JP7716129B2 - Game system, game control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to games.

Various games that use gaming value, such as credits, have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses technology that accepts instructions from users to use gaming value (i.e., bets), awards the user with a reward quantity based on the results of a lottery game, and increases the reward quantity when a predetermined condition is met.

Patent No. 5526633

Incidentally, as in Patent Document 1, a game has been proposed in which game elements, such as racehorses, used in a lottery game can be developed by using game value, rather than simply using game value. However, in a configuration in which game elements are simply strengthened according to the amount of game value used, there is a tendency for users who use a large amount of game value to have an advantage in the game. Therefore, there is an issue that users who use a small amount of game value, or beginners who have just started playing the game, find it difficult to experience the fun of developing their own game elements. On the other hand, in a situation in which users can fully experience the fun of a game by using a small amount of game value, there is an issue that users' opportunities to freely use game value are limited. In consideration of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention aims to suppress significant differences in game elements according to the amount of game value used, while maintaining opportunities for users to use a large amount of game value.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a game system that controls a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, and includes: an instruction receiving unit that receives, from a user, an instruction for a variable usage amount related to game value in the first stage; an update processing unit that updates parameters related to the user's game elements in the first stage according to a consumption amount that is part of the usage amount; an adjustment value setting unit that sets an adjustment value according to the usage amount; a progress control unit that progresses a specific game using the game elements in the second stage; and a reward management unit that grants the user a reward according to the adjustment value according to the result of the specific game in the second stage.

One aspect of the present invention is a game control method for controlling a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, and in the first stage, an instruction for a variable usage amount of game value is received from a user; in the first stage, parameters related to the user's game elements are updated according to a consumption amount that is part of the usage amount, and an adjustment value is set according to the usage amount; in the second stage, a specific game using the game elements is progressed; and in the second stage, a reward according to the adjustment value is awarded to the user according to the outcome of the specific game.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention controls a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, and causes a computer system to function as an instruction receiving unit that receives, from a user, an instruction for a variable usage amount related to game value in the first stage; an update processing unit that updates parameters related to the user's game elements in the first stage according to the consumption amount, which is part of the usage amount; an adjustment value setting unit that sets an adjustment value in accordance with the usage amount; a progress control unit that progresses a specific game using the game elements in the second stage; and a reward management unit that grants a reward to the user in accordance with the adjustment value in accordance with the result of the specific game in the second stage.

1 is a plan view illustrating an example of the appearance of a game system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a game system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of game data. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the game system. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a training screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of options for multipliers on the training screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a training screen. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a reward amount table. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a control process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another part of the control process. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a result screen. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a display screen for a first ranking in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a display screen for a second ranking in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game system and a management system according to a second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a reward management unit in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a limit value table according to the third embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[First embodiment]
1 is a plan view of a gaming system 100 according to a first embodiment. The gaming system 100 is installed in, for example, a gaming facility. The gaming facility may be, for example, an entertainment facility such as a game arcade or casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. In practice, multiple gaming systems 100 are installed in different gaming facilities, but the following description will focus on one arbitrary gaming system 100 for convenience.

The game system 100 of the first embodiment provides a horse racing game to multiple users in which a training stage and a race stage are repeated alternately. The training stage is a stage in which each user raises a virtual racehorse owned by the user (hereinafter referred to as "owned horse"). The race stage is a stage in which multiple racehorses trained in the training stage race. In the race stage, a virtual race between multiple racehorses progresses. Racehorses (owned horses) are an example of a "game element" used in a horse racing game. The training stage is an example of a "first stage," and the race stage is an example of a "second stage."

As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 100 of the first embodiment comprises a central unit 10 and multiple stations 20. The multiple stations 20 are installed, for example, around the central unit 10. Each station 20 is a unit used by a user to play the horse racing game. The game system 100 can be realized as a single device, or as multiple devices configured separately from each other.

The central unit 10 includes a field 16 that simulates the racetrack and multiple model horses 17 that simulate racehorses. The multiple model horses 17 move across the field 16. Each model horse 17 corresponds to one of multiple racehorses competing on the race stage. In other words, the multiple model horses 17 three-dimensionally represent the scene of multiple racehorses racing.

Each of the multiple stations 20 is equipped with a display device 23, an operation device 24, and a reception device 25. The display device 23 displays various images according to the progress of the horse racing game. For example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel are used as the display device 23. The operation device 24 is an input device that accepts operations by the user. Specifically, a touch panel that detects contact by the user with the display surface of the display device 23 is used as the operation device 24. However, for example, multiple operators operated by the user may also be used as the operation device 24.

The reception device 25 accepts value media from users. The value media may be, for example, physical medals (tokens) or electronic medals. Specifically, the reception device 25 is equipped with a transport path for transporting the physical medals supplied to the slot by the user and a counter for counting the physical medals. The reception device 25 may also be a communications device that communicates with a management server device (not shown) that manages electronic medal accounts for each user. For example, the reception device 25 performs a withdrawal process that transfers electronic medals from an account managed by the management server device to the game system 100, and a deposit process that transfers electronic medals to an account on the management server device. The reception device 25 may also be a reader that transfers electronic medals from a recording medium, such as an IC card, on which the electronic medals are recorded to the game system 100. A quantity of credits corresponding to the quantity of value media accepted by the reception device 25 is made available for use by the user. The credits are gaming value for the user to play the game.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the game system 100. Figure 2 shows the specific configuration of one of the multiple stations 20 as a representative example. Each of the multiple stations 20 is equipped with a control device 21 and a memory device 22 in addition to the display device 23, operation device 24, and reception device 25 described above.

The control device 21 is a single or multiple processors that control the operation of the station 20. Specifically, the control device 21 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The storage device 22 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 21 and various data used by the control device 21. For example, well-known storage media such as semiconductor storage media and magnetic storage media, or a combination of multiple types of storage media, are used as the storage device 22. In the first embodiment, the storage device 22 stores the amount of credits owned by the user (hereinafter referred to as the "owned amount") C. The owned amount C is the amount of credits that the user can use in the horse racing game.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the game system 100 includes a control device 11, a memory device 12, a communication device 13, and a drive device 14 in addition to the multiple stations 20 described above. The control device 11 is a single or multiple processors that control the entire game system 100. Specifically, the control device 11 is made up of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. Note that the control device 11 may also perform the functions of the control device 21. In other words, the control device 21 of each station 20 may be omitted.

The drive device 14 moves each of the multiple model horses 17 under the control of the control device 11. Instead of driving the multiple model horses 17, a video of multiple racehorses racing may be displayed on a display device (not shown) in the central unit 10 or on the display device 23 of each station 20.

The storage device 12 is one or more memories that store programs executed by the control device 11 and various data used by the control device 11. For example, well-known storage media such as semiconductor storage media and magnetic storage media, or a combination of multiple types of storage media, may be used as the storage device 12. Note that the storage device 12 may also be a portable storage medium that is detachable from the game system 100, or a storage medium (e.g., cloud storage) that the control device 11 can write to or read from via a communication network 200 such as the Internet. Note that the functions of the storage device 22 may also be realized by the storage device 12. In other words, the storage device 22 in each station 20 may be omitted.

The communication device 13 communicates with the management system 300 via the communication network 200. The management system 300 is a server system comprising a control device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication device 33. The management system 300 may also be understood as an element of the game system 100.

The control device 31 is one or more processors that control the entire management system 300. Specifically, the control device 31 is composed of one or more types of processors, such as a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, or ASIC. The communication device 33 communicates with the game system 100 via the communication network 200.

