed in a store under the jurisdiction of the game support device 112, and includes store IDs, game IDs, and the number of people waiting.

The reservation confirmation reception unit 182 receives a confirmation request including the game ID of the target game from the user terminal 104 . The reservation reception unit 184 receives a reservation request for a play reservation from the user terminal 104 . The reservation request includes a game ID, store ID and player ID. The play reservation may be a first-come-first-served reservation or a time reservation. In the case of time reservations, the play reservation includes specifying a time slot or reservation time. The reservation information transmission unit 186 transmits reservation information to the user terminal 104 . The reservation instructing unit 196 instructs the play reservation to the store 108 specified by the reservation request. That is, the player can specify the target game and the store 108 from the user terminal 104 and make a play reservation via the store management server 102 . The reservation confirmation screen transmission unit 197 transmits the reservation confirmation screen (web page) to the user terminal 104 . The reservation confirmation screen will be described later with reference to FIG.

Data processing unit 174 includes a reservation management unit 178 .
The reservation management unit 178 manages reservation information for each store 108 and each game. Each time the game support device 112 updates the reservation information of one of the game devices 110 installed in the store under its jurisdiction, the game support device 112 transmits the updated reservation information to the store management server 102 . Since the store management server 102 collects the latest reservation information from a plurality of stores 108, it is possible to manage the reservation status of various games in a plurality of stores 108 in a unified manner.

(Game support device 112)
The game support device 112 includes a reservation management unit 148 that manages the reservation information of the store under its jurisdiction, and a reservation information transmission unit 188 that transmits the reservation information to the store management server 102 .

FIG. 10 is a screen diagram of the reservation confirmation screen 190. As shown in FIG.
The reservation confirmation screen 190 is transmitted as a web page from the reservation confirmation screen transmission unit 197 to the user terminal 104 and displayed on the screen by the web browser of the user terminal 104 . The player can check the reservation status of the combination of store and game on the reservation confirmation screen 190 .

The player selects a store name through store selection area 192 and selects a target game through game selection area 194 . In FIG. 10, the reservation status of the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 store" is confirmed. The user terminal 104 transmits to the store management server 102 a confirmation request including the store ID corresponding to the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store" and the game ID corresponding to the game "Y Force". The reservation confirmation reception unit 182 receives the confirmation request.

The reservation management unit 178 refers to the reservation information of the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 store" and detects the reservation information including the number of people waiting and the expected waiting time. The reservation information transmission unit 186 transmits the reservation information to the user terminal 104 and displays it on the reservation confirmation screen 190 . According to FIG. 10, four people are waiting for the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 store", and the expected waiting time is 30 minutes.

By selecting the reservation instruction section 196, the player can make a play reservation for the game "Y Force" at the store "Yokohama No. 1 Store". The reservation information transmission unit 188 transmits a reservation request including the store ID (Yokohama No. 1 store), the game ID (Y-Force) and the player ID to the store management server 102, and the reservation reception unit 184 receives the reservation request. The player can confirm the reservation status of the target game at the store "Yokohama No. 1 store" without going to the store "Yokohama No. 1 store", and then make a play reservation for the target game. The reservation instruction unit 196 of the store management server 102 instructs the game support device 112 managing the store "Yokohama No. 1 store" to make a play reservation for the game "Y Force". The reservation management unit 148 of the store management server 102 makes a play reservation by the same method as in the first embodiment. The play reservation may be a first-come-first-served reservation or a time reservation.

The player confirms the expected waiting time of the target game using the user terminal 104, makes a play reservation, and then heads to the store "Yokohama No. 1 store". You can enjoy the Force.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the second embodiment.
According to the game system 100 of the second embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of the target game at each store 108 from the user terminal 104 without visiting the store 108 . The store 108A, which is closer to the player's home, may have a very large number of people waiting for the target game, and the same target game may be played immediately at the store 108B, which is slightly further away than the store 108A. In this case, it makes more sense for the player to visit store 108B instead of store 108A. Players who give up playing the target game due to the large number of people waiting at the store 108A can be accepted at the store 108B. In addition, it is possible to equalize the number of customers for popular games among a plurality of stores 108 .

In the second embodiment, it has been explained that the player makes a play reservation from the user terminal 104 . As a modification, the player may make a play reservation to the game support device 112 of another store via the game support device 112 . Also, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided in the game device 110 or may be provided in the store management server 102 .

The data processing unit 174 of the store management server 102 may include a recommendation unit (not shown). The recommendation unit may select a recommended store where it is easy to play the target game according to a recommendation condition described later in the third embodiment, and present it to the player.

[Third embodiment]
As described above, at the visited store 108, the target game may have many waiting players and cannot be played after all. In the third embodiment, by sending players from a shop 108 (hereinafter referred to as a "busy shop") with a large number of people waiting for the target game to a shop 108 (hereinafter referred to as a "normal shop") with a small number of people, Ensuring players have the opportunity to play popular target games.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the third embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of game system 100 in the third embodiment.
Each component such as the arcade management server 102 included in the game system 100 also shows a functional unit block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 11, the functional blocks denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. It has the same function as the functional block described in relation to the second embodiment.
The arcade management server 102 of the third embodiment also manages reservation information of a plurality of game devices 110 in a plurality of arcades 108 in a unified manner in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

(Store management server 102)
The data processing unit 174 of the store management server 102 includes a customer referral information management unit 200 and a reward management unit 202 in addition to the reservation management unit 178 .
The shop management server 102 in the third embodiment may recommend a non-jurisdictional shop (ordinary shop) to a player who has visited a jurisdictional shop (busy shop). Sending a player from a jurisdictional store to a non-jurisdictional store is called "customer transfer". The customer referral information management unit 200 manages customer referral information indicating customer referral history (described later). The store 108 (hereinafter referred to as the "accepting store") to which the customer was referred receives a reward (hereinafter referred to as "customer referral fee") for the store 108 (hereinafter referred to as the "customer referral store") that sent the customer. )Pay. The reward management unit 202 manages customer referral rewards.

The arcade management server 102 receives reservation information from a plurality of game support devices 112 installed at a plurality of arcades 108 . Also, the game support device 112 can check the reservation status of the out-of-control store 108 by receiving the reservation information from the store management server 102 .

