JP2002099758A - Sales promoting method for related commodity by virtual store using game software and sales promoting method for game software - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commodity sales promoting method allowing ordering of a related commodity on the half-way of the performance of game software and acquiring richer customers. SOLUTION: A virtual store selling an actual commodity is constructed in game software installed in terminal equipment 2 loading a net function by targeting on the customer having a specified hobby for performing game software. The ordering of the related commodity is promoted through the virtual store and sales mediation is performed via a network 3. Thus, an original commodity can be ordered during game performance and the related commodity is a carefully selected original commodity which can be ordered only in the virtual store in game software. Thus, rich customers are given satisfaction of a kind. Then, a character similar to the prescribed character detected in the game is given in the real world.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention particularly relates to a method of promoting related products and a method of promoting game software in virtual stores using game software such as RPG, adventure games, and action games.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, hardware performance of game machines has been strengthened with the progress of semiconductor technology, and not only as game machines, but also as DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) playback,
The Internet connection and the like have deepened the color of entertainment devices beyond game consoles. To be more specific, by mounting a 128-bit CPU instead of the conventional 32-bit CPU to achieve outstanding three-dimensional graphics processing functions, and to realize music and movie distribution via an Internet connection It has appeared.

[0003] Also, game software distributed in the market is abundantly distributed in various genres such as simulation, shooting, action including sports, RPG, and adventure. Note that RPG is an abbreviation of role playing game, which is a popular game having a story in which there are many things such as fantasy, science fiction, friendship, love, etc. In recent RPGs, characters and backgrounds are drawn with 3D polygons, and the design is powerful.

[0004]

By the way, among those who execute the above-mentioned game software and play it, there are relatively few people who want the costumes and figures worn by the characters appearing in the game itself. Many. In particular, those who are enthusiastic about RPG, adventure, sports, and other action game-related games have a strong desire to do so. If the product is sold externally, you will actually go to the store or obtain it by mail order, etc. It would be very convenient if a system for delivering the product could be constructed.
Also, when an event in the game world is reflected in the real world, the game player who plays the game can execute the game with great interest, which is very convenient for the game seller.

On the other hand, with the spread of the Internet, anyone can build a virtual store on the Internet, and with the realization of electronic commerce (EC), purchase desired products while staying in an office or at home. , An environment where sales can be conducted is being prepared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background art, and has been developed to construct a virtual store that sells actual merchandise in game software, targeting customers having a particular hobby of executing game software. A method of promoting the ordering of related products by a virtual store using game software that enables ordering of original products during game execution by prompting ordering of related products through the virtual store and conducting sales mediation via the Internet. The purpose is to provide. In addition, we will provide a method for promoting related products through virtual stores using game software, which enables us to acquire a niche customer base by carefully selecting related products from original products that can only be obtained at virtual stores in game software The purpose is also to do.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a game software sales promotion method which enables events in the game world to be reflected in the real world.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for promoting the sale of related products at a virtual store using game software, the method comprising: A virtual store that sells game software-related products, builds an order for the game software-related products through the virtual store, and mediates sales of the game software-related products via the Internet. This is a method for promoting sales of related products by a virtual store using game software.

[0008] With this, a virtual store that sells actual merchandise in the game software is built for a customer having a specific hobby that executes the game software, and ordering of related products is performed through the virtual store. , And mediating sales via the Internet, it is possible to place an order for an original product during the execution of the game. In other words, the physical fusion of the virtual world and the real world is achieved through virtual stores deployed in game software, and at least a part of the virtual world is synchronized with the real world to develop a strong fan base. And efficient sales promotion to customers whose sales targets are predetermined. Note that the term “via the Internet” includes a case where an order is issued using a mobile phone (fixed phone) as in the embodiment of the invention described later. Of course, a configuration in which an order is issued using a personal computer or a PDA may be adopted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for promoting the sale of related products by a virtual store using the game software according to the first aspect, the game software is an RPG installed on a terminal device with a network function. And the R
It is characterized by synchronizing with virtual shopping performed in a virtual store unique to RPG that appears in response to the story development of PG and mediating sales of game software-related products including character items.

