JP7590158B2 - Game management device and game program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game management device and a game program.

In recent years, online games using network terminals such as smartphones and game consoles have become widespread. Among these, online games are being provided that allow users at home to virtually play (execute) games such as pachinko and pachislot, which are offered in real game halls (amusement arcades), by displaying them on the screen of a network terminal.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an online gaming system in which a user can borrow coins to be used in games by depositing funds using a credit card or bank account, use these coins to play the desired game, and exchange any coins remaining after the game is over for prizes.

JP 2001-224854 A

However, in the above-mentioned online game system, prizes can only be selected and acquired using the remaining coins at the end of the game. Therefore, if there is a prize that a user really wants, he or she must save up the remaining coins until the prize can be acquired, but in many cases this requires spending a lot of money and time, which inevitably leads to a high level of gambling, and this has been pointed out as a problem.

The present invention was made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and one of its objectives is to provide technology that can award prizes to players in a manner that reduces the gambling element compared to conventional methods while promoting game play.

The game management device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first granting means for granting to a user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a second application medium enabling an application for a prize in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from the user, a second granting means for granting to the user the first application medium enabling an application for the prize in response to execution of the game, an acceptance means for accepting an application for the prize by the user using the first application medium and/or the second application medium, and a lottery means for drawing a lottery for the prize in response to the content of the application.

A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as a first granting means for granting to a user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a second application medium enabling an application for a prize in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from the user, a second granting means for granting to the user the first application medium enabling an application for the prize in response to execution of the game, an acceptance means for accepting an application for the prize by the user using the first application medium and/or the second application medium, and a lottery means for drawing a lottery for the prize in response to the content of the application.

According to certain aspects of the present invention, it is possible to award prizes to players in a manner that is less gambling-like than in the past, while still encouraging them to play the game.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the service provided by the game system. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of applying for an open contest. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a game management device and a user terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game management device. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of registered contents of a user table. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of registered contents of a skill table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of registered contents of a prize table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen of the game. 13 is a flowchart showing a control process of a game application. 13 is a flowchart showing a prize entry control process.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar configurations.

A. This embodiment <System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 100 according to this embodiment.
The game system 100 includes a game management device 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20. The game management device 10 and the plurality of user terminals 20 are capable of communicating with each other via a network N.

One or more portions of network N may be wired or wireless. Network N may include, by way of example and without limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a cellular network, Integrated Service Digital Networks (ISDNs), wireless LANs, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, or the like, or a combination of two or more thereof.

Overview of Game System 100
The game system 100, under the control of the game management device 10, provides various games relating to gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot online to the user terminal 20, and also enables users to enter contests in which they can win various prizes depending on the games they play.

The game management device 10 is realized by, for example, a server computer, and controls the execution of the game on each user terminal 20 .
The user terminal 20 is a terminal owned by each player, and is composed of, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal computer, a handheld computer device, a wearable terminal, etc. The user terminal 20 stores software related to online games (hereinafter, also referred to as a "game app"). The user terminal 20 executes various services, including participation in the game, by operating the game app, an Internet browser, etc., in response to the operation of each user. The game app may be configured to be installed in the user terminal 20, or the function of the game app may be provided from the game management device 10 via the network N.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the services provided by the game system 100. As shown in FIG.
The game system 100 has a feature (first feature) related to the execution control of the game application, and a feature (second feature) related to the control of entries into the prize draw. The first feature and the second feature will be described below.

(First feature)
Prior to starting the game app, the user displays a login screen. When the user completes the necessary authentication procedures (such as entering an ID and password) and successfully logs in, the user obtains a predetermined amount of gaming dollars Dp required to run the game as a login bonus (Sa1). Note that in the following explanation, a slot machine game app is assumed, and it is assumed that 3 gaming dollars (= gaming dollars x 3) Dp are consumed per game, but the type of game app and the amount of gaming dollars Dp consumed per game can be set or changed as desired.