The storage device 32 is one or more memories that store the programs executed by the control device 31 and various data used by the control device 31. For example, well-known storage media such as semiconductor storage media and magnetic storage media, or a combination of multiple types of storage media, are used as the storage device 32. The storage device 32 in the first embodiment stores game data G for each of multiple users. Game data G is stored in the storage device 32 for multiple users who use any of multiple game systems 100 installed in different gaming facilities.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of each user's game data G. As illustrated in Figure 3, each user's game data G includes the user's identification information U, the user's name N, and racehorse data H related to the user's owned horses. The identification information U is a code string used to identify the user. Each user is given a registration card upon prior user registration. The registration card is a recording medium on which the user's identification information is recorded. Of the multiple game data G stored in the management system 300, game data G corresponding to identification information U that matches or is related to the identification information recorded on the user's registration card is transferred from the management system 300 to the game system 100. The user's name N is, for example, a character string set by the user at the time of user registration.

Racehorse data H is data related to horses owned by the user. Specifically, racehorse data H includes attribute data H1, ability parameters H2, and performance data H3. Attribute data H1 is data that represents the attributes of the owned horse. Specifically, attributes such as the owned horse's name, sex, age, and coat color are specified by the attribute data H1. Ability parameters H2 are parameters related to the abilities of the owned horse. Specifically, ability parameters H2 include multiple ability values such as the owned horse's speed, stamina, and condition. Ability parameters H2 are an example of a "parameter."

The performance data H3 includes the owned horse's past performance (e.g., ranking in each race), a first total reward amount P1, and a second total reward amount P2. The first total reward amount P1 is the total value of the basic reward B earned by the user in one or more past races. The basic reward B is a virtual prize (e.g., game score) awarded to the user depending on the results of the race in the competition stage.

In addition to the basic reward B, in the battle stage, the user is awarded a special reward W depending on the results of the race. The special reward W is credits awarded to the user as a reward. In other words, the special reward W is added to the amount of credits C owned by the user. The second total reward amount P2 in the performance data H3 is the sum of the special rewards W earned by the user in one or more past races. As can be understood from the above explanation, in the first embodiment, the first total reward amount P1 and the second total reward amount P2 are counted separately.

Of the multiple game data G stored in the storage device 32 of the management system 300, the game data G of users playing a horse racing game using the game system 100 is transmitted from the communication device 33 to the game system 100. The communication device 13 of the game system 100 receives the game data G from the management system 300. The game data G of each user is stored in the storage device 12 or the storage device 22.

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the game system 100. The control device 11 of the central unit 10 realizes specific functions by executing programs stored in the storage device 12. Similarly, the control device 21 of each station 20 realizes specific functions by executing programs stored in the storage device 22. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control device 11 and each control device 21 realize a control processing unit 40 for controlling the horse racing game. Each function of the control processing unit 40 may be realized by the control device 11 or 21 alone, or may be realized by the control device 11 and the control device 21 working together. As illustrated in Figure 4, the control processing unit 40 includes a display control unit 41, an instruction receiving unit 42, an update processing unit 43, an adjustment value setting unit 44, a progress control unit 45, and a reward management unit 46.

The display control unit 41 displays various images related to the horse racing game on the display device 23 of each station 20. Specifically, the display control unit 41 displays images corresponding to each of the training stage and the competition stage on the display device 23. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "training screen") Qa that the display control unit 41 displays on each display device 23 during the training stage. As illustrated in Figure 5, the training screen Qa includes an information display area Qa1, a training selection area Qa2, and a magnification selection area Qa3.

Information display area Qa1 displays various information indicated by the racehorse data H of the owned horse. The information display area Qa1 illustrated in Figure 5 displays the name, sex, and age of the owned horse represented by the attribute data H1, as well as the race record and first total remuneration amount P1 represented by the performance data H3. Note that other information related to the owned horse (for example, the second total remuneration amount P2) may also be displayed in information display area Qa1.

The training selection area Qa2 is an image that allows the user to indicate the training method to be implemented for raising a owned horse. Specifically, the training selection area Qa2 displays multiple training methods that are candidates for selection by the user. The multiple training methods are divided into, for example, physical training and mental training. Physical training includes multiple training methods (turf/dirt/slope) for strengthening the owned horse's physical abilities (e.g., speed and stamina). Mental training includes multiple training methods (walking/feeding/hot springs) for adjusting the owned horse's mental abilities (e.g., condition). The user can select one of the multiple training methods in the training selection area Qa2 by operating the operation device 24. Note that one or more training methods may be selected automatically (i.e., without the user having to manually select) during a training stage.

For each of the multiple training methods in the training selection area Qa2, the amount of credits X required to select that training method (hereinafter referred to as "usage amount") is displayed. The usage amount X is the amount of credits consumed to select each training method (i.e., the bet amount). The usage amount X is set individually for each training method. Note that the usage amount X may be the same value for two or more training methods.

In the first embodiment, the usage amount X is the product of the consumption amount Y and the multiplier R (X = Y x R). The consumption amount Y is a numerical value (X <= Y) equivalent to part or all of the usage amount X. The consumption amount Y can also be described as the basic quantity of credits consumed by a user to select a desired training method. The multiplier R represents the ratio of the usage amount X to the consumption amount Y and is set to a numerical value greater than or equal to 1. When the multiplier R is 1, the usage amount X matches the consumption amount Y (X = Y). Figure 5 assumes that the multiplier R is 1, so the usage amount X illustrated for each training method in Figure 5 corresponds to the consumption amount Y of that training method. On the other hand, when the multiplier R is greater than 1, the usage amount X exceeds the consumption amount Y (X > Y). When the usage amount X exceeds the consumption amount Y, a portion of the usage amount X corresponds to the consumption amount Y.

The magnification selection area Qa3 is an image that allows the user to specify the magnification R. When the user operates the magnification selection area Qa3, multiple candidate values for the magnification R (x1, x2, x5, x10, x20) are displayed, as shown in FIG. 6. The user can select one of the multiple candidate values as the magnification R by operating the operation device 24. Note that a phrase suggesting a candidate value for the magnification R to the user may be displayed on the display device 23. For example, for the numerical value "1" for the magnification R, a phrase such as "normal," which means the standard value, may be displayed. This configuration allows the user to easily grasp the standard value for the magnification R. Alternatively, the user may directly specify the numerical value for the magnification R by operating the operation device 24.

The display control unit 41 updates the usage amount X for each training method according to the multiplier R selected by the user. As mentioned above, Figure 5 illustrates the usage amount X for each training method when the multiplier R is "1." If the user selects "10" as the multiplier R, the usage amount X for each training method will be updated to a value ten times the value illustrated in Figure 5, as illustrated in Figure 7. As can be understood from the above explanation, while the consumption amount Y is a fixed value set for each training method, the usage amount X is a variable value that depends on the multiplier R selected by the user.

The instruction receiving unit 42 in FIG. 4 receives instructions from the user via the operating device 24. For example, in a training stage, the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an instruction from the user to select one of multiple candidate values displayed in the multiplier selection area Qa3 as the multiplier R. As described above, the usage amount X for each training method is set to the product of the multiplier R selected by the user and the consumption amount Y corresponding to that training method.

The instruction receiving unit 42 also receives an instruction from the user to select one of the multiple training methods in the training selection area Qa2. Since the usage amount X is set for each training method, the instruction by the user to select a desired training method from the training selection area Qa2 corresponds to an instruction for the usage amount X corresponding to that training method.

