JP7497066B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Pachinko gaming machines that are capable of so-called "setting suggestions" are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2020-075052 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the entertainment value of the game by using setting suggestions.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which was made to solve the above problem, is a gaming machine in which the degree of advantage to the player varies depending on which of multiple candidate settings is set as the current setting, and during the during-changing performance from when the decorative pattern that notifies the win/lose lottery result starts to change until it stops in a manner that corresponds to the win/lose lottery result, one of multiple types of change-corresponding images that are images different from the decorative pattern may be displayed, and which of the multiple types of change-corresponding images is displayed during the during-changing performance, which is a win change, where the corresponding win/lose lottery result is a win, is determined according to the current setting.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of the game by using setting suggestions.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the gameplay (specifications) of the gaming machine of this embodiment, where (a) is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the allocation of jackpots in each game state. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a game state image. 2A is a diagram for explaining a specific example 2-1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining a specific example 2-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. A diagram to explain specific effects (specific variable effects). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the probability of winning at a low probability state for each setting, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the suggestion effect after the waiting period is ended. This is a diagram showing the selection probability of various suggestive images in the suggestive performance after the wait is ended for each setting (a diagram showing a lottery table for determining the suggestive image to be displayed in the suggestive performance after the wait is ended). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-5. 13 is a diagram for explaining a variation response suggestion (variation response image). FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the drawing of a losing image lottery and the drawing of a winning image lottery. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-1. A figure for explaining specific example 5-1 (specific example of display lottery). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-6.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and has a guide rail 903 that is substantially arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big prize area 906, an outlet, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 is also provided with a number of game pegs that act as obstacles against which the game balls collide, causing changes in the way the game balls flow down. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pegs.

In such a gaming machine 1, gaming balls are launched toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning area such as the starting area 904 or the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that we will not explain components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays that store the gaming balls. These components can have the same structure as known gaming machines.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting area 904. In this embodiment, a first starting area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" starting area) are provided as the starting area 904. When a game ball enters the starting area 904, a number (winning/losing lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined winning number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, the notification of the winning/losing lottery result is started in the order in which the number is obtained (so-called fluctuation is started), but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not yet been completed, the newly obtained winning/losing lottery information is stored as reserved information in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown). The fact that reserved information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a reserved pattern 70.

In this embodiment, the pending pattern 70 is displayed with a pending pattern 71 corresponding to information in which the in-changing performance (the performance from when the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) indicating a certain winning/losing lottery result starts changing until the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) stops changing completely in a combination (described later) indicating the winning/losing lottery result, which is a so-called one rotation performance. In the following explanation, it may be simply referred to as "changing") that has started but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed (hereinafter, it may be referred to as pending information in the future), and a pre-changing pending pattern 72 corresponding to information in which the in-changing performance has not started (hereinafter, it may be referred to as pre-changing information) (see FIG. 2). Note that the pending pattern 71 (pending information in the future) is not strictly a "pending" because the in-changing performance for the corresponding winning/losing lottery result has already started, but it is generally referred to as "the pending change" or the like, so it is treated as a type of "pending" in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the basic shapes of the pending pattern 71 and the pre-change pending pattern 72 are the same, and in order to distinguish between the two, the pending pattern 71 is displayed larger than the pre-change pending pattern 72. The basic shapes of the pending pattern 71 and the pre-change pending pattern 72 may be completely different.

The maximum number of pre-change reserved information that can be stored is limited. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with regard to the reserved pattern 70 that corresponds to either special chart 1 or special chart 2, one currently changing reserved pattern 71 and up to four pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed (see Figure 2).

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the result of the lottery is notified to the player by the combination of decorative patterns 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative pattern groups 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, center decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative patterns 80 start to change, and finally one decorative pattern 80 is selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stops. If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative patterns 80 selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same decorative patterns 80). If a loss occurs, the combination will be something other than the combination that results in a jackpot. The decorative patterns 80 may be a combination of numbers and characters, etc.

Note that in some drawings, the reserved design 70 and decorative design 80 may be omitted.

2) Game state (specification), etc. The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called type one gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 3(a), in this embodiment, a normal gaming state and a special gaming state are set as gaming states in which a player plays aiming for the result of the winning/losing lottery to be a jackpot. In addition, a first special gaming state and a second special gaming state are provided as special gaming states. The normal gaming state is a low base state and a low probability state. The first special gaming state is a high base state and a high probability state. The second special gaming state is a high base state and a low probability state.

Here, the term "base" (low base state, high base state) refers to the ease with which a game ball can enter the starting area 904. The high base state is easier for a game ball to enter the starting area 904 (easier to be selected for winning or losing) than the low base state (also referred to as the "time-saving (state)"). Therefore, in terms of the "base," it can be said that the high base state is more advantageous for the player than the low base state. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out when a game ball enters the starting area 904, so the rate at which the number of balls held decreases is smaller in the high base state (the number of prize balls per number of balls fired is greater) than in the low base state. In the low base state (normal game state), the player fires a game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, a so-called "left hit" is performed. In the high base state (special game state), the player fires a game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, a so-called "right hit" is performed. The high base state is a state in which it is easier to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905 (see FIG. 1) than the low base state. The second starting area 904b is normally closed, and is opened by winning the lottery. When the second starting area 904b is open, if the game ball is aimed at the second starting area 904b (if it is hit to the right), the game ball will enter the second starting area 904b relatively easily. In the low base state, the probability of winning the lottery to open the second starting area 904b is extremely low (or even if it is won, the opening time is extremely short), so even if you hit to the right, the game ball will almost never enter the second starting area 904b (hitting to the right in the low base state is a "loss" for the player).

In addition, the low probability state and the high probability state (so-called probability change (probability change) state) refer to the high or low probability of winning the lottery based on the lottery information obtained when the game ball enters the starting area 904. In other words, it is easier to win the lottery result in the high probability state than in the low probability state, and it can be said to be advantageous for the player. As described later, the probability of a jackpot in the low probability state in this embodiment is about 1/219 (setting 1) to 1/149 (setting 6), while the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state is higher (about 1/50) than about 1/149 (the highest jackpot probability in the low probability state). The probability of a jackpot in the high probability state may also differ depending on the current setting. In this case, it is sufficient to set the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state to be higher than the probability of a jackpot in the low probability state for each setting.

In the normal game state, a left-handed hit is required, so the first winning/losing lottery (special chart 1 lottery) triggered by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a is held with a low probability. In the first special game state, a right-handed hit is required, so the second winning/losing lottery (special chart 2 lottery) triggered by the game ball entering the second starting area 904b is held with a high probability. In the second special game state, a right-handed hit is required, so the second winning/losing lottery (special chart 2 lottery) triggered by the game ball entering the second starting area 904b is held with a low probability.

When the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed. In a jackpot game, a unit game in which the jackpot area 906 (see FIG. 1; the jackpot area 906 is normally closed) is opened is repeated one or more times until a predetermined closing condition is met. The closing condition is met when either a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the jackpot after the jackpot area is opened (winning condition) or a predetermined time has passed after the jackpot area is opened (time condition). In this embodiment, if game balls are continuously shot toward the jackpot area in a jackpot game, the winning condition is met before the time condition is met. In other words, 10 game balls enter the jackpot area in one unit game. A unit game is also called a round (game). In the following description, a jackpot that includes N unit games is described with the letters "N round (R)".

In this embodiment, the first special game state continues until the next big win (see FIG. 3(a)). In other words, once the first special game state is entered, the high base state and high probability state continue until the next big win. Therefore, unless a special circumstance occurs, such as the player quitting the game midway through, the first special game state is one in which the player is virtually guaranteed to win the next big win in that state. Note that, like the second special game state, which will be described in detail later, the first special game state also ends when a predetermined number of consecutive misses occur, but the probability of the predetermined number of consecutive misses may be set so that it is not realistic to expect such a situation (for example, the predetermined number of times = 10,000 times).

In this embodiment, the second special game state continues until the winning/losing lottery result is a loss 10,000 times in a row (the so-called number of continuations is 10,000) (see FIG. 3(a)). In other words, once the second special game state is entered, the high base state and low probability state continue until the next big win. Details will be described later, but the big win probability in the low probability state in this embodiment is approximately 1/219 (setting 1) to 1/149 (setting 6). In other words, even with the lowest probability (1/219), it is virtually impossible for the winning/losing lottery result to be a loss 10,000 times in a row (the probability of this event occurring is (218/219) to the power of 10,000 even with the lowest setting). Therefore, it can be said that the second special game state is virtually guaranteed to win the next big win in that state, unless a special circumstance occurs, such as the player quitting the game midway. In addition, if the probability of winning a jackpot in the target game state (so-called continuation probability) is over 99%, the next jackpot in that state is virtually guaranteed. Also, like the first special game state, the second special game state may be set to continue until the next jackpot.

Winning a jackpot may trigger a transition in game state. Jackpots are classified as normal jackpots, first special jackpots, and second special jackpots. Other types of jackpots may also be provided. A normal jackpot transitions to a normal game state after the jackpot game ends. A first special jackpot transitions to a first special game state after the jackpot game ends. A second special jackpot transitions to a second special game state after the jackpot game ends.

In the normal game state, a normal jackpot and a first special jackpot may be won, but a second special jackpot cannot be won. In this embodiment, 75% of jackpots won in the normal game state (jackpot allocation) are normal jackpots and 25% are first special jackpots (see FIG. 3(b-1)). In the normal game state, a transition of the game state does not occur unless a jackpot is won, so there is no transition from the normal game state to the second special game state (through the second special jackpot game). In this embodiment, of the 75% of normal jackpots, 25% are 10-round normal jackpots and 50% are 3-round jackpots. Also, the first special jackpot is every 10 rounds. Note that the normal game state may be set so that a normal jackpot is not won. For example, all jackpots won in the normal game state (first win/lose lottery) may be set to be first special jackpots.

In the first special game state, a first special jackpot and a second special jackpot can be won, but a normal jackpot cannot be won. In this embodiment, 75% of jackpots won in the first special game state (jackpot allocation) are second special jackpots and 25% are first special jackpots (see FIG. 3(b-2)). In this embodiment, all jackpots won in the first special game state are 10-round jackpots.