[0010] In the above configuration, the customer who has purchased the RPG software installs the game software on the terminal device with a network function and proceeds with the game. In the process, RPG's unique equipment purchase and item purchase
The story is developed while enjoying virtual shopping in the game. By synchronizing at least some of the products in the virtual world with the real world, it becomes possible to sell game software-related products such as actual character items and character goods in the real world via the Internet.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for promoting the sale of related products by a virtual store using the game software according to the first aspect, the game software is installed in a terminal device with a network function. Constructing a virtual store space in a display screen generated by executing the game software, advertising the game software-related product using the virtual store space, and via a net It is characterized by the mediation of sales.

In the above configuration, the game software installed in the terminal device with a network function is, for example,
In the case of an action game including sports such as professional wrestling and baseball, a virtual shop space is constructed in the game screen. Then, in this virtual store space, advertising of professional wrestling goods and model products such as bats and gloves that baseball players love, and prompting purchase, customers can at any time,
By stopping the progress of the game or the like and visiting this virtual store to inform the purchase intention, it becomes possible to sell goods in the real world via the Internet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for promoting sales of related products by a virtual store using the game software according to the second or third aspect, wherein a virtual store hidden in the game software is set. It is characterized by promoting sales of game software-related products including rare products through hidden virtual stores.

[0014] In the above-described configuration, the purchase of items can be promoted by assembling items and the like that can only be obtained in the game software, and by setting rare items in a hidden virtual store, it is possible to promote topics. It is possible to make it, and it is possible to further inspire purchase. This allows
The game software development maker can secure an income source by selling goods different from the sale of game software.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problem, an item which a game software seller discovers or appears in the world of a game according to the story development of the game software. Or setting the character as a prize target, setting a predetermined condition for presenting the prize, clearing the predetermined condition by a game player, and the game having cleared the predetermined condition. An actor and the game seller performing a predetermined procedure for giving and receiving the prize via communication means;
The game software seller then presents the same item or character as the prize to the game executor in the real world with the same item or character as the cleared predetermined condition or character. Is a sales promotion method.

Thus, events in the game world are reflected in the real world. For this reason, the game executor can play the game with an interest, which leads to sales promotion of the game software. The “game software seller” includes a game software maker, a person who provides funding to a game software maker or a game software seller, a person who publishes an advertisement in the game software, a sponsor of the sweepstakes, etc. Means and is not to be interpreted narrowly. In addition, the “predetermined procedure” is a procedure for obtaining (sending and receiving) a prize which has been reported to the game executor in advance, or is transmitted to the game executor in accordance with the progress of the game (for example, in a scene where the prize can be obtained). This is an action that is performed based on the procedure for acquiring (accepting and receiving) prizes. In addition, "communication means" means that when the game machine (a terminal equipped with a network function) has a network connection function (a communication function),
If this function is utilized and the game machine does not have a network connection function, the game player has a mobile phone, a fixed telephone, or a network connection terminal (PC / PDA / mobile phone) operated separately from the game machine. The network connection function (communication function) is used. “Same” means the same thing (recalls the same thing) in the real world. In addition,
The game seller prepares a correspondence table between the set prize and the prize to be presented in the real world, and also prepares a prize to be presented in the real world. Incidentally, the prize may be limited to the first xx name or limited to xx days from the start of sales.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problem, a game software seller presents a prize to a prize for a result recorded by a game executor in the game software. Setting a predetermined condition and the contents of the prize, a step in which the game player clears the predetermined condition set in the game software, and a step in which the game player and the game seller clear the predetermined condition. Sales promotion of game software, comprising: performing a predetermined procedure for giving and receiving the prize via communication means; and then, the game software seller presents the prize to the game executor thereafter. Is the way.

According to this, the result recorded by the game player is reflected in the real world. Note that the result is, for example, an obtained point or a running time, or a discovery of a secret place (to reveal a secret). Also in this case, the prize may be limited to the first xx name or limited to xx days from the start of sale.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a business model for realizing a method of promoting the sale of related products by a virtual store using game software according to the present invention (first embodiment). . In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a server system, and reference numeral 2 denotes a terminal device with a network function typified by an Internet-accessible game device, both of which are connected via an Internet network 3.

