JP7233105B2 - GAME SYSTEM, GAME CONTROL DEVICE, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://itunes. apple. Published on com/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://itunes. apple. Published at com/jp/app/id940320341

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://play. google. Published on com/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://play. google. com/store/apps/details? id=jp. konami. published on prospia

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://www. amazon. co. Published on jp/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://www. amazon. co. Published at jp/dp/B072LZSKQG

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://www. konami. Published on com/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://www. konami. Published on com/pawa/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://www. konami. Published at com/games/prospi_a/

Application of Patent Act Article 30, Paragraph 2 November 2, 2017, URL: https://twitter. Published on com/pawapuro_pro

The present invention relates to a game system, game control device, and program.

2. Description of the Related Art A game is known that has a function of changing a user's rank (or level, category, group, etc.) based on the results of a predetermined number of games. For example, sports games (such as baseball games and soccer games, etc.) are known.

JP 2015-165844 A

In the above-described game, when there are unexecuted matches remaining, the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank or the destination of the change may be determined. In other words, there is a case where the user's rank does not change regardless of the result of the unexecuted match. For example, you cannot avoid being demoted even if you win all unplayed games, you are promoted even if you lose all unplayed matches, or you have won or lost all unplayed matches. However, it may be in a state of "remaining (maintenance)" instead of "promoting" or "demotion". In such a case, the unexecuted match becomes a so-called final match. Although there is little need for the user to execute the final game, the processing load of the game system increases due to the execution of the final game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to reduce the processing load of a game system (game control device) by not executing a game that the user does not need to execute. It is to provide a game system, a game control device, and a program that are suitable.

In order to solve the above problems, a game system according to one aspect of the present invention associates one of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information with identification information related to a user according to a predetermined rule based on the results of games played a predetermined number of times. determining means for determining as hierarchical information; and determining by the determining means based on the results of the games that have already been played and the predetermined rule at a point in time when at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been played. determining means for determining whether or not it is possible to identify the hierarchy information determined by said determining means at a point in time when said at least one game has not been executed; limiting means for limiting execution of the at least one game that has not yet been executed, if applicable.

A game control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes determining means for determining one of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information as hierarchical information to be associated with identification information related to a user according to a predetermined rule based on the result of a predetermined number of games. and at a point in time when at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been played, the tier information determined by the determining means can be specified based on the results of the games that have been played and the predetermined rule. determining means for determining whether or not there is an unexecuted game when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determining means can be specified at the time when the at least one game has not been executed; and a restricting means for restricting execution of the game at least once.

It is a figure showing the whole game system composition concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of user rank change conditions; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the destination of the change are determined; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of a state in which the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the destination of the change are determined; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of a state in which the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the destination of the change are determined; It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block implement|achieved by the game system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of user data. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed by a game system. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed by a game system.

Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[1. Configuration of Game System] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a game system 1 according to this embodiment includes a server device 10 and a plurality of game terminals 30-1, 30-2, . . . , 30-N. Game terminals 30-1 to 30-N are used by different users. Game terminals 30-1 to 30-N are capable of mutual data communication with server device 10 via network N. FIG.

The server device 10 is, for example, a server computer. As shown in FIG. 1 , the server device 10 includes a control section 11 , a storage section 12 and a communication section 13 . The control unit 11 includes at least one microprocessor (CPU) and executes information processing according to an operating system and other programs stored in the storage unit 12 . The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (eg, RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (eg, nonvolatile semiconductor memory, hard disk drive, or solid state drive). The storage unit 12 is for storing programs and data. The communication unit 13 is for communicating with other devices via the network N. FIG. The server device 10 can access the database DB. The database DB may be constructed within the server device 10 or may be constructed within another server computer.

Game terminals 30-1 to 30-N are computers used to play games. For example, the game terminals 30-1 to 30-N include mobile phones (including smartphones), personal digital assistants (including tablet computers), portable game machines, home-use game machines (stationary game machines), and amusement facilities. It is a commercial game machine, laptop computer, or desktop computer installed in a business. Game terminals 30-1 to 30-N may not be the same type of computer, and game terminals 30-1 to 30-N may include different types of computers.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game terminal 30-1 includes a control section 31, a storage section 32, a communication section 33, an operation section 34, a display section 35, and an audio output section . The control unit 31 , storage unit 32 and communication unit 33 are the same as the control unit 11 , storage unit 12 and communication unit 13 of the server device 10 .

The operation unit 34 is used by the user to perform various operations. The operation unit 34 includes, for example, buttons (keys), sticks (levers), touch panels, mice, microphones, or sensors. The operation unit 34 may be used by the user to perform operations using voice or gestures. The display unit 35 is for displaying an image under the control of the control unit 31, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The audio output unit 36 is for outputting audio according to control by the control unit 31, and is, for example, a speaker or headphones. The operation unit 34, the display unit 35, and the audio output unit 36 may be provided in the game terminal 30-1 itself, or may be provided as an external device connected to the game terminal 30-1.

Although omitted in FIG. 1, similar to game terminal 30-1, game terminals 30-2 to 30-N each have a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. , and an audio output unit 36 .

Programs and data are supplied to the server device 10 or the game terminals 30-1 to 30-N from a remote location via the network N and stored in the storage unit 12 or the storage unit 32. FIG. A component (for example, an optical disk drive or a memory card slot) for reading programs and data stored in an information storage medium (for example, an optical disk or a memory card) is the server device 10 or the game terminals 30-1 to 30-N. may be provided. Programs and data may be supplied to the server device 10 or the game terminals 30-1 to 30-N via information storage media.

In the following, it is assumed that the game terminals 30-1 to 30-N are smartphones or tablet computers equipped with touch panels. Also, hereinafter, game terminals 30-1 to 30-N are collectively referred to as "game terminal 30".

[2. Overview of Game] A game is executed on the game terminal 30 by executing a program. The game may be executed by game terminal 30 alone, or may be executed by data communication between game terminal 30 and server device 10 .

Various games can be executed on the game terminal 30 . For example, sports games (baseball, soccer, tennis, American football, basketball, volleyball, etc.), racing games, fighting games, fighting games, card games, role-playing games, simulation games, adventure games, or training games , various games can be executed regardless of the game format and genre. A baseball game will be described below as an example of a game executed on game terminal 30 .

[2-1] In the baseball game according to the present embodiment, the user organizes his/her own baseball team using game characters representing baseball players (hereinafter referred to as "player characters"), and the opponent team. and play a baseball game.

For example, the user can draw a player character by using a game item or the like. When the player character is selected by lottery, the player character selected based on the lottery process is given to the user. The user collects the player characters given in this way, and uses the collected player characters to form his/her own baseball team.

Note that the user may be allowed to create an original player character. Then, the user may organize his or her own baseball team using the original player characters created by the user.

In addition, a baseball team selected by the user from among a plurality of baseball teams prepared in advance by a game developer or the like is used for the match, instead of a baseball team organized using player characters collected or created by the user himself/herself. You may do so.

Hereinafter, the baseball team that the user uses as his own team in a match (that is, the baseball team organized by the user) is referred to as the "user team".

[2-2] In the baseball game according to this embodiment, a rank is set for each user. For example, ranks A, B, C, D, and E are prepared as ranks that can be set for the user. Rank A is the highest rank and rank E is the lowest rank.

Initially, the user is set to an initial rank (eg rank E). As described below, users can increase their ranks by playing matches between their team and opposing teams.

An "opponent" may be another user or a computer. For example, it may be another user with the same rank as the user, or it may be a computer set to a strength corresponding to the user's rank. If the opponent is a computer, the computer may use a team prepared by the game developer or a team organized by another user.

A “match” may be such that the user operates the player characters of the user team from beginning to end, or the player characters of both teams are basically operated by the computer (match). progress is generated), and the user may operate the player character only when a predetermined situation (eg, a chance or pinch situation for the user's team) occurs. Alternatively, the "game" may proceed by operating the player characters of both teams by the computer, and the user may give only instructions for the strategy of the user team and player substitutions. The game may proceed by operating player characters of both teams by a computer without receiving instructions from the user.

