JP7497864B2 - GAME SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR OPERATING GAME SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to games.

Systems have been proposed in which multiple users voluntarily provide rewards for the provision of various services. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which multiple users who view content such as moving images provide virtual items to the distributor of the content.

Patent No. 6001757

However, in conventional systems, it is not easy to actually give users a sufficient incentive to provide a medium of value for a particular service. In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to encourage users to provide a medium of value.

To solve the above problems, a game system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a value medium, a medium receiving unit that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user, and a playback control unit that causes a playback device to play a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the playback device to play a dramatic effect related to the virtual character when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium.

A method of operating a game system according to one aspect of the present invention involves progressing a game played by a user by consuming a value medium, accepting an optional provision of the value medium from the user, causing a playback device to play a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and, when the provision of the value medium is accepted, causing the playback device to play a dramatic effect related to the virtual character.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer system to function as a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a value medium, a medium receiving unit that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user, and a playback control unit that causes a playback device to play a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium, causes the playback device to play a dramatic effect related to the virtual character.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a management unit. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a guide screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a gaming unit. 11 is a flowchart illustrating specific steps of processing executed by a control device of a gaming unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reception device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a game screen. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a game screen. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a confirmation screen. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a confirmation screen. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process for causing a virtual character to move. 13 is a flowchart illustrating specific steps of a process executed by a control device of a gaming unit in relation to tipping of a value medium. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of notification data. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a game screen. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a control device of a management unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the presentation effect when "medal" is selected. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the presentation effect when "coin" is selected. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the presentation effect when "electronic money" is selected. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a control device of the control system. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of a process executed by a terminal device in relation to tipping. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a guide screen in a modified example.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below includes various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[First embodiment]
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a game system 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the game system 1 of the first embodiment includes a game device 10 and a control system 20. Note that although the actual game system 1 includes multiple game devices 10, the following description focuses on one game device 10 for convenience.

The gaming device 10 is installed, for example, in a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game center or a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The gaming device 10 is a computer system that provides games to users Ua (i.e., players) in the gaming facility. The gaming device 10 used in a casino is also called a gaming machine.

The game device 10 comprises a management unit 30 and multiple game units 40. Each of the multiple game units 40 is a device used by a user Ua to play a game. One or more users Ua play a game using different game units 40. The management unit 30 is a device that controls the progress of the game played by each game unit 40. Note that the multiple game units 40 may be configured integrally with the management unit 30, or may be configured separately from the management unit 30.

The control system 20 is a computer system for controlling the operation of the game device 10. For example, a server system installed outside the gaming facility is used as the control system 20. The control system 20 is operated by an administrator Ub. The administrator Ub is a user such as an employee of the organization that operates the control system 20. An event (hereinafter referred to as a "special event") is held in which the administrator Ub remotely manages the progress of a game played by multiple users Ua. The special event is held for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as the "implementation period") within the gaming facility. The special event is held multiple times during different implementation periods.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management unit 30. As illustrated in Figure 2, the management unit 30 includes a control device 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, a playback device 34, a lottery device 35, and an imaging device 36. The management unit 30 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

The control device 31 is composed of, for example, one or more processors that control each element of the management unit 30. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The storage device 32 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, a well-known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 32.

The lottery device 35 is a mechanism that executes a physical lottery that randomly selects one of multiple lottery elements. The winning/losing status of the user Ua is determined according to the result of the physical lottery. For example, the lottery device 35 may be a rotating wheel (roulette) that causes a lottery object such as a sphere to enter one of multiple lottery holes, or a lottery machine that causes one of multiple lottery objects to enter one or more lottery holes. Note that an electronic lottery that determines whether the user Ua wins or loses through calculations by the control device 31 may be used instead of a physical lottery. In a configuration in which an electronic lottery is executed, the lottery device 35 may be omitted.

The imaging device 36 is a recording device that records the game situation in the game device 10. The imaging device 36 includes an optical system, such as a photographing lens, and an imaging element that converts incident light from the optical system into an electrical signal. The imaging device 36 of the first embodiment captures an image of the lottery device 35 to generate a video that represents the situation of the lottery device 35.

The playback device 34 plays video including video and audio. Specifically, the playback device 34 includes a display device 341 that displays video, and a sound emission device 342 that emits audio. The display device 341 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display panel. The sound emission device 342 is, for example, a speaker. Multiple users Ua using different gaming units 40 can view the video displayed by the display device 341 and the audio emitted by the sound emission device 342.

The control device 31 of the first embodiment displays the guide screen Ga illustrated in FIG. 3 on the display device 341. The guide screen Ga is an image for supporting or guiding each user Ua, and includes an image of a virtual character C. The virtual character C is an object in a virtual space representing a living being that supports or guides each user Ua in playing a game. For example, the virtual character C is a virtual player (dealer) that progresses the game. The control device 31 controls the actions of the virtual character C in parallel with the progress of the game. In addition, the sound emission device 342 emits the sound of the virtual character C. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 31 functions as an element (playback control unit) that causes the playback device 34 to play the virtual character C.

The communication device 33 communicates with the control system 20 via the communication network 2 (e.g., the Internet) under the control of the control device 31. For example, the control device 31 transmits status data Q representing the status of the game in the game device 10 to the control system 20 via the communication device 33. Specifically, the status data Q is data representing an image of the lottery device 35 generated by the imaging device 36 and the status of the progress of the game. The status data Q is continuously transmitted to the control system 20 during the implementation period of the special event. Note that the communication between the communication device 33 and the communication network 2 may be either wired communication or wireless communication. The communication device 33 also communicates with each of the multiple game units 40. The communication method (e.g., wired/wireless) between the communication device 33 and each game unit 40 is arbitrary.

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the gaming unit 40. As illustrated in Figure 4, the gaming unit 40 includes a control device 41, a storage device 42, a communication device 43, a recording device 44, an operation device 45, a reception device 46, and a display device 47. The gaming unit 40 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

The control device 41 is composed of, for example, a single or multiple processors that control each element of the gaming unit 40. Specifically, the control device 41 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. Note that the functions of the control device 41 may be incorporated in the control device 31.

The storage device 42 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 41 and various data used by the control device 41. For example, a well-known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 42. The storage device 42 in the first embodiment stores, for example, the amount of credits held by the user Ua. Credits are the gaming value that the user Ua uses to play the game.

The recording device 44 in FIG. 4 is an image input system that records the situation of the user Ua. Specifically, the recording device 44 includes an imaging device 441 that captures video of the user Ua, and a sound collection device 442 that collects the sound of the user Ua. The control device 41 generates recording data R that represents the video captured by the imaging device 441 and the sound collected by the sound collection device 442. The recording data R is generated continuously during the implementation period of the special event.

The communication device 43 communicates with the control system 20 via the communication network 2 under the control of the control device 41. For example, the control device 41 transmits the recording data R generated by the recording device 44 to the control system 20 via the communication device 43. That is, the recording data R is continuously transmitted to the control system 20 during the implementation period of the special event. Note that the communication between the communication device 43 and the communication network 2 may be either wired communication or wireless communication. The communication device 43 also communicates with the management unit 30.

The operation device 45 is an input device that accepts operations by the user Ua. Specifically, the operation device 45 includes a plurality of operators operated by the user Ua and a touch panel that is integrated with the display device 47.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the specific steps of the process executed by the control device 41 by executing a program stored in the storage device 42. During the implementation period of the special event, the game is repeated multiple times. The process of Figure 5 is executed for each game.

The user Ua can instruct the use of a desired amount of credits held by the user Ua (i.e., a bet operation) by operating the operation device 45. The control device 41 accepts an instruction from the user Ua to use credits (Sa1). When a waiting period for an instruction from the user Ua has elapsed, a physical lottery is executed by the lottery device 35 in the management unit 30.

The control device 41 judges whether the user Ua has won or lost according to the result of the physical lottery by the lottery device 35 (Sa2). The control device 41 executes a settlement process to increase or decrease the amount of credits according to the judgment result (Sa3). Specifically, if the user Ua wins, the control device 41 adds an amount according to the amount of credits used to the credits of the user Ua as a reward. If the user Ua loses, the control device 41 subtracts the amount used in the current game from the credits of the user Ua. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 41 of each gaming unit 40 functions as an element (game control unit) that progresses the game played by the user Ua. The progress status of the game represented by the above-mentioned status data Q is, for example, various situations such as the use of credits by each user Ua, the result of the physical lottery by the lottery device 35, or the granting of a reward to each user Ua.

