Game information distriduting system, game apparatus, and information storing medium

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a game information distribution system, a game device, and an information storage medium.

【0002】

[Problems to be solved by background technologies and inventions]

A single game device that selects a desired game from multiple games and plays a game, or a network-compatible type that receives game information transmitted via a network and selects a desired game from multiple games to play a game. There is a game device.

【0003】

In such a case, in general, only the game for which the game fee has been paid or the game for which the user of the game has been registered can be executed, and other games cannot be executed. In such a case, since the player cannot play a new game without paying the game fee, there is a problem that it is difficult to purchase a new game or register a new user.

【0004】

For such problems, CD-ROMs that can store multiple games and execute so-called demo games are also provided, but since there is no relationship between each game, a new game is played for the player. Players tend to play the same game with little incentive.

【0005】

Further, when selecting a desired game from a plurality of games in this way, it is easier for the player to clarify the games that can be executed and the games that cannot be executed. In this case, there is a method of selecting a game without displaying a game that cannot be executed, but this method cannot prompt registration to an unregistered game.

【0006】

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game information distribution system, a game device, and an information storage medium in which a player can easily play various games.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

In order to solve the above problems, the game information distribution system according to the present invention transfers game information for playing a plurality of different games that can be executed when a predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied to the game device in which the game is played. A game information distribution system for transmitting to a game, which is a determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied, and game information for playing a game satisfying the execution permission condition based on the determination result. Is generated, and when the predetermined game information of the game is generated, the game information generation means for generating the game information for playing the other game with a predetermined restriction and the generated game information are transmitted to the game device. It is characterized by including a delivery side transmission means for transmitting to.

【0008】

Further, the information storage medium according to the present invention is information for transmitting game information for playing a plurality of different games that can be executed when a predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied to the game device in which the game is played. Is a computer-readable information storage medium that stores the above information, and the information satisfies the execution permission condition based on the determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied and the determination result. A game information generation means for generating game information for playing a game and generating game information for playing the other game with a predetermined limitation at the time of generating a predetermined game information of the game, and a generated game. It is characterized by including a means for causing the distribution side transmitting means to transmit the information to the game device, and information for realizing the above.

【0009】

Further, the object according to the present invention (including an object embodied on a carrier wave) is characterized by including information (including at least one of a program, data and an object) for realizing each of the above means. To do.

【0010】

According to the present invention, another game can be executed within one game. As a result, the player can experience a new game without paying a fee, so that it is possible to judge whether the new game is interesting or not, and it is possible to obtain an opportunity to play a new game. You can actively challenge the game.

【0011】

In particular, since you can play other games within one game, you can naturally experience other games without any resistance.

【0012】

In addition, the other game is a game that can be executed independently. Therefore, even when another game is played in a certain game, the existing game program for another game or the like can be used as it is.

【0013】

As a result, since it is not necessary to newly develop another dedicated game to be executed in a predetermined game, it is possible to provide a high-quality game without any trouble for the game developer.

【0014】

In addition, when playing another game in one game, a predetermined restriction is added. For example, as the predetermined limit, a limit on the function executed in the game, a limit on the execution time of the game, and a limit on the number of times the game can be executed are added, and there is no relationship with the player who executes the other game independently. It can eliminate fairness and provide an incentive to run the other game alone.

【0015】

In particular, when playing a game by distributing game information, a format that allows the execution of the game is generally adopted by registering as a user, and by making it possible to experience a game without registering as a user. , Can give the player a strong motivation to register as a user.

【0016】

Further, the game information generating means generates link game information for linking a game satisfying the execution permission condition with the other game as a part of the game information, and the game device executes the game. It is preferable that at least one of the game image and the game sound based on the link game information is played in the game that satisfies the permission conditions.

【0017】

According to this, by linking with other games, that is, by associating with other games, it is possible to experience other games more naturally, and it gives a strong motivation such as user registration of other games. be able to.

【0018】

For example, when generating game information so that a poker game, a quiz game, etc. can be played in a role-playing game, the character appearing in the role-playing game speaks a line such as "If I win poker, I will give you this item." By starting the poker game after that, the player can experience other games more naturally.