In the second special game state, a normal jackpot and a first special jackpot can be won, but a second special jackpot cannot be won. In this embodiment, 75% of jackpots won in the second special game state (jackpot allocation) are normal jackpots and 25% are first special jackpots (see FIG. 3(b-3)). In this embodiment, all jackpots won in the second special game state are 10-round jackpots.

The probability of a jackpot in each game state (jackpot distribution) can be changed as appropriate, but it is preferable that the probability of a first special jackpot be the same in any game state (25% in this embodiment). In other words, it is preferable that the so-called probability rate be constant regardless of the game state. However, if it is a so-called V probability rate machine, it can be configured so that the probability rate differs depending on the game state.

Because of this configuration, the following gameplay (game flow) is realized. Generally, a player starts playing in the normal game state (low base and high probability state), which is the most unfavorable game state. In other words, the player hits the left hand side, aiming at the first starting area 904a, and plays the game with the aim of winning the first win/lose lottery, which is executed as a low probability lottery. If a normal jackpot (75%) is won after the first win/lose lottery, the game returns to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if a first special jackpot (25%) is won after the first win/lose lottery, the game returns to the first special game state after the jackpot game ends. Since the first special game state is a more favorable game state for the player than the normal game state, if the player wins a jackpot in the normal game state, the player will hope that the jackpot will be the first special jackpot.

In the first special game state, the player hits the right side, aiming at the second starting area 904b, and plays with the aim of winning the second win/lose lottery, which is executed as a high probability lottery. As mentioned above, the first special game state continues until the next jackpot, so unless the player stops playing, he or she can win the next jackpot while enjoying the benefits of being in the high base state (without losing too many balls). When a first special jackpot (25%) is won, the game will transition back to the first special game state after the jackpot game ends. When a second special jackpot (75%) is won, the game will transition to the second special game state after the jackpot game ends.

In the second special game state, the player hits the right side, aiming at the second starting area 904b, and plays with the aim of winning the second win/lose lottery, which is executed as a low probability lottery. As described above, the second special game state does not end until there are 10,000 consecutive misses (except in the case of winning a jackpot), and since it is unrealistic for this event to occur, unless the player stops playing, he or she can win the next jackpot while benefiting from the high base state (without losing too many balls) . If the first special jackpot (25%) is won, the game will transition to the first special game state after the jackpot game ends. If the normal jackpot (75%) is won, the game will transition to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends.

Because of this configuration, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment realizes a "two-loop" gameplay in which, once the first special game state is entered, at least two jackpots (a jackpot in the first special game state and a jackpot in the second special game state) can be won in the high base state. In other words, if the first special jackpot is won, the gameplay is such that at least two jackpots are guaranteed to be won in the high base state. Unlike the conventional method of realizing a "two-loop" by having the high base and high probability state (probability change state) continue at least twice, the "two-loop" is realized by always transitioning to a high base and low probability state (second special game state) in which the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed after the high base and high probability state (first special game state) (always passing through the second special game state before transitioning to the normal game state), which is a novel point.

In this embodiment, the first special jackpot can be won in the first special game state or the second special game state. Therefore, if the first special jackpot is won in the first special game state or the second special game state, the gameplay is such that the player is guaranteed to win at least two more jackpots in the high base state. In other words, if the first special jackpot is won in the high base state, the gameplay is such that the player returns to the first state of the "two-loop". Note that the first special game state is a state in which there is no possibility of winning a normal jackpot (even if the second special jackpot is won, there is a guaranteed jackpot remaining in the high base state), and the second special game state is a state in which there is a possibility of winning a normal jackpot. Therefore, it can be said that winning the first special jackpot in the second special game state is more valuable to the player than winning the first special jackpot in the first special game state.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above game state (specifications), etc. Note that the following specific examples may be used to create a configuration in which multiple technologies described in the following examples are combined and applied.

〇Specific example 1-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that it is possible to win the first special jackpot in the normal gaming state (the winning of the first special jackpot is determined as a result of the first win/lose lottery), in other words, a transition from the normal gaming state to the first special gaming state can occur, but it is also possible to set it so that there is no transition from the normal gaming state to the first special gaming state.

For example, in the normal game state, it is possible to win a second special jackpot and transition to the second special game state, but it is not possible to win a first special jackpot and transition to the first special game state (see Figure 4). In the second special game state, it is possible to win a first special jackpot and transition to the first special game state. In other words, it is set that in order to transition to the first special game state, it is necessary to transition to the second special game state first. In this case, when transitioning to the first special game state, a jackpot (first special jackpot) will have been won in the second special game state beforehand, resulting in gameplay in which at least three jackpots can be won in a high base state.

Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, the setting is described as not winning the second special jackpot in the normal gaming state, but the setting may be such that the second special jackpot can be won in the normal gaming state. In other words, the setting may be such that both the first special jackpot and the second special jackpot can be won in the normal gaming state (see FIG. 5).

This configuration results in a gameplay in which if the first special jackpot is won, two jackpots are guaranteed to be won in a high base state, and if the second special jackpot is won, one jackpot is guaranteed to be won in a high base state. In other words, a gameplay is realized in which the number of jackpots guaranteed to be won in a high base state differs depending on the type of special jackpot won.

Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, the first special jackpot can be won in the first special gaming state, but the first special jackpot can be never won in the first special gaming state. For example, all jackpots that can be won in the first special gaming state are second special jackpots, and the first special gaming state is inevitably transitioned to the second special gaming state (see FIG. 6). Even in this way, when the first special gaming state is transitioned to, the gameplay is guaranteed to have at least two jackpots in the high base state.

Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, the setting is described as being such that the first special jackpot can be won in the second separate gaming state, but the setting may be such that the first special jackpot cannot be won in the second special gaming state. For example, all jackpots that can be won in the second special gaming state are normal jackpots, and after the second special gaming state, the game inevitably transitions to the normal gaming state (see FIG. 7). Even in this way, when the game transitions to the first special gaming state, the gameplay is such that at least two jackpots in the high base state are guaranteed.

Specific example 1-5
The above specific examples 1-3 and 1-4 may be combined to set the first special jackpot to be impossible to win in either the first special gaming state or the second special gaming state. For example, all jackpots that can be won in the first special gaming state are second special jackpots, and all jackpots that can be won in the second special gaming state are normal jackpots (see FIG. 8). In this case, the gaming state will inevitably transition from the first special gaming state to the second special gaming state to the normal gaming state. In other words, the number of jackpots that can be won in the high base state is fixed to "two times."

3) Game Status Image In this embodiment, in the first special game state and the second special game state (i.e., the high base state), the game status image 10 is displayed in the display area 911. The period during which the game status image 10 is displayed may be any period. In this embodiment, the game status image 10 is displayed during a period from the start of the first special game state until a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the first special big win game (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the first period), and during a period from the start of the second special game state until a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the second special big win game (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the second period). Unlike this embodiment, the game status image 10 may be configured to be displayed at all times in the first special game state or the second special game state.

The game state image 10 (see FIG. 9) includes a first image 11, a second image 12, and an end image 13. The first image 11 is an image that represents the first special game state. In this embodiment, the first special game state is named "XX Chance", and an image containing the characters "XX Chance" is displayed as the first image 11. The second image 12 is an image that represents the second special game state. In this embodiment, the second special game state is named "XX Road ∞", and an image containing the characters "XX Road ∞" is displayed as the second image 12. As described above, the second special game state does not end unless the winning/losing lottery result is a loss 10,000 times in a row, and in fact continues until the next big win. In other words, since it appears to the player as a game state that continues endlessly until the next big win, it is named to include the characters "∞". The end image 13 is an image that indicates the end of the high base state (first special game state, second special game state). In this embodiment, an image containing the word "END" is displayed as the end image 13.

The game state images 10 are arranged in a predetermined direction in the order of first image 11, second image 12, and end image 13. In this embodiment, the first image 11, second image 12, and end image 13 are arranged from left to right. The game state images 10 include direction images 18 displayed between the first image 11 and the second image 12 and between the second image 12 and the end image 13. The direction images 18 indicate the directionality from the first image 11 to the second image 12 and from the second image 12 to the end image 13. In this embodiment, an "arrow" extending from the first image 11 to the second image 12 and from the second image 12 to the end image 13 is displayed as the direction image 18. It can be said that the first direction image 181, which points from the first image 11 to the second image 12, indicates the direction in which the game state will transition when a second special jackpot is won in the first special game state, and the second direction image 182, which points from the second image 12 to the end image 13, indicates the direction in which the game state will transition when a regular jackpot is won in the second special game state.

The first image 11 and the second image 12 may be in a normal state or in an emphasized state. It should be noted that both the first image 11 and the second image 12 are not in an emphasized state. In other words, when one of the first image 11 and the second image 12 is in an emphasized state, the other is in a normal state. The emphasized state may be more noticeable than the normal state. In this embodiment, the brightness of the image in the emphasized state is made higher than that of the image in the normal state (or the brightness of the periphery of the image is made higher) (see FIG. 9). There are various other methods for making the emphasized state more noticeable. For example, it is possible to make the normal state a "monochrome display" and the emphasized state a "color display". It is also possible to make the emphasized state larger than the normal state. These methods may be used in combination.

In the game state image 10 displayed in the first special game state (first period), the first image 11 is in an emphasized state, and the second image 12 is in a normal state (see FIG. 9(a)). A player who sees this can understand that the current game state is the first special game state (the "○○ Rush" state). In addition, the player can understand that the game state will transition to the second special game state (the "XX Load ∞" state) before the end of the high base state (the transition to the normal game state) indicated by the end image 13 (the high base state will not end suddenly).

In the game state image 10 displayed in the second special game state (second period), the second image 12 is in an emphasized state, and the first image 11 is in a normal state (see FIG. 9(b)). A player who sees this can understand that the current game state is the second special game state (the "XX Load ∞" state). The player can also understand that the first special game state (the "○○ Rush" state) has ended and the game has transitioned to the second game state. The player can also understand that the high base state indicated by the end image 13 may end (transition from the second special game state to the normal game state).