Each time a user team plays a match, points are given to the user according to the result of the match. The amount of points awarded to the user is determined based on the circumstances of the game. For example, when the user team wins, more points are likely to be given to the user than when the user team loses. If the user team is defeated, no points may be given to the user, or minus points (predetermined points may be reduced from the points owned by the user).

In addition, the amount of points given to the user is also determined based on the plays made by the player characters of the user's team during the game. For example, in the baseball game according to the present embodiment, "hit a single", "hit a double", "hit a triple", "hit a home run", "raise an RBI", "successfully steal a base", "walk Or, points are determined for each type of preferable play such as "getting to base by hitting a pitch", "strike out", and "get a double play". When a player character of the user team makes a play belonging to the above type during a match, points corresponding to the type are awarded to the user. For example, when a pitcher character of the user team strikes out a batter character of the opposing team, points corresponding to "strike out" are awarded to the user. Further, if the play of "strike out" is performed in succession, the points may be further added or the points may be doubled.

In the baseball game according to this embodiment, a user's rank changes based on the total points given to the user in a predetermined number of games. In the following, the total number of points granted to the user (that is, the total number of points acquired by the user) will be referred to as "total acquired points". is called "one season". Also, in the following, it is assumed that the "predetermined number of games (that is, the number of games in one season)" is 30 games.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of user rank change conditions. As shown in FIG. 2, when the user's total earned points at the end of the season satisfies the promotion condition, the user's rank is promoted. Specifically, when the user's total earned points at the end of the season is equal to or greater than the first threshold (1000 points in the example shown in FIG. 2), the user's rank is changed to one rank higher than the current rank. be done.

On the other hand, when the user's total earned points at the end of the season satisfies the demotion condition, the user's rank is demoted. Specifically, when the user's total earned points at the end of the season is less than the second threshold (a value lower than the first threshold: 500 points in the example shown in FIG. 2), the user's rank is higher than the current rank changed to a lower rank.

If the user's total earned points at the end of the season does not satisfy either the promotion condition or the demotion condition, the user's total earned points at the end of the season satisfies the residual condition, and the user remains. process is executed. Specifically, when the user's total earned points at the end of the season is equal to or greater than the second threshold (500 points) and less than the first threshold (1000 points), the user's rank is maintained at the current rank. be.

[2-3] In the baseball game as described above, there are cases where the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the destination of the change have been determined before all games in one season have been completed.

For example, even if all the unplayed matches are played, the user's total acquired points cannot reach 500 points (second threshold) or more, and "demotion" may be confirmed. That is, since the maximum points that can be awarded to the user in one game is fixed, even if the maximum points are awarded to the user in all the games that have not yet been played, the total points earned by the user is 500 points. In some cases, the situation cannot be any higher.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of such a state. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the total points earned by the user at the end of the 25th game is 240 points, and the maximum points that can be given to the user in one game is 50 points. As shown in FIG. 3, in this case, even if the maximum points (50 points) are given to the user in each of the five unplayed games (26th to 30th games), the total points earned by the user are only 490 points. Satisfy the demotion condition (less than 500 points). In such a case, the game system 1 terminates the current season without playing the remaining 5 games (26th to 30th games), and executes a process of demoting the rank of the user. to be able to proceed. Note that when a season ends (in other words, when the next season starts), the user's total earned points are reset to an initial value (for example, zero).

Also, for example, even if all unplayed matches are played, the user's total acquired points cannot be less than 1000 points (first threshold), and the "promotion" may be confirmed. That is, since the minimum points given to the user in one match is fixed, even if the points given to the user in all the unplayed matches are the minimum points, the total points earned by the user is 1000 points. In some cases, it cannot be less than

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of such a state. In the example shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the total points acquired by the user at the end of the 25th game is 975 points, and the minimum points that can be given to the user in one game is 5 points. As shown in FIG. 4, in this case, even if the points given to the user in each of the five unplayed games (26th to 30th games) are the minimum points (5 points), the total points earned by the user are Reach 1000 points and satisfy promotion conditions (1000 points or more). In such a case, the game system 1 ends the current season without playing the remaining 5 games (26th to 30th games), executes processing to promote the rank of the user, and allows the user to play in the next season. to be able to proceed.

Also, for example, even if the user has played all the matches that have not yet been played, the user's total earned points will not be 1000 points (first threshold) or more and will not be less than 500 points (second threshold). "Residual" may be in a confirmed state. As mentioned above, since the maximum and minimum points given to the user in one match are fixed, even if the maximum points are given to the user in all the unplayed matches, the total points acquired by the user will be 1000 points. and even if the points awarded to the user in all unplayed matches are the minimum points, the total points earned by the user cannot be less than 500 points. .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of such a state. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the total points acquired by the user at the end of the 25th game is 475 points, and the maximum and minimum points that can be given to the user in one game are 50 points and 5 points, respectively. is assumed. As shown in the left diagram of FIG. 5, in this case, even if the maximum points (50 points) are given to the user in each of the five unplayed games (26th to 30th games), the user's total earned points is 725. It only counts as points and does not satisfy the promotion conditions (1000 points or more). Also, as shown in the right diagram in FIG. 5, even if the points awarded to the user in each of the five unplayed games (26th to 30th games) are the minimum points (5 points), the user's total Acquired points will be 500 points, and the demotion condition (less than 500 points) will not be satisfied. In such a case, the game system 1 ends the current season without playing the remaining 5 games (26th to 30th games), and executes a process to keep the user in the current rank. Make it possible to advance the season of

As described above, in the game system 1, when all the games of one season (30 games) are completed, whether or not the user's rank has changed is normally determined based on the total points given to the user in those 30 games. And where the change destination is determined, at least one unplayed game is executed when the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the change destination can be specified at the time when at least one game has not been played. Restrict. According to the game system 1, it is possible to limit the execution of matches that are not necessary for the user to play, and as a result, the load on the game system 1 can be reduced.

In the above example, points are given to the user in consideration of the play performed by the player character of the user team, but points may be given to the user only in accordance with the win/loss result of the user team. For example, 3 points are given to the user when the user team wins, 1 point is given to the user when the user team draws with the opponent team, and points are given to the user when the user team loses. You may choose not to give it. In this case, promotion conditions, demotion conditions, and residual conditions may be set according to the amount of points that can be given to the user.

Also, in the above example, points are given to users and ranks are set, but points may be given to teams and ranks may be set. For example, if the selection of a team to be used in one season is accepted from among multiple teams owned by the user, and the game is played by the selected team, the selected team points according to the result of the game, and the rank of the team may be changed according to the total points awarded to the team.

Moreover, although the example of the baseball team has been described above, the game executed on the game terminal 30 may be a game other than the baseball game. For example, the game executed on the game terminal 30 is not limited to a game in which teams compete against each other, and may be a game in which one user's game character and one opponent's game character compete (for example, , tennis games, fighting games, etc.). In this case, points may be given to the game characters, or ranks may be set. Further, for example, the game executed on the game terminal 30 may be a card game or the like in which the user uses a card deck to play against an opponent. In this case, points may be given or ranks may be set for the card deck.

[3. Functional Blocks] Next, a configuration for realizing the operations described above will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of functional blocks implemented in the game system 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game system 1 includes a data storage section 100, a numerical information changing section 110, a first determining section 120, a determining section 130, a limiting section 140, and a second determining section 150. . These functional blocks may be implemented by server device 10 or by game terminal 30 . For example, all functional blocks may be implemented by the server device 10, all functional blocks may be implemented by the game terminal 30, or some functional blocks may be implemented by the server device 10 and the rest of the functional blocks may be implemented by the server device 10. A block may be implemented at the game terminal 30 .

For example, the data storage unit 100 is implemented by at least one of the storage unit 12, the storage unit 32, and the database DB, and the remaining functional blocks are implemented by the control unit 11 or the control unit 31. FIG.

[3-1] The data storage section 100 stores data necessary for executing the game. FIG. 6 shows, as an example of data stored in the data storage unit 100, data necessary for executing the aforementioned baseball game. As shown in FIG. 6, the data storage unit 100 stores user data D101, player character data D102, team data D103, competition history data D104, and play type data D105 as data necessary for executing the aforementioned baseball game. stored in The data shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the data necessary for executing the aforementioned baseball game is not limited to the data shown in FIG.