By carrying out a prescribed payment procedure separate from the login procedure (Sa2), the user obtains paid stones Sc as payment consideration and gaming dollars Dp as a bonus (i.e., ancillary items) to the consideration. As an example, when a user carries out a payment procedure for 500 yen by electronic money settlement or the like, the user obtains 10 paid stones Sc as payment consideration and 1,000 gaming dollars Dp as ancillary items to the consideration.

When the user starts the game, all of the gaming dollars Dp obtained in this way are exchanged and saved as game credits, making it possible to play the game (Sa3). In this way, in this embodiment, the game can be played for free by consuming a predetermined amount of gaming dollars Dp (3 gaming dollars per game) without using paid stones Sc as payment.

Paid stones Sc can be exchanged for various game items related to the playability of the game, and in this embodiment, can be exchanged for an original character (hereinafter, My Character) Co used by the user in the game, or a specific skill Sk that affects the outcome of the game (Sa4, Sa5). As an example, 10 paid stones Sc can be exchanged for one specific My Character Co or one specific skill Sk. However, these are merely examples of game items that can be exchanged for paid stones Sc, and for example, accessories such as sunglasses and earrings worn by the My Character Co may also be set as game items that can be exchanged for paid stones Sc.

In addition, by activating skill Sk, for example, at the start of a game, the user can obtain winning roles that allow the user to play the game in an advantageous position, such as Replay 1 (effect: replay) or Bell 1 (effect: payout of a specified number of coins) (details will be described later).

Furthermore, when a skill Sk is activated by the user, regardless of the game result, the user is granted game points Pp according to the consumption of paid stones Sc by using the skill Sk (Sa6). In this embodiment, the game points Pp granted to the user and the paid stones Sc obtained by the user in exchange for payment are set to be equivalent. Here, it is assumed that 10 paid stones Sc are exchanged for a specified skill (e.g. Replay 1) Sk and activated, thereby granting the user 100 game points Pp. In this case, it can be said that the economic value of one paid stone Sc is equal to the economic value of 10 game points Pp.

The game points Pp granted to the user by activating the skill Sk can be exchanged for game items such as a My Character Co and a skill Sk (Sa7, Sa8). As described above, the granted game points Pp and the paid stones Sc obtained by the user in exchange for payment are equivalent. Therefore, the user can acquire a My Character Co after exchanging 10 paid stones Sc for a specified skill Sk → game points Pp (Sa5 → Sa6 → Sa7).

Note that when skill Sk is activated by exchanging game points Pp, unlike when skill Sk is activated by exchanging paid stones Sc, game points Pp are not awarded to the user.

Similarly, a user can acquire a skill Sk by exchanging 10 paid stones Sc for a specific skill Sk → game points Pp (Sa5 → Sa6 → Sa8). However, the skills Sk that can be exchanged for game points Pp are limited to certain types of skills Sk (this will be described later).

Thus, according to the first feature, when a predetermined payment procedure is performed, paid stones Sc are given to the user as payment consideration, and game dollars Dp are given to the user as an attachment to the consideration. Not only can the user obtain various game items by using paid stones Sc given as consideration, but the user can also play games by using game dollars Dp given as an attachment to the consideration and game dollars Dp given as a login bonus. This makes it possible to realize a game system that is highly playable while reducing the gambling aspect compared to conventional systems.

(Second feature)
As described above, when a predetermined deposit procedure is performed (Sa2), not only are paid stones Sc given to the user as the payment amount and game dollars Dp given as an accessory to the payment amount, but also a lottery ticket Lt is given to the user as an additional bonus (i.e., accessory) to the payment amount. The lottery ticket Lt is a ticket that allows entry into a prize draw, and the number of lottery tickets Lt given to the user corresponds to the amount of the deposit. For example, when a deposit procedure for 500 yen is performed, five lottery tickets Lt are given to the user as an accessory to the payment amount.