(Game support device 112)
Data processing unit 154 of game support device 112 includes recommendation unit 204 , reward providing unit 206 and game history management unit 208 in addition to reservation management unit 148 .
The recommendation unit 204 selects an out-of-jurisdiction store 108 (hereinafter referred to as a "recommended store") that satisfies the recommendation condition, and notifies the player of the recommended store. Usually, the recommended store is a normal store, not a busy store. The recommended store may be a non-jurisdictional store that is considered to be easier for the player to play the target game earlier than the jurisdictional store. The setting contents of the recommendation condition are arbitrary, but the details will be described later.

A remuneration providing unit 206 provides a remuneration for customer referral to the customer referral store when the customer referral is received. The customer referral reward may be money, or may be a promise to post an advertisement for the customer referral store. The game history management unit 208 manages game history for each combination of player and game. The game history may be information indicating the results of games played by the player.

Communication unit 134 of game support device 112 includes reservation confirmation unit 210 , game history transmission unit 212 , game history reception unit 214 , and customer referral authorization transmission unit 216 in addition to reservation information transmission unit 188 .
The reservation confirmation unit 210 transmits a confirmation request including the game ID to the non-jurisdictional store and acquires the reservation information of the non-jurisdictional store. The reservation confirmation unit 210 may acquire the reservation information of the store outside its jurisdiction from the store management server 102, or may directly inquire of the store outside its jurisdiction. The “acquisition of reservation information” here also includes downloading of reservation information collected by the store management server 102 from each game support device 112 .

The game history transmission unit 212 transmits the game history of the player referred to to the game support device 112 of the customer referral store when the customer referral is received. The game history receiving unit 214 receives the game history of the player who referred the customer from the game support device 112 of the receiving store when the customer was referred. The customer referral authorization transmission unit 216 transmits the customer referral authorization information to the game support device 112 of the customer referral store when the player to whom the customer referral has actually played the game.

FIG. 12 is a data structure diagram of customer referral information 220 .
The customer referral information 220 is stored in the data storage unit 176 of the store management server 102 . The customer referral information 220 in FIG. 12 indicates customer referral histories in a predetermined period for stores A1 to A5. According to FIG. 12, the store A1 has sent a total of 24 players to the store A2, but the store A2 has never sent customers to the store A1. The store A2 owes the customer referral to the store A1. Hereinafter, such a situation is expressed as store A1 having a "customer referral credit (loan)" to store A2, and store A2 having a "customer referral debt (debt)" to store A1. .

Store A1 also has a customer sending claim to other stores A3 to A5. It can be seen that store A1 is a busy store where many players gather. Store A2 also has customer referral obligations to other stores A3-A5. It can be seen that the store A2 receives players from many stores. In addition, a total of 104 players have been sent from the store A1 to the store A4, but no customer has been sent from the store A4 to the store A1. Store A4 owes a large customer referral debt to store A1.

FIG. 13 is a screen diagram of the reservation screen 230. As shown in FIG.
The reservation screen 230 is displayed by the reservation screen display unit 144 of the game support device 112 . The player can make a play reservation for the target game on the game support device 112 when entering the store. A reservation screen 230 in FIG. 13 is a display screen of the game support device 112 having jurisdiction over the store “Yokohama No. 1 Store”. First, the player selects a target game from game selection area 232 . Target game "Z-Ball" is selected. The reservation management unit 148 displays the number of people waiting for the target game and the expected waiting time as part of the reservation screen 230 .

A recommended area 234 indicates recommended stores. When there is a recommended store, the recommendation unit 204 displays the name of the recommended store, the distance from the store under its jurisdiction, the number of people waiting, and the like in the recommended area 234 . The store management server 102 stores distance information between the stores 108 in advance in the data storage unit 176 . In the third embodiment, the recommendation unit 204 calculates recommendation points using the following formula, and selects a recommended store based on the recommendation points.
(E1) 100 points are added to the store 108 having the customer referral obligation, and 10 points are added to the store 108 having the customer referral claim. In addition, 30 points are added to the store 108 that has sent customers even once during the predetermined period.
(E2) Give 100 points to a store 108 within 20 meters of the store under its jurisdiction, 50 points to a store 108 within 500 meters, and 10 points to a store 108 within 20 kilometers. Stores 108 that are more than 20 kilometers away are not recommended stores.
(E3) When comparing the number N1 of the number of people waiting for the target game at the store under the jurisdiction and the number N2 of the number of people waiting for the target game at the store outside the jurisdiction, the points are 100 points when N1≧N2+30, 50 points when N1≧N2+10, and 50 points when N1≧N2+5. Sometimes 10 points are given, and 1 point is given when N1>N2. Stores 108 where N1≦N2 are not recommended stores.

The recommendation condition is met for stores outside the jurisdiction where the total recommended points calculated for each of (E1) to (E3) above is 30 points or more. In other words, a store outside the jurisdiction that has a customer referral obligation, is close to the store under the jurisdiction, and has a small number of people waiting for the target game is likely to be selected as a recommended store. When there are four or more out-of-jurisdiction stores that satisfy the recommendation conditions, the recommendation unit 204 displays the top three recommended stores in the recommended points in the recommendation area 234 . The recommendation unit 204 may select only stores 108 managed by the same operating company as recommended stores.

In the reservation screen 230 of FIG. 13, the shop "Yokohama No. 4 shop" which is a 4-minute walk away is recommended first. There are 34 people waiting for the "Yokohama No. 1 shop", the jurisdiction store of the game "Z-Ball", but there are 6 people waiting for the recommended shop "Yokohama No. 4 shop". For this reason, players may be able to play the target game "Z-Ball" earlier by moving to the nearby recommended store "Yokohama 4th store" rather than waiting in line at the jurisdiction store "Yokohama 1st store". is high.

When the player selects the map button 236, a map output unit (not shown) included in the output unit 140 displays a map screen showing the locations of recommended shops. A map information transmission unit (not shown) included in the communication unit 134 may transmit map information to the user terminal 104 .