[3-1-1] The user data D101 is data indicating a list of users who use the game system 1. FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of user data D101. As shown in FIG. 6, the user data D101 includes "user ID", "user name", "rank", "number of completed matches", and "total earned points" fields. A "user ID" field indicates identification information that uniquely identifies a user. The "username" field indicates the name of the user. The "Rank" field indicates the user's current rank. The "Number of Games Played" field indicates the number of games the user has played in the current season. The "Total Points Earned" field indicates the total points earned by the user in the current season. At the start of the season, the values of the "number of games played" field and the "total points earned" field are initialized to initial values (for example, zero). Then, each time the user plays a match, the value of the "number of matches played" field is incremented, and the value of the "total points earned" field is increased by the amount of points the user has earned in the match.

[3-1-2] The player character data D102 is data indicating a list of player characters of each user. The player character data D102 is stored for each user (associated with the user ID).

[3-1-3] The team data D103 is data relating to the team organized by each user. The team data D103 is stored for each user (associated with the user ID).

[3-1-4] The battle history data D104 is data indicating the battle history of each user. The battle history data D104 is stored for each user (associated with the user ID). For example, match date and time, opponent team, win/loss, points earned, etc. are stored as match history data D104.

[3-1-5] The play type data D105 includes the types of plays that can be performed by player characters during a match, and the points given to the user when the player characters of the user team perform the play during the match. This is data indicating a correspondence relationship. For example, the play type data D105 includes "hit a single", "hit a double", "hit a triple", "hit a home run", "raise a RBI", "succeed in stealing a base", and "walk or hit a pitch". This is data that defines points for each type of preferable play such as "running to base", "strike out", and "take a double play".

[3-2] The numerical information changing unit 110 changes numerical information associated with identification information related to the user based on the result of the game that has already been played.

“Identification information related to the user” is, for example, identification information of the user himself/herself. The “identification information of the user” is identification information that uniquely identifies the user. In other words, it is information for specifying the user. For example, an ID, name, or e-mail address corresponds to an example of "identification information of the user itself".

Alternatively, the “identification information related to the user” may be, for example, identification information of the user's game object. A "game object" is an object that can be used in a game. For example, game characters, game cards, game items, or the like correspond to examples of "game objects." For example, in the case of a sports game, a player character corresponds to an example of a "game object." "User's game object identification information" is identification information that uniquely identifies a game object owned by the user (in other words, a game object used by the user in a game).

Alternatively, the “identification information related to the user” may be, for example, the identification information of the user's game object group. A "game object group" is a group that includes multiple game objects as members. Note that it may be called by a name other than "group" (for example, team, party, guild, etc.). For example, in the case of a sports game, a team (baseball team, soccer team, etc.) is an example of a "game object group." “User's game object group identification information” is identification information that uniquely identifies a game object group owned by the user (in other words, a game object group used by the user in a game).

“Numerical value information” is information indicating a numerical value that changes as the user plays the game. "Numerical information" may be information indicating a numerical value that changes as the user uses a game object or game object group in a game.

For example, in the case of a game in which points are awarded to the user according to the user's game play, the total points awarded to the user corresponds to an example of "numerical information." Further, for example, in the case of a game in which points are given to the user's game objects or game object groups according to the user's game play, the total points given to the user's game objects or game object groups is an example of "numerical information." corresponds to

The “numerical information” may be such that the better the game result is, the larger the numerical value is, or the better the game result is, the smaller the numerical value is. Also, the "numerical information" may be increased but not decreased, decreased but not increased, or both increased and decreased.

The “game result” is, for example, whether or not the goal of the game has been achieved. In the case of a competitive game aiming to win the competition, winning the competition is an example of the 'objective', and whether or not the competition is won is an example of the 'game result'. In the case of a match game in which a player competes for points, the score difference with the opponent is also an example of the "game result". In addition, in the case of a game aiming to clear the game, clearing the game corresponds to an example of the "purpose", and whether or not the game was cleared corresponds to an example of the "game result".

Alternatively, the “game result” may be, for example, the content of the game played by the user, or the results achieved by the user in the game. Alternatively, the "game result" may be, for example, the actions performed by the user's game object or game object group in the game, or the results achieved by the user's game object or game object group in the game.

For example, in the case of a sports game, the player character of the user or the performance (stats) of the team corresponds to an example of the "game result". Specifically, in the case of a baseball game, points scored, points conceded, number of hits (each number of singles, doubles, triples, and home runs), number of stolen bases, points batted in, number of walks, number of strikeouts, etc. are examples of "game results." corresponds to In the case of a soccer game, the number of goals, the number of assists, the number of passes, the number of shots, the number of dribbles, the number of interceptions, etc. correspond to an example of the "game result". Further, for example, in the case of a game in which attack targets are attacked, the number of attack targets defeated (destroyed) by the user and the score obtained by the user defeating (destroying) the attack targets are examples of the "score".

"Change the numerical information" may mean, for example, increasing or decreasing the numerical information, only increasing the numerical information, or only decreasing the numerical information. may be

"Change the numerical information based on the game result" may mean increasing the numerical information when the game result is good, or decreasing the numerical information when the game result is good. good. In other words, the numerical information may be decreased when the game result is poor, or the numerical information may be increased when the game result is poor. Alternatively, the better the game result (or the worse the game result), the greater the degree to which the numerical information is increased. Alternatively, the better the game result (or the worse the game result), the greater the degree to which the numerical information is reduced.

In the case of the aforementioned baseball game example, the value stored in the "total earned points" field of user data D101 corresponds to an example of "numerical information". Each time the user plays a match, the numerical information change unit 110 adds points according to the win or loss of the match and the play performed by the player characters of the user's team to the user's total acquired points.

[3-3] The first determination unit 120 determines one of the plurality of layer information as the layer information to be associated with the identification information related to the user according to a predetermined rule based on the result of the predetermined number of games.

The “predetermined number of times” is a number of times greater than one. The “predetermined number of times” may not be fixed to a specific number of times, and may have a range. For example, each number of times that is equal to or more than m times and equal to or less than n times may correspond to the "predetermined number of times".

In the case of a game aiming to achieve an objective, "one game" is executed when it is determined whether the objective has been achieved or not.

For example, in the case of a competitive game in which the goal is to win the competition, "one game" is played when the final result (win or lose) of the competition is determined. In short, each match corresponds to "one game". That is, in the case of a sports game such as a baseball game or a soccer game, each match corresponds to "one game". In the case of a shogi game, a go game, a mahjong game, or a card game, each game corresponds to "one game". Note that the "match result" may include a draw.

Further, for example, in the case of a game aiming at clearing the game, "one game" is executed when the game is cleared or the game is over.

The “result of a predetermined number of games” can be rephrased as the result of the game when the game is played a predetermined number of times.

A "predetermined rule" is a rule for determining, from among a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information, layer information to be associated with identification information related to a user, based on the results of games played a predetermined number of times.

“Multiple hierarchy information” is information for dividing objects (for example, users, game objects of users, game object groups, etc.) into multiple hierarchies. For example, if rank information, level information, category information, or the like is associated with target identification information, the rank information, level information, category information, or the like corresponds to an example of "hierarchical information." Also, for example, if any of the group information (for example, the highest group, upper group, middle group, or lower group) is associated with the target identification information, the group information is an example of "hierarchical information" Equivalent to.

"Determining hierarchical information to be associated with identification information" means, for example, determining hierarchical information to be associated with identification information in a state in which no hierarchical information is associated with the identification information.

Alternatively, "determine as hierarchical information to be associated with identification information" means, for example, in a state in which hierarchical information is associated with identification information, it is determined whether or not to update the hierarchical information associated with identification information. may be determining new hierarchical information to be associated with. Specifically, the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information is determined from the current hierarchical information, the hierarchical information above the current hierarchical information, and the hierarchical information below the current hierarchical information. may Note that the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information may be determined from the current hierarchical information and the hierarchical information higher than the current hierarchical information. Alternatively, the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information may be determined from the current hierarchical information and the hierarchical information below the current hierarchical information.