The reception device 46 in FIG. 4 is a device that receives a value medium from the user Ua. The value medium is a tangible or intangible medium that the user Ua consumes to play the game. In the game device 10 of the first embodiment, the amount of credits corresponding to the amount of the value medium received by the reception device 46 is granted to the user Ua.

Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the reception device 46. As illustrated in Figure 6, the reception device 46 has a first reception unit 461, a second reception unit 462, and a third reception unit 463 that accept different types of value media.

The first reception unit 461 accepts the payment of medals by the user Ua. Medals are substitute currencies, which are an example of a tangible medium of value, and are divided into physical medals (tokens), which are tangible media of value, and electronic medals, which are intangible media of value. The first reception unit 461 that accepts physical medals includes, for example, a transport path that transports the physical medals supplied to the slot by the user Ua, and a counter that counts the physical medals. The first reception unit 461 that accepts electronic medals is a communication device that communicates with a management server device (not shown) that manages the accounts of the electronic medals for each user Ua. In other words, the first reception unit 461 executes a withdrawal process that transfers the electronic medals from an account managed by the management server device to the game device 10. Note that, for example, a reader that transfers the electronic medals to the game device 10 from a recording medium such as an IC card on which the electronic medals are recorded may be used as the first reception unit 461.

The second reception unit 462 receives coins, which are an example of a tangible medium of value, from the user Ua. For example, the second reception unit 462 includes a transport path for transporting coins inserted into an insertion slot by the user Ua, and a counting machine for counting the coins. The second reception unit 462 may also receive banknotes from the user Ua.

The third reception unit 463 receives electronic money from the user Ua. Electronic money is an intangible medium of value recorded as electronic data on a recording medium such as an IC card. For example, a reader that performs electronic payment of electronic money through short-range wireless communication with the recording medium, or a communication device that performs electronic payment through communication with an electronic payment server, is used as the third reception unit 463.

As shown in the above example, the reception device 46 of the first embodiment can accept multiple types of value media. The user Ua selectively pays the desired value media from the multiple types of value media (medals, coins, and electronic money) to the reception device 46. The user Ua is granted a quantity of credits according to the amount of value media paid. For example, assume that the user Ua is granted a quantity of credits calculated by multiplying the quantity of medals (physical medals or electronic medals) accepted from the user Ua by the first reception unit 461 by a conversion rate α. The conversion rate α is a predetermined positive number. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the user Ua plays the game using credits. That is, the user Ua can play the game by consuming the value media.

As described above, the user Ua can voluntarily provide the value medium consumed in playing the game to the virtual character C (hereinafter referred to as "tipping"). Tipping a value medium does not mean providing a value medium required for playing or progressing in the game, but means providing the value medium at the user Ua's discretion. For example, tipping is an act in which the user Ua voluntarily provides a value medium out of a desire to support the virtual character C. In other words, the presence or absence of a tip by the user Ua does not affect the start or progress of the game. In the first embodiment, the user Ua can selectively perform tipping for a desired type of value medium from among multiple types of value media consumed in playing the game. The control device 41 transmits notification data N for notifying the user Ua of a tip to the control system 20 and the management unit 30 via the communication device 43.

The display device 47 in FIG. 4 displays an image under the control of the control device 41. The display device 47 is configured with a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The display device 47 in the first embodiment displays the game screen Gb in FIG. 7 under the control of the control device 41. The game screen Gb is an image that the user Ua views in order to play the game.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the game screen Gb includes a play image Gb1 and an operation image Gb2. The game of the first embodiment is a bingo game that uses a lottery card on which multiple lottery elements (specifically, numbers) are arranged in a matrix. The lottery card is displayed in the play image Gb1. The control device 41 determines that the user Ua has won when the lottery elements selected sequentially by physical lottery from among the multiple lottery elements on the lottery card are arranged in a row (vertical/horizontal/diagonal).

The operation image Gb2 is a button that allows the user Ua to instruct the user to tip a value medium. When the user Ua operates the operation image Gb2, multiple options Gb3 corresponding to different types of value media are displayed, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The user Ua selects one option Gb3 from the multiple types of value media that corresponds to the desired value medium to use for tipping.

Figure 8 shows an example of a state in which three options Gb3, "medals," "coins," and "electronic money," are displayed. The "medals" option Gb3 in Figure 8 is a button that allows the user Ua to instruct tipping using virtual medals. A virtual medal is a medium of value (virtual medal) that corresponds to a portion of the credits held by the user Ua. The "coins" option Gb3 is a button that allows user Ua to instruct tipping using coins accepted by the second acceptance unit 462. The "electronic money" option Gb3 is a button that allows user Ua to instruct tipping using electronic money accepted by the third acceptance unit 463.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control system 20. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control system 20 includes a control device 21, a storage device 22, a communication device 23, an operation device 24, a sound pickup device 25, and a playback device 26. The control system 20 may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

The control device 21 is composed of, for example, one or more processors that control each element of the control system 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC.

The storage device 22 is a single or multiple memories that store the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, a well-known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of multiple types of recording media, is used as the storage device 22.

The operation device 24 is an input device that accepts operations by the administrator Ub. Specifically, the operation device 24 includes a plurality of operators operated by the administrator Ub, and a touch panel that is integrated with the display device 261. The sound collection device 25 collects the voice uttered by the administrator Ub. The control device 21 generates audio data V that represents the voice collected by the sound collection device 25. The audio data V is generated continuously during the implementation period of the special event.

The communication device 23 communicates with the control system 20 via the communication network 2 under the control of the control device 21. For example, the communication device 23 receives situation data Q transmitted from the management unit 30, and recorded data R and notification data N transmitted from each gaming unit 40. The situation data Q and recorded data R are continuously received during the implementation period of the special event. Note that communication between the communication device 23 and the communication network 2 may be either wired communication or wireless communication.

The control device 21 of the first embodiment transmits voice data V representing the voice of the administrator Ub to the management unit 30 via the communication device 23. The voice data V is continuously transmitted to the management unit 30 during the implementation period of the special event.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control device 31 of the management unit 30 causes the sound emitting device 342 to emit the sound represented by the voice data V received by the communication device 33 from the control system 20 (the spoken voice saying "Game start!") as the voice of the virtual character C. Note that the sound emitting device 342 may emit a voice obtained by converting the voice quality of the voice of the administrator Ub as the voice of the virtual character C. As illustrated in the above example, the voice of the virtual character C is continuously emitted from the sound emitting device 342 of the management unit 30 during the implementation period of the special event.

The playback device 26 in FIG. 9 plays video including video and audio. Specifically, the playback device 26 includes a display device 261 that displays video, and a sound emission device 262 that emits audio. The display device 261 is, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. The sound emission device 262 is, for example, a speaker. The administrator Ub can view the video displayed by the display device 261 and the audio emitted by the sound emission device 262.

The control device 21 of the first embodiment causes the playback device 26 to play back in real time a video showing the status of the game device 10 during the implementation period of the special event. Specifically, the control device 21 causes the sound emitting device 262 to emit sounds represented by the recorded data R received from each gaming unit 40. In other words, the sounds produced by each user Ua are emitted from the sound emitting device 262.

The control device 21 also causes the display device 261 to display the confirmation screens Gc (Gc_a, Gc_b) of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 in accordance with the situation data Q received from the management unit 30 and the recording data R and notification data N received from each gaming unit 40. The confirmation screen Gc_a illustrated in FIG. 10 is an image including reference areas Gc1, Gc2, Gc3, Gc4, and operation area Gc5. The confirmation screen Gc_b illustrated in FIG. 11 is a screen in which the reference areas Gc2 and Gc3 in the confirmation screen Gc_a of FIG. 10 are replaced with the reference areas Gc6 and Gc7 of FIG. 11. The reference areas Gc1, Gc4, and operation area Gc5 are common to the confirmation screens Gc_a and Gc_b.