【0019】

Further, the game device according to the present invention is a game device for playing a plurality of different games that can be executed when a predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied, and determines whether or not the predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied. Based on the determination means and the determination result, game information for playing a game satisfying the execution permission condition is generated, and when the predetermined game information of the game is generated, the other game is restricted. In addition, it is characterized by including a game information generating means for generating game information for performing, and a reproducing means for performing at least one of game image display and game audio output based on the game information.

【0020】

Further, the other information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium that stores information for playing a plurality of different games that can be executed when a predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied. The information includes a determination means for determining whether or not the predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied, and based on the determination result, game information for playing a game satisfying the execution permission condition is generated, and the predetermined game information is generated. At least one of the game image display and the game audio output is performed based on the game information and the game information generation means for generating the game information for playing the other game with a predetermined limitation at the time of generating the game information of the above. It is characterized in that it includes a means for the reproduction means to reproduce and information for realizing the above.

【0021】

Further, the object according to the present invention (including an object embodied on a carrier wave) is characterized by including information (including at least one of a program, data and an object) for realizing each of the above means. To do.

【0022】

According to the present invention, another game can be executed within one game. As a result, the player can experience a new game without paying a fee, so that it is possible to judge whether the new game is interesting or not, and it is possible to obtain an opportunity to play a new game. You can actively challenge the game.

【0023】

In particular, since you can play other games within one game, you can naturally experience other games without any resistance.

【0024】

In addition, the other game is a game that can be executed independently. Therefore, even when another game is played in a certain game, the existing game program for another game or the like can be used as it is.

【0025】

As a result, since it is not necessary to newly develop another dedicated game to be executed in a predetermined game, it is possible to provide a high-quality game without any trouble for the game developer.

【0026】

In addition, when playing another game in one game, a predetermined restriction is added. For example, as the predetermined limit, a limit on the function executed in the game, a limit on the execution time of the game, and a limit on the number of times the game can be executed are added, and there is no relationship with the player who executes the other game independently. It can eliminate fairness and provide an incentive to run the other game alone.

【0027】

In particular, when playing multiple games on a single game device, a format that allows the execution of the game by paying a fee is generally adopted, and by making it possible to experience a game for which the fee has not been paid, it is possible to experience the game. Players will find it easier to try new games.

【0028】

Further, the game information generation means generates link game information for linking a game satisfying the execution permission condition with the other game as a part of the game information, and the reproduction means executes the execution. It is preferable to play at least one of the game image and the game sound based on the link game information in the game that satisfies the permission conditions.

【0029】

Further, in the information storage medium, the game information generating means generates link game information for linking a game satisfying the execution permission condition with the other game as a part of the game information, and the game information is described. As the means for reproducing, it is preferable that at least one of the game image and the game sound based on the link game information is reproduced by the reproduction means in the game satisfying the execution permission condition.

【0030】

According to this, by linking with other games, that is, by associating with other games, it is possible to experience other games more naturally, and it gives a strong motivation such as user registration of other games. be able to.

【0031】

For example, when generating game information so that a poker game, a quiz game, etc. can be played in a role-playing game, the character appearing in the role-playing game speaks a line such as "If I win poker, I will give you this item." By starting the poker game after that, the player can experience other games more naturally.

【0032】

Further, it is preferable that the game information generation means generates game information that reflects the game results of the other game in the game results of the game that satisfies the execution permission condition.

【0033】

According to this, even if you play other demo games in the official game, the results of the demo game will be reflected in the game results of the official game, so players will be motivated to play the demo game. Can be encouraged to register other demo games.

【0034】

In addition, for example, by setting that important items cannot be obtained without clearing another game in a certain game, it is possible to give a strong motivation to play another game.

【0035】

Further, it is preferable that the execution permission condition is at least one of payment of the game fee and user registration of the game.

【0036】

According to this, the player can experience a new game without paying the game fee or registering as a user of the game, and the player can easily decide whether to play the new game in earnest. ..