[3-3-1] For example, when the result of a predetermined number of games satisfies a predetermined condition, the first determining unit 120 converts predetermined layer information among the plurality of layer information to identification information related to the user. Determined as the hierarchical information to be associated.

Here, the "predetermined condition" is a condition regarding the result of a predetermined number of games. The “predetermined condition” is a condition that must be satisfied as a result of a predetermined number of games in order for the hierarchy information associated with the identification information related to the user to be determined as predetermined hierarchy information.

[3-3-2] For example, the first determination unit 120 associates the predetermined hierarchy information with the identification information related to the user when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the predetermined range. Determined as hierarchical information. Here, the "predetermined range" is a numerical range in which at least one of the upper limit and the lower limit is defined.

[3-3-3] For example, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the first predetermined range, the first determination unit 120 sets the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user to It is determined to change to hierarchical information lower than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

Further, for example, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the second predetermined range, the first determination unit 120 causes the hierarchy information to be associated with the identification information related to the user to be associated with the identification information. It decides not to change from the hierarchical information provided.

Further, for example, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the third predetermined range, the first determination unit 120 causes the hierarchy information to be associated with the identification information related to the user to be associated with the identification information. It decides to change to the hierarchical information higher than the hierarchical information currently set.

Here, the "second predetermined range" is a numerical range different from the "first predetermined range". Also, the "third predetermined range" is a numerical range different from the "first predetermined range" and the "second predetermined range".

For example, if the numerical value information is such that the numerical value increases as the result of the game improves, the “second predetermined range” is a numerical range that does not overlap with the “first predetermined range” and is “the first predetermined range.” A range of numbers that includes numbers that are greater than the numbers in "range". In addition, the "third predetermined range" is a numerical range that does not overlap with the "first predetermined range" and the "second predetermined range", and includes a numerical value greater than the numerical value included in the "second predetermined range". Numeric range.

Further, for example, if the numerical value information is such that the numerical value decreases as the result of the game improves, the "second predetermined range" is a numerical range that does not overlap with the "first predetermined range" and It is a numerical range that includes numerical values smaller than the numerical values included in "predetermined range". In addition, the "third predetermined range" is a numerical range that does not overlap with the "first predetermined range" and the "second predetermined range", and includes a numerical value smaller than the numerical value included in the "second predetermined range". Numeric range.

"Hierarchical information lower than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information" is hierarchical information one level lower than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. Note that the hierarchical information may be two or more hierarchical information below the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

“Hierarchical information higher than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information” is hierarchical information one level higher than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. Note that the hierarchical information may be two or more hierarchical information higher than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

[3-3-4] In the case of the baseball game example described above, one season (30 games) corresponds to an example of "predetermined number of games". The promotion condition, demotion condition, and remaining condition shown in FIG. 2 correspond to an example of the "predetermined rule". Also, the ranks A to E correspond to an example of "multiple hierarchical information".

In the case of the baseball game example described above, when the user's total earned points at the end of one season's games (30 games) all satisfy the demotion condition (an example of a predetermined condition), that is, when the user's total earned points If it is less than 500 points (an example of the first predetermined range), the first determination unit 120 determines to change the user's rank to one rank lower than the current rank.

Also, when the user's total earned points at the end of all the games in one season satisfies the residual condition (an example of the predetermined condition), that is, the user's total earned points is 500 points or more and less than 1000 points (second predetermined example of the range), the first determining unit 120 determines to maintain the current rank of the user.

Also, when the user's total earned points at the end of all the games in one season satisfies the promotion condition (an example of the predetermined condition), that is, when the user's earned points are 1000 points or more (an example of the third predetermined range) In some cases, the first determining unit 120 determines to change the rank of the user to one rank higher than the current rank.

[3-4] The determination unit 130 determines by the first determination unit 120 based on the results of the games that have been played and a predetermined rule when at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been played. It is determined whether or not it is possible to specify the hierarchical information to be displayed.

“A time point at which at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been played” is a time point before all of the predetermined number of games are completed. In other words, when there is at least one game left that the user can play.

"The hierarchical information determined by the first determining unit 120 can be specified" means that the hierarchical information that can be determined by the first determining unit 120 is narrowed down to any one of a plurality of hierarchical information. . In other words, regardless of the result of at least one unexecuted game, the layer information that can be determined by the first determination unit 120 is determined to be one of the plurality of layer information. Furthermore, in other words, no matter what the result of at least one unexecuted game is, there is only the possibility that the first determining unit 120 will determine the specific layer information among the plurality of layer information. , there is no possibility that other hierarchical information is determined by the first determination unit 120 . When it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the first determination unit 120 is the hierarchy information X when at least one game has not been executed, regardless of the result of the at least one game, the "first This corresponds to the case where the hierarchical information determined by the determining unit 120 can be specified.

[3-4-1] For example, when the first determination unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-1], the determination unit 130 determines that at least one game has not been executed. Regardless of the result of at least one game of (1), it is determined based on the result of the executed game whether or not the predetermined condition will be satisfied when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed. For example, no matter what the result of at least one unexecuted game is, if there is only a possibility that the predetermined condition is satisfied and there is no possibility that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the determination unit 130 , regardless of the results of at least one game that has not yet been played, it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied when all the games have been completed a predetermined number of times.

[3-4-2] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-2], the determining unit 130 determines that at least one game has not yet been executed. Based on the numerical information in , it is determined whether or not the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed will be included in the predetermined range, regardless of the result of at least one unexecuted game. For example, no matter what the result of at least one unexecuted game is, there is only a possibility that the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed will fall within the predetermined range. If there is no possibility that the game will not be played, the determination unit 130 determines that the numerical value information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed will be included in the predetermined range, regardless of the result of at least one unplayed game. do.

In this case, when at least one game has not been played, the determination unit 130 determines the maximum value or minimum value that the numerical information can take when all the predetermined number of games have been completed, based on the numerical information at that time. may be obtained. Then, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the predetermined range, regardless of the result of at least one unexecuted game. You may make it determine based on the minimum value.

For example, if the numerical information is such that the numerical value increases as the result of the game improves, and is increased but not decreased (i.e., it is increased according to the good result of the game). case), the determination unit 130 may predict the “maximum value” assuming that the result of the unexecuted game is the best, and acquire the current numerical value information as the “minimum value”. .

Also, for example, if the numerical information is such that the numerical value increases as the result of the game improves, and the numerical value increases or decreases (i.e., increases or decreases depending on the outcome of the game). ), the determination unit 130 acquires the “maximum value” assuming that the result of the unexecuted game is the best, and assumes that the result of the unexecuted game is the worst. You may make it acquire a "minimum value."

Also, for example, if the numerical information is such that the numerical value increases as the game results improve, and is decreased but not increased (i.e., it is decreased according to the poor game result). If there is), the determination unit 130 may predict the “minimum value” assuming that the result of the unexecuted game is the worst, and acquire the current numerical information as the “maximum value”. good.

Also, for example, if the numerical information is such that the numerical value decreases as the game result improves, and the numerical value decreases but does not increase (that is, the numerical value decreases according to the good game result). case), the determination unit 130 may predict the “minimum value” assuming that the result of the unexecuted game is the best, and acquire the numerical information at the present time as the “maximum value”. good.

Then, for example, when both the maximum value and the minimum value are included in the predetermined range, the determination unit 130 determines that the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the predetermined range. may

[3-4-3] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-3], the determining unit 130 determines that at least one game has not yet been executed. based on the numerical information, whether or not the range containing the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range determine whether For example, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed has only a possibility within the first predetermined range and is not likely to be included in the second predetermined range and the third predetermined range, the determination unit 130 It is determined that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games of the number of times are completed is narrowed down to the first predetermined range. The same applies to the second predetermined range or the third predetermined range.

[3-4-4] In the case of the example of the baseball game described above, the determining unit 130, at the point in time when at least one game out of one season (30 games) has not been played, and rank change conditions (FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not there is a change in the user's rank and whether or not the destination of the change can be specified.