In this way, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has a first special gaming state and a second special gaming state, which are common gaming states in that they are high base states in which the next big win is virtually guaranteed, but strictly speaking they differ in that one is a high probability state and the other is a low probability state. Therefore, to prevent the player from becoming confused, the gaming state image 10 clearly shows the player that the two gaming states are different.

In addition, the game state image 10 in this embodiment shows the end of a state advantageous to the player (high base state) from a first special game state through a second special game state, making it easy to understand that this is a so-called "two-loop" game.

The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is a so-called setting pachinko machine, and the probability of winning a jackpot varies depending on the setting, but it is possible to achieve similar gameplay even with a configuration that does not have such settings.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the game state image 10. Note that the following specific examples may be used to apply a combination of multiple technologies.

〇Specific example 2-1
The game state image 10 may be displayed when it is determined that the second special game state will end and the game state will transition to the normal game state (for example, when a normal jackpot is won in the second special game state, during a normal jackpot game won in the second special game state, or when the normal jackpot game ends and the normal game state starts). In other words, the game state image 10 may be displayed to inform the player that the high base state will end.

This game state image 10 may have the end image 13 in an emphasized state (see FIG. 10(a)). In other words, since this game state image 10 is for notifying the player that the high base state is ending, the first image 11 and the second image 12 may be in a normal state, and the end image 13 may be in an emphasized state (note that the end image 13 included in the game state image 10 (see FIG. 9) displayed during the first period and the second period described above is in a normal state).

〇Specific example 2-2
Although it has been described that the game state image 10 in the above embodiment includes the end image 13 as well as the first image 11 and the second image 12, an image showing the normal game state (hereinafter referred to as the normal image 14) may be displayed instead of the end image 13. For example, it is conceivable that an image including a character such as "to normal" is displayed as the normal image 14 (see FIG. 10(b)). In addition, although not shown, the transition to the normal game state may be indirectly indicated by displaying an image including a character indicating a game method specific to the normal game state, such as "left hit", as the normal image 14.

The game state image 10 using the end image 13 as described in the above embodiment has the effect (nuance) of indicating the conditions for the "end" of the first special game state and the second special game state, which are advantageous states (high base states) for the player. On the other hand, the game state image 10 using the normal image 14 as in this example has the effect (nuance) of indicating the conditions for transitioning to the normal game state.

Specific example 2-3
The game state image 10 includes an image showing a game method (hereinafter, referred to as a game method image 15). Since the first special game state and the second special game state are both states where a player should "hit right", a game method image 15 including the characters "hit right" is displayed. The game method image 15 is displayed in association with (associated with) the first image 11 and the second image 12 (see FIG. 11). Although not shown, the game method image 15 may be displayed after displaying an image surrounding the first image 11 and the second image 12. This allows a player who sees the game state image 10 to easily understand that the game flow is one in which a player should "hit right" at least twice in a row.

A "left hit" game method image 15 may be displayed in association with the end image 13 (see FIG. 11). In other words, the end of the high base state (second special game state) means a transition to the normal game state, which is a state in which "left hit" is required, so the game method when the high base state ends may also be included in the game state image 10. In this way, a player who sees the game state image 10 can easily understand that when the second special game state ends, the state will transition to "left hit", i.e., the normal game state.

Specific example 2-4
It has been explained that the game state image 10 in the above embodiment includes, as directional images 18, a first directional image 181 from the first image 11 toward the second image 12 (indicating the direction of transition of the game state when a second special jackpot is won in the first special game state) and a second directional image 182 from the second image 12 toward the end image 13 (indicating the direction of transition of the game state when a normal jackpot is won in the second special game state), but the game state image 10 may include other directional images 18 indicating transitions of the game state.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12(a), a third direction image 183 pointing from the first image 11 toward the first image 11 (indicating the direction of transition of the game state when the first special jackpot is won in the first special game state), and a fourth direction image 184 pointing from the second image 12 toward the first image 11 (indicating the direction of transition of the game state when the first special jackpot is won in the second special game state) may be displayed. In this way, the direction image 18 may indicate the direction of transition of the game state that may occur.

In the case of this example, the basic aspects of the first direction image 181 and the second direction image 182 may be different from the basic aspects of the third direction image 183 and the fourth direction image 184. For example, it is possible to make the first direction image 181 and the second direction image 182 "white" arrows, and the third direction image 183 and the fourth direction image 184 "red" arrows (shown by hatching in the drawing) (see FIG. 12 (b)). The first direction image 181 and the third direction image 183 indicate the transition direction from the first special game state, and are in a relationship in which when one transition occurs, the other transition does not occur (in a "branching" relationship), so the basic aspects of the two are made different. Similarly, the second direction image 182 and the fourth direction image 184 indicate the transition direction from the second special game state, and are in a relationship in which when one transition occurs, the other transition does not occur (in a "branching" relationship), so the basic aspects of the two are made different. In addition, since winning the first special jackpot in the first special game state or the second special game state is an event that is more advantageous to the player (than winning the second special jackpot in the first special game state or winning a normal jackpot in the second special game state), the basic aspects of the third direction image 183 and the fourth direction image 184, which represent the transition direction of the game state that is advantageous to the player, are made different from the basic aspects of the first direction image 181 and the second direction image 182, which represent the transition direction of the game state that is less advantageous than the aforementioned transition direction. By making the game state image 10 in this way, the details of the game flow can be more clearly shown. Note that, as a method of making the basic aspects different, methods other than the above-mentioned method of making the "colors" different can also be considered. For example, it is possible to make the arrows of the third direction image 183 and the fourth direction image 184 "thicker" than those of the first direction image 181 and the second direction image 182.

However, the game state image 10 described in the above embodiment (a game state image that does not include the third direction image 183 or the fourth direction image 184; see FIG. 9) can be said to indicate the transition direction of the game state that is most likely to occur in each special game state. In other words, in the first special game state, the probability of winning the second special jackpot (75%) is higher than the probability of winning the first special jackpot (25%), so the first direction image 181 indicates the transition direction when the second special jackpot is won. In the second special game state, the probability of winning the normal jackpot (75%) is higher than the probability of winning the first special jackpot (25%), so the second direction image 182 indicates the transition direction when the normal jackpot is won. In this way, by showing only the transition direction of the game state that is most likely to occur in each special game state with the direction image 18 (while not displaying the direction images 18 (the third direction image 183 and the fourth direction image 184 described above) that show the transition direction of the game state that is less likely to occur), the structure of the game state image 10 is simplified, which has the advantage of making the image easier to understand.

Specific example 2-5
The game state image 10 includes a current status display 19 according to the current game state. In accordance with the above embodiment, the current status display 19 is included in addition to the first image 11, the second image 12, the end image 13, and the direction image 18. The game state image 10 displayed in the first special game state (first period) displays the current status display 19 including the characters "XX Rush" (see FIG. 13(a)), and the game state image 10 displayed in the second special game state (second period) displays the current status display 19 including the characters "XX Road ∞" (see FIG. 13(b)).

In the case of this example, it is not necessary to highlight the first image 11 or the second image 12 according to the current game state. That is, in the above embodiment, the game state image 10 displayed in the first special game state has the first image 11 highlighted (the second image 12 is in the normal state), and the game state image 10 displayed in the second special game state has the second image 12 highlighted (the first image 11 is in the normal state), and it has been explained that the game state corresponding to the highlighted image is shown to the player. However, if the current state display 19 is included as in this example, the current game state is shown by the current state display 19, so it is not necessary to highlight the first image 11 or the second image 12 (it is not necessary to change the first image 11 or the second image 12 according to the current game state). However, the current game state may be more clearly shown to the player by performing an operation to highlight the first image 11 or the second image 12 in addition to the current state display 19.

Specific example 2-6
Although it has been described that the game state image 10 in the above embodiment includes the direction image 18, such a direction image 18 may not be included. As long as the first image 11, the second image 12, and the end image 13 are displayed side by side as in the above embodiment, it can be said that the game flow (the transition direction of the game state) can be roughly grasped, so it is also possible to make the game state image 10 not include the direction image 18.

〇Specific example 2-7
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the game state image 10 is displayed not only in the first special game state (first period) but also in the second special game state (second period), but the configuration may be such that the game state image 10 is displayed in the first special game state but not in the second special game state.

The feature of the gameplay (specifications) of the gaming machine 1 described in the above embodiment is that it does not suddenly transition from the first special game state to the normal game state, and a jackpot is virtually guaranteed even in the second special game state, making it a "double loop" (a gameplay in which at least two jackpots can be obtained in a high base state). In light of this, if the game state image 10 is displayed in the first special game state from which the "double loop" is about to begin, this will be sufficient to explain the "double loop," and the game state image 10 may be configured not to be displayed in the second special game state.

4) Specific Effects In this embodiment, specific effects may occur as effects constituting the effects during fluctuation. In this embodiment, specific effects may occur in the normal game state (hereinafter, the game state in which the specific effects may occur may be referred to as the "specific game state"). Note that in the normal game state, which is the specific game state, specific effects do not occur every time there is a fluctuation. In addition, a game state other than the normal game state may be configured as the specific game state.

The specific effect may be any specific form as long as the player can understand that it has occurred and distinguish it from other effects. In this embodiment, the specific effect is called "XX Zone". When a specific effect occurs, an image (specific effect image 20) containing the characters "XX Zone" is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 14(b)). The specific effect starts before it is determined whether the winning/losing lottery result in the variable effect will be a jackpot (for example, the specific effect does not start after the outcome of the reach effect that leads to an outcome according to the winning/losing lottery result is determined). In other words, at least at the time when the specific effect starts, the player does not know whether the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the variable effect will be a jackpot. The winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the variable effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the specific variable effect) including the specific effect may be a loss (see FIG. 14(d)). The timing at which the specific effect ends may be any. In this embodiment, the specific effect image 20 continues to be displayed until the specific variable effect ends.