The instruction receiving unit 42 subtracts the usage amount X corresponding to the training method selected by the user from the user's owned credit amount C. In other words, when the user selects a desired training method, the usage amount X corresponding to that training method is consumed from the owned credit amount C. Therefore, selecting a training method can be said to be an instruction to consume the usage amount X of credits.

The update processing unit 43 updates the ability parameter H2 of the horse owned by the user in accordance with the amount of usage X specified by the user. Specifically, the update processing unit 43 updates the ability parameter H2 of the horse in accordance with the amount of consumption Y of the amount of usage X. For example, the update processing unit 43 changes the ability value corresponding to the training method, out of the multiple ability values represented by the ability parameter H2, by an amount corresponding to the amount of consumption Y. The amount of change in the ability parameter H2 is set, for example, in accordance with the amount of consumption Y and a random number that is generated probabilistically.

As mentioned above, consumption Y is a fixed value set for each training method. Therefore, the amount of change in ability parameter H2 is set according to the training method selected by the user and is not dependent on multiplier R. Therefore, if the training method selected by the user is the same (i.e., consumption Y is the same), even if the consumption X differs depending on multiplier R, ability parameter H2 will be updated in the same way according to consumption Y, although it will be affected by the random number mentioned above. For example, assuming a situation in which the user selects a training method in which consumption Y is "4," ability parameter H2 will be updated according to consumption Y of "4" whether multiplier R is "1" (X = 4) or "10" (X = 40). In other words, differences in multiplier R do not affect the update of ability parameter H2.

As described above, in the training stage, a game event (hereinafter referred to as a "training event") is executed in which the user trains their horse. One training event includes the instruction receiving unit 42 receiving an instruction for the amount of use X (i.e., an instruction to select a training method) and the update processing unit 43 updating the ability parameter H2. In other words, for each training event, the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an instruction for the amount of use X and the update processing unit 43 updates the ability parameter H2.

The adjustment value setting unit 44 in Figure 4 sets the adjustment value Z according to the usage amount X specified by the user. The adjustment value Z is updated for each training event. Specifically, an additional value D according to the usage amount X is added to the adjustment value Z for each training event (Z ← Z + D).

In the first embodiment, the additional value D is the numerical value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount Y from the usage amount X (D = X - Y). In other words, the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount Y for updating the capacity parameter H2 from the usage amount X is used as the additional value D to increase the adjustment value Z. In other words, the usage amount X is divided into the consumption amount Y for updating the capacity parameter H2 and the additional value D for increasing the adjustment value Z.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the adjustment value setting unit 44 in the first embodiment sets the adjustment value Z by accumulating the added value D, which is obtained by subtracting the consumption amount Y from the usage amount X, for each training event. That is, the adjustment value setting unit 44 sets the adjustment value Z for each training event. As mentioned above, the consumption amount Y is a fixed value set for each training method, while the added value D (D = X - Y) is a variable value that depends on the multiplier R specified by the user. That is, the larger the multiplier R, the larger the value at which the added value D is set. Therefore, the larger the usage amount X specified by the user in a training stage, the larger the value at which the adjustment value Z, which is the accumulated added value D, is set.

The progress control unit 45 progresses the race in the competition stage. Specifically, the progress control unit 45 determines the ranking of each of the multiple racehorses competing in the race. The ranking of the multiple racehorses is determined based on the ability parameter H2 of each racehorse and a random number that is generated probabilistically. Generally speaking, the higher the numerical value represented by the ability parameter H2 of a racehorse, the more likely it is to achieve a higher ranking in the race. Note that any known technology may be used to determine the ranking of each racehorse based on the ability parameter H2. For example, the progress control unit 45 may determine the ranking of each racehorse by applying the ability parameter H2 to simulate a race involving multiple racehorses.

The reward management unit 46 grants the user a special reward W based on the results of the race in the battle stage. Specifically, the reward management unit 46 adds the special reward W to the user's credit holdings C (C←C+W).

The special reward W is set according to a specific basic reward B and the adjustment value Z set by the adjustment value setting unit 44. Specifically, the reward management unit 46 calculates the special reward W by adding the basic reward B and the adjustment value Z (W = B + Z). As can be understood from the above explanation, if the adjustment value Z is 0, the user will be granted the same amount of special reward W as the basic reward B (W = B). In other words, the special reward W is set to a quantity adjusted according to the adjustment value Z, with the basic reward B as the initial value. When added to the basic reward B to calculate the special reward W, the adjustment value Z is initialized to 0.

The reward management unit 46 uses the reward amount table T1 to set the basic reward B. The reward amount table T1 is stored in the storage device 12 or the storage device 22. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the reward amount table T1. As illustrated in Figure 8, the reward amount table T1 is a data table in which the basic reward B is registered for each condition related to the race held in the battle stage (hereinafter referred to as the "race condition"). The race conditions include, for example, the distance, racecourse, course (turf/dirt), or class (grade).

Specifically, multiple basic rewards B (B1, B2, ...) corresponding to different rankings in a race are registered for each race condition in the reward amount table T1. The basic reward B corresponding to the combination of one race condition and one ranking represents a virtual prize awarded to the user if their owned horse achieves that ranking in a race under those race conditions.

The reward management unit 46 sets the basic reward B for each race condition (i.e., for each race) by referencing the reward amount table T1. Specifically, the reward management unit 46 identifies, from among the multiple basic rewards B registered in the reward amount table T1, the basic reward B that corresponds to the combination of the race conditions for a race in which the user's horse will run and the user's horse's ranking in that race.

As mentioned above, the greater the usage amount X specified by the user in the training stage, the greater the adjustment value Z, and as a result, the greater the special reward W is set to. In other words, a user who specifies a large usage amount X can earn a large amount of special reward W depending on the results of the race. This provides users with ample opportunities to use a large number of credits.

Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts illustrating the specific steps of the processing (hereinafter referred to as "control processing") executed by the control device 11 and the control device 21. For example, the control processing is initiated in response to an instruction from the user via the operation device 24. In parallel with the control processing, the display control unit 41 causes the display device 23 to display an image corresponding to the progress of the horse racing game. In reality, multiple users using different stations 20 play the horse racing game simultaneously, but for convenience, the following explanation will focus on the processing related to one user.

When the control process begins, the control processing unit 40 receives the user's game data G from the management system 300 via the communication device 13 and stores the game data G in the storage device 12 or storage device 22 (Sa1). Once the user's game data G is prepared, the training stage (Sa2-Sa8) begins. Note that the racehorse data H for each owned horse may be provided exclusively to the game system 100 from which the user acquired the owned horse. In other words, a user can use a owned horse acquired and trained in a specific game system 100 only in the horse racing game of that game system 100. However, it is also possible for owned horses to be shared between multiple game systems 100.

The instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether an instruction for the multiplier R has been received from the user (Sa2). If the instruction receiving unit 42 has received an instruction for the multiplier R (Sa2: YES), the display control unit 41 updates the usage amount X for each training method on the training screen Qa to a numerical value corresponding to the multiplier R specified by the user (Sa3). On the other hand, if an instruction for the multiplier R has not been received (Sa2: NO), the usage amount X is not updated.

The instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether an instruction for the usage amount X has been received from the user (Sa4). That is, it determines whether a training method has been instructed by the user. If the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an instruction for the usage amount X (Sa4: YES), the instruction receiving unit 42 subtracts the usage amount X instructed by the user from the owned amount C of credits stored in the storage device 22 (Sa5).