After logging in, the user operates the user terminal 20 to select a gaming machine or the like and instructs the user to start a game. The gaming dollars Dp held by the user are then exchanged and stored for gaming credits (Sa3), and the user is able to play the game. After the user has played a predetermined number of games, if the user gives an instruction to close the game app and settle the account, the credits stored for the game are exchanged for application dollars Da, which enable the user to enter a prize draw, and are given to the user (Sa9).

To give an example, when a user has 1000 gaming dollars Dp, selects a gaming machine on which to play a game, and issues a command to start the game, the 1000 gaming dollars Dp are exchanged and stored for 1000 credits, and the game can be played. The number of credits increases or decreases depending on the game results. For example, suppose that after 500 games have been played, the number of credits has increased to 1200 credits. If the user inputs a command to settle at this point, the 1200 credits are exchanged for 1200 application dollars Da, which are then awarded to the user. The user can use the awarded application dollars Da to apply for a prize of their choice.

A user can enter a prize draw using only the entry dollars Da (Sa10), or can enter a prize draw using both the entry dollars Da and the lottery ticket Lt (Sa11). If the user wins a prize draw, the user can obtain the prize (e.g., a gift certificate or a home appliance).

The range of prize applications that can be made using only the entry dollars Da (such as the types of prizes offered) is different from the range of prize applications that can be made using both the entry dollars Da and the lottery ticket Lt, but this will be discussed later.

The application dollars Da can be used to enter a prize draw, and can also be used to play a game (Sa12). For example, if a user has 1200 application dollars Da, the user can use 1000 application dollars Da to enter a prize draw, and the remaining 200 application dollars Da to play a game. Here, one application dollar Da may be set to be equivalent to one play dollar Dp, but the setting method is arbitrary.

In this way, according to the second feature, users can enter a lottery using the lottery ticket Lt provided as an attachment to the payment or the entry dollars Da provided at the time of settlement, which makes it possible to provide prizes to players in a manner that is less gambling-like than in the past while encouraging them to play the game.

In the above example, a "closed contest" that requires the use of entry dollars Da was described, but the present invention can also be applied to an "open contest" that does not require the use of entry dollars Da.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of entering an open contest.
An "open contest" is a contest that can be entered using an entry ticket La specifically for open contests, and is held irregularly (such as once a quarter) for the purpose of attracting customers.

The dedicated application ticket La is granted, for example, when the user closes the game app and settles the account. The application ticket La is not always granted at the time of settlement, but is granted to the user, for example, when a specific event occurs (such as during a campaign). However, the circumstances under which the dedicated application ticket La for the open contest is granted can be set arbitrarily.

<Hardware Configuration>
4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the game management device 10 and the user terminal 20. The game management device 10 and the user terminal 20 each have a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1, a storage device 2 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication IF (Interface) 3 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 4 for accepting input operations, and an output device 5 for outputting information. The input device 4 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. The output device 5 is, for example, a display (screen) and/or a speaker, etc.

The functional configuration of the game management device 10 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 5.

<Function block configuration>
The game management device (computer) 10 includes a memory unit 110, a game control unit 120, a first granting unit 130, a second granting unit 140, a third granting unit 150, a fourth granting unit 160, a receiving unit 170, and a lottery unit 180.

The game control unit 120, the first granting unit 130, the second granting unit 140, the third granting unit 150, the fourth granting unit 160, the reception unit 170, and the lottery unit 180 are realized by the CPU 1 of the game management device 10 executing various programs stored in the storage device 2. The programs can be stored in a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

The memory unit 110 is realized by the memory device 2, and stores a program that controls the execution of the slot machine game app, as well as a user table 111, a skill table 112, a prize table 113, etc.

6 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of registered contents of the user table 111, the skill table 112, and the prize table 113, respectively.
In the user table 111, user numbers, authentication information, user basic information, game-related information, prize entry history information, and the like are registered in association with each other.