As mentioned above, there are three types of jackpots that can be won in the normal game state (specific game state): the 10-round first special jackpot, the 10-round normal jackpot, and the 3-round normal jackpot. The jackpot distribution is 25% for the 10-round first special jackpot, 25% for the 10-round normal jackpot, and 50% for the 3-round normal jackpot (see Figure 3 (b-1)). Of the three types of jackpots, the "highest jackpot" that is most valuable to the player is the 10-round first special jackpot. Note that the "value" for the player here is determined based on the expected value of the profit that the player will obtain by winning the jackpot. This "expected value of profit" refers not only to the profit obtained from the jackpot game of the jackpot itself that was won, but also to the game state to which the player will transition after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, it refers to the expected value of profit obtained from winning a jackpot in the normal game state until the game transitions back to the normal game state. Although the 10-round first special jackpot and the 10-round normal jackpot are both 10-round jackpots, the game state to which they subsequently transition is the first special game state in the former and the normal game state in the latter, so that when the profits obtained by transitioning to the first special game state (at least two jackpots that can be obtained in the high base state) are taken into account, the expected profit value of the 10-round first special jackpot is greater than that of the 10-round normal jackpot. Also, although the 10-round normal jackpot and the 3-round normal jackpot are both in common in that they both transition to the normal game state after the jackpot game ends, the profits obtained from the jackpot game itself are greater in the former than in the latter, so that the expected profit value of the 10-round normal jackpot is greater than that of the 3-round normal jackpot. In the following explanation, the magnitude of the expected profit value is sometimes expressed as the magnitude (high/low) of value.

In this embodiment, the combination of decorative patterns 80 (three of the same type of decorative patterns 80) determines which jackpot has been won. In the case of a 10-round first special jackpot, the jackpot is announced by three decorative patterns 80 of "7" (see FIG. 14(c-1)). In the case of a 10-round normal jackpot, the jackpot is announced by three decorative patterns 80 of odd numbers other than "7" (see FIG. 14(c-2)). In the case of a 3-round normal jackpot, the jackpot is announced by three decorative patterns 80 of even numbers (not shown). It is also possible to have a so-called promotion effect occur during the variation effect, which makes it appear as if a 10-round normal jackpot or a 3-round normal jackpot has been won, but which actually indicates that it was a 10-round first special jackpot.

In the following explanation, of the jackpots that can be won in the normal game state (specific game state), the 10-round first special jackpot, which is the most valuable to the player, is sometimes referred to as the "specific jackpot." Also, of the jackpots that can be won in the normal game state (specific game state), the 10-round regular jackpot and the 3-round regular jackpot, which are not specific jackpots, are sometimes referred to as "non-specific jackpots." Also, of these non-specific jackpots, the 10-round regular jackpot is sometimes referred to as the "first non-specific jackpot," and the 3-round regular jackpot, which is less valuable to the player than the 10-round regular jackpot, is sometimes referred to as the "second non-specific jackpot."

In this embodiment, when the result of the lottery is announced as a jackpot during the specific variation performance, the probability Y of the jackpot being a specific jackpot (10 rounds, first special jackpot) is 50% (see FIG. 14(c-1)). On the other hand, if the occurrence of a specific performance is not taken into consideration (regardless of whether a specific performance has occurred or not), the probability X of the jackpot won in the normal game state (specific game state) being a specific jackpot (10 rounds, first special jackpot) is 25% (X corresponds to the proportion of specific jackpots among all jackpots that can be won in the normal game state) (see FIG. 3(b-1)). In other words, the relationship of Probability Y>Probability X is satisfied. Note that although Probability Y is higher than Probability X, Probability Y is not 100%. In other words, a jackpot announced during a variation performance including a specific performance is not necessarily a specific jackpot (10 rounds, first special jackpot), and the jackpot announced during the variation performance may be a non-specific jackpot.

Because it is configured in this way, from the player's perspective, if the player wins during a specific variation in which a specific variation occurs (a variation that transitions to the "XX Zone"), the probability that it will be the most valuable specific jackpot for the player (the first special jackpot of the 10th round) is higher than the probability with the basic jackpot allocation.

Note that some conventional gaming machines have a gameplay in which if a player wins during a variation that generates a certain specific effect, the jackpot is confirmed to be a specific jackpot (for example, a machine equipped with an effect that, when it occurs, results in a "guaranteed special jackpot" effect). However, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment differs from the above conventional gaming machines because, even if a player wins during a specific variation effect, it does not necessarily result in a specific jackpot (it may also be a non-specific jackpot). By implementing this embodiment, even if a specific effect occurs and a jackpot occurs, it does not necessarily mean that it will be a specific jackpot, realizing a gameplay that keeps the player glued to the screen until the type of jackpot is determined.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications of the above-mentioned specific performance-related matters. Note that the following specific examples may be used to create a configuration in which multiple techniques are combined and applied.

Specific example 3-1
When a specific jackpot is won in a specific game state, a specific performance is always set to occur. In other words, a specific jackpot is always set to be notified by a specific variation performance. On the other hand, a jackpot notified by a variation performance that is not a specific variation performance is not a specific jackpot, but is set to be a non-specific jackpot. In this way, the occurrence of a specific performance functions as a necessary condition for winning a specific jackpot (a specific performance must occur in order to win a specific jackpot), realizing an easy-to-understand gameplay.

Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that, among the multiple types of jackpots that can be won in a specific game state, the jackpot that is most valuable to the player (the 10th round first special jackpot) is the specific jackpot, but other jackpots may also be configured to be the specific jackpot.

In addition, two or more types of jackpots may be configured as specific jackpots. For example, a 10-round jackpot that includes both a 10-round first special jackpot and a 10-round normal jackpot may be configured as a specific jackpot (see FIG. 15). When configured as in the above embodiment, the probability X of a 10-round jackpot combining a 10-round first special jackpot and a 10-round normal jackpot is 50% (see FIG. 3(b-1)), so the probability Y of a jackpot won during a specific variation performance being a 10-round jackpot may be greater than 50% and less than 100%. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the probability Y of a jackpot won during a specific variation performance being a 10-round jackpot is set to 80%, and the probability X of a 3-round jackpot is set to 20%.

Specific example 3-3
When a jackpot is announced in the specific variable performance, not only the probability of a specific jackpot that is valuable to a player is increased, but also the probability of a jackpot that is less valuable is decreased.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first non-specific jackpot (10-round normal jackpot) and the second non-specific jackpot (3-round normal jackpot) are set as jackpots with lower value than the specific jackpot (10-round first special jackpot), and the jackpot announced during the specific variation performance may be a specific jackpot or a first non-specific jackpot, but may not be a second non-specific jackpot (the jackpot with the lowest value among the three types of jackpots) (see FIG. 16). If the probability Y of the jackpot won during the specific variation performance being a specific jackpot is 50% as in the above embodiment, the probability of the jackpot won during the specific variation performance being a first non-specific jackpot is 50%. By doing this, even if the jackpot announced during the specific variation performance is not a specific jackpot, it will be a first non-specific jackpot (which is more valuable than the second non-specific jackpot), so that the player is prevented from being significantly disappointed when it turns out that it was not a specific jackpot.

In particular, as in the above example, if the number of rounds M1 of the specific jackpot and the number of rounds M2 of the first non-specific jackpot are set to exceed the number of rounds N of the second non-specific jackpot (M1, M2>N), such as when the specific jackpot and the first non-specific jackpot are 10 round jackpots and the second non-specific jackpot is 3 rounds, then when a jackpot is announced during the specific variable performance, it is confirmed that the jackpot game will result in a profit (balls) exceeding a certain standard (it is confirmed that the jackpot will be more than N rounds), so the occurrence of the specific performance can be said to give the player a certain sense of security.

Specific example 3-4
When a jackpot is announced in the specific variation performance, whether or not it is a specific jackpot (10 rounds first special jackpot) is not clear during the specific variation performance (not clear from the winning combination of decorative patterns 80) (see Figs. 17(a) and (b)), but is clear during the jackpot game (clear here means that it is clearly announced to the player in the performance, and does not include determining the type of jackpot won by the lighting pattern of the lamps, etc.). Specifically, a post-performance (see Fig. 17(c)) occurs during the jackpot game, and the player is notified of whether or not it is a specific jackpot by the conclusion of the post-performance (see Figs. 17(d-1) and (d-2)). For example, it is conceivable to have a battle performance occur as the post-performance. It is possible to execute a battle scene as a post-event performance in which an ally character, which is the player's character, fights against an enemy character, and if a specific jackpot is won, the ally character ends up winning (see Figure 17 (d-1)), and if a specific jackpot is not won (a non-specific jackpot is won), the ally character ends up losing (the enemy character wins) (see Figure 17 (d-2)).

In this example, it is preferable that the specific effect is in a form that indicates a relationship with the post-event effect. In other words, since the post-event effect occurs after the specific variable effect in which the specific effect occurred, it is preferable that the occurrence of the specific effect suggests the occurrence of the post-event effect in the future. For example, if a battle effect is executed as the post-event effect as described above, it is possible to make the specific effect image 20 displayed in the specific effect include the characters "battle zone" (see FIG. 17(a)) to suggest the occurrence of a battle in advance. In other words, it is possible to make an image that includes at least a part of the name of the effect that occurs as the post-event effect be displayed as the specific effect image 20. In this way, by making the specific effect function as a hint at the occurrence of a post-event effect that has the possibility of obtaining a specific jackpot, the flow of the game becomes easier to understand.

Specific Example 3-5 (a combination of Specific Examples 3-3 and 3-4)
As described above, the number of rounds M1 of the specific jackpot and the number of rounds M2 of the first non-specific jackpot are set to exceed the number of rounds N of the second non-specific jackpot. For example, as in the above embodiment, the specific jackpot and the first non-specific jackpot are set to 10 rounds, and the second non-specific jackpot is set to 3 rounds.

In this case, a post-performance is executed in the specific jackpot game and the first non-specific jackpot game (see FIG. 18(b)), and it is determined whether the jackpot won in the post-performance is a specific jackpot (see FIG. 18(c-1)) or a first non-specific jackpot (see FIG. 18(c-2)). The outcome of the post-performance is determined after the start of the N+1th round of unit play in the jackpot game. In other words, the post-performance ends after the start of the N+1th round. As described above, if the second non-specific jackpot is a three-round jackpot, the outcome of the post-performance is determined after the start of the fourth round (see FIG. 18(c-1)(c-2)).