The update processing unit 43 updates the performance parameter H2 of the horse owned by the user in accordance with the usage amount X specified by the user (Sa6). Specifically, the update processing unit 43 updates the performance parameter H2 in accordance with the consumption amount Y, which is part of the usage amount X. In addition, the adjustment value setting unit 44 sets an adjustment value Z in accordance with the usage amount X specified by the user (Sa7). Specifically, the adjustment value setting unit 44 adds an additional value D corresponding to the usage amount X to the current adjustment value Z.

The instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether the termination condition for the training stage has been met (Sa8). The termination condition for the training stage is a condition related to the instruction of the usage amount X by the user. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the termination condition is that the number of times the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an instruction of the usage amount X from the user reaches a predetermined upper limit. In other words, the training stage ends when the number of instructions of the usage amount X reaches the upper limit. As can be understood from the above explanation, the instruction receiving unit 42 in the first embodiment limits the number of times an instruction of the usage amount X is received from the user in the training stage to within a predetermined limit (i.e., within a range below the upper limit). In other words, the number of training events in one training stage is limited within the limit. The user can select the desired training method within the limit. In other words, the user can select each of multiple training methods in any ratio within the limit.

If the termination condition is not met (Sa8: NO), the training stage continues. As can be understood from the above explanation, until the termination condition is met, the process of accepting instructions for the multiplier R or usage amount X (Sa2-Sa5), updating the ability parameter H2 (Sa6), and updating the adjustment value Z (Sa7) is repeated.

If the termination condition is met (Sa8: YES), the training stage ends and the battle stage (Sa9-Sa15) illustrated in Figure 10 begins. Even if the termination condition is not met, if the user instructs the end of the training stage by operating the operation device 24, the training stage will transition to the battle stage.

When the competition stage begins, the user can operate the operation device 24 to instruct their horse to run in a desired race. The user's instruction to run (hereinafter referred to as the "race instruction") includes specifying the race conditions for the race to be run. The instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether or not a race instruction has been received from the user (Sa9).

When the instruction receiving unit 42 receives a race instruction from the user (Sa9: YES), the progress control unit 45 progresses the race in which multiple racehorses are participating (Sa10). Specifically, the progress control unit 45 determines the ranking of each racehorse based on the ability parameter H2 of each of the multiple racehorses. The progress control unit 45 also controls the drive device 14 to move each of the multiple model horses 17.

Once the ranking of each racehorse is determined by processing by the progress control unit 45, the reward management unit 46 sets a special reward W for the user's horse (Sa11). As described above, the special reward W is calculated by adding the basic reward B set for each race to the adjustment value Z set by the adjustment value setting unit 44 (W = B + Z). The adjustment value Z is initialized to 0 by adding it to the basic reward B. The reward management unit 46 adds the special reward W to the owned amount C of credits stored in the storage device 12 (Sa12). In other words, the special reward W is granted to the user.

The reward management unit 46 adds the current basic reward B to the first total reward amount P1 of the user represented by the performance data H3 (Sa13). That is, the first total reward amount P1 is the sum of the basic rewards B for one or more past races, as described above. The reward management unit 46 also adds the current special reward W to the second total reward amount P2 of the user represented by the performance data H3 (Sa14). That is, the second total reward amount P2 is the sum of the special rewards W for one or more past races, as described above.

The display control unit 41 displays a screen Qb showing the results of the race (hereinafter referred to as the "results screen") on the display device 23 (Sa15). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the results screen Qb displays the basic reward B and special reward W in addition to the ranking achieved by the user's horse. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the results screen Qb displays the updated first total reward amount P1 and second total reward amount P2 based on the results of the current race. As described above, during the competition stage, the race progresses (Sa10), reward management (Sa11-Sa14), and results are displayed (Sa15). Note that if the instruction receiving unit 42 does not receive a race instruction from the user during the competition stage (Sa9: NO), the competition stage ends without executing the processes illustrated above (Sa9-Sa15).

When the competition stage ends, the instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether an instruction to end the horse racing game has been received from the user (Sa16). If the instruction receiving unit 42 does not receive an instruction to end the horse racing game (Sa16: NO), the process proceeds to step Sa2. In other words, the competition stage ends, and the training stages (Sa2-Sa8) begin.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in a horse racing game, the training stage and the competition stage are repeated. Specifically, the training stage is repeated multiple times. That is, the reception of instructions for the multiplier R or the usage amount X (Sa2-Sa5), the update of the ability parameter H2 (Sa6), and the update of the adjustment value Z (Sa7) are repeated multiple times. Also, the competition stage is repeated multiple times. That is, the progress of the race (Sa10), the management of rewards (Sa11-Sa14), and the display of results (Sa15) are repeated multiple times.

On the other hand, if the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an end instruction (Sa16: YES), the control processing unit 40 transmits the game data G stored in the storage device 12 to the management system 300 via the communication device 13 (Sa17). The management system 300 updates the user's existing game data G with the new game data G received from the game system 100.

As explained above, in the first embodiment, the ability parameter H2 for a racehorse is updated according to the consumption amount Y, which is a portion of the usage amount X specified by the user. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the ability parameter H2 is updated according to the entire usage amount X, significant differences in the ability parameter H2 depending on the amount of usage X are suppressed. This prevents users who use a large number of credits from gaining an excessive advantage in the race. In other words, even users who do not use a large number of credits are not at an excessive disadvantage in the race. This prevents a decrease in the interest of the horse racing game. On the other hand, an adjustment value Z is set according to the usage amount X specified by the user, and a special reward W according to the adjustment value Z is awarded to the user in the battle stage. This provides users with sufficient incentives and opportunities to use a large number of credits.

In a configuration in which a user can acquire a racehorse by using credits, a configuration (hereinafter referred to as the "comparative version") is also envisioned in which the number of rewards that can be earned in the competition stage is determined according to the amount of credits used to acquire the racehorse (hereinafter referred to as the "acquired amount of credits"). In the comparative version, the number of rewards is determined according to the acquired amount of credits in the initial stage of acquiring the racehorse. For example, the more acquired amount of credits a racehorse has, the more rewards it can earn in the race. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, training stages are repeated, including receiving instructions for the amount of credits X that affect the special reward W and updating the ability parameter H2. This realizes a highly entertaining horse racing game in which the user can strategically specify the amount of credits X to be used for each training stage while constantly checking the ability parameter H2 of their horse.

In the first embodiment, the usage amount X is the product of the consumption amount Y and the multiplier R, and the instruction receiving unit 42 receives instructions for the usage amount X and the multiplier R. Therefore, the user can clearly understand the consumption amount Y of the usage amount X that contributes to updating the owned horse's ability parameter H2, and the multiplier R that contributes to the special reward W in the battle stage.

In the first embodiment, the adjustment value Z is set by adding up the additional value D corresponding to the usage amount X over multiple user instructions. This allows the user to be given an incentive to use a large number of credits over multiple training stages. Note that while the above explanation illustrates a configuration in which the additional value D is added to the adjustment value Z for each training event, the timing for calculating the adjustment value Z from multiple additional values D is not limited to the above example. For example, at the stage (Sa11) in which the special reward W is set in the battle stage, the adjustment value Z may be calculated by adding up multiple past additional values D.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the user is granted a quantity of special reward W according to the basic reward B and adjustment value Z, which are set for each race in the battle stage. Therefore, the special reward W can be varied for each race, depending on the adjustment value Z.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following exemplary embodiments, for elements whose functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each element will be omitted as appropriate.