The user number is information for uniquely identifying a user. The authentication information is information for logging in to the game system 100, and includes, for example, a user ID and a password. The user basic information includes, for example, the user name, gender, age, family composition, address, contact information, place of employment, annual income, hobbies, and the like. The game-related information includes game items owned by the user at the time (for example, My Character Co and paid stones Sc), game dollars Dp, game points Pp, lottery tickets Lt, application dollars Da, and the like. The game history information is information indicating the wins and losses of the user's games over a specified period of time in the past, and the prize history information is information indicating the user's application status for prizes over a specified period of time in the past, whether or not they won, and the prizes they obtained.

Skill table 112 stores and associates the skill number, the winning role obtained by activating skill Sk, the effect of the winning role, the presence or absence of special effects, activation conditions, and the like.

The skill number is information for uniquely identifying the skill Sk. The winning combination is, for example, Replay 1, Bell 1, Cherry 1, etc., and the effects of the corresponding winning combination are, for example, replay, medal payout (increase in credits), state transition, etc. Special effects are, for example, assist time (AT) lottery, bonus start, AT start, etc. The activation condition specifies the conditions for activating the corresponding skill Sk.

In this embodiment, two methods are defined: using paid stones Sc and using game points Pp. For example, in the case of Replay 1, the skill corresponding to Replay 1 (skill number: "1") can be activated by using one paid stone Sc or 10 game points Pp.

However, there are some skills Sk that cannot use game points Pp (i.e., only paid stones Sc can be used). For example, if you have Cherry 1, you can only activate the skill (skill number: "6") that corresponds to Cherry 1 by using five paid stones.

As mentioned above, when a skill Sk is activated, the user is granted game points Pp according to the consumption of paid stones Sc through the use of the skill Sk, regardless of the game outcome. For example, if the economic value of one paid stone Sc is equal to the economic value of 10 game points Pp, and 20 paid stones Sc are used to activate the skill corresponding to Cherry 2 (skill number: "7"), 200 game points Pp (= 20 x 10 game points Pp) will be granted to the user.

The prize table 113 specifies the details of closed prize draws. Prize numbers, prizes, entry conditions, lottery results, winning odds, and bonus information are registered in association with each other in the prize table 113.

The prize number is information for uniquely identifying the prize. The prize is a product or service that the user can obtain by winning the prize, such as a gift certificate (worth 2000 points) or a game machine A. The entry conditions stipulate the conditions for entering the corresponding prize. In this embodiment, depending on the prize contents, there are prizes that can be entered only with entry dollars Da and prizes that can be entered by using both entry dollars Da and lottery ticket Lt.

As an example, for prizes that are not expensive (e.g. prizes less than a certain amount), a user can apply with only the application dollars Da, but for prizes that are expensive (e.g. prizes above a certain amount), a user cannot apply without both the application dollars Da and the lottery ticket Lt. Using FIG. 8 as an example, a user can apply for the prize "gift certificate (2000 points)" with only 4000 application dollars Da, but for the prize "Game Machine A", a user cannot apply without 50000 application dollars Da and 13 lottery tickets Lt.

The lottery announcement specifies the timing of the announcement of the lottery results, for example, "immediately" or "August 24th 12:00". The winning rate indicates the probability of winning the prize (initial value), for example, "10%". In FIG. 8, the same winning rate ("10%) is set for all prizes, but some (or all) may be set to different values.

The accumulation information specifies the amount of accumulated entry dollars Da required to increase the probability of winning a prize. For example, for the prize "gift certificate (2000 points)," the probability of winning can be increased by accumulating (i.e., betting) 4000 entry dollars Da.

In this embodiment, the number of bets can be increased from 1 to 9, and the winning probability is set to increase by 10% per bet. For example, when 3 bets are made on the above-mentioned prize "gift certificate (2000 points)", the winning probability increases to 40%, which is the initial value of 10% plus 30% (= 3 x 10%). However, when 9 bets are made, the winning probability is not increased to 100%, which is the initial value of 10% plus 90% (= 9 x 10%), but is set to the upper limit of 99%. Note that a part of the information registered in the prize table 113 (for example, the hatched part shown in FIG. 8) is displayed on the user terminal 20. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set which information is displayed on the user terminal 20.