By selecting a reservation button 238, the player can make a play reservation at a recommended store (a store outside the jurisdiction) even from the jurisdiction store. For example, when the reservation button 238 for the recommended shop "Yokohama No. 4 shop" is selected, the reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112 causes the shop management server 102 to transmit a reservation request including the player ID, the shop ID and the game ID. . The reservation instructing unit 196 makes a play reservation by transmitting a reservation request to the designated recommended store. If the player makes a reservation to play the game "Z-Ball" from the game support device 112 of the jurisdiction store "Yokohama No. 1 store" to the recommended store "Yokohama No. 4 store", the player can go to the recommended store "Yokohama No. 4 store". You may be able to enjoy the game "Z-Ball" without much waiting when you arrive. The play reservation of the third embodiment may also be a first-come-first-served reservation or a time reservation.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the customer referral process.
FIG. 14 shows a situation in which the game support device 112A of the store A (customer sending store) selects the store B (receiving store) as a recommended store, and the customer is sent from the store A to the store B. FIG. First, when a player makes a reservation to play at store B (receiving store) using the game support device 112A of store A (customer sending store), the game support device 112A sends the store management server 102 the store ID of the recommended store B, A reservation request including the player ID and the game ID of the target game is transmitted, and the store management server 102 sends the store ID, player ID and game ID of store A (customer sending store) to the game support device 112B (accepting store). Submit a booking request containing The reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112B (accepting store) registers the player ID and the store ID of the customer sending store A in association with each other.

When the player plays the target game at the receiving store B, the game device 110 at the receiving store B notifies the game support device 112B of the start of play. The reservation management unit 148 of the game support device 112B certifies that the referred player actually played the game, and the customer referral certification transmission unit 216 transmits the customer referral certification information to the store management server 102 (S50). The customer referral authorization information includes store IDs, player IDs, and game IDs of the customer referral store A and the customer receiving store B. FIG.

The customer referral information management unit 200 of the store management server 102 updates the customer referral information 220 when receiving the customer referral authorization information (S52). The remuneration management unit 202 updates the customer referral remuneration information (S54). Since the customer has been referred from the store A to the store B, the customer referral management unit 202 adds the customer referral reward points from the store A to the store B. The customer referral reward points may be settled at a predetermined timing such as the end of the month. Customer referral reward points are converted into money. Therefore, the customer sending store can receive monetary compensation from the receiving store by sending customers. Alternatively, when a predetermined number or more of customer referral reward points have been accumulated, the customer referral store may be given the right to place an advertisement. For example, when store A accumulates 100 or more customer referral reward points for store B, store B may commit to distributing store A's advertising brochures to visitors. How to use the customer referral fee points may be freely determined by agreement between the stores.

When the player to whom the customer has been referred finishes playing the target game at the receiving store B, the game history transmission unit 212 of the game support device 112B transmits the game history information indicating the play result to the game support device 112A (the customer-referring store). (S56). The game history receiving unit 214 of the game support device 112A receives the game history information, and the game history management unit 208 updates the game history information (S58).

For example, when a player P3 who has visited the accepting store A tries to play the target game G3, the game support device 112A recommends the outside jurisdiction store B, and the player P3 plays the target game G3 at the receiving store B. . At this time, the play result of the target game at the receiving store B is returned to the game support device 112A (customer sending store A). When the player ranking of the target game G3 is displayed at the customer sending store A, the game history of the player P3 at the receiving store B is also reflected in this player ranking. Therefore, even if a player who is competing in the player ranking at the favorite store A is referred to another store B and plays the target game, it is treated as having played at the customer referral store A. There are no associated disadvantages.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the third embodiment.
According to the game system 100 of the third embodiment, the player can check the reservation status of the non-jurisdiction store from the jurisdiction store. The game support device 112 presents recommended shops more suitable for the player based on the recommendation conditions. According to such control, it is possible to prevent players from concentrating on a busy store. By moving to the recommended store, the player can eventually enjoy the target game early. Regular stores (accepting stores) can receive players from busy stores (customer-sending stores), so it is easy to stabilize management.

Even a busy store can earn rewards for customer referrals from the accepting store by sending more players than it can accept to other stores. Also, if a customer referral receivable is created during the busy season, it will be easier to receive customer referrals during the off-season, making it easier for busy stores to stabilize their operations. As a result, a mutual assistance system can be constructed in which a plurality of stores 108 help each other while competing with each other. In addition, by sending players among a plurality of shops 108, it is possible to prevent players from concentrating in a specific shop, thereby improving the profitability of the arcade game industry as a whole.

For the store 108, game history information such as player ranking is an asset. A store 108 where a large number of players, especially advanced players gather, tends to increase the effect of attracting customers. In the third embodiment, even if a customer is sent, the play result at the customer-sending destination can be reflected in the game history of the customer-sending shop. Therefore, even a small store 108 with a small number of installed game devices 110 can collect more game history information than its accommodation capacity by positively sending customers to other stores.

[Fourth embodiment]
Players may acquire virtual values called game points in the game. Game points are given to the player by playing the game (login bonus), clearing missions, defeating enemy characters, drawing lots called "gacha", and the like. Game points can be exchanged for valuable items, weapons, and armor in the game. A player earns game points by playing a game, and strengthens an avatar (a character acting as an alter ego of the player) by using the game points to obtain items.

Game points are valuable to the player, but as the player becomes more advanced, there are times when the number of occasions in which the game points are used decreases. For example, a player who has all the items of a certain game G4 accumulates game points each time he plays the game, but no longer wants to buy anything with his game points. In the fourth embodiment, by making a play reservation in exchange for game points and consuming the game points outside the game, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of so-called inflation due to an excess of game points (decrease in value). , giving new significance to the right of play reservation and stimulating new demand for game points.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the fourth embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of game system 100 in the fourth embodiment.
Each component such as the game support device 112 included in the game system 100 also shows a functional unit block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

Among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 15, the same symbols as in FIG. 2 (first embodiment), FIG. 9 (second embodiment) and FIG. 11 (third embodiment) are attached. The functional blocks have the same functions as the functional blocks described in relation to the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a data structure diagram of the point information 240. As shown in FIG.
Point information 240 is stored in data storage unit 136 of game support device 112 . The point information 240 indicates the game points held by the player. According to FIG. 16, the player (P001) has 140 game points in the game (G01). Also, the player (P006) has 143,220 game points. The game control unit 150 updates the point information 240 each time the player executes the game and obtains game points.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the process of time reservation in the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 17, similarly to the first embodiment, time reservations are made for a time frame with the maximum number of time reservations of four. In the fourth embodiment, the player sets the amount of input game points (hereinafter referred to as "input points") when reserving a time. It becomes easier for a player who has invested more game points to make a time reservation. Here, it is assumed that the player P4 makes a time reservation for the game G4 for the time frame (SL04).