The persons and organizations appearing here are a customer a, a game software development maker b, and a virtual shop merchandise broker / distributor c (hereinafter, simply referred to as a merchandise brokerage site). The customer a purchases interesting game software such as RPG from a store or a convenience store (step S10), and installs and executes the game software on the terminal device 2 with its own network function (step S11). The game software development maker b, among the game software to be developed,
By constructing a virtual store at an arbitrary position, a revenue source can be secured by selling related goods such as character goods and figures related to the game software via the virtual store, in addition to the sale of the game software. A server system 1 is installed at a merchandise sales intermediary site c that mediates merchandise sales at virtual stores in each game software, and an order for merchandise is received from a customer a on the server system 1, and sales intermediation of the merchandise is performed.

Specifically, the customer a visits a virtual store in the game software in parallel with the execution of the game or with the game in a paused state, selects a related product to be purchased, and makes an order ( In step S12, the server system 1 of the merchandise sales intermediation site c is accessed via the Internet 3 (step S13). The merchandise sales intermediation site c places an order for the merchandise with the game software development maker b by the server system 1 (step S1).
4) Upon receiving this, the game software development maker b performs a delivery procedure for the product to the customer a (step S1).
5) Alternatively, a delivery agent is requested to perform a delivery agent, and electronic payment is made by cash on delivery, card payment, or a terminal or portable terminal having a payment function (step S16).

Although the terminal 2 with a network function is used here, for example, if the game machine does not have an Internet connection function, it is replaced with a mobile phone that can connect to the Internet, and the merchandise sales agency site c is accessed. For example, it is possible to select a product in a virtual store that sells a real product while looking at the game execution screen and perform a purchase procedure. Also, the mobile phone does not necessarily need to be able to connect to the Internet. In this case, it is necessary to make a telephone call to the merchandise sales intermediary site c and input the merchandise order data offline.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal device with a network function shown in FIG. Here, a game machine is illustrated. The network-equipped terminal device 2
The CPU 21 is a control center, a main memory 22, a network control unit 23 (NCU), a drawing / display controller 2
4 (GDC), CD-ROM (DVD) driver 25, and audio output circuit 28 are commonly connected to a system bus 29 having a plurality of lines for address, data, and control.

When the game software is executed, the main memory 22
Under the control of the CPU 21, game software including a virtual shop recorded on a CD-ROM or DVD is played on a CD-ROM.
It is read out via the (DVD) drive device 25 and installed. The NCU 23 uses TCP / IP (Transport
A communication interface that implements Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), and a server system 1 (commodity sales intermediary) connected via the Internet 3 to a virtual shop built in game software installed and executed in the main memory 22. It governs the interface for bidirectional data exchange with site c).

The GDC 24 stores the three-dimensional graphics data generated by the CPU 21 in a frame memory 26.
, Or a drawing / display controller that reads in from the frame memory 26 for display. The data read out here is supplied to a display monitor (not shown) via the video output circuit 27. The display data also includes a product advertisement for a virtual store described later. The sound output circuit 28 generates a sound under the control of the CPU 21 and outputs the sound to the outside via a speaker.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts cited for explaining the specific operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the case where the game software is an RPG or an adventure game, an action including sports is performed. The procedure for the method of promoting related products by the virtual store in each game will be described.

According to the present invention, a customer who is a sales target of a game software-related product is already counted when the game software is purchased, and the target narrowing has been completed. The consumer, who is a consumer, is a person who intends to purchase related goods such as character goods or figures provided by the act of purchasing game software. Focusing on this, the present invention installs game software on the terminal device 2 with a network function and executes the software to execute part of the virtual shop, thereby synchronizing a part of the virtual world with the real world. The aim is to develop an effective fan base and provide effective sales promotion methods to customers whose sales targets have been narrowed down in advance.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure for sales promotion by a virtual store in the case of an RPG or an adventure game. Hereinafter, the operation of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