【0037】

Further, it is preferable that the limitation is at least one of the limitation of the game function, the limitation of the number of times the game is executed, and the limitation of the game execution time.

【0038】

According to this, by adding restrictions such as restrictions on functions executed in the game, restrictions on the number of times the game can be executed, and restrictions on the game execution time, a player who plays another game without paying a fee in the game, and a player who plays another game. It is possible to eliminate injustice with other players who play the other game alone and motivate the player to play the other game alone.

【0039】

Further, the determination means makes the determination based on user data including information on whether or not the execution permission condition is satisfied stored in a predetermined storage area, and the game information generation means is derived from the plurality of games. On the selection screen for selecting at least one game, the game image information is generated in which the game options satisfying the execution permission condition are emphasized relative to the other game options. Is preferable.

【0040】

According to this, the emphasis processing is performed on the selection of the game that satisfies the execution permission condition, so that the player can easily distinguish between the game that he / she can independently execute and the game that he / she cannot execute.

【0041】

Here, as the emphasizing process, for example, as a character emphasizing process, a process of changing the thickness of a character, a process of drawing a line on a character, a process of changing a character color, a process of changing a character size, This includes processing to change the background color of characters, processing to change the typeface of characters, and processing to add characters such as "registered".

【0042】

Further, as the image enhancement process other than characters, for example, a process of adding an image to the option, a process of changing the image of the option, a process of arranging the option at a position where it is easy to select, and the like are applicable.

【0043】

Since it is a process that is relatively emphasized, for example, it may be a process of reducing the character size of other game options.

【0044】

Further, the information distribution system includes a distribution side receiving means for receiving distribution request information from the game device, and the determination means identifies a user of the game device based on the distribution request information and permits execution. It is preferable that the game information generation means generates the game information based on the distribution request information by determining whether or not the conditions are satisfied .

【0045】

Further, the information storage medium includes information for realizing a means for causing the distribution side receiving means to receive the distribution request information from the game device, and the determination means is based on the distribution request information of the game device. It is preferable that the user is identified, it is determined whether or not the execution permission condition is satisfied, and the game information generating means generates the game information based on the distribution request information.

【0046】

According to this, when there are multiple users, it is possible to change the games that are allowed to be executed for each user and provide them to the users.

【0047】

Further, the game device is a means for inputting operation information of a player and a means for transmitting distribution request information including the operation information to the distribution side receiving means and receiving the game information from the distribution side transmitting means. It is preferable that the game device is a portable game device including a display means for displaying a game image included in the received game information.

【0048】

According to this, the player can enjoy various games by using the portable game device.

【0049】

In particular, since a portable game device is easy to carry, various games can be played anytime and anywhere.

【0050】

Here, examples of the portable game device include a mobile information terminal, a mobile phone, a portable game-dedicated device, a portable PC (Personal Computer), a pager, and the like.

【0051】

Further, the portable game device is a portable telephone, and the display means includes a display integrally formed with the telephone, a means for shaping and displaying the game image on the display, and the like. Is preferably included.

【0052】

According to this, the player can enjoy various games using the portable telephone.

【0053】

In particular, since it is easy to perform user registration and billing with a portable telephone, it is easy to determine whether or not the above-mentioned execution permission conditions are satisfied.

【0054】

As a service for playing a game using such a portable telephone, for example, an i-mode service of NTT Mobile Communication Network Co., Ltd. has been realized.

【0055】

Further, as the portable telephone, for example, a so-called mobile phone, a PHS (Personal Handyphone System), a satellite communication telephone, or the like is applicable.

【0056】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the case where the present invention is applied to a game system in which game information is distributed to a mobile phone which is a game device and a game is played, and a case where the present invention is applied to a single game device capable of executing a plurality of games will be taken as an example. The explanation will be given with reference to the drawings.

【0057】

(Example applied to the game information distribution system) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0058】

The game system is a game information distribution device that generates game information based on a mobile phone 200, which is a game device, and distribution request information transmitted from the mobile phone 200 via a transmission line, and transmits the game information to the mobile phone 200. It is composed of 100 and so on.