The confirmation screen Gc_a of FIG. 10 and the confirmation screen Gc_b of FIG. 11 are alternately switched in response to an operation from the administrator Ub on the operation device 24. Note that the reference area Gc6 and the reference area Gc7 of FIG. 11 may be included in the confirmation screen Gc_a of FIG. 10. In other words, the switching of the confirmation screen Gc may be omitted.

In the reference area Gc1, images represented by the recorded data R transmitted from each gaming unit 40 are displayed. That is, images showing the status of each user Ua (e.g. facial expression or behavior) are displayed in the reference area Gc1 in parallel with the progress of the game. By listening to the reference area Gc1 displayed by the display device 261 and the sound emitted by the sound emitting device 262, the administrator Ub can grasp the status of each user Ua in real time in parallel with the progress of the game.

The reference area Gc2 and reference area Gc3 of the confirmation screen Gc_a display the tipping status represented by the notification data N received from each gaming unit 40. Specifically, the reference area Gc2 displays the tipping history H of each user Ua. Specifically, the quantity X of the value medium used by the user Ua for tipping (hereinafter referred to as the "provided amount") and the type Y of the value medium are displayed for each tip by the user Ua.

The reference area Gc3 of the confirmation screen Gc_b displays the results of tallying the amount X of tips provided by each user Ua. Specifically, the total amount X of value media provided by multiple users Ua, x1, and the total amount X of value media provided by each user Ua, x2, are displayed in the reference area Gc3 for each of the multiple types of value media. By visually checking the reference area Gc2 and the reference area Gc3, the administrator Ub can grasp the status of tips provided by each user Ua in real time in parallel with the progress of the game.

In the reference area Gc4, an image of the virtual character C is displayed. The operation area Gc5 is an area where instructions for the actions of the virtual character C are received from the administrator Ub. Specifically, in the operation area Gc5, a number of actions that the virtual character C can perform are arranged as candidates for selection by the administrator Ub. For example, an action of the virtual character C smiling (smile), an action of the virtual character C waving (wave), an action of the virtual character C clapping (clap), and an action of the virtual character C showing joy (joy) are arranged in the operation area Gc5.

By operating the operation device 24, the administrator Ub selects an action to be performed by the virtual character C from the operation area Gc5. The control device 21 causes the virtual character C displayed in the reference area Gc4 to perform the action instructed by the administrator Ub. Therefore, the administrator Ub can check the action of the virtual character C instructed by him in real time in parallel with the progress of the game. The virtual character C in the reference area Gc4 may be made to move according to the results of detecting the body movement of the administrator Ub. For example, the action of the administrator Ub may be estimated by analyzing (e.g., motion capture) a video of the administrator Ub captured by an imaging device (not shown), and the virtual character C may be made to perform the action.

In the reference area Gc6 and the reference area Gc7 in the confirmation screen Gc_b in FIG. 11, an image corresponding to the situation data Q transmitted from the management unit 30 is displayed. Specifically, in the reference area Gc6, a moving image of the lottery device 35 represented by the situation data Q is displayed. In the reference area Gc7, the progress status of the game represented by the situation data Q is displayed. For example, in the reference area Gc7, character strings or images representing various situations such as the use of credits (bet) by each user Ua, the result of the physical lottery by the lottery device 35, or the granting of rewards to each user Ua are displayed. By visually checking the reference area Gc6 and the reference area Gc7, the administrator Ub can grasp the situation of the game in the game device 10 (particularly the situation of the lottery by the lottery device 35) in real time in parallel with the progress of the game.

As illustrated above, the administrator Ub checks the status of each user Ua (reference area Gc1 and sound played by the sound emitting device 262), the status of each user Ua's tip (reference area Gc2 and reference area Gc3), the status of the virtual character C (reference area Gc4), and the status of the game (reference area Gc6 and reference area Gc7), while selecting one appropriate action from among the multiple actions in the operation area Gc5 and announcing the action to the sound collecting device 25. For example, when the user Ua performs a tip, the administrator Ub selects an action that the virtual character C will be happy with from the operation area Gc5 and announcing words of thanks to the user Ua to the sound collecting device 25. The virtual character C displayed in the reference area Gc4 performs an action according to instructions from the administrator Ub. Therefore, the administrator Ub can select an action from the operation area Gc5 and announcing the action to the sound collecting device 25 while checking the action of the virtual character C.

Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating a specific procedure for processing to move the virtual character C in response to instructions from the administrator Ub. The processing of Figure 12 is executed in parallel with the display of the confirmation screen Gc (Gc_a, Gc_b) illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the operation on the operation area Gc5, and the reception of voice to the sound collection device 25. Note that voice data V representing the voice of the administrator Ub picked up by the sound collection device 25 is transmitted from the control system 20 to the management unit 30 in parallel with the processing of Figure 12. As described above, the control device 31 of the management unit 30 that receives the voice data V causes the sound emission device 342 to emit the voice represented by the voice data V.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the control device 21 of the control system 20 waits until the administrator Ub selects one of the multiple actions in the operation area Gc5 (Sb1: NO). When an action is selected (Sb1: YES), the control device 21 generates control data D that specifies the action selected by the administrator Ub (Sb2). The control device 21 transmits the control data D from the communication device 23 to the management unit 30 (Sb3).

The control device 31 of the management unit 30 receives the control data D transmitted from the control system 20 via the communication device 33 (Sc1). The control device 31 causes the virtual character C to execute the action specified by the control data D (Sc2). That is, the control device 31 functions as an element (playback control unit) that causes the virtual character C to act in response to instructions from the administrator Ub to the control system 20 (specifically, the selection of an action). With the above configuration, it is possible to change the virtual character C in various ways in response to various situations that the administrator Ub can grasp (for example, the playing situation of each user Ua or the tipping situation).

Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating the specific steps of the operation executed by the game device 10 in relation to tipping of a value medium. The control device 41 of each of the multiple gaming units 40 executes the process of Figure 13 in parallel.

A user Ua who wishes to donate a value medium operates the operation image Gb2 on the game screen Gb illustrated in FIG. 7. The user Ua then selects one of the multiple options Gb3 (FIG. 8) displayed by operating the operation image Gb2. The control device 41 waits for the user Ua to select a value medium (Sd1: NO).

When the user Ua selects a value medium (Sd1: YES), the control device 41 determines whether the user Ua has selected "medals" (Sd2). The user Ua who has selected "medals" operates the operation device 45 to specify the amount X of virtual medals to be used for tipping. When the user Ua selects "medals" (Sd2: YES), the control device 41 accepts the specification of the amount X of virtual medals to be provided from the user Ua (Sd3). The control device 41 subtracts the amount corresponding to the amount X of virtual medals specified by the user Ua from the credits of the user Ua (Sd4). For example, the control device 41 subtracts the amount obtained by multiplying the amount X of the provided amount by the conversion rate α from the credits of the user Ua. In other words, the control device 41 accepts a tip of virtual medals from the user Ua. The selection of the "medals" option Gb3 by the user Ua corresponds to an instruction to provide a tip using virtual medals (credits).

The control device 41 executes a process Sd5 (hereinafter referred to as the "notification process") to notify the control system 20 and the management unit 30 that the user Ua has performed a tip using a virtual medal. In the notification process Sd5, the control device 41 transmits notification data N to the control system 20 and the management unit 30 via the communication device 43.

The notification data N is data for notifying the control system 20 and the management unit 30 of the tip by the user Ua. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the notification data N includes the amount X of the value medium used by the user Ua for the tip, the type Y of the value medium, and the identification information Z of the user Ua. The type Y of the value medium is the type (virtual medal, coin, or electronic money) selected by the user Ua from the game screen Gb in FIG. 8. The identification information Z is a code string for identifying the user Ua. For example, the notification data N includes the identification information Z for identifying the user Ua in the authentication process executed when the user Ua starts the game. Note that a code string for identifying each game unit 40 of the game device 10 may be used as the identification information Z.