When a jackpot is announced during the specific variation performance, it is determined that it is a jackpot of more than N rounds, since there is no possibility that it is a second non-specific jackpot, which is the Nth round. Therefore, in a jackpot game that is executed after the specific variation performance, the post-performance can be executed so that the outcome is known after the start of the N+1th round (making it easier to secure the execution time of the post-performance). If the jackpot announced during the specific variation performance is configured to be a second non-specific jackpot (an Nth round jackpot), the outcome of the post-performance must be known by the end of the Nth round. In other words, it can be said that the setting of the execution period of such a post-performance is possible because the jackpot announced during the specific variation performance is set so that there is no possibility that it is a second non-specific jackpot (it is determined that it is at least a jackpot of more than N rounds).

5) Settings and Setting Suggestions 5-1) Settings The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called "setting-equipped pachinko machine." The "setting" here refers to each of the settings divided into a plurality of stages that differ in the degree of advantage for the player. There are various methods for differentiating the "degree of advantage." In this embodiment, the probability of winning the lottery in a low probability state, that is, the probability of winning the jackpot, is different. In this embodiment, six types of candidate settings 1 to 6 are provided. The probability of winning the jackpot in a low probability state increases in order from candidate setting 1. In this embodiment, the probability of winning the jackpot is about 1/219 for candidate setting 1, about 1/195 for candidate setting 2, about 1/185 for candidate setting 3, about 1/175 for candidate setting 4, about 1/165 for candidate setting 5, and about 1/149 for candidate setting 6 (see FIG. 19). Naturally, the higher the jackpot probability, the easier it is to win the jackpot, so "setting 1" is the least favorable setting for the player (lowest setting), and "setting 6" is the most favorable setting for the player (highest setting). Any of the candidate settings 1 to 6 is set by a gaming store clerk as the current setting (hereinafter referred to as the current setting) and is made available to the player at the gaming store (the player cannot change the current setting). Any structure may be used for setting or changing the current setting, so a detailed description will be omitted. For example, it is conceivable to provide a keyhole into which a setting key can be inserted inside the gaming machine 1, and to make it possible to set or change the current setting by operating the setting key.

The method of differentiating the "degree of advantage" is not limited to the probability of winning a jackpot in a low probability state. Other probabilities may be targeted as long as they affect the player's profits (expected value of balls won). For example, the probability of winning a jackpot in a high probability state may be targeted. Also, the percentage of jackpots that transition to an advantageous gaming state after the end of a jackpot game (in this embodiment, the percentage of a first special jackpot) may be targeted.

In addition, in this embodiment, candidate setting 1 (lowest setting) has an extremely low payout rate (expected value) when set as the current setting, and is not intended to be used as the current setting in principle (since there is a high probability of causing large losses to the player, it is communicated to gaming establishments not to use candidate setting 1 unless absolutely necessary). This type of setting is sometimes referred to as "setting L", etc.

5-2) Setting Suggestion 5-2-1) Suggestion after Waiting is Over The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of executing a setting suggestion (setting suggestion effect) that suggests the current setting. As one of such suggestions, it is possible to execute a suggestion after waiting is over.

If the in-fluctuating performance is not being performed, the machine transitions to a standby state. Specifically, when the in-fluctuating performance is not being performed and a predetermined standby condition is met, the machine transitions to a standby state. In this embodiment, one of the standby conditions is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the in-fluctuating performance ended. In addition, the standby condition is that the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on and the initial operation (checking the operation of the display device 91, movable role, and light-emitting body, etc. Since the initial operation itself is publicly known, detailed explanation is omitted) is completed. Therefore, the state in which no one has played after the gaming establishment has opened (the so-called "first thing in the morning state" in which the in-fluctuating performance has not been performed even once) is the standby state. In the standby state, a video (demo movie) introducing the gaming machine 1 and a customization screen (a screen for adjusting the volume and light intensity), etc. are displayed on the display device 91. In this embodiment, the standby state ends when a new in-fluctuating performance starts.

The setting suggestion effect occurs in the first during-waiting effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the after-waiting-elimination change) that is executed after the end of the standby state. The setting suggestion (effect) that occurs in the after-waiting-elimination change is referred to as the "after-waiting-elimination suggestion (effect)." In this embodiment, the after-waiting-elimination suggestion effect always occurs in the after-waiting-elimination change. Specifically, the after-waiting-elimination suggestion effect occurs between the start of the after-waiting-elimination change and the passage of a specified time. Note that this specified time is shorter than the time (so-called change time) between the start of the after-waiting-elimination change and its end (when the announcement of the winning/losing lottery result is completed). In other words, the after-waiting-elimination suggestion effect is executed during a portion of the beginning of the after-waiting-elimination change.

The after-waiting suggestion effect is one of a plurality of suggestion images 30 displayed in the display area 911. The suggestion image 30 is displayed in the display area 911 where the decorative pattern 80 indicating the winning/losing lottery result that the player is paying attention to is displayed, so there is a low possibility that the suggestion image 30 (occurrence of after-waiting suggestion effect) will be overlooked (for example, it is not easy for the player to overlook such as a suggestion by a light or the like). In this embodiment, one of five suggestion images 30 (first suggestion image 31 to fifth suggestion image 35) is displayed based on the current setting. As long as the various suggestion images 30 can be distinguished from each other, the specific form of the various suggestion images 30 may be any form. In this embodiment, the first suggestion image 31 represents character A, the second suggestion image 32 represents character B, the third suggestion image 33 represents character C, the fourth suggestion image 34 represents character D, and the fifth suggestion image 35 represents character E, which are different types of characters from each other.

When it is decided that a post-waiting release variation will be executed, the type of suggestion image 30 to be displayed in the post-waiting release variation is determined based on the current settings. Note that whether or not the result of the win/lose lottery corresponding to the post-waiting release variation is a jackpot does not affect the determination of the type of suggestion image 30 (the type of suggestion image 30 is determined solely based on the current settings). Basically, the first suggestion image 31, the second suggestion image 32, the third suggestion image 33, the fourth suggestion image 34, and the fifth suggestion image 35 are set in this order so that they are more likely to indicate a high setting when displayed (the fifth suggestion image 35 has the highest expectation of a high setting). In particular, in this embodiment, the various suggestion images 30 are set to have the following characteristics.

The second suggestion image 32 and the third suggestion image 33 can be displayed regardless of whether the current setting is "Setting 1" to "Setting 6." Of these, the third suggestion image 33 is more likely to be displayed the higher the setting. The fifth suggestion image 35 will not be displayed unless the current setting is one of "Setting 4" to "Setting 6." Therefore, when the fifth suggestion image 35 is displayed, it is determined that the setting is "Setting 4" or higher. Also, even when comparing "Settings 4" to "Setting 6," the higher the setting, the higher the probability that the fifth suggestion image 35 will be displayed.

The first suggestion image 31 is a special suggestion image 30 that is not displayed unless the current setting is "Setting 1" (the lowest setting) (it is not displayed for any of the other settings, "Setting 2" to "Setting 6"). If the suggestion effect after the end of the waiting period in which the first suggestion image 31 is displayed is considered a "special suggestion effect", then this special suggestion effect will not occur unless "Setting 1", the most unfavorable candidate setting for the player, is set as the current setting. As mentioned above, "Setting 1" is not something that should normally be used during actual business hours, but if the first suggestion image 31 is displayed in the suggestion effect after the end of the waiting period, it is confirmed that it is "Setting 1". Therefore, the display of the first suggestion image 31 is a message to the player that they should not play the gaming machine in question.

The fourth suggestion image 34 will not be displayed if the current setting is "Setting 1" (the lowest setting) (it may be displayed if the setting is any of the other settings, "Setting 2" to "Setting 6"). If the fourth suggestion image 34 is not displayed upon encountering a suggestive performance after the waiting period has ended to a certain extent, then it is highly likely that the current setting is not "Setting 1". Also, assuming that "Setting 1" is not used, it can be said that the higher the setting, the more likely it is to be displayed.

In this way, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment executes the post-wait-cancellation suggestion effect in the post-wait-cancellation change, which is the first during-change effect after the wait state is canceled. Since the game resumes after entering the wait state, it is possible that the player has changed, and this realizes gameplay in which setting suggestions are given to the new player at the beginning of the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, a special suggestion effect (display of the first suggestion image 31) that would not occur unless "Setting 1", the most unfavorable candidate setting for the player, was set as the current setting, may be executed immediately after starting play. In other words, since players often find out that "Setting 1" is the current setting immediately after starting play, this is intended to reduce the number of players who continue to play with "Setting 1" (even if the gaming establishment uses "Setting 1", which should not be used as the current setting).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned post-wait cancellation suggestions. Note that the following specific examples may be used to create a configuration in which multiple techniques described below are combined and applied.

Specific example 4-1
If the lowest setting, "Setting 1," is the current setting, a special suggestive effect will always occur when the waiting is cleared. For example, if the lottery table for determining the suggestive image 30 to be displayed as the suggestive effect after the waiting is cleared is as shown in FIG. 21, and if "Setting 1" is the current setting, a suggestive effect after the waiting is cleared in which the first suggestive image 31 is displayed will always occur.

As mentioned above, "Setting 1" is something that should not be used as the current setting, but if, as in this example, a special suggestion effect is always generated when the setting changes after the standby state is cleared, any player who starts playing a game with "Setting 1" set as the current setting from a standby state will be exposed to the special suggestion effect without fail, which will reduce the number of players who continue to play "Setting 1".

Specific example 4-2
The suggestive effect after the end of standby can occur (the suggestive image 30 may be displayed) only when the current setting is the lowest setting, "Setting 1". In other words, it does not occur (the suggestive image 30 is not displayed) when a setting other than "Setting 1" is the current setting (see FIG. 22(a)). As described above, if the purpose is to inform the player that the current setting is "Setting 1", which should not be used in the first place, it is sufficient to make the suggestive effect after the end of standby occur only when "Setting 1" is the current setting. Note that this example suggests "Setting 1" or other settings ("Setting 2" to "Setting 6"), so there is no need to change the type of suggestive image 30 displayed according to "Setting 2" to "Setting 6". In other words, only one type of image may be provided as the suggestive image 30.