If there is a vacancy in the time slot (SL04) (Y of S60), the reservation management unit 148 registers player P4 as a time standby player (S62). The entry point of player P4 is also recorded. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 that the time reservation was successful (S64).

When there is no vacancy in the time slot (SL04) (N of S60), the reservation management unit 148 sets the lowest value of the input points of the time standby player (SL04) (hereinafter referred to as "minimum points") and the input points of player P4. are compared (S66). If player P4's input points are greater than the minimum points (Y of S66), the reservation management unit 148 registers player P4 as a new time standby player (SL04) (S68). For example, when player P1 reserves a time with the minimum points=120 in the time frame (SL04), and player P4 inputs 121 or more game points, the reservation management unit 148 cancels the time reservation of player P1. Then, the player P4 is set as a new waiting player (SL04). As a result, an auction of game points for the time frame (SL04) is established. A player who has a large amount of game points for game G4 is more likely to succeed in making a time reservation. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 that the time reservation has been successful, and notifies the player P1 that the time reservation has been canceled (S70).

On the other hand, when the input points of player P4 are equal to or less than the minimum points (N of S66), the reservation accepting unit 142 does not formally accept the time reservation of player P4. The notification unit 146 notifies the player P4 of the refusal of the time reservation (S72).
It should be noted that if the reservation is accepted until just before the reservation time, the player may go to 108 or 110 thinking that the game can be played, and the reservation may be canceled just before the play. For this reason, the reception may end at a certain time or more before the reservation time (for example, one hour before the reservation time).

The game system 100 has been described above based on the fourth embodiment.
According to the game system 100 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to reserve a time for a desired time frame on the condition that game points are consumed. A time reservation has value in that the game can be played at a desired time. Therefore, by making such "rights" exchangeable for game points, demand for game points can be stimulated. By increasing the use opportunities (demand) of game points, it becomes easier to arouse the desire to continue playing the game. Time slots are assigned by an auction method, so many game points must be invested to play a popular game in a popular time slot. Therefore, playing a popular game in a popular time slot is advanced status.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that game points are managed for each game. As a modification, game points for game G1 may be used to reserve time for another game G2. For example, assume that the average play time required to obtain 1,000 game points in game G1 is 1 hour, and the average play time required to obtain 1,000 game points in game G2 is 5 hours. In this case, the game points of game G2 are considered to be worth five times the game points of game G1. Therefore, when 100 game points for the game G1 are invested to reserve a time for the game G2, the reservation management unit 148 may accept the time reservation assuming that 500 points have been invested. According to such a control method, game points earned in games other than the target game can be used to reserve a time for the target game.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that game points are used to make time reservations. In addition, the reservation may be accepted on a condition that a predetermined amount of game points be consumed. Also, even if there is a vacant time slot, the reservation accepting unit 142 may accept a time reservation on condition that a predetermined amount of game points is consumed.

Also in the case of the first-come-first-served reservation, the reservation management unit 148 may preferentially treat the order of play according to the amount of input game points. For example, when 100 or more game points are input, the order may be moved up by one even if it is a first-come-first-served reservation. Similarly, when 500 or more game points are input, the ranking may be moved up two places. According to such a control method, even if it is a first-come-first-served reservation, it becomes easier to play the game early by consuming game points, so it is easy to encourage the consumption of game points.

For hourly bookings, you may set a "price" for the time slot. For example, a "time slot price" of 100 points for weekday time slots and 5,000 points for holiday time slots is set. A player may not be able to reserve a time for a time slot without inputting game points for the time slot price. In this case as well, playing the game in a time frame with a high price tends to arouse the player's sense of superiority.

Players may use their game points to book time for other players. For example, player P1, who has a large amount of game points, may reserve time for not only player P1 but also players P2 and P3 with his own game points. If three players make time reservations for the same time frame, three game devices 110 can be "privately reserved". Such "reservation" also contributes to the expansion of consumption opportunities for game points. In addition, since a player who has a large amount of game points can easily invite other players to play the game, it is believed that this will contribute to the expansion of the game playing population.

Time reservations may be confirmed for players who have paid the time slot price. For example, when the time frame price of the time frame (SL05) is 500 points, the reservation management unit 148 selects a time reservation request for the time frame (SL05) for which 500 game points are invested. may be confirmed.

The timeframe price may be variable. For example, the reservation management unit 148 may raise the time slot price for the time slot from 16:00 to 17:00 to 100 points at 12:00 and 500 points at 15:00. In this way, by setting a low time slot price for early time reservations, it becomes easier to encourage early time reservations, similar to the so-called "early reservation" of transportation facilities. For the operating company as well, early bookings have the advantage of stabilizing management. The reservation management unit 148 may consume input points when a time reservation is confirmed. According to such a control method, since game points are consumed when a play reservation is confirmed, it becomes easier to lead the player who made the play reservation to the actual game play.

Game points may be consumed as compensation for the right to use a predetermined game device 110, not limited to the time reservation. For example, the reservation management unit 148 imposes the consumption of game points as a condition for using a game device 110 that is furnished with a sense of luxury or that is installed in a special place such as Tokyo Tower. good too.

The reservation management unit 148 may increase the success probability of time reservation as more game points are consumed. For example, the time frame (SL05) can be set so that when the input points are 100 to 200 points, the time reservation is successful with a probability of 50%, and when the input points are 200 points or more, the more input points, the higher the success probability. good. According to such a control method, it is easy to arouse the player's sense of expectation regarding the success or failure of the time reservation. Also, although advanced players who have more game points have an advantage, even players with less game points may succeed in making time reservations.

Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the time standby player may be prioritized over the first-arrival standby player.

In the fourth embodiment, it has been described that the player makes a play reservation from the game support device 112 . As a modification, the player may make a play reservation from the user terminal 104 to the game support device 112 . Also, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided in the game device 110 or may be provided in the store management server 102 .