The customer a who purchased the RPG software firstly
The game software is installed on the network-equipped terminal device 2 (step S31). Specifically, the purchased RPG software is transferred to a CD-ROM (DVD) driving device 22.
And is loaded onto the main memory 22 via the system bus 29 under the control of the CPU 21. Then, the game proceeds according to the message displayed on the display monitor. The progress of this game is determined by executing the RPG software every time an image generated by the CPU 21 is generated by the GDC.
24 to the frame memory 26, and
The image is displayed by the GDC 24 reading out at high speed in synchronization with the display timing of the display monitor. In addition, the game proceeds in an interactive manner by data input by a joystick (not shown) or the like. Audio output circuit 2
8. Output via speaker.

By the way, in the RPG, there is a "shopping scene" in which the main character purchases various weapons or buys food before the battle.
In the game, in this shopping scene, a list of weapons or food is displayed, and the customer is prompted to make a selection input, thereby procuring weapons or food in a virtual world. A characteristic of the present invention is that a virtual shop for purchasing related products in the real world is set at an arbitrary position of the RPG in conjunction with the shopping scene in the virtual world (step S33). That is, a coding part on a program for constructing a virtual store is added to the game software. Related products here are, for example, RP
It is a character item or character goods appearing in a shopping scene displayed in the course of the G software progression, or a capture book as electronic data (part of information of the capture book). Needless to say, it is necessary that the product be stocked in advance in the real world.

In the above-mentioned virtual store, the purchase of related products is prompted in synchronization with the progress of the game (step S3).
4). For example, in the course of the game progress, a list of related items such as character items and character goods prepared in advance is displayed in a window on the display screen, a message prompting the purchase thereof is displayed on a display monitor, or audio output is performed. Sound is output through the circuit 28. The customer can make a purchase intention by clicking the purchase button assigned to the same screen as the related product list (step S36). As a result, a desired product to be purchased is selected and transmitted to the server system 1 of the product sales intermediation site c as product order data (step S3).
7).

It should be noted that the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the merchandise sales agency site c is naturally recorded in the virtual store set in the RPG software, and by clicking the above-mentioned purchase button, The product data is automatically transmitted (Step S38). The transmission is performed by the NCU 23 establishing a link according to the TCP / IP with the server system 1 via the Internet 3. This also allows the customer system to send necessary data, such as customer names, addresses, and card numbers, between the server system 1 at the merchandise sales intermediation site c and the terminal device 2 with a network function, for merchandise shipping or electronic settlement. It is assumed that a mechanism for exchanging is established.
During this time, the progress of the game is interrupted, and the game is continued until the above-mentioned procedure is completed (steps S38 and S3).
5).

The ordered merchandise sales intermediary site c informs the game software development maker b that the merchandise has been ordered, and instructs the customer a to deliver the merchandise. The game software development maker b entrusts delivery to a delivery company, and if the customer a does not wish to make an electronic payment earlier, delivers the goods by cash on delivery or payment at a convenience store. When the related product is electronic data, the terminal device 2 with the network function is required.
Is downloaded via the Internet 3.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for promoting sales at a virtual store in the case of an action game including sports. Here, when the action game is installed in the terminal device 2 with a net function and the game is started, a virtual shop space (here, an icon) is allocated and displayed in a window separate from the game screen (step S41, S42).

During the execution of the game, the customer “a” looks at the virtual store space, for example, clicks on the icon of the virtual store space to display the advertisement page of the related product (step S4).
3, S44). At this time, the game is interrupted (pause state)
Is done. Here, in the case of an action game such as professional wrestling or baseball, the related product is a professional wrestling product or a model product of a baseball player, and a sign ball or uniform of the player can be immediately ordered from the virtual store space.

The purchase intention is made by clicking a purchase button assigned to the screen as in the case of the RPG (step S45). Thereafter, the same operation as in the case of the RPG is performed, the product desired to be purchased is specified according to the click of the purchase button, and transmitted as the product order data to the server system 1 of the product sales intermediation site c (step S4).
7). Thereafter, the game is restarted after waiting for a procedure for shipping the product (steps S48 and S46).