Returning to FIG. 4, the game control unit 120 controls the progress of the game in accordance with the user's operation of the user terminal 20. The game control unit 120 also generates various game screens in accordance with the progress of the game and transmits them to the user terminal 20.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen P1 of a game displayed on the user terminal 20.
The menu screen P1 displays a progress field F1 showing the current progress of the game, an operation button B1 for purchasing paid stones Sc, an operation button B2 for instructing the start of the game, an operation button B3 for applying for a prize, etc. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the progress field F1 displays the game dollars Dp and application dollars Da, the number of paid stones Sc, the number of lottery tickets Lt, etc. owned by the user, but in addition to this, information on the user's character Co, etc. may also be displayed.

In response to receiving a payment procedure from a user, the first granting unit 130 grants to the user paid stones (first medium) Sc as payment consideration, and gaming dollars (first consumption medium) Dp, lottery tickets (second application medium) Lt, etc. as accessories to the consideration. The first granting unit 130 updates the game-related information of the user registered in the user table 111 based on the paid stones Sc, gaming dollars Dp, lottery tickets Lt, etc. granted to the user.

The second granting unit 140 exchanges the credits stored for the game into application dollars (first application medium) Da at a predetermined timing in response to the user's execution of the game, and grants them to the user. In this embodiment, when the user inputs an instruction to settle, all credits are exchanged into application dollars Da and granted to the user. The second granting unit 140 updates the user's game-related information registered in the user table 111 based on the application dollars Da granted to the user, etc.

The third granting unit 150 grants the user game points (second medium) Pp that can be exchanged for a specific My Character Co or a specific skill Sk when paid stones Sc are exchanged for and activated by a skill Sk.

The fourth granting unit 160 grants free gaming dollars (first consumable medium) Dp to a user when the user satisfies the set requirements (when the user logs in in this embodiment). The requirements for granting free gaming dollars Dp can be set as appropriate by the system operator, etc.

The reception unit 170 receives applications for prize draws from users. Specifically, the reception unit 170 receives applications for "closed prize draws" using only application dollars Da or a combination of application dollars Da and lottery tickets Lt, and also receives applications for "open prize draws" using application tickets La.

The lottery unit 180 draws prizes in accordance with the application content received by the reception unit 170, and displays the lottery results on the user terminal 20 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, the lottery unit 160 refers to the prize table 113 to compare the received application content with the application conditions and the like registered in the prize table 113, and identifies the prizes to be selected based on the comparison results. The lottery unit 160 then draws prizes for the identified prizes, and displays the lottery results on the user terminal 20.

Next, we will explain the execution flow of the game app by the game system 100, and then explain the flow of entering the prize draw.

<Game app control process>
10 is a flowchart showing the control process of a game application executed by the game management device 10. It is assumed that the user has already successfully logged in and is in the virtual game arcade.
The game management device 10 first displays a game machine selection screen (not shown) on the user terminal 20 to prompt the user to select a game machine.

The user operates the user terminal 20 to select a gaming machine on which to play the game. When the game management device 10 receives an instruction to select a gaming machine from the user terminal 20, it registers the selected gaming machine in the user table 111 (step S1).

The game management device 10 exchanges all game dollars Dp possessed by the user into game credits and stores them (step S2). Note that even if there are no game dollars Dp or credits at this point, if there are application dollars Da, the game management device 10 exchanges the application dollars Da into game credits and stores them.
As described above, in order for a user to start a game, it is necessary for the user to possess game dollars Dp and application dollars Da, but it is not necessary for the user to possess paid stones Sc that are given as a compensation for payment (paid stones Sc are only necessary for activating skills Sk, etc.). Therefore, before executing step S2, the game management device 10 checks with the user whether or not the user possesses game dollars Dp and application dollars Da, and if the user does not possess either, it is possible to display a message or the like on the user terminal 20 that encourages the user to possess game dollars Dp. For example, if a predetermined amount of game dollars Dp is granted to the user by the user viewing a video advertisement or the like, the possession of game dollars Dp may be encouraged by displaying a message on the user terminal 20 that encourages the user to view a video advertisement or the like.