[Fifth embodiment]
A game center (store 108) may hold a "game competition" as a kind of event to attract customers. A plurality of players enter the tournament and compete for victory or defeat. Since the results of the game tournament are posted on the store 108, the game tournament is an opportunity for the winners and winners to gain honor. Game competitions also provide opportunities for potential players to become aware of the game. For example, if the game tournament of game G5 becomes lively, it becomes easier to convey the appeal of game G5 to other players who are observing the game tournament. Game arcade game tournaments have a unique excitement because they compete seriously in a space where you can see each other's faces.

On the other hand, the holding of a game tournament is a heavy operational burden. The clerks (operators) need to perform clerical work such as notifying the opening of the game tournament, securing a plurality of game devices 110 required for the game tournament at the date and time of the tournament, and receiving entries from those who wish to participate. When playing a tournament game, it is necessary to call the player and guide the player to the game device 110, so the burden is particularly heavy. In the fifth embodiment, a method for supporting a system in which a player voluntarily holds such a game competition will be described.

The hardware configuration of the game system 100 in the fifth embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of game system 100 in the fifth embodiment.
Each component such as the game support device 112 included in the game system 100 of the fifth embodiment also shows blocks in units of functions rather than configurations in units of hardware.

2 (first embodiment), FIG. 9 (second embodiment), FIG. 11 (third embodiment) and FIG. 15 (fourth embodiment) among the functional blocks shown in the functional block diagram shown in FIG. , have the same function as the functional blocks described in relation to the first to fourth embodiments.

Input unit 138 of game support device 112 includes an entry reception unit 250 in addition to reservation reception unit 142 . In the fifth embodiment, a first player (proposer) proposes holding a game tournament, and other players (applicants for participation) enter the game tournament. The reservation reception unit 142 receives a play reservation (hereinafter referred to as "meeting reservation") for holding a tournament by a proposer. The tournament reservation is a time reservation including the date and time of the event. The entry reception unit 250 receives entries (participation applications) from those who wish to participate in the proposed tournament.

The data processing unit 154 of the game support device 112 includes a game group setting unit 252 , a price management unit 254 and a competition management unit 256 in addition to the reservation management unit 148 and the game control unit 150 .
The game group setting unit 252 sets a "game group" which is a group of tournament participants. The consideration management unit 254 collects tournament participation fees from tournament participants (details will be described later). The competition management section 256 manages the progress of the game tournament. In the fifth embodiment, description will be given assuming a tournament game where two players compete against each other.

FIG. 19 is a data structure diagram of the game group information 260. As shown in FIG.
Game group information 260 is stored in data storage unit 136 of game support device 112 . A game group is identified by a group ID (hereinafter also referred to as "EID"). The game G5, which is the target of the game tournament of the fifth embodiment, is a one-on-one fighting game. A game tournament is established if there are four or more participants, and a maximum of 16 participants can participate. Hereinafter, the minimum number of participants (4 in the above example) to hold the tournament will be referred to as the "establishment number", and the maximum number of participants (16 in the above example) will be referred to as the "acceptable number". The allowable number is greater than or equal to the number of establishments.

A game competition (E01) is proposed by a player (P012), and entered by a player (P023), a player (P164), and the like. The game tournament (E01) is held at 20:00 on June 6th. The number of participants in the tournament exceeds the number of establishments but does not exceed the allowable number, so the tournament has been established and participants are still being recruited.

The game competition (E02) is based on the player's (P014) suggestion. The game tournament (E02) is held at 18:00 on June 7th. Since the number of participants in the tournament has reached the allowable number, the tournament has been established and the recruitment has been closed.

The game competition (E03) is based on the player's (P034) suggestion. The game tournament (E03) is held at 16:00 on June 10th. Since the number of participants in the tournament has not reached the number of establishments, the tournament has not been established and participants are still being recruited.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the process of entry processing to the game competition.
A first player (proposer) who wishes to hold a game tournament inputs a tournament reservation designating the game ID of the target game, the player ID, and the date and time of the tournament to the game support device 112 . The game group setting unit 252 generates a group ID and registers it in the game group information 260. FIG. The notification unit 146 notifies the overview of the tournament by displaying the schedule of various game tournaments registered in the game group information 260 on the screen at any time.

An applicant for participation inputs an entry request including a player ID and a group ID to the game support device 112, and the entry reception unit 250 receives the entry request. The processing shown in FIG. 20 is executed when the entry reception unit 250 receives an entry request from a prospective participant. Hereinafter, the number of participants in the tournament after the entry request is formally accepted is assumed to be "m". Since there are at least two people, the proposer and the candidate for participation, when the entry is accepted, m≧2.

When the application for the game competition to be entered is closed (N of S80), the entry reception unit 250 rejects the entry request from the applicant (S86). If participants are being recruited (Y of S80), the entry reception unit 250 formally accepts the entry request of the applicant and registers it in the game group information 260 (S82).

When the number of tournament participants m after receiving the entry request is less than the number of establishments (Y of S84), the process ends and the entry receiving section 250 waits for a new entry request. When the number m of tournament participants is equal to the number of establishments (N of S84, Y of S88), the consideration management unit 254 accesses the settlement server 114 and collects the tournament entry fee from the accounts of the tournament participants (S90). This is to prevent easily withdrawing from participation by collecting fees in advance before the tournament is held when the tournament is established. Next, the reservation management unit 148 sets the reservation flag to ON (S92). The reservation flag is a signal to start the process of reserving the game device 110 to be used for the game tournament. The securing process will be described later with reference to FIG. The game group setting unit 252 updates the game group information 260 and records that the game competition has been established (S94).

When the number m of tournament participants exceeds the number of establishments (N of S88) and reaches the allowable number (Y of S96), the game group setting unit 252 updates the game group information 260, and the reservation management unit 148 Recruitment of applicants ends (S98). When the number m of tournament participants exceeds the number of establishments (N of S88) and does not reach the allowable number (N of S96), S98 is skipped and recruitment continues. After that, the price management unit 254 collects the tournament participation fee from the new participants who wish to participate (S100).