If it is assumed that there is a 100% probability that a suggestive effect will occur after the wait is resolved (suggestive image 30 will be displayed) when the current setting is "Setting 1" (see FIG. 22(b)), then by simply coming into contact with the suggestive effect after the wait is resolved once, it will be possible to determine whether the current setting is "Setting 1" or another setting.

If, as in the above embodiment, the post-wait-ending suggestion effect is configured to have the potential to suggest any setting, there is a risk that some players may intentionally switch to a waiting state in order to enjoy the setting suggestion effect of the post-wait-ending suggestion effect, which could hinder the promotion of play. However, by making the post-wait-ending suggestion effect function only to distinguish between "Setting 1" and any other setting, as in this example, this risk can be reduced.

Specific example 4-3
The special suggestion effect (the effect that confirms that "Setting 1" is the current setting) as explained in the above specific examples 4-1 and 4-2 may be made to occur at a timing other than the change after the waiting period ends. Since the special suggestion effect is executed to minimize the number of players playing "Setting 1", it is preferable that it occurs as frequently as possible.

Examples of when this occurs include when a jackpot game starts or ends, when customizing the volume, light intensity, and the probability of various effects occurring, etc. In particular, "customization" is likely to be performed by a new player, so it is an effective time to generate a special suggestion effect that informs players that "Setting 1" is the current setting.

Specific example 4-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the first during-change performance (change after the end of the standby state) executed after the standby state always generates the after-standby suggested performance, but the after-standby suggested performance may not necessarily be generated by the after-standby change. For example, when the standby state is released, a lottery (with a winning probability of ≠ 100%) is held to decide whether or not to execute the after-standby suggested performance, and the after-standby suggested performance is generated only if the lottery is won.

As in the above embodiment, if the post-wait-elimination suggestion effect is always generated when the wait-elimination change occurs (the player will notice this), there is a risk that some players will intentionally switch to a waiting state in order to enjoy the setting suggestion effect of the post-wait-elimination suggestion effect, which could hinder the promotion of play. However, by configuring the game so that the post-wait-elimination suggestion effect does not always occur when the wait-elimination change occurs, as in this example, this risk can be reduced.

Specific example 4-5
As described above, the after-waiting cancellation suggestion performance is a setting suggestion given to a new player. However, even if the player has been switched to a waiting state, there is a possibility that the player has not changed. In light of this, if the time T (the time of the continuous waiting state) from switching to the waiting state until it is released is a predetermined time or more, the after-waiting cancellation suggestion performance may occur in the after-waiting cancellation fluctuation, but if it is less than the predetermined time, the after-waiting cancellation suggestion performance does not occur in the after-waiting cancellation fluctuation (see FIG. 23). In other words, whether or not the after-waiting cancellation suggestion performance occurs is determined depending on whether or not the time from the end of the last executed during-changing performance to the start of the newly started during-changing performance (after switching to the waiting state) is a specified time or more.

The longer the specified time is, the higher the probability that the player has changed. However, if the specified time is too long, a situation will frequently occur in which the suggestive performance does not occur after the waiting period ends, even though the player has changed. Therefore, the specified time needs to be an appropriate length to increase the probability of the former situation occurring, while decreasing the probability of the latter situation occurring.

5-2-2) Fluctuation Response Suggestion The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing setting suggestions (fluctuation response suggestions) using the fluctuation response image 40. The fluctuation response image 40 is displayed in a normal gaming state. However, it may be displayed in other gaming states. It may also be displayed in a situation where a special presentation mode is set (it is not displayed unless the presentation mode is set). Note that in drawings other than those for explaining the fluctuation response suggestion (drawings other than FIG. 24), the illustration of the fluctuation response image 40 is omitted.

In this embodiment, there are four types of candidates that can be displayed as the variation corresponding image 40: a first variation corresponding image 41 to a fourth variation corresponding image 44. As long as the various variation corresponding images 40 can be distinguished from one another, the specific form of the various variation corresponding images 40 may be any. In this embodiment, the first variation corresponding image 41 represents an "apple," the second variation corresponding image 42 represents "grapes," the third variation corresponding image 43 represents a "peach," and the fourth variation corresponding image 44 represents a "watermelon" (in FIG. 24, what the various variation corresponding images 40 represent is indicated by "letters").

In this embodiment, in normal game mode, one of multiple types of change-compatible images 40 is selected and displayed for each change. Which type of change-compatible image 40 will be displayed in each change-in-progress performance is determined before the win/lose lottery result is announced. In this embodiment, multiple types of change-compatible images 40 change as the change-in-progress performance begins (see FIG. 24(a)), and when the change stops, it is determined that one type of change-compatible image 40 has been selected (see FIG. 24(b)). In the following explanation, when the change-compatible image 40 is referred to as "displayed," it means that it has been displayed as a result of the selection.

The type of change-compatible image 40 to be displayed is determined by a lottery (an image lottery different from a win/lose lottery) that is executed for each change. The image lottery is different between a losing image lottery (see FIG. 25(a)) that is executed when determining the type of change-compatible image 40 to be displayed in a change-in-progress performance (a losing change) in which the corresponding win/lose lottery result is a lose, and a winning image lottery (see FIG. 25(b)) that is executed when determining the type of change-compatible image 40 to be displayed in a change-in-progress performance (a winning change) in which the corresponding win/lose lottery result is a jackpot.

The losing image lottery (see FIG. 25(a)) is a lottery in which the lottery format does not change regardless of the current setting. In other words, whether the current setting is "Setting 1" to "Setting 6", the probability that various variation-corresponding images 40 will be displayed does not change. In other words, which variation-corresponding image 40 is displayed in a losing variation (see FIG. 24(c-2)) does not indicate the current setting. In this embodiment, the first variation-corresponding image 41, the second variation-corresponding image 42, the third variation-corresponding image 43, and the fourth variation-corresponding image 44 have the lowest probability of being displayed in a losing variation (the fourth variation-corresponding image 44 has the lowest probability).

The winning image lottery (see FIG. 25(b)) has different lottery patterns depending on the current settings. Therefore, which variation-compatible image 40 is displayed during a winning variation (see FIG. 24(c-1)) functions as an indication of the current settings. In this embodiment, the various variation-compatible images 40 have the following setting suggestion characteristics.

The first variation corresponding image 41 (apple) is most likely to be displayed in a winning variation in all settings. As described above, in this embodiment, the first variation corresponding image 41 is most likely to be displayed in all settings even in a losing variation, so the first variation corresponding image 41 is most likely to be displayed regardless of whether the variation is a winning variation or a losing variation.

The more advantageous the setting (high setting) is for the player, the higher the probability that the second variation corresponding image 42 (grapes) will be displayed in a winning variation. In other words, the display of the second variation corresponding image 42 in a winning variation is an event that increases the probability of a high setting, and can be said to be an event that is advantageous to the player.

The third variation corresponding image 43 (peach) is more likely to be displayed in a winning variation in the cases of "Setting 2", "Setting 4", and "Setting 6" (even number settings) than in the cases of "Setting 1", "Setting 3", and "Setting 5" (odd number settings). In other words, the higher the probability that the third variation image is displayed in a winning variation, the higher the probability that it is an "even number setting" (either "Setting 2", "Setting 4", or "Setting 6"). Conversely, the lower the probability that the third variation image is displayed in a winning variation, the lower the probability that it is an "odd number setting" (either "Setting 1", "Setting 3", or "Setting 5").

The fourth change corresponding image 44 is displayed in a winning change only when one or more target settings (one or more candidate settings counted from the highest setting "Setting 6") that are part of a plurality of types of candidate settings are set as the current setting. In this embodiment, the target setting is a type of "Setting 6". Therefore, when the fourth change corresponding image 44 is displayed in a winning change, the current setting is confirmed to be the highest setting "Setting 6". As described above, the fourth change corresponding image 44 can also be displayed in a losing change, and when the fourth change corresponding image 44 is displayed in a certain change during performance, if a jackpot is announced in that change during performance, "Setting 6" will be confirmed, so that a player who knows this will be more likely to hope for a jackpot when the fourth change corresponding image 44 is displayed in the change during performance. Unlike this embodiment, for example, if the corresponding settings are configured to be "Setting 4" to "Setting 6", if a jackpot occurs in the change during performance in which the fourth change corresponding image 44 is displayed, "Setting 4" or higher will be confirmed as a game.

In this way, the variation response suggestion in this embodiment is interesting in that one type of variation response image 40 is displayed for each variation, and the current setting is suggested by the type of variation response image 40 displayed for a winning variation.

In addition, in this embodiment, all of the multiple types of variation-compatible images 40 can be displayed for losing variations, and are not displayed only for winning variations. Therefore, the result of the lottery (win/lose) cannot be known in advance from the variation-compatible images 40.

Below, we will explain specific examples in which the above-mentioned matters related to the variation response suggestions have been improved, concretized, modified, etc. Note that the configuration may also be one in which multiple combinations of the techniques explained using the following specific examples are applied.

Specific example 5-1
The configuration is such that the change-compatible image 40 is not necessarily displayed every time the change-in-progress performance is performed. A lottery (display lottery) is performed to determine whether or not the change-in-progress image 40 is displayed each time the change-in-progress performance is performed, and if the display lottery is won (however, the probability of winning the display lottery is ≠ 100%), the change-in-progress image 40 is displayed (see FIG. 26). As in the above embodiment, if a configuration is used in which a plurality of types of change-in-progress images 40 change during the change-in-progress performance, if the display lottery is won, the change stops and one of the change-in-progress images 40 is selected (see FIG. 26(b-1)), but if the display lottery is not won, none of the change-target images are selected (see FIG. 26(b-2)). There are various methods for indicating that none of the change-target images have been selected. For example, a method is considered in which the change of the change-in-progress image 40 is not stopped and none of the change-target images are selected (see FIG. 26(b-2)). In addition, although not shown, a method can be considered in which an image other than the variation corresponding image 40 (an image corresponding to a so-called blank pattern) is displayed to indicate that none of the variation target images have been selected.