The second embodiment adds the functions of the display control unit 41 to the first embodiment. The configuration and operation described above for the first embodiment are also adopted in the second embodiment. Therefore, the second embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

In addition to the same processing as in the first embodiment, the display control unit 41 in the second embodiment also executes processing to cause the display device 23 to display rankings related to rewards previously earned by multiple users. Specifically, the display control unit 41 selectively causes the display device 23 to display each of the first ranking and the second ranking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the first ranking display screen Q1. The first ranking is a ranking of the first total reward amount P1, which is the total value of the basic reward B. Specifically, the first ranking is a list in which the user's name N and first total reward amount P1 are arranged for each of a predetermined number of users ranked in the top positions in descending order of the first total reward amount P1.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the second ranking display screen Q2. The second ranking is a ranking of the second total reward amount P2, which is the total value of the special reward W. Specifically, the second ranking is a list in which the user's name N and the second total reward amount P2 are arranged for each of a predetermined number of users ranked in descending order of the second total reward amount P2.

Users who use a large number of credits in the training stage and thereby earn a large number of special rewards according to the adjustment value Z are more likely to achieve a high ranking in the second ranking. Therefore, displaying the second ranking provides users with an effective incentive to use a large number of credits in the training stage. On the other hand, the first ranking is a ranking that is not directly dependent on the adjustment value Z. In other words, users who tend to limit their use of credits in the training stage will find it difficult to achieve a high ranking in the second ranking, but may be able to achieve a high ranking in the first ranking by earning basic reward B. Therefore, displaying the first ranking provides an incentive for users who tend not to use a large number of credits to play the horse racing game. As can be understood from the above explanation, according to the second embodiment, both users who use a large number of credits and users who use a small number of credits can maintain an incentive to play the horse racing game.

Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game system 100 and management system 300 in the second embodiment. The processing in Figure 14 is executed at predetermined time intervals in parallel with the control processing described above (Figures 9 and 10).

The user can instruct the display of either the first ranking or the second ranking by operating the operation device 24. The instruction receiving unit 42 determines whether the user has instructed the display of the ranking (Sb1). If the instruction receiving unit 42 does not receive an instruction to display the ranking (Sb1: NO), the processing exemplified below is not executed.

If the instruction receiving unit 42 receives an instruction to display the rankings (Sb1: YES), the display control unit 41 sends an information request from the communication device 13 to the management system 300 (Sb2). The information request specifies the type of ranking (first ranking/second ranking) specified by the user.

The control device 31 of the management system 300 receives an information request via the communication device 33 (Sc1). The control device 31 determines from the information request whether the ranking specified by the user is the first ranking (Sc2). If the user specifies the first ranking (Sc2: YES), the control device 31 generates list data for the first ranking (Sc3). The list data for the first ranking is a list in which the name N and first total reward amount P1 are specified for each user listed in the first ranking. Specifically, the control device 31 extracts game data G for a predetermined number of users ranked highest in descending order of the first total reward amount P1 from the multiple game data G stored in the storage device 32, and generates list data that arranges the name N and first total reward amount P1 registered in each extracted game data G.

On the other hand, if the user requests a second ranking (Sc2: NO), the control device 31 generates list data for the second ranking (Sc4). The list data for the second ranking is a list in which the name N and second total reward amount P2 are specified for each user to be included in the second ranking. Specifically, the control device 31 extracts game data G for a predetermined number of users who rank highest in descending order of the second total reward amount P2 from the multiple game data G stored in the storage device 32, and generates list data that arranges the name N and second total reward amount P2 registered in each extracted game data G. As can be understood from the above explanation, the control device 31 of the management system 300 functions as an element (counting processing unit) that generates the first ranking for the first total reward amount P1 or the second ranking for the second total reward amount P2.

The control device 31 transmits the list data generated by the above procedure from the communication device 33 to the requesting game system 100 (Sc5). The display control unit 41 of the game system 100 receives the list data via the communication device 13 (Sb3). The display control unit 41 then generates an image of the rankings represented by the list data and displays the image on the display device 23 (Sb4). In other words, the ranking selected by the user, either the first ranking or the second ranking, is displayed on the display device 23.

In the second embodiment, the management system 300 generates rankings in response to a user's instruction to display the rankings (or receipt of an information request), but the timing at which the management system 300 generates rankings is not limited to the above example. For example, the control device 31 of the management system 300 may generate list data for the first rankings and the second rankings at a predetermined interval. Upon receiving an information request from the game system 100, the control device 31 of the management system 300 transmits the most recent list data at the time of reception to the game system 100 that made the request. In addition, the management system 300 may generate image data representing an image of the first rankings or the second rankings and transmit it to the game system 100.

[Third embodiment]
The third embodiment is an embodiment in which the processing related to the adjustment value Z is changed from that of the first embodiment. The configuration and operation are the same as those of the first embodiment except for the changes from the first embodiment described below. Therefore, the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the reward management unit 46 in the third embodiment. The processing of Figure 15 is executed in step Sa11 in Figure 10. When the processing of Figure 15 starts, the reward management unit 46 sets a limit value L (Sd1). The limit value L is the maximum value of the adjustment values Z set by the adjustment value setting unit 44 that can be used as the special reward W. The reward management unit 46 uses a limit value table T2 to set the limit value L. The limit value table T2 is stored in the storage device 12 or the storage device 22.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the limit value table T2. As illustrated in Figure 16, the limit value table T2 is a data table in which limit values L (L1, L2, ...) are registered for each race condition of the race held in the battle stage. The reward management unit 46 sets the limit value L for each race condition (i.e., for each race) by referencing the limit value table T2. In other words, the reward management unit 46 identifies the limit value L that corresponds to the race conditions of the race in which the user's horse will run, from among the multiple limit values L registered in the limit value table T2.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the compensation management unit 46 calculates an adjustment value Za according to the adjustment value Z (Sd2). The adjustment value Za is the smaller of the adjustment value Z set by the adjustment value setting unit 44 and the limit value L set from the limit value table T2 (Za = min{Z, L}). That is, if the adjustment value Z is below the limit value L, the adjustment value Z is adopted as the adjustment value Za; if the adjustment value Z is equal to or greater than the limit value L, the limit value L is adopted as the adjustment value Za. For example, if the adjustment value Z is "1000" and the limit value L is "300," the adjustment value Za is set to "300," the same as the limit value L. That is, the adjustment value Za is the quantity of the adjustment value Z within the range below the limit value L (hereinafter referred to as the "limit range").

The reward management unit 46 sets the special reward W according to the adjustment value Za (Sd3). Specifically, the reward management unit 46 calculates the special reward W by adding the basic reward B and the adjustment value Za (W = B + Za). That is, if the adjustment value Z is below the limit value L (Za = Z), the special reward W is calculated by adding the basic reward B and the adjustment value Z, as in the first embodiment. That is, the entire adjustment value Z is added to the basic reward B. On the other hand, if the adjustment value Z is equal to or greater than the limit value L (Za = L), the special reward W is calculated by adding the basic reward B and the limit value L. That is, the limit value L, which is part of the adjustment value Z, is added to the basic reward B.

The compensation management unit 46 subtracts the adjustment value Za from the current adjustment value Z (Sd4). That is, if the adjustment value Z is below the limit value L (Za = Z), the adjustment value Z is initialized to 0. On the other hand, if the adjustment value Z is equal to or greater than the limit value L (Za = L), the limit value L is subtracted from the adjustment value Z (Z ← Z - L). That is, the adjustment value Z is updated to the remaining amount (Z - L), which is the adjustment value Z most recently set by the adjustment value setting unit 44 minus the limit value L.

The operation (Sa12) in which the special reward W set in the above procedure is added to the user's credit holding amount C is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, the reward management unit 46 grants the user a special reward W in the battle stage that corresponds to the adjustment value Z within the limited range.