In FIG. 13, if the user Ua has not selected "medals" (Sd2: NO), the control device 41 determines whether the user Ua has selected "coins" (Sd6). If the user Ua has selected "coins" (Sd6: YES), the control device 41 accepts the payment of coins by the user Ua through the second reception unit 462 (Sd7). The user Ua pays the desired amount of coins to the second reception unit 462. The control device 41 calculates the amount of provision X corresponding to the amount of coins accepted by the second reception unit 462 (Sd8). The amount of provision X is the quantity of virtual medals equivalent to the coins accepted by the second reception unit 462 (i.e., the numerical value obtained by converting the amount of coins into virtual medals). For example, the control device 41 calculates the amount of provision X by multiplying the amount of coins accepted by the second reception unit 462 by a predetermined conversion rate β. The conversion rate β is a predetermined positive number. The amount of coins received by the second reception unit 462 may be set as the amount of provided X (β=1). However, if the amount of coins is converted into the amount of provided X based on the virtual medals, it is possible to compare the amount of provided virtual medals X with the amount of provided coins X.

The control device 41 allows the user Ua to select whether to use the coins accepted by the second acceptance unit 462 for tipping or to spend them to acquire credits (Sd9). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the control device 41 causes the display device 47 to display option Gb4, which represents making a tip, and option Gb5, which represents acquiring credits. The user Ua can select either option Gb4 or option Gb5 by operating the operation device 45. The selection of option Gb4 by the user Ua corresponds to an instruction to make a tip using coins. The control device 41 determines whether the user Ua has instructed to make a tip (Sd10). That is, it is determined whether the user Ua has selected option Gb4.

The selection of option Gb5 by user Ua corresponds to an instruction to spend the coins accepted by the second acceptance unit 462 to acquire credits. When user Ua selects option Gb5 (Sd10: NO), the control device 41 adds the provided amount X to user Ua's credits (Sd11). In other words, the provided amount X of credits is granted to user Ua. When option Gb5 is selected, tipping using coins is not executed. In other words, the coins accepted by the second acceptance unit 462 are consumed by user Ua to play the game.

On the other hand, if user Ua selects option Gb4 (Sd10: YES), the control device 41 executes notification process Sd5 without increasing user Ua's credits. That is, the management unit 30 and control system 20 are notified that user Ua has made a tip using coins. Specifically, notification data N in which the type of value medium Y is set to "coins" is sent from the gaming unit 40 to the control system 20. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 41 accepts a tip using coins from user Ua. The coins accepted by the second acceptance unit 462 are consumed for a tip to virtual character C.

On the other hand, if the user Ua selects "electronic money" (Sd6: NO), the control device 41 accepts the payment of electronic money by the user Ua through the third reception unit 463 (Sd12). The user Ua pays any amount of electronic money to the third reception unit 463. The control device 41 calculates the provided amount X corresponding to the amount of electronic money accepted by the third reception unit 463 (Sd13). The provided amount X is the number of virtual medals equivalent to the electronic money accepted by the third reception unit 463 (i.e., the numerical value obtained by converting the amount of electronic money into virtual medals). For example, the control device 41 calculates the provided amount X by multiplying the amount of electronic money accepted by the third reception unit 463 by a predetermined conversion rate β. The amount of electronic money accepted by the third reception unit 463 may be set as the provided amount X. However, if the amount of electronic money is converted into the provided amount X based on the virtual medal, it is possible to compare the provided amount X of virtual medals with the provided amount X of electronic money.

The control device 41 allows the user Ua to select whether to use the electronic money accepted by the third acceptance unit 463 for tipping or to spend it to acquire credits (Sd14). Specifically, as in the above description with reference to FIG. 15, the control device 41 causes the display device 47 to display options Gb4 and Gb5. The selection of option Gb4 by the user Ua corresponds to an instruction for tipping using electronic money. The control device 41 determines whether the user Ua has instructed tipping (option Gb4) (Sd15).

If user Ua selects option Gb5 (Sd15: NO), the control device 41 adds the provided amount X to user Ua's credit (Sd16). That is, the provided amount X of credit is granted to user Ua. If option Sc6 is selected, tipping using electronic money is not performed. That is, the electronic money accepted by the third acceptance unit 463 is consumed by user Ua to play the game.

On the other hand, if user Ua selects option Gb4 (Sd15: YES), the control device 41 executes notification process Sd5 without increasing user Ua's credits. That is, the management unit 30 and control system 20 are notified that user Ua has made a tip using electronic money. Specifically, notification data N in which the type of value medium Y is set to "electronic money" is sent from the gaming unit 40 to the control system 20. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 41 accepts a tip using electronic money from user Ua. The electronic money accepted by the third acceptance unit 463 is consumed for the tip to virtual character C.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 41 functions as an element (medium receiving unit) that accepts tips using any of a number of types of value media from the user Ua. Specifically, the control device 41 selectively executes a process for accepting tips using virtual medals (Sd3), a process for accepting tips using coins (Sd7), and a process for accepting tips using electronic money (Sd12). The value media provided by the user Ua through tips is recorded as profits for the provider of the game system 1, the operator of the game system 1 (e.g., administrator Ub), or the operator of the gaming facility.

Figure 16 is a flowchart of the operation that the control device 31 of the management unit 30 executes regarding tipping by the user Ua. The process of Figure 16 is executed when the communication device 33 receives notification data N from the gaming unit 40.

The control device 31 causes the playback device 34 to play a presentation effect according to the type Y of the value medium used by the user Ua for tipping (Se1-Se5). In other words, the nature of the presentation effect changes according to the type Y of the value medium used for tipping. The presentation effect is a visual or auditory effect related to the virtual character C. For example, a display by the display device 341 or a sound emitted by the sound emission device 342 are typical examples of the presentation effect.

First, the control device 31 determines whether the type Y of the value medium specified by the notification data N received from the gaming unit 40 is a "medal" (Se1). If the type Y of the value medium is a "medal" (Se1: YES), the control device 31 causes the sound emitting device 342 to emit a sound E1 related to the virtual character C, as illustrated in FIG. 17 (Se2). Specifically, the control device 31 emits the sound E1 by supplying a sound signal previously stored in the storage device 32 to the sound emitting device 342. For example, various sounds E1 such as calls or cheers for the virtual character C are emitted. Each user Ua can hear the sound E1 emitted from the sound emitting device 342. It is also possible to assume a configuration in which the user Ua who performs tipping selects the desired sound E1 from multiple candidates prepared in advance.

On the other hand, if the type Y of the value medium is not "medal" (Se1: NO), the control device 31 determines whether the type Y of the value medium is "coin" (Se3). If the type Y of the value medium is "coin" (Se3: YES), the control device 31 displays a comment E2 related to the virtual character C on the display device 341 (guide screen Ga) as illustrated in FIG. 18 (Se4). For example, the control device 31 displays the comment E2 stored in advance in the storage device 32 on the display device 341. For example, various comments E2 such as calls or cheers for the virtual character C are displayed. Each user Ua can visually confirm the comment E2 displayed on the display device 341. It is also possible that the user Ua who performs tipping selects the desired comment E2 from multiple candidates prepared in advance. In addition, any character string input by the user Ua through an operation on the operation device 45 may be displayed on the display device 341 as the comment E2.

On the other hand, if the type Y of the value medium is "electronic money" (Se3: NO), the control device 31 causes the display device 341 to display an image E3 related to the virtual character C (Se5), as illustrated in FIG. 19. For example, the control device 31 causes the display device 341 (guide screen Ga) to display an image E3 previously stored in the storage device 32. For example, various images E3 such as presents for the virtual character C are displayed. Each user Ua can visually confirm the image E3 displayed on the display device 341. It is also possible to assume a configuration in which the user Ua who performs tipping selects the desired image E3 from multiple candidates prepared in advance. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 31 functions as an element (playback control unit) that causes the playback device 34 to play a performance effect corresponding to the type Y of the value medium used by the user Ua for tipping.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when a tip from user Ua is accepted, a presentation effect related to virtual character C is played. The value medium used for tipping by user Ua is the value medium consumed to play the game. In other words, the value medium consumed to play the game is also used to play the presentation effect related to virtual character C. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the value medium for playing the presentation effect is required separately from the value medium consumed to play the game, it is possible to increase the opportunities for user Ua to use the value medium.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a presentation effect is played according to the type Y of the value medium used for tipping. This has the advantage that the user Ua is given an incentive to use a variety of value media, and the presentation effects related to the virtual character C are diversified.