If the variation that wins the display lottery turns out to be a jackpot, the setting suggestion effect of the variation corresponding image 40 will be expressed (see FIG. 26(c-1)), but otherwise the setting suggestion effect of the variation corresponding image 40 will not be expressed (see FIG. 26(c-2), (c-3), (c-4)). If the variation that wins the display lottery turns out to be a winning variation, the setting suggestion effect will not be expressed (see FIG. 26(c-3)).

It is preferable that the winning probability of the display lottery is constant regardless of whether the variation is a win or a loss (see FIG. 27(a-1)). In other words, it is preferable that whether or not the variation-compatible image 40 is displayed is not affected by the result of the win/loss lottery. In this way, it is possible to configure the system so that whether or not the variation-compatible image 40 is displayed does not function as an indication of the reliability of a jackpot (the variation-compatible image 40 functions purely as an indication of the setting).

However, in contrast to this, the probability of winning the display lottery may be different in the case of a winning variation and in the case of a losing variation. For example, the probability of winning the display lottery may be higher in the case of a winning variation than in the case of a losing variation, i.e., the variation-compatible image 40 is more likely to be displayed (see FIG. 27(a-2)). In this case, whether or not the variation-compatible image 40 is displayed functions as an indication of the reliability of a jackpot.

In addition, it is preferable that the winning probability of the display lottery is constant (same for all settings) regardless of the current setting (see FIG. 27(b-1)). In other words, it is preferable that whether or not the variation-compatible image 40 is displayed is not affected by the current setting. By doing so, it is possible to configure the game so that whether or not the variation-compatible image 40 is displayed does not function as a setting suggestion (only the type of variation-compatible image 40 that is displayed in the event of a winning variation functions as a setting suggestion).

However, differently from this, the probability of winning the display lottery may be made different depending on the current setting. For example, the higher the current setting, the higher the probability of winning the display lottery, i.e., the more likely the change-compatible image 40 is to be displayed (see FIG. 27(b-2)). In such a case, whether or not the change-compatible image 40 is displayed (the probability of displaying it) itself functions as a setting suggestion.

If the winning probability of the displayed lottery differs between a winning variation and a losing variation, and the winning probability of the displayed lottery differs depending on the current setting, then a different winning probability can be set for each setting between a winning variation and a losing variation (see Figure 27 (c)).

Specific example 5-2
A history display 50 is displayed, which includes frequency data, which is the number of times each of the multiple types of variation corresponding images 40 was displayed in a winning variation. The history display 50 includes frequency data during a predetermined period, and is reset when a predetermined reset condition is met. The history display 50 includes frequency data displayed in association with each of the first variation corresponding image 41 to the fourth variation corresponding image 44. For example, when a jackpot is notified in a variation in which the first variation corresponding image 41 (apple) is displayed, the frequency data corresponding to the first variation corresponding image 41 is increased by "1". It is preferable that the history display 50 displays the number of winning variations during a predetermined period, that is, the number of jackpots (hereinafter referred to as winning data), in association with the frequency data. For example, it is conceivable that each of the first variation corresponding image 41 to the fourth variation corresponding image 44 is displayed in the form of a "fraction" in which the frequency data is represented in the "numerator" and the winning data is represented in the "denominator" (see FIG. 28). In this way, the number of times each variation corresponding image 40 is displayed per winning variation (the probability of each variation corresponding image 40 being displayed) can be easily grasped, which helps the player to guess the setting.

The history display 50 may be displayed at all times, or may be displayed only when the player so desires. If the latter is used, it may be configured to be displayed, for example, by operating an operating means (such as a push button or a cross key) in standby mode.

By doing this, the player no longer needs to remember the number of times (display probability) that various history images have been displayed due to winning fluctuations.

○ Specific Example 5-3 (History display reset conditions explained in Specific Example 5-2)
There are various possible conditions for resetting the history display 50 (count data and winning data). Only some of the conditions described below may be adopted as the reset conditions. In addition, two or more conditions may be set as the reset conditions, and the display may be reset when only one of them is met.

(1) Turning the power OFF/ON
If the history display 50 is reset by turning the power off and on, data for each business day of the gaming establishment can be confirmed.
In contrast to this, if the history display 50 is not reset by turning the power off and on, data across the business days of the gaming establishment (including past business days) can be confirmed.

(2) Changing the current settings (setting change)
If the history display 50 is reset by changing the current setting (including re-entering the same setting, such as changing from "Setting 1" to "Setting 1"), the data after the setting change can be confirmed. From another perspective, the player can determine whether or not a setting change has been made by whether or not the history display 50 has been reset.
In contrast, if the history display 50 is not reset even when a setting change is made, it becomes impossible to determine whether a setting change has been made based on whether the history display 50 has been reset. If it is considered undesirable that whether a setting change has been made can be easily determined based on whether the history display 50 has been reset, it is preferable to not reset the history display 50 even when a setting change is made.

(3) Reset Operation The history display 50 is reset by performing a specific reset operation. This reset operation can be performed by the gaming establishment (a gaming establishment staff member) but cannot be performed by the player. In other words, the history display 50 can be reset by operating a button or the like provided in a location that can only be accessed by a gaming establishment staff member (a person who has a key to open the inside of the gaming machine 1).

Specific Example 5-4 (Daily display of the history display explained in Specific Example 5-3)
The history display 50 shows data for a predetermined period on a "daily" basis. Specifically, the number of times data for a predetermined number of days in the past, including the current day, can be displayed on a daily basis (FIG. 29 shows the history display 50 including the past data for the past two days). The gaming machine 1 is provided with a non-volatile storage means for storing past data and a means for acquiring date and time (real-time clock), and is capable of grasping which day's data corresponds to the data stored in the storage means. If the data for the past two days is to be displayed, the data from three days ago or earlier may be automatically erased. Any method may be used to display the data for each day. All data may be displayed on one screen (one page), or the data for each day may be switched and displayed by operating the operating means (push button or cross key) (the data for a preferred day may be displayed by switching pages).

It is common for gaming establishments to want to appeal to players that they are using "high settings." By doing as in this example, players can infer from the history display 50 that "high settings" have been used not only on the current day (current business day) but also on past business days, which helps to appeal to the gaming establishment.

When doing as in this example, as explained in Specific Example 5-3 above, it is necessary to configure the device so that the reset condition is not met by turning the power off/on, and the reset condition is not met by changing the settings either. Since gaming establishments usually turn off the power to the gaming machine 1 every time they close for business, it is necessary to ensure that the reset is not met by turning the power off or on, as long as the configuration is such that the number of times data for past business days is displayed. Furthermore, since gaming establishments may change the settings for each business day, it is necessary to ensure that the reset is not met even if the settings are changed, as long as the history display 50 shows what the settings were for past business days. Note that since gaming establishments may not want past number of times data to be displayed, it is preferable to configure the device so that the reset can be done by "(3) Reset Operation" explained in Specific Example 5-3 above.

Specific example 5-5
The history display 50 described in the above specific examples 5-2 to 5-4 may display data related to setting suggestions other than the variation response suggestions. In other words, instead of or in addition to the variation response suggestions, the history display 50 including data related to other setting suggestions may be displayed. For example, it is conceivable that when a predetermined condition is satisfied, one of a plurality of setting suggestion images is displayed (a configuration in which which setting suggestion image is displayed is determined according to the current setting), and the number of times each type of setting suggestion image is displayed during a predetermined period is displayed as the history display 50.

Specific example 5-6
Although it has been explained that the various variation correspondence images 40 in the above embodiment can be displayed even in the case of a miss variation, and do not themselves indicate the reliability of a big win, a variation correspondence image 40 that indicates an increase in the reliability of a big win may be provided. Specifically, in addition to the variation correspondence images 40 that exhibit the reliability indication function described above (the first variation correspondence image 41 to the fourth variation correspondence image 44 described in the above embodiment), a specific variation correspondence image 40T that increases the reliability of a big win when displayed compared to when not displayed is provided (see FIG. 30(a)). The specific aspect of the specific variation correspondence image 40T may be any, but it is preferable that it includes an element that indicates an increase in reliability. For example, it is possible to include the character "super hot".

When a specific variation corresponding image 40T is selected and displayed for a certain variation (see FIG. 30(b-1)), there is a higher probability that the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to that variation will be a jackpot than when any of the first variation corresponding image 41 through the fourth variation corresponding image 44 are displayed (see FIG. 30(b-2)). This configuration achieves a gameplay in which the variation corresponding image 40 may suggest the likelihood of a jackpot.

When the specific variation corresponding image 40T is displayed, a big win may be confirmed. In addition, multiple types of specific variation corresponding images 40T, each with a different degree of big win reliability when displayed, may be set.

Also, for all variations (every variation), the setting may be such that the variation corresponding image 40 including the specific variation corresponding image 40T is not displayed as shown in FIG. 30(a). In other words, the setting may be such that multiple types of variation corresponding images 40 not including the specific variation corresponding image 40T are displayed as variations, or multiple types of variation corresponding images 40 including the specific variation corresponding image 40T are displayed as variations (in the former case, the specific variation corresponding image 40T may be displayed, and in the latter case, the specific variation corresponding image 40T may not be displayed).

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as slot machines, except for the use of a configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines.