The game management device 10 sets the initial settings (probabilities of winning roles, etc.) for the selected gaming machine and prepares to start the game (step S3).

Then, the game management device 10 determines whether or not the skill Sk has been activated by the user (step S4). As described above, the user can exchange and activate a specific skill Sk by using paid stones Sc or game points Pp. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7 above, there are some skills Sk for which game points Pp cannot be used.

When the game management device 10 detects that a specific skill Sk has been activated by the user (step S4; YES), it sets a flag (hereinafter also referred to as the "skill flag") that indicates a winning combination (e.g., "Cherry 1") that corresponds to the activated skill (step S5), and proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the game management device 10 does not detect the activation of a specific skill Sk (step S4; NO), it proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the game management device 10 determines whether or not a command to start the game has been input by the user. When inputting a command to start the game, the user presses a virtual lever or the like displayed on the user terminal 20.

When the game management device 10 determines that a command to start a game has been input by the user (step S6; YES), it checks whether or not the skill flag has been set (step S7). If the skill flag has not been set (step S7; NO), the game management device 10 draws a hand, sets a flag indicating the result of the draw (hereinafter also referred to as the "drawing flag") (step S8), and proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the skill flag has been set (step S7; YES), the game management device 10 proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the game management device 10 refers to the skill flag and lottery flag, and displays the result corresponding to the flag on the user terminal 20. For example, if the skill flag corresponding to "Cherry 1" is set, the game management device 10 displays a screen showing the winning role "Cherry 1" on the user terminal 20. Then, the game management device 10 increases or decreases the user's credits according to the result (step S10). For example, if "Cherry 1" is won, the user's credits are increased by "4" in line with the payout of four medals.

After the game management device 10 increases or decreases the user's credits, it returns to step S4 and repeats the above-mentioned process.

If, while repeatedly executing this process, the game management device 10 determines that the skill Sk has not been activated (step S4; NO) and that an instruction to start the game has not been input (step S6; NO), it determines whether or not the game app should be terminated (step S11). For example, if it detects that a virtual settlement button or the like has been pressed by the user, the game management device 10 determines that the game app should be terminated (step S11; YES) and proceeds to step S12. Note that, if the game management device 10 determines that the game app should not be terminated (step S11; NO), it returns to step S4.

When proceeding to step S12, the game management device 10 exchanges the credits stored for the game for application dollars Da and updates the registration contents of the user table 111.

Furthermore, the game management device 10 counts the number of paid stones Sc used before the game app is terminated, grants the user game points Pp according to the counting result, and updates the registered contents of the user table 111 (step S13).

Then, the game management device 10 judges whether or not a specific event has occurred for which an application ticket La for the open contest should be distributed (step S14). As described above, the application ticket La for the open contest is given to the user when a specific event has occurred (for example, during a campaign or when it is the first game of the day). The specific event for which the application ticket La should be distributed may be set appropriately by, for example, the system operator.
The specific event setting at that time is preferably such that the user can satisfy the conditions without purchasing paid stones Sc by carrying out a predetermined payment procedure. As described above, in the case of the first game of the day, the user can satisfy the conditions free of charge by using game dollars Dp obtained by logging in. Of course, the purpose of satisfying the conditions free of charge is not limited to this, and an event may be generated, for example, when the number of times a game is played using game dollars Dp exceeds a threshold value.