As described above, according to the present invention, a customer who has a specific hobby of executing game software is urged to order related products through a virtual store built in the game software, and the order is sent via the Internet. By conducting sales intermediation, it is possible to place orders for original products during the execution of the game, thereby cultivating a strong fan base and efficiently new sales to customers whose sales targets are predetermined. A form can be provided. The customers who are the sales targets of the game software-related products are already counted when the game software is purchased, and since the game software purchaser is a sales target customer, the customer is already enclosed. A consumer who is a consumer is a person who intends to purchase related goods such as character goods or figures that the act of purchasing game software itself will provide in the future, and according to the present invention, develop a strong fan base and narrow down sales targets in advance. And provide new and efficient sales forms to customers.

The genre of the game software is R
Although only the PG, the adventure, and the action game have been illustrated, the same effects can be obtained in any genre such as shooting, simulation, and board game. Further, among the related products, there may be virtual products. For example, in an RPG battle scene, an item that can absolutely win against an enemy character may be purchased (downloaded) by actually paying money, and this item may be incorporated into the RPG software to defeat the enemy character. Conceivable. As described above, it is conceivable that the products that can be purchased change in accordance with the progress of the game, or that the discount rate of the related products is changed in accordance with the number of scenes in which the game has been completed. Incidentally, in the present invention, the collection of the price and the like are not limited to a specific means.

Further, it is also possible to set a hidden virtual store in the game software, and to promote sales of game software-related products including rare items through the hidden virtual store. In this case, by assembling items that can only be obtained from the game software, the willingness of customers to purchase can be promoted, and by setting rare items in hidden virtual stores, topics can be created for other customers In this case, it is possible to further inspire consumers to purchase.

Next, a sales promotion method for game software according to the second aspect of the invention will be described. The second embodiment uses the same hardware and the like and the same procedure as the first embodiment. For this reason, the same parts will not be described repeatedly.

(1) Embodiment of Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes In this embodiment, the story of the virtual world found in the game is linked to the real world, and is the same as the found item (including the goods related to the character), Money, vouchers, services, etc. are sent. For example, when a game player finds a treasure for which a prize is set (that is, when a predetermined condition is cleared), a password is displayed in the same manner as described above, and the password is displayed on the game seller's site, ,
The Internet function of the game machine is activated to automatically access (access) a hidden site or the like and contact the game seller. Then, the game player performs a procedure for receiving a prize (predetermined procedure), and obtains the same treasure (for example, diamond) as the treasure (a prize is presented). In a predetermined procedure, information such as the destination of the prize and the recipient is mutually confirmed. By the way, the term “same” includes not only a case in which the objects are literally the same, but also a case in which the object reminds of the same object, and is not to be interpreted narrowly. In this regard, the same applies to money, services, and the like, and the present invention is not limited to exactly the same case (for example, landscape, scenery, and landscape is a landscape photograph [the data] and a landscape photograph [the data]). Incidentally, a game is further set in the game, and the game player may have a nested structure in which a prize or a prize obtained in the game in the game world can be acquired by the game executor in the real world.

(2) Embodiment of Individual Character Sweepstakes (Inquirer Sweepstakes) In this embodiment, in an RPG, an action game, or the like, a prize is set for an enemy character or a prey that comes out as the story proceeds. The game player defeats or captures the enemy character, captures a prey, and the like (that is, clears a predetermined condition). Then, the set prize money (money, thing, etc.) is paid to the game player in the real world. Note that when the enemy character is defeated or caught, the above-mentioned password appears or the seller is connected to the site. Then, the game player performs a predetermined procedure for receiving a prize, and obtains a prize (a prize is presented). Here, information such as the destination of the prize and the recipient is mutually confirmed in a predetermined procedure. Supplementally, this embodiment has the following flow. (Game start) → (enemy character discovery) → (engagement with enemy character) → (enemy character arrest) → (password display) → (Internet function activation) → (access to hidden sites of sellers) → (authentication) → (Mutual confirmation of destinations in the real world, etc.) → (Shipment (presentation) / acquisition of items in the real world) Various settings are made in advance by the game seller in order to present prizes.