【0059】

Here, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected via a packet switching network 300. Further, the transmission line between the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 includes a wireless transmission line 320 and a wired transmission line 310.

【0060】

A base station for the mobile phone 200, a packet disassembling and assembling device, and the like are interposed in the packet switching network 300, and data is transmitted and received between the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 in the form of packets. .. Further, in reality, a plurality of mobile phones 200 are connected to the game information distribution device 100 via the packet switching network 300.

【0061】

In the actual progress of the game, first, the player connects to the packet switching network 300 using the mobile phone 200, and the mobile phone 200 transmits the distribution request data generated based on the player's operation to the game information distribution device 100. To do. The game information distribution device 100 generates game information according to the distribution request and transmits it to the mobile phone 200.

【0062】

The mobile phone 200 receives the game information from the game information distribution device 100, displays the game image on the screen, outputs the sound, and executes the game. As described above, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone 200 does not generate the game information, but the game information distribution device 100 generates the game information. As a result, the mobile phone 200 does not need a function such as a game calculation, and the mobile phone 200 itself has a simple configuration.

【0063】

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of different games that can be executed are provided by the game information distribution device 100 by paying a game fee and performing user registration.

【0064】

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a screen example of the menu screen 400 according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0065】

On the menu screen 400 displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the mobile phone 200, both a game that can be executed by user registration and a game that cannot be executed by not performing user registration are displayed.

【0066】

Also, the game name of a game that has not been registered as a user (for example, "Poker Club") is in normal font, but the game name of a game that has not been registered as a user (for example, "Adventure World") is not normal. It is in different bold and has been highlighted.

【0067】

As a result, the player can distinguish at a glance from a game in which user registration has been performed and a game in which user registration has not been performed.

【0068】

Further, in the present embodiment, an infeasible game can be executed in the feasible game.

【0069】

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen example of a game screen according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0070】

Here, it is assumed that the player selects "Adventure World", which is a role-playing game, on the menu screen 400 and starts the game.

【0071】

On the in-game screen 402 of "Adventure World", the character string "You entered the bar. There was a guy who seemed to smell sick in the bar." Is displayed. Also, on screen 402, the line "If you want a horse, you should play poker with me" is displayed along with the character image of the person who seems to have a bad smell. In addition, screen 402 provides the option to let the player choose whether or not to play poker, "Do you want to play poker? YES NO".

【0072】

When the player selects YES, a poker game with certain restrictions on the "poker club" begins.

【0073】

In this way, since the player can experience a new game without paying a fee, it is possible to judge whether the new game is interesting or not, and it is possible to obtain an opportunity to play a new game. You can actively challenge various games.

【0074】

In particular, since you can play other games within one game, you can naturally experience other games without any resistance.

【0075】

In addition, the other game is a game that can be executed independently. Therefore, even when another game is played in a certain game, the existing game program for another game or the like can be used as it is.

【0076】

As a result, since it is not necessary to newly develop another dedicated game to be executed in a predetermined game, it is possible to provide a high-quality game without any trouble for the game developer.

【0077】

In addition, the poker game is subject to predetermined restrictions, such as restrictions on game functions such as not being able to double up, restrictions on the number of times the game can be executed, and restrictions on the execution time of the game.

【0078】

This eliminates injustice with the player who runs the poker game alone and can provide an incentive to run the poker game alone.

【0079】

Further, on the screen 402, link game information for linking (associating) the "Adventure World", which is a game satisfying the execution permission condition of user registration, and the "Poker Club", which is the other game, is displayed. ing.

【0080】

Here, as the link game information, specifically, on the screen 402, the line "If you want a horse, you should play poker with me" and the image of the character appearing in the poker club correspond.

【0081】

According to this, you can see the images of the characters appearing in the poker club, and you can see and listen to the lines of the character, so you can experience the unregistered "poker club" more naturally, and you can experience the "poker club". It can give a strong motivation such as user registration.