Figure 20 is a flowchart of the operation executed by the control device 21 of the control system 20 regarding tipping by the user Ua. The process of Figure 20 is executed when the communication device 23 receives notification data N from the gaming unit 40.

The control device 21 counts the amount X of the value medium provided that the gaming unit 40 has received from each user Ua (Sf1). Specifically, the control device 21 calculates the total value x1 of the amount X of the value medium provided for each of the multiple types of value media (medals, coins, and electronic money) and the total value x2 for each user Ua. The total value x1 of each value medium is a numerical value obtained by totaling the amount X of the value medium provided by the multiple users Ua specified by the notification data N across the multiple users Ua. In addition, the total value x2 for each user Ua for each value medium is a numerical value obtained by totaling the amount X of the value medium provided by the user Ua for one or more past tips. In other words, the amount X of the value medium provided is counted for each type of value medium for each of the multiple users Ua. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 21 functions as an element (counting processing unit) that counts the amount X of the value medium provided that the gaming unit 40 has received. The provision amount X is tallied each time notification data N is received during the implementation period of the special event, and ultimately, a result of tallying the provision amount X throughout the entire implementation period is generated. At the end of the special event or the start of a new special event, the result of tallying the value medium is initialized.

The control device 21 displays the history H of the tipping of the value medium by each user Ua on the display device 261 (Sf2). Specifically, the control device 21 displays the history H including the information specified by the notification data N in the reference area Gc2 in chronological order. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, the history H including the amount X of the tip, the type Y of the value medium, and the identification information Z of the user Ua is displayed on the display device 261. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 21 functions as an element (notification control unit) that displays the history H of the tipping of the value medium by the user Ua on the display device 261. According to the above configuration, the administrator Ub can grasp the history H of the tipping by the user Ua, so it is possible to cause the virtual character C to perform an action according to the situation of the use of the value medium by the tipping, according to the instruction from the administrator Ub.

In addition, since the amount of donation X is tallied for each user Ua, there is also the advantage that, for example, the administrator Ub can grasp the tendency of tipping for each user Ua (for example, the amount of donation X or the tendency of the type of value medium). In the first embodiment, since the amount of donation X is tallied for each type of value medium, there is also the advantage that, for example, the administrator Ub can grasp the tendency of tipping for each type of value medium (for example, the amount of donation X).

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the control device 21 displays the results of tallying the amount X of value medium provided by each user Ua on the display device 261 (Sf3). Specifically, the control device 21 displays the total amount X of value medium provided by each of the multiple types of value medium in the reference area Gc3, as well as the total amount x2 for each user Ua. With the above configuration, the results of tallying the amount X of value medium provided by each user Ua is notified to the administrator Ub, so that the virtual character C can be made to perform an action according to the tipping status of each user Ua in response to instructions from the administrator Ub.

For example, when the administrator Ub detects from the reference area Gc2 that a particular user Ua has made a tip, the administrator Ub selects an action that will make the virtual character C happy from the operation area Gc5 and speaks words of thanks to the user Ua to the sound collection device 25. In addition, when the administrator Ub detects from the reference area Gc3 that tipping by the user Ua has stagnated (for example, the total value x1 or the total value x2 is low), the administrator Ub selects an action that will make the virtual character C happy or a waving action from the operation area Gc5.

As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the control data D specifying the action according to the instruction from the administrator Ub is transmitted from the control system 20 to the management unit 30 (Sb3). The control device 31 of the management unit 30 causes the virtual character C displayed on the display device 341 to execute the action specified by the control data D (Sc2). As can be understood from the above explanation, the virtual character C executes an action according to the situation of the tip by each user Ua. Specifically, the virtual character C executes an action that reacts to the tip by the user Ua. For example, the virtual character C executes an action of thanking the tip or an action of being surprised by the tip. In other words, the virtual character C executes an action in response to the tip by the user Ua. Therefore, it is possible to effectively give the user Ua an incentive to use a value medium for tipping. In addition, by having the virtual character C execute the action selected by the administrator Ub, each user Ua pays attention to the virtual character C, which ultimately promotes tipping by each user Ua.

In addition, upon receiving the notification data N transmitted by the gaming unit 40, the control device 31 may cause the virtual character C to perform a predetermined action in response to the tip from the user Ua. For example, the virtual character C may perform an action of expressing gratitude for the tip or an action of being surprised by the tip.

[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

The control device 31 of the second embodiment changes the presentation effect according to the provided amount X of the value medium used by the user Ua for tipping. Specifically, the control device 31 differentiates the presentation effect when the provided amount X is below a predetermined threshold from when it is above the threshold.

For example, when a user Ua instructs to tip using a virtual medal, the volume of the sound E1 emitted by the sound emitting device 342 changes according to the amount of provision X. For example, the control device 31 controls the volume of the sound E1 played by the sound emitting device 342 so that the volume of the sound E1 when the amount of provision X exceeds a threshold value is larger than the volume of the sound E1 when the amount of provision X falls below the threshold value.

When a tip using coins is instructed by the user Ua, the conditions of the comment E2 displayed on the display device 341 change according to the donation amount X. For example, the control device 31 controls the comment E2 displayed on the display device 341 so that the number of characters in the comment E2 when the donation amount X exceeds a threshold value is greater than the number of characters in the comment E2 when the donation amount X is below the threshold value.

When a tip using electronic money is instructed by user Ua, the content of image E3 displayed on display device 341 changes according to the donation amount X. For example, when donation amount X is below a threshold, control device 31 causes display device 341 to display image E3 representing an inexpensive gift, and when donation amount X is above the threshold, control device 31 causes display device 341 to display image E3 representing an expensive gift.

The second embodiment achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the presentation effect changes depending on the amount X of value media provided by the user Ua, so that an incentive to provide a large number of value media can be effectively given to the user Ua.

[Third embodiment]
Fig. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system 3 in the third embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 21, the communication system 3 in the third embodiment includes a game system 1 including a game device 10 and a control system 20, a distribution system 60, and a terminal device 70. The control system 20, the distribution system 60, and the terminal device 70 can communicate with each other via a communication network 2. The configurations and operations of the control system 20 and the game device 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

The terminal device 70 is, for example, a communication terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. A user Uc uses the terminal device 70. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the terminal device 70 includes a playback device 71 and an operation device 72. The playback device 71 plays video including video and audio. Specifically, the playback device 71 includes a display device that displays video and a sound emitting device that emits audio. The operation device 72 accepts operations by the user Uc. Note that, although there are actually multiple terminal devices 70, the third embodiment focuses on one terminal device 70 for convenience.

The distribution system 60 is a computer system (video distribution server) that distributes videos to the terminal device 70. Specifically, the distribution system 60 transmits video data M representing the video to the terminal device 70 via the communication network 2.

The control device 21 of the control system 20 in the third embodiment transmits video data M of a video including a virtual character C to the distribution system 60 via the communication device 23. The video data M represents a video including an image of the virtual character C and a sound collected by the sound collection device 25. For example, video data M representing, for example, a guide screen Ga displayed on the display device 341 of the game device 10 is transmitted from the control system 20 to the distribution system 60. The transmission of the video data M to the distribution system 60 is performed in real time in parallel with the game play by each user Ua during the implementation period of the special event. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 21 in the third embodiment functions as an element (video distribution unit) that transmits the video data M to the distribution system 60. Note that the video data M generated by the control system 20 may be transmitted to the game device 10 together with the distribution system 60. The control device 31 of the management unit 30 causes the display device 341 to display an image (for example, a guide screen Ga) represented by the video data M received from the control system 20.

The distribution system 60 transmits the video data M received from the control system 20 to the terminal device 70. The video data M is distributed in parallel from the distribution system 60 to the multiple terminal devices 70. The playback device 71 of each terminal device 70 plays the video represented by the video data M. That is, during the implementation period of the special event, a video including the virtual character C is played by the playback device 71 of the terminal device 70. The user Uc of the terminal device 70 watches the video.

A user Uc of the terminal device 70 can perform a tip to the virtual character C reproduced by the reproduction device 71 by operating the operation device 72 of the terminal device 70. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a specific procedure of an operation performed by the terminal device 70 in relation to a tip using the terminal device 70.