The adjustment value Z after the subtraction in step Sd4 is carried over to the immediately following training stage or battle stage. For example, if the adjustment value Z is "1000" and the limit value L is "300," the limit value L is adopted as the adjustment value Za (Za = 300), and the subtracted adjustment value Z of "700" (= Z - L) is carried over to the subsequent play. For example, in the immediately following training stage, the adjustment value setting unit 44 adds the additional value D to the subtracted adjustment value Z. Furthermore, if a training event is not executed in the immediately following training stage, the reward management unit 46 sets the special reward W according to the subtracted adjustment value Z. As can be understood from the above explanation, the quantity obtained by subtracting the quantity within the limit range from the adjustment value Z set by the adjustment value setting unit 44 (i.e., the adjustment value Z after the subtraction in step Sd4) is carried over as the adjustment value Z for the subsequent training stage or battle stage.

In the third embodiment, the amount of adjustment value Z applied to setting the special reward W is limited to a limited range (a range equal to or less than limit value L), reducing the possibility of an excessively large number of special rewards W being awarded to the user. Furthermore, any remaining amount of adjustment value Z outside the limited range is carried over as adjustment value Z for the immediately following training stage or battle stage. This provides the user with an incentive to continue playing the horse racing game. In particular, in the third embodiment, limit value L (limit range) is set for each race according to the race conditions, so it is possible to vary the amount of adjustment value Z applied to setting the special reward W (and thus the special reward) for each race. Note that limit value L may also be set to a fixed value that is independent of the race conditions.

[Modification]
The above-described embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that may be applied to the above-described 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-described embodiments, the number of times that the amount of credits X can be instructed in the training stage is limited to a certain number of times. However, the configuration for limiting the use of credits in the training stage is not limited to the above examples. For example, the following embodiments 1 and 2 are conceivable.

[Aspect 1]
The instruction receiving unit 42 according to aspect 1 limits the time for receiving an instruction for the usage amount X from the user in the training stage to a predetermined time limit. That is, the termination condition (Sa8) of the training stage is that the elapsed time from the start of the training stage reaches a predetermined upper limit. Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 42 measures the elapsed time from the start of the training stage, and when the elapsed time reaches the upper limit, determines that the termination condition is met (Sa8: YES) and terminates the training stage. Therefore, within the time limit, the user is allowed to instruct the usage amount X any number of times. The user can select a desired training method any number of times within the time limit. That is, according to the above aspect, the user can select each of the multiple training methods at any ratio within the time limit.

[Aspect 2]
The instruction receiving unit 42 according to aspect 2 limits the total value of the usage amount X related to one or more instructions received from the user in the training stage to within a predetermined limit range. That is, the termination condition (Sa8) of the training stage is that the total value of the usage amount X instructed by the user reaches a predetermined upper limit value. Specifically, the instruction receiving unit 42 totals the usage amount X for each instruction of the usage amount X in the training stage, and when the total value reaches the upper limit value of the limited range, determines that the termination condition is met (Sa8: YES) and terminates the training stage. Therefore, the user can select any training method any number of times until the total of the usage amount X reaches the upper limit value of the limited range.

The above aspects can prevent excessive use of credits by users. While the above explanation limits the amount of credits X that can be used by users, it is also possible to envision a configuration in which the user can specify an unlimited amount of credits X. In other words, restrictions on the number of times, time, quantity, etc., when specifying the amount of credits X within a training stage may be omitted.

In the above-described aspect 2, for example, the user may specify the total value of the usage amount X in a training stage. The update processing unit 43, for example, determines a combination of one or more training methods (i.e., a training menu) to be executed in that training stage according to a predetermined rule within the range of the total value specified by the user. For example, by referencing a table in which training menus are registered for each of multiple ranges related to the total value of the usage amount X, the update processing unit 43 selects a training menu that corresponds to the total value specified by the user. This aspect reduces the burden on the user of selecting a training method.

(2) In the above-described embodiments, the user individually specifies the usage amount X and the multiplier R, but the user's specification of the multiplier R may be omitted. For example, a possible embodiment is one in which the display control unit 41 displays multiple candidate values for the usage amount X on the display device 23 for each training method, and the instruction receiving unit 42 confirms the candidate value selected by the user from the multiple candidate values as the usage amount X. Alternatively, the user may directly specify the numerical value of the usage amount X by operating the operation device 24. In an embodiment in which the multiplier R is not used, for example, a predetermined amount of the usage amount X, or an amount that is a predetermined ratio of the usage amount X, is set as the consumption amount Y.

(3) In the above-described embodiments, the sum D (D = X - Y) obtained by subtracting the consumption amount Y from the usage amount X is sequentially added to the adjustment value Z. However, the method for calculating the sum D is not limited to the above examples. For example, the usage amount X may be used as the sum D (D = X). The adjustment value setting unit 44 may also calculate the sum D by a predetermined calculation that applies the usage amount X. For example, the sum D is calculated by multiplying the usage amount X by a predetermined coefficient. As can be understood from the above explanation, any specific method can be used to calculate the adjustment value Z (or the sum D) as long as the adjustment value Z changes depending on the usage amount X. In other words, the adjustment value setting unit 44 is comprehensively represented as an element that sets the adjustment value Z depending on the usage amount X.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, the additional value D corresponding to the usage amount X is added to the adjustment value Z, but the method by which the adjustment value setting unit 44 sets the adjustment value Z according to the usage amount X is not limited to the above examples. For example, the average value of the multiplier R specified by the user may be set as the adjustment value Z. For example, the adjustment value setting unit 44 calculates the average value (e.g., simple average or weighted average) of the multipliers R specified by the user over a predetermined number of recent training events as the adjustment value Z. The reward management unit 46 calculates the special reward W by multiplying the basic reward B by the adjustment value Z (W = B × Z). According to the above configuration, as in the first embodiment, the larger the multiplier R specified by the user (i.e., the larger the usage amount X), the larger the special reward W is set to.

(5) In the above-described embodiments, the ability parameter H2 of the owned horse is updated according to the consumption amount Y of the usage amount X. However, the update processing unit 43 may also stochastically cause a special process (hereinafter referred to as a "special process") related to the ability parameter H2 during a training event, separate from the update according to the consumption amount Y. The special process is a process of adjusting the ability parameter H2 of the owned horse to enable an advantageous development in the battle stage, and represents the awakening of the owned horse. For example, examples of special processes include a process of increasing the upper limit of the ability value represented by the ability parameter H2 (so-called limit break), a process of adding an ability value different from the existing ability value to the ability parameter H2, or a process of significantly increasing the ability value represented by the ability parameter H2. Note that a process of changing the attributes (e.g., class) of the owned horse may also be executed as a special process. The update processing unit 43 may also control the probability of a special process occurring according to the usage amount X. For example, the greater the usage amount X specified by the user during a training event, the higher the probability of a special process occurring. However, the probability of a special process occurring may be a fixed value.

(6) In each of the above-mentioned forms, examples have been given of forms in which training stages and battle stages are repeated alternately, but the manner in which training stages and battle stages are repeated is not limited to the above examples. For example, forms in which the training stage is repeated multiple times followed by the battle stage being repeated multiple times are also envisioned. Furthermore, forms in which the battle stage is repeated multiple times after one training stage is performed, or forms in which one battle stage is performed after multiple training stage repetitions are also envisioned.

(7) In the second embodiment, the management system 300 generated rankings for all users for whom the game data G is managed, but the range of users subject to the rankings (first and second rankings) may be limited. For example, the control device 31 of the management system 300 may generate the first and second rankings for users with specific attributes among multiple users. For example, in a configuration in which the area or facility in which the game system 100 is installed is registered in the game data G, the first and second rankings may be generated for users who played the horse racing game in a specific area or facility among multiple users.