【0082】

Furthermore, the game outcomes of the poker game are reflected in the game outcomes of "Adventure World". In the above example, if you do not win in poker, you will not be able to get a horse and it will be disadvantageous in the progress of the game, so the player can also feel the fun of the poker game because he is enthusiastic about playing the poker game. This can encourage user registration to the poker game "Poker Club". It is preferable to display a screen that allows user registration to the "poker club" in the "Adventure World" game. As a result, the player can naturally register as a user of another unregistered game.

【0083】

If "Adventure World" and "Poker Club" are registered and "Quiz Room" is not registered, the following link game information will be generated.

【0084】

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen example of a game screen according to another example of the present embodiment.

【0085】

On the in-game screen 404 of "Adventure World", the string "You have entered the bar. There was a stranger in the bar." Is displayed. Also, on the screen 404, the line "If you can answer my quiz, let's sell the horse" is displayed as the line of the strange man along with the character image of the strange man. In addition, the screen 404 provides options for the player to choose whether or not to take the quiz "Do you want to quiz? YES NO".

【0086】

When the player selects YES, a quiz game with a predetermined limit added to the "quiz room" starts. This limitation corresponds to, for example, the number of quiz questions, the quiz time, the quiz field, and the like.

【0087】

In this way, the linked game is automatically changed according to the game registration information of the player.

【0088】

As described above, being able to execute another game within a certain game can make the player interested in the other game and motivate the user to register the other game.

【0089】

In addition, the result of playing the other game is reflected in the game result of the original game in which the user is registered. As a result, the player can enjoy the game more than when simply playing a plurality of mini games.

【0090】

Next, a functional block for realizing a game system for playing such a plurality of games will be described.

【0091】

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the game system according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0092】

The mobile phone 200 temporarily transmits the operation unit 210, the transmission / reception unit 290 that transmits distribution request information including the operation information from the operation unit 210 and receives the game information from the game information distribution device 100, and the received game information. A storage unit 230 that stores the game information stored in the storage unit 230, a display unit 220 that shapes the game information stored in the storage unit 230 using a browser and displays it on the liquid crystal screen, and an audio output unit 222 that reproduces the game information stored in the storage unit 230. Is configured to include. That is, the display unit 220 and the audio output unit 222 function as reproduction means for reproducing a game image or the like.

【0093】

Here, the game information is information having at least one of game image information and game audio information, and means, for example, data for executing a game, a program, an object in which data and a program are integrated, and the like. To do.

【0094】

On the other hand, the game information distribution device 100 has a transmission / reception unit 190 that receives distribution request information from the mobile phone 200 and transmits the game information, and a game information generation unit 111 that generates game information based on the received distribution request information. It is composed including and.

【0095】

Further, the game information distribution device 100 identifies a user of the mobile phone 200 based on the received distribution request information, and determines whether or not the user has registered as a user of each game, and a determination unit 115 for this determination. It is configured to include user data 122 used for the purpose and storage unit 120 which is a storage area of game data 121 having game data of a plurality of games to be provided.

【0096】

Further, the game information generation unit 111 includes an image generation unit 113 and a voice generation unit 114.

【0097】

These game information generation units 111 and discrimination units 115 are integrated as a processing unit 110, and their functions are realized by, for example, a CPU or the like. More specifically, the image generation unit 113 is configured to dynamically generate a game image page by software using, for example, a CGI (Common Gateway Interface). Further, the voice generation unit 114 is realized by, for example, a sound generation IC or the like.

【0098】

Further, the storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, ROM, RAM, etc., and the transmission / reception unit 190 is realized by, for example, a communication device having a PAD (packet decomposition / assembly) function. The transmission / reception unit 190 can also be configured as a separate body of a transmission unit having a function as a distribution-side transmission means and a reception unit having a function as a distribution-side reception means.

【0099】

Further, the game information distribution device 100 can be configured to realize the function by connecting the information storage medium 180 and reading the information from the information storage medium 180.