In summary, the first player proposing a tournament specifies the date and time of the tournament and the target game. A game group is set, and the notification unit 146 notifies that the tournament will be held. The notification unit 146 may display a list of tournaments that are being recruited on the screen of the game support device 112 , and the communication unit 134 may transmit a tournament overview to the user terminal 104 . Those who wish to participate must enter the game competition that is being recruited. When the number of participants in the tournament reaches the number of establishments, the tournament participation fee is collected from the players who have expressed their intention to participate in the tournament. Securing the game device 110 for the tournament is also started. After the number of participants in the tournament exceeds the number of establishments, the tournament participation fee is collected in advance from new participants each time an entry request is received. Recruitment will be closed automatically when the number of participants in the competition reaches the allowable number.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the securing process of the game device 110 for the tournament.
The processing shown in FIG. 21 is executed each time a game play ends on any one of the plurality of game devices 110 . First, the reservation management unit 148 determines whether or not it is within the reserved period (S110). The securing period is a predetermined time before the start time of any game tournament, for example, the period from 30 minutes before the tournament start time to the tournament start time, or the period from the current time to the tournament start time, which is the assumed maximum. This is the case where it is less than the game play time. If it is not within the securing period (N of S110), subsequent processing is skipped. Note that the entry accepting unit 250 will be described as not accepting new entries during the securing period.

If it is within the reserved period (Y of S110), the reservation management unit 148 determines whether or not the reserved flag is turned on (S112). When the securing flag is off (N of S112), the subsequent processing is skipped.

If the reservation flag is ON (Y of S112), the reservation management unit 148 transmits a reservation instruction to the vacant game device 110 via the communication unit 134 (S114). The game executing unit 132 of the game device 110 that has received the reservation instruction sets the game device 110 to a use-prohibited state. That is, the reservation instruction is an instruction to reserve the game device 110 for the tournament by prohibiting the general player from using the designated game device 110 .

If the same number of game devices 110 as the number of tournament participants m has been secured (N of S116), the reservation management unit 148 turns off the securing flag (S118). On the other hand, when the number of secured game devices 110 is less than the number of tournament participants m (S116), the reservation management unit 148 waits for the next game device 110 to become available.

In summary, when the number m of participants in the tournament reaches the number of establishments, the reservation flag is turned on. When the reserve flag is on and the start time of the tournament approaches, the game device 110 is reserved for the tournament every time the game device 110 becomes available. In this way, the same number of game devices 110 as the number m of participants in the tournament are secured for the tournament until the start time of the tournament. Note that if the number of game devices 110 equal to the number of participants m in the tournament cannot be secured even when the tournament starts, the reservation management unit 148 may postpone the date and time of the tournament.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of managing tournament matches.
Description will be made on the premise that eight players P1 to P8 participate in a tournament game of a competitive game G5. Eight game devices 110 are secured before the game tournament. Before the tournament is held, the competition management section 256 draws a combination of eight players. In the first game of the first round (hereinafter referred to as "competition T1 (1)"), player P1 and player P2 play against each other. The player P1 operates the game device 110A, and the player P2 operates the game device 110B. The competition management unit 256 determines allocation of the game devices 110 . The game control unit 150 of the game support device 112 progresses the match between the player P1 and the player P2 by relaying the operation results of the two game devices 110 . In the same way, 4 games of competition T1(2), competition T1(3) and competition T1(4) are set at the same time. The notification unit 146 causes the tournament table shown in FIG. 22 to be displayed on the screen.

In the first round, players P1, P3, P5, and P7 are victorious, and players P2, P4, P6, and P8 are eliminated. Since four players advance to the second round (semifinal), four game devices 110 are not required. The reservation management unit 148 releases four of the eight game devices 110 reserved for the game tournament. As a result, the four game devices 110 can be used by general players even during the tournament. In the second round, two games are played: a match T2(1) between the player P1 and the player P3, and a match T2(2) between the player P5 and the player P7.

In the second round, it is assumed that players P3 and P7 have won and players P1 and P5 have been eliminated. Since two players advance to the third round (final match), the reservation management unit 148 releases two more game devices 110 . Player P3 and player P7 compete against each other in the final match (competition T3(1)).

Assume that player P5 finally wins. The notification unit 146 displays the victory of the player P5 in a dramatic manner. In addition, the competition management unit 256 of the data processing unit 154 gives the reward for the game G5 to the player P5. The reward may be something having value in the game G5, such as items, characters, or game points, or may be a title usable in the game G5.

The game system 100 has been described above based on the fifth embodiment.
According to the game system 100 of the fifth embodiment, a game tournament is established spontaneously by a player proposing to hold a game tournament and receiving an entry request for the proposed game tournament. When the number m of participants in the tournament reaches the number of establishments, the tournament participation fee is collected from the accounts of the tournament participants, which makes it easier to prevent those wishing to participate from easily withdrawing from participation. In addition, when the number m of participants in the tournament does not reach the number of establishments, the tournament participation fee is not collected.

When the holding of a tournament is proposed, the notification unit 146 displays the tournament overview indicated in the game group information 260 on the screen. Further, when the date and time of the tournament is approaching, the reservation management unit 148 automatically secures the necessary number of game devices 110 for the tournament. Therefore, the game support device 112 can perform all clerical work, such as announcing the tournament, accepting entries, and securing the game device 110 . In addition, since complex battles such as tournament battles are managed by the battle management unit 256, the game competition can be managed more easily.

The reservation management unit 148 sequentially releases the game devices 110 that no longer need to be secured during the tournament. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating rate of the store as a whole from decreasing due to the holding of the game tournament. The game devices 110 that no longer need to be secured may be released to general players who have not participated in the game tournament, or may be preferentially released to losers of the game tournament.

In the fifth embodiment, it has been explained that when the number m of tournament participants reaches the number of establishments, the tournament participation fee is withdrawn from the accounts of the tournament participants. As a modified example, a tournament participation fee may be collected at the time of entry, and the tournament participation fee may be refunded to the tournament participants when the tournament is unsuccessful. On the other hand, if you cancel while expressing your intention to participate in the tournament, you may not refund. The entry request may be accepted on the condition that the tournament entry fee is paid, or the entry request may be accepted on the condition that the tournament participation fee is paid after the number m of participants in the tournament reaches the number of establishments. Also, in order to facilitate establishment of the game tournament, the tournament participation fee may be set to be lower for the player who sent the entry request earlier.