Specifically, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not the user's total acquired points at the time when all the games (30 games) of the season have been completed satisfies the demotion condition. In other words, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the user's total earned points at the time of finishing all the games of the season will satisfy the promotion condition and the residual condition. For example, the determination unit 130 acquires the maximum or minimum value that the user's earned points can take when all the games in the season are finished, and the total points earned by the user when all the games in the season are finished is always 500 points. It is determined whether or not it becomes less than 500 points (see FIG. 3).

Alternatively, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not the user's total earned points at the time when all the games (30 games) of the season are finished always satisfy the residual condition. In other words, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the points acquired by the user at the time of finishing all the games of the season will satisfy the promotion conditions and the demotion conditions. For example, the determination unit 130 acquires the maximum or minimum value that the user's earned points can take when all the games in the season are finished, and the total points earned by the user when all the games in the season are finished is always 500 points. It is determined whether or not the score is equal to or more than 1000 points and cannot be less than 500 points or 1000 points or more (see FIG. 5).

Alternatively, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not the user's total acquired points at the time of finishing all the games (30 games) of the season will surely satisfy the promotion condition. In other words, the determination unit 130 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the points earned by the user at the time of finishing all the games of the season will satisfy the residual condition and the demotion condition. For example, the determination unit 130 acquires the maximum or minimum value that the user's earned points can take when all the games of the season are finished, and the user's earned points when all the games of the season are finished must be 1000 points or more. , and it is determined whether or not it cannot be less than 1000 points (see FIG. 4).

[3-5] If it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the first determining unit 120 can be specified at a time point when at least one game has not been played, the restricting unit 140 determines that at least one game that has not been played Limit one game run.

“Restricting execution of at least one unexecuted game” means, for example, not executing at least one unexecuted game. That is, skipping at least one unexecuted execution of the game to determine the hierarchical information associated with the identification information associated with the user. Unconditionally executing at least one unexecuted game when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the first determining unit 120 can be specified at a time when at least one unexecuted game is unexecuted. may be restricted, or the execution of at least one unexecuted game may be restricted under predetermined conditions. For example, execution of at least one unexecuted game may be restricted only if the user does not desire to execute at least one unexecuted game.

[3-5-1] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-1], the limiting unit 140 determines that at least one game has not been executed. Limit the execution of at least one unexecuted game when it is determined that a predetermined condition will be satisfied when all the predetermined number of games are completed, regardless of the result of at least one game of .

[3-5-2] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-2], the restricting unit 140 determines that at least one game has not been executed. Regardless of the result of at least one game of , if it is determined that the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed will be included in the predetermined range, at least one unexecuted game will be executed. Restrict.

[3-5-3] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-3], the restricting unit 140, at a point in time when at least one game has not been executed, When it is determined that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games are completed is narrowed down to any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range, at least one unexecuted Limit the number of times the game runs.

[3-5-4] In the example of the baseball game described above, when the user has not played at least one game in one season (30 games), the determination unit 130 makes the following determination: In addition, the restricting unit 140 ends the current season without allowing the user to play unplayed games. (a) The user's total earned points at the end of all the games in the season must satisfy the demotion conditions (the total points earned by the user at the end of all the games in the season must be less than 500 points, 500 points or more) (see Fig. 3) (b) The total points earned by the user at the end of all the games of the season must satisfy the residual condition (c) Season match The total points earned by the user at the time of completing all the games of the season will always satisfy the promotion conditions (the total points earned by the user at the time of finishing all the games of the season will always be 1000 points or more, and can be less than 1000 points. not) (see Figure 4)

[3-6] When the second determination unit 150 determines that the hierarchy information determined by the first determination unit 120 can be identified when at least one game has not been played, the second determination unit 150 asks the user Determine the hierarchical information to associate with the identity of interest.

That is, the second determining unit 150 determines the same hierarchical information as the hierarchical information determined by the first determining unit 120 as the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information related to the user. For example, when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the first determination unit 120 is the hierarchy information X when at least one game has not been played, regardless of the result of the at least one game, The second determining unit 150 determines the hierarchical information X as hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information related to the user.

[3-6-1] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-1], the second determining unit 150, when at least one game has not been executed, When it is determined that a predetermined condition will be satisfied when all games are completed a predetermined number of times, regardless of the result of at least one unexecuted game, the predetermined hierarchy information is used as identification information related to the user. Determined as hierarchical information to be associated with.

[3-6-2] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-2], the second determining unit 150, when at least one game has not been executed, When it is determined that the numerical information at the time when all the predetermined number of games are completed is included in the predetermined range regardless of the result of at least one unexecuted game, the predetermined hierarchical information is transferred to the user. Determined as hierarchical information associated with identification information.

[3-6-3] For example, when the first determining unit 120 has the configuration described in [3-3-3], the second determining unit 150, when at least one game has not been executed, When it is determined that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to the first predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is changed to the currently associated identification information. It is decided to change to the hierarchical information lower than the existing hierarchical information.

Further, the second determination unit 150 determines that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to the second predetermined range when at least one game has not been played. In this case, it is determined not to change the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user from the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

Furthermore, the second determination unit 150 determines that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to the third predetermined range when at least one game has not been played. In this case, it is determined to change the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user to hierarchical information higher than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

[3-6-4] In the example of the baseball game mentioned above, at the time when at least one game in one season (30 games) has not been played, the total points earned by the user at the time when all the games of the season are finished will always satisfy the demotion conditions (i.e., the total points earned by the user at the end of all the games of the season will always be less than 500 points and cannot exceed 500 points), the second 2 decision unit 150 decides to change the rank of the user to one rank lower than the current rank.

Alternatively, at the time when at least one game in one season (30 games) has not been played, the total points acquired by the user at the time when all the games of the season are finished always satisfy the residual condition (season When it is determined that the user's total acquired points at the end of all matches will always be 500 points or more and less than 1000 points, and cannot be less than 500 points or 1000 points or more), the second determination unit 150 Decide to keep the rank at the current rank.

Alternatively, at the point in time when at least one game in one season (30 games) has not yet been played, the user's total earned points at the time when all the games in the season are finished must satisfy the promotion conditions (season When it is determined that the user's total acquired points at the end of all games will always be 1000 points or more and cannot be less than 1000 points, the second determination unit 150 sets the user's rank to 1 less than the current rank. Decide to change to a higher rank.

[4. Processing] Next, processing executed in the game system 1 to implement the functional blocks described above will be described.

8A and 8B show an example of processing executed each time one match ends in the aforementioned baseball game. Note that user authentication is performed when starting a baseball game. When user authentication is performed on the server device 10 using the user ID and password, a user token, for example, is issued from the server device 10 as information that identifies the user (hereinafter referred to as "user identification information"). be. After that, all data transmitted from the game terminal 30 to the server device 10 are transmitted together with the user identification information. For example, when one game ends, data about the result of the game is transmitted from game terminal 30 to server device 10 together with user identification information that identifies the user. When the data is received by the server device 10 together with the user identification information, the processing shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is executed by the server device 10 .

As shown in FIG. 8A, first, the control unit 11 of the server device 10 acquires the amount of points to be given to the user in the current game (S100).

For example, the amount of points to be given to the user in the current match is calculated on the game terminal 30 side, and is transmitted from the game terminal 30 to the server device 10 as part of the above-described data regarding the result of the match. Then, from the data received from the game terminal 30, the control unit 11 acquires the amount of points to be given to the user in the current game.

Note that the server device 10 side may calculate the amount of points to be given to the user in the current game. For example, the game terminal 30 transmits data indicating the history of plays performed by the player characters of the user's team during the match to the server device 10 as part of the above-described data related to the result of the match, and the control unit 11 Based on the data, the amount of points to be awarded to the user for this match may be calculated. Further, for example, operation data indicating an operation performed by the user on the game terminal 30 during the game is transmitted from the game terminal 30 to the server device 10, and the control unit 11 controls the operation data for the user in the current game based on the operation data. The amount of points to be given may be calculated.

After executing step S100, the control unit 11 updates the user's total earned points and the like stored in the user data D101 (S102). That is, the control unit 11 adds the amount of points acquired in step S100 to the total acquired points stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information. Furthermore, the control unit 11 increments the number of played matches stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information.