【0100】

Here, as the above information, for example, when the transmission / reception unit 190, the game information generation unit 111, and the determination unit 115 are realized, a determination means for determining whether or not a predetermined execution permission condition is satisfied, and a determination result thereof. Based on the above, game information for playing a game satisfying the execution permission condition is generated, and game information for playing the other game with a predetermined restriction is generated when the predetermined game information of the game is generated. It includes information for realizing a means for generating game information to be generated and a means for transmitting the generated game information to the transmission / reception unit 190 toward the game device.

【0101】

Further, the information stored in the information recording medium 180 may be embodied on a carrier wave. That is, the game information distribution device 100 can realize the various functions described above by reading information from a predetermined host terminal or the like via a network, for example, instead of reading the information from the information storage medium 180.

【0102】

Further, instead of the information storage medium 180, it is also possible to apply an object including information (including at least one of a program, data and an object) for realizing each of the above means. Specifically, such an object corresponds to, for example, a packet, a cell used in an ATM network, or the like.

【0103】

As the information storage medium 180, for example, a storage medium using a laser, magnetism, or the like such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, an IC card, a ROM, a RAM, or a hard disk can be applied.

【0104】

Next, the data structures of the game data 121 and the user data 122 will be described.

【0105】

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the game data 121 according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0106】

The game data 121 includes game data for playing a game displayed on the menu screen 400 shown in FIG. 2 and provided to the player. That is, the game data 121 includes the game data of the poker club, the game data of the adventure world, and the game data of the quiz room when playing the game of the menu screen 400 shown in FIG.

【0107】

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of user data 122 according to an example of this embodiment.

【0108】

The items of the user data 122 include, for example, "user ID", "user name", "whether or not the game is registered", and the like. Further, "whether or not the game is registered" is further divided into "poker club", "adventure world", and "quiz room" indicating whether or not each game is registered.

【0109】

By referring to user data 122, for example, for a player whose "user name" is "Wanta", "Poker Club" is registered as "Not", "Adventure World" is registered as "Completed", and "Quiz Room". It can be seen that is also registered "completed". Thereby, the game information distribution device 100 can determine whether or not the execution permission condition of the game is satisfied.

【0110】

Also, each of these games may have a priority. For example, if the priorities are set in the order of "poker club", "adventure world", and "quiz room", and "poker club" and "quiz room" are registered as "not yet", the above As the linked game information, the linked game information of the "poker club" is generated. Then, the game of "Poker Club" will be played in the game of "Adventure World".

【0111】

The discriminating unit 115 refers to the user data 122, and provides information that "poker club" is "not yet" registered, "adventure world" is registered "completed", and "quiz room" is also registered "completed". It is transmitted to the generation unit 111.

【0112】

Based on the information, the game information generation unit 111 generates image information for displaying the menu screen 400 which has been highlighted so that the game name of "done" is in bold.

【0113】

Further, when executing the registered game, the game information generation unit 111 generates game information with reference to the game data 121. Further, when executing a registered game, link game information is generated so that an unregistered game can also be played in a predetermined scene, for example, in the above-mentioned example, in a scene for obtaining a horse.

【0114】

When the game information generation unit 111 generates the link game information, specifically, for example, the value of the parameter when calling the function in the "poker club game data" in the game data 121 is different from the usual value. It is possible to generate game information in which the above-mentioned various restrictions are applied as values.

【0115】

As the highlighting process when executing the registered game, various highlighting processes can be performed in addition to simply making the game bold.

【0116】

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen example of the menu screen according to another example of the present embodiment, FIG. 8 (A) shows an example in which it is capitalized, and FIG. 8 (B) shows an example in which it is italicized. The figure (C) is a diagram showing an underlined example.

【0117】

Enlarge the characters as shown in Fig. 8 (A), change the typeface of the characters to make it italic as shown in Fig. 8 (B), and underline the characters as shown in Fig. 8 (C). can do.

【0118】

In addition to these, for example, you can change the color of the characters, change the background color of the characters, invert the characters, add characters such as "registered", and even add each game name on the menu screen. When the voice is output, the sound can be made louder, or the voice of a man can be changed to the voice of a woman.

【0119】

It should be noted that such an emphasis process may be a relative emphasis process, and for example, an unregistered game option may be processed so as not to be conspicuous with respect to a registered game option.