The competition entry fee may be a uniform fee among competition participants. In the case of a tournament game, tournament participants who are defeated in the first round end up being relatively expensive, but if they can find value in the game tournament itself, they will be more likely to accept it. Also, the tournament entry fee may be set according to the attributes of the player, such as a first-time participant, an experienced champion, a child, or an elderly person. When releasing the game devices 110 that no longer need to be secured as described above to the losers of the game competition, the charge may be set such that the play fee is discounted or a predetermined number of plays are made free of charge. In that case, the match management unit 256 may execute a replay of the game in which the loser lost the tournament. This allows the loser to analyze the win or loss, especially the cause of the loss. Further, the price management unit 254 may make the players who lost in the first round match T1 or the second line match T2 play against each other to determine the 5th place and later (3rd place and 4th place). According to such a control method, even a defeated player can obtain benefits corresponding to the competition participation fee.

The tournament winner may be presented with a prize from the operating company. The match management section 256 may transfer part of the game points owned by the loser of the tournament to the winner. The competition management unit 256 may set a handicap according to the player's game history, for example, the total playing time or player rank. For example, when an A-rank player and a C-rank player compete, the game control unit 150 may add an NPC that supports the C-rank player. In addition, when the number of tournament participants is equal to or greater than the number of establishments and is less than the allowable number, the shortage may be allocated to the NPC. According to such a control method, it is possible to hold a game tournament including NPCs.

In the fifth embodiment, the game devices 110 are secured in the same number as the tournament participants m, but the number of game devices 110 to be secured may be less than the tournament participants. For example, in an eight-player tournament, four game devices 110 may be secured and the competition may be progressed while replacing the competing players.

In the fifth embodiment, a game group has been described for a "game competition" in which the only winner is selected by competing against each other. In addition, a game group in which teams compete against each other, or a game group in which a plurality of players cooperate to achieve a mission may be set.

In the fifth embodiment, it has been described that the player reserves the tournament from the game support device 112 . As a modification, the player may make a tournament reservation from the user terminal 104 to the game support device 112 . Similarly, a candidate for participation may check the tournament outline on the user terminal 104 and transmit an entry request from the user terminal 104 to the game support device 112 . Also, the reservation function of the game support device 112 may be provided in the game device 110 or may be provided in the store management server 102 .

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications. Also, some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

Although the user terminal 104, the game device 110, the game support device 112, the store management server 102, and the settlement device 114 constitute the game system 100, part of the functions of the store management server 102 are realized by the game support device 112. Alternatively, part of the functions of the game support device 112 may be assigned to the store management server 102 .

In the present embodiment, an arcade game has been described, but the game system 100 may be realized by a home-use game machine, a personal computer, a smart phone, or the like.

Various aspects of the invention that can be grasped from the above embodiments and modifications are illustrated below.

A1. a reservation information receiving unit that receives reservation information indicating reservation status of game devices installed in the shops from a plurality of shops;
A reservation confirmation receiving unit that receives a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal;
and a reservation information transmitting unit configured to transmit reservation information of the game machine at a shop where the game machine corresponding to the game ID is installed and the game machine at the shop to the user terminal when the confirmation request is received. Game reservation device to play.

A2. a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation including a player ID, a shop ID, and a game ID from a player;
A1, further comprising a reservation management unit that sets a play reservation for the player designated by the player ID for the game device designated by the game ID of the store designated by the store ID. game reservation device as described in .

A3. Controls designated stores,
a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation including a player ID and a game ID from a player;
a reservation management unit that manages the play order of a plurality of players at the store under its jurisdiction based on the play reservation;
a reservation confirmation unit that transmits a confirmation request including a game ID to one or more stores outside its jurisdiction, and receives reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside its jurisdiction;
a recommending unit that selects a recommended store from among stores outside the jurisdiction of the store whose reservation status for the game satisfies a predetermined recommendation condition;
A game reservation device, comprising: a notification unit that notifies the player of the recommended store.

A4. The game reservation device according to A3, wherein, as the recommendation condition, the recommendation unit selects, as the recommended shop, a shop outside the jurisdiction of which the number of reservations for the game device is smaller than that of the shop under the jurisdiction by a predetermined number or more.

A5. 4. The game reservation device according to claim A3 or A4, wherein the recommendation unit preferentially selects a non-jurisdictional store existing within a predetermined range from the jurisdictional store.

A6. The recommendation unit refers to a customer referral history from a store outside the jurisdiction to the store under the jurisdiction, and preferentially selects a store that has previously selected the store under the jurisdiction as a recommended store from among the stores outside the jurisdiction. The game reservation device according to any one of A3 to A5, characterized by:

A7. A3 to A6, characterized by further comprising a game history transmission unit for transmitting a play result of the player to the store outside the jurisdiction when the player is transferred from the store outside the jurisdiction to the store under the jurisdiction. The game reservation device according to any one of 1.

A8. A3 to A7, characterized by further comprising a reward providing unit that provides a reward for the referral to the store outside the jurisdiction when the player is referred to the store under the jurisdiction from the store outside the jurisdiction. The game reservation device according to any one of 1.

A9. A function of receiving reservation information indicating the reservation status of game devices installed in the shops from a plurality of shops;
A function of receiving a confirmation request including a game ID from a user terminal;
When the confirmation request is received, the computer exhibits a function of transmitting reservation information of the game machine corresponding to the game ID to the user terminal, as well as a store where the game machine corresponding to the game ID is installed. game reservation program.

A10. a function of accepting a play reservation including a player ID and a game ID from a player;
A function to manage the play order of multiple players at the store under the jurisdiction based on the play reservation,
A function of transmitting a confirmation request containing a game ID to one or more stores outside its jurisdiction, and receiving reservation information indicating the reservation status of the game device specified by the game ID at the store outside its jurisdiction;
A function of selecting a recommended store from among stores outside the jurisdiction of the store whose reservation status for the game satisfies a predetermined recommendation condition;
A game reservation program characterized by causing a computer to exhibit a function of informing the recommended store.