After execution of step S102, the control unit 11 determines whether or not all the games of the season have been played with respect to the received user identification information (S104). For example, in the user data D101, if the number of completed matches stored in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information is "30", the control unit 11 Regarding the user-specific information, it is determined that all games of the season have been played.

Regarding the received user identification information, if it is determined that all the matches of the season have been played (S104: Yes), the control unit 11 acquires the user's total earned points (P) from the user data D101 (S106). ). That is, the control unit 11 acquires the total earned points (P) stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the total acquired points (P) acquired in step S106 is less than 500 (S108). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the demotion condition is satisfied.

If it is determined that the total acquired points (P) is less than 500 (S108: Yes), the control unit 11 changes the user's rank stored in the user data D101 to one rank lower than the current rank. (S114). That is, the control unit 11 changes the rank stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information to a rank one level lower than the current rank. demote a rank.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the total earned points (P) is not less than 500 (S108: No), the control unit 11 determines whether the total earned points (P) acquired in step S106 is 1000 or more. (S110). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the promotion conditions are satisfied.

If it is determined that the total acquired points (P) is 1000 or more (S110: Yes), the control unit 11 changes the user's rank stored in the user data D101 to a rank one rank higher than the current rank. (S112). In other words, the control unit 11 changes the rank stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information to a rank one rank higher than the current rank, thereby increasing the user's Promote your rank.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the total acquired points (P) is not 1000 or more (S110: No), the control unit 11 executes step S116 described later without changing the user rank stored in the user data D101. do. That is, in this case, the control unit 11 does not change the rank stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information from the current rank, thereby setting the user to the current rank. let remain.

When step S112 or S114 is executed, or when it is determined in step S110 that the total earned points (P) acquired in step S106 is not 1000 or more (S110: No), the control unit 11 ends the season. A season end process for ending the season is executed (S116). For example, in the user data D101, the control unit 11 initializes the number of played matches and the total points earned, which are stored in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information, to a predetermined initial value (for example, zero). become Then, the control unit 11 transmits, to the game terminal 30, end-of-season data indicating that the season has ended and the result of the change in the user's rank, via the communication unit 13 (S118). In this case, in the game terminal 30, an image indicating that the season has ended and the user's rank change result (whether or not there is a change and where the rank has changed) is displayed on the display unit 35 based on the end-of-season data.

In step S104, when it is determined that all matches of the season have not been played with respect to the received user identification information (S104: No), as shown in FIG. A point (P) is acquired from the user data D101 (S120). That is, the control unit 11 acquires the currently stored total earned points (P) in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information.

Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the total acquired points (P) acquired in step S120 is 1000 or more (S122). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the promotion conditions are satisfied at this time.

In the example of the baseball game described above, the total points acquired by the user do not decrease during the season. , when the user's total earned points reaches 1000 or more at the time when all the games of the season are finished, regardless of the results of the games that have not yet been played. In other words, this is the case where the promotion conditions are satisfied regardless of the results of games that have not yet been played. In this case, the control unit 11 executes the process of promoting the rank of the user without playing an unplayed match. That is, in the user data D101, the control unit 11 changes the rank stored in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information to a rank one level higher than the current rank (S136). Also, the control unit 11 executes season end processing (S142), and transmits season end data to the game terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 (S144). Steps S142 and S144 are the same as steps S116 and S118 in FIG. 8A.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the total earned points (P) acquired in step S120 is not equal to or greater than 1000 (S122: No), the control unit 11 determines that the user's total earned points at the time of finishing all the matches of the season is The maximum value (Pmax) obtained is acquired (S124). For example, if the maximum points that can be given to the user in one game is ΔPmax, the number of unplayed games is N, and the total points acquired by the user do not decrease during the season, the maximum value (Pmax) is It is "P+ΔPmax*N".

After executing step S124, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the maximum value (Pmax) is less than 500 (S126).

When it is determined that the maximum value (Pmax) is less than 500 (S126: Yes), even if the maximum points are given to the user in each of the unplayed games, at the time of finishing all the games of the season This is the case where the user's total earned points is less than 500 (see FIG. 3). In other words, it is a case where it is confirmed that the relegation condition is satisfied when all the games of the season are finished. In this case, the control unit 11 executes the process of demoting the rank of the user without playing an unplayed match. That is, in the user data D101, the control unit 11 changes the rank stored in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information to a rank one level lower than the current rank (S138). Further, the control unit 11 executes season end processing (S144), and transmits season end data to the game terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 (S146).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the maximum value (Pmax) is not less than 500 (S126: No), the control unit 11 determines the minimum value (Pmin) that the user's total acquired points can take when all the games in the season are finished. (S128). For example, if the minimum points that can be given to the user in one game is ΔPmin, the number of unplayed games is N, and the total points earned by the user do not decrease during the season, the minimum value (Pmin) is It is "P+ΔPmin*N".

After executing step S128, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the minimum value (Pmin) is 1000 or more (S130). When it is determined that the minimum value (Pmin) is 1000 or more (S130: Yes), even if the points given to the user in each unplayed game are the minimum points, the game of the season This is the case where the user's total acquired points at the time when all the games are completed is 1000 or more (see FIG. 4). That is, it is a case where it is determined that the promotion conditions are satisfied when all the games of the season are finished. In this case, the control unit 11 executes the process of promoting the rank of the user without playing an unplayed match. That is, the control unit 11 changes the rank stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID specified by the received user specifying information to one rank higher than the current rank (S140). Also, the control unit 11 executes season end processing (S142), and transmits season end data to the game terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 (S144).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the minimum value (Pmin) is not 1000 or more (S130: No), the control unit 11 determines that the minimum value (Pmin) is 500 or more and the maximum value (Pmax) is 1000. It is determined whether or not it is less than (S132).

If it is determined that the minimum value (Pmin) is 500 or more and the maximum value (Pmax) is less than 1000 (S132: Yes), Even if the points are the minimum points, even if the user's total points earned at the end of all the games of the season is 500 or more, and the maximum points are awarded to the user for each of the unplayed games, the game of the season is the case where the user's total acquired points does not reach 1000 or more at the time of completing all of . In other words, regardless of the results of the games that have not yet been played, the user's total earned points is 500 or more and less than 1000 when all the games of the season are finished. In other words, it is a case where it is confirmed that the residual condition is satisfied when all the games of the season are finished. In this case, the control unit 11 executes a process of allowing the user to remain in the current rank without having the unplayed match played. That is, the control unit 11 executes the season end processing without changing the rank stored in the user data D101 in association with the user ID identified by the received user identification information from the current rank (S142). , the end-of-season data is transmitted to the game terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 (S144).

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the minimum value (Pmin) is 500 or more and the maximum value (Pmax) is less than 1000 (S132: No), it means that there is currently no change in the user's rank. and when the destination of the change has not been determined. In other words, this is a case where whether or not the user's rank is changed and where the change is made may change depending on the results of matches that have not yet been played. In this case, the control unit 11 transmits season continuation data indicating continuation of the season to the game terminal 30 via the communication unit 13 (S134).

Note that if the minimum points (ΔPmin) that can be given to the user in one game is zero, steps S128, S130, and S140 in FIG. 8B may be omitted. In this case, in step S132, it is determined whether or not the current total points (P) acquired by the user is 500 or more and the maximum value (Pmax) obtained in step S124 is less than 1000. should be

[5. Summary] In the game system 1, when all the games of one season (30 games) are finished, the user's rank is usually determined based on the total points (total earned points) given to the user in those 30 games. Where the presence or absence of a change and the destination of the change are determined, when it is determined that the presence or absence of a change in the user's rank and the destination of the change can be specified at the time when at least one game has not been played, the unplayed game is determined. By limiting the execution of games, it is possible to limit the execution of games that are not necessary for the user to play, and as a result, the load on the game system 1 can be reduced.

[6. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

In the baseball game described above, the user's total earned points did not decrease according to the result of the game, but the user's total earned points may decrease according to the result of the game. For example, if an unfavorable play (such as a strikeout) is made by a player character on the user's team, the points awarded to the user may be reduced. As a result, if the amount of points awarded to the user in one match becomes negative, the user's total earned points may be reduced.