In the second embodiment, the management system 300 generates the rankings, but the control device 11 or the control device 21 of the game system 100 may generate the first rankings and the second rankings. Also, in the second embodiment, the first rankings and the second rankings are selectively displayed, but the display control unit 41 may display both the first rankings and the second rankings side by side on the display device 23.

(8) In the above-described embodiments, races in which multiple racehorses compete are exemplified. However, the type of game (specific game) played by users in the competition stage is arbitrary and is not limited to horse races. For example, specific games include various types of competition games in which multiple users compete against each other in martial arts or sports. Furthermore, specific games are not limited to competition games in which multiple users compete against each other. For example, specific games include lottery games in which a lottery process (e.g., physical lottery or electronic lottery) is executed to probabilistically determine whether a user will win or lose, action games in which users control characters to achieve various objectives, and exploration games in which users control characters to explore various locations. As can be understood from the above examples, a "specific game" is any type of game in which a user can be awarded a reward depending on the results of the game.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, for convenience, it is assumed that a user owns one racehorse, but it is also possible for a user to own multiple horses. When a user owns multiple horses, the user's game data G includes multiple racehorse data H corresponding to different horses. A training stage and a competition stage are executed for each of the multiple horses owned by the user.

(10) The functions of the game system 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments are realized through cooperation between one or more processors constituting one or both of the control device 11 and the control device 21 and a program stored in one or both of the storage device 12 and the storage device 22. The programs according to each of the above-described embodiments can be provided in a form stored on a computer-readable recording medium and installed on a computer. The recording medium is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium. A good example is an optical recording medium (optical disc) such as a CD-ROM, but it also includes any known type of recording medium, such as a semiconductor recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that non-transitory recording media includes any recording medium excluding transient, propagating signals, and does not exclude volatile recording media. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a distribution device distributes a program via a communication network, the recording medium that stores the program in the distribution device corresponds to the non-transitory recording medium described above.

[Note]
From the above description, for example, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood. Note that, in order to facilitate understanding of each embodiment, reference numerals in the drawings are written in parentheses for convenience, but this is not intended to limit the present invention to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[Appendix 1]
A game system (100) according to one aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention is a system for controlling a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, and includes an instruction receiving unit (42) for receiving an instruction from a user regarding a variable usage amount (X) related to game value in the first stage, an update processing unit (43) for updating a parameter (H2) related to the user's game element in accordance with a consumption amount (Y) which is a part of the usage amount (X) in the first stage, an adjustment value setting unit (44) for setting an adjustment value (Z) in accordance with the usage amount (X), a progress control unit (45) for progressing a specific game using the game element in the second stage, and a reward management unit (46) for granting a reward (W) corresponding to the adjustment value (Z) to the user in accordance with the result of the specific game in the second stage.

In the above configuration, the parameter (H2) related to the game element is updated according to the consumption amount (Y), which is a portion of the usage amount (X) specified by the user. This reduces significant differences in the parameter (H2) depending on the amount of usage (X), compared to a configuration in which the parameter (H2) is updated according to the entire usage amount (X). This prevents a situation in which a user who has used a large amount of game value is able to develop a game event with an excessive advantage. In other words, game balance is maintained. This prevents a decrease in the interest of the game. On the other hand, an adjustment value (Z) is set according to the usage amount (X) specified by the user, and in the second stage, a quantity of reward (W) corresponding to the adjustment value (Z) is granted to the user. This provides the user with sufficient incentive and opportunity to use a large amount of game value. Furthermore, the first stage, which includes accepting an instruction for the usage amount (X) and updating the parameter (H2), is repeated. This realizes a highly interesting game in which the user can strategically specify the amount of game value to be used (X) for each first stage.

The type of "specific game" is arbitrary. For example, the concept of a "specific game" encompasses any type of game, such as a competitive game in which multiple users compete against each other in various sports, or a lottery game in which a lottery process (e.g., a physical lottery or electronic lottery) is executed to determine probabilistically whether a user will win or lose.

"Game element" refers to an element used in a specific game. Specifically, an example of a game element is a character that appears in a specific game. For example, in a horse racing game in which multiple racehorses race, each racehorse corresponds to a game element. Also, in a lottery game in which one of multiple lottery elements is determined by lottery processing, each lottery element is an example of a game element.

"Parameter (H2)" refers to a parameter (H2) that affects the outcome of a specific game, such as a parameter (H2) related to the ability of a game element. Specifically, a numerical value representing the ability of a character appearing in a specific game corresponds to a "parameter (H2)." For example, in a horse racing game in which racehorses are used as game elements, a numerical value representing the ability of the racehorse (e.g., speed, stamina, or condition) is exemplified as a "parameter (H2)." Furthermore, in a lottery game in which the quantity of rewards varies depending on the parameters of lottery elements determined by lottery processing, a parameter related to the lottery element (i.e., a numerical value that affects the quantity of rewards) corresponds to a "parameter (H2)."

The "first stage" refers to the stage in which parameters (H2) related to game elements are updated. "Updating" is, for example, the process of updating parameters (H2) to increase the likelihood of achieving the goal of a specific game. For example, an example of "updating" is the process of increasing the ability value represented by parameters (H2). The process of updating the parameters of a character appearing in a specific game can also be expressed as developing that character.

The "second stage" is a stage that includes the progression of a specific game using the user's game elements and the awarding of a reward (W) based on the outcome of the specific game. "Awarding of a reward (W) based on the outcome of a specific game" means that whether or not a reward (W) is awarded to the user, or the amount of reward (W) awarded to the user, depends on the outcome of the specific game. The outcome of the specific game can be, for example, win or loss or ranking.

"Game value" refers to tangible or intangible value used as payment for playing a game. Tangible game value includes, for example, physical medals (token coins), currency (coins), or tickets. Intangible game value includes, for example, electronic medals, electronic currency (electronic money), credits, or points.

The "adjustment value (Z)" is a variable used to set the amount of reward (W) awarded to the user in the second stage. For example, the adjustment value (Z) is the amount added to a predetermined basic reward (B), or the number by which the basic reward (B) is multiplied (i.e., the multiplier (R)).

"Reward (W)" is a value awarded to a user depending on the outcome of a specific game. The type of "reward (W)" is arbitrary, but an example of a "reward (W)" is the same type of game value as the game value used in the first stage. However, the type of game value used in the first stage and the type of reward (W) awarded to a user in the second stage may be different.

[Appendix 2]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 2) of Supplementary Note 1, the usage amount (X) is the product of the consumption amount (Y) and a multiplier (R), and the instruction received by the instruction receiving unit (42) includes an instruction for the multiplier (R). According to the above aspect, the user can clearly recognize the consumption amount (Y) of the usage amount (X) that contributes to updating the parameter (H2) of the game element and the multiplier (R) that contributes to the reward (W) in a specific game.

The instruction for the multiplier (R) is, for example, an instruction to select one of multiple candidate values for the multiplier (R), or an instruction to specify the multiplier (R) numerically. The consumption amount (Y) is a variable value specified by the user, or a predetermined fixed value.

[Appendix 3]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 3) of Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the adjustment value setting unit (44) sets the adjustment value (Z) by summing up the quantity (D) corresponding to the usage amount (X) for multiple instructions from the user. According to the above aspect, the adjustment value (Z) is set by summing up the quantity (D) corresponding to the usage amount (X) for multiple instructions from the user, so that the user is given an incentive to use a large number of gaming values over multiple first stages.