In the above embodiment, the winning/losing lottery results are set as a jackpot and a losing lottery result, and the winning lottery result is obtained (the winning lottery game is executed), but the winning lottery may be obtained via a small winning lottery. Since the gameplay that allows the winning lottery to be obtained via a small winning lottery (the gameplay of a so-called "two-type game machine") is well known, detailed explanations will be omitted. For example, if the winning lottery is set to lead to the winning of a small winning lottery (except in the case of an irregular event such as a malfunction of the game machine or the player not playing as instructed), the winning lottery probability described in the above embodiment may be set to the sum of the probability of winning a jackpot (the probability of a direct win) and the probability of winning a small winning lottery. Conversely, winning a small winning lottery that is impossible or difficult to obtain (a small winning lottery that does not lead to the winning of a jackpot) may be set to not be a winning lottery. In other words, regardless of the type of win (big win, small win), the actual probability of winning a big win (actual jackpot probability) should be the jackpot probability described in the above embodiment, and the low and high probabilities of the winning/losing lottery should refer to the high and low of the actual jackpot probability.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・Method 1-1
A gaming machine comprising: a starting area in which the entry of a game ball triggers a winning/losing lottery; and a game state setting means for changing a game state in which a game is played with the aim of winning a jackpot after the winning/losing lottery, according to the type of jackpot won; the game states include a normal game state which is a low base state and a low probability state, a first special game state which is a high base state and a high probability state in which the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed to be won in that state, and a second special game state which is a high base state and a low probability state in which the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed to be won in that state; the jackpots include a normal jackpot which transitions to the normal game state after a jackpot game ends, a first special jackpot which transitions to the first special game state after a jackpot game ends, and a second special jackpot which transitions to the second special game state after a jackpot game ends; and in the first special game state, it is possible to win the second special jackpot, but not the normal jackpot, while in the second special game state, it is possible to win the normal jackpot.
However, the high base state is a state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the starting area than the low base state, and the high probability state is a state in which the probability of winning the win/lose lottery is higher than in the low probability state.
According to the gaming machine described above, when the first special gaming state is entered, an interesting gaming feature can be realized in which at least two jackpots can be won in the high base state.

・Method 1-2
The gaming machine described in Means 1-1, characterized in that in the normal gaming state, the first special jackpot can be won.
By doing so, the gameplay can be changed from the normal game state to the first special game state.

・Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in Means 1-1 or 1-2, wherein the second special jackpot is not won in the normal gaming state.
By doing so, the gameplay is such that there is no transition from the normal game state to the second special game state.

・Method 1-4
A gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that in the first special gaming state, the first special jackpot can be won.
・Method 1-5
A gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-4, characterized in that in the second special gaming state, the first special jackpot can be won.
By doing this, if a player wins the first special jackpot in a high base state (first special game state, second special game state), a gameplay is realized in which the player can win two jackpots in an even higher base state from there.

・Method 1-6
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-5, characterized in that in the first special game state or the second special game state, a game state image including a first image representing the first special game state and a second image representing the second special game state is displayed.
By doing this, the player can easily understand that the first special game state (high probability state) and the second special game state (low probability state) are strictly different game states (preventing player confusion).

・Method 1-7
The gaming machine described in means 1-6 is characterized in that the first image and the second image are in a normal state or an emphasized state that is more noticeable than the normal state, the gaming state image displayed in the first special gaming state is the first image in an emphasized state and the second image in a normal state, and the gaming state image displayed in the second special gaming state is the second image in an emphasized state and the first image in a normal state.
By doing so, the player can easily grasp the current game state (first special game state, second special game state).

・Method 1-8
The gaming machine described in Means 1-6 or 1-7, wherein the game status image includes a directional image extending from the first image toward the second image.
By doing so, it is possible to easily grasp that the game flow is one in which the first special game state transitions to the second special game state.

・Method 2-1
A gaming machine in which a specific performance can occur as a performance constituting a variation performance from when a decorative pattern notifying a win/lose lottery result in a specific gaming state starts to vary until it stops in a manner showing the win/lose lottery result, characterized in that a specific win is set as one of a plurality of types of wins that can be won in the specific gaming state, and when the win/lose lottery result in the specific gaming state is a win, the probability that the win is the specific win is X%, and the probability that the win notified in the specific variation performance, which is the variation performance including the specific performance, is the specific win is Y%, where Y ≠ 100 and X < Y.
The gaming machine described above provides an interesting gaming experience in that, when a player wins, a special performance occurs which increases the probability of a special win (however, this does not guarantee a special win).

・Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the specific performance is started before it is determined whether the result of the lottery for the specific variable performance is a win or a loss.

・Method 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the specific winning is a winning with the highest expected profit value among a plurality of winnings that can be won in the specific gaming state.
In this way, when a special effect occurs, the player can expect it to be the most valuable special win.

・Method 2-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 2-1 to 2-3 is characterized in that the multiple types of winnings that can be won in the specific game state include a non-specific winning having a lower expected value of profit obtained than the specific winnings, and as the non-specific winnings, a first non-specific winning and a second non-specific winning having a lower expected value of profit obtained than the first non-specific winning are provided, and the winning notified in the specific variation performance may be the specific winning or the first non-specific winning, but there is no possibility that it will be the second non-specific winning.
By doing this, when a win occurs after the occurrence of a specific performance, not only is the probability of a specific win increased, but the gameplay is improved so that the possibility of a second non-specific win, which is of low value to the player, is eliminated.

・Method 2-5
The gaming machine described in means 2-4 is characterized in that the winning game is a unit game in which a predetermined winning area is opened one or more times until a predetermined closing condition is met, the second non-specific winning game executed when the second non-specific winning is won includes N times of the unit game, and the specific winning game executed when the specific winning is won and the first non-specific winning game executed when the first non-specific winning is won include more than N times of the unit game.
By doing this, if a specific presentation occurs and a win occurs, the gameplay is determined to be one in which the win includes more than N unit games.

・Method 2-6
A gaming machine according to any one of means 2-1 to 2-5, characterized in that during a winning game notified by the specific variable performance, a post-performance occurs to notify whether the winning game is the specific winning game or not.
In this way, if a win occurs after a specific effect has occurred, it may be possible to determine whether or not a specific win has occurred by a post-event effect that occurs during the winning game.

Method 2-7
The post-event performance is executed in the specific winning game or the first non-specific winning game, and the outcome is determined after the start of the N+1th unit game since the start of the winning game, and whether or not it is the specific winning game is notified based on the state of the outcome.
When a win occurs after the specific performance occurs, the possibility of a second non-specific win including N unit games is eliminated, so the outcome of the post-performance can be made clear at the transition to the N+1th unit game (it is easy to secure the time to execute the post-performance).

Measure 3-1
A gaming machine in which the degree of advantage to a player varies depending on which of a plurality of candidate settings is set as the current setting, the gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing an effect during the change from when the decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/lose lottery starts to change until it stops in a manner according to the result of the win/lose lottery; and a standby state transition means for transitioning to a standby state when a predetermined standby condition that can be established when the change during the change during the change is not being executed is established; and the gaming machine is characterized in that a setting suggestion effect suggesting the current setting is executed during the change after the standby is cleared, which is the first change during the change during the change during which the first change during the change is executed after the standby state ends.
According to the gaming machine described above, a novel gaming feature is realized in which setting suggestions are given to a new player at the beginning of the game.

Measure 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the setting suggestion presentation is based on an image displayed on a display device that displays the decorative pattern.
By doing this, the risk of the player overlooking the occurrence of a setting suggestion effect is reduced.

Measure 3-3
A gaming machine as described in means 3-1 or 3-2, characterized in that when, among the plurality of candidate settings, the lowest candidate setting that is the most disadvantageous to the player is set as the current setting, a special suggestion effect, which is the setting suggestion effect that would not be executed if a candidate setting other than the lowest candidate setting is set as the current setting, is executed during the fluctuation after the standby state is released.
By doing this, it is possible to reduce the number of players who continue to play with the lowest candidate setting as the current setting.

・Method 4-1
This gaming machine provides different degrees of advantage to a player depending on which of a number of candidate settings is set as the current setting, and during the in-variation performance from when the decorative pattern indicating the result of the win/lose lottery starts to change until it stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/lose lottery, one of a number of types of change-corresponding images, which are images different from the decorative pattern, may be displayed, and which of the multiple types of change-corresponding images is displayed during the in-variation performance, which is a win variation, in which the corresponding win/lose lottery result is a win, is determined according to the current setting.
According to the gaming machine, an interesting gaming experience is realized in which the current setting is suggested by the type of the change corresponding image displayed upon winning change.

Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that any of the multiple types of change-corresponding images can be displayed even during a loss change, which is a change-in-progress performance in which the corresponding win/lose lottery result is a loss.
In this way, by making the variation response image displayable even in the case of a losing variation, it becomes impossible to know the winning or losing lottery result in advance based on the variation response image.

Measure 4-3
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 or 4-2 is characterized in that during a specified period, a history display including number data indicating the number of times each of the plurality of types of the variation corresponding images has been displayed in the winning variation is displayed.
By doing this, it is possible to check after the fact how many times each of the variation corresponding images was displayed in a winning variation.

Measure 4-4
The gaming machine described in Means 4-3 is characterized in that the history display is not reset by turning the power off/on.
This allows you to check data on the number of times that the transaction spans multiple business days.

Measures 4-5
The gaming machine described in means 4-3 or 4-4 is characterized in that the history display is not reset by changing the current setting.
In this manner, whether or not a setting has been changed cannot be determined based on whether or not the history display has been reset.

Measures 4-6
The gaming machine described in Means 4-5 citing Means 4-4, characterized in that the history display shows the number of times data for each day included in the specified period.
This allows past frequency data to be checked on a daily basis.

1 Gaming machine 10 Game status image 11 First image 12 Second image 13 End image 14 Normal image 15 Game method image 18 Direction image (181 to 184 First direction image to fourth direction image)
19 Current status display 20 Specific performance image 30 Suggested image (31-35 First suggested image to fifth suggested image)
40 Variation corresponding image (41 to 44 first variation corresponding image to fourth variation corresponding image)
50 History display 70 Reserved pattern 80 Decorative pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which the degree of advantage to a player varies depending on which of a plurality of candidate settings is set as a current setting,
During the performance in which the decorative pattern notifying the winning/losing lottery result is stopped in a manner corresponding to the winning/losing lottery result from the start of the change, any one of a plurality of change-corresponding images, which is an image different from the decorative pattern, may be displayed;
The plurality of types of variation corresponding images may be displayed in both a winning variation, which is a variation during which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a winning one, and a losing variation, which is a variation during which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a losing one,
The game machine is characterized in that the probability of displaying a certain type of the variation corresponding image among the plurality of types of the variation corresponding images differs according to the current state setting in the winning variation, but is the same regardless of the current state setting in the losing variation .

Images