In this case, in step S124 or S128 of FIG. 8B, the maximum (Pmax) or minimum (Pmin) value that the user's total earned points can take at the end of the season, taking into account that the user's total earned points is reduced. should be calculated. For example, an upper limit may be set for the amount of reduction in the user's total earned points in one match, and the maximum value (Pmax) or minimum value (Pmin) may be calculated based on the upper limit.

Moreover, although the example in which the present invention is applied to a baseball game has been mainly described above, the present invention can also be applied to games other than the baseball game. For example, the present invention can also be applied to other sports games such as soccer games. Also, for example, the present invention can be applied to games other than sports games. For example, the present invention can be applied to a mahjong game, a shogi game, a go game, or a card game in which a card deck is used to compete against each other. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a game in which one of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information is determined as hierarchical information associated with identification information related to a user according to a predetermined rule based on the results of a predetermined number of games.

[7. Addendum] From the above description, the present invention can be understood as follows, for example. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the reference numerals shown in the drawings are appropriately written in parentheses, but this does not limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments.

1) A game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention, based on the results of a predetermined number of games (for example, 30 games), according to a predetermined rule (for example, FIG. 2), a plurality of hierarchical information (for example, ranks A to E). as hierarchical information (e.g. rank) associated with identification information (e.g. user ID) relating to the user; a determination means (130) for determining whether or not the hierarchy information determined by the determination means (120) can be specified at a time of execution based on the result of the game that has already been executed and the predetermined rule; When it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determination means (120) can be specified at the time when the at least one game has not been performed, the execution of the at least one game that has not been performed is performed. and a restricting means (140) for restricting.

10) A game control device (10 or 30) according to an aspect of the present invention associates any of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information with identification information related to a user according to a predetermined rule based on the result of a predetermined number of games. determining means (120) for determining as hierarchy information; and at a point in time when at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been performed, the determining means based on the results of the games that have been performed and the predetermined rule. determination means (130) for determining whether or not the hierarchy information determined by (120) can be specified; and limiting means (140) for limiting the execution of the at least one unexecuted game when it is determined that the hierarchical information can be specified.

11) Further, a program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer as the game system (1) according to any one of 1) to 9) or the game control device (10 or 30) according to 10) It is a program for functioning.

12) Further, an information storage medium according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the program according to 11).

13) A control method for a game system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention associates any of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information with identification information related to a user according to a predetermined rule based on the results of games played a predetermined number of times. determination steps (S108 to S112) for determining the hierarchy information; Determination steps (S120-S132, S136-S140) for determining whether or not the hierarchy information determined by the determination steps (S108-S112) can be specified; and a limiting step (S142, S144) of limiting execution of the at least one unexecuted game when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determining step can be identified.

14) A control method for a game control device (10 or 30) according to one aspect of the present invention is based on the result of a predetermined number of games, and according to a predetermined rule, one of a plurality of pieces of hierarchical information is identified by a user. determination steps (S108 to S112) for determining hierarchical information to be associated with information; a determination step (S120-S132, S136-S140) for determining whether or not the hierarchy information determined by the determination step (S108-S112) can be specified based on the determination step (S108-S112); a limiting step (S142, S144) of limiting the execution of the at least one unexecuted game when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determining step can be identified at a certain point in time. .

According to the inventions described in 1), 10) to 14) above, the hierarchy information to be associated with the identification information related to the user is normally determined according to a predetermined rule based on the results of the game played a predetermined number of times. When it is determined that the hierarchy information to be determined can be identified at a time when at least one game among the games is not executed, the execution of at least one game that has not been executed can be restricted. That is, it is possible to limit the execution of games that the user has little need to execute, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the game system.

2) In one aspect of the present invention, the determining means (120) selects the plurality of hierarchies when the result of the predetermined number of games satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g. promotion condition (or demotion condition, residual condition)). Predetermined hierarchical information (for example, one rank higher than the current rank (or one rank higher than the current rank, current rank)) of the information is determined as the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information. , the determining means (130) determines that, at the point in time when the at least one game has not been played, when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed, regardless of the result of the at least one game which has not been played. determining whether a predetermined condition will be satisfied based on the result of the played game; If it is determined that the predetermined condition will be satisfied when all of the predetermined number of games are completed, regardless of the outcome of the at least one game that has not been performed. Execution may be restricted.

According to the invention described in 2), when the result of a predetermined number of games satisfies a predetermined condition, the predetermined layer information among the plurality of layer information is usually associated with the identification information related to the user. When at least one game has not been played, and regardless of the result of at least one game that has not been played, it is determined that the predetermined condition will be satisfied when all the games have been completed for the predetermined number of times. Additionally, at least one unexecuted game run can be restricted. That is, in a game system that associates predetermined layer information among a plurality of layer information with identification information related to the user when the results of a predetermined number of games satisfy a predetermined condition, it is less necessary for the user to execute Execution of the game can be restricted, and as a result, the processing load of the game system can be reduced.

3) In one aspect of the present invention, further comprising changing means (110) for changing numerical information (e.g., total earned points) associated with the identification information based on the result of the executed game, the determining means ( 120), when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in a predetermined range (for example, a range of 1000 or more (or a range of less than 500, or a range of 500 or more and less than 1000)), the predetermined Hierarchical information (e.g., one rank higher than the current rank (or one rank higher than the current rank, current rank)) is determined as the hierarchical information associated with the identification information, and the determination means ( 130), at a point in time when the at least one game has not been played, based on the numerical information at that time, regardless of the result of the at least one game that has not been played, all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed. The limiting means (140) determines whether or not the numerical information at the time of the game is included in the predetermined range, and the limiting means (140) determines whether or not the at least one game has not been played. Regardless of the result of one game, when it is determined that the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed falls within the predetermined range, at least one of the unexecuted games is performed. Execution may be restricted.

According to the invention described in 3), usually, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the predetermined range, the predetermined layer information among the plurality of layer information is the identification related to the user. When associated with the information, when at least one game has not been played, regardless of the result of at least one game that has not been played, the numerical information at the time when all of the predetermined number of games have been completed is included in the predetermined range. Execution of at least one unexecuted game may be restricted if it is determined that the game will be played. That is, in a game system that associates predetermined layer information among a plurality of layer information with identification information related to the user when numerical information at the time when all the games of a predetermined number of times are completed is included in a predetermined range, the user can execute It is possible to limit the execution of games that are less necessary to play, and as a result, the load on the game system can be reduced.

4) In one aspect of the present invention, when the at least one game has not been played, the determination means (130) determines that the predetermined number of games have all been completed based on the numerical information at that time. Means for obtaining the maximum value (e.g. Pmax) or minimum value (e.g. Pmin) that the numerical information can take at a point in time; and means for determining whether or not the numerical information at the time of the determination is included in the predetermined range based on the maximum value or the minimum value.

According to the invention described in 4), when at least one game has not been played, based on the numerical information at that time, the maximum value or By acquiring the minimum value, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is within the predetermined range based on the maximum value or the minimum value.

5) In one aspect of the present invention, the determining means (120) determines that the numerical value information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is within a first predetermined range (for example, a range of less than 500). means (S112) for determining to change the hierarchical information associated with the identification information to hierarchical information lower than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information; is included in a second predetermined range (for example, a range of 500 or more and less than 1000), means for determining not to change the hierarchy information associated with the identification information from the hierarchy information currently associated with the identification information (S114) and, when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in a third predetermined range (for example, a range of 1000 or more), the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the currently associated identification information. (S110: No), the determining means (130) determines that the at least one game has not yet been executed, and means for determining to change the hierarchy information to a higher hierarchy information than the existing hierarchy information (S110: No). based on the numerical information, the range containing the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range The limiting means (140) determines whether or not the game is narrowed down to one, and the limiting means (140) includes the numerical information at the time when the at least one game has not been played and at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed. When it is determined that the range is narrowed down to any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range, execution of the unexecuted at least one game is restricted. can be

According to the invention described in 5), usually, based on which of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range the numerical value information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed, Where the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is determined from hierarchical information below the current hierarchical information, current hierarchical information, and hierarchical information above the current hierarchical information, at least At the point in time when one game has not been executed, the range containing the numerical information at the point in time when all the predetermined number of games have been completed is any one of a first predetermined range, a second predetermined range, and a third predetermined range. At least one unexecuted game execution can be restricted when it is determined that the game is narrowed down to one. That is, based on which of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is determined. , in a game system in which hierarchical information lower than the current hierarchical information, current hierarchical information, and hierarchical information higher than the current hierarchical information are determined, in which the user has a low need to execute a game. can be restricted, and as a result, the processing load of the game system can be reduced.