The user Uc can specify a tip amount (amount of donation X) by operating the operation device 72 while watching the operation played back by the playback device 71. The terminal device 70 waits for a tip instruction from the user Uc (Sg1: NO).

When the terminal device 70 receives a tip instruction from the user Uc (Sg2), the terminal device 70 executes electronic payment for the tip (Sg2). Specifically, the terminal device 70 requests an electronic payment server (not shown) for the amount (provided amount X) specified by the user Uc.

When the electronic payment is properly completed, the terminal device 70 transmits notification data N to the control system 20 (Sg3). The notification data N includes the amount X to be provided specified by the user Uc, the type Y of the value medium, and the identification information Z of the user Uc. The type Y of the value medium is specified as a tip from the terminal device 70. The terminal device 70 may also transmit the notification data N to the management unit 30, and the control device 31 may change the presentation effect according to one of multiple types Y, including a tip from the terminal device 70. That is, in a configuration in which the presentation effect is changed according to the type Y of the value medium, the type Y may include "a tip from the terminal device 70" in addition to the examples in each of the above-mentioned forms (virtual medals, coins, and electronic money).

When the communication device 23 receives the notification data N sent from the terminal device 70, the control device 21 of the control system 20 tallies the amount of donation X represented by the notification data N (Sf1). For example, the total value x1 of the amount of donation X of the tips instructed from the terminal device 70 and the total value x2 of the amount of donation X for each user Uc of the terminal device 70 are calculated. The control device 21 causes the display device 261 to display the tallied results including the total value x1 and the total value x2.

As shown in the above example, in the third embodiment, a user of a terminal device 70 who is watching a video including a virtual character C can give tips to the virtual character C. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which only user Ua who is playing a game gives tips, it is possible to increase the opportunities for a large number of users (Ua, Uc) to use the value medium.

[Modification]
Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined to the extent that they are not mutually contradictory.

(1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the control data D representing the action selected by the administrator Ub from the operation area Gc5 is exemplified, but the format of the control data D is not limited to the above examples. For example, the control data D may be used as the action data representing the change in the position of each part of the body of the virtual character C, such as a joint. For example, the control data D may be used as the action data representing the body action of the administrator Ub. Specifically, the action of the administrator Ub may be estimated by analyzing (for example, motion capture) an image of the administrator Ub captured by an imaging device, and the control data D representing the action may be transmitted from the control system 20 to the game device 10. In addition, the control data D may be a action command instructing the action of the virtual character C, or an action program (motion script) in which instructions regarding the action of the virtual character C are written.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the virtual character C is displayed on the display device 261 of the control system 20, but the configuration for notifying the administrator Ub of the actions of the virtual character C is not limited to the above examples. For example, the virtual character C displayed on the display device 261 does not need to be exactly the same as the virtual character C displayed on the display device 341. For example, a virtual character C that has a simplified appearance or actions of the virtual character C displayed on the display device 341 may be displayed on the display device 261. In addition, a character string or an image (e.g., an icon) representing the action performed by the virtual character C may be displayed on the display device 261.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the voice data V representing the voice pronounced by the administrator Ub is transmitted from the control system 20 to the game device 10, but the method for playing the voice of the virtual character C is not limited to the above examples. For example, the voice data V selected by the administrator Ub from multiple voice data V prepared in advance may be transmitted from the control system 20 to the management unit 30. Also, identification information selected by the administrator Ub from multiple identification information representing different voices may be transmitted as voice data V from the control system 20 to the game device 10, and the voice corresponding to the identification information from the multiple voices prepared in advance may be played on the game device 10.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the display device 341 shared by multiple users Ua displayed the virtual character C, but the virtual character C (guide screen Ga) may be displayed on a display device 47 installed for each gaming unit 40. A common virtual character C may be displayed on the display device 47 of each of the multiple gaming units 40, or a separate virtual character C may be displayed for each gaming unit 40. A configuration is also envisioned in which the display device 341 can be moved to a position and angle facing a specific user Ua among the multiple users Ua.

(5) The period during which user Ua can give a tip instruction may be limited. For example, a configuration is envisaged in which tip instructions are not accepted during the waiting period (Sa1) during which an instruction to use credits from user Ua is accepted, but tip instructions are accepted from user Ua during the lottery period during which the physical lottery is carried out by lottery device 35. Since user Ua tends to be busy during the lottery period, the possibility that user Ua will miss the reaction of virtual character C to the tip is reduced.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which the management unit 30 and the gaming unit 40 each communicate with the control system 20 independently has been exemplified, but a configuration in which the communication device 33 of the management unit 30 relays communication between the gaming unit 40 and the control system 20 is also envisioned. In other words, the function of communicating directly with the control system 20 is omitted from the gaming unit 40.

(7) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, each of the multiple gaming units 40 transmits notification data N to the control system 20, but the notification data N representing the tipping status of each of the multiple gaming units 40 may be aggregated in the management unit 30, and notification data N representing the aggregation result may be transmitted from the management unit 30 to the control system 20. That is, the configuration and processing for transmitting notification data N directly from each gaming unit 40 to the management unit 30 may be omitted. Also, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, each of the multiple gaming units 40 transmits recorded data R to the control system 20, but the recorded data R generated in each of the multiple gaming units 40 may be aggregated in the management unit 30, and the recorded data R representing the aggregation result may be transmitted from the management unit 30 to the control system 20. That is, the configuration and processing for transmitting recorded data R directly from each gaming unit 40 to the management unit 30 may be omitted. On the other hand, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the management unit 30 transmits status data Q to the control system 20, but the status data Q representing the game status of each gaming unit 40 may be transmitted from the gaming unit 40 to the control system 20.

(8) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the control device 31 of the management unit 30 causes the playback device 34 to play a performance effect corresponding to the type Y of the value medium in response to the notification data N received from the gaming unit 40. However, the control system 20 that receives the notification data N may instruct the management unit 30 to play a performance effect corresponding to the type Y of the value medium, and the management unit 30 may cause the playback device 34 to play the performance effect in response to the instruction from the control system 20. For example, the control device 21 of the control system 20 determines the type Y of the value medium by processing similar to steps Se1 and Se3 of FIG. 16. The control device 21 transmits an instruction for a performance effect corresponding to the result of the determination from the communication device 23 to the management unit 30. The control device 31 of the management unit 30 causes the playback device 34 to play a performance effect (Se2, Se4, Se5) corresponding to the instruction received from the control system 20. Even in the above configuration, the same effect as each of the above-mentioned embodiments is realized.

(9) The subject of each process executed in the game system 1 is not limited to the examples in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the control device 21 of the control system 20 tallied the amount X of provision, but the control device 31 of the management unit 30 may perform the tallying of the amount X of provision and notify the control system 20 of the tallying result via the communication device 33.

(10) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the result of tallying the amount of provided X is displayed on the display device 261 of the control system 20, but the tallying result may be displayed on the display device 341 of the management unit 30. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the total value x1 (x1_a, x1_b, x1_c) of the amount of provided X for each type of value medium is displayed on the display device 341. The total value x1_a (cheer points) is a numerical value obtained by summing up the amount of provided virtual medals X for multiple users Ua. Similarly, the total value x1_b (comment points) is a total value related to the amount of provided coins X, and the total value x1_c (present points) is a total value related to the amount of provided electronic money X. According to the above configuration, the user Ua can grasp the tendency of tipping by each user Ua. The total value x1 of the amount of provided X may be displayed on the display device 47 of each gaming unit 40.

(11) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the emission of sound E1 and the display of comment E2 or image E3 are exemplified, but the form of the presentation effect for tipping is not limited to the above examples. For example, a process of causing virtual character C to perform a predetermined action may also be adopted as a presentation effect. Furthermore, the correspondence between the type Y of value medium used for tipping and the form of presentation effect is not limited to the examples in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

(12) In each of the above-described embodiments, the presentation effect was changed according to the type Y of the value medium used by each user Ua for tipping, but the configuration for changing the presentation effect according to the type Y may be omitted. For example, a specific presentation effect may be played regardless of the type Y of the value medium. In the above-described configuration in which the presentation effect does not depend on the type Y of the value medium, the user Ua may use credits granted to the user Ua in response to payment of any of multiple types of value media for tipping. In other words, regardless of the type of value medium paid by the user Ua, the user Ua can make tipping by using credits in a uniform manner.