When the game management device 10 determines that a specific event has occurred that requires the distribution of application tickets La (step S14; YES), it grants the application ticket La to the user, updates the registered contents of the user table 111 (step S15), and then terminates the game app. On the other hand, when the game management device 10 determines that a specific event has not occurred (step S14; NO), it terminates the game app without granting the application ticket La to the user. Note that the number of application tickets La granted to the user may be fixed (e.g., one), but may also be set to be different depending on the content of the campaign, etc.

<Control process for prize entry>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling entry into a contest, which is executed by the game management device 10. As shown in FIG.
When the game management device 10 receives an entry for a contest from a user, it determines whether or not the received entry is for a "closed contest" (step S101).

When the game management device 10 determines that it is a "closed contest" (step S101; YES), it prompts the user to select which contest (prize) to enter by displaying the prizes and entry conditions registered in the contest table 113 on the user terminal 20 (step S102).

The user selects the prize to enter by appropriately operating the user terminal 20. When the game management device 10 accepts the user's selection of the prize (step S103), it displays on the user terminal 20 a message indicating that the user can increase the number of entry dollars Da (i.e., place a bet) to increase the probability of winning the prize (step S104).

The game management device 10 detects whether or not a bet has been made by the user (step S105). When the game management device 10 detects that a bet has been made (step S105; YES), it changes the probability of winning the prize in accordance with the bet (step S106) and returns to step S105. When the probability of winning the prize is changed, it is possible to notify the user of the change so that the user can recognize it. For example, when the probability of winning the prize falls within a predetermined range (e.g., 20% to 40%), the display mode of the icon for controlling the accumulation of the application dollars Da may be changed. As an example, the color of the icon for controlling the accumulation of the application dollars Da may be changed (e.g., to red), or the brightness or lighting pattern of the icon may be changed. Note that the display mode of the icon may be changed in stages as the probability of winning increases. Furthermore, when the upper limit of the accumulation (99% in this embodiment) is reached, it is possible to make the icon darker so that the user can easily recognize that further accumulation is not possible.

On the other hand, if the game management device 10 determines that the user has not placed a bet (or that the bet has ended) (step S105; NO), it determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to start a lottery (step S107). If the game management device 10 determines that an instruction to start a lottery has not been input (step S107; NO), it returns to step S105.

On the other hand, if the game management device 10 determines that an instruction to start the lottery has been input (step S107; YES), it conducts a lottery for the relevant contest, displays the lottery results on the user terminal 20 (step S108), and ends the process. Note that if the lottery for the closed contest is not conducted immediately, the lottery results may be displayed on the user terminal 20 at a later date.

On the other hand, if the game management device 10 determines in step S101 that it is not a "closed contest" (step S101; NO), it determines whether it is an "open contest" (step S109).

When the game management device 10 determines that the received application is an "open contest" (step S109; YES), it displays the open contests that can be applied for on the user terminal 20 (step S110). Specifically, the game management device 10 identifies the open contests that can be applied for based on the application period for the contest and the number of lottery tickets Lt required to apply, and displays them on the user terminal 20.

The user selects the prize to enter by appropriately operating the user terminal 20. When the game management device 10 accepts the user's selection of the prize (step S111), it confirms that the entry has been made properly, displays on the user terminal 20 a message indicating that the entry to the prize has been completed (step S112), and ends the process. Note that for open prizes, the lottery is held after the entry period, and the lottery results will be displayed on the user terminal 20 at a later date.

On the other hand, if the game management device 10 determines in step S109 that the contest is not an "open contest" (step S109; NO), it determines whether or not the contest entry should be terminated (step S113). For example, if the user inputs an instruction to enter another contest, the game management device 10 determines that the contest entry should not be terminated (step S113; NO) and returns to step 101. On the other hand, if the user inputs an instruction to terminate the contest entry, the game management device 10 determines that the contest entry should be terminated (step S113; YES) and ends the process.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when a predetermined deposit procedure is performed, paid stones Sc are provided to the user as payment, and game dollars Dp are provided to the user as an attachment to the payment. Not only can the user obtain various game items by using the paid stones Sc provided as payment, but the user can also play games by using the game dollars Dp provided as an attachment to the payment, or the game dollars Dp provided as a login bonus. This makes it possible to realize a game system that is highly playable while reducing the gambling aspect compared to conventional systems.