6) In one aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determination means (120) can be specified at the time when the at least one game has not been executed, the identification information A second determining means (150) may be included for determining the hierarchical information associated with the .

According to the invention described in 6), when it is determined that the hierarchy information determined by the determining means can be identified at a time point when at least one game out of the predetermined number of games has not been played, At least one unexecuted execution of the game is restricted, and hierarchical information associated with the identification information is determined. Hierarchical information associated with identification information associated with a user can also be determined while restricting the execution of games that the user has little need to play. That is, it is possible to reduce the load on the game system while ensuring that the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is determined.

7) In one aspect of the inventions described in 2) and 6), the second determining means (150) determines whether the at least one game has not been played at a time when the at least one game has not been played. When it is determined that the predetermined condition (e.g. promotion condition (or demotion condition, residual condition)) will be satisfied when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed, regardless of the result, the predetermined hierarchy information (For example, a rank one rank higher than the current rank (or a rank one rank higher than the current rank, the current rank)) may be determined as the hierarchical information associated with the identification information.

According to the invention described in 7), in a game system that associates predetermined layer information among a plurality of layer information with identification information related to a user when the result of a predetermined number of games satisfies a predetermined condition, It is possible to reduce the load on the game system while ensuring that the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is determined.

8) In one aspect of the inventions described in 3) and 6), the second determining means (150) determines whether the at least one game has not been played at a time when the at least one game has not been played. Regardless of the result, the numerical information (for example, total points earned) at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is in the predetermined range (for example, the range of 1000 or more (or the range of less than 500, the range of 500 or more and less than 1000)) may be determined as the hierarchical information to be associated with the identification information when it is determined that the predetermined hierarchical information will be included in the identification information.

According to the invention described in 8), when the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is included in the predetermined range, the predetermined layer information among the plurality of layer information is associated with the identification information related to the user. In such a game system, it is possible to reduce the load on the game system while ensuring that the hierarchical information associated with the identification information related to the user is determined.

9) In one aspect of the inventions described in 5) and 6), the second determination means (150) determines whether the predetermined number of games have been completed when the at least one game has not been played. When it is determined that the range including the numerical information in is narrowed down to the first predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is set to hierarchical information lower than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information means (S138) for determining to change to the second predetermined range when the at least one game has not been played and when the predetermined number of games have all been completed. means for determining not to change the hierarchy information associated with the identification information from the hierarchy information currently associated with the identification information when it is determined that the game will be narrowed down (S132: No); When it is determined that the range including the numerical information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed is narrowed down to the third predetermined range at the time when the game has not been executed, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is and means (S140) for determining to change to hierarchical information higher than the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information.

According to the invention described in 9), based on which of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range the numerical value information at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed, the user's In a game system in which hierarchical information associated with identification information is determined from hierarchical information lower than the current hierarchical information, current hierarchical information, and hierarchical information higher than the current hierarchical information, a user It is possible to reduce the load on the game system while ensuring that the hierarchical information associated with the relevant identification information is determined.

1 game system, N network, DB database, 10 server device, 11, 31 control unit, 12, 32 storage unit, 13, 33 communication unit, 30-1, 30-2, 30-N game terminal, 34 operation unit, 35 display unit 36 audio output unit 100 data storage unit D101 user data D102 player character data D103 team data D104 competition history data D105 play type data 110 numerical information change unit 120 first determination unit 130 Determination unit 140 Limitation unit 150 Second determination unit.

Claims (6)

granting means for granting points to the user based on the results of the games that have been executed in each of the predetermined number of games;
A hierarchy for associating predetermined hierarchy information among a plurality of hierarchy information with identification information related to the user when the points awarded to the user are within a predetermined range at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed. determining means for determining as information whether or not the points that can be given to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in the predetermined range, at least one of the games of the predetermined number of times; determination means for determining when the game is not executed;
When it is determined that the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when the at least one game has not been played and the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when all the games have been completed for the predetermined number of times are included in the predetermined range, the unplayed game limiting means for limiting execution of the game at least once in execution;
including
The determination means is
means for obtaining, at a time when the at least one game has not been played, the maximum or minimum value of points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed;
means for determining whether or not the points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are within the predetermined range, based on the maximum value or the minimum value. ,
game system. granting means for granting points to the user based on the results of the games that have been executed in each of the predetermined number of games;
A hierarchy for associating predetermined hierarchy information among a plurality of hierarchy information with identification information related to the user when the points awarded to the user are within a predetermined range at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed. determining means for determining as information whether or not the points that can be given to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in the predetermined range, at least one of the games of the predetermined number of times; determination means for determining when the game is not executed;
including
The determining means is
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a first predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining to change to hierarchical information lower than
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a second predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining not to change from
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a third predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining to change to hierarchical information higher than
The determination means is
means for obtaining, at a time when the at least one game has not been played, the maximum or minimum value of points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed;
The range including the points that can be given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range. means for determining whether or not based on the maximum value or the minimum value ,
At the point in time when the at least one game has not been executed, the range including the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the above. Further comprising a limiting means for limiting the execution of at least one unexecuted game when it is determined to be narrowed down to one of the third predetermined range,
game system. In the game system according to claim 1 or 2 ,
Each of the predetermined number of games is a game in which the user team competes against another team,
The granting means grants the user predetermined points for each type of play during the game according to the play performed by the player character of the user team in each of the predetermined number of games.
game system. granting means for granting points to the user based on the results of the games that have been executed in each of the predetermined number of games;
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a predetermined range, predetermined layer information among a plurality of layer information is used as identification information related to the user. determining means for determining as hierarchical information to be associated;
When at least one match out of the predetermined number of games has not been played, it is determined whether or not the points that can be awarded to the user are within the predetermined range when all the predetermined number of games are completed. a determination means for determining at a certain point in time;
When it is determined that the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when the at least one game has not been played and the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when all the games have been completed for the predetermined number of times are included in the predetermined range, the unplayed game limiting means for limiting execution of the game at least once in execution;
including
The determination means is
means for obtaining, at a time when the at least one game has not been played, the maximum or minimum value of points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed;
means for determining whether or not the points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are within the predetermined range, based on the maximum value or the minimum value. ,
game controller. granting means for granting points to the user based on the results of the games that have been executed in each of the predetermined number of games;
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a predetermined range, predetermined layer information among a plurality of layer information is used as identification information related to the user. determining means for determining as hierarchical information to be associated;
When at least one match out of the predetermined number of games has not been played, it is determined whether or not the points that can be awarded to the user are within the predetermined range when all the predetermined number of games are completed. a determination means for determining at a certain point in time;
including
The determining means is
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a first predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining to change to hierarchical information lower than
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a second predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining not to change from
When the points given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are included in a third predetermined range, the hierarchical information associated with the identification information is changed to the hierarchical information currently associated with the identification information. means for determining to change to hierarchical information higher than
The determination means is
means for obtaining, at a time when the at least one game has not been played, the maximum or minimum value of points that can be awarded to the user when all the games of the predetermined number of times have been completed;
The range including the points that can be given to the user at the time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed is narrowed down to any one of the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the third predetermined range. means for determining whether or not based on the maximum value or the minimum value ,
At the point in time when the at least one game has not been executed, the range including the points that can be given to the user at the point in time when all the games of the predetermined number of times are completed are the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, and the above. Further comprising a limiting means for limiting the execution of at least one unexecuted game when it is determined to be narrowed down to one of the third predetermined range,
game controller. A program for causing a computer to function as the game system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or the game control device according to claim 4 or 5 .

Images