As described above, according to the second aspect of the invention, events in the game world can be reflected in events in the real world, and the game executor can obtain various benefits. Also,
Thus, the promotion of the game is achieved. Incidentally, a predetermined procedure for receiving a prize or a prize can be appropriately applied using a known technique. The step of setting an item or the like in the claims as a prize target and the step of setting the next predetermined condition may have a configuration in which the order is changed, and the case where the configuration is changed also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention. Supplement that. Further, the other steps can be switched as necessary. This point is the same for the following third aspect of the invention.

Next, a sales promotion method for game software according to the third aspect of the invention will be described. The third embodiment also uses the same hardware and the like and the same procedure as in the first embodiment. For this reason, the same parts will not be described repeatedly.

In the present embodiment, a gift is presented based on the acquired points. In this embodiment, a password is displayed when a predetermined score is cleared (when predetermined conditions are cleared), for a game in which the points and points are displayed. Is done. The game executor uses the Internet connection function of the game console to notify the password and the serial number (serial number) of the game software individually to the game seller site similar to the above-mentioned sales site, and thereafter, Receive a prize corresponding to the score (predetermined procedure). Alternatively, when a predetermined score is cleared, the Internet connection function of the game machine is activated, and a predetermined procedure for obtaining a prize by accessing a hidden site or the like prepared by the game seller is performed. At this time, instead of using the Internet function of the game machine, a means of contacting the game seller using a communication means such as a mobile phone or a fixed phone (a personal computer or a P
DA etc.). Then, the game player receives a prize corresponding to the score after a while. In the above procedure, information such as the destination and the recipient of the prize is mutually confirmed.

As described above, in the third aspect of the present invention, the result of the game is reflected in the real world. Incidentally, an embodiment using the Internet connection function of the game machine is preferable because a seamless service can be provided. This point is the same for the first and second aspects of the invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment of the invention, but can be widely modified and implemented. For example, the machine that executes the game is not limited to a specific machine such as a game machine having an Internet connection function. For example, a personal computer may be used. The method and means for toll collection in the first aspect of the invention are also free. Also,
The second and third aspects of the invention may be configured so that predetermined conditions and predetermined procedures can be set (changed in settings) after the sale of game software. For example, a game seller gives a game executor a task of today (this week, this month, this time ...) via communication means (net connection function / communication function) of the game machine (set predetermined conditions and / or prize). And the game player who has achieved the task (a game player who has cleared predetermined conditions) may be given a prize. That is, it is possible to make a configuration that makes maximum use of the network connection function (communication means / communication function), and it goes without saying that such a configuration also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0048]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a virtual store for selling the game software-related product is constructed in the game software, and the game software-related product is established via the virtual store. By prompting an order for a product and mediating the sale of game software-related products via the Internet, it is possible to directly order an original product during the execution of the game. In addition, by carefully selecting related products from original products that can only be obtained at virtual stores built in game software, it is possible to acquire a more niche customer base, and virtual stores provided by the present invention are compatible with game software of all genres. Incorporation is possible. As is well known, some game software records millions of sales in a very short period of time. It records sales of related products far beyond imagination. As can be easily seen from this sales situation, such game software has a tremendous number of enthusiastic fans and is strongly interested in games and related products. According to the present invention, these unimaginable numbers of enthusiastic fans can be enclosed at the point of sale of the game. In other words, in the prior art such as general Internet sales, it is difficult to control such customers, but in the present invention, it is extremely excellent that such customers are completed at the time of game sales. is there.