【0120】

Specifically, for example, the color of the characters of the options of the unregistered game may be changed, or the size of the characters of the options of the unregistered game may be reduced.

【0121】

It is also possible to enhance images other than characters.

【0122】

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen example of the menu screen 420 according to another example of the present embodiment.

【0123】

The number of games on the menu screen 420 is larger than that on the menu screen 400. In the example of the menu screen 400, the number of games was 3, but in the example of the menu screen 420, the number of games is 10.

【0124】

For this reason, the menu is scrolled using the scroll keys of the mobile phone 200 or the like to select a game without being able to fit on one screen. In such a case, emphasis processing is performed to bring the registered game name up. If there are multiple registered games, the most recently played game or the game with the highest number of game executions is brought up.

【0125】

As a result, the player can easily select the game he / she often plays, and can also play other games in the game, so that he / she can enjoy games that he / she does not usually play.

【0126】

The emphasizing process for images other than characters includes, for example, a process of adding an image to an option, changing the image of the option, or changing the option to a position where it is easy to select.

【0127】

Such a function can be realized by applying, for example, the following as the above-mentioned user data.

【0128】

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of user data 123 according to another example of the present embodiment.

【0129】

Compared with the user data 122 described above, the user data 123 includes "registration / non-registration", "last execution date and time", and "execution count" in each game item such as "poker club" as "game history".

【0130】

By including the "last execution date and time" and the "execution count", it is possible to perform emphasis processing for bringing the most recently played game to the top of the menu or bringing the game with the most execution count to the top of the menu.

【0131】

If the screen is not vertically scrolled from top to bottom but horizontally scrolled from left to right, the emphasized game name may be brought to the left of the screen.

【0132】

Although the game system by distributing game information to which the present invention is applied has been described above, playing a plurality of games in this way is not limited to network-type games, but is also played by a single commercial game device or the like.

【0133】

(Example of a single game device) In the case of a network type, user registration is performed by paying the game fee and execution permission is given, but in a single business game device, execution permission is generally given by paying the fee. is there.

【0134】

The hardware configuration of such a single commercial game device is as follows.

【0135】

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a commercial game device according to an example of the present embodiment.

【0136】

In the device shown in the figure, the CPU 1000 and ROM 1002 functioning as the game information generation unit 111 and the discrimination unit 115 described above, the RAM 1004 functioning as the storage unit 120, the information storage medium 1006, the sound generation IC 1008, the image generation IC 1010, and the I / O port. The 1012 and 1014 are connected to each other by the system bus 1016 so that data can be transmitted and received.

【0137】

A display 1018 is connected to the image generation IC 1010, and a speaker 1020 is connected to the sound generation IC 1008, and a function as a reproduction means for reproducing a game image or the like based on game information is realized.

【0138】

Further, the control device 1022 is connected to the I / O port 1012, and the communication device 1024 is connected to the I / O port 1014.

【0139】

The information storage medium 1006 mainly stores programs, image data for expressing display objects, sound data, and the like.

【0140】

The control device 1022 corresponds to a game controller, an operation panel, and the like, and is for inputting the result of a judgment made by the player according to the progress of the game to the device main body.

【0141】

The CPU 1000 controls the entire device and processes various data according to the program stored in the information storage medium 1006, the system program stored in the ROM 1002 (initialization information of the device body, etc.), the signal input by the control device 1022, and the like. ..

【0142】

The RAM 1004 is a storage means used as a work area of the CPU 1000, and stores a given content of the information storage medium 1006 or the ROM 1002, or a calculation result of the CPU 1000. Further, the game data 121 and the user data 122 for realizing the present embodiment will be constructed on the RAM 1004 or the information storage medium 1006.

【0143】

Further, this type of device is provided with a sound generation IC 1008 and an image generation IC 1010 so that a game sound or a game image can be appropriately output. The sound generation IC 1008 is an integrated circuit that generates game sounds such as sound effects and background music based on the information stored in the information storage medium 1006 and ROM 1002, and the generated game sounds are output by the speaker 1020. The image generation IC 1010 is an integrated circuit that generates pixel information for output to the display 1018 based on image information sent from the RAM 1004, ROM 1002, information storage medium 1006, and the like. As the display 1018, a so-called head-mounted display (HMD) can also be used.