(13) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a form in which a medium of value is used for tipping has been exemplified, but an item that the user Ua can acquire in exchange for payment of a medium of value may also be used for tipping. Also, similar to each of the above-mentioned embodiments in which the presentation effect is changed according to the type of medium of value Y, the presentation effect may be changed according to the type of item that the user Ua uses for tipping. Also, an item may be understood as an example of a medium of value in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

(14) In each of the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been exemplified in which the virtual character C displayed on the display device 261 of the control system 20 operates in response to instructions from the administrator Ub. However, video data representing the virtual character C displayed on the display device 341 of the management unit 30 may be transmitted from the management unit 30 to the control system 20, and the virtual character C represented by the video data may be displayed on the display device 261.

(15) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration has been exemplified in which the user Ua makes a tip independently of the use of credits in the game (Sa1), but a configuration in which a tip is made in conjunction with the use of credits by the user Ua is also envisioned. For example, when an instruction for a prize of credits by the user Ua is received (Sa1), the control device 41 executes a physical lottery using the credits (Sa2, Sa3), while also executing a process for accepting tips in which the amount of credits used is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient to form the amount of tips to be offered X.

(16) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, medals (physical medals, electronic medals), coins, and electronic money are given as examples of value media, but the types of value media are not limited to these examples. Examples of tangible value media include the above-mentioned physical medals and coins (real currency including coins and paper money), as well as tickets. Examples of intangible value media include the above-mentioned electronic medals and electronic medals, as well as points or credits.

(17) In each of the above embodiments, a lottery game in which the winner or loser of the user Ua is determined according to the results of a lottery process (physical lottery or electronic lottery) is exemplified, but the types of games in the present invention are not limited to the above examples. For example, the present invention can be applied to any game, such as a fighting game in which multiple characters fight, a competitive game in which multiple users Ua compete against each other in, for example, a sports or board game, or an exploration game in which a character explores a search location such as a cave or building.

(18) The functions of the control system 20 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 21 and the program stored in the storage device 22. Similarly, the functions of the game device 10 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized by the cooperation of one or more processors constituting the control device 31 or the control device 41 and the program stored in the storage device 32 or the storage device 42. The programs according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium and installed in a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and a good example is an optical recording medium (optical disk) such as a CD-ROM, but also includes any known type of recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a non-transitory recording medium includes any recording medium except a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media. In addition, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, a storage device that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[Additional Notes]
From the above description, for example, preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood as follows. In order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

[Appendix A1]
A game system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix A1) of the present invention comprises a game control unit (41) which progresses a game played by a user (Ua) by consuming a value medium, a medium receiving unit (41, 46) which receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user (Ua), and a reproduction control unit (31) which causes a reproduction device (34) to reproduce a virtual character (C) in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the reproduction device (34) to reproduce a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C) when the medium receiving unit (41, 46) receives the provision of the value medium.

In the above embodiment, when a voluntary provision of a value medium (so-called tipping) is received from the user (Ua), a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C) is reproduced. The value medium provided by the user (Ua) is a value medium consumed to play the game. In other words, the value medium consumed to play the game is also used to reproduce the presentation effect related to the virtual character (C). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the value medium for reproducing the presentation effect is required separately from the value medium consumed to play the game, it is possible to increase the opportunities for the user (Ua) to provide the value medium.

The "virtual character (C)" is a visible object that performs various actions. For example, a living character that supports or guides the user (Ua) in playing a game is an example of a "virtual character (C)."

"Optional provision of a medium of value" means a medium of value that is not necessary for playing or progressing through the game and is provided voluntarily by the user (Ua) (so-called tips).

A "value medium" is a tangible or intangible medium that has value as payment for playing a game. Examples of tangible value media include physical medals (tokens), physical currency (cash such as coins), or tickets. Examples of intangible value media include electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), credits, or points. The quantity of the intangible value medium is stored as electronic data on various recording media.

The type of "game" is arbitrary. For example, the concept of a "game" encompasses any type of game, regardless of content, such as a lottery game in which a user (Ua) is awarded a reward if he or she wins a lottery process, or a competitive game in which multiple users (Ua) compete against each other.

A "production effect" is a visual or auditory effect related to the virtual character (C). For example, any effect related to the virtual character (C) is included in the concept of a "production effect", such as a visual effect that displays the giving of a present to the virtual character (C), a visual effect that displays a string of characters (e.g., a cheering comment) that represents a call to the virtual character (C), or an auditory effect that emits a sound (e.g., a cheer) that calls out to the virtual character (C). In other words, an effect that acts on the virtual character (C) from the outside (other than the virtual character) is a "production effect" (narrow sense). However, actions that include the actions of the virtual character (C) itself in addition to effects that act on the virtual character (C) from the outside may also be interpreted as a "production effect" (broad sense).

[Appendix A2]
A game system (1) according to a specific example (Appendix A2) of Appendix A1 includes a game device (10) and a control system (20) that can communicate with each other via a communication network (2), and the game device (10) includes the game control unit (41), the playback control unit (31), and the medium receiving unit (41, 46), and the playback control unit (31) operates the virtual character (C) in response to an instruction from an administrator (Ub) to the control system (20). According to the above aspect, since the virtual character (C) operates in response to an instruction from the administrator (Ub) to the control system (20), it is possible to cause the virtual character (C) to operate in a variety of ways in response to various situations that the administrator (Ub) can grasp (for example, the situation of a user (Ua) playing a game).

[Appendix A3]
In a specific example (Appendix A3) of Appendix A2, the control system (20) includes a notification control unit (21) that displays the history (H) of the provision of the value medium by the user (Ua) on a display device (261). According to the above aspect, since the administrator (Ub) can grasp the history (H) of the provision of the value medium by the user (Ua), it is possible to cause the virtual character (C) to perform an action according to the status of the provision of the value medium by instructions from the administrator (Ub).

[Appendix A4]
In a specific example (Appendix A4) of Appendix A3, the control system (20) includes a counting processing unit (21) that counts the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua), and the notification control unit (21) causes the result of the counting by the counting processing unit (21) to be displayed on the display device (261). According to the above aspect, the result of counting the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua) is notified to the administrator (Ub), so that it is possible to cause the virtual character (C) to perform an action according to the status of the provision of the value medium in response to an instruction from the administrator (Ub).

[Appendix A5]
In a specific example (Appendix A5) of Appendix A4, the game is a game that can be played in parallel by multiple users (Ua) including the user (Ua), and the counting processing unit (21) counts the quantity of the value medium provided by each of the multiple users (Ua). According to the above aspect, the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua) is counted for each user (Ua). Therefore, for example, the operator of the game system (1) can grasp the tendency of the provision of the value medium for each user (Ua).

[Appendix A6]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A6) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A5, the playback control unit (31) causes the virtual character (C) to perform an action that responds to the provision of the value medium. In the above-mentioned aspect, since the virtual character (C) responds to the provision of the value medium, an incentive to provide the value medium can be effectively given to the user (Ua).

[Appendix A7]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix A7) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A6, the reproduction control unit (31) changes the presentation effect according to the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua). In the above-mentioned aspect, since the presentation effect changes according to the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua), it is possible to effectively give the user (Ua) an incentive to provide a large number of value media.

[Appendix A8]
The game system (1) according to any one of the specific examples (Appendix A8) of Appendix A1 to Appendix A6 includes a video distribution unit (21) that transmits video data (M) representing a video including the virtual character (C) to a distribution system (60) that distributes the video data (M) to a terminal device (70), and the medium receiving unit (41, 46) receives the optional provision of the value medium from the user (Ua) who plays the game and the user (Uc) of the terminal device (70) that reproduces the video represented by the video data (M). According to the above aspect, not only the user (Ua) who plays the game, but also the user (Uc) of the terminal device (70) who watches the video including the virtual character (C) can perform optional provision of the value medium (i.e., tipping). Therefore, it is possible to increase the opportunities for the use of the value medium by a large number of users (Ua, Uc).