B1. a reservation reception unit that receives a game play reservation from a player;
a reservation management unit that manages the play order of a plurality of players based on the play reservation,
The game reservation device, wherein the reservation management unit formally accepts the play reservation on condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B2. a reservation reception unit that receives a game play reservation from a player;
a reservation management unit that manages the play order of a plurality of players based on the play reservation,
The game reservation apparatus, wherein the reservation management unit gives preferential treatment to the player in order of play when the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B3. The reservation reception unit receives a play reservation including designation of a reservation time,
The reservation management unit preferentially allocates the first time frame to a player who wishes to make a play reservation for the first time frame and pays the most game points as consideration for the reservation. The game reservation device according to B2, characterized by:

B4. The reservation reception unit receives a play reservation including designation of a reservation time,
The reservation management unit formally accepts a play reservation from the player at the reservation time on the condition that the player pays an amount of game points associated with the reservation time, and when the reservation time arrives, the player receives a play reservation. The game reservation device according to B2, wherein the game reservation device allows the game to be played.

B5. The reservation reception unit receives a first reservation instruction that does not include the designation of the scheduled time and a second reservation instruction that includes the designation of the scheduled time,
The reservation management unit formally accepts the second reservation instruction from the player on the condition that the player pays a predetermined amount of game points, and on the condition that none of the reservation times specified by the second reservation instruction has arrived. , the game reservation device according to any one of B2 to B4, wherein the player who has given the first reservation instruction is permitted to play the game.

B6. A function to accept game play reservations from players,
A function to manage the play order of multiple players based on play reservations,
A game reservation program for causing a computer to exhibit a function of officially accepting the play reservation on condition that the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

B7. A function to accept game play reservations from players,
A function to manage the play order of multiple players based on play reservations,
A game reservation program for causing a computer to exhibit a function of preferentially treating the player's playing order when the player consumes game points acquired as a result of playing the game.

C1. Connected to multiple game devices via a communication network,
a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
an entry reception unit that receives an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
a game group setting unit for setting a game group including the first and second players;
and a reservation management unit that permits the game group to play the multi-play game when the opening time comes.

C2. The game reservation device according to C1, wherein the reservation management unit sets the use of the game device to a prohibited state every time the play of the game ends on any one of the game devices before the opening time.

C3. The reservation management unit enables a player who does not belong to the game group to use the game device each time a game is played on one of the plurality of game devices assigned to the game group. The game reservation device according to C1 or C2, characterized in that the game reservation device is set to a state of

C4. further comprising a payment management unit that manages the payment of the game play fee,
The game reservation device according to any one of C1 to C3, wherein the game group setting unit registers the player in the game group on condition that the player pays the play fee before the opening time.

C5. By determining the match combination of the two or more players included in the game group and determining the new match combination of the two or more players who have won the match, a tournament-type match targeting the game group is performed. The game reservation device according to any one of C1 to C4, further comprising: a match management unit that manages the game.

C6. a function of accepting a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
a function of accepting an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
the ability to set up a game group containing said first and second players;
and a function of permitting the game group to play the multi-play game when the opening time comes.

100 game system, 102 store management server, 104 user terminal, 106 Internet, 108 store, 110 game device, 112 game support device, 114 payment device, 116 game reservation device, 120 user interface processing unit, 122 communication unit, 124 data processing 126 data storage unit 128 input unit 130 output unit 132 game execution unit 134 communication unit 136 data storage unit 138 input unit 140 output unit 142 reservation reception unit 144 reservation screen display unit 146 notification 148 reservation management unit 150 game control unit 152 user interface processing unit 154 data processing unit 160 reservation screen 162 game selection area 164 time reservation information area 166 first-come-first-served reservation button 168 hour reservation button 170 hours Reservation information 172 Communication unit 174 Data processing unit 176 Data storage unit 178 Reservation management unit 180 Reservation information reception unit 182 Reservation confirmation reception unit 184 Reservation reception unit 186 Reservation information transmission unit 188 Reservation information transmission unit , 190 reservation confirmation screen, 192 store selection area, 194 game selection area, 196 reservation instruction unit, 197 reservation confirmation screen transmission unit, 200 customer referral information management unit, 202 reward management unit, 204 recommendation unit, 206 reward provision unit, 208 Game history management unit 210 Reservation confirmation unit 212 Game history transmission unit 214 Game history reception unit 216 Customer referral certification transmission unit 220 Customer referral information 230 Reservation screen 232 Game selection area 234 Recommendation area 236 Map button , 238 reservation button, 240 point information, 250 entry reception unit, 252 game group setting unit, 254 price management unit, 256 battle management unit, 260 game group information

Claims (6)

Connected to multiple game devices via a communication network,
a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
an entry reception unit that receives an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
a game group setting unit for setting a game group including the first and second players;
a reservation management unit that permits the game group to play the multiplayer game when the opening time comes ,
The game reservation device, wherein the reservation management section sets the use of the game device to a prohibited state each time the play of the game on one of the game devices ends before the holding time. Connected to multiple game devices via a communication network,
a reservation reception unit that receives a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
an entry reception unit that receives an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
a game group setting unit for setting a game group including the first and second players;
a reservation management unit that permits the game group to play the multiplayer game when the opening time comes ,
The reservation management unit enables a player who does not belong to the game group to use the game device each time a game is played on one of the plurality of game devices assigned to the game group. A game reservation device characterized by setting a state. further comprising a payment management unit that manages the payment of the game play fee,
3. The game reservation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the game group setting unit registers the player in the game group on condition that the player pays the play fee before the start time. By determining the match combination of the two or more players included in the game group and determining the new match combination of the two or more players who have won the match, a tournament-type match targeting the game group is performed. 3. The game reservation apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a match management unit that manages the game. a function of accepting a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
a function of accepting an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
the ability to set up a game group containing said first and second players;
a function of permitting the game group to play the multi-play game when the opening time is reached ;
A game reservation program for causing a computer to exhibit a function of setting the use of the game device to a prohibited state each time a game play is completed on any of the game devices before the opening time. a function of accepting a play reservation of a multi-play game including designation of a start time from a first player;
a function of accepting an entry request from a second player for a multi-play game reserved for play by the first player;
the ability to set up a game group containing said first and second players;
a function of permitting the game group to play the multi-play game when the opening time is reached ;
A function of setting the game device to be usable by a player who does not belong to the game group each time a game is played on one of the plurality of game devices assigned to the game group. A game reservation program characterized by causing a computer to exhibit and.

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