That is, the physical fusion of the virtual world and the real world is achieved through the virtual store developed in the game software, and at least a part of the virtual world is synchronized with the real world to achieve a strong It is possible to develop a fan base, and to promote sales efficiently to customers whose sales targets are predetermined. The customers who are the sales targets of the game software-related products are already counted when the game software is purchased, and since the game software purchaser is a sales target customer, the customer is already enclosed. A consumer who is a consumer is a person who intends to purchase related goods such as character goods or figures that the act of purchasing game software itself will provide in the future, and according to the present invention, develop a strong fan base and narrow down sales targets in advance. And provide new and efficient sales forms to customers.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the customer who has purchased the RPG software installs the game software on the terminal device with a network function and proceeds with the game. In the process, the story is developed while enjoying virtual shopping in the game such as “purchase of equipment” and “purchase of items” unique to RPG. By synchronizing at least some of the products in the virtual world with the real world, it becomes possible to sell game software-related products such as actual character items and character goods in the real world via the Internet.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the game software installed in the terminal device with a network function is:
For example, in the case of an action game including sports such as professional wrestling and baseball, a virtual store space is built in the game screen, and advertising of model products such as bats and gloves used by professional wrestling goods and baseball players in this virtual store space. And encourage the fans to purchase. As a result, it is possible to visit the virtual store at any time by interrupting the progress of the game, to inform the purchase intention, and to sell the goods in the real world via the Internet.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a hidden virtual store is set in the game software, and sales of game software-related products including rare products are promoted through the hidden virtual store. Assortment of items that can only be obtained in game software can promote customer's willingness to purchase, and by setting rare items in hidden virtual stores, it is possible to create a topic, Can be further fueled. As a result, the game software development maker can secure a revenue source by selling goods different from the sale of game software.

According to the fifth aspect (second aspect), events in the game world are reflected in the real world. In other words, what you see, hear, and do in the game world happens in the real world. Therefore, the game executor can play the game with interest, thereby achieving the sales promotion of the game software itself.

According to the invention described in claim 6 (third aspect), the achievement in the game world is reflected in the real world. Therefore, the game executor can play the game with interest, thereby achieving the sales promotion of the game software itself.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram cited for explaining a business model for realizing a method for promoting sales of a related product by a virtual store using game software according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the terminal device with a network function shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart cited for explaining a specific operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a procedure for promoting related products by a virtual store constructed in an RPG and an adventure game.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart cited for describing a specific operation of the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a procedure for promoting related products by a virtual store constructed during an action game.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Server system, 2 ... Terminal device with net function, 3
... Internet network, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... Main memory,
23: Network control unit (NCU), 24: Drawing controller (GDC), 25: CD-ROM (DVD)
Drive device, 26: frame memory, 27: video output circuit, 28: audio output circuit, 29: system bus

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) A63F 13/12 A63F 13/12 C

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sales promotion method for related products using a virtual store built in game software, wherein a virtual store for selling game software related products is constructed in the game software, and the virtual store is A sales promotion method for related products at a virtual store using game software, which prompts an order for the game software related products via the Internet and mediates the sales of the game software related products via a net. 2. The game software includes a role-playing game (R) installed in a terminal device with a network function.
PG), wherein the RP appears in response to the story development of the game software.
2. The virtual game using the game software according to claim 1, wherein sales brokerage of game software-related products including at least character items is performed by synchronizing with virtual shopping performed in a virtual shop unique to G. How to promote related products by stores. 3. The game software is an action game installed on a terminal device with a network function, wherein a virtual store space is constructed on a display screen generated by executing the game software, Advertisement of a game software-related product using a space, and mediating the sale of the game software-related product via a network, selling related products by a virtual store using the game software according to claim 1. How to promote. 4. A hidden virtual store is set in the game software, and sales of game software-related products including rare products are promoted through the hidden virtual store. A method for promoting the sale of related products by a virtual store using the game software described in 1 above. 5. A game software seller sets items or characters found or appearing in the world of the game according to the story development of the game software as a prize target, and a predetermined condition for presenting the prize Setting a game player to clear the set predetermined condition, and allowing the game player and the game seller who have cleared the predetermined condition to exchange the prize via communication means. Performing a predetermined procedure; and providing the game player with the same item or character as the prize which is the same as the cleared item or character as the prize in the real world. , A game software sales promotion method. 6. A game software seller sets a predetermined condition and a content of the prize for presenting a prize with the result recorded by the game player in the game software as a prize target, and Clearing the predetermined condition set in the step, performing a predetermined procedure for giving and receiving the prize through communication means between the game executor and the game seller who have cleared the predetermined condition, A method for promoting the sale of game software, comprising a step of presenting the prize to the game executor after a game software seller has given the prize.