【0144】

In addition, the communication device 1024 exchanges various information used inside the game device with the outside, and is connected to another game device to send and receive given information according to the game program and to connect a communication line. It is used to send and receive information such as game programs via. Specifically, as the communication device 1024, for example, a modem, an ATM switch, or the like can be applied.

【0145】

Next, an example of applying such hardware to a game device will be described.

【0146】

FIG. 12A shows an example when the present embodiment is applied to a commercial game device.

【0147】

In this case, a CPU, an image generation IC, a sound generation IC, and the like are mounted on the system board 1106 built in the device.

【0148】

Then, the game information is generated based on the operation information of the player, and the information for determining whether or not the game execution permission condition is satisfied is stored in the memory 1108 of the system board 1106.

【0149】

Hereinafter, this information is referred to as stored information. These stored information include at least one of program code, image information, sound information, shape information of a display object, table data, list data, player information, and the like for performing the above-mentioned various processes.

【0150】

Further, FIG. 12B shows an example when the present embodiment is applied to a home-use game device. The player enjoys the game by operating the game controllers 1202 and 1204 while watching the game image displayed on the display 1200. In this case, the stored information is stored in a CD-ROM 1206, an IC card 1208, 1209, etc., which are information storage media that can be attached to and detached from the main unit.

【0151】

As described above, even when the present invention is applied to a single game device, it is determined whether or not the predetermined game execution permission condition is satisfied, and another game with a predetermined restriction is executed in a certain game. Allows the player to experience the other game.

【0152】

As a result, the player can be interested in the other game and can be encouraged to independently execute the other game by paying a fee for the other game.

【0153】

Although preferred embodiments to which the present invention has been applied have been described above, the application of the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples.

【0154】

For example, the game information distribution device 100 receives a distribution request from the mobile phone 200 and distributes the game information, but does not receive the distribution request when the game information is distributed to all the mobile phones 200. It is also possible to apply a method of distributing game information (so-called broadcast method).

【0155】

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game data 121 and the user data 122 are stored in the storage unit 120 in the game information distribution device 100, but are distributed and stored in predetermined storage areas of a plurality of server devices and the like. It is also possible.

【0156】

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the mobile phone 200 is applied as a terminal-type game device has been described, but as a mobile phone other than the mobile phone 200, for example, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) or It is possible to apply an iridium telephone or the like. In addition to mobile phones, for example, portable PCs (Personal Computers), personal digital assistants, portable game devices having communication functions, pagers (so-called pagers), and the like can also be applied. ..

【0157】

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a packet communication network is applied as a network form has been described. However, the present invention is applied to various network forms such as a line communication network such as ISDN and a broadband communication network such as an ATM network. It is possible to apply. Further, in reality, the game information distribution device 100 and the mobile phone 200 are connected not only to the packet communication network but also to the Internet.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is the schematic of the game system which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Figure 2]

It is a figure which shows the screen example of the menu screen which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a figure which shows the screen example of the game screen which concerns on one example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 4]

It is a figure which shows the screen example of the game screen which concerns on another example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 5]

It is a functional block diagram of the game system which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 6]

It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the game data which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 7]

It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the user data which concerns on an example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 8]

It is a figure which shows the screen example of the menu screen which concerns on another example of this embodiment, FIG. ) Is a diagram showing an underlined example.

[Fig. 9]

It is a figure which shows the screen example of the menu screen which concerns on another example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 10]

It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the user data which concerns on another example of this embodiment.

[Fig. 11]

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration of the commercial game apparatus which concerns on an example of this Embodiment.

[Fig. 12]

It is a schematic diagram which shows the application example to the game apparatus which concerns on one example of this embodiment, FIG. ..

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Game information distribution device 111 Game information generator 113 Image generator 114 Speech generator 115 Discriminator 121 Game data 122 User data 180 Information storage medium 200 mobile phones