The quantity (D) (quantity corresponding to the usage amount (X)) that is totaled when setting the adjustment value (Z) is the usage amount (X) itself or a portion of the usage amount (X). For example, a configuration is envisioned in which the adjustment value (Z) is set by totaling the usage amount (X) over multiple first stages, or a configuration is envisioned in which the adjustment value (Z) is set by totaling the quantity (D) obtained by subtracting the consumption amount (Y) from the usage amount (X) over multiple first stages.

[Appendix 4]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 4) of Supplementary Note 3, the adjustment value setting unit (44) sets the adjustment value (Z) by summing up the quantity (D) obtained by subtracting the consumption amount (Y) from the usage amount (X) for multiple instructions from the user. According to the above aspect, an incentive is given to the user to use a sufficient quantity (D) of gaming value over multiple first stages.

[Appendix 5]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 5) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the reward management unit (46) grants the user a reward (W) of a quantity corresponding to a basic reward (B) set for each specific game and the adjustment value (Z). According to the above aspect, it is possible to vary the quantity of the reward (W) for each specific game in a variety of ways, depending on the adjustment value (Z).

The configuration and processing for setting the quantity of reward (W) according to the basic reward (B) and adjustment value (Z) are arbitrary. For example, the reward management unit (46) may set the quantity of reward (W) by adding the basic reward (B) set for each specific game and a quantity according to the adjustment value (Z), or the reward management unit (46) may set the quantity of reward (W) by multiplying the basic reward (B) set for each specific game by the adjustment value (Z).

[Appendix 6]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 6) of Supplementary Note 5, the system further includes a display control unit (41) that causes a display device (23) to display a first ranking of multiple users based on a first total reward amount (P1), which is the sum of the basic rewards (B) for one or more specific games in the past, and a second ranking of multiple users based on a second total reward amount (P2), which is the sum of the amounts of the rewards (W) for one or more specific games in the past. According to the above aspect, a user who uses a large amount of game value in the first stage and thereby acquires a large amount of rewards (W) corresponding to the adjustment value (Z) is likely to achieve a high ranking in the second ranking, while a user who acquires a large amount of basic rewards (B) while suppressing the use of game value in the first stage may be able to achieve a high ranking in the first ranking. In other words, not only users who use a large amount of game value but also users who use a small amount of game value may be able to achieve a high ranking. Therefore, both users who use a large amount of game value and users who use a small amount of game value can maintain an incentive to play the game.

[Appendix 7]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 7) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, the reward management unit (46) grants the user the reward (W) in the second stage according to the amount of the adjustment value (Z) within a limited range, and the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount within the limited range from the adjustment value (Z) is carried over as the adjustment value (Z) for the immediately following first or second stage. In the above aspect, the amount of the adjustment value (Z) applied to setting the reward (W) in the second stage is limited to within the limited range, thereby reducing the possibility that an excessive amount of reward (W) will be granted to the user. Furthermore, the remaining amount of the adjustment value (Z) other than the amount within the limited range is carried over as the adjustment value (Z) for the immediately following first or second stage. Therefore, an incentive to continue playing the game can be given to the user.

[Appendix 8]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 8) of Supplementary Note 7, the limit range is set for each specific game. According to the above aspect, it is possible to vary the amount of the adjustment value (Z) applied to setting the reward (W) (and thus the reward (W)) for each specific game.

[Appendix 9]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 9) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the instruction receiving unit (42) limits the number of times that it receives instructions for the usage amount (X) from the user in the first stage to within a predetermined limit.

[Supplementary Note 10]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 10) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the instruction receiving unit (42) limits the time for receiving instructions on the usage amount (X) from the user in the first stage to within a predetermined time limit.

[Appendix 11]
In a specific example (Supplementary Note 11) of any of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, the instruction receiving unit (42) limits the total value of the usage amount (X) related to one or more instructions received from the user in the first stage to within a predetermined limit range.

[Appendix 12]
A game control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, wherein in the first stage, an instruction of a variable usage amount (X) related to game value is received from a user, in the first stage, a parameter (H2) related to the user's game element is updated in accordance with a consumption amount (Y) which is part of the usage amount (X), an adjustment value (Z) is set in accordance with the usage amount (X), in the second stage, a specific game using the game element is progressed, and in the second stage, a reward (W) corresponding to the adjustment value (Z) is awarded to the user in accordance with the result of the specific game.

[Appendix 13]
A program according to one aspect of the present invention controls a game in which a first stage and a second stage are repeated, and causes a computer system (11, 21) to function as an instruction receiving unit (42) that receives an instruction from a user regarding a variable usage amount (X) related to game value in the first stage, an update processing unit (43) that updates a parameter (H2) related to the user's game element in accordance with a consumption amount (Y) that is part of the usage amount (X) in the first stage, an adjustment value setting unit (44) that sets an adjustment value (Z) in accordance with the usage amount (X), a progress control unit (45) that progresses a specific game using the game element in the second stage, and a reward management unit (46) that grants a reward (W) corresponding to the adjustment value (Z) to the user in accordance with the result of the specific game in the second stage.

100...Game system, 10...Central unit, 11, 21, 31...Control device, 12, 22, 32...Storage device, 13, 33...Communication device, 14...Drive device, 20...Station, 23...Display device, 24...Operation device, 25...Reception device, 200...Communication network, 300...Management system, 40...Control processing unit, 41...Display control unit, 42...Instruction reception unit, 43...Update processing unit, 44...Adjustment value setting unit, 45...Progress control unit, 46...Reward management unit.

Claims (3)

A system for controlling a game that executes a second stage after executing a first stage,
an instruction receiving unit that receives from the user an instruction regarding the amount of game value to be used for the game elements owned by the user in the first stage;
an update processing unit that updates parameters related to the game elements in accordance with a consumption amount that is a part of the usage amount in the first stage;
the instruction receiving unit receives an instruction from the user regarding an arbitrary usage amount of the parameter to be updated by the update processing unit;
an adjustment value setting unit that sets an adjustment value based on a numerical value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the usage amount;
a progression control unit that progresses a specific game using the game elements in the second stage;
a reward management unit that, in the second stage, grants a reward according to the adjustment value to the user according to the result of the specific game. A computer incorporated in a system for controlling a game that executes a second stage after executing a first stage,
an instruction receiving step of receiving from the user an instruction on the amount of game value to be used for the game elements owned by the user in the first stage;
an update processing procedure for updating parameters related to the game elements in accordance with a consumption amount, which is a part of the usage amount, in the first stage;
the instruction receiving step receives an instruction from the user regarding an arbitrary amount of use of the parameter to be updated by the update processing step;
an adjustment value setting step of setting an adjustment value based on a value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the usage amount;
a progress control procedure for progressing a specific game using the game elements in the second stage;
and a reward management procedure in the second stage for granting a reward according to the adjustment value to the user according to the result of the specific game. A computer incorporated in a system for controlling a game that executes a second stage after executing a first stage,
an instruction receiving means for receiving from the user an instruction regarding the amount of game value to be used for the game elements owned by the user in the first stage;
an update processing means for updating parameters relating to the game elements in accordance with a consumption amount, which is a part of the usage amount, in the first stage;
the instruction receiving means receives an instruction from the user regarding an arbitrary amount of use of the parameter to be updated by the update processing means;
an adjustment value setting means for setting an adjustment value based on a numerical value obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the usage amount;
progress control means for progressing a specific game using the game elements in the second stage;
a program that functions as a reward management means that, in the second stage, grants a reward according to the adjustment value to the user according to the result of the specific game.