In addition, users can enter a lottery by using the lottery ticket Lt provided as an attachment to the payment, or the entry dollars Da provided at the time of settlement after the game is over, which makes it possible to provide prizes to players in a manner that is less gambling-like than before, while encouraging them to play the game.

B. Others When a user watches a video advertisement in the game system 100, the user may be given free stones (free stones) or game dollars Dp that can be exchanged for and activated with a specific skill Sk as an incentive for watching the advertisement. However, when a specific skill Sk is activated using free stones, the game points Pp may not be given to the user.

In addition, in this embodiment, games related to gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot are given as examples of online games, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is applicable to all kinds of games, such as action games, RPG games, and puzzle games. In addition, in this embodiment, as examples of "closed prize contests," prize contests that can be entered only with application dollars Da and prize contests that can be entered by using both application dollars Da and lottery tickets Lt are given, but in addition (or instead), prize contests that can be entered only with lottery tickets Lt may be provided.

In this embodiment, a "part" does not simply mean a physical means, but also includes cases where the functions of the "part" are realized by software. Furthermore, the functions of one "part" or device may be realized by two or more physical means or devices, and the functions of two or more "parts" or devices may be realized by one physical means or device.

100...game system, 10...game management device, 20...user terminal, 110...storage unit, 111...user table, 112...skill table, 113...prize table, 120...game control unit, 130...first grant unit, 140...second grant unit, 150...third grant unit, 160...fourth grant unit, 170...reception unit, 180...lottery unit, Sc...paid stones, Dp...game dollars, Co...my character, Pp...game points, Sk...skill, Lt...lottery ticket, Da...entry dollars, La...entry ticket, P1...menu screen

Claims (6)

a first granting means for granting to the user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a second entry medium enabling entry into a prize draw, in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from the user;
a second granting means for granting to the user a first entry medium enabling the user to enter the prize contest in response to execution of the game;
an acceptance means for accepting an application for the prize contest by the user using the first application medium and/or the second application medium;
A lottery means for performing a lottery for the prize contest in accordance with the content of the application;
Equipped with
The prize draw has entry conditions set for each prize to be selected,
The lottery means is a game management device that identifies the prize based on a result of comparing the content of the received application with the application conditions, and conducts a lottery for the identified prize . An entry into the prize draw may be made by using only the first entry medium or by using both the first entry medium and the second entry medium;
The game management device according to claim 1 , wherein the range of applications for the prize that are possible by using the first application medium and the second application medium in combination is different from the range of applications for the prize that are possible by using only the first application medium. the first granting means grants to the user a first consumable medium necessary for playing the game together with the first medium and the second application medium;
The game management device according to claim 1 , wherein the first medium is exchangeable for a predetermined game item in the game. The second applying means is
The game management device according to claim 1 , wherein the first application medium corresponding to a result of the game is awarded to the user at a predetermined timing after the game ends. The entry into the prize draw using the first entry medium allows for the accumulation of the first entry medium,
The game management device according to claim 1 , wherein the probability of winning the prize in the lottery varies depending on the accumulation of the first application medium. Computer,
a first granting means for granting to the user a first medium exchangeable for a game item related to the playability of the game and a second entry medium enabling entry into a prize draw, in response to receiving an input for a payment procedure from the user;
a second granting means for granting to the user a first entry medium enabling the user to enter the prize contest in response to execution of the game;
an acceptance means for accepting an application for the prize contest by the user using the first application medium and/or the second application medium;
A program for causing the program to function as a lottery means for performing a lottery for the prize contest in accordance with the content of the application,
The prize draw has entry conditions set for each prize to be selected,
The lottery means is a program that identifies the prize based on a comparison result between the content of the received application and the application conditions, and conducts a lottery for the identified prize .

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