[Appendix A9]
A method of operating a game system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix A9) of the present invention comprises progressing a game played by a user (Ua) by consuming a value medium, accepting an optional provision of the value medium from the user (Ua), causing a reproduction device (34) to reproduce a virtual character (C) in parallel with the progress of the game, and, when the provision of the value medium is accepted, causing the reproduction device (34) to reproduce a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C).

[Appendix A10]
A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix A10) causes a computer system to function as a game control unit (41) that progresses a game played by a user (Ua) by consuming a value medium, a medium receiving unit (41, 46) that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user (Ua), and a reproduction control unit (31) that causes a reproduction device (34) to reproduce a virtual character (C) in parallel with the progress of the game, and when the medium receiving unit (41, 46) receives the provision of the value medium, causes the reproduction device (34) to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character (C).

[Appendix B1]
A game system (1) according to another aspect of the present invention (Appendix B1) comprises a game control unit (41) which progresses a game played by a user (Ua), a medium receiving unit (41, 46) which receives an optional provision of any one of a plurality of types of value media from the user (Ua), and a reproduction control unit (31) which causes a reproduction device (34) to reproduce a virtual character (C) and, when the medium receiving unit (41, 46) receives the provision of the value medium, causes the reproduction device (34) to reproduce a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C), the presentation effect corresponding to the type of the value medium.

In the above embodiment, when a voluntary donation of a value medium (so-called tipping) is received from the user (Ua), a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C) is played. The presentation effect is a presentation effect according to the type of value medium provided by the user (Ua). This has the advantage that an incentive is given to the user (Ua) to provide a variety of value media, and the presentation effects related to the virtual character (C) are diversified.

The "type" of a medium of value means a classification of the medium of value according to, for example, its form (tangible/intangible) or function (medal/currency). Differences in the quantity of the medium of value are not included in the concept of "type." For example, a first quantity of physical currency (e.g., 50 yen coins) and a second quantity of physical currency (e.g., 100 yen coins) share the same "type" of physical currency even if the first and second quantities are different.

[Appendix B2]
A game system (1) according to a specific example (Appendix B2) of Appendix B1 includes a game device (10) and a control system (20) that can communicate with each other via a communication network (2), and the game device (10) includes the game control unit (41), the playback control unit (31), and the medium receiving unit (41, 46), and the playback control unit (31) operates the virtual character (C) in response to an instruction from an administrator (Ub) to the control system (20). According to the above aspect, since the virtual character (C) operates in response to an instruction from the administrator (Ub) to the control system (20), it is possible to operate the virtual character (C) in a variety of ways in response to various situations that the administrator (Ub) can grasp (for example, the situation of a user (Ua) playing a game).

[Appendix B3]
In a specific example (Appendix B3) of Appendix B1 or Appendix B2, the playback control unit (31) causes the virtual character (C) to perform an action in response to the provision of the value medium. In the above embodiment, since the virtual character (C) acts in response to the provision of the value medium, an incentive to provide the value medium can be effectively given to the user (Ua).

[Appendix B4]
In any of the specific examples (Appendix B4) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B3, the reproduction control unit (31) changes the presentation effect according to the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua). In the above-mentioned aspect, since the presentation effect changes according to the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua), it is possible to effectively give the user (Ua) an incentive to provide a large number of value media.

[Appendix B5]
The game system (1) according to any one of the specific examples (Appendix B5) of Appendix B1 to Appendix B4 includes a counting unit (21) that counts the amount of the value medium provided by the user (Ua). According to the above aspect, the result of counting the amount of the value medium provided by the user (Ua) can be used.

[Appendix B6]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note B6) of Appendix B5, the tallying unit (21) tallies the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua) for each type of value medium. According to the above aspect, the quantity of the value medium provided by the user (Ua) is tallied for each type of value medium. Therefore, for example, the operator of the game system (1) can grasp the trend of the provision of the value medium for each type of value medium.

[Appendix B7]
A method of operating a game system (1) according to one aspect (Appendix B7) of the present invention comprises progressing a game played by a user (Ua), accepting an optional provision of any one of a plurality of types of value media from the user (Ua), causing a playback device (34) to play a virtual character (C), and, upon accepting the provision of the value media, causing the playback device (34) to play a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C) that corresponds to the type of value media.

[Appendix B8]
A program according to one aspect of the present invention (Appendix B8) causes a computer system to function as a game control unit (41) that progresses a game played by a user (Ua), a medium receiving unit (41, 46) that receives an optional provision of any of a plurality of types of value media from the user (Ua), and a reproduction control unit (31) that causes a virtual character (C) to be reproduced in a reproduction device (34) and, when the medium receiving unit (41, 46) receives the provision of the value medium, causes the reproduction device (34) to reproduce a presentation effect related to the virtual character (C), the presentation effect corresponding to the type of value medium.

1...game system, 2...communication network, 3...communication system, 10...game device, 20...control system, 21...control device, 22...storage device, 23...communication device, 24...operation device, 25...sound collection device, 26...playback device, 261...display device, 262...sound emission device, 30...management unit, 31...control device, 32...storage device, 33...communication device, 34...playback device, 341...display device, 342...sound emission device, 35...lottery device, 40...game unit, 41...control device, 42...storage device, 43...communication device, 44...recording device, 441...imaging device, 442...sound collection device, 45...operation device, 46...reception device, 461...first reception section, 462...second reception section, 463...third reception section, 47...display device, 60...distribution system, 70...terminal device, 71...playback device, 72...operation device.

Claims (9)

The game device and the control system are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network.
The game device comprises:
a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a value medium;
a medium receiving unit that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user;
a reproduction control unit that causes a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium ,
The reproduction control unit causes the virtual character to move in response to an instruction from an administrator of the control system.
Game system. The game system according to claim 1 , wherein the control system further comprises an information control unit that causes a display device to display a history of the provision of the value medium by the user. The control system includes a counting unit that counts the quantity of the value medium provided by the user,
The game system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification control unit causes the display device to display a result of the counting performed by the counting processing unit. the game is a game that can be played in parallel by a plurality of users, including the user;
The game system according to claim 3 , wherein the tallying unit tallyes the quantity of the value medium provided by each of the users for each of the plurality of users. a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a value medium;
a medium receiving unit that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user;
a reproduction control unit that causes a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium ;
a video distribution unit that transmits video data representing a video including the virtual character to a distribution system that distributes the video data to a terminal device;
The medium receiving unit receives optional provision of the value medium from the user who plays the game and from a user of a terminal device that reproduces the video represented by the video data.
Game system. A method for operating a game system including a game device and a control system capable of communicating with each other via a communication network, comprising the steps of:
The game device comprises:
The game that the user plays progresses by consuming a medium of value.
Accepting voluntary provision of the value medium from the user;
causing a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and when provision of the value medium is accepted, causing the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character ;
In reproducing the effect, the virtual character is caused to move in response to an instruction from an administrator to the control system.
How the game system works. The game that the user plays progresses by consuming a medium of value.
Accepting voluntary provision of the value medium from the user;
causing a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and when provision of the value medium is accepted, causing the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character ;
Transmitting moving image data representing a moving image including the virtual character to a distribution system that distributes the moving image data to a terminal device;
In the reception of the value medium, optional provision of the value medium is received from the user who plays the game and from the user of the terminal device that reproduces the video represented by the video data.
How the game system works. A game device that communicates with a control system via a communication network,
a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a medium of value;
a medium receiving unit that receives a voluntary provision of the value medium from the user; and
a reproduction control unit that causes a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium,
The reproduction control unit causes the virtual character to move in response to an instruction from an administrator of the control system.
program. a game control unit that progresses a game played by a user by consuming a medium of value;
a medium receiving unit that receives an optional provision of the value medium from the user ;
a reproduction control unit that causes a reproduction device to reproduce a virtual character in parallel with the progress of the game, and causes the reproduction device to reproduce a performance effect related to the virtual character when the medium receiving unit receives the provision of the value medium ; and
a video distribution unit that transmits video data representing a video including the virtual character to a distribution system that distributes the video data to a terminal device;
A program for causing a computer system to function as
The medium receiving unit receives optional provision of the value medium from the user who plays the game and from a user of a terminal device that reproduces the video represented by the video